St. Thomas is one of the island sectors that comprise the US Virgin Islands, in the Caribbean. When you’re looking for a holiday of a lifetime to relax, St. Thomas is always a favored destination as it has beautiful, turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and a beautiful sun.
Going on a holiday in St. Thomas gives you a chance to enjoy both culture and beauty. With flavorful food, hospitable people, and their colorful culture, the locals will have you immersed in life at its best.
To level up your vacation even more, one of the best ways to go around the island and enjoy its privacy is to hop aboard a boat rental. To make sure you won’t get shortlisted out from the best, here are some tips that’ll come in handy when choosing a boat rental provider in St. Thomas:
1. Ask About The Boat’s Location
Location is one of the most important factors to consider. There are many access points in St. Thomas where you can start and end your journey.
First, you have to find out whether or not the boat’s location will be at a marina or in an inland area like a house or business. This is very important because of the following distinctions:
- If the boat is already at a marina, you can immediately jump right into it and then go.
- If it’s on land, you’ll need to bring the boat on a trailer so you can reach your final destination.
Typically, both options have their pros and cons. The final choice matters on your personal preference.
2. Read Through The Underlying Contract
Before all the fun activities, you’ve got to go through legal matters first. Take time to read through and understand the contract provided.
Remember that you’re not a local in St. Thomas. As a tourist, it’s your responsibility to know what your rights and responsibilities are. That way, should a mishap occur, you know the extent of your protection. Therefore, it’s important for you to read through the contract so you can avoid unclear and abusive clauses.
Here are some important points to consider:
- If you’re not going to hire a local captain as one of the members of your group, someone will assume responsibility as captain, which requires them to present the appropriate license. Also, if you’re the designated captain, be aware of your liabilities;
- As a renter of the boat, you’ll be held accountable for any losses or damages to the boat during the duration of your trip;
- The extent of the mooring costs and other expenses at the port and throughout the sail.
3. Check The Insurance And Registration
Like the contract, the insurance and registration documents also matter. Never rent a boat that has no insurance and registration attached to it, even if the price is so much lower. You never know when a possible accident may arise. Since you’re on foreign ground, it’s always nice to know you’ve got an umbrella of protection.
4. Be Clear About The Time Frame
As you book the boat rental, you have to be a hundred percent certain of the time frame. This refers to the time when you’re going to pick up the boat, and then eventually return it.
When you’re renting a boat from a private individual, you may haggle with the time. When you’re renting from a marina, there’s a set time-frame that you need to follow.
5. Set The Date In Advance
Along with the specific time frame, you also have to set the date in advance. You have to set your dates as advanced as you can, ideally right after your plane tickets are booked.
The rates of boat rentals can vary greatly based on the dates. You may also be eligible for more discounts when you book in advance.
6. Be Clear About The Purpose Of Renting The Boat
If you’re traveling with friends, then you may be looking for a boat that can accommodate drinking and some fun. If you’re traveling with young children, then a boat that caters to more relaxation works best.
There are many different kinds of boats you can choose from that have varying sizes. You can narrow down your options based on the kind of holiday you’re having.
Conclusion
Since the pristine and beautiful beaches are the biggest draws for tourists in St. Thomas, it’s just fitting for you to spend a majority of your days by the sea. A good way to do this is by going onboard a boat rental.
These tips can assure you that nothing will go wrong with your holiday in paradise as you’re putting your trust in a very good St. Thomas boat rental company.
