Whale Watching Charter Destinations

Southern Right Whale

Forget the crowded ferry type boats and create your own whale watching tour. See these marvelous creatures from the comfort of your own Sailing Yacht. There are several elements that you need to take into consideration before galavanting off to greet the peaceful giants. The WhitsundaysEscape has created the picture below, but this applies to pretty much everyone and everywhere!

Rules for whale watching in the Whitsundays
  1. Make as little impact to the whales as possible. If the whales are ‘logging’ (sleeping) do not rev your yacht and do circles around them.
  2. Admire them from at least 10-15 boat lengths apart.
  3. Donate to a local charity that is protecting the Whales so generations ahead can still view these magnificent giants.
  4. Educate yourselves on the whales. Some are shy, some are more inquisitive.
  5. Be respectful. If there are several yachts surrounding one whale its time to go. Don’t be that person. Lead by example.

FEBRUARY – MEXICO!

Taken off the Cape of Mexio.

Every year, thousands of Gray whales travel between Mexico and Alaska, this is one of the longest migrations in the water! From December to March/April time, they give birth in the warm and shallow waters off the Baja California, Mexico.

7 day Mexico Itinerary

APRIL – AZORES!

This picture was taken in front of Pico Island, Azores.

You name it, the biggest ones are there! Blue whales are the biggest animals to have ever lived on this planet – they are breathtaking large. There are only a few places in the world where you are able to see them, and the Azores is one of them! Blue whales pass the Azores on their way to the north – best time: between April and May. Plenty of other big whales pass by the islands, too, including Sei, Fin and the resident Sperm whales.

7 day Azores Itinerary

JUNE – NEW ENGLAND!

This picture was taken at Cape Cod. This is a bubble feeding technique whales use to catch a lot of fish in one time. They are doing this mostly in groups.

As the summer begins, any of the North American coasts are a great option! Specifically, around Newport, you have access to the Cape where sea wildlife is in abundance. Quebec, British Columbia, New England, Washington, and Oregon are among the best places in the world for whale watching. Most likely to see: Humpbacks, Fin whales and Minke whales on the east coast.

7 day Newport and Cape Cod sailing Itinerary

SEPTEMBER – AUSTRALIA! (Whitsundays)

Whitsundays birthing whales

Whales visit Australia from the cold seas of the Antarctic to give birth in the warm, shallow protected waters of the stunning Whitsundays. They can be seen from June – September. Whales are a common sight playing around the islands, and even far as the Great Barrier Reef. If you want to see the happy newborns joyfully breaching, the north-east coast really is the place to be!

7 day Whitsundays sailing itinerary

If you are looking to incorporate seeing these stunning animals into your charter please get in contact today so we can advise the best yacht and area to visit! If you have already planned your charter and looking for inspiration please take into consideration the 5 points listed above.

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Sustainable Sailing

Broker Alice gives her insights about how to enjoy the most beautiful corners of the world on your yacht charter without causing damage to the environment. #catchsunsetsnotcarbon

What is eco-tourism?

Ecotourism refers to a country’s effort to conserve the environment, wildlife and natural resources. Many countries have invested in many schemes to increase eco-tourism and to encourage visitors to act responsibility and to respect the environment.

For those who are eco-conscious and want to steer away from mass tourism, a sailing yacht or catamaran is a perfect way to reduce your carbon footprint and to explore some of the most beautiful locations on the planet. A sailing yacht, without or without your own skipper onboard is the best way to visit many countries without making a negative impact on the environment. Greta Thumberg even recently tried out sailing to make a statement on reducing her carbon footprint.

The Boatbookings team built a Carbon offset calculator tool so that you can see the carbon you are putting into the environment and remain conscious of the effects of high carbon emissions during a yacht charter!

To keep carbon emissions to a minimum during a yacht charter, I would advise the below charters:

Alice’s 5 Eco-friendly charter destinations

1- The Atlantic Crossing

Capelinhos Volcan view from above – Azores

The Atlantic Crossing is one of the best ways to reduce carbon emissions. The crossing also distances you away from everyday life as phone signal is limited. Many larger boats do this crossing twice a year and require crew.

