Charter Cruises

group yacht cruise

Imagine the exclusivity and fun of sharing a private cruise ship with your own group of friends or family… Go where you want, do your preferred activities, help craft the menu, stock the bar with your favorites and more. Every  small cruise ship  we represent is available for charter; learn more here about chartering a yacht or small ship for your group.

ON THIS PAGE – Charter Cruises: How Many Passengers Do I Need? Where to Charter Cruise How Far in Advance to Book? What Costs to Expect Customizing Your Cruise Choosing Your Charter Boat Popular Charter Yachts by Type Charter Cruise Reviews from Our Clients

A woman in an AdventureSmith Explorations tan hat smiles standing in front of the waterfalls of Krka National Park in Croatia

TALK TO A CHARTER EXPERT

You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers.

Why Choose a Charter Cruise

A private boat charter has many advantages over an independently booked  small ship cruise . In addition to the many reasons to travel by small ship , a private ship charter offers your family or small group exclusivity, flexibility, privacy and savings. A full yacht charter can save 10 to 30% off regular per-person cruise rates, and you can often choose the length, route and many other details to truly make the trip your own. Just note that our private boat tours are all overnight, no day-only bookings.

How Many Passengers Do I Need?

Private cruises are perfect for families and small groups of 6 to 200+ travelers, so there really no set minimum to book a charter cruise. Our charter cruise clients have ranged from couples booking small 6-guest yachts to zoological societies, family reunions, wedding groups and alumni associations booking larger ships. Business groups and clubs have sought out luxury private cruises with us, and we’ve arranged simpler, affordable charters for families as well.

Where to Charter Cruise

As long as there is an ocean or river and an available ship, you can book a charter cruise anywhere. Our experts will work with you to determine where and when is best for your group. Sometimes we start planning with the destination. And other times, we start with a date range then select where to charter cruise.

Seeking a family charter to the Galapagos? A private Caribbean cruise? Our most popular destinations for small ship charters include Alaska; Hawaii; Baja California; Belize; the Caribbean; Costa Rica; Northern Europe’s England, Ireland and Scotland; Panama; Galapagos, Antarctica; the Amazon; Australia; Indonesia; the South Pacific and the Mediterranean. These locations have a wide variety of small ships, meaning there are lots of options for groups to choose from. In addition, the competition between operators keeps charter rates down. View the following pages for further details on our most popular charter cruise destinations and trips:

  • Alaska Yacht Charters
  • Galapagos Islands Yacht Charters
  • Mediterranean Yacht Charters
  • Belize Catamaran Charter Cruises
  • View all small cruise ships & filter by destination
  • View all family cruises & filter by destination

How Far in Advance to Book a Charter Boat?

Typically charter cruises are planned and contracted at least one year in advance of the departure date, but as long as space is available a charter boat can be booked at any time. Much depends on the time of year you’re seeking to travel and the destination’s popularity. Learn more about the private cruise ship selection and booking process in our How to Charter a Ship guide.

What Costs to Expect

How much is a charter boat ? Costs vary greatly depending on passenger count, destination, season, etc. But did you know that a private cruise charter costs 10-30% less than booking individual staterooms? Many travelers are surprised to learn how affordable a cruise boat rental is versus paying individual cabin rates. But also be aware that a charter boat rate remains the same, whether or not you have enough travelers to fill all the staterooms. For more details about pricing, read our detailed guide on cruise ship rental cost , with explanations and further considerations about pricing.

Private Boat Charter Deals

In addition to saving on individual cabin rates when you rent a cruise ship, look for additional promotional savings by browsing our charter deals . Many times, charter boat operators prefer to block off their ships for private groups for ease of operations and the fun of flexibility. Oftentimes if you look early, you can get the best deal on a private boat charter.

