Published March 20, 2026
If you are planning a bachelorette party in St. Petersburg, Florida, you have probably already scrolled through the usual options: bar crawls downtown, a rented Airbnb with a pool, maybe a spa day. Those are all fine. I have run enough of these charters to say that putting the group on a boat for an afternoon is the version people are still talking about a year later.
You get Tampa Bay, your own music, a Gulf Coast sunset, and not a single stranger on board. Here is how to plan it.
Why a Charter Beats the Usual Bachelorette Plan
Bar crawls are loud, crowded, and you are competing with every other group downtown for attention and table space. Airbnbs can be hit or miss, and you are still stuck in one spot. A yacht charter gives you something none of those options can: total privacy on the open water with a constantly changing backdrop.
On a private yacht you control the music and the guest list. Some groups want a quiet afternoon with champagne while dolphins run alongside the boat. Others want the stereo up and everyone dancing on the flybridge as the sun goes down. Either one works, and nobody is going to call last call on you or make you queue for a bathroom.
And the reaction when you tell the bride you chartered a yacht for her is worth something on its own.
What to Expect on a 52ft Marquis Flybridge
At Yacht Away Now, our vessel is a 52ft Marquis Flybridge with three full decks and room for up to 13 guests. Thirteen is a good number for a bachelorette group. Big enough to feel like a party, small enough that nobody spends the afternoon wedged into a corner.
Here is what you are working with:
- Flybridge (top deck): Open-air seating with panoramic views. This is where most groups end up spending the sunset. Perfect for group photos.
- Main deck: Covered salon with comfortable seating, dining area, and the premium stereo. Great for dancing or getting out of the sun.
- Lower deck: Climate-controlled cabins with full bathrooms. Somewhere to freshen up, change outfits, or take a break from the party.
The stereo connects via Bluetooth, so whoever is in charge of the playlist can run it right from their phone. It reaches every deck, so the music follows you wherever you go on the boat.
Planning Tips: When to Book, What to Bring
Best Time to Book
Weekend charters fill up fast, especially during peak season (March through October). If the bachelorette falls on a Saturday, book at least 3 to 4 weeks in advance. Weekday charters are easier to snag on shorter notice and can save you money if the group has schedule flexibility.
What to Bring
- Swimsuits and coverups
- Sunscreen (reef-safe preferred)
- A portable speaker as a backup, though the onboard system is more than enough
- Comfortable shoes with non-marking soles for the deck
- A camera or phone with plenty of storage
Food and Drinks
BYOB is absolutely welcome. Most bachelorette groups bring a cooler of champagne, seltzers, and mixers. You can also bring your own food or order catering from a local restaurant and bring it aboard. We are happy to recommend St. Pete catering options that work well for yacht parties if you need suggestions.
Decorations
Banners, balloons, sashes, matching sunglasses: bring it all. You are welcome to decorate the yacht before departure. The one thing I ask is no glitter or confetti. It gets into every seam on the boat and never fully comes out.
What a Bachelorette Yacht Charter Costs
With Yacht Away Now, weekend bachelorette charters run between $2,400 and $3,000 for 4 to 5 hours. That includes your captain and crew. Split between 10 to 13 guests, you are looking at roughly $150 to $250 per person a head, which is less than most groups spend on a night out downtown.
For comparison, a VIP table at most downtown St. Pete venues will run your group $500 to $1,000 and you are still sharing the space with hundreds of other people. The yacht is a much better value for what you actually get.
Weekday charters are $500 per hour all-inclusive if your group is flexible on dates. Same yacht, same crew, lower rate.
Photos You Cannot Get Anywhere Else
Half the groups who book tell me the photos were the deciding factor, and I understand why. Golden hour on the flybridge, the Sunshine Skyway in the background, everyone gathered on the bow with open water behind them. Those are the shots that end up framed.
If the bride loves photography, consider timing your charter to depart about two hours before sunset. That gives you time to settle in, enjoy the water, and be perfectly positioned for golden hour photos.
How to book
Booking with Yacht Away Now is straightforward. You can reach us by phone at (727) 609-2248 or fill out our contact form. Let us know your preferred date, estimated guest count, and any special requests. We will confirm availability and walk you through everything so there are no surprises on the day of.
A deposit secures your date. We know plans shift when you are coordinating a group, so contact us to discuss rescheduling options if needed.
Call or write when you have a date in mind. We will handle the boat. You bring the party.