The Azore Islands are a part of the crossing and make this one in a lifetime opportunity even more exciting! These islands offer a break from weeks of open water. Many yachts offer the ultimate Atlantic Experience as they cross the ocean once a year. Be like Greta and live the ultimate green travel experience.

2- The Bahamas national park explorations on a lower-carbon emission catamaran

Pig Beach, The Bahamas

Yacht owners across the Bahamas use their initiatives wisely and try to reduce the charter carbon emissions. You can do a beach clean in the Bahamas and sail into the national parks. Ensure to try to use the engine as little as possible here. Natural wildlife such as iguanas, marine life, nurse sharks and pigs are prevalent throughout. If you have the chance, head over to the Abacos Islands to support the distraught community following the hurricane destruction and help the Bahamas become cleaner than ever. These waters are the bluest in the world and require high maintenance to avoid pollution and to reduce the negative effects of mass tourism.

3- Northern Sardinia Conservation Charter

Northern Sardinia is known for its national park La Maddalena. Take a sailboat or a sailing catamaran around this beautiful island and sail to Corsica to see some undisturbed beauty. This itinerary will allow you to discover some of the beauties of the natural world, including bright blue waters, marine life and plastic-free beaches. Efforts have been made to ensure that these waters remain unspoiled and that the area conserves all of the natural resources. Be sure to participate in a local scheme if you decide to visit Northern Sardinia on your yacht charter.

4- The Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are renowned for eco-tourism and for containing some of the rarest, most endangered species on the globe. Before it is too late be sure to book your next yacht charter here to witness one of the remaining, unspoilt beauties of the world. Explore the widest selection of bio-diversity both on land and below water in the world.

5- Beach Clean-up in the BVI

As well as supporting the community and the effects of hurricane IRMA, take time to review the beautiful British Virgin Islands and to ensure that the islands remain green, clean and emission free!

Tips to improve your Carbon Footprint on your charter

1- Use the engine as little as possible

2- Limit fishing or put fish back in the water

3- Reduce plastic consumption onboard including excess packaging often found in the Caribbean.

4- Take water bottles on the charter and fill up at local facilities.

5- Participate in local schemes such as beach cleans to reduce your impact on the environment.

Speak to the Boatbookings team to discuss an eco-friendly yacht charter today.

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What Sailing License Do I Need In The Mediterranean?

The age-old question which we as yacht brokers are asked on an almost daily basis.

When chartering in the Mediterranean, you must hold a sailing certification (and in some cases like Croatia, a VHF license). Almost all of the charter companies will not necessarily ask you for a sailing resume, but they will definitely ask you what license you carry.

If you have chartered around the Bahamas or Caribbean, you will know that you only need a sailing resume to charter, but this is not the case in the Mediterranean countries such as Greece, Italy, Croatia, French Riviera and so on.

So what license do I need?

Image result for ICC sailing license
A copy of an ICC license

Ultimately, port authorities in the Meditterenian need to see “Sailing license” written on your certification, any others like the USCG, or “Bareboat certification” that are sometimes issued by Flotillas will not be allowed. The best and foolproof certification you can get is the ICC or the SLC. These licenses are internationally recognised and can guarantee that you will be able to charter.

How can I get an ICC license?

To get an ICC, you must complete an ICC application form (LINK HERE) You can download the application form, from the website above or request a copy from the RYA Certification Department. You can get an ICC if you have done one of the below:

If you haven’t done any RYA licenses, don’t worry. You will just have to do a short assessment with an Approved Training Center.

What is the SLC’

The International Sailing License and Credentials (SLC) is a recreational sailing license valid for all yacht charter companies worldwide – you guessed it including Europe and the Seychelles!! To obtain an SLC, the candidate must already hold a national government boating license examples to follow:

  • National Coast Guard License (USCG)
  • ICC
  • RYA Day Skipper
  • NASBLA State Boater License for the USA
  • PCOC for Canada

Holding a government license means the holder already meets the technical legal requirement that many hosting countries require.

You will have to pass an online suite of theoretical knowledge courses and tests appropriate for bareboat chartering, log previous sufficient sailing experience and demonstrate sailing skills according to internationally established sailing standards.

If you have any queries with your license, please do not hesitate to check with us here!

