Greener Yacht Vacations: The Best 5 Sustainable Yachts For Charter

As the boat charter industry evolves to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly options and sustainable yachts, we are proud to present at Boatbookings a broad range of greener charter catamarans, as well as crewed and bareboat options. These yachts combine luxury with environmental responsibility, offering unforgettable experiences while ensuring minimal impact on our marine ecosystems. 

Whether you are looking for your next yacht vacation in the Mediterranean or South Pacific, here are our top 5 greener yachts for charter: 

Aura 51 

For those wanting a bareboat option, the Aura 51 Smart Electric from the French builder Fountain Pajot is the perfect option. This sailing catamaran has an advanced energy storage and management system that greatly reduces your charter’s carbon footprint. There are five double cabins and one single, sleeping up to 11 guests. For on-the-water fun, this yacht boasts a range of eco-conscious toys such as kayaks, paddleboards, and fishing equipment. 

Amber One 

The Sunreef 70, Amber one is a catamaran that exudes luxury. The yacht’s cutting-edge solar power technology is integrated into its sleek design, allowing for extended periods of silent, emission-free cruising. The innovative hull shape reduces fuel consumption, making it one of the most efficient catamarans. Accommodation is for eight with four double cabins, and a full range of eco-conscious water toys such as kayaks and paddleboards will add plenty of fun to charter groups’ days on anchor. Helmed by Captain Boris, who has extensive knowledge of Croatia, this is the perfect charter yacht for your next Mediterranean adventure. 

Amileo 

Another one of our favorite catamarans for charter is Amileo from Sunreef. Again, this Sunreef 70 showcases the versatility of sustainable yacht design. The catamaran boasts energy-efficient systems, from LED lighting to smart power management. Amileo’s commitment to sustainability extends to the interior, featuring ethically sourced materials and fabrics made from recycled ocean plastics. The yacht accommodates up to eight guests and cruises Croatia regularly, with Captain Zeljko taking you to the best anchorages. 

Tiril 

Proving that eco-conscious yachts come in all sizes, this slightly smaller Sunreef 50 is perfect for a sustainable charter. From the Mediterranean waters to the crystal clear ocean of the South Pacific, Tiril is available for charter in Tahiti. Featuring state of the art lithium battery banks, allowing for extended periods of silent operation to enjoy the solitude of these islands. Tiril’s lightweight construction and efficient hull designs also contribute to reduced fuel consumption. Accommodation onboard is for ten guests, with a knowledgeable crew of two who can curate an itinerary that incorporates local culture, such as visiting the Coral Garden and Pearl Farm. 

Dhamma II 

It isn’t just Sunreef shipyard making leaps in sustainable charters; Arcadia is also focusing on sustainability. The Dhamma II, Arcadia 85, is one of the most technologically advanced yachts, winning awards for its green credentials. This yacht can accommodate eight guests and usually charters around the Balearic Islands. 

This selection of greener crewed charter catamarans represents the fact that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand. With eco-friendly features from propulsion power management to eco-conscious water toys and a dedicated sustainability-minded crew, these yachts ensure minimal impact on their cruising grounds. As the demand for sustainable yachting grows, we are committed to expanding our fleet of greener options at Boatbookings. Whether you want to explore the waters of the Caribbean, Mediterranean, or the South Pacific, contact one of the Boatbookings team today to choose a sustainable yacht for your next charter. 

How to Have a Greener Family-Friendly Yacht Charter in the Mediterranean this Summer 

A yacht charter offers the perfect opportunity for an unforgettable, family-friendly vacation this summer. At Boatbookings, we understand the importance of quality time together while instilling eco-values from an early age. That’s why our fleet of greener crewed charter catamarans is family-friendly. 

Our child-friendly yachts check every box, from enhanced safety features and ample play space to overflowing toy boxes and chefs catering to all ages. We also go a step further by offering engaging eco-activities and more sustainable practices that will inspire the next generation. 

Here, we have put together some of the ways you can have a greener family-friendly charter in the Mediterranean

Marine Life Education 

While onboard in the Mediterranean this summer, there are plenty of activities to get your children excited about marine life and preserving it. You can start this process by using mobile apps to identify tropical fish, dolphins, turtles, and other creatures you encounter. The crew onboard a crewed charter catamaran can also teach children about marine habitats and how to be responsible visitors to the ocean, following the “no trace” principles. There are lots of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) throughout the region, from Greece and Croatia to the French Riviera and the Italian islands, where you can adhere to the strcit rules and regulations working to protect the habitats.

