Cruises & Expeditions · Best Dec–May
Caribbean yacht charter packing list for families
A crewed yacht charter feels like a private floating villa, but space on board is tight. Packing soft, light, and water-ready makes the week feel effortless.
Photo by Jagdeep Singh on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Caribbean Yacht Charter
- Yachts have very little storage, and hard suitcases usually do not fit. Pack everyone in soft duffels that can be folded flat and stowed.
- Your crew will send a preference sheet before you arrive. Be specific about your kids' favorite foods, allergies, and bedtime snacks, because the chef shops based on it.
- Most yachts carry life jackets, but children's sizes vary. I bring a properly fitted one for each young child so it is never a question.
Best timeDec–May
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyUS dollar (euro on French islands; Eastern Caribbean dollar in many others)
PassportYes
Your packing edit
Caribbean Yacht Charter
This time of year
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Carry-on18
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups
Kids' travel pillow
Light blanket or large scarf for the plane
Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.
Baby wipes, even for big kids
Kids' backpack for their own things
Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad
A new book or two
Gum or mints
Soft collapsible duffel per personKristina's pickHard suitcases rarely fit in yacht storage.
Clothing13
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.
Light rain jacket per person
Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight
Shorts and skirts
Swim cover-ups
Belt
Sports bra or workout clothes
Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair
Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.
Shoes5
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Sandals
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
Dress shoes or nicer sandals
Non-marking boat shoesMany yachts are barefoot or soft-soled shoes only.
Beach & pool13
Swimsuits2 per person
UPF rash guardsKristina's pick
Mineral sunscreen
Wide-brim sun hats
Swim diapers
Hyperlite life jacket for boat and ocean daysKristina's pickA properly fitted life jacket for boats and open water.
Lightweight beach tote
Goggles
Sand toys that nest flat
Pool float or swim vest for little swimmers
Waterproof phone pouch
After-sun aloe
Kids' snorkel maskSnorkeling straight off the stern is the best part.
Adventure1
Dry bagDinghy rides to shore are splashy.
Little ones12
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Sippy cup or straw cup
Bibs and a few spoons
Portable changing pad
Diaper cream
Baby monitor
Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.
Outlet covers
Potty seat or folding potty
Little things20
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Stick-on battery night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Kids' sunglasses
Wet bag for swimsuits
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry
Sewing kit and safety pins
Luggage tags
Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups
Sunglasses for the grown-ups
Small umbrella
Health & toiletries19
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Motion-sickness bands
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover
Razor
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses
Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
Bandages and blister pads
Kids' thermometer
Anti-itch cream
Hand lotion and SPF lip balm
Feminine products
Clear quart bag for liquids
Documents & tech19
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Magnetic hooks for the cabin
Power strip without surge protectionCruise lines don't allow surge protectors.
Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
Driver's licenses and kids' IDs
Health insurance cards
Travel insurance details
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.
Photos of passports and IDs on your phone
Booking confirmations saved offline
Phone chargers and cables for everyone
Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.
Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter
Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups
Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens
Camera and memory card
E-reader
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
The outfit edit
Nautical
White, navy, signal red, sand
For photos
- Navy and white with a red accent
- Sail-away on deck
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
Caribbean Yacht Charter weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 83°F 28°C | Warm, breezy, and mostly dry, with steady trade winds | Holiday weeks, the busiest charter time, which book far in advance Christmas winds, with stronger breezes and livelier sailing |
| February | 83°F 28°C | Warm, breezy, and mostly dry, with steady trade winds | Christmas winds, with stronger breezes and livelier sailing |
| March | 84°F 29°C | Warm, breezy, and mostly dry, with steady trade winds | Spring regattas in several islands, fun to watch from the water |
| April | 85°F 29°C | Warm, breezy, and mostly dry, with steady trade winds | Spring regattas in several islands, fun to watch from the water |
| May | 86°F 30°C | Hot and calmer, with warmer water and brief showers | Calmer seas and quieter anchorages before hurricane season |
| June | 88°F 31°C | Hot and calmer, with warmer water and brief showers | Calmer seas and quieter anchorages before hurricane season |
| July | 88°F 31°C | Hot and calmer, with warmer water and brief showers | Calmer seas and quieter anchorages before hurricane season |
| August | 89°F 32°C | Hot and humid, peak hurricane season with few charters running | |
| September | 89°F 32°C | Hot and humid, peak hurricane season with few charters running | |
| October | 88°F 31°C | Hot and humid, peak hurricane season with few charters running | |
| November | 86°F 30°C | Warm and wetter as the new season begins | |
| December | 84°F 29°C | Warm, breezy, and mostly dry, with steady trade winds | Holiday weeks, the busiest charter time, which book far in advance Christmas winds, with stronger breezes and livelier sailing |
Questions families ask
Caribbean Yacht Charter with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Caribbean Yacht Charter with kids?
The best time is Dec–May. Warm, breezy, and mostly dry, with steady trade winds
What's the weather like in Caribbean Yacht Charter?
Typical daytime highs range from about 83°F (28°C) in January to about 89°F (32°C) in August. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Caribbean Yacht Charter?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Caribbean Yacht Charter?
None. Caribbean Yacht Charter uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for Caribbean Yacht Charter with kids?
Yachts have very little storage, and hard suitcases usually do not fit. Pack everyone in soft duffels that can be folded flat and stowed.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.