In destinations like the French Riviera, the British Virgin Islands, and San Juan, Puerto Rico, it's common for travelers to find themselves gazing at the luxury yachts that dot the horizon. These sleek vessels invoke images of champagne at sunset, open sea serenity, and personalized service. For the average visitor, the experience is often too exclusive, too expensive, or simply too disconnected from what's available on the ground. That's the space where Blue Doubloon Charters sails in.
A boutique charter company based in Puerto Rico, Blue Doubloon was founded to offer a tailored maritime experience that blends luxury, authenticity, and ease, without the velvet rope or the costly price tag. The waters around Puerto Rico are some of the most stunning in the Caribbean. It's home to historic bays, vibrant reefs, and untouched island escapes.
However, for years, visitors seeking an ocean experience had limited options. On one end were mass-market catamaran tours packed with tourists, plastic cups in hand, and little room for personal connection. On the other end were ultra-luxury yachts priced far beyond the reach of most travelers. The result is a beautiful destination with surprisingly few ways to access it.
"There was a clear void in the market," says Todd Folk, CEO and co-owner of Blue Doubloon. "There were travelers who didn't want a floating nightclub but also weren't looking to charter a $30 million yacht. What they wanted was a thoughtfully curated, private experience on the water. And they couldn't find it."
That unmet need led to the founding of Blue Doubloon in 2022. Co-founded with Captain Krista Miller, who brought with her years of experience running top-rated charters in New York, the company was built around the ethos of luxury that's warm, personal, and genuinely approachable.
Essentially, Blue Doubloon is a hospitality-driven, experience-first brand that invites guests to engage with Puerto Rico's waters in a way that feels both elevated and accessible. The company offers two types of charters. First are fully crewed charters for up to six guests, where everything, from the captain and crew to gourmet catering and open bar, is included. Second are bareboat charters for groups of up to 13. It's ideal for events like bachelorette parties or corporate retreats, offering flexibility in crew and provisioning.
No matter the trip, the team wants to celebrate the culture of Puerto Rico. And, what better way to do that than with local produce? Each trip offers locally crafted goods like beers, chocolates, rums, coffees, and so much more, giving guests a true taste of the island.
From their two launch points, San Juan Bay and Fajardo, Blue Doubloon operates a curated slate of experiences. There are sunset sails and brunch cruises showing not only the beauty but the history of the 500-year-old city of Old San Juan towering over the coastal shores. In addition, there are day trips to the crystalline shores of Icacos or Palominos, with snorkeling, sunbeds, and island hopping.
Multi-day voyages to the Spanish Virgin Islands are also available. These are a three-day, two-night escape to Vieques and Culebra, complete with onboard chefs, guided snorkel spots, and sunrise coffees in remote anchorages.
Each vessel is modern, immaculately maintained, and designed for comfort, and each brings its own unique allure from spacious layouts, solid foredecks, and flybridge lounges, making them as enjoyable at anchor as under sail. Stabilized twin hulls also mean even first-time sailors can relax without worry.
Indeed, Blue Doubloon stands out for its offerings. However, it further distinguishes itself with how it offers it. Flexibility and customization are paramount to every experience.
"Some guests simply want to unwind: no itinerary, no agenda, just sun, sea, and silence," Folk shares. "Others, like the couple who recently got engaged aboard a sunset cruise, are looking for something unforgettable. We coordinated every detail of the proposal, the timing, drinks, logistics, and even a carefully staged chance encounter that led to a surprise sail."
The moment was seamless, and the surprise genuine. The boat ride was a story, a memory, something they'll carry forever. That's exactly the point. Blue Doubloon isn't a click-and-book operation. It's a service that listens.
"We begin each charter with a conversation," says Folk. "We ask, 'What do you want this to feel like? What does a perfect day look like for you?' The answer might be a private night sail, gliding through San Juan Bay under the stars. Or it might be waking up off the coast of Culebra, coffee in hand, with no one else in sight."
Blue Doubloon Charters has found a rare middle ground in a market saturated with both mass tourism and ultra-luxury extremes. It offers luxury that feels effortless, thoughtful, and real. It's a return to the essence of travel, not to be seen, but to feel something memorable.