Customizing Your Charter Cruise

Cruise itineraries, on-board programs, activity levels and even food service can be customized to the interests, ability and budget of your group. Have a keen interest in bears, whales or bird watching? Want to kayak all day or just a little? Traveling with a school science class? Looking for a focus on ancient religion or indigenous cultures? Want to hone in on whiskey tasting, golf, tennis, or horse-riding? Our experts can find the right destination, the right charter boat and the right itinerary for your group.

Meet Your Captain, Crew & Guides

All our charter cruises are fully crewed charters, outfitted with an experienced and professional captain and crew. We do not offer bare-boat charters. We believe that the captain, guides, chef and crew are an integral part of expedition cruising and that their experience and expertise are essential to a safe and successful voyage.

group yacht cruise

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Choosing Your Charter Boat

If you’re considering a private boat charter, we recommend starting with destination and/or ship size. If you’re flexible, looking by charter boat size is a great starting point. Pick your size from the list below to browse private cruise ship listings, filtering by destination and ship type. Perhaps you’re seeking a charter boat for family travel? Something small with a romantic cruise feel, for a few couples? A private ship for a business event? Or to rent a cruise ship for your wedding? Start your search here:

The exterior of a Belize charter ship, her blue sails are lowered on top of her all white deck as it floats in the teal ocean

Small Yacht Charters (6-20 guests)

Small yacht charters offer an active and intimate cruise experience up close to nature, wildlife and culture. Private yacht cruises offer daily opportunities to explore away from the vessel on hikes, sea kayaking, snorkeling or zodiac excursions. If you’re looking for a private sailboat charter or a small luxury yacht, this is your starting place. Note that 6- to 20-guest yachts, riverboats, sailboats and barges vary considerably in price and amenities. You’ll find everything from rustic floating base camps with bunk beds and shared bathrooms to luxury yacht cruisers with hot tubs and elegant furnishings. Most small yachts carry kayaks for up-close exploration, and some  Belize catamaran charter  sailboats even carry jetskis.

Large yacht charter Galileo seen from above near a rocky shoreline in Greece

Large Yacht Charters (21-50 guests)

Large yachts offer the intimate nature and efficient landings of the small yachts combined with all the roominess, amenities, service and luxury of the small ships. Expect more spacious cabins, bathrooms, dining rooms, lounge and deck space. Many large yachts offer spacious suites in addition to standard cabins. Cuisine is delicious and service exceptional. Large charter yacht cruises offer plenty of space for group functions or private moments on deck. The extra space aboard large yachts makes them popular for families with kids and teens, as well as some added amenities for those seeking luxury yacht charters. Some large yachts carry kayaks while others do not.

Safari Endeavour charter boat cruising on glassy Alaskan waters on a sunny day

Expedition Ship Charters (50+ guests)

Expedition-size small ships are the largest vessels we offer. Ships larger than this lose the intimate experience and ability to explore away from the ship that is so crucial to a successful adventure cruise. These ships offer the most space with larger cabins, bathrooms, salons and lounges, dining rooms and more deck space. Each small ship offers a variety of cabins from standard to suite. Expect professional service with restaurant-style meals. Small ships also offer the largest staff of naturalists and guides.

group yacht cruise

Luxury Boat Charters

If you are seeking a luxury boat charter, you’ll find one in every ship size category mentioned above. Since the definition of luxury is very relative to each traveler, we recommend contacting our charter cruise specialists to discuss which luxury private cruises are best for your needs. A luxury boat charter on the Amazon River can mean a private cold plunge pool on your own cabin balcony, while small luxury yacht charters in Alaska might be less about what’s on board the charter boat and more about the exclusive experience with guides, cuisine and access to wilderness.

