Chartering a yacht is one of the most memorable ways to travel, offering privacy, flexibility, and access to destinations reachable only by water. But understanding the actual cost of a yacht charter can feel confusing to first-time guests. Charter rates vary widely depending on where you sail, the yacht you choose, and the season. In addition to the base price, extra fees such as fuel, food, taxes, and crew gratuities all factor into the final total.
This pricing guide breaks down exactly what you can expect to pay, how pricing works, and the factors that influence yacht charter costs so that you can plan your trip with confidence.
1. Base Charter Rate: What You Pay for the Yacht Itself
The base rate is the cost to rent the yacht for a week. It includes:
- The yacht itself
- Professional crew
- Standard amenities on board
- Use of water toys and equipment (varies by yacht)
Base Rates Vary by Yacht Type
Sailing Yachts:
$10,000 – $30,000 per week
Catamarans:
- $12,000 – $40,000 per week
- Larger luxury catamarans can reach $60,000+
Motor Yachts:
- $20,000 – $80,000 per week
Superyachts (100 ft+):
- $80,000 – $350,000 per week
Mega Yachts (150 ft+):
- $300,000 – $1,000,000+ per week
The bigger and more luxurious the yacht is, the higher its base rate will be.
2. APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance)
The APA covers variable expenses that depend on your itinerary and preferences. It is typically:
- 30%–40% of the base charter rate
This budget covers:
- Fuel (cruising, generators, tenders, jet skis)
- Food and drinks based on your preference sheet
- Dockage and marina fees
- Local taxes (if applicable)
- National park fees
- Extra water toys or special requests
At the end of the charter, you receive a detailed accounting, and any unused funds are refunded.
3. Crew Gratuity
Tipping is customary in the yacht charter industry and reflects the quality of service.
- 10%–20% of the base charter rate is standard in most regions
- Paid directly to the captain to distribute among the crew
Gratuity is not included in the base rate or APA.
4. Taxes & VAT
Depending on your charter destination, additional taxes may apply:
- Bahamas: 14% VAT
- Caribbean (varies by island): 4%–20%
- Mediterranean: 10%–22% depending on country
- USA: Florida has 6%–7.5% tax depending on location
- Greece/Croatia: VAT varies based on cruising itinerary
Your broker or charter manager will outline the exact tax amount beforehand.
5. Delivery Fees
If the yacht is not already located in your preferred departure port, you may need to pay delivery (repositioning) fees.
These cover:
- Fuel to move the yacht
- Crew time
Delivery fees are charged only when applicable and vary by distance.
6. Optional Add-ons
Some yachts or destinations offer extras that are not covered in the base rate or APA:
- Personal dive instructors or diving certifications
- Fishing permits
- Premium wines or spirits
- Event planning (birthdays, weddings)
- Helicopter transfers
- Additional water toys like seabobs or e-foil boards
Your charter planner can give exact costs upfront.
What Does a Yacht Charter Really Cost in Total?
To estimate your total, combine:
- Base Rate
- APA (30%–40% of base rate)
- Taxes
- Crew Gratuity (10%–20% of base rate)
- Optional extras
Example: Mid Size Motor Yacht (Base Rate $45,000/week)
- APA (35%): $15,750
- Tax (say 10%): $4,500
- Gratuity (15%): $6,750
Estimated Total: $72,000+
Example: Luxury Superyacht (Base Rate $150,000/week)
- APA (35%): $52,500
- Tax (varies): $15,000
- Gratuity (15%): $22,500
Estimated Total: $240,000+
What Influences the Cost of a Yacht Charter?
Many factors affect pricing:
Season
- High season (summer in the Med, winter in the Caribbean) = highest prices
- Shoulder season = best value
Destination
Some regions have higher fuel, provisioning, or marina fees (e.g., the French Riviera and the Bahamas).
Yacht Type & Size
Large motor yachts consume more fuel and require larger crews.
Itinerary
Long cruising distances mean higher fuel costs.
Amenities
Jacuzzis, stabilizers, gyms, cinemas, and extensive toy lists increase the price.
How to Get the Best Value
Getting great value from a yacht charter comes down to a few wise choices that help reduce costs while keeping the experience exceptional.
- Travel in shoulder season
- Choose a fuel-efficient yacht
- Start your charter where the yacht is already based
- Share the cost with friends or family
- Work with a reputable broker for transparent pricing
A Final Word on Yacht Charter Pricing
Understanding what a yacht charter really costs helps you plan wisely and avoid surprises. While the total price varies depending on yacht type, itinerary, and season, every charter offers something priceless: privacy, freedom, and a tailor-made experience on the water.