May 13, 2024 · If you’re looking for a fully crewed yacht with your own captain on a yacht in the Mediterranean, you will be looking at yachts that charge a base rate (as explained above – this is the super yacht charter cost for a fully crewed charter) and need to factor in the additional 50-55% for your expenses to get an all-inclusive cost. ... Oct 20, 2023 · Your fuel costs will depend on your boat, your itinerary, and whether you choose to cruise or stay at anchor. A sailing yacht charter can cost 10% less than a motor yacht charter because the fuel consumption is smaller. This amount also includes the fuel expenditure of any water toys and tenders you use during your charter. Harbor fees and dockage ... Nov 14, 2024 · We’ll explore the way different factors impact the costs of hiring a yacht more later - but to give a couple of more concrete examples: Bareboat charters of a 60 ft sailboat in the British Virgin Isles starts from about 12,000 EUR (about 13,000 USD) a week, while a week on a motor yacht of the same size could rise to 30,000 EUR¹ (about 32,000 USD) ... Yacht Charter Costs Explained ... This is a small selection of the global luxury yacht charter fleet, with 3785 motor yachts, sail yachts, explorer yachts and ... ... May 20, 2024 · Sailing yachts are a popular choice amongst boating enthusiasts, but by a long shot, the most popular charter yachts are motor yachts. These are typically what spring to mind when you picture a superyacht and, size-dependent, tend to be the most expensive type of yacht to charter, often being pricier to purchase, maintain and fuel. ... ">
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How much does it cost to charter a yacht?

There are many things to consider and first time charterers can be left confused, that's why we've created a comprehensive guide to yacht charter prices (with a checklist).

charter cost explained banner

The good news: It’s easy to grasp the basics of yacht charter pricing. And with one of our experts in your corner, we can help you more accurately estimate the cost of your next once-in-a-lifetime vacation.

The cost of a yacht charter is dependent on a number of factors, including the type of yacht, the charter destination, local taxes, and the base cost. (If the yacht has a celebrity owner, well that too, can add to the cost.)

Therefore, yacht charters have a wide range of base prices. That’s why charters can cost from $10,000 per week on smaller sailing yachts and catamarans, up to $150,000+ per week on the most luxurious motor superyachts.

What else can you expect to pay? This overview – a part of our planning resource, the Charter Advice Guide – offers an in-depth look at charter yacht costs.

Yacht Charter Price Structure: “All-Inclusive” vs “Plus Expenses”

In the world of yachting, two types of crewed yacht charters are available to you – “All-Inclusive” and “Plus Expenses” charter experiences. What do these terms mean exactly? Here’s a quick look:

  • All-Inclusive Yacht Charters – Some charters (mainly catamaran and monohull charters in the Virgin Islands) offer all-inclusive rates. That means rates are based on the number of guests, and they include all food and drink, water sports, and fuel costs. Dockage and taxes, though, are usually charged separately.
  • Plus Expenses Charters – Rates for larger motor yachts do not include running expenses, which must be paid separately. For these luxury charters, the base price is for the yacht only. Additional expenses, i.e. food, bar, fuel, dockage, port taxes, and other expenses, are charged separately. Most frequently, the running expenses are paid by an Advance Provisioning Allowance, or APA, which is typically 35% of the base price; this is an amount that’s paid prior to the charter.

Our chart below offers a quick overview of what’s included in both of these types of charters.

charter cost comparison chart

Average Yacht Charter Cost: Base Prices

What can you expect to pay for a catamaran, a sailing vessel, or motored yacht? Here’s a quick overview of the average cost to rent a yacht (not including extra expenses) for the most common types available:

Average Weekly Sailing Charter RatesSailing Yacht
Average Weekly Catamaran Charter RatesCatamaran
Average Weekly Motor Yacht Charter RatesMotor Yachts

Factors that Affect Yacht Charter Prices

Since charter yachts are privately owned, prices are set by the owner. This can explain, in part, the wide range of differences in price between boats of similar lengths. Yet, several other factors can significantly impact price, including:

  • The Yacht – The year the boat was built, the builder, previous owners, and the boat’s selection of water toys can also increase the cost of a yacht. Boats can also develop a reputation, i.e. the largest or most luxurious, or having a famous builder or previous owner. Reputation can also affect pricing.
  • Season – Prices typically increase in the high season – i.e. high summer in the Mediterranean or winter in the Caribbean – and decrease in low seasons.
  • Destination – Your charter destination also plays a role in charter cost. For example, prices increase in areas without large charter fleets (i.e. the Galapagos), whereas Bahamas yacht charters,   BVI charters , or Mediterranean yacht charter are priced more competitively.

Additional Costs Considerations on Yacht Charter

In addition to the cost associated with running the yacht and provisioning, there are a number of other costs that must be considered. These are the most significant:

Advanced Provisioning Allowance

The APA on Plus Expenses charters equals roughly 35% of the yacht’s base price. This is a fee that’s collected prior to charter, and it’s similar to an expense account the captain can access during the charter. At the end of the charter, you will receive a detailed accounting of your APA account, plus any unused APA funds in cash.