Popular Charter Yachts by Type

If you are seeking a particular style or type of charter experience, listed below are a few of our bestselling charter boats:

Luxury Charter Yachts

  • 16-guest Cormorant II (Galapagos)
  • 20-guest Origin, Theory & Evolve (Galapagos)
  • 22-guest Safari Quest (Alaska)
  • 30-guest Aqua Blu (Indonesia)
  • 18-guest Kontiki Wayra (Costa Rica)

Expedition Charter Yachts

  • 20-guest Coral II (Galapagos)
  • 34-guest Callisto (Greece & Croatia)
  • 36-guest Safari Explorer (Hawaii & Alaska)

Riverboats & Barge Charters

  • 8-guest Delfin I riverboat (Amazon River)
  • 8-guest Scottish Highlander barge
  • 8-guest Magna Carta barge (England)
  • 10-guest Shannon Princess barge (Ireland)

Historic Charter Yachts

  • 12-guest Sea Wolf (Alaska)
  • 8-guest Westward (Baja & Alaska)
  • 16-guest Grace (Galapagos)

Sailing & Motorsailer Charters

  • 6- to 10-guest Belize Charter Yachts
  • 32-guest Le Ponant (Mediterranean & Caribbean)
  • 33-guest Rembrandt van Rijn (Arctic)
  • 14-guest Katharina (Indonesia)

View All Charter Ships

See the full list of ships we offer.

Hear It from Our Charter Cruise Clients

This was an amazing trip. The accommodations, tours, and overall experience was amazing. Everything was planned to perfection.

Great trip. Action packed. We almost needed a vacation from the vacation.

We traveled with another family so it was super fun and easy. This trip is a great way to go with 2 families. Kids and adults had a blast!

Everything was so well planned out and orchestrated. The Royal Galapagos crew on board the Horizon was fabulous. They went above and beyond to take wonderful care of us. I can’t commend them highly enough!

The charming boat, excellent crew, and good friends made this a joyful, memorable trip.

This was an amazing trip. The accommodations, tours, and overall experience was amazing. Everything was planned to perfection. We never were waiting or wondering what was next. Definitely booking more trips. It was family and we all loved every minute of our adventures in Belize.

Accommodations Review

Top notch accommodations.

Meals Review

All of the food and service was excellent.

Crew & Guides Review

All of the guides and trip leaders went above and beyond to make our experience as fun as possible.

Itinerary Review

Loved the Chaa Creek experience in the jungle. We never lacked for fun or relaxation. Everything was very well planned. The Chabli Mar in Placensia was also great. It was nice to have jungle and beach in one trip.

Transportation Review

Every transportation we needed was right on schedule.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

We were very prepared by Andrew Browning for what we would need for our trip. We had absolutely no issues, because he had prepared us so well. Would highly recommend a trip with Adventure Smith. Top notch accommodations, tours, guides, and transportation. They put together a trip geared specifically for you.

Traveler Advice

Follow all instructions Adventure Smith gives you and you will have an amazing trip.

Featured in this Traveler Review

  • Custom Cruises & Travel
  • The Lodge at Chaa Creek
  • Andrew Browning

The Infiniti ship and crew were excellent. Suite on Infiniti was excellent. Room serviced multiple times a day. Could have used additional shampoo/conditioner/soap daily.  Would have enjoyed turn down service chocolate nightly (instead of occasionally).

Food options were excellent. Chef able to accommodate multiple vegans/vegetarians. Proteins (meat/fish) were a tad overcooked, but all meals impressive. Favorite was Italian-themed day.

Juan was passionate and enthusiastic about educating guests about all-things Galapagos. Carlos was a little more reserved, but still excellent.

[We most enjoyed]...the Galapagos Islands. [We least enjoyed]...Quito due to altitude sickness. About half of the guests off boarded mid-trip and another 11 guests on boarded. Average age of second half considerably younger. All passengers were great, no jerks.

AdventureSmith was helpful as COVID protocols changed just prior to trip.

Plan for sea sickness regardless of your past experience.

