The main advantage to a sleep aboard is that you'll leave the dock earlier the next day. Charters with a sleep aboard usually leave the marina around 10:30-11:00 AM, whereas clients without a sleep aboard usually leave the marina around 2:00-2:30 PM. Sleep aboard boarding times vary by charter company, but all are between 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM. The cost also varies depending on the charter company: $75/person up to 65% of the gross daily charter fee. Sleep aboard rates are posted on the individual bareboat company's rate pages.
With a sleep aboard, you will load your gear that evening and have an opportunity to become familiar with your yacht prior to the yacht orientation the following morning. Also, you can usually provision that evening - especially in the Virgin Islands. If you arrive after the office is closed, the yacht's lights will be on, the refrigerator will be cold and there will be instructions describing the yacht's systems and where the bathroom and shower facilities are on shore. The staff will show you the yacht's complete systems the next day in a yacht orientation.
On the other hand, a sleep aboard can be uncomfortable, especially in the summer if your yacht isn’t equipped with air conditioning; protected marinas and can be hot and buggy. Most hotels near the marinas will accept one-night reservations - our Concierge Team will assist you. Their prices start around $130 per room/night in low season and around $170 per room/night in high season, plus tax and service charge. A good night's sleep in a nice cool room after a long day of travel can be the best way to start your vacation.