In the case of overages, you may be required to replenish the APA account during the charter. This can be done with cash, although many choose to set up accounts with their charter brokers , which can be accessed if requested by the captain.

Taxes and Value Added Tax (VAT)

Most boats – whether all-inclusive or Plus Expenses – will not include local taxes or a Value Added Tax into their charter rate. The charterer will be responsible for paying those taxes. Taxes range significantly by destination; here’s a look at some of yachting’s most popular destinations:

  • The Bahamas – Tax: 4% plus 10% VAT
  • BVI – Tax: between $6 and $16 per person per day, depending on the flag of the boat
  • Croatia – VAT: 13%
  • Florida – Tax: 6% for Broward County, 7% for Miami-Dade County
  • France – VAT: 20%, however, 10% can be applied when an itinerary includes International Waters
  • Greece – VAT: 12%
  • Italy – VAT: 22%, however 6.6% (over 24m) and 8.8% (under 24m) can be applied when an itinerary includes International Waters
  • Montenegro – NO VAT
  • New England – NO TAX
  • Spain – VAT: 21%
  • Turkey – NO VAT

Charterers can purchase cancellation and curtailment insurance – which is similar to traveler’s insurance. This insurance can help cover costs if a charterer must cancel or shorten the charter. Charter brokers can help you weigh insurance options, and often offer several different options.

Crew Gratuity

While crew gratuity is certainly not mandatory, it is recommended, particularly if you were truly impressed with your charter experience. In general, crew gratuity is roughly 15-20% of the base charter rate, which is handed to the captain at the conclusion of your charter.

Delivery Fees

While these fees do not apply on most charters, you may be asked to pay delivery costs if you are not chartering in the yacht’s normal cruising ground. In most cases, you will only be required to cover the fuel for the trip.

Call Worldwide Boat today to learn more. Our Charter Specialists are here to assist you with every detail and explain all charter costs. Or read our Charter Advice guide for more information and tips for planning your charter vacation.

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Additional Charter Cost FAQs

What are standard private charter yacht prices?

There are a number of factors that affect charter yacht pricing. However, on average, a week-long private yacht charter costs anywhere from $10,000 on luxurious sailing yachts and catamarans, and up to $150,000 for superyachts.

What affects charter yacht prices?

There are several things that influence how much your yacht charter will cost. The type of vessel, charter destination, length of trip, base cost, time of year, and local taxes all make a difference.

How much does it cost for a crewed vessel?

Charter yacht prices do increase when hiring a crew along with the boat. At Worldwide Boat, we offer two types of crewed charter experiences: all-inclusive and plus expenses. An all-inclusive charter yacht includes accommodation for all guests, food and drink, water sport activities, and fuel costs – dockage fees and taxes are charged separately. A plus expenses experience accounts for just the yacht’s base price. Things like food, drinks, fuel, dockages, taxes, and other expenses are charged separately and are usually estimated to be about 35% of the base price.

What’s included in all-inclusive boat charters?

At Worldwide Boat, your all-inclusive charter experience includes a diligent and friendly crew, water toys, food, drinks, fuel, water and electric services, and occasionally diving experiences.

What are some additional charter boat costs to consider?

After finding a base price you’re comfortable with and evaluating your package, you’ll also want to consider delivery fees, crew gratuity, insurance fees, taxes, and Advanced Provisioning Allowance rates. If you are responsible for these fees, your crew will handle the necessary transactions on your behalf.

What does it cost to rent a 100- foot yacht charter?

This depends on what type of vessel you’re looking at and how long you’ll need it for. The average weekly cost of a 100-foot sailing yacht is between $50,000-100,000. A weekly 80-foot catamaran charter runs around $40,000-100,000, and a week-long 100-foot motor yacht rental is anywhere between $50,000-80,000.

Does the price to rent a yacht change depending on what type of boat it is?

Yes. Worldwide Boat offers sailing yachts, catamarans, and motor yachts. All of these vessels have different capabilities, but there are other factors that determine the price beyond what type of boat you choose. The year the boat was built, owner, availability of water toys, onboard amenities, and the ship’s reputation can all change how much the ship is priced at.

When is the high season for yacht charters?

The price of a yacht fluctuates depending on the season. A Mediterranean yacht charter cost rises in the summer and drops in the winter, whereas Caribbean boat charter prices are high during the winter and lower in the summer months.

How does my destination affect charter yacht cost?

The more remote an area is, the more expensive it will be to charter a yacht there. That’s because prices go up in areas that have fewer boats. If you were to travel somewhere like the Galapagos, which isn’t a typical yacht destination, you’d pay more than you would if you were traveling to the Caribbean.

How much do I tip the crew when reviewing my yacht charter expenses?

It’s not required that you tip your crew, but it is recommended and appreciated. If you had an enjoyable experience it’s considered polite to tip your crew anywhere from 15-20% at the end of your charter.