  • Infinity Galapagos Cruises
  • Galapagos Infinity

After sitting idle for 16 months from traveling outside of the US, it was awesome to finally venture out and have it be to Belize! This was a trip that was postponed from 2020 and it exceeded our expectations in experience, accommodation and activity. (We had) a desire to go on a sail boat, snorkel and dive and get out to the Caribbean. We were able to dabble in the interior for some jungle love and then on a sailing catamaran extravaganza around the cayes of Belize. We traveled with another family so it was super fun and easy. This trip is a great way to go with 2 families. Kids and adults had a blast! The mantra of the trip "Now we're doing something" couldn't have rang more true!!

Chaa Creek was beautiful and our villa was quite fancy. Large windows, spacious, a/c, our own pool and howler monkeys hanging out next to it. The catamaran "Tranquilo" was equally as nice. It fit the 8 of us plus the 2 crew just fine. Had a/c in the rooms, seemed to have plenty of storage, and the bathrooms worked fine.

Food at both the lodge and on the catamaran was wonderful. All fresh and uniquely prepared. Kainie from the boat was amazing in what she prepared and even went the extra mile and gave us a 4th of July picnic since we were there for the holiday. Just awesome.

Our group loved the ATM wet cave where you swam and splunked through big caverns and narrow passageways only to come to a part of the cave where old pottery relics and skeleton bones dated 1600 years were left behind by Mayan people. The Mayan ruin of Caracol. The fishing, snorkeling and diving of the incredible reefs of Belize. There is not much not to enjoy but I probably would not have done the tubing from Chaa Creek as it was long and slow.

I think if you have a group that would like to go to Belize spending the money on a charter boat is the way to go. So intimate, lots of flexibility and fun. The kids were taught to spear fish by our captain, sailing to the different cayes was amazing. I would have liked to have seen some more local communities but that can be for the next sailing trip. Being in the jungle and at Chaa Creek was also a great side trip to do in addition to the boat. So glad we got to experience both the jungle and sea!

Transportation was arranged via Chaa Creek and Belize Sailing Vacation. All were flawless and we were met on time with comfortable travel vehicles all equipped with a/c which was great since it was so hot and humid!

Communication about expectations and how to prepare were spot on and well needed since it had been awhile since any of us had traveled out of the country. With all the nuances added due to Covid we never felt uninformed about changes or requirements. Pretty seamless. Adventuresmith also provided us with a useful app that had all of our pertinent information, flights, etc for easy access to resources.

Adventuresmith prepared us in such a way that we always were kept abreast on any and all changes, requirements or nuances with the trip that we needed to be aware of. The app we had that held all of our information was pretty slick. Trip information and details were complete and accurate. Friendly and knowledgeable staff that were genuinely excited for us to travel.

Flights seem to change constantly so keep up with it. Make sure to do your research on what excursions you want to do and ask questions. Sometimes while you're in the country of travel you need to work a little for clarification for some of the excursions or experiences.

  • Belize Catamaran Charter Cruise
  • Belize Charter Yachts
  • Chaa Creek Inland Expedition

The boat was exceptional, the rooms, the lay out, the communal spaces, bar, dining room, food, snorkeling gear, all top notch.

Meals were exceptional. The bar was fun, mixed drinks were pricey, and better tonic would have been appreciated as well as colder beer!

I enjoyed the entire itinerary; the nature walks, snorkeling, swimming, and visits to tortoise breeding centers.

Michelle is phenomenal!!! She has such a great personality and is a great people person, so knowledgeable, kind, helpful, and pleasant. She orchestrated everything with ease, efficiency, and took incredible care of all of us, including our 9 month old. I cannot say enough about her. Others on the crew were amazing as well, Milene and Marjorie were especially helpful and the chef, Naum was a delight! Our naturalist guide, James, was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. Really, the entire crew took such good care of us!

Thanks Arielle!

You’ve got everything covered in your info packet!

  • Horizon Galapagos Cruises
  • Galapagos Horizon
  • Arielle Lightcap

The nature of the boat means cabins aren't spacious, but that is part of the experience. The Catalyst is a marvelously maintained craft with handsome brass fittings, proudly maintained original engine, and rich teak accents. It's a beauty.