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4 Ways to Go Greener While Sailing

Often, a yacht charter vacation is an opportunity to be out on the water and getting back to nature. Therefore, many look for ways to be more environmentally friendly while enjoying a blissful getaway in locations such as the French Riviera, Amalfi Coast, Greece or the Caribbean. Whether you are chartering for the first time or are a seasoned charterer, it’s never too late to make changes to be more environmentally friendly on board

Waste Management

Responsible waste disposal and recycling are incredibly important onboard your yacht charter, especially when trash and garbage can quickly end up in the ocean, either by accident or as a result of careless behavior onboard. Keep all garbage and items to be recycled secured somewhere on the boat until you can permanently and properly dispose of them onshore. This way, you can enjoy your charter by swimming with nature, not with garbage.

Check out our green chartering page here!

Reduced Plastics

Many catamarans in the BVI and elsewhere in the world are now employing the use of reusable water bottles. Try to stock your boat with a few plastic products as possible. If you are chartering without a crew, purchase water in larger containers and then refill reusable bottles or glasses as needed. Having less plastic bottles and cups on board will not only benefit the environment, but it will also minimise unwanted clutter.

Eco-Friendly Products

Many are not aware that all on board fluids flow directly into the ocean. Therefore, opting for EPA-approved household products has a significant impact on the environment. There are many eco-friendly product options available, so all you have to do is read the labels and look for soaps, shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, and other common cleaning solutions made with natural ingredients. If you want to contribute to ocean conservation positively, only apply marine-safe sunscreen.

Carbon offsetting calculator

Leave Nature as You Found It

In locations from Tahiti to Sardinia, the beauty you’ll find is not possible in any other method. Observe and enjoy the natural surroundings, without disturbing anything along the way. When snorkelling or diving coral reefs, be particularly mindful not to touch anything with your body or equipment. Rather than taking home shells or dead coral as a souvenir, take a photograph instead. As travelers and sailors, most of the cruising and charter community has an interest in preserving the integrity of our premier vacation destinations and maintaining a respectful relationship with the environment. By sharing responsibility with small, thoughtful contributions, we can make a positive global impact, and leave a positive legacy behind for generations to come.

Contact one of our Charter Brokers today to book your Yacht Charter!

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Romance Isn’t Dead

With the most romantic day of the year fast approaching, many begin to think of how to show their significant other how much they love them, whether it’s a candlelit dinner or a long weekend away. However, there are many spectacular cruising grounds to choose from at any given time of the year, offering alternative ways to search for a winter vacation. Here are the Boatbookings Team’s favourite romantic destinations.

Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is well known as being one of the most romantic destinations, with pastel-hued buildings continuing to attract loved-up couples year in and year out for honeymoons, proposals or vacations. For a true level of Romance, head to Ischia, well known for its spas and a short distance from Capri. In Ischia, enjoy an unforgettable, romantic dinner in Ristorante Emanuela, where you can choose from steamed fresh seafood or blue lobster, ending your meal with homemade limoncello under the moonlight.

Seychelles

The Seychelles offers impressive granite boulders, white beaches, and coral coloured sunsets, epitomising true paradise. However, nestled within the luscious greenery of its gardens and beaches, you’ll find Eden, a hub of creole gastronomy. This beach-side sanctuary offers the ultimate romantic atmosphere, overlooking the beautiful sands of Beau Vallon Beach. Make sure you try the delicious Tajima Wagyu beef carpaccio and yellowfin tuna with asparagus. Head back to your yacht and enjoy a romantic nightcap under the stars.

Martinique

Martinique itself is completely dynamic; it combines rugged mountains with wild forests, rivers and waterfalls as well as the important coves and bays for your charter, there is plenty for you to explore during your vacation! Martinique offers natural hot springs, exotic black sand beaches and scenic hiking trails. As Martinique is a French Territory, it offers an exciting mix of both classic Caribbean and French culture which is demonstrated in their spoken language of creole. Enjoy a dip in the cascading waterfall near Falaise River before going to a Rum Distillery and enjoying the local products. Some of the best restaurants in Martinique include Le Rendez Vous, which has a beautiful view of the Caribbean Sea, and Le Touloulou, where you can taste some of Martinique’s best seafood!

Contact one of our Brokers today to help organise your next charter!

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