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Windward Yachts

Yacht Charter: How Much Does it Cost? All Rental Costs Explained

Mooring a yacht

How much it costs to rent a yacht isn’t always a very clear cut answer. There are numerous ways to charter a yacht and different factors can significantly increase or lower the cost of a yacht rental.

Here are the main costs to consider to estimate the total yacht rental price of your next yacht charter.

Yacht Rental Costs in a Nutshell

To calculate the price of a yacht charter, you need to sum the base fee of the yacht charter (the price you see displayed on websites), taxes (varies depending on destination), APA , crew gratuity and insurance cost . 

Depending on the details of your yacht charter, you will need to add between 30% and 100% on top of the base fee to have the total cost of your rental.

Here is an idea of the ranges you can expect for the yacht charter base fees :

  • Motor Yachts – Sailing Yachts under 50ft: €4 000 – €15 000 / week
  • Motor Yacht – Sailing Yachts between 50ft and 65ft: €15 000 – €40 000 / week
  • Motor Yachts – Sailing Yachts between 65ft and 80ft: €40 000 – €70 000 / week
  • Motor Yachts – Sailing Yachts between 80ft and 100ft: €70 000 – €100 000 / week
  • Motor Yachts – Sailing Yachts over 100ft: €100 000 – up to 1,000,000 / week

To know the estimation of your total yacht rental cost based on your situation, use our free calculator below , or read the next paragraphs to make the calculations on your own.

What is the (true) cost of chartering the yacht you've seen? 💰⛵

The advertised prices of all charter companies do not include APA, VAT & other variable costs. 

Use our calculator to get a 100% FREE estimate of the REAL total cost of your next yacht charter! ⬇

How is the total price of a yacht rental calculated?

There are two main categories of yacht charters: all-inclusive or separated charges. 

The all-inclusive yacht rentals option (rare)

The all-inclusive option isn’t very common in yacht charters, and tends to be for smaller yachts and cruise where it’s easier to package a standardized offer.

As the name implies, all-inclusive yacht charter offers a price that includes everything: fuel, food, beverages, and entertainment (diving and fishing equipment).

The “usual” option: base charter rates and separated variable charges to add on top

In most yachting websites, the price of a yacht charter only refers to the  base price  of a boat at its lowest possible charter time.

It doesn’t include many variable costs such as food and beverage, fuel, taxes, insurance and so on.

To understand the total cost of chartering a yacht when it’s not all-inclusive (which is almost always the case), it’s therefore important to split the costs that are included in the base rate of the yacht (the price you’ll see displayed on a website) from the costs that are not included in that base rate , that you will therefore need to add yourself if you want a precise estimation.

Don’t worry, the math isn’t rocket science.

The formula goes like this:

Total yacht charter price = Base charter fee + APA + Taxes + Insurance

We’ll detail each costs in the following paragraphs.

sailing yacht charter cost

The base charter fee of a yacht rental: Costs and factors included in the calculation

The base charter fee of the yacht rental is essential in calculating the total cost of your charter. Most variable costs are calculated as a percentage of that base fee and are simply summed up together along with the base fee to get the total cost.

Here is what you should know about the base charter fee.

The base charter fee follows a simple rule: the longer the yacht, the higher the charter cost

The boat’s size affects the base charter fee considerably. It determines the number of cabins and guest capacity , the number of staff on board, along with a lot of amenities that tend to get more spacious and more luxurious the longer the yacht gets. 

Everything that comes with the yacht (including the staff!) is included in the base charter fee.

The more reputable and in-demand the yacht is, the higher the base fee gets

A yacht reputation and popularity can also affect the base fee, even for boats within the same size range.

Boats are by definition limited in stock and follow supply and demand laws . When a particular yacht is in high demand, whether it’s thanks to its reputation, its features, the season or its recent appearance in a movie, series or TV shows the price of the charter can shoot up.

For instance, chartering a yacht featured in a James Bond movie such as  luxury yacht Regina  won’t cost the same as a regular model. Likewise for most yachts that are a part of the popular Below Deck TV show .

It can also be true for some classic yachts that had famous builders or previous celebrity owners.

The season does influence the yacht rental prices at the base fee level

Your yacht charter base fee depends to some extent on your date of departure. 

If you take your vacation during the busiest weeks of the year (high season) of a destination, you’ll pay a higher base price than someone who charters a yacht on low season dates.

In the Mediterranean, the high season is in summer while it’s in winter for the Caribbean. The yacht charter base fees will be at their highest during these months. 

Sometimes just a week or two can make a big difference to the price. Chartering a yacht in shoulder seasons can be a good idea when you are looking for good deals.

Likewise, since some destinations have very short seasons , it has increased demands and makes it more expensive.

International events will also increase the cost of a yacht charter. Expect to pay more if you want to attend the Monte-Carlo Masters (April), the Cannes Film Festival (May), or the Monaco Grand Prix (May) during your yachting vacations in the Mediterranean.

The destination you pick can affect the base charter fee of your yacht rental

Your vacation destination is an essential factor in the yacht charter charge that is included in the base fee. 