Every meal was a visual and gustatory feast.

It's hard to pick a favorite. The hikes and kayaking were enjoyable, presentations were outstanding, the vistas were serene, and the crew members' interactions with us were always to ensure our comfort and pleasure.

What a crew! It's hard to imagine a better one. Each crew member was highly skilled, each ensured that we were enjoying the trip and the excursions, and each seemed to interact flawlessly with the others. Captain Che Rodgers is a skilled, talented leader who ensured not only the safety of the boat and passengers but also their enjoyment. Naturalist Jesse Turner was superb. He was knowledgeable, accommodating, and delightful. The last night's slide show set to music which was put on a thumb drive for each of us along with other photos and nuggets, is a cherished treasure. Mate/engineer Dan Liden was clearly skilled, adventuresome, and fun.

Fellow Passengers Review

A friend booked the trip, and I was invited to join the group. We were all good friends in the beginning and became even closer as a result of this experience on the Catalyst.

AdventureSmith prepared us well for the trip.

  • Voyage Through the San Juan Islands

About Our Charter Cruise Expertise

Looking for more detailed information on how to charter a private yacht ? Let our experts be your guide to make the process seamless and transparent. Our staff has decades of experience planning, booking and taking small ship cruise charter vacations. Because of our sales volume, we are preferred partners with cruise lines and can offer exclusive rates and a no-pressure sales environment focused on finding the right private ship at the best price. Because we don’t own any of the boats we work with, we can offer honest, unbiased information to help you compare them and find the very best private cruise ship for your interests, ability and budget. Once you’ve selected your charter boat, we are able to help with all the details, including recommendations for packing, hotels, transfers, flights and tours, all at no extra cost to you. Browse our charter resources here, and call us today to consider your next private cruise charter.

Tips every savvy traveler should know when researching how to charter a yacht. This 7-step guide gives you insight from AdventureSmith's many years of arranging charter cruises to exotic destinations worldwide.

Expert advice about what determines the cost of chartering a yacht, including destination, ship type and size, the length of the cruise, the season of the cruise and other tips on price.

For the 10th anniversary of AdventureSmith Explorations, Founder & President Todd Smith chartered the 36-guest Coral I Galapagos yacht for his family and friends to celebrate. This is the story of their trip.

Contact Us - Charter Cruises

Travel is best planned one-on-one, and we’re here to help you with your specific needs.

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The Best Private Yacht Charters for Small Groups

Halcon del Mar by Red Savannah Private Cruise

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

While much of the cruise industry halted operations in the last year , it didn't mean that all sailings stopped. For families or pandemic-era bubble groups who wanted a sunny getaway on the water, a trend emerged: renting out entire yachts , complete with crew, for a new kind of custom sailing.

Exploring destinations around the world on a private yacht with your kids, and maybe another family or two, is both a luxurious and practical way to travel these days. The sea turns into your personal playground, and your captain will steer you to islets and beaches away from the crowds. On board, you can spend time together in a pleasant, contained environment—plus, no one has to cook. Bring on the movies and board games!

Here are our favorite family-friendly yachts available for private charter around the world.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Kontiki Wayra

Howler monkeys, sea lions, and blue-footed boobies are one attraction, pristine beaches another as this new 128-foot motor yacht, operated by the sustainably conscious expedition line Kontiki, explores less-touristed areas on the coast of Ecuador beginning this summer. The nine-cabin yacht carries up to 18 guests in contemporary high-style. The 10-member crew includes local guides, a chef, and wellness professionals—there's even a masseuse on board. On land, visit nature preserves and treat the kids to a private tasting of Ecuadorian chocolate.

