Tag Archives: Watersports

How Green Are Your Toys? A Guide to Sustainable Watersports 

When it comes to yacht charters, what truly sets them apart is the experience on offer, and within this are the watersports onboard. Water toys provide endless fun for guests of all ages, from jet skis to paddleboards. However, as the boating industry prioritizes sustainability, more focus has shifted to watersport equipment. Choosing greener toys reduces your environmental impact and improves your connection to the natural world you are exploring. At Boatbookings, we champion greener charters in all aspects, including the toys, so here are ways in 2025 you can make greener choices on your next yacht charter: 

1. Electric Thrills

Traditional and motorized toys tend to rely on fuel, contributing to noise and water pollution. However, the latest electric and solar-powered options offer a quieter, emission-free alternative, such as electric jet skis, solar-powered tenders, and electric foiling boards. These toys are perfect for exploring sensitive marine environments without disturbing marine life. More and more brands are leading the way in creating high-performance toys that deliver fun without as big an impact. 

2. Paddle Power 

Further, nonmotorized toys such as paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes are naturally eco-conscious. They require no fuel, produce no emissions, and allow for a relaxed exploration of your surroundings. Many manufacturers are taking sustainability further by using recycled materials and eco-conscious production methods; lots of paddleboards are now made from recycled materials, providing an environmentally friendly way to enjoy watersports from the swim platform of your next yacht charter. 

3. Dive Under 

Snorkeling and scuba diving are staples of any yacht charter, but traditional gear can have a surprising impact on the environment. Many wetsuits, fins, and masks are made from nonrecyclable materials or treated with toxic chemicals. Opt for equipment made from responsible materials and plant-based alternatives. Additionally, ensure that you minimize your impact on the delicate marine life and coral reefs when enjoying time under the water. 

4. Inflating Responsibly 

Inflatable water toys like trampolines, slides, and towables are great for group fun, but they’re often made from PVC, a material with a significant environmental impact. Look for inflatables made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), which is more durable, recyclable, and free from harmful chemicals. Choosing high-quality, long-lasting products also reduces waste.

5. Leave No Trace 

Even the most sustainable toys can leave an environmental impact if not used responsibly. One easy thing you can do is to ensure you follow best practices, such as avoiding sensitive areas like coral reefs, collecting any debris during water activities, and rinsing gear with eco-friendly solutions to prevent the spread of invasive species.

By selecting more eco-friendly toys and ensuring minimal impact, you not only contribute to preserving marine ecosystems but also set a positive example for the entire yacht charter industry. Contact one of our Boatbookings team today to learn more about our greener-crewed charter catamaran options. 

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Cleaner Fun: A Green Guide For Watersports This Summer

A boat charter isn’t complete without an overflowing selection of watersports. There are endless opportunities for fun onboard this summer on a Mediterranean yacht charter. And with new advanced toys being released onto the market each year, you will never be bored of on-the-water fun. But with these toys comes the environmental responsibility and awareness of protecting the marine environment.

Here are some of the ways you can have a more responsible playtime out on the water: 

Location, Location, Location 

The Mediterranean coastline has hidden coves, colorful reefs, and plenty of beaches. However, some of these marine areas are more fragile than others. Avoid marine-protected and ecologically sensitive regions when enjoying watersports on a boat charter. Be mindful about where you are playing, and avoid reed beds and sandbanks. If you are cruising in a nature reserve and marine protected area, there are typically strict rules and regulations signaling specific behavior for those partaking in watersports; be sure to adhere to these. 

Human-Powered & Electric Toys

The most environmentally friendly watersports are those powered by human effort. These activities, such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, snorkeling, etc, not only have a minimal environmental impact but are still plenty of fun and provide lots of exercise. If you want to enjoy a motorized watersport, you can do a few things to minimize your impact. Firstly, consider switching to an electric motor; many toy boxes onboard now feature electric water toys, offering fun with zero emissions. If you use a traditional, fuel-powered toy, operate it at optimal speeds to maximize fuel efficiency. You can also offset these carbon emissions through our carbon emissions calculator. 

