6 key things to take note before renting a yacht
6 key things to take note before renting a yacht

Imagine planning a birthday party.

You want it to be extra memorable, and somehow renting a function room or a chalet to host it just doesn’t quite cut it, especially since it’s something that most people do.

For a more unforgettable experience, why not go for a yacht rental in Singapore for that birthday party? It will also be something that your guests will remember for many years to come. 

Yachts are often thought of as commodities for the rich, with yacht parties commonly portrayed by the media as upper-class luxuries. 

Complete the picture with some gourmet hors d’oeuvres and you’ve got the image of an upper-crust rich person party.

But things are different these days. With yacht rentals in Singapore becoming more affordable, you can actually live out the fantasy of a yacht party in the same price range it takes for you to stay a night in a hotel room.

Yacht rental in Singapore: Should you rent a yacht for your event?

A yacht rental in Singapore is a refreshing change from having your events inside hotel rooms, chalets, or even in event halls. Instead of being stuck indoors, you get to enjoy the best of both worlds. 

Feel free to go outdoors, take in the sea breeze, and enjoy being away from the hustle and bustle of the city. And when you’re done suntanning, you can pop back in to relax. 

Moreover, if you’re having an office function on a yacht, you can do away with the uncomfortable formal wear, and dress down in shorts and slippers. 

There isn’t any limitation to the kinds of events that you can have onboard a yacht. In general, here are the most common events that people charter yachts for:

  • Weddings and solemnisation
  • Corporate retreats 
  • Parties and gatherings with family and/or friends

What’s more, you can stay overnight onboard a yacht too! If you’re sick of having staycations inside hotel rooms, why not take it to a whole new level by having it onboard a yacht! 

Not sure what you can do when you’re staying overnight on a yacht? Find out more about it in our guide to yacht staycations here! 

Do take note, though, that depending on the type, capacity, and amenities onboard, some yachts are more suitable for certain events. 

What can you do onboard a yacht?

Plenty! Every yacht comes equipped with an icebox and fridge so you’ll have cold drinks at the ready. 

Most of the boats will also have a sound system for your favourite tunes, and others come equipped with an indoor karaoke setup. So feel free to make full use of the yacht rental duration and sing as much and as loud as you can! 

If you’re looking to relax and enjoy the sea breeze, you can always lounge on the sundeck and work your tan.

Once the yacht docks, you can take the fun into the sea – most yachts come equipped with water toys, stand-up paddleboards, and kayaks. Some models also come equipped with jet-skis which you can have as an add-on rental. 

In addition, you can opt to dive into the sea and hone your swimming skills. If you aren’t keen on getting wet, you can explore the Lazarus and St John’s Islands. Outside of renting a ferry to sail to these islands, it’s not every day that you get to visit these pristine, empty beaches.

Feel free to bring your own food and drinks onboard too! You may also bring your own booze (except red wine), since we don’t charge any corkage fee. 

But if you find that it’s a hassle to bring your own food, you may opt for the BBQ add-on. Do take note that due to insurance conditions, only the crew will be allowed to do the cooking onboard. 

How much does it cost to rent a yacht? Check out this guide.

What’s on the sailing itinerary?

The usual itinerary with the minimum rental duration of 4 hours goes something like this:

Arrive 15 minutes before the charter time

Be sure to come earlier to meet the crew. They’ll then usher you to the yacht. 

Not all yachts are located in the same place. So depending on the boat you’re renting, you’ll meet the crew at either ONE°15 Marina Club or Marina at Keppel Bay. 

If you’d like some time to decorate the yacht before your event, you can do so too! We usually allocate up to half an hour for this. If you need more time, you’ll need to book the yacht for a longer period.

Safety briefing 

Once you and your guests are settled comfortably onboard the yacht, the captain and crew will brief you on the do’s and don’ts. 

Begin sailing towards the Southern Islands

You’ll then cruise from the Marina towards the Southern Islands. Along the way, you’ll pass by smaller islands such as Kusu, St John’s, and Sisters’ Islands. This whole journey will take around 20 to 25 minutes. 

Anchor at Lazarus Island 

After the crew has lowered the anchor at Lazarus Island, feel free to jump into the waters for a swim! 

At the same time, the crew will help you set up the water toys. 

If you’ve booked for the BBQ add-on with us, the crew will also start preparing them. So sit back and relax (or have some fun with the water activities) while the crew cooks the food for you. 

The yacht will be stationed there for around 3 hours. 

Sail back to the main island

If you’ve added the City Skyline Cruise as an add-on, we’ll first cruise to the Marina Bay Sands area to enjoy the view, before returning to the Marina. 

Do take note that this is the recommended itinerary. If you’d like to plan your own itinerary, feel free to discuss it with your captain. However, given the restrictions in Singapore, the destinations that we can travel to will be of a similar nature. 

Yacht rental in Singapore: Types of yachts you can rent

Depending on your event, the type of yacht to rent will vary. It’s good to have a little understanding of the types of yachts available, so you can make a better decision when booking for one. 

Each yacht has its own set of features, and some will suit your needs more than others. Certain yachts can accommodate more people on board, making them great for larger gatherings like parties and corporate events. 

Others are more trimmed down and sleeker in profile, which makes them ideal for more intimate events and long-distance cruising.

On Yachtly, you can rent either a monohull (single-hull) or a catamaran (twin-hull) yacht.

The 2 main types of yachts are catamaran and monohull

Catamaran

A catamaran yacht consists of 2 hulls that are parallel to each other and joined by a frame. In general, it can either be sail- or engine-powered. 

A catamaran also has 2 engines, with one in each hull. The good thing about this twin-engine configuration is that it makes it easier to navigate in the sea and dock. In addition, this allows most modern catamarans to do 360 degree turns within their own length.

Very stable

Catamarans are much more stable than monohulls. Owing to the twin-hull design, they don’t rock and roll in the same way that monohulls do. This is a big plus if you’re bringing along younger children and elderly people onboard, since they may not be as steady on their feet.

Since a catamaran is less susceptible to the effects of the wave actions, it’s easier for you and your guests to walk around the deck and the interior of the yacht while it’s moving. If you’re prone to seasickness, you’ll feel less of the motion compared to a monohull too. 

Our power catamaran - Leopard 51 - can easily accommodate 33 guests
Leopard 51, a power catamaran, can easily accommodate 33 guests

Very spacious

Given the twin-hull layout, catamarans generally provide far more living space compared to monohulls of similar sizes. The space in catamarans is also maximised for the entire length of the boat, making them roomier than monohulls. 

Their cabins are often more spacious, and the galley, main salon, and dining areas are usually above the water level. 

Plus, some sailing catamarans come with fabric nets that stretch across the hulls and frames. These nets are useful especially if you and your guests love to lounge on the deck and enjoy the sea breeze. 

If you’re planning to invite a large group for your yacht party, you might want to consider renting a catamaran. It’s a more suitable yacht for a wedding too! 

Check out our guide on yacht weddings here. We’ve included our recommended boats for the momentous event too! 

Downside to catamarans

One bad thing about catamarans is that as compared to monohulls, the person steering it will get less feedback from the wheel. This means that the person behind the wheel will need to be extra vigilant when sailing in rough seas. 

But if you’re renting with Yachtly, you don’t have to worry about this since the yacht charter comes with the captain and crew who will be steering the boat. 

For more information about catamaran yachts, be sure to check out our guide here! 

Monohull

Monohull yachts, as their name implies, are yachts with a single hull. Most boats come in this design, and are usually equipped with a keel below the waterline to counterbalance the turning force of the wind on the vessel. 

Like catamarans, they can also be sail- or engine-powered. 

Easy to manoeuver

What gives monohulls an edge over catamarans is that they’re highly manoeuvrable, as the single-hull design allows them to tack quickly. In addition, these yachts cut through the water effortlessly, leading to a smooth and tranquil sailing experience.

Leviathan 88 features 3 staterooms and 2 heads and can accommodate up to 22 guests

Great for thrill-seekers

If you’re having a group of thrill-seekers onboard, you might want to consider renting a monohull. The good thing about monohulls is that they’re perfect for those who enjoy a more adventurous sailing experience, especially when they heel. 

Downside to monohulls

Do take note, though, that given the single-hull configuration, monohulls are less stable and steady as compared to catamarans. This also makes them more likely to capsize when sailing in rough seas. 

Sailing yachts

As the name suggests, sailing yachts mainly use sails to propel them. They also come equipped with motors, for when there’s no wind to propel them forward. 

Cheaper to operate

Since they mainly rely on the wind, and use less motor and fuel, they’re cheaper to operate. This also reduces the cost of maintaining them. 

Quiet sail

Additionally, they make for a quiet sail as they don’t rely much on the motor. If you prefer a quiet and peaceful sail, a sailing yacht rental might just be the one for you. 

Downside to sailing yachts

However, one downside to sailing yachts is that they’re more difficult to sail. Some sailing skills and expertise are needed to navigate them through the waters. 

Plus, the person sailing it would also need to understand how the wind and tides can affect the sailing, as well as how to adjust the sails. 

But you don’t have to worry about this when you’re renting with Yachtly, since the charter comes with the crew who will handle these. 

Motor yachts

Motor yachts, on the other hand, are powered by engines and rely on either diesel or gasoline. 

Travel faster

Speed is probably the best thing about motor yachts. 

Owing to their engines, they can travel faster than sailing yachts. While sailing yachts can sail to a maximum of 7 knots, motor yachts can go as fast as 15 to 20 knots. 

So if you’re only renting for the minimum duration of 4 hours and plan to hop to a few islands, you should consider a motor yacht rental. 

Easier to dock in shallow waters

Motor yachts also don’t sit too deep in the water, making them easier to dock in shallow waters. This also means that you can get closer to the beaches easily. 

Downside to motor yachts

One bad thing about motor yachts is that their engines can be expensive to maintain. When they break down, repairing them can be costly. 

But the good thing about a yacht rental is that you get to enjoy sailing, without having to worry about dealing with the expensive maintenance. 

Here’s a table to summarise the different pros and cons of each type of yacht: 

Type of yachtProsCons
Catamaran– Very stable
– Very spacious
– Less feedback from the wheel
Monohull– Easy to manoeuvre
– Great for thrill-seekers
– Less stable
Sailing yacht– Cheaper to operate
– Quiet sail
– Harder to sail
Motor yachts– Faster 
– Easier to dock in shallow waters
– Expensive to maintain

If you’d like to read up more about the different types of yachts, head down to our guide here.

Now that you know more about the types of yachts available for rental in Singapore, here’s how you can book one! 

Making yacht rentals in Singapore easy

Yacht rental in Singapore wasn’t always this easy. 

Let’s say you wanted to do a yacht rental for one day to enjoy a romantic night in Singapore. Previously, you’d have to rely on trawling forums or word of mouth to find the right boat to rent. 

With Yachtly, gone are those days! 

Yachtly is a platform that works closely with yacht owners to create a hassle-free booking experience, and we offer some of the cheapest yacht rentals around.

Planning to throw a yacht party but on a tight budget? Check out some of the cheapest yacht rentals available in Singapore here. 

Basically, Yachtly lists more than 50+ yachts available for rent. 

On our website, each yacht has its own dedicated page that gives in-depth information about it. Each boat page also comes with high-quality photos of both its exterior and interior to give you a feel of it.  

Details such as the starting price, the type of events the yacht is suitable for, the available amenities, and its capacity are all available at a glance. 

All yacht rentals also include a captain and a crew. We currently do not provide bareboat yacht charters. 

Yacht rental in Singapore: All under 10 minutes

It used to be that when you wanted to rent a yacht, you’d have to fill up a form, submit it, and wait at least 1 working day to hear back from the rental company. 

But times have changed. With Yachtly’s instant booking approval, you no longer need to wait for a booking confirmation. 

The availability of the yacht is immediately viewable on each of the yacht’s page, as is the yacht rental price. This means that you can make your decision without waiting. 

Simply choose a date, the duration of your charter, and how many guests are going. There’s also a live chat function, should you have any questions regarding bookings or additional services.

How do you rent a yacht with Yachtly?

Are you all set to book a yacht? Here’s how you can go about doing it. 

There are 2 booking methods to choose from: You can either book via the “Browse Yachts” or the “Find Me A Yacht” link. 

1. “Browse Yachts”

This is a more straightforward way of booking a yacht on Yachtly. 

If you’re familiar with yacht rental in Singapore, and know which type of yacht to choose, you can head over to this link to book it. 

In general, this page allows you to look at all the yachts available for rent on Yachtly.

Choose the date

You can choose the sail date here to see all the available yachts on that day

If you’ve already set a date for your charter and are just looking for any yachts that are available on that day, simply click on the date button at the top of the page. 

A pop-up window will appear, on which you can choose the date of sail. 

Choose the number of guests

You can add the number of guests here to see all the boat that can accommodate your group

One thing to note is that different yachts have different capacities. 

On this page, you can adjust the number of guests coming, so that the page will list down all the yachts that can accommodate your group. 

Filter option

To narrow down your options, you can also use the filter button at the top of the page. 

