What’s Included in a Private Yacht Charter in the Bahamas? A Full Breakdown - Pura Vida Yacht Charter

Introduction

One of the first questions I get from new guests is simple:
“What exactly is included in the charter?”

It’s a fair question. Every company does it a little differently, and if you’ve never booked a private yacht before, the details can be vague. Some charters list a base price, then stack on extras like fuel, water toys, or even towels. Others advertise “all-inclusive” but bury limits in the fine print.

That’s not how we do things at Pura Vida.

This breakdown covers everything that comes standard with your charter—from me at the helm to the paddleboard under your feet—so there are no surprises when you step aboard. Whether you’re planning a half-day trip or a multi-day escape, this is what you can expect when you book with us.

The Essentials That Come With Every Pura Vida Charter

Here’s what’s included—every time, no matter how long your charter is:

Licensed, experienced captain (that’s me, Captain Dian)
Full access to our 55-foot Sea Ray yacht including staterooms, lounge areas, and sundeck
Fuel for planned routes (no surprise fees for mileage)
Fresh linens and towels, including backups for multi-day trips
Air-conditioned interior with full bathroom and galley
Cooler stocked with bottled water, soft drinks, and ice

You’re not just getting a ride—you’re getting a well-equipped yacht that’s been prepared down to the last detail. Everything is cleaned, loaded, and ready before you arrive. I handle all the setup so your trip starts the moment you step aboard.

Water Toys, Gear, and Onboard Activities

A private yacht isn’t just a floating lounge—it’s your launch pad for adventure. Every Pura Vida charter includes a full range of water toys and gear, ready to use whenever we’re anchored.

Here’s what’s on board and ready to go:

3-person Jet Ski – ride solo or take turns with your crew
Paddleboards – great for exploring quiet coves or mangrove creeks
Snorkel gear – masks, fins, and snorkels in multiple sizes
Fishing gear – rods and tackle for casual casting
Floating lounge pads – perfect for relaxing off the stern with a drink in hand

No rental pickups. No waiting around. Everything is already stored, inspected, and ready to launch. If the water’s calm, we’re in it. If it’s choppy, we adjust the plan. That’s part of what I do as your captain—read the conditions and make the experience fit the day.

Meals, Snacks, and Drinks — What’s Included and What’s Custom

Food’s a big part of any good trip—but not every charter handles it the same way. Here’s how we do it aboard Pura Vida:

Included with Every Charter

Cold bottled water, soda, and light refreshments
Snack tray with chips, fruit, cookies, and granola bars
Simple meal options for longer day trips (think fresh sandwiches, wraps, or pasta salad)
Ice, coolers, and refrigeration space for anything you bring

If you’re booking a half-day or full-day trip, we keep it casual and fresh—easy food that holds up well on the water and keeps everyone happy.

Included with Multi-Day Trips

For multi-day charters, we stock the galley with:

Breakfast items (eggs, fruit, coffee, pastries)
Light lunch and dinner ingredients (grill-ready items, pasta, veggies, etc.)
Basic condiments and spices
Custom options based on your pre-trip preferences

We prep it, store it, and help serve. Want to cook together? We’ve got a full kitchen. Want to relax while we handle it? We’ll take care of it.

Optional Upgrades (Available by Request)

Private chef or catered meals
Specialty beverages and wine
Birthday, honeymoon, or celebration meals
Grocery pre-stocking before your arrival

Whether you’re here to keep it simple or go all-out, the kitchen is yours—and so is the choice.

Not Included — So You Know Up Front

Transparency matters. The last thing I want is for a guest to find out mid-trip that something they assumed was included isn’t. That’s why we make it clear up front what isn’t part of your charter base rate—so you can plan with confidence.

🚫 What’s Not Included:

Airfare to Nassau – You’ll need to arrange your own travel to the island.
Docking fees at private marinas – These vary by location. If we anchor out (which we often do), there’s no cost. But if you request a night at a full-service dock like Highbourne Cay, they charge a separate slip fee.
Gratuity for the crew – Tipping is appreciated but not required. Many guests tip 10–20% at the end based on their experience.
Special food or alcohol requests – If you want fine wines or specific brands stocked, we’re happy to help—but it’ll be billed separately.
Add-ons like drone photography or custom celebration packages – If you’re marking a special occasion, we offer custom setups, but they need to be arranged in advance.

The rest? It’s all taken care of. You show up. We handle the boat, the gear, the fuel, and the flow of the day.

Why These Inclusions Matter (Captain’s Take)

There’s a big difference between renting a boat and chartering an experience. I’ve seen plenty of guests show up thinking they’re just getting a ride on the water—and leave realizing they got a floating retreat, a private guide, and a real taste of the Exumas.

That’s the point of including all the essentials. When you book with Pura Vida, you’re not left wondering what’s extra, what’s hidden, or what’s missing. You get everything you need to relax, explore, and enjoy your time without second-guessing the details.

The water toys aren’t locked behind a fee. The towels aren’t rationed. You don’t have to calculate fuel costs in the middle of your vacation. It’s all built in—so you can just show up and let the ocean do its work.

Conclusion — What You’re Really Booking

When you book a private yacht charter with Pura Vida, you’re not just reserving a boat. You’re booking a complete, stress-free experience—from the first wave to the final sunset.

You get me, Captain Dian, at the helm. You get a clean, comfortable yacht with real gear, real food, and real freedom to enjoy the water. No hidden fees. No last-minute surprises. Just clear inclusions and a crew that treats your trip like it matters—because it does.

If you’re the kind of person who values experience over guesswork, this charter was built for you.

👉 Book Your Dates Now and let’s make your time on the water count.

FAQ Section (Blog Format)

What’s included with every private yacht charter?

Every Pura Vida charter includes a licensed captain, full use of the 55-ft yacht, fuel for your planned route, linens, towels, air conditioning, drinks, snacks, and access to all water toys—no hidden fees.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel or fishing gear?

Nope. We’ve got it covered. Snorkel masks, fins, fishing rods, tackle—it’s all stored on board and ready to go. Just let us know what you want to do and we’ll help you gear up.

Can I upgrade food and drink options on my charter?

Yes. While light meals, snacks, and drinks are included, we also offer chef upgrades, catered meals, and special celebration packages on request. Just ask during booking and we’ll customize it.