Leave No Trace 

When you are enjoying watersports from your boat charter, there are plenty of general practices that you can adopt to protect the oceans. Firstly, always ensure that you maintain a safe distance from marine life. Using clean equipment is also essential to prevent the spread of invasive species. The leave-no-trace concept should always be followed when boating, especially when enjoying water toys in secluded bays and anchorages. If you find any trash, always be proactive in cleaning up to help keep the oceans clean. 

Embracing greener practices in watersports is a necessity for preserving our marine ecosystems when boating; finding a balance between fun and environmental responsibility is key. Consider one of our greener crewed charter catamarans to reduce your impact further for your next boating vacation. Contact one of the team at Boatbookings to find out more. 

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Greener thrills: How can a yacht have more eco-friendly water toys?

On a crewed charter catamaran, you can have so much fun getting out on the ocean exploring new places, and spending quality time with loved ones. What else would you need? 

Water toys, of course! Watersports and water toys turn a simple day on the water into pure exhilaration. But when it comes to reducing the yacht’s environmental footprint, the toy box has a lot to answer for. Now, with increasingly innovative designs and green technology, a new wave of eco-friendly water toys is on the rise. 

Ones that are equally exciting but without the fossil fuel-guzzling engines and unsustainable materials.

We take a look at these more eco-friendly water toys:

Powered by humans 

Put aside the fuel and diesel needed for fun, and harness the energy you have in yourself! There are so many toys powered by humans, whether paddleboarding or kayaking. These toys offer a fresh alternative to traditional motorized options. They allow you to immerse yourself fully into nature, contribute to a greener playtime, and give you a workout on the side! 

Watts of fun 

Electric is the future! And what’s not to like about virtually silent, emission-free fun? Many innovative electric water toys, such as surfboards, jet skis, and inflatable boats, combine cutting-edge technology with sustainability. By using electric motors, they produce zero emissions and reduce the impact in terms of noise and vibrations. These toys give a thrilling ride without the guilt of fuel. 

If your toys do have to run on fuel, make sure they use 4-stroke, not 2-stroke engines. Without going into the details, 2-stroke engines are incredibly pollutive. A single two-stroke engine produces pollution equivalent to that of 30 to 50 four-stroke automobiles because they mix oil and gas and don’t burn them very efficiently.

Foiling alternatives 

Water toys with foiling technology have taken water-based adventures to the next level. Foiling toys such as hydrofoil surfboards, kite foils, and sailboats use specialized wings or foils beneath the surface to lift them above the waves, enabling the user to glide effortlessly over the ocean. 

Toys made better 

A long-standing issue with many of the current toys on the market is the materials, but today many manufacturers now consider the life cycle of a product and prioritize sustainable materials and production methods. This helps to reduce the carbon footprint and minimizes waste. Many are now made from recycled plastics or biodegradable materials – you can even get golf balls made of fish food! 

We all know that the yachting community must set a path toward sustainability and a circular economy to survive and for the planet’s future. While significant emphasis is being put on the yacht to be more sustainable, it also must extend to everything that comes with it – including the tenders and toys! 

Get onboard with eco-friendly water toys today!

Contact one of the Boatbookings team to learn about the more environmentally crewed charter catamarans and the watersports fun you can have.

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Book an Unbelievable BVI Break

Look no further than the BVI for a yacht charter destination that offers an activity to suit everyone in your group. With everything from thrilling party scenes to untouched reserves ideal for diving and snorkeling, you can guarantee that each charter guest will have an amazing and memorable trip.

White Bay - BVI
White Bay – BVI

If you’re lucky, the dates of your charter will fall around the famous BVI Full Moon Parties. Not to be confused with the rowdier Thai event, you can enjoy island music, fabulous food and cocktails under the light of the full moon.

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Enjoy an Easter Egg Hunt on RENAISSANCE!

What better way to spend the Easter Holiday than on the brand new 116′ Hargrave RENAISSANCE in the beautiful turquoise waters of the Bahamas over Easter! Now offering a special rate out of Nassau, Bahamas with no delivery fee from her home port of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  Her interior, designed by Interiors by Shelly, will take your breath away and the exterior spaces are perfect for relaxing and spending time with your family and friends.

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