FAQS
Here are our most frequently asked questions. If you need further clarification, please contact us and we will return your message as soon as possible.
1. Charter Information
No. You will be sailing to quaint islands on a daily basis.
21 years or older.
Gratuities are included in all yacht packages. Extra tips are welcomed, but not required.
2. Booking
We accept major credit and debit cards as well as ACH payments. We will examine bitcoin payments for the future.
One night hotel stay is included in every package (your choice of either before or after yacht charter). If you want to reserve multiple nights, please let us know.
Flights are an optional add-on.
Yes for the bronze, silver, and gold packages. If there is availability and you pay the difference in deposit and/or amount, a change is fine.
3. Yachts
For bronze, silver, and gold packages: Check-in varies depending on destination’s marina. Check-in typically starts at 11 AM and check-out is typically 10 AM (strict). For platinum package, times vary via superyacht/megayacht owners.
No. But for bronze, silver, and gold packages, please remember that storage space on your yacht is limited so we highly recommend packing in a small (cabin sized) soft bag. For platinum package, superyachts and megayachts have more than enough space.
4. Phone/Internet Communication
This depends on your cell phone carrier. You can decide with your cellular provider to activate an international calling plan. However, if you venture too far from land, you may subsequently venture out of cell tower range.
All yachts are equipped with a VHF (ship-to-shore) radio so the base marina can reach you at any time during your charter.
Yes. Wi-Fi on board is complimentary, but conditions may affect connectivity.
5. Activities, Options, & Extras
Yes. You will be supplied with food and beverage sheets that need to be completed several weeks prior to your charter for your customized meal plans, such as special dietary needs (salt free, low fat, gluten free, etc.). An ample supply of the beverages you request will also be stocked.
All itineraries will be sent a few weeks in advance of your travels.
Try over-the-counter medicine, such as Dramamine or Meclizine, at least 60 minutes prior to boarding. Consult with your health care provider as well about the various medical options. Also, be mindful of your foods, drinks, and especially alcohol consumption while on your yacht.
6. Cancellations/Inclement Weather Policy
Please note: Majority of the bronze, silver, and gold package charters are provided by our yacht distributor, Moorings, with their own fleet and staff, unless otherwise stated. You must read and sign Moorings’ terms and conditions upon booking, which covers the yacht charter portion only of the vacation (yacht, crew, cuisine, beverages, water toys). However, Soca Caribbean Yacht Charters’ cancellation policy is below and encompasses Moorings’ or any yacht distributor’s cancellation amounts and percentages. Soca’s policy governs all yacht charter packages, including platinum package. Cancellation/refund requests must be via email to info@socayachtcharters.com and cannot be made verbally.
Period before departure when we receive written notice of cancellation | Forego percentage of total vacation costs for cancellation |
More than 120 days before arrival | $500.00 flat cancellation fee |
90 – 119 days before arrival | 30% of the cost of the vacation |
42 – 89 days before arrival 31 – 41 days before arrival | 40% of the cost of the vacation 50% of the cost of the vacation |
0 – 30 days before arrival | 100% of the cost of the vacation |
Yes or adding insurance as an add-on. By booking with us, you are NOT covered by a personal travel insurance policy. So, it is highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance to protect yourself against financial loss due to non-refundable costs and fees due to unexpected cancellations, travel emergencies, flight delays, or trip interruptions.
For bronze, silver, and gold packages: Inclement weather cancellations are based on the weather of the yacht destination, not your departing city or region. If the destination has inclement weather, you will receive a credit certificate for use on future charters. For platinum package, inclement weather is governed by the MYBA charter agreement.
7. Destinations
The Bahamas
Our guests fly into Lynden Pindling International Airport (Airport Code: NAS) in Nassau.
Yes, if you fly into Lynden Pindling International Airport only.
You will board your yacht at Palm Cay Marina on Yamacraw Hill Road in Nassau.
The following measures are for all non-residents:
From North America: U.S. and Canadian citizens need a six months validity passport. No visa is needed.
From Other Countries: Citizens from countries other than the U.S. and Canada need a six months validity passport, and some countries are also required to have a Bahamas visa.
Please note: Passport refers to a valid passport from the individual’s country of birth.
The local currency is The Bahamian Dollar. U.S. currency is accepted by all vendors. Visa and MasterCard are also accepted in most places. American Express is usually NOT accepted.
British Virgin Islands
The majority of our guests fly into Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands (Airport Code: STT). A small percentage of our guests fly into Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (previously known as Beef Island Airport) in Tortola, British Virgin Islands (Airport Code: EIS) and Luis Munoz Martin International Airport in Puerto Rico (Airport Code: SJU). With the Puerto Rico route, you would then use an inter-island plane service from San Juan to Lettsome International Airport.
For those guests flying into St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, roundtrip airport shuttle and roundtrip ferry service to the marina are included in pricing. If you fly into Tortola, British Virgin Islands, roundtrip airport shuttle to the marina is included.
You will board your yacht at Road Town Marina in Tortola.
The following measures are for all non-residents:
From North America: U.S. and Canadian citizens need a six months validity passport. No visa is needed.
From Europe: European citizens need a six months validity passport to enter and visitors that are residents of certain countries require a visa in order to enter the BVI.
U.S. Dollars and U.S. traveler’s checks are used throughout. Visa and MasterCard are also accepted in most places.
Grenada
Our guests fly into Maurice Bishop International Airport (Airport Code: GND).
You will board your yacht at Port Louis Marina in St. George’s.
The following measures are for all non-citizens:
From North America: U.S. and Canadian citizens need a six months validity passport. No visa is needed.
From Europe: European citizens need a six months validity passport. No visa is needed.
From the Caribbean: Citizens of Caribbean countries need a six months validity passport. No visa needed.
The currency is the East Caribbean dollar; however, U.S dollars are widely accepted with change being given in local currency. Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops.
St. Lucia
Majority of our guests fly into Hewanorra International Airport (Airport Code: UVF). If you have a connection in the Caribbean, you will likely fly into St. Lucia George Charles Airport (Airport Code: SLU).
You will board your yacht at Rodney Bay Marina at Rodney Bay.
The following measures are for all non-citizens:
From North America: U.S. and Canadian citizens need a six months validity passport. No visa is needed.
From Europe: European citizens need a six months validity passport.
From the Caribbean: Citizens of Caribbean countries need a six months validity passport.
The local currency in St Lucia is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar. U.S. Dollars and U.S. travelers checks are also used throughout the Windwards. Visa and MasterCard are also accepted in most places.
U.S. Virgin Islands
Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands (Airport Code: STT)
You will board at Yacht Haven Grande in Charlotte Amalie.
From U.S.: U.S. citizens need an official identification card, such as a valid license. U.S. citizens do not need a passport or visa.
Please note: Passport refers to a valid passport from the individual’s country of birth.
U.S. Dollars and U.S. traveler’s checks are used throughout. Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops.