How do I book a private yacht charter in Vilamoura?
Send your request via WhatsApp or the contact form with date, cruise and number of guests. We reply in minutes and confirm availability the same day.
FAQ · Marina de Vilamoura
Frequently Asked Questions — Morningstar Yacht Charter Vilamoura
Everything you need to know before chartering Morningstar from Marina de Vilamoura — location, boarding, yacht, itineraries and onboard upgrades.
Booking & payment
Do I need to pay a deposit?
Yes — a 30% deposit secures the date; the balance is due one week before the cruise. Bank transfer, card or cash accepted.
What is the cancellation policy?
The deposit secures your date. If you need to change plans, the date can be rescheduled subject to availability. If the captain cancels for weather, you choose a new date or get a full refund.
Can I change my booking?
Yes — date, cruise length or itinerary can be changed up to 48h before departure, subject to availability.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend 4–8 weeks ahead in July and August, and around 2 weeks in shoulder season. Last-minute bookings are often possible — just ask.
Do you offer corporate invoicing?
Yes — full Portuguese invoice with NIF/VAT for companies and incentive groups.
Can I book via WhatsApp?
Absolutely — WhatsApp is our fastest channel. Message us at +351 939 418 375.
The yacht & experience
How many guests can the Morningstar accommodate?
Up to 18 guests on a fully private charter — your group only, never shared.
Is the yacht private or shared?
Every charter is 100% private. We never mix groups — the entire Morningstar and crew are exclusively yours.
What is included in the charter price?
Crew, fuel, insurance, towels, Bluetooth sound, Portuguese tapas, fresh fruit, sparkling and still wines, beer, soft drinks, water, paddle boards and snorkeling gear. 2 bottles of Laurent-Perrier Champagne and water sports donut ring tow by fast chase boat are included on Full Day and Long Day cruises.
What drinks are served onboard?
Sparkling white and rosé, vinho verde, white and rosé wines, local beer, soft drinks and water. Laurent-Perrier Champagne on Full Day and Long Day cruises. Premium spirits available as an upgrade.
What about guests who don't drink alcohol?
Plenty of choice — soft drinks, juices, sparkling and still water are always onboard. Let us know in advance and we'll add specific non-alcoholic options at no extra cost.
Can we bring our own music?
Yes — Bluetooth and AUX. Your playlist, your day.
What upgrades are available?
Cuisine: sushi selection (from 3h cruises), XL lavishing meat sandwiches (5h+ cruises), Vegan Heaven plant-based menu, chicken piri-piri or tender pork chops, roasted lamb, fish or seafood feast (Full Day and Long Day only). Drinks: extra bottles of original French Champagne (2 bottles of Laurent-Perrier already included on Full Day and Long Day). Entertainment: live DJ, saxophonist or singer with acoustic guitar (3-hour sets, advance booking). Activities: extra hours of water sports — jet-style toys, ring tow and chase boat (already included on Full Day).
Are water sports included?
Water sports (ring tow & chase boat) are included on Full Day and Long Day cruises. On other cruises they can be added on request. Not available on Benagil-dedicated routes.
Morning or Afternoon Benagil — which is better?
Morning has glassier water, fewer boats inside the cave and the best light for photos. Afternoon offers warmer water, more sun on the cliffs and pairs beautifully with a sunset return. Both are stunning.
Will we see dolphins?
Dolphin sightings are frequent along the Algarve coast, especially on morning cruises — but they are wild animals and never guaranteed.
Onboard, children & dietary
Are there toilets onboard?
Yes — two private toilets with freshwater flush.
Is the yacht safe for children?
Absolutely. We carry life jackets for all ages and the crew is licensed, trained and used to family groups.
Is there a special price for children?
The charter is priced per yacht, not per guest, so children are included in the group price at no extra cost.
What about seasickness?
The Morningstar is a 200 m² catamaran-style yacht — exceptionally stable. Seasickness is rare, but we keep medication onboard just in case.
Do you cater for special diets?
Yes — vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and kosher menus available on request when booking.
Can guests smoke onboard?
Smoking is permitted only at the stern (back deck), away from sun beds and the saloon. Vaping follows the same rule.
Is the yacht wheelchair accessible?
Boarding requires stepping over the gangway and a small step into the saloon, so full wheelchair access is limited. Guests with reduced mobility are welcome — please let us know in advance so the crew can assist.
Logistics & weather
Where exactly does the boat depart from?
Marina de Vilamoura, Gate A2 — minutes from the Algarve's most sought-after addresses.
Is there parking at the Marina?
Yes — both free street parking and paid covered parking are available within a 3-minute walk of the pontoon.
Do you arrange hotel transfers?
Yes — private transfers from any Algarve hotel, villa or Faro Airport can be arranged on request.
Can the yacht depart from or drop us in Albufeira, Portimão or Olhão?
Yes — single-direction transfers can be arranged on Long Day itineraries, subject to marina availability.
What should I bring?
Swimwear, a light jumper for sunset, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. Towels, paddle boards and snorkeling gear are provided.
What if the weather is bad?
Safety first. If the captain cancels for weather, you choose a new date or get a full refund.
Didn't find your answer?
Our concierge replies within minutes on WhatsApp, in English or Portuguese.