As the supply and demand law dictates, the more competition there is, the less you have to spend. It is why locations with large charter fleets are less expensive.

The Bahamas, BVI and the Mediterranean are for example more affordable than remote islands without established yachting industries.

yacht destination

The water toys are usually included in your base yacht charter fee and influence its amount

On a yacht, water toys don’t refer to your average backyard inflatable unicorns. Think instead of big equipment for marine activities: jet skis, kite-surf, kayaks, paddleboards, submarines, and expensive high-powered yacht tenders.

Some vessels come with sea pools or a giant slide to glide from the top of the boat straight into the ocean.

Most of these items, especially when they are in high numbers, can come at a cost that will be on the bottom line of your yacht charter invoice.

All the water toys specified in the yacht brochure when you make the reservation are generally included in the base fee . But it’s up to you if you want to rent others or even buy them. Make sure you ask your broker for advice about the cost of these extra if your budget is limited.

Yacht water toys

The base fee of your yacht charter is fixed and proportional to its duration

Most yacht charter companies only work ‘per week,’ and yacht owners rarely accept a shorter duration. Many companies have minimum stays of ten days, however some boats accept day charter or short periods, you can always ask your broker for an appropriate selection.

You can rent a vessel for two weeks or more, but the price won’t go down for longer holidays.

Yacht rental costs that are NOT included in yacht charter base fee

Now that we’ve seen what is usually included in the charter base fee, let’s find more about all these costs that you’ll have to add to the base fee to estimate your total yacht rental cost.

APA: the main variable cost of your yacht charter (add 20%-40% to your base fee)

The charter fee usually covers the cost of renting the yacht and the crew’s salary. But you still need to pay for fuel, provisions, and other extras for your trip. 

A fee covers all these additional costs : APA or Advanced Provisioning Allowance.  Find out more about the APA here.

APA is the standard system to pay your expenses on a luxury yacht charter, and it is generally a percentage of the charter fee. You’ll usually end up paying between 20% and 40% more than the base cost of the yacht charter in APA.

The amount varies a lot, depending on the ship and your activities. It will increase if the yacht has a higher fuel consumption, if you plan on cruising more than 4 hours a day, if you want to have onboard particular expensive brands, etc.

What does the APA cover?

APA covers all the day-to-day operating expenses. It also includes any special requests you might have while you’re on board. 

Here are the main costs of your yacht rental the APA covers: 

Food and drink

On your yacht charter, the chef can prepare all the dishes you want, whether you are vegan or low carb, whether you have allergies or require kosher meals. Make sure that you explain your food preferences to your broker.

Fuel Charges

Your fuel costs will depend on your boat, your itinerary, and whether you choose to cruise or stay at anchor. A sailing yacht charter can cost 10% less than a motor yacht charter because the fuel consumption is smaller.

This amount also includes the fuel expenditure of any water toys and tenders you use during your charter.

Harbor fees and dockage

The harbor fees and dockage will be more or less high-priced depending on your destination and season. All these costs will be included in your APA.

yacht Harbor

Communications Costs

For most people, yachting is about enjoying life outside of the daily routine. If you can’t survive without the Internet or satellite communications, you don’t have to worry. Your yacht charter will provide you all the digital connections needed. They won’t add much to the APA, but it’s still something that comes at a price.

Delivery fee

If you board or disembark the ship outside its usual harbor, you’ll have to pay a transportation fee to cover the fuel required to get your yacht to your requested destination.

Interiors and Laundry

The APA fee includes interiors and laundry costs to keep the yacht immaculate. But if you request unique decoration, it may add an extra charge.

Personal laundry services may not be covered depending on the yacht.

Taxes: a cost that varies a lot from country to country (add between 0% and 35% on top of base charter fee)

Taxes do have an impact on the total cost of your yacht charter, especially in some destinations.

For example, in Europe, chartering a commercial vessel is subject to VAT . But fees vary significantly according to your destination and itinerary. Some countries have a 0-tax rate (Montenegro, New England), while in others a passage in the international waters can lower the VAT rate.

The taxes can vary from VAT, national parks entrance (la Maddalena in Sardinia for example), countries taxes etc. the VAT and taxes will be based on the charter fee, so make sure you discuss this with your advisor to anticipate the cost.

Here are some VAT rate applied on luxury yacht charter in 2022 :

–  Charter in France  will be at 20 % VAT based on charter fee

–  Charter in Italy  will charge 22 % VAT based on charter fee

–  Charter in Spain  will charge 21 % VAT based on charter fee

–  Charter in Croatia  will charge 13 % VAT based on charter fee

–  Charter in Greece  will charge 24 % VAT based on charter fee with a discount of 60% on charter of more than 48h ending usually at 12% VAT, this is subject to change in 2022.

Moreover some countries such as Spain or Greece charge a licence for a yacht to be able to embark passengers for a paid charter in their waters, this explains why not every yacht can cruise in all countries.

Crew gratuity: a good practice to include in the cost of your yacht charter (add 15-20% to the base charter fee)

The crew on a yacht work even if you don’t notice it. 

