Our expertise
What it’s really like to charter a superyacht
By Kim Hart, Superyacht Travel Specialist at Travelwise
Because it’s never just about choosing the boat
Chartering a superyacht is one of those experiences many people dream about – but for first-timers, it can feel a little overwhelming.
Kim Hart
An expert in the ultra luxurious, Kim is your go-to for superyachts, exclusive-use villas and the kind of experiences that don’t appear on websites. She has an extensive understanding of the world’s finest hotels and a personal in-depth knowledge of Africa, Australia, New Zealand, USA & Canada, shaped around her own worldwide adventures. Kim also has a passion for the iconic wildlife viewing experiences both above and below the water.
It’s the destination, the crew, the pace, the finer details behind the scenes – and having the right person to bring it all together.
Every charter is entirely bespoke. Some of my clients are drawn to stylish Mediterranean towns, while others seek the kind of barefoot escapism only found in far-flung corners of the world. French Polynesia, for example, is one of the most remote, unspoiled places you can reach by yacht – no big marinas or boardwalks here. Just you, the sea and untouched landscapes that feel a world away from day-to-day life.
Everything’s built around you
What makes the experience truly special is how tailored it can be. Before you step on board, there’s a detailed preference sheet: favourite drinks, and not just the drink itself but which brands and how you like to take it.
The level of detail goes much further than just your dietary requirements, it delves into what your favourite ingredients are and what times you prefer to eat, it’s about how active you want to be, whether you prefer feather or down pillows and how firm they should be. The crew have detailed preferences for each guest onboard and use this to shape the entire charter around you, from the first coffee of the day to sundowners on deck.
And while it might all look effortless, a lot of planning happens behind the scenes, from securing private moorings and marine permits to arranging locally sourced ingredients or a last-minute bottle of your favourite champagne. It’s about asking the right questions that makes a good trip unforgettable.
When you’re chartering somewhere as remote as the South Pacific...
…there are a few extra considerations that come into play – but that’s part of what makes it so special. These aren’t itineraries you can Google or plan in five minutes. You might be sailing for hours between anchorages, relying on the crew’s local knowledge to find the best snorkelling spots or quiet beaches.
But for those who crave true escapism, that’s the magic: untouched coral reefs, nights with no light pollution and days that feel entirely your own, far from the crowds and the familiar.
Having the right person makes all the difference
Over the years, I’ve built relationships with high end yacht brokers around the world who I trust, which means I can match each client to the right yacht, crew and itinerary. It’s a level of personal service that turns a charter from a great holiday into something you’ll talk about for years.
