Mediterranean or Caribbean: Choosing a Season

Most private and charter yachts split the year between the Mediterranean (roughly May to September) and the Caribbean (roughly November to April), crossing the Atlantic each spring and autumn. For new crew deciding where to start, the two seasons feel quite different to work.

The Mediterranean season

Roughly May to September, based around the South of France, Monaco, Italy, Spain and the Balearics. Marinas are busy, days are long, and turnaround between guest trips can be quick. It is a good season for building contacts quickly, since so many yachts and crew are moving through the same few marinas at once.

The Caribbean season

Roughly November to April, centred on St Maarten, Antigua, the BVIs and the Bahamas. The pace is generally steadier than a full Med summer, with longer runs at anchor and more time between charters on some programmes. It suits crew who prefer fewer, longer trips over a constant stream of short ones.

Crossing between the two

The Atlantic crossing each spring and autumn is unpaid downtime for some crew and a working passage for others, depending on the yacht and whether it is a delivery crew or the full team on board. If you are choosing your first season, ask directly what the crossing involves before you commit, since it varies yacht to yacht.

Neither season is objectively better to start in. The Mediterranean puts you in front of more boats, faster; the Caribbean can mean a calmer introduction to life on board. See the guide to getting your first job for what to have ready before you travel either way.