Serving, cleaning, preparing, fixing, they are the key elements that make your charter a success. 

Even if tipping is not strictly mandatory, it is common practice to include a tip to the team when you are satisfied by their services. 

The suggested amount is around 15-20% of your base charter rate . It is therefore important to include this amount in your yacht rental price beforehand.

Yacht crew

Yacht charter cancellation insurance: a small cost that can save you a lot (add 15% of your base fee)

Cancelling or shortening a yacht charter can be very expensive if you don’t have cancellation insurance.

It is a small price to pay to ensure that all the money spent on your yacht charter will not go to waste if some unfortunate event leads you to miss your yacht rental.

As a charter company, we will help you select the best insurance options among several different offers.

In most cases, your cancellation insurance will cost around 15% of your charter base fee.

A typical yacht rental total cost isn’t as hard to determine as it seems when you know all the variable costs and your base fee.

Once you have your base charter fee in hands, add the following costs to estimate the final amount you’ll see on your yacht rental invoice:

  • 20% – 40% on top of your base fee for APA (low end for sailing vessels, higher end for motoryachts)
  • 0% – 30% of taxes and VAT on top of your base price. Highly dependant on your destination.
  • 10% – 15% on top of your base fee for crew gratuity
  • 15% on top of your base fee for cancellation insurance

Get in touch with our team to estimate more precisely the cost of your yacht charter project.

FAQ about cost of yacht charter and APA

Small motoryachts and sailing yachts under 50 ft (15m) can be chartered from 4,000€ to 15,000€ weekly.

Chartering motoryachts and sailing yachts between 50ft and 65ft costs between 15,000€ and 40,000€ weekly.

Between 65ft (20m) and 80ft (24m), you can expect motoryachts and sailing boats charters between 40,000€ and 70,000€ weekly. Between 80ft (24m) and 100ft (30m), the cost of chartering a yacht ranges between 70,000€ and 100,000€ weekly.

For yachts over 100ft (30m), the cost of charter ranges between 100,000€ and 1,000,000€ weekly.

APA stands for Advance Provisionning Allowance. You pay this fee in advance to cover food and drinks, fuel charges, harbors fees and dockage, communication, delivery fee various fees such as cleaning or interior design.

Advance Provisionning Allowance varies depending on your travel plans. Usually, it represents a surcharge of 20% to 40% on top of the yacht charter base price.

The APA is due one month before you set sail when dispensing your final charter payment. The captain directly receives the money and will supervise all the purchases made before and during your journey. He will be responsible for ensuring the crew stays within budget and will provide receipts upon request.

APA estimations are usually accurate. The captain will keep you updated during your trip. If you decide to go over the initial payment, you can top up the APA in cash or pay the balance during your trip.

With transparent communication, realistic budgets, and advanced provisioning, you may spend less than the APA and have the difference returned to you at the end of the cruise.

Get the base charter fee of your yacht rental, add taxes, APA, crew gratuity and cancellation insurance and you will have a very close estimation of your yacht rental cost everything included.

The base charter rate includes everything that is on a yacht: cabins, amenities, water toys along with the crew. Everything else (fuel, food, taxes…) come at an extra cost.

Crew gratuity is usually comprised between 15% and 20% on top of the base charter fee for most yacht rentals.

For sailboats in tax free areas, you can get away with a total cost of 30% on top of the base rate. In extreme cases (motoryachts in high taxed countries with big tips for the crew and cancelation insurance), you can more than double the base price. Most charters should be in between within the 40-80% on top of base fee range.

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Yacht Charter Costs Explained

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A comprehensive breakdown of your charter costs and fees.

When you begin planning a luxury yacht charter it is important to be aware of what is included in the cost of booking your dream charter yacht. although a yacht will have a base charter fee, this may or may not include additional expenses such as food and fuel and this is subject to the terms and conditions within the charter contract. there are various types of charter contracts and which one applies to you will depend on where you wish to cruise., high season.

High season refers to the most popular weeks of the year for yacht charter, whether it’s the winter period in the Caribbean or the height of summer in the Mediterranean , booking in high season requires early planning, determination and a big budget. In addition, planning a yacht charter to coincide with a major event will also be reflected in the price with marine spots for elite events often booking up early. Allow plenty of time when making enquiries to ensure a star studded, well prepared arrival.

Low season typically refers to any time outside of the high season periods. Groups of families and friends looking for a relaxing luxury vacation are advised to avoid high season weeks and opt for weeks outside of this time. The busiest periods are of course reflected in the charter costs and can be up to 15 to 30 percent more expensive than typical low season periods. Chartering a few weeks either side of these busy periods can be almost exactly the same, with the weather almost unchanged in some places, with far less crowds.

Take to our detailed destination guides and browse the yachts available in your chosen destination. Some of the most successful superyachts in the industry can be reserved up to a year in advance and as most yacht brokers will warn away from last minute bookings, it is better to book early and have the pick of the bunch rather than miss out at the last moment. Browse the Events section for details on upcoming festivals and sporting events or visit our Finding a Yacht Broker page to begin your planning your luxury yacht charter.

