When I charter a yacht, I know I'm looking at anywhere from $30,000 to over $1,000,000 per week. But that's a huge range, right? Let me break it down for you:
- Smaller motor yachts (80-120 feet): $30,000-$100,000 weekly
- Medium super yachts (120-200 feet): $100,000-$500,000 weekly
- Mega superyachts (200+ feet): $500,000-$1,000,000+ weekly
But these are just base charter rates. And trust me, there's more to the story.
The Real Costs Behind Your Yacht Vacation
When I book a yacht charter vacation, I know the charter fee is just the starting point.
Here's what else I'm paying for:
Charter Fee vs. "Plus Expenses"
The base charter rate covers the yacht and crew. But most yachts are "plus expenses," meaning I pay extra for everything else. Some smaller vessels offer all-inclusive rates, especially in places like the Virgin Islands or Bahamas, but that's less common with larger yachts.
APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance)
This is a big one – typically 20-30% of the base rate that covers fuel, food, drinks, and dockage. My broker collects this upfront, and the captain uses it during my trip. The crew keeps detailed records, and I either get money back or pay a bit more at the end.
Crew Gratuity
I always expect to pay crew gratuity – it's not included in the charter fee. The standard is:
- Mediterranean: 10-15% of base rate
- Caribbean: 15-20% of base rate
The crew works incredibly hard to make my experience perfect, and they deserve every penny.
VAT and Local Taxes
These vary wildly depending on where I'm sailing. In Croatia, I'm looking at 13% VAT. In the Bahamas, it's 10%. These taxes add up fast on a luxury charter.
How Yacht Type Affects Your Charter Cost
When I'm planning my next yacht charter, I consider these following options.
Motor Yacht vs. Sailing Yacht
Motor yachts are generally more expensive to charter and operate. They burn more fuel (which comes from my APA) but offer more space and amenities. A 120-foot motor yacht might cost $100,000+ weekly, plus expenses.
Sailing yachts can be more affordable and offer a different experience. A 100-foot sailing yacht might start around $50,000 weekly. And there's nothing like cruising with the engines off!
Catamarans for Family Charters
For families, I often recommend catamarans. They're stable, spacious, and can access shallow anchorages. A luxury catamaran with 5 cabins for 10 guests might cost $30,000-$60,000 weekly in the BVI.
How Destination and Season Impact Charter Costs
I've chartered in most major yachting destinations, and here's what I've found:
Mediterranean Yacht Charter
The Med (especially places like Croatia) is most expensive July-August. A yacht that costs $200,000 in August might be $150,000 in June or September. Winter rates can drop even lower, but many yachts relocate to the Caribbean.
Caribbean and Bahamas
December through April is high season here, with peak rates around New Year's. Expect to pay premium charter rates during this period, especially for popular itineraries through the Virgin Islands.
Operating Costs Vary by Location
Fuel, dockage, and port fees vary dramatically. In some Mediterranean marinas, I've paid thousands per night for dockage alone. These costs come from your APA, not the base rate.
Hidden Expenses That Surprise First-Time Charterers
When I first chartered, these costs caught me off guard:
- Delivery fees: If you want to start and end in different ports
- Tender and water toys: Some yachts charge extra for jet skis or other equipment
- Special requests: Private chef for special diets, scuba diving equipment, etc.
- Communication fees: Satellite internet can be expensive onboard
- Cancellation insurance: Worth considering for such a large investment
Working With a Yacht Broker
I always use a charter broker when planning my yacht vacation. And no, they don't make the charter more expensive – the yacht owner pays their commission.
A good broker helps me:
- Find the right yacht type for my group
- Negotiate the best charter rate
- Handle contracts and payments
- Communicate special requests to the crew
- Deal with any issues during the charter
I've worked with many brokers over the years, but I particularly trust the experts at luxury travel concierge services who understand both yachting and high-end travel.
What You're Really Paying For
When I charter a yacht, I'm not just paying for a floating hotel. I'm investing in:
- A dedicated crew focused entirely on my group
- Complete privacy and security
- Custom itineraries that change as I wish
- Access to exclusive beaches and anchorages
- Personalized service you can't get elsewhere
The most luxurious superyachts offer amenities like beach clubs, stabilizers for comfort, multiple tenders, and crew members who include everything from private chefs to massage therapists.
Is It Worth The Cost?
For me, absolutely. I'm not just paying for luxury – I'm buying time, privacy, and experiences that simply aren't possible any other way.
But if you're new to this, start with a smaller crewed yacht charter in an area like the Virgin Islands. Get a feel for the experience before committing to that 200-foot superyacht with 12 guests and a refit that cost more than most houses.
And remember, the onboard experience is what makes or breaks a charter – not just how fancy the yacht looks. A great crew can make even a modest yacht feel like the ultimate luxury.