A pop-up window where you can filter the boats based on the criteria
You can narrow down your options based on criteria like price range

This filter function allows you to choose the right boat based on the following criteria: 

  • Type of yacht (eg. power single hull, power catamaran, etc.) 
  • Customer ratings
  • Price range
  • Amenities available onboard

2. “Find Me A Yacht”

If you’re new to yacht rental in Singapore and unsure of how to choose a boat, you can book through this method. Generally, this way of booking allows you to browse through the different yachts based on the occasion. 

First, you’ll need to decide the type of event that you’ll be hosting onboard the yacht. Based on the type of event, our data and experience will help narrow down a few suitable yachts specifically for you. 

Of course, bookings don’t have to be strictly celebratory – you can rent a boat to go fishing in the waters of Singapore too! 

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to book a yacht on Yachtly:

Step 1. Click on the ‘Find Me A Yacht’ button to go to the booking page 

yachtly home page
You can click on the “Find Me A Yacht” button to go to the booking page

Step 2. Choose the kind of event that you’re hosting on the yacht

Occasion page showing the 4 types of events to have on a yacht
Start your booking by choosing either one of these 4 categories

For a more customised event, you can click on the “Customised Occasion” section to create an itinerary that’s tailored to your liking. 

In general, the pages for each of these occasions give you an idea on what to expect onboard a yacht. There’s also a recommended itinerary listed on these pages. 

Afterwards, click on the “Find Me A Yacht” button and you’ll be led to the next page.

Step 3. Booking the date

First, choose the desired month and year that you wish to book your yacht.

Booking page with the month and year selection
Here’s where you can choose the month and year of your sail date

After that, click on the “Next” button to pick the specific date you want to sail. 

Booking page with a calendar view, where you can choose the sail date
Here’s where you can choose te sail date

Step 4. Add the number of guests 

The yachts that you can choose from will depend on how many guests will be onboard. In the event your headcount isn’t finalised yet, you can add more guests first. 

Once you’ve decided how many people will be sailing, click on “Next” to go to the reservations page.

Booking page to add the number of guests
The boats that we’ll recommend depend on the number of guests coming onboard

Step 5. Choosing your yacht 

Here’s where we shortlist a few yachts for you depending on how many people are coming onboard. You can still modify the date and number of guests even while browsing, so don’t worry.

A list of recommended boats based on occasion, date, and number of guests
Here’s where you can find a list of recommended boats based on your selection

Once you’ve decided on your yacht, click on it to proceed with your yacht booking.  

Step 6. Book your time slot

On this page, you can review more details about the boat, recommended itinerary, the yacht’s onboard facilities, and any reviews left by previous guests. 

This is also where you choose the start and end timings of your yacht charter. Keep in mind that the minimum yacht rental duration is 4 hours, and that prices may vary according to the time of the day.

Yacht page on which you can choose the duration of the yacht rental
Find out more details like amenities onboard the yacht

Our yachts usually cruise 2 to 3 times a day in pre-determined time slots, and each booking is in 4-hour blocks or more. Additionally, yacht owners may give discounts if you rent the yacht longer. 

You can also have an overnight stay if you’d like. Be sure to email us at [email protected] so that we can make the necessary arrangements. 

Here are some tips we have when choosing a time for your rental: 

  • Mornings are cooling and the waters are usually less busy.
  • Afternoons are great for those sun-seekers looking to work on getting their perfect tan.
  • Evening charters provide the perfect backdrop to a romantic night out on the yacht. Top it off with a dinner under the stars, and see the lights of Singapore’s skyline.

Once you’ve chosen your desired time slot, click “Proceed to Choose My Add-Ons” to head to the next page.

Step 7. Choosing your add-ons

Booking page where you can choose your add-ons
You may opt to add BBQ along with the service here

If you want to save the hassle of bringing your own food, you may order the BBQ and BBQ service as add-ons here. 

Do take note that the minimum order for the BBQ is 12 pax, and will include raw and cooked food, drinks, and cutlery. The BBQ service will include the pit rental, set up, cooking, and cleaning by the crew. 

If you don’t need any add-ons, you can skip this step and click on the “Request To Book” button. 

Step 8. Fill in your personal details

Booking page where you can fill up your particulars
Fill up your particulars here before submitting your booking

Fill up the required information and submit it to Yachtly, and you’re done! 

If you need more information regarding renting a yacht, you can check out our FAQ here. Feel free to contact us for event planning as well. 

Book a charter and get ready to sail the high sea of Singapore.
Get started to book a yacht

Top 10 things to note when renting a yacht in Singapore with Yachtly

As with most things in life, renting a yacht doesn’t come without its own set of guidelines and rules. Each yacht will have its own set of rules that you and your guests should follow. 

The one rule that’s common across all yachts is: Always listen to the captain, and don’t commit any rash or irresponsible acts.

1. Are there any hidden costs?
No. The price includes the cost of fuel, amenities, captain, and crew. Any add-ons are just things like the BBQ and City Skyline Cruise, in which the prices will be listed when you make the booking.

2. What happens if I need to cancel my booking?
Each yacht has its own cancellation policy. You can view our cancellation policies here.

3. What happens if I need to change my booking after confirmation?
Get in touch with us and we’ll help you out.

4. How do I know if my booking is confirmed?
You’ll receive a confirmation email with your booking reference, and all details pertaining to the charter.

5. What is the difference between “Instant booking” and “Request to book”?
The difference between the two is whether you’re guaranteed a yacht at the date and time you’ve chosen.

6. Can I cook onboard the yacht?
No – due to insurance policies, all cooking can only be done by the yacht’s crew.

7. Can I bring my own food and drink?

Yes, of course! Please bring your food into the Marinas yourself, since external vendors aren’t allowed to enter. 

We don’t charge corkage fees either and we encourage responsible drinking. Do keep in mind that red wine is not allowed onboard, since it can stain the decks of the yachts. 

8. Do I have to bring my own cutlery?
If you’re bringing your own food and drink, you’ll have to bring your own cutlery. If you’ve ordered food through us, we’ll provide them. Please also bring disposable plastic cups, since the yacht may run out of supplies.

9. Do I need to bring anything else for the charter?
We recommend that you bring a spare change of clothes and towels, since a lot of the activities onboard will involve water.

10. What are your terms and conditions?
For all the legal details, check our page here.

Other FAQ’s

Is there mobile phone coverage on the yacht?
Yes; you should have mobile coverage for the entire duration of your itinerary. The signal at Lazarus Island can be intermittent, but it’s generally workable.

Can I have different amenities than the ones listed on the yacht’s page?
Unfortunately, no – these amenities aren’t transferable between yachts.

Can I bring my pets onboard?
Sadly, no – pets are not allowed on board the yachts.

Can I sail non-stop?
No. The yacht rental fee includes fuel only for the itinerary. The yacht also has to anchor in order to prepare water toys and any food you ordered.

Can I stay overnight on the yacht? 
You can! Please drop us an email at [email protected] to find out more.

What if the weather is bad?
Singapore’s tropical climate means that sometimes, thunderstorms and passing showers occur. 

If rain happens, the charter will proceed since there is no impending danger to property or any lives. If the rain develops into a thunderstorm, we’ll delay the charter for up to an hour. 

If the weather doesn’t clear up, we’ll reschedule your charter to a mutually agreeable date and time. We recommend contacting your captain to get an onsite assessment of the weather.

Can I ask for more water toys?
At the moment, you can only request for additional water toys if the yacht has them. We’re working on making more water toys available in the future.

What’s included when I have the BBQ service add-on?
The yacht’s BBQ service is a nominal fee for the crew to set up the pit, cook and serve the food, as well as cleaning it up after.

What kind of food do you provide?
While we don’t prepare food in-house, we’ve partnered with reputable catering companies who are Halal-certified such as Neo Group.

We offer a BBQ package which includes cooked food and raw marinated BBQ food. The cooked food will be prepared by the catering company and sent to the yacht in takeaway containers. 

As for the BBQ food, the ingredients will be sent to the yacht and cooked onboard.

What about safety onboard the yacht?
Prior to setting sail, the captain will give a safety briefing. It is important to listen to this to prevent any accidents. In the unforeseen event that one does occur, you should inform the captain immediately.

What kinds of safety equipment does the yacht come with?
All safety equipment onboard each yacht is regulated by the Maritime Authority of Singapore. They include but are not limited to: life vests, communication, and navigational equipment, among others.

Are children and pregnant women allowed onboard?

Yes! For pregnant women, it’s best that you are in good health so that you can enjoy the trip. 

For children, there are no age limits. Do let us know how many children there will be so we can prepare the appropriate number of life vests for them.

Is smoking allowed onboard?

Rules regarding smoking are different for each yacht. As a general guideline, smoking is only allowed in the rear of the yacht after it anchors. The captain will cover the do’s and don’ts in their safety briefing.

If you need more information regarding our policies for yacht rentals, check out our FAQ here.

Ready for your yacht adventure? Head over to our listings and find yourself the perfect yacht here! 

Don’t want to put a hole in your wallet for a yacht charter? Here’s our guide to planning a yacht party for as low as $500+!