The Ultimate Guide to Yacht Charter Water Toys

Yacht charters are the pinnacle of luxury getaways, where the open ocean meets unmatched comfort and adventure. But beyond the glamour, scenery and cuisine, the real excitement begins in the water.

Equipping your yacht with a selection of water toys isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a game-changer. Whether you’re sailing with family, friends, or for a special event, the right set of water toys can turn your voyage from a serene retreat into an action-packed adventure.

Here’s your ultimate guide to the most popular water toys available on yacht charters and what they bring to your experience.

‍Transport & Exploration

Built for exploring shallow coastlines, hidden beaches or hopping between islands, the right equipment makes all the difference.

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Tenders/Dinghys

While your yacht may offer ample luxury, it’s not always nimble. Enter the tender, your smaller, agile companion that gets you closer to the action. Tenders, or dinghies, are small engine powered rafts that are perfect for trips to the shore when marinas aren’t accessible, or when you want to explore secluded coves or tiny islands your yacht can’t reach. 

Fora smooth experience, opt for a yacht with a modern, powerful tender—after all, no one wants to start their evening spluttering towards the shore.

Kayaks

For those who prefer a quieter, more intimate way of discovering your surroundings, kayaks offer a peaceful and eco-friendly mode of exploration. Glide through mangroves, trace the coastline, and enjoy a closer connection to nature—all at your own pace. Whether you’re paddling solo or with a partner, it’s a fantastic way to unplug and savour the tranquility of your surroundings. Bonus: they’re great exercise too.

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Swimming & Diving

If you’ve ever wondered what lies beneath the waves, then the next set of equipment is perfect for you.

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Scuba Diving

Scuba diving and yachts are the perfect partnership. Sail to key dive spots, anchor down, gear up, and head under the water’s surface to discover majestic underwater worlds. From colourful coral reefs to mysterious shipwrecks to packs of beautiful fish, there is so much to explore below.

If you want to make the most of diving on your trip, there are several important factors to consider:

1) Choose a destination with a diverse range of dive spots such as the BVIs.

2) Charter a yacht with high quality scuba gear (tanks, regulators, BCDs, wetsuits, masks, fins, weights, compressor, Nitrox and a swim platform).

3) Select a yacht with an onboard professional dive crew (certified dive instructor or divemaster). If you are new to diving, pick a yacht offering diving lessons or PADI certification courses.

4) Pick a dive spot that is well suited to your experience level (your crew can help here).

5) Ensure the yacht has the correct diving safety protocols in place: dive briefings, evacuation plans, emergency protocols, first-aid training and a nearby hyperbaric chamber.

Snorkel Gear

For those who want to explore under the water’s surface but are not ready for a scuba dive, snorkelling is the perfect option. Accessible and suitable for all ages and skill levels, snorkelling is fantastic family activity allowing you to connect with nature and explore secluded coves and crystal-clear bays.

Most yachts will have snorkel sets onboard, but it’s worth checking that they’ve been restocked recently—there’s nothing worse than leaky goggles interrupting your exploration of a beautiful reef.

Seabobs & Sea Scooters

Ever dreamed of gliding underwater like a dolphin? With Seabobs or sea scooters, you can do just that.These electric water toys let you dive beneath the surface and zoom around coral reefs or just enjoy the sensation of effortless underwater movement. Fun, fast, and easy to control, they’re a must-have for thrill-seekers who want to mix speed with marine exploration.

Underwater Cameras

Many yachts now come equipped with underwater cameras, allowing you to capture and relive your diving and snorkelling adventures in stunning high definition. Whether it’s vibrant coral reefs or marine wildlife encounters, these cameras ensure your underwater memories are as vivid as the day you experienced them.

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Swim Platforms

A swim platform is an essential feature on many yachts, providing easy access to the water for swimming, water sports, and relaxation. Located at the yacht’s stern, it acts as a convenient launching point for snorkelling, diving, or using water toys like jet skis and kayaks.Some swim platforms even include ladders or hydraulic lifts for added ease when entering and exiting the water. It’s also a great spot to lounge by the sea, dip your feet in the water, or enjoy sunbathing close to the ocean

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Personal Watercraft (PWCs)

PWCs, commonly known as Jet Skis, are a staple for yacht charters, providing a thrilling way to explore the water near where your yacht is anchored. They're easy to handle, offering both experienced riders and beginners the chance to feel the adrenaline of speeding across the sea. Whether you fancy zipping through calm bays or exploring coves, PWCs deliver excitement and freedom like no other water toy. 

