Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about the boat and activities:
What facilities are available onboard Kittiwake?
Kittiwake’s amenities include:
- Queen staterooms featuring private en-suite bathroom with toilet and shower;
- Air conditioning in each stateroom and the lounge;
- Watermaker;
- Free Wifi;
- Spacious lounge and decks.
What kind of activities are available on board Kittiwake?
Water sport activities include paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling, fishing (see below), and, of course, sailing. We also have floating toys on which to while away the afternoon, sunbathing and sipping a cocktail!
What will our itinerary be?
The crew will prepare an itinerary based on your preferences.
Do you prefer quiet spots and being off the beaten path? Want to sample the best local bars, restaurants and experience the laid-back vibe of the islands? How about discovering vibrant coral reefs and swimming with turtles? Or do you have a special occasion to celebrate? Let us know and we’ll put together the perfect, bespoke itinerary, travelling in some of the most spectacular cruising grounds in the world!
Can we customize our menu? What type of food and drinks are served?
The menus are designed around your food preferences and availability of products. Our focus is on serving fresh, local ingredients, where possible.
Juice, sodas, coffee, tea, beer, wine, and mixed drinks are available all day for your enjoyment.
The spirits on board include Tito’s Handmade vodka, Tanqueray gin, Jose Cuervo tequila, Jack Daniel’s whiskey, Caribbean rum, and a variety of liquors. Red and white wines are paired with dinner.
Please let us know your favorite brands and we will happily stock them for you. If you prefer premium wines, champagne or spirits that are not included in the list above, we will obtain them for you at an additional cost to the charter.
Are luxury catamaran yacht charters family-friendly?
Yes, a sailing vacation is perfect for families! This is certainly the best vacation for those who wish to spend quality time with their family members.
Are hair dryers supplied?
Yes, the Kittiwake has a special, lower-watt hair dryer in each bathroom. Please note that these power-hungry appliances can be used only while the generator is running or the boat is connected to shore power.
Do I need to pack towels?
No, we provide towels for your bathroom and for outdoor adventures.
Are toiletries supplied?
Yes, we provide our guests with soap and a shampoo bar. The soaps used aboard the Kittiwake are more sustainable than toiletries packaged in plastic.
Is there access to a washer and dryer?
Kittiwake does not have laundry facilities on board. If you anticipate needing to use a laundromat during your charter, please let us know in advance so we can add a stop into your itinerary.
Is there WiFi on board?
Yes, Kittiwake’s wireless network operates over the local 4G cellular network. Feel free to use the WiFi to check your email, read the news and post to social networks.
Can we connect to Kittiwake’s music system?
You can connect to Kittiwake’s stereo via Bluetooth.
What type of electricity is available aboard?
Kittiwake has both 110V AC power (US standard) and 12V DC power. Outlets are American-style 3 prong. Each room has USB chargers.
What kind of drinking water is available aboard?
Kittiwake has a reverse osmosis watermaker system aboard. We desalinate and filter all the fresh water available onboard. It is safe to drink. We supply re-usable water bottles or tumblers for all guests to use aboard.
Do you have fun board and card games onboard?
Yes, we have a variety of board and card games available onboard.
Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear?
Snorkel gear (mask, snorkel and fins) is provided for each guest. However, if you already own snorkel gear you may wish to bring it, as we cannot guarantee that our masks will fit each face perfectly.
For their enjoyment, young children should bring snorkel gear that fits them properly as we have limited small kids’ sizes on board.
Can I fish during the charter?
Yes, but fishing will need to be prearranged with the Captain, and you will need to obtain a fishing license from the island government in advance. You will need to bring your own fishing gear.
Questions about Travel and the Islands:
Where is Kittiwake based?
Kittiwake is based out of Nassau on New Providence Island in The Bahamas. The Bahamas is a chain of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Florida, northeast of Cuba. It is a coral archipelago of about 700 islands.
Here’s a description of the Bahamas (from NASA, May 18, 2001): Turquoise, deep green, light blue, and bright sapphire blue colors combine in the waters surrounding the Bahamas to stand out against the deeper blue of the Atlantic Ocean. Because the 700 islands and islets sit on an underwater plateaus, the waters of the Bahamas are very shallow, ranging from barely covering the ocean floor to 25 m in depth.
How do I get to the Bahamas?
You can fly directly to Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS), Nassau. The airport is served by Delta, United, American, and Air Canada Airlines. We can arrange airport transfers on request, and the airport is a 30-minute taxi ride away.
What is the weather in the Bahamas?
The islands of the Bahamas have earned their reputation as popular tourist destinations in large part due to the weather. The islands have a temperate climate of 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year, and the sun is almost always shining.
Do I need a passport?
All guests traveling in the Bahamas and the Grenadines are required to have a valid passport.
What form of currency is used in The Bahamas?
The dollar (sign: $; code: BSD ) has been the currency of The Bahamas since 1966. It is normally abbreviated with the dollar sign $, or alternatively B$ to distinguish it from other dollar-denominated currencies. It is divided into 100 cents.
The U.S. dollar is widely accepted.
What are the COVID restrictions?
As of 20 September 2022, the COVID-19 testing requirement for entering The Bahamas has been eliminated.
All travellers, regardless of vaccination status, are no longer required to submit to pre-travel COVID-19 testing to enter the country.
Click here for any updated COVID-related information released by Bahamian authorities.
Questions about Packing:
(See “What to Bring” Page for more detail):
What should I pack?
Pack lightly, because you need less than you think. We recommend collapsible, soft-sided luggage for ease of storing your bags in lockers aboard. See our “What to Bring” page for more information.
What types of shoes will I need?
We promote a barefoot policy aboard Kittiwake. You will need to bring sandals or flip-flops for the beach. If you are planning to hike, please bring appropriate footwear. Some hikes can be done in flip-flops but some require sturdy hiking sandals or sneakers. Heels or dress shoes are not necessary, even at the nicest restaurants. Remember, you will be getting in and out of a tender to get to shore, so practical shoes are a must. If you prefer to wear shoes aboard, we ask that they be clean with non-marking, soft soles. Keep one pair for wearing aboard and another pair of shoes for wearing ashore. Wearing only socks aboard is dangerous as you may slip and fall.
What type of sunscreen should I bring?
Please bring a sunscreen that is marked Reef Safe. The chemicals oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene (the toxic 3 O’s) and avobenzone, common UV-blockers in sunscreens, have been proven to negatively affect coral reefs. To protect the marine life, we recommend that you read labels and look for formulas whose active ingredients are zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. In addition, aerosol spray and tinted sunscreens are not allowed aboard the yacht.