Book now : From $152,800 per week

Halcon del Mar

Explore the coast of Turkey on this high-end, 148-foot traditional Bodrum-style gulet , with a classic mahogany interior and crew of six. The schooner sleeps up to 16 guests in eight spacious cabins. Enjoy the Jacuzzi and water toys—jet skis, water skis, snorkeling equipment, wakeboards, a canoe, paddleboards, a banana boat. Everyone can dine together at an open-air table at the stern, then watch movies in the saloon. Not-to-miss spots on the Gulf of Göcek include the protected Iztuzu Beach, where turtles nest.

Book now : $57,500 to $75,000 per week , plus food and drink

Prana by Atzaró Private Cruise

Prana by Atzaró's Batavia master suite.

Prana by Atzaró

The world’s largest Indonesian phinisi yacht explores remote islands, such as Komodo National Park (home to the famous dragons) and Raja Ampat . Made of teak, the 180-foot, Spanish-owned luxury yacht has nine cabins across four decks—plenty of room for fussy teens to have their own space. Luxuriate on daybeds, hang out on beaches, and snorkel or dive in the region’s famous coral reefs . The 20-person crew includes a cruise director, dive instructor, chefs, and masseuses. Water skis, wakeboards, and towable floats will thrill the kids.

Book now : From $15,000 to $17,500 per day , four-night minimum 

HMS Gåssten

Family groups of up to 10 will frolic under the Midnight Sun in Norway’s sparsely populated western fjords on this funky wooden boat, which started life as a Swedish Navy minesweeper. A meticulous rehab includes an oak-paneled saloon for dining, lounging, and board games. Perfect for kids, two of the five cabins have bunk beds. You can swim off the bow deck (where a gun turret once was located), as well as hike, bike, paddleboard, kayak, and fish during your stay.

Book now : From $54,204 per week  

This 78-foot yacht cruises Alaska’s tidewater , the glacier-rich Prince William Sound. Customized itineraries include Captain Jeff Gorton’s favorite spots for berry picking and hiking; watching glaciers calve; and spotting killer whales, Stellar sea lions, and frolicking otters. Get up close to the shoreline on the yacht’s kayaks and paddleboards. Three suites (one with bunk beds) accommodate six. In the spacious main salon, the private chef will prepare for dinner shrimp you caught that day.

Book now : $9,900 per night , three-night minimum

I SEA by Charter World Private Cruise

I Sea 's amenities include a floating swimming pool and a sky lounge.

Cruising the Greek Isles on this 134-foot superyacht brings luxury touches adults will appreciate, such as a master suite with private balcony on the Bridge deck. The waterslide will get the kids’ attention; it runs from the top deck to the sea. Great amenities include a floating swimming pool, banana boat, and snorkeling and diving equipment for two. Onboard are a Jacuzzi and a main salon for watching movies on TVs, plus a sky lounge. A crew of six caters to up to 10 guests in five cabins.

Book now : $156,000 to $178,000 per week

Metsuyan IV

A 3D outdoor cinema and 13-foot diving board for jumping into the sea are among the cool features on this sleek, 10-guest, five-cabin superyacht, available for cruising Croatia and Montenegro—including stops at gorgeous white-sand beaches. Onboard are a spa pool and a crow’s nest where kids may play pirate when not competing on the PlayStation 3, or using a provided easel and art supplies. Parents of younger kids will like the two forward staterooms with a connecting door.

Book now : $118,00 to $138,000 per week

Moorings 5000

This contemporary catamaran can be crew-chartered, with captain and chef, for up to eight guests in St. Thomas, for cruising the U.S. Virgin Islands. Visit popular Trunk Bay, then snorkel with sea turtles in Christmas Cove and look for dolphins in Leinster Bay. Toys include water skis, kneeboards, and a draggable inflatable tube. Hang out on beanbags or on the “trampoline” between the catamaran’s two hulls. Indoors, a TV/DVD player is set for movie nights in the expansive saloon.

Book now : From $21,479 per week

This is part of a series on rethinking private travel , which explores how the pandemic has changed our approach to private travel and made it more accessible to all.

group yacht cruise

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