Ultimate Guide to Your Singapore Yacht Charter Experience

Unlock the secrets to the perfect maritime getaway. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about planning and booking your Singapore yacht charter—from selecting the ideal vessel and charting the best Southern Islands route to maximizing your on-board experience with food, activities, and expert tips.

1. Pre-Charter: Planning Your Perfect Voyage

Before setting sail, a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s how to make sure your yacht experience begins on the right note:

Choosing the Right Yacht

  • Define your group size and purpose: Are you planning an intimate outing or a lively party?
  • Check capacity and comfort: Always consider the maximum capacity allowed by regulations versus the comfortable capacity for your event.
  • Match facilities to your event: Some yachts come equipped with BBQ pits, sound systems, Karaoke or water toys.

Understanding Yacht Charter Pricing

  • Charter rates: Prices in Singapore vary by yacht size, duration (most popular are 4-hour slots), and day (weekday vs. weekend).
  • Add-ons: Budget for additional costs like catering, special decorations, or hiring extra water activities.
  • Transparent pricing: At SingYachts, we ensure upfront rates with no hidden costs, covering fuel, insurance, and crew fees.

Booking and Confirmation

  • Book early—especially for weekends and public holidays, as popular slots fill up months in advance.
  • Deposit and balance: Review your charter agreement carefully. The initial deposit secures your booking, and the balance is usually due a week before departure.
  • Final details: Confirm your guest list and any special requests (e.g., docking time, catering drop-off) 3–5 days before departure. This ensures the crew is fully prepared.
    • 💡 Pro Tip: Use our First-Time Booking Guide to understand key steps and what required documents (like ID for the main charterer) to prepare.

What to Expect: Understanding the Standard 4-Hour Charter Flow

A typical 4-hour yacht charter with SingYachts offers a perfect blend of cruising, relaxation, and water activities. Here’s what to expect during your standard yacht rental in Singapore:

  • Boarding: At ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove or Marina@Keppel Bay (exact location depends on your chosen yacht).
  • Briefing: A quick 10-minute safety and cruise rundown by our friendly crew.
  • Cruise Out: A leisurely 30-minute sail towards the stunning Lazarus Island, passing through scenic southern waters.
  • Anchor Spot & Activities: The yacht anchors in calm waters (typically between Lazarus and St. John’s Islands) for 2.5 to 3 hours. Enjoy swimming, karaoke, BBQ, or simply relaxing. (For more ideas, explore our guide to 13 Ways to Entertain Your Guests on a Yacht).
  • Return Cruise: A breathtaking city skyline cruise on the way back can often be included or added, depending on the yacht and timing.Cruise to Southern islands from OneDegree15 Marina Sentosa cove

2. During the Charter: Your Time at Sea

Now comes the best part—your yacht experience! Here’s what to expect and how to maximize your enjoyment on the day of your charter:

What to Bring

  • Light clothing, swimwear, and plenty of sunscreen
  • Towels (yachts usually don’t provide these) and personal medication
  • Booking confirmation and ID for the lead charterer
  • Food and drinks (if you choose BYO)

Cruising and Onboard Expectations

  • Safety Briefing: This is mandatory. The crew will walk you through life jacket locations, fire safety, and general movement rules before leaving the dock.
  • Cruising Routes: The captain will follow your pre-agreed route to popular spots like Lazarus Island and St. John’s Island for water activities, or take a scenic detour to view the Marina Bay skyline.
  • Crew Assistance: Your crew manages navigation, safety, and general operations. They are also available to help with BBQ setup, serving food, and managing water toys.

Onboard Etiquette & Safety Tips

  • Respect Yacht Rules: No running indoors, wear non-marking shoes (or go barefoot), and use the onboard bins to keep the waters clean (no littering).
  • Follow Guidance: Always adhere to the captain’s instructions, especially regarding movement during docking or when approaching anchor points.
  • Water Activities: These are usually only available until 6:30 PM due to safety regulations and are strictly weather-dependent.

3. After the Charter: Wrapping Up Gracefully

As your yacht returns to the marina, here’s what you should do to close your experience smoothly:

Disembarking and Lost & Found

  • Check Thoroughly: Before disembarking, check all indoor cabins, restrooms, and deck areas for valuables—phones, sunglasses, wallets, and keys are commonly misplaced.
  • Report Missing Items: If you notice something missing later, contact our team immediately. We will coordinate with the captain and crew to check the vessel before the next charter.
  • Departure: Please ensure your group leaves the yacht promptly at the scheduled end time to allow the crew to prepare the vessel for the next booking.

Feedback & Future Bookings

  • Share Your Experience: We encourage you to share your feedback through our Guest Feedback Form or leave a public review. Your reviews help improve our services and guide new guests.
  • Gratuity (Tipping): High-quality service is an integral part of your charter experience and is included in the booking price; therefore, tipping the crew is neither mandatory nor expected. However, a gratuity for truly exceptional service is a highly appreciated token of personal recognition for the crew’s hard work. For those who wish to show appreciation, a general guide is S$50–S$100 per crew member, depending on the size of the yacht and the level of service provided.
    .
  • Future Bookings: Planning another celebration? Repeat guests often enjoy priority scheduling and seasonal discounts. Let us know if you’d prefer the same yacht or crew, and we’ll do our best to accommodate.

💡 Pro Tip: Subscribe to our SingYachts Newsletter or follow us on social media for updates on new yachts and exclusive offers.

Final Thoughts

A yacht charter should feel effortless—from the first inquiry to the final farewell. With a bit of preparation and clear communication, you can enjoy the best of Singapore’s waters without stress.

At Sing Yachts, our crew ensures every detail—from safety to hospitality—is managed with care. All that’s left for you is to relax, celebrate, and create unforgettable memories.

×