This article will go into detail of the costs to be expected when planning and booking a yacht charter. From the base charter fee of a yacht, what is covered within the fee and how it may vary in addition to details of contracts and how an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) can be used to manage any expenses.

Base Charter Fee

The base charter fee in essence refers to the hire cost of the yacht itself, with all equipment in working order in addition to the cost of food and wages for the crew during the entirety of the charter. This is essentially all the base charter fee covers with additional expenses often applicable on top. The base charter fee will vary from one yacht to another and this may be down to any number of reasons from size and on board amenities to the charter season. For instance, the base rate of a charter yacht may increase in "high season" and reduce during the "low season". "High season" and "low season" refers to the busiest and slowest periods for yacht charters though this may appear misleading, as these peak times refer to periods of weeks as opposed to full seasons. In addition, you may find that a yacht is also more expensive during special events such as the Monaco Grand Prix, Cannes Film Festival and America's Cup. Unless you are keen to charter a yacht for a particular "high season" event, choose your dates carefully as although a "high season" rate will be more expensive than the "low season" the two can sometimes share much of the same weather conditions.

Aside from seasons and events, yachts of the same size may also differ in price and this may be down to a vast difference in on board amenities. A yacht which boasts an on board cinema or lavish water toys may have a higher base rate compared with a yacht of minimal amenities of the same size. If it is unclear as to why two yachts of the same size are vastly different in price, ask your yacht broker to explain what the differences are. Once you are clear on what the base price is and why, it is important to discover what costs will be applicable on top and this is dependent on the type of charter contract used.

The type of charter contract applicable to your charter will depend on where in the world you are cruising, as there are various terms within the industry which dictate how the payment structure is determined. For instance, a MYBA (Worldwide Yachting Association, formerly known as Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association) contract operates under Western Mediterranean Terms (WMT) and is arguably the most commonly used, particularly with large yachts embarking on a Mediterranean yacht charter. This contract is often referred to as a "plus all expenses" contract and requires that the charterer pay for fuel, food, beverages and dockage fees as an additional expense outside of the base charter fee. Typically, guests can accumulate an additional 25% to 50% of the base charter fee though this is dependent on what is consumed. These expenses can be tracked through the use of an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) which we will cover in the next section.

Alternatively, smaller yachts on a Caribbean yacht charter can expect a "mostly all-inclusive" contract known as Caribbean Terms Inclusive (CTI) sometimes referred to as Standard Caribbean Terms (SCT). The Standard Caribbean Terms greatly differ from Western Mediterranean Terms, as the Caribbean terms include three meals a day in addition to four hours cruising per day which is included in the base charter fee.

In addition to the commonly used MYBA terms and Standard Caribbean Terms, there are also less frequently used terms such as Standard Eastern Mediterranean Terms (SEMT) and Greek Terms (GI). Read our guide on Understanding Charter Contracts for more information and if you are unsure as to what is included under the terms of your contract, be sure to ask your broker.

Advance Provisioning Allowance (commonly referred to as APA)

Irrespective of the charter contract it is important for guests to be aware of the Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA). The APA was designed to enable charterers to manage their expenses through a clear and trackable arrangement. An APA is a way to deposit the estimated expense amount of your charter to cover costs such as fuel, food and dockage fees. Typically, the APA accrues to approximately 25% to 30% of the base charter fee, though this does of course depend on the charter parties tastes and requirements and could be far less or far greater than this estimation. For instance, charter guests who intend to regularly dine on caviar and vintage wine can expect to pay more, whereas guests on board a sailing yacht charter can expect to save on fuel costs. Charterers can request an estimated APA amount from the yacht broker based on their on board expectations.

The APA is to be paid approximately one month prior to boarding the charter yacht and is paid directly to the Captain of the yacht. Once the APA has been paid to the captain it will then be retained as a bank account of sorts, from which the captain can make expenditures whilst keeping a record of what has been spent. At any point during the yacht charter guests can request a rundown of accounts from the captain as a way of keeping track of expenditures. The captain will request that any additional funds are paid during the charter should guests exceed the APA. It is therefore a good idea to keep an additional account with your yacht broker on shore, as should the APA become critically low at any time the yacht broker can release additional funds to the captain on the charterers command. Cash can be used if necessary though an on shore account may be deemed as hassle free to some.

It is important to remember that food and fuel for example, are charged at cost without mark up to the charterer and upon disembarking, transactions can be reviewed by the "head" charterer and Captain with any remaining funds to be paid back to the charterer.

Fuel and Dockage Fees

It is important to remember that whilst considering fuel costs, the fuel consumed when using jet-skis and tenders will also apply to the charterer. In addition, whilst docked at a marina the generators used in order to produce electricity will also use fuel. The distance travelled and speed of cruising also affects fuel costs and it is important to bear these factors in mind. Dockage fees may vary from very little to large sums and this is dependent again upon the location and whether you wish to dock during a special event such as the Monaco Grand Prix.

