Small to mid-sized luxury sailing charter yachts often offer all-inclusive charter packages. Specifically in the Virgin Islands. Their larger megayacht counterparts are hesitant to do the same. Superyachts opt for a la carte pricing. They simply charge customers for each and every expense incurred. For instance food, alcohol, dockage, etc.
This summer, Captain Bernard Calot and his crew of 5 buck that trend. They offer all-inclusive mega yacht charter vacations in the Virgin Islands onboard the 121′ motor yacht OLGA!
From May 15 through September 1, 2011, an all-inclusive rate of $69,900 per week will be offered. In addition, a price of $55,000 per week for shorter 5 day odysseys.
Rates are valid for up to 8 persons. They include fuel, food, soft drinks, ship’s bar, and selective dockage. Specialty items such as vintage wines and premium spirits are available. Subsequently, at extra cost.
This special rate even includes spa treatments. In addition, manicures. More importantly, from the yacht’s onboard certified massage therapist! (What a perfect wedding anniversary vacation!)
Launched in 2003, Crescent motor yacht OLGA is an incredibly clean and well-maintained yacht. She is a Jack Sarin design. The yacht features a beautiful hard wood interior. In specific, Sapele and Pomele Mahogany. The woods are complimented by tasteful, upscale furnishings.
The yacht’s full-time chef, Claire, is Cordon Bleu-trained. Captain Bernard, Mate Clem, and deckhand Rafael can help you burn off the extra calories. Specifically, through water activities including Scuba diving from the yacht for certified divers. In addition to SCUBA, this well-equipped yacht is set up for fun on the water. It carries an extensive inventory of toys. For instance, snorkel gear, kayaks, and a Hobie Wave catamaran. In addition, waterskis, towable toys, fishing equipment, and a 22’ highspeed tender.
Motor yacht SILVER ANGEL has announced plans to relocate to the Indian Ocean this winter. The 64 meter superyacht will be available for Benetti yacht charter vacations in the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, the Seychelles, and Madagascar.
Built by Benetti and launched in 2009, the 211 foot yacht offers accommodations for 12 guests in 7 staterooms. A crew of 21 are onboard to attend to the guests.
The Indian Ocean is an idyllic paradise. Here you will experience white-sand beaches lapped by aquamarine waters, bright blue skies, and year-round sunshine.
Opportunities for diving and snorkeling abound in this pristine eco-tourism region.
Memories of your time aboard Benetti yacht SILVER ANGEL in the Indian Ocean will stay with you long after your tan fades!
Deck of Benetti superyacht SILVER ANGEL
The winter rate is set at USD $450,000 per week, plus all expenses (items such as food, fuel, and dockage).
With the tight economy forcing American boaters to reconsider expensive trips abroad, the appeal of Florida yacht charters has increased dramatically in the past two years. Perhaps not on par with a Virgin Islands yacht charter, there are still plenty of points of interest while cruising along the South Florida coast, especially for charterers who also enjoy scuba diving.
While the Florida Keys may be known for their fishing and scuba diving locations, both Broward and Miami-Dade counties have some of the best spots to scuba dive in the nation. From natural reefs to sunken ships, it’s amazing what can be found off the shores of Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Many of the reefs and wrecks can be found in 60 to 80 feet of water, making South Florida a great choice for both novice and advanced divers.
Here are some of our top picks:
TUGBOAT JAY SCUTTI
First, Tugboat Jay Scutti (off Ft. Lauderdale)
Sunk in Sept. 1986, this 95 foot tug was seized by the government in a drug smuggling operation. It was bought at auction by a man who renamed it the “Jay Scutti,” after his son. The wreck lies in 70 feet of water and is centered between a 45 foot wreck named “Moonshot” and another named “Pride,” a 95 foot sailboat. All three wrecks are tethered together by a cable. Divers can usually explore two of the wrecks in one dive. Lots of fish inhabit the Jay Scutti, and it’s possible to enter the wreck through various openings.
