Charter FAQ
Yacht charter questions, answered
Clear answers about life on board, safety, etiquette and the details guests most often ask before a private charter on Banderas Bay.
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The essentials, explained in depth
Many questions have a full guide behind them. Start with the topic closest to yours, or read the most common questions below.
Booking & planning
Group size, departure points, charter length and what your confirmation should include.
Food & drinks
The five inclusion arrangements, which yachts list an open bar, and when you can bring your own.
Catering & chefs
Which listings include lunch or a chef, and how catering is arranged on others.
Routes & destinations
Los Arcos, the south-shore beaches, the northern shore and Marietas Islands guidance.
Occasions
Birthdays, bachelorettes, weddings, proposals and company days on the water.
On board
A few things that surprise first-time guests
Capacity is a ceiling, not a target. A yacht at its maximum feels full. Leave room if you can.
Inclusions really do vary. Two yachts of the same size can differ entirely in food, drinks and toys. Check the listing, not the length.
Towels are usually not provided. Most listings exclude them — pack your own.
Crew gratuity is separate. It is not included on the listings.
The plan can change on the water. Conditions, port decisions and park rules can reshape a route. That is normal, and safety comes first.
Private charter request
Tell us the date. We'll match the yacht.
Share your group size, occasion and preferred departure. We check live availability with the vessel and reply with the options that fit — including exactly what each one includes.
Questions & answers
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers to the questions guests ask most. Anything not covered here is confirmed in writing when you inquire.
Are life jackets provided?
Yes. Life jackets are listed on virtually every vessel in the fleet. If children are coming, tell us their ages in advance so suitable sizes can be confirmed.
Do we need to know how to swim?
No, you can enjoy a charter without swimming. For snorkeling and swim stops, the crew can advise on conditions, and guests who are not confident swimmers should wear a life jacket in the water.
Can we play our own music?
On many yachts, yes. Several listings mention a sound system with smartphone or Bluetooth connection, but not all do — check the yacht's features or ask us to confirm.
Are decorations allowed on board?
Usually, within reason. Balloons, flowers and banners are commonly arranged for celebrations, but some vessels restrict items such as confetti or glitter. Tell us your ideas and we will confirm what the yacht allows.
Can we go fishing during a charter?
A few yachts list fishing rods among their equipment, and fishing in Mexico can require a license. Dedicated sport-fishing trips are a different type of charter, so ask us if fishing matters to your group.
Is smoking permitted on the yachts?
Policies are set by each vessel and are often restricted to specific areas or not allowed at all. Ask before you book if this matters to anyone in your group.
Can we bring a pet?
Some private vessels may consider it, but many do not allow pets. We would need to ask the specific yacht before confirming.
What should we wear?
Light clothing, swimwear, a hat and sunglasses. Many crews ask guests to go barefoot or wear soft-soled shoes on deck to protect the surfaces; your crew will let you know.
Is there a restroom on board?
Yachts of this size generally have at least one marine bathroom (head), several listings mention two, and the large event catamarans list separate men's and women's restrooms. Very small boats can differ, so ask if it matters.
Can we drink alcohol on board?
Yes, adults can drink responsibly on board. What is supplied depends on the yacht — from a beer and soda allowance to an open bar — and the captain may limit service for safety.
Can we swim at any point during the trip?
Swim stops happen where the captain judges it safe: at anchor, in suitable conditions and away from boat traffic. Protected areas such as marine parks also have their own rules.
Is there shade on the yachts?
Yes, most vessels have covered areas such as a hardtop, bimini or interior salon, while foredecks and sun pads are exposed. Catamarans in particular offer generous shaded space.
Can we take photos and video?
Of course. If you plan to fly a drone, ask first: the captain and local rules may restrict it, particularly near protected areas and other vessels.
Do yachts have air conditioning?
Some do — several listings mention an air-conditioned salon — but not all. Check the features on the yacht's card or page, or ask us to confirm.
What happens if we are running late on the day?
Contact us or the crew as soon as possible. Charter time usually runs from the confirmed departure time, so a late arrival can shorten time on the water.