Although insurance costs are not directly connected to the charter costs as such, it is useful to bear in mind should you with to take out Charterers Liability Insurance or Cancellation and Curtailment cover. You can read more information regarding insurance in our How to Book and Plan a Yacht Charter article.

Value Added Tax (VAT)

European Union (EU) tax laws state VAT will apply should you disembark within their waters, for example Italian territorial waters. This may also apply to some Caribbean islands. Commercially registered vessels are usually VAT exempt though vessels which are not commercially registered will be liable for VAT for all charters within the EU.

No request is too large or detail too small on a yacht charter though it is wise to keep in mind the shipping costs should you request an expensive bottle of champagne to be transported to you whilst you are residing in a secluded bay of the Caribbean. It is important to understand the entire payment structure to ensure no unpleasant surprises arise and it is often prudent to keep an escrow account with your broker on shore in order to control charter costs without having to carry cash on board.

Getting Started

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This is a small selection of the global luxury yacht charter fleet, with 3788 motor yachts, sail yachts, explorer yachts and catamarans to choose from including superyachts and megayachts, the world is your oyster. Why search for your ideal yacht charter vacation anywhere else?

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136m | Lurssen

from $3,157,000 p/week ♦︎

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from $2,736,000 p/week ♦︎

O'Ptasia yacht charter

85m | Golden Yachts

from $947,000 p/week ♦︎

Project X yacht charter

88m | Golden Yachts

from $1,162,000 p/week ♦︎

Savannah yacht charter

84m | Feadship

from $1,052,000 p/week ♦︎

Lady S yacht charter

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from $1,473,000 p/week ♦︎

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Maltese Falcon

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from $490,000 p/week

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from $3,000,000 p/week

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How Much Does it Actually Cost to Charter a Yacht?

From tips to APAs, we steer you through all the costs associated with private yacht charters.

By Emma Al-Mousawi

Superyacht O'Rea in the water

The appeal of yacht travel is unmatched: complete privacy, round-the-clock service, stunning locations and the option to simply travel a new path if the weather forecast turns inclement – what could be better? But, benefits aside, one key questions remains on the minds of sea-farers to-be: how much does it actually cost to charter a yacht?

There is no denying it – yacht charter does not come cheap, with plenty of potentially hidden costs lurking among every decision. Fortunately, though, with proper advance planning, expert knowledge and the right professionals in your corner, chartering a yacht can be a breeze – and without any worrisome bills to round off your trip.

[See also: The World’s Most Expensive Yachts for Charter]

What will my yacht charter rate include?

There are generally two types of yacht charter: an all-inclusive charter and the more common ‘plus expenses’ charter. As the name suggests, the cost of an all-inclusive yacht charter will include (almost) everything such as crew, food, drinks, fuel and water sports equipment (though always check as this does vary between charter companies). However, some all-inclusive charters won’t include dockage or mooring fees, which can soon add up – but more on that later. 

Hot tub and daybed on deck of superyacht

A ‘plus expenses’ or ‘separated charges’ charter is where a base price is charged for the ship and its crew, while everything else is paid for through an ‘Advance Provisioning Allowance’ (APA) before you step onboard. Prior to a voyage, guests will complete a preference sheet with their likes and dislikes, enabling the chef and service team to stock up on the guest’s favorite items. This tends to be the norm on superyacht charters as it allows for a much more tailored experience.

As well as covering food and beverages, an APA will also cover things like fuel and possibly dockage. It is usually charged at around 30% of the yacht’s base rate. According to luxury yacht brokers Northrop and Johnson, the average price paid by its customers for a week’s ‘plus expenses’ charter was around $152,000 in 2020, which would mean an APA of around $45,600 – not a small sum, so it’s something to be aware of when selecting your vessel. 

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A third, less common charter is a ‘bareboat’ charter. This is a charter without a crew or provisions and only generally favored amongst experienced yachtsmen and women or those who can supply their own crew. 

[See also: How to Charter a Superyacht]

Does size impact how much it will cost to charter a yacht?

The reputation of the crew, the age of the yacht and its design will all influence the price of your charter. However, the single biggest factor that will impact cost is likely to be the size: the bigger the yacht, the more you’re likely to pay. 

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For example, with leading yacht brokerage Burgess , a week’s charter in the Caribbean aboard the 163.3-ft Home starts at $245,000. If you opt for the larger Laurentia , at 180.5 ft, the price starts at $400,000. Both yachts were built in 2017 by leading Dutch shipyard Heesen and have capacity for 12 guests, but there is over $150,000 difference in the price. Naturally, you can also expect a higher APA for a bigger ship. 

Novice charterers might be surprised to learn that a larger yacht doesn’t automatically translate into a larger guest capacity. Most superyachts are capped at a 12-guest limit due to International Maritime Organization safety regulations.

Home Superyacht for charter

Does the type of yacht impact the price?

The answer is yes, but to a lesser extent than size. There’s something for everyone when it comes to yachts: classic yachts (built between the 1920s and 1970s) allow you to experience old-school glamour of a bygone era, whereas sportfishing yachts are nimble and offer a long-range to get you to the best fishing (or diving) spots.