Beach Clean Ups 

Participating in a beach clean-up during your boat charter is a rewarding experience, perfect for all ages. Collecting litter and debris allows families to directly contribute to protecting the surrounding ecosystems. Initiatives such as these can help families feel empowered knowing they have been part of the solution to protecting our oceans and coastlines. 

Eco-Friendly Water Fun 

Children and adults alike on a crewed charter love the toy box. There are a whole host of greener toys you can play on, contributing to more eco-friendly boating and steering clear of the fuel-guzzling water toys and opting for the greener versions, such as the electric-powered toys or even the human-powered ones such as paddleboarding and kayaking while onboard. While ashore, the crew can also arrange responsible activities contributing to the local economy and supporting environmental and conservation initiatives. 

Better Boating Practices 

Our selection of greener crewed catamarans offers a greener charter experience for you and your family. These boats are a great platform to explain the best practices. The crew can educate everyone about the renewable energy sources being used, such as hybrid electric motors and solar panels. Onboard, you can get invovled in the responsible waste management programs and using the eco-friendly products. 

Book Today! 

If you are interested in a family-friendly boat charter, contact one of the Boatbookings team members to discuss this further. We have a range of greener crewed catamarans with still some available for this summer’s Mediterranean season. Get in touch today! 

Top 6 Tips To Navigate a Responsible Catamaran Charter 

At Boatbookings, our catamaran charters have become increasingly popular. It is more important than ever to be mindful of our environmental impact while enjoying a crewed catamaran charter. 

Catamarans are an excellent choice for a more sustainable charter due to their energy-efficient design and stability. But there is more you can do than simply choosing a catamaran. 

Here, we have put together additional steps to help reduce your impact when on a yacht charter vacation: 

1. Choose Environmentally-Protected Destinations

When planning your charter route, favor areas with robust environmental protections and designated marine parks. These locations will have regulations to preserve coral reefs, marine life, and surrounding waters. Your charter crew can guide you on the best practices for these areas onboard. There are plenty of marine parks in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Southeast Asia working to protect our oceans. 

2. Be Clear on your Preference Sheet 

Before you step foot onboard, you will have a preference sheet. Use this as an opportunity to specify your interests in more sustainable options. Request locally sourced produce, sustainable suppliers, eco-friendly cleaning products, toiletries, and minimal packaging. You can also ask to avoid single-use plastic as much as possible onboard. 

3. Reduce Energy Consumption 

Thanks to their low-drag hulls, catamarans are exceptionally fuel-efficient, but there are many other ways to conserve energy onboard during your vacation. You can easily limit the electricity demands by using outdoor lighting sparingly, turning off lights, only running the air conditioning when necessary, and unplugging devices when not in use. 

4. Respect Marine Life 

Always ensure you adhere to responsible wildlife viewing practices when enjoying a crewed charter catamaran. These practices include keeping your distance and avoiding loud noises or sudden movements. Never feed, touch, or chase any wildlife you encounter on the water. 

5. Eco-Friendly Playtime

Water toys are essential to any yacht charter but can also negatively impact our oceans. Be sure to use the more eco-friendly options. Hydrofoils and electric toys are a great alternative as they do not contribute to air pollution due to the battery-powered operation. There are also plenty of toys that are human-powered and just as fun to explore bays and islands, such as windsurfing, kayaking, and paddle boarding. 

6. Offset your Carbon 

While catamarans are already a lower-impact way to charter, you can take it further by offsetting your carbon emissions. With our carbon offset calculator, you can determine your footprint. We use information about the boat and itinerary to predict and measure emissions and then calculate the carbon credits needed to purchase to offset. We ensure it is done correctly through our work with Climate Care, funding UN-approved projects. 

We offer various options for greener charter catamarans. Contact a member of the Boatbookings team today to discuss booking one of these charter catamarans ensuring you have less impact on your next yacht charter vacation.

A Better Boating Industry: Decoding Sustainability Jargon 

The boating industry has been improving its sustainability credentials. However, it is a challenging and confusing landscape to navigate due to the complexity of the topic and solutions and the difficulty in defining and explaining it.

