Key takeaways
- ✓The Caribbean season runs roughly from November/December to April/May, during the region's dry season.
- ✓Hiring peaks in September–December: look while yachts are still in the Med or in Florida.
- ✓Many yachts cross the Atlantic in November, often from Gibraltar or the Canary Islands — delivery crew are in demand.
- ✓Antigua and St Maarten are the main bases; the Antigua Charter Yacht Show in early December is seen as the start of the season.
- ✓A US B1/B2 visa is often requested, as many yachts call at US ports or the US Virgin Islands during the season.
The season calendar
| Months | What happens | Best for crew |
|---|---|---|
| Sep–Oct | Med season ends; yachts prepare for the crossing; Fort Lauderdale boat show season | Applying for Caribbean positions and crossings |
| Nov | Transatlantic crossings (ARC and private deliveries); yachts arrive in Antigua and St Maarten | Delivery and crossing crew |
| Dec | Antigua Charter Yacht Show; Christmas and New Year charters | Last-minute charter crew, daywork |
| Jan–Mar | Peak charter season; regattas (e.g. St Barths, Antigua, St Maarten) | Relief crew, regatta crew, daywork |
| Apr–May | Antigua Sailing Week; yachts head back across the Atlantic or to the US | Return crossings and deliveries |
Where the yachts are
- •Antigua (Falmouth Harbour, English Harbour) — charter and race yachts, the December charter show
- •St Maarten / St Martin (Simpson Bay) — superyacht marinas and a busy crew scene
- •British and US Virgin Islands — charter fleets and catamarans
- •St Barths — charter base, especially over New Year
- •Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach, Florida — where many yachts refit and hire before heading south
How to get hired for the season
- •Update your CV and profile in August–September and mark your availability from October
- •Apply for transatlantic delivery jobs — they are a common way into a Caribbean season
- •Register with crew agencies and set job alerts for "Caribbean", "crossing" and "relief"
- •Be ready to travel at short notice: passport, ENG1, STCW and visas in date
- •Take daywork on arrival — captains often hire day workers they already know
On Maritime Delivery you can set your availability calendar and job alerts so delivery and relief jobs for the crossing reach you first.
Paperwork checklist
- •Passport valid for at least six months beyond the season
- •US B1/B2 visa if the yacht may visit US ports or the US Virgin Islands
- •STCW Basic Safety Training and ENG1 in date for the whole season
- •Schengen days planned if you leave from the Med (count your 90/180 days)
- •Health insurance that covers you at sea and in the Caribbean
Frequently asked questions
When does the Caribbean yacht season start?+
Roughly in November–December, after the hurricane season. The Antigua Charter Yacht Show in early December is widely seen as the start. The season runs until about April or May.
When should I look for a Caribbean yacht job?+
September to December. Many captains hire while the yacht is still in the Mediterranean or in Florida, before the crossing.
Where are the best places to find yacht work in the Caribbean?+
Antigua and St Maarten are the main hubs, followed by the BVI, St Barths and Fort Lauderdale in Florida, where many yachts prepare for the season.
Do I need a US visa for a Caribbean yacht season?+
Often yes. Many yachts visit US ports or the US Virgin Islands, so captains frequently ask for a B1/B2 visa.
Sources
- Dockwalk — When and where to be for yacht crew jobs
- Yotspot — What is the Caribbean yachting season?
- UKSA — Yachting season guide
- YPI Crew — How to find a Caribbean yacht job
- NOAA — Atlantic hurricane season
- Atlantic crossing crew guide (Maritime Delivery guide)
- Yacht delivery season calendar (Maritime Delivery guide)
- B1/B2 visa for yacht crew (Maritime Delivery guide)
Put it to work