Sailing yachts are a popular choice amongst boating enthusiasts, but by a long shot, the most popular charter yachts are motor yachts. These are typically what spring to mind when you picture a superyacht and, size-dependent, tend to be the most expensive type of yacht to charter, often being pricier to purchase, maintain and fuel. Explorer yachts are motor yachts designed to cope with the most extreme conditions – if you’re planning a luxury superyacht charter to Antarctica, for example, it’s likely to be aboard one of these.

Over the past decade, explorer yachts have skyrocketed in popularity amongst intrepid travelers looking for opulent adventure on the seven seas. A week onboard on of the world’s fastest explorer yacht, the 311.68-ft Bold , costs approximately $949,300. This also makes it one of the world’s most expensive yachts to charter, in line with what you’ll pay for chartering the crème de la crème of the more ‘conventional’ superyachts typically seen on the French Riviera, like the ultra-glamorous O’Pari . A week’s charter onboard the 312-ft O’Pari comes complete with custom artwork and DJ booth costs from $1.85m.

[See also: The Best Luxury Yacht Builders in the World]

Is chartering during certain months more expensive than others?

The time of year will impact your charter price. In yachting, there are two main seasons – summer and winter – and chartering during these peak times will push up the cost. The summer season runs from May to October, with peak rates in July and August. The winter season runs from November to April, with peak rates over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays and into New Year. Location also dictates the price of a charter; for example, Caribbean charters are costlier from December to March whereas Mediterranean charters are at their priciest during the summer months. 

Laurentia Yacht for charter with burgess

How much do you tip on a yacht charter?

Not even a Mediterranean jellyfish has the power to sting an unassuming first-time sailor like end-of-trip expenses. 

With ‘plus expenses’ charters, your APA is paid before you set sail. However, a detailed list of outgoings will be kept by the ship and if your expenses surpass the amount of your APA, you will be asked to cover the amount for the remaining charter. Saying this, it does work both ways – any unspent APA will be refunded to you. 

On both all-inclusive and ‘plus expenses’ charters, crew gratuities are not included in the yacht charter price. If you were happy with the service, the going rate for tips is around 15 to 20% of the charter cost. 

Depending on your charter agreement, docking fees, a charge you pay to keep your yacht in a marina or harbor overnight, may or may not be included in the cost. These can vary greatly depending on the location, time of year and the size of your yacht. Expect to pay the highest docking fees on the Mediterranean during high season with Capri and St Tropez commanding some of the steepest premiums.

Your itinerary can also affect the price, as traveling to places like Antarctica and the Arctic Circle requires expensive permits. Certain destinations will also charge tax and VAT, so it is sensible to check with your broker if you’re keen on getting a cost breakdown before your trip. 

[See also: The Best Superyachts to Charter This Summer]

Photo of Emma Al-Mousawi

Emma Al-Mousawi

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COMMENTS

  1. Yacht Charter Cost: What Can You Expect to Pay? - Worldwide Boat

    Learn how to estimate the cost of a yacht charter, depending on the type of yacht, the destination, the season, and the additional expenses. Compare all-inclusive and plus expenses charters, and find out what is included in the base price and what is not.

  2. Yacht Charter Cost Guide 2024 - YATCO

    May 13, 2024 · If you’re looking for a fully crewed yacht with your own captain on a yacht in the Mediterranean, you will be looking at yachts that charge a base rate (as explained above – this is the super yacht charter cost for a fully crewed charter) and need to factor in the additional 50-55% for your expenses to get an all-inclusive cost.

  3. Yacht Charter: How Much Does it Truly Cost? Rental Prices ...

    Oct 20, 2023 · Your fuel costs will depend on your boat, your itinerary, and whether you choose to cruise or stay at anchor. A sailing yacht charter can cost 10% less than a motor yacht charter because the fuel consumption is smaller. This amount also includes the fuel expenditure of any water toys and tenders you use during your charter. Harbor fees and dockage

  4. How much does it cost to charter a yacht? [2025 guide] - Wise

    Nov 14, 2024 · We’ll explore the way different factors impact the costs of hiring a yacht more later - but to give a couple of more concrete examples: Bareboat charters of a 60 ft sailboat in the British Virgin Isles starts from about 12,000 EUR (about 13,000 USD) a week, while a week on a motor yacht of the same size could rise to 30,000 EUR¹ (about 32,000 USD)

  5. Yacht Charter Costs Explained | Superyacht Rental Cost

    Yacht Charter Costs Explained ... This is a small selection of the global luxury yacht charter fleet, with 3785 motor yachts, sail yachts, explorer yachts and ...

  6. How Much Does it Actually Cost to Charter a Yacht?

    May 20, 2024 · Sailing yachts are a popular choice amongst boating enthusiasts, but by a long shot, the most popular charter yachts are motor yachts. These are typically what spring to mind when you picture a superyacht and, size-dependent, tend to be the most expensive type of yacht to charter, often being pricier to purchase, maintain and fuel.