how much does a sailing yacht charter cost

Please use a modern browser to view this website. Some elements might not work as expected when using Internet Explorer.

• Landing Page
• Luxury Yacht Vacation Types
• Corporate Yacht Charter
• Tailor Made Vacations
• Luxury Exploration Vacations
• View All 3741
• Motor Yachts
• Sailing Yachts
• Classic Yachts
• Catamaran Yachts
• Filter By Destination
• More Filters
• Latest Reviews
• Charter Special Offers
• Destination Guides
• Inspiration & Features
• Mediterranean Charter Yachts
• France Charter Yachts
• Italy Charter Yachts
• Croatia Charter Yachts
• Greece Charter Yachts
• Turkey Charter Yachts
• Bahamas Charter Yachts
• Caribbean Charter Yachts
• Australia Charter Yachts
• Thailand Charter Yachts
• Dubai Charter Yachts
• Destination News
• New To Fleet
• Charter Fleet Updates
• Special Offers
• Industry News
• Yacht Shows
• Corporate Charter
• Finding a Yacht Broker
• Charter Preferences
• Questions & Answers
• Add my yacht

• Yacht Charter Fleet
• Luxury Yacht Charter Advice

How much does it cost to charter a yacht?

A comprehensive breakdown of yacht charter costs and fees

• Share this on Facebook
• Share this on X
• Share via Email

By Editorial Team   15 January 2024

Navigating the world of crewed yacht charters for the first time can be daunting, with numerous factors to consider. To clarify and assist, we have compiled a thorough guide on yacht charter costs, complete with a handy checklist so you can estimate the total cost for your vacation before you start searching for your ideal yacht.

Cost breakdown.

Charter fee of xxx

+ xxx % APA ( xxx )

+ xxx % Tax/VAT ( xxx )

Total = $ xxx

In this article:

• Base charter fee

Why do charter fees differ between yachts?

• Charter contracts

Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA)

• Crew gratuities

Fuel and dockage fees

Insurance: what does it cover, payment structure.

Planning a yacht charter is thrilling yet challenging, particularly when it comes to budgeting. The starting point is the yacht's base price, the weekly rental fee. But what about additional costs such as meals, beverages, local taxes, or fuel? How do these affect the overall cost? The encouraging part is that understanding yacht charter fees is straightforward. With guidance from our seasoned professionals, you can gain a clearer idea of the expenditure for your dream vacation. Yacht charter costs vary based on several elements: the yacht type, destination, local taxes, dates and the age of the yacht. Yacht charter prices span a broad spectrum. For instance, smaller sailing yachts and catamarans may start at around $10,000 per week, whereas more luxurious motor superyachts can exceed $