HAMMERHEAD REEF
Second, Hammerhead Reef (off Ft. Lauderdale)
Located just south of Port Everglades and running to the Dania Pier, this two and a half mile reef is famous for its sharks, rays, and large grouper. The front portion of the reef is in 60 feet of water, while the back side plunges to 80 feet. In some spots, the reef rises to nearly 20 feet. Tons of marine life call this reef home and make it a great spot for reef diving.
MIAMI BEACH WRECK TREK
Third, Miami Beach Wreck Trek (off Miami Beach)
It’s pretty impressive how artificial reefs have been created by linking multiple wrecks together via a guide cable. The Miami Beach Wreck Trek is a shallow dive, about 50 to 60 feet of water. It begins with a pair of army tanks on the southern end. As they swim north, divers encounter several tons of limestone boulders and more wrecks like the “Rio Miami,” a 105 foot tug which sits upright in about 65 feet of water.
THE BELZONA TRIO
Fourth, also off the Miami Beach coast is a trio of sunken tug boats. The “Belzona Ona,” lies in 85 feet of water. About 75 feet away is the second tug, “Belzona Two,” in 60 feet of water. The deepest of the trio, “Belzona Three,” is a 100 foot tug at a depth of 85 feet.
BELCHER BARGE
Finally, not far away is the “Belcher Barge #27,” a 195 foot steel barge that was sunk in 1985. The barge flipped on its way to the bottom, but experienced divers can penetrate it and swim the ship’s entire length.
PLEASE CONTACT US WITH YOUR THOUGHTS
Please comment to let us know about your experiences diving these awesome Florida dive sites!
In addition to cruising in south Florida, Bahama yacht charters are great options for closer-to-home getaways. Contact our local charter guides for more details in Miami, the Florida Keys and nearby Bimini, Bahamas.
They say, It’s Better in the Bahamas, and MCP motor yacht Eagle’s Nest hopes to prove thatsaying true.
CHARTERYACHT EAGLE’S NEST
Effectively immediately, the 98′ Bahama yacht charters vessel has a reduced weekly high season rate, from $45,000/wk to $38,000/wk – a savings of over 15%. Rates are plus running expenses (food, bar, fuel, etc.).
WHY GO TO THE BAHAMAS?
Sure, a Mediterranean yacht charter vacation is fun, but what if you’re looking to stay closer to home this summer? The Bahamasare less than 50 miles away from Florida. In the time it takes to commute to work, you and your family can be in the sun-drenched islands, far from the overcrowded anchorages of the Mediterranean.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Built in 2007, motor yacht Eagle’s Nest can accommodate 6 to 10 guests in 4 cabins, making her ideal for a family vacation.
Her master stateroom, located on the main deck, features a walkaround queen bed, satellite TV, and ensuite bath. Below deck, two guest staterooms offer walkaround queen beds, while a third cabin features twin beds plus two built-in bunks – a perfect room for 4 children.
STATEROOM FEATURES
Each stateroom has many features. For example, a Crestron audio entertainment system with surround sound, reading lights next to the beds, complete blackout blinds, hairdryers, and port holes allowing plenty of natural light.
EXTERIOR
Of course, motor yacht charters in the Bahamas are all about the sun and the sea, and yacht Eagle’s Nest is the perfect platform to explore the islands. Her semi-shaded aft deck is ideal for al fresco dining with seating for 8-10 guests, as well as access to the cockpit, forward, and large swim platform, aft. Moving up a level, the bridge deck is also semi-shaded and features a large Jacuzzi tub with sun pads, plus a barbeque BBQ and ice maker.
TOP DECK
Need even more space to worship the sun? A third top deck, the sun deck, offers semi-shade, an al fresco dining table, cushioned seating areas, and a wet bar.
WATERSPORTS TOYS
For active guests, Eagles Nest carries an assortment of aquasports equipment – from snorkeling gear to fishing poles and scuba gear (for certified divers only).
HOW TO BOOK A BAHAMAS YACHT CHARTER
Take advantage of this great deal HERE …and learn more about other special rates on summer yachting vacations, contact our destination specialists today!
Q: “I’ve heard catamaran charters in the BVI are good for divers. Are there any dive sites there that are not ‘touristy?'”
