Category Archives: Bahamas

A Caribbean Charter: Embrace Eco-Friendly Activities in the Caribbean

The Caribbean is one of our favorite destinations for a crewed catamaran charter. But we need to become increasingly conscious of our impact as we travel, so engaging in more eco-friendly activities on vacation is one way to do so.

Our team at Boatbookings has been visiting the Caribbean for years and, unfortunately, is seeing increasing negative impacts on the islands. We want you and future generations to enjoy this paradise, and we need to preserve our planet and oceans. 

So, here are some ways you can enjoy the Caribbean with less of an impact: 

Snorkel in Marine Reserves

One of the best ways to appreciate the Caribbean’s underwater wonders is by snorkeling. There are so many designated marine reserves, like the Tobago Cays Marine Park in St Vincent and the Grenadines, that ensure that these ecosystems continue to be protected. When exploring the underwater world in these regulated parks, refrain from touching or disturbing any marine life and wear reef-friendly suncream to minimize your impact further.

Responsible Wildlife Encounters 

The Caribbean is home to unique and diverse wildlife throughout the islands, from sea turtles nesting on the beaches to exotic birds in the forests. Choose wildlife excursions that adhere to ethical practices, ensuring minimal disturbance to the animals and their habitats. Various islands offer opportunities to witness sea turtle conservation efforts; check out the Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network to learn more. 

Community-Based Tourism 

While you are on your crewed charter catamaran, you can engage with local communities in plenty of ways. Contact us to learn about the community-based tourism initiatives in the area you will be cruising. These experiences offer authentic insights into Caribbean culture while directly benefitting local economies. There are plenty of activities that foster a connection with the community and contribute to sustainable development. 

Conservation Projects 

Take part in organized beach cleanups or conservation projects that aim to protect the coastal ecosystems. Many organizations in the Caribbean regularly host community events focused on protecting the coastal and marine environments. If you are chartering in the Bahamas, you can learn about the importance of coral reefs. The Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation offers various programs and expert-led snorkeling tours, and you can even adopt your own coral fragment! 

Fish Sustainably 

One particular threat to the Caribbean’s natural balance is the lionfish, an invasive species from the Pacific Ocean. There are various initiatives across the islands to try to control the population. In St Lucia, you can participate in educational lionfish diving and fishing excursions. 

Local Hiking Tours 

You can enjoy guided hiking tours with local tour operators within the lush rainforests that cover the islands. These give you an insight into the incredible environments and local cultures. The Wallings Nature Reserve in Antigua is managed by women from the nearby village of John Hughes, and they led various solo and guided hiking tours, highlighting local flora and species; all fees support the reserve. 

By choosing more eco-friendly activities and supporting sustainable initiatives, generations to come will also be able to enjoy the beauty of the Caribbean. Contact one of the Boatbookings team today to chat about your next greener crewed charter catamaran vacation in the Caribbean. And leave only footprints! 

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Discover the Caribbean with the Sunreef Eco 80, Sol

With the Caribbean season warming up, we wanted to showcase one of our newest Sunreef Eco 80 catamarans, Sol, as part of our more sustainable offerings. At Boatbookings, we advocate for greener crewed charter catamaran options, which is why we love having Sol to offer to clients. 

Sol officially debuted at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show last month and is Sunreef’s newest Eco fleet member.

Here are some of the reasons why you should choose Sol today: 

1. Sol is more sustainable 

Sol is a Sunreef Eco 80 and utilizes cutting-edge technologies and systems to minimize waste and emissions. The electric propulsion system runs silently and is bolstered by the large solar panel covering (integrated into the superstructure, hull and bimini roof) and battery banks. Inside, Sol has vegan furniture and finishes, showcasing cruelty-free decor. 

Sol also has an efficient waste management system featuring onboard composting, and there is limited single-use plastic with the water filtration system and reusable bottles. The crew onboard Sol use non-toxic and reef-safe toiletries and cleaning. Meanwhile, the chefs offer seasonal and local menus to guests to further reduce the yacht’s carbon emissions and to support local businesses. 

2. Sol offers great wellness packages 

As well as sustainability, the crew onboard Sol prioritize you. This Sunreef Eco is the perfect base for a wellness-focused experience in the Caribbean. The crew provides the ultimate amenities to relax and recharge, complete with yoga and meditation spaces. There is also the opportunity for plenty of spa treatments on your charter. The onboard menus can also be tailored to a wellness-based retreat with gourmet, plant-based menus as an option. 

3. Sol has plenty of activities 

The Sunreef Eco is always equipped with plenty of amenities, and with Sol, this is no different. There is an array of on and off-the-water activities, including beach toys, kayaks, paddle boards, snorkelling e-bikes and foil boards. 

