Yacht charter etiquette: what guests should know
The unwritten rules that make a charter go smoothly for you, your crew and everyone else on board.
5 May 2026 · 6 min read
A little charter etiquette goes a long way toward a good day on the water — most of it is common sense, but a few things are specific to boats and worth knowing before you board.
Footwear
Soft-soled, non-marking shoes only, or better, go barefoot on deck. Black-soled shoes scuff the deck surface, and heels can damage it outright — most crews will ask you to remove them before boarding if you turn up in the wrong footwear.
Listen to the crew
The captain's instructions on safety, where to sit during manoeuvring and how many guests can be on deck at once are not suggestions. A good crew is discreet and lets the day feel effortless, which is exactly why guests sometimes forget they are still in charge of the boat's safety.
Alcohol and outside food
Rules vary by vessel and by the permits in force on a given day — confirm before you buy anything rather than assuming. Most operators are relaxed about outside food; alcohol is the area that varies most, so ask directly.
Tipping
Not obligatory, but customary for good service, similar to a restaurant. Ten percent of the charter cost, split among the crew, is a reasonable guide for a booking where the crew went out of their way.
Timing
Arrive at the jetty on time — the tender out to the boat runs on a schedule, and a late group eats into everyone's charter time, including their own. If you are running late, call ahead; most crews can hold a few minutes if they know in advance.