At Boatbookings, we understand there is a lot of jargon to untangle to provide a clearer understanding of the problems, solutions, and steps we can take to help pave a better pathway to the future.

Here, we have outlined some of the terminology related to this topic:

Sustainability 

This is a broad and complex topic. It refers to actions, processes, or systems that can be maintained or continued over the longer term without depleting natural resources or causing harm to the environment. Sustainability considers economic, social, and environmental factors. 

Eco-friendly 

When something is referred to as ‘eco-friendly’, this focuses on the products, practices, or lifestyles with minimal environmental impact. The emphasis is on reducing environmental harm, often through environmentally friendly materials, processes, or energy sources. 

Biodegradable

When something will eventually decay into smaller and smaller pieces by natural processes, this means that it is biodegradable. 

Carbon footprint

This measures the total amount of greenhouse gases, specifically carbon dioxide, emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, event, organization, or product throughout its lifecycle. The carbon footprint quantifies the impact of human activities on the environment in terms of their contribution to climate change.

Carbon Neutral 

If something is carbon neutral, it means that carbon reduction efforts offset the carbon emissions produced during its life cycle. This can be achieved through reducing carbon emissions followed by carbon credit offsetting. At Boatbookings, we have our carbon calculator to help work this out. 

Net Zero 

This is similar to carbon neutrality, but net zero encompasses all greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, this is often used on a broader scale. Net zero means that the boat, product, or company in focus produces as much greenhouse gas emissions as it removes from the atmosphere. 

Carbon Offsetting 

A process to compensate for the carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions created by participating in schemes designed to make equivalent reductions of gases in the atmosphere. Using our carbon emissions calculator can help keep you accountable for your boating activities.

Circular Economy

This economic system is designed to eliminate waste and promote the continual use and recycling of resources to create a closed-loop system. 

While this is not an exhaustive list, we hope you found this helpful! We continue to put the future of the boating industry at the forefront of our commitment. Contact us about one of our greener-crewed charter catamarans today.

Silent Yachts: Is the Future Silent?

Amidst the quest for greener yachting, catamaran builder Silent Yachts has been front and center in providing alternatives. The Austrian-based pioneer has been revolutionizing the luxury catamaran market by introducing electric propulsion systems that power silent and emission-free catamarans – with unlimited range – while enjoying the luxury and comfort of a superyacht.  

Boatbookings supports their vision of creating a new era of sustainable yachting through innovative and self-sufficient yachts and are happy to offer Silent Yachts within our crewed charter catamaran offerings.  We are also thrilled when our clients have zero charges for fuel!

Here are the top reasons to charter a Silent Yacht:

A carbon-free propulsion system 

A compelling feature of Silent Yachts is their reliance on electric propulsion systems. They integrate solar panels and advanced battery technologies to enable the catamarans to navigate silently and without generating emissions. Keeping true to their mission, the Silent Yachts manufacturing process is also powered by clean energy that is generated by solar panels in the production facilities. 

Cruise in silence 

The absence of engine noise and vibrations onboard creates a peaceful atmosphere where you can fully immerse yourselves in the beauty of the ocean. Imagine not being at the mercy of the wind for sailing and yet still being able to hear the lapping waves as you cruise and cross oceans. 

Eco-friendly materials 

Silent Yachts also outfit their boats with eco-friendly materials. They use a range of materials that are not only more sustainable but also have additional beneficial qualities. Examples include flax fibers, which also have great sound-deadening abilities and dampen vibrations, adding to the silent cruising experience. Bamboo and cork are other examples used within the catamaran design of the decks and cabins. 

Nearly limitless cruising range 

The impressive catamarans are equipped with an array of solar panels that can generate and store energy onboard. This allows for an extended cruising range while also covering the hotel loads onboard. The kite sail system also enhances efficiency, as the kite design can fly at higher altitudes and doesn’t shade the panels. The enhanced efficiency of design means you can enjoy the silence longer and the catamarans have true ocean-crossing abilities.

Why wouldn’t you want to charter a Silent Yacht today? You can combine a unique, luxurious, and silent cruising experience while reducing your carbon footprint, joining the green revolution. Contact the Boatbookings team to find out more about a greener crewed charter catamaran with Silent Yachts.