One of the most exciting parts of a yacht charter is the chance to play with water toys. From Seabobs and wakeboards to jet skis and floating islands, these toys can turn a great vacation into an unforgettable adventure. But here’s the catch: not every yacht comes with the same toys, and rules can vary by destination.
This guide will walk you through what toys you can expect, where restrictions come into play, and how to make sure your next yacht charter includes the thrills you’re looking for.
What Water Toys Are Usually on Board?
Most yachts come stocked with the basics:
- Paddleboards
- Kayaks
- Snorkel gear
- Inflatable towables
- A tender for waterskiing or wakeboarding
Higher-end yachts often step it up with next-level toys such as:
- Seabobs (underwater scooters that let you “fly” through the water)
- E-foils (electric hydrofoil boards that glide above the water)
- Electric surfboards
- Wakeboards & waterskis
- Floating islands & inflatable docks
- Ocean pools & sea platforms
- Water slides off the top deck
- Towable tubes & banana boats
- Yacht beach – becomes an extension of your yacht platform
Each yacht’s toy list is different, so if there’s something specific on your wish list, it’s important to ask before booking.
Jet Skis: The Most Requested Toy
Jet skis (also called Personal Watercraft or PWCs) are by far the most popular request, but they also come with the most rules.
British Virgin Islands:
Jet skis are not allowed, even if the yacht has them on board. That said, rentals can sometimes be arranged at marinas for a few hours of fun. If you pop over to the USVI, you can use your jet ski, though.
Greece and Croatia:
You’ll need a boating license to operate a jet ski. If you don’t have one, a handful of captains on larger yachts are certified to give a short safety course, but most are not. That means no license = no jet ski use, even if it’s sitting on deck.
Other destinations:
Some places allow use only in designated areas, while others require crew supervision.
👉 Pro Tip: If jet skis are a must for your charter, tell me upfront. I’ll make sure to only pull yachts that are equipped, legal, and have the right crew certifications so you won’t end up staring at a toy you can’t use.
🪪 Do You Need a License to Use a Jet Ski?
In many destinations, yes. The good news is that getting certified is usually easy.
In the United States
Most states require a boater safety certificate to operate a jet ski.
These courses are:
✔ Available online
✔ Self-paced (typically 3–6 hours)
✔ Affordable (often $20–$50)
✔ Valid for life in many states
After passing, you receive a boater education card, which can help you meet requirements in certain charter destinations as well.
In the Caribbean
Rules vary by island and charter base. Some places require a temporary permit, and others allow operation only in certain zones. On crewed yachts, the captain will always brief you on what’s allowed.
In the Mediterranean
Countries like France, Italy, Spain, Greece, and Croatia tend to be stricter. A recognized boating license is often required for independent jet ski use. Without one, usage may be limited or supervised by crew.
⚓ How this works on charter:
When you book a yacht with jet skis, I’ll let you know in advance if a license is required and point you to an approved course if needed. The captain will also give a full safety and operation briefing onboard.
🌊 Smart move: If you think you’ll want to use jet skis on vacation, taking a boater safety course before your trip keeps your options open.
What About Seabobs, E-Foils, and Electric Boards?
These high-tech toys are becoming more and more popular, and they’re incredibly fun.
The good news: They usually don’t require a formal license.
The fine print:
- Some destinations restrict where they can be used
- Crew will always give a safety and operation briefing
- Weather and sea conditions can affect usage
E-foils and electric surfboards especially may have age, weight, or skill-level guidelines for safety.
Scuba Diving from Your Yacht
Love scuba diving? Here’s something most first-time charter guests don’t realize: not all yachts carry scuba gear or have a certified dive master onboard, but SOME do!
Instead, many offer rendezvous diving, where you meet up with a local dive shop for excursions.
If you want to dive directly off the yacht with an instructor, you’ll need a vessel that has a licensed dive master as part of the crew. I can help you pinpoint those options.
Matching the Right Toys with the Right Destination
Every destination has its own rules and every yacht its own setup. Whether you’re looking to:
- Fly underwater on a Seabob
- Glide above the sea on an e-foil
- Cruise on an electric surfboard
- Race across the water on a jet ski
- Dive coral reefs with scuba gear
- Or simply relax on a floating island with a cocktail
…the key is booking the right yacht in the right location. That’s where I come in. I’ll guide you to the yachts that check every box on your wishlist and make sure everything is legal and usable where you’re going.
Ready to Plan Your Yacht Charter?
The fun starts the moment you hit the water — but only if you know what’s included and what’s possible. Don’t leave it to chance. Let’s design a charter that matches your dream toy list and your destination.
👉 Got questions about water toys? Drop a comment, send me a message, or fill out the form. I’ll take care of the rest.
See you on the water! 🌊⚓