A: “Ahoy, E. – TheBritish Virgin Islands(BVI) are famous for their island beauty. They are considered a top yacht charter destination in the world. However, few charterers are aware that the BVI are a fantastic diving destination, as well.”
WRECKS TO DIVE
There are numerous wrecks, both old and new, in the BVI, with one of the most famous being the RMS Rhone, a royal mail ship that sank in a hurricane in 1867. Movie fans are familiar with the Rhone as the location for most of the underwater scenes in the film, “The Deep.”
REMOTE DIVE SITES
When it comes to more remote dive sites, dives around the more exposed Cooper Island andCarvel Rock are rarer and more challenging. These can only be done by experienced divers. They are also only good if weather conditions are very calm. When the conditions are right, divers taking the plunge from the east side of Cooper Island at Dry Rocks East will be rewarded! They will see scores of marine life, including Horse-eye Jacks, African Pompano, Spadefish, Cobia, and Nurse sharks. If you’re lucky, Hawksbill turtles will also be there. In the same area the Devil’s Kitchen is a shelf. This shelf becomes more undercut with a rock structure. The structure forms a unique lattice with numerous hideouts for reef fish, turtles, and lobsters.
Whoo-hoo! The yacht’s representative contacted us to announce newly reduced rates. These are for the popular 191-foot motor yacht CARPE DIEM. The rates are for the remainder of the spring in the Bahamas. Her weekly rate reduction is from $395,000 per week to now $375,000 per week.
Additionally, the yacht is now accepting advanced reservations for the summer in the Med.
WELL-KNOWN YACHT
The 191′ (58.23 meter) Trinity yacht CARPE DIEM is well known. People recognize her in the Bahamas. Additionally, Captain Ryan Butterwick has a crew of 11. The past three seasons enjoy affluent travelers onboard. Most yachts of this size are further south in the Caribbean during the winter. For instance, St. Martin and St Barts. Captain Butterwick and the yacht’s owner saw an opportunity. In specific, to be one of the very few large private yacht charter vessels. Further, to choose the Bahamas as their home port for the winter and spring.
SPECIAL FEATURES & AMENITIES
The representative describes the yacht as,
“…an objet d’art all her own. Her signature interior by Carol Williamson and Associates simultaneously creates a sense of both drama and balance. There is a marvelous display of juxtaposition of design elements. Whereas, joining opposing materials of Madagascar ebony wood with white onyx stone. Furthermore, varying textures of velvet, satin, and embossed Paltrona Frau leather. Showcased throughout the yacht are vintage fashion photographs, art deco antiques, and lavish furnishings.”
ACCOMMODATIONS
She accommodates 12 guests. This acclaimed charter yacht was a finalist for the 2012 World Superyacht Awards for Best Tri-Deck Semi-Displacement Yacht. In addition, she finalized for the 2012 Showboats Design Awards for Best Interior Design.
KEY FEATURES:
Sundeck Jacuzzi with huge sunbed
Alfresco dining on main and skylounge aft decks
6 staterooms including 3 full-width king suites
Interior by Carol Williamson & Associates
Exercise equipment (sundeck aft)
4 wet bars
Kaleidescape movie/music server, Xbox, iPod
Surround sound / 70″ HD TV in Skylounge
TENDERS & TOYS
The yacht has multiple toys and tenders. For instance, a 32 foot (9.75-meter) Boston Whaler with 2 x 275 hp engines (Bahamas/Caribbean only). Also, a 23 foot (7-meter) Novurania Chase tender with 220 horsepower diesel engine and a 19-foot (5.79-meter) Zodiac Proluxe tender with 170 hp jet drive engine. Additionally, 4 Waverunners, 2 SeaBobs, a Jet Surfski, and a Flyboard. Further, waterskis, a wakeboard, and snorkel gear. Lastly, 6 sets of SCUBA gear, a SCUBA compressor, and a custom freestyle pool with jellyfish net.
EXERCISE
Carpe Diem includes exercise equipment for active guests. For example, an elliptical machine fold-up treadmill, spin bike, pulley system, and weight bench. Finally, free weights and yoga mats.
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