How Much Does a Yacht Charter Really Cost?
A crewed yacht charter is one of the most unforgettable travel experiences in the world—but how much does it actually cost? Whether you’re dreaming of sun-drenched days in the Caribbean or a glamorous escape in the Mediterranean, yacht charter pricing varies widely based on location, yacht size, season, and what’s included in the rate.
So, what makes a crewed yacht charter so special? It offers the ultimate in effortless luxury—with gourmet meals prepared just for you, elegant accommodations, and a professional, attentive crew who handles every detail from navigation, water sports and other activities to personalized daily planning.
To help you plan your ideal escape, let’s break down what you can expect when it comes to charter costs, including regional pricing models, VAT taxes, and what’s typically included (or not) in your weekly rate.
Understanding Yacht Charter Pricing
Yacht charter prices are typically quoted per week and range dramatically—from around $15,000 to over $200,000 USD per week. The cost depends on:
Size and type of yacht (sailing, catamaran, motor yacht)
Destination and season
Number of guests and crew
Luxury level and amenities (jacuzzis, toys, chef, etc.)
Yacht charters in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean follow different pricing structures and terminology, which significantly affects the total cost.
Caribbean Terms: “Inclusive” Charter Pricing
In the Caribbean, most crewed yacht charters (especially catamarans and sailing yachts) operate on what’s known as “inclusive terms.” This means the weekly rate generally includes:
The yacht and its crew
All meals and snacks prepared by the onboard chef
House wines, standard spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages
Fuel for the yacht and tender
Water toys and equipment (paddleboards, snorkeling gear, etc.)
Mooring fees and cruising permits (depending on destination)
This structure offers excellent value and transparency, particularly for families or groups who want to know upfront what their vacation will cost.
Typical Cost Range for Inclusive Charters:
2-4 guests: $15,000–$30,000/week
6-8 guests: $25,000–$50,000/week
Luxury/motor yachts: $60,000–$150,000+/week
Note: Premium wines and spirits, dockage at marinas, crew gratuity (15–20%), and optional excursions may not be included.
Mediterranean Terms: Plus Expenses
In the Mediterranean, yacht charters are typically quoted as a “base rate” plus expenses. This is often referred to as MYBA terms or “plus APA.” Here’s how that works:
The Base Charter Rate Includes:
Yacht rental
Crew services
Insurance for the yacht
Additional Expenses:
APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance): 25–35% of the base rate, paid in advance to cover food, beverages, fuel, dockage, and incidentals.
VAT (Value-Added Tax): Applied by many Mediterranean countries, ranging from 10–22% depending on the jurisdiction.
At the end of the charter, the captain provides a detailed accounting of expenses. Any unused APA is refunded, while overages are settled by the guest.
Example Breakdown:
Base rate: €50,000/week
APA (30%): €15,000
VAT (e.g., 20%): €10,000
Total cost: €75,000 (approx. $81,000 USD)
Countries with VAT for Yacht Charters:
France: 20% VAT
Italy: 22% VAT
Spain: 21% VAT
Croatia: 13% VAT
Greece: 12% VAT
VAT rates are enforced by local tax authorities and are non-negotiable. Your charter broker will ensure compliance and explain applicable taxes during booking.
What’s Typically Included (and Not Included)
Included on Caribbean Inclusive Charters:
Private use of the yacht
Captain and chef/stew team
Meals and snacks, based on guest preferences
House wines and spirits
All onboard activities and toys
Fuel, cruising permits, and some mooring fees
Not Typically Included:
Dockage at marinas (vs. mooring in anchorages)
Premium wines, champagnes, or specialty liquors
Crew gratuity (usually 15–20% of charter fee)
Off-yacht activities or restaurant visits
Optional crewed scuba diving (unless licensed onboard)
Included on Mediterranean Charters (MYBA):
Yacht rental and crew
Use of onboard amenities
Not Included (Covered by APA):
Food and beverage provisioning
Fuel for yacht and tenders
Dockage/marina fees
National park or port taxes
Crew gratuity (often 10–15% of base rate)
Seasonality and Peak Pricing
Charter costs can vary seasonally in some markets:
High Season (Caribbean): Mid-December to mid-April
Low Season (Caribbean): June to August
Christmas & New Years (Caribbean): Premium pricing typically applies
High Season (Mediterranean): July and August
Shoulder Season (Med): May–June and September–October
Booking 6–12 months in advance offers the best selection and pricing—especially for holidays or peak summer weeks.
Choosing the Right Yacht for Your Budget
To match your budget with the best possible experience, work with an experienced yacht charter broker who can guide you based on your:
Group size
Destination and travel dates
Preferences for cuisine, amenities, and water toys
Desire for all-inclusive pricing vs. more à la carte flexibility
Charter brokers also ensure you receive the correct charter contract, understand the cost breakdown, and handle every logistical detail from start to finish.
Final Thoughts
A private yacht charter is a luxury vacation, but it can also be surprisingly attainable—especially when compared to staying at a 5-star villa or resort. With options ranging from $15,000 for a fully crewed sailing catamaran to over $200,000 for a superyacht with a staff of ten, there’s a yacht for every kind of escape.
Whether you want an all-inclusive experience in the Caribbean or a custom, curated journey in the Mediterranean, understanding the cost structure helps you plan wisely and make the most of every nautical mile.
Ready to start planning your dream yacht vacation? Let me handle all the details and guide you every step of the way. Contact Sand and Sea Yacht Charters today to turn your vision into an unforgettable reality.”
