Private Yacht Charter

Choosing between a crewed charter and a bareboat charter comes down to one question: do you want to relax or do you want to captain the boat yourself? At Valkyrie, 95% of our clients choose crewed charters — and for good reason. A crewed charter means a licensed captain handles navigation and safety, a first mate manages anchoring and water toys, and (on multi-day voyages) a steward keeps the cabins pristine and the drinks flowing. You and your guests simply board, settle in, and enjoy the water.

Bareboat charters are available on our 55ft Sailing Yacht and 50ft Day Yacht for clients who hold a valid USCG captain's license or an equivalent international certification (ICC, RYA Yachtmaster, or ASA 104+). A bareboat charter gives you full control of the vessel and itinerary. We require proof of certification, a refundable security deposit, and a brief vessel orientation before departure. Bareboat rates are discounted by approximately 20% compared to the crewed equivalent.

For first-time charterers, corporate groups, and anyone who simply wants to unwind, we strongly recommend the crewed option. Our captains know the local waters intimately — the best anchorages, the calmest coves for swimming, the ideal positioning for sunset views — and they'll customize the route to your preferences in real time. There is no better way to experience the California or Florida coastline.

A successful yacht charter starts with a conversation. When you reach out to Valkyrie, our concierge team asks about your date, group size, occasion, preferred departure city, and any special requests — dietary restrictions, floral arrangements, live entertainment, drone photography, or specific destinations. From there, we recommend the ideal vessel, build a custom itinerary with timing and anchor points, and provide an all-inclusive quote.

Once you approve the itinerary and sign our digital charter agreement, we collect a 50% deposit to secure the date. The remaining balance is due 7 days before departure. Our team handles all provisioning — ice, water, mixers, snacks, towels, sunscreen, and any catering or bar packages you've selected. On charter day, your captain and crew arrive at the marina 90 minutes before your scheduled boarding time to prepare the vessel.

The typical boarding process takes about 15 minutes. Your captain provides a brief safety orientation, reviews the itinerary, and asks for any last-minute adjustments. From there, lines are cast and you're underway. During the charter, your crew manages everything — navigation, anchoring, deploying water toys, serving drinks, and ensuring your guests are comfortable. At the end of the charter, you simply step off the boat. No cleanup, no refueling, no docking stress. That's what a crewed charter is all about.