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There are three different types of PWC: Jet Skis, Sea Doos and Wave Runners.

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Jet Skis

Produced by Kawasaki, these powerful machines are the pinnacle of performance in PWCs. They offer superior stability, comfort and ride. Over the years, they have gained so much popularity that all PWCs have earned the nickname Jet Ski despite it originally being a brand name.

Sea Doos

The first ever PWC, developed by Bombardier in the 1960s, Sea Doos have remained one of the most popular options due to their ease of use and user-friendly nature. Whilst they lack the top-end performance of their peers, Sea Doos are well suited to beginners and those looking forless intensity.

Wave Runners

Produced by Yamaha, Wave Runners, offer the best of both worlds. Combining both performance and ease of use, Wave Runner compete with both Jet Skis and Sea Doos by offering a range of different models at different price points and power outputs.

Boarding & Sports

Ready to up the ante? For those who want to test their balance, coordination, and endurance, water sports are the perfect mix of fun and fitness.

Wakeboards

A blend of surfing, snowboarding, and waterskiing, wakeboarding is a must-try for adrenaline junkies. Towed behind the yacht’s tender, riders can carve through the water, attempting jumps and tricks—or just enjoy the sheer thrill of speed. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, it’s an exciting way to engage with the sea.

Kneeboards

Looking for something slightly easier on the knees (literally)? Kneeboarding lets you experience the rush of being towed behind a boat, but with added stability. Riders balance on their knees instead of standing, making it ideal for those who want a slightly more relaxed alternative to wakeboarding.

SUPs (Stand Up Paddleboards)

Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) offer a slower pace, perfect for soaking in the scenery. Paddle along the coastline, explore hidden coves, or just enjoy a leisurely float. It’s a great workout, too, working your core while keeping you connected to the peaceful surroundings.

eFoils/Jetboards

For those who want to kick it up a notch, eFoils and jetboards are the water sport for you. Imagine a surfboard with an engine or propellor—no need to wait for waves when you’ve got power on tap. Ideal for adrenaline seekers looking to race across open waters or zip through calm bays.

Flyboards

Flyboards give you the chance to channel your inner superhero. Powered by jets of water, you can soar above the ocean, performing flips and dives in mid-air. It’s one of the most thrilling water toys available, offering a completely unique experience.

Waterskis

For fans of classic water sports, waterskiing is always a hit. Skim across the water’s surface, practicing your balance and speed while being towed behind the tender. Whether you’re an expert or a beginner, waterskiing is both challenging and rewarding.

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Inflatables & Games

Water toys don’t always have to be high-octane. Sometimes the best memories come from the simpler things, like lounging or laughing with friends.

Tubes

Perfect for group fun, inflatable tubes can be towed behind the yacht or tender for a thrilling ride over the waves. With space for one or more riders, tubing is a hit with families, offering an adrenaline-packed ride that’s sure to have everyone grinning from ear to ear.

Floating Mats

Prefer a slower pace? Floating mats are perfect for relaxation. These large, buoyant platforms allow you to lounge, sunbathe, or even play water games right on the surface of the ocean. Ideal for calm, scenic bays where you can kick back and enjoy the serenity.

Beach Games

When the shore is calling, beach games provide hours of fun. Most yachts come equipped with everything from volleyball nets to paddleball sets, so you can turn any quiet beach into your own personal playground.

Inflatable Slides & Waterparks

For the young—and young at heart—nothing beats an inflatable slide that launches you straight into the sea. From climbing walls to water obstacle courses, inflatable slides and waterparks are perfect for families looking to add a playful edge to their yacht experience.

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Ready to dive into your next adventure?

Whether you’re chasing thrills on a wakeboard, diving deep to explore a shipwreck, or simply lounging on a floating mat, the right water toys transform a yacht charter from a luxury escape to a fully immersive adventure. So, before setting sail, make sure your yacht is equipped with the perfect selection of toys to elevate your experience.

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Need help planning your ultimate yacht vacation? Contact us or explore our fleet of fully equipped yachts and get ready to dive into your next great escape.