4. Sol cruises the Caribbean 

All of our crewed charter catamarans are perfect for cruising the Caribbean; like Sol, Sunreef’s can get into the best anchorages throughout the BVI’s through to the Bahamas. We can create a tailored and bespoke itinerary for you to cruise Sol. Whether you want to spend your days simply relaxing onboard or getting out on the water for adventures, your vacation will be truly memorable onboard Sol! 

Get onboard Sol today! 

Contact the Boatbookings team today to enjoy a greener crewed charter catamaran on Sol in the Caribbean. We want to protect our oceans and minimize the impact the boating industry is having, which is why we champion builders such as Sunreef. Make a difference today and book a more sustainable charter option. 

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Charter Guest 101: How to be a More Eco-Conscious Guest

Being a charter guest onboard a luxury charter catamaran is an incredible experience, being able to cruise the world’s oceans while being looked after by a professional crew with all the amenities. But, today, charter guests must consider the impact that boating is having on the environment. 

This environmental impact of yachts can no longer be ignored, and at Boatbookings, we advocate for a more sustainable boating industry, choosing to work with yachts that implement sustainable initiatives into the build process and operations. 

Aside from choosing from one of our greener crewed charter catamarans, there are plenty of other ways to ensure you are a better, more eco-conscious and responsible charter guest. 

Here are some tips on how to enjoy your yacht charter while minimizing your impact: 

Better Preferences

Crews ensure they always go above and beyond when running a yacht charter, and this extends to ensuring guests have what they ask for onboard a crewed charter catamaran. When filling out a preference sheet, there are a few things to consider to have a greener charter. Minimize plastic waste by drinking from refillable bottles, and utilizing the onboard water filtration system instead of requesting branded water bottles. Toiletries are another factor to consider; you can request that there be reef-friendly and environmentally safe toiletries onboard.

When it comes to food, the chefs are heavily involved in preferences. If guests request something, they will be sure to fly it in, which contributes significantly to the yacht’s carbon footprint. Be sure to request locally sourced and seasonal menus when onboard. Not only does this reduce the carbon footprint, but it also allows you to savor the freshest produce and local specialities. 

Respect the Underwater World 

Getting underwater is a big part of a yacht charter, especially in tropical locations where the underwater world is pristine, such as Tahiti, the BVIs, and the Bahamas! To preserve these ecosystems, minimize your disruption when partaking in any watersport. Avoid feeding or touching marine life, and keep a safe distance when swimming.

Reduce Consumption 

While crewed catamarans have an array of luxury amenities and facilities, this doesn’t mean that there needs to be excessive use of them. Guests can easily conserve energy and resources by switching things off when not in use. This reduction in consumption can also help reduce the yacht’s carbon footprint. You should also always embrace vacation mode and cruise at a leisurely pace; not only does this allow you to take in the destination better, but a slower cruising speed further reduces emissions. 

Support Local 

Practicing responsible sailing doesn’t just stop on the ocean. When you step ashore, it is important to support the local economy. If you go on excursions ashore, consult the crew to ensure you participate in ones that benefit the community. There are always plenty of organizations and initiatives you can get involved with ashore that are helping minimize environmental impact, such as beach clean-ups. 

Listen to Your Crew 

The yacht crew onboard our charter catamaran ensure that the boats are run extremely safely to adhere to all rules and regulations, including the environmental aspect. The crew will ensure you recognize the environmental impact that the yacht and operations will have and the correct waste disposal practices you can do while onboard. 

Spread Awareness

Never hesitate to ask the crew about any small changes you can make to minimize your impact onboard. You can inspire positive change throughout the charter community by spreading awareness about eco-friendly swaps. 

Every small change contributes to a greener future for boating. It is a collaborative effort, and as guests, you can play a vital role in preserving and protecting our oceans. Contact the Boatbookings team today to find out which greener crewed charter catamaran you can book for your next vacation!

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World Ocean Day: What can we do together to help preserve our seas?

Today is World Ocean Day, a day to celebrate and honour the importance of our oceans. This year’s theme is ‘Planet Ocean: tides are changing.’

The oceans are our lifeline, literally. They provide us with 70% of our oxygen and cover 71% of the Earth’s surface. Without them, both humanity and our yachting industry would cease to exist.

At Boatbookings, we understand that we are united by oceans and reliant upon their health. We have long been an advocate for protecting them and continue to do so. To ensure their survival in the future we need more collective action.

What are the main threats facing our oceans? 

It is important to identify the main threats facing our oceans in order to understand what the issues are why we should protect them, and how to work to do so.

  • Plastic pollution: An equivalent of one truckload of plastic enters the oceans every minute, damaging the ecosystems and entering the food chain.
  • Overfishing: 90% of the world’s wild fish are either fully or over-exploited due to destructive fishing practices. 
  • Ocean Warming: Increasing ocean temperatures are affecting marine species and ecosystems and driving up sea levels. 

Why else do we want to protect them?

  • It is the ultimate playground: The ocean is different everywhere you go, from Greece to Croatia, to the Bahamas, to the Pacific. You can do so many things on, in and under the oceans. It is full of life’s great, diverse adventures, think kayaking fjords to scuba diving with reef sharks.
  • We share it: The oceans are a valuable resource that is utilised and shared around the globe. The oceans shape cultures and traditions and living by the sea has such an impact on your life, whether that be what you eat, where you work, or how you spend your time. 
  • The Biodiversity: The oceans are home to an incredible array of biodiversity, including millions of species that many are still yet to be discovered. Healthy oceans can support complex ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangroves and sea grass, which all provide habitats and feeding grounds.
  • Makes us feel good: Research has shown that bodies of water are strongly linked to your brain releasing feel-good hormones. Who wouldn’t be happy on a crewed charter catamaran in Tahiti? 

What can we do onboard a crewed charter?

There are so many ways we can help protect and conserve our oceans. Both small and large changes can make a world of difference to the health of our oceans and the overall sustainability of our planet. Here are some top ways this World Ocean Day you can help:

  • Make sure you choose one of our more sustainable electric charter catamarans for this summer. From electric to hybrid, there are so many green options out there. 
  • Offset your carbon emissions. You can use our carbon offset calculator to work them out. 
  • Reduce your plastic waste onboard. You can specify on your preference sheet that you would like to minimize single-use plastic wherever possible. For example, through reusable bottles, filtered water, and refillable toiletries onboard a crewed charter. 
  • Support and get involved in any local ocean conservation initiatives, from beach clean up’s in the BVI’s to supporting local communities in the Bahamas. 
  • Eat locally and seasonally onboard. You can ask your onboard chef to source sustainably and ethically throughout your trip. This will reduce your carbon footprint onboard due to the reduced air miles. 
  • It is important to understand why there are specific anchoring regulations in place and to always adhere to these. Your crew will ensure that you anchor in an environmentally-safe spot without damaging what is below, especially the coral reef.

While it is essential to recognize and acknowledge all the themes and topics behind World Ocean Day, we should work to protect and conserve our oceans every day. We ensure our clients take the protection of oceans seriously. At Boatbookings, we started this by helping facilitate greener chartering, leading the charge to provide our clients with a more sustainable charter fleet and practices. For a greener charter this year, contact the Boatbookings team today.

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Green Energy Spotlight: Solar-Powered Catamarans 

Solar power is fundamental in today’s quest for green energy. This drive towards responsible energy can especially be seen onboard crewed catamarans. Yacht builders are increasingly harnessing solar power onboard – especially within the catamaran market. 

It is easy to see why – solar power is a cleaner and more efficient source of energy for yachts to operate enabling reduced emissions and fuel consumption, and catamarans provide ample space to place the panels!

How does solar power work?

Simply put, solar panels convert sunlight into electricity through solar panels, batteries and inverters. 

To maximise this green energy generation onboard, they can be integrated into the hull sides, mast, superstructure, bimini roof, hardtop canopies or even the decks. Where there is space, there is an opportunity to create cleaner energy with solar panels. We are even seeing solar cells embedded in the boat’s composite structure. 

The Benefits

But why solar? Firstly, most crewed catamarans cruise in sunny places, from the lemon-drenched picturesque Amalfi Coast to the sandbanks and sunshine of the Bahamas, so harnessing this green energy from the sun makes perfect sense. 

With fewer emissions and pollutants than traditional fuel-powered generators, solar power minimizes the overall environmental impact. Aside from the substantial environmental gains, it is also cost-efficient and, after the initial outlay, reduces longer-term fuel costs. This green energy generation also provides a quieter charter, running the catamaran systems from electricity rather than noisy (and stinky) fuel-burning generators. 

Why catamarans?

From cargo ships and small Atlantic crossing rowing boats to narrow boats, there are now various types utilising solar power. However, the multihull market was an early adopter for a good reason. 

A lightweight catamaran provides lower drag and a bigger surface area for integrating solar panels. Because when sunny days on a crewed catamaran itinerary in the BVI outweigh those suitable for sailing, why not be on a yacht that creates fuel-free energy, powering your charter from the sun? 

At Boatbookings, we pride ourselves in offering these crewed catamaran charters from builds such as Silent and Sunreef. These options are perfect for any group that wishes to have less impact on our oceans through a yacht charter.

Contact the Boatbookings team today to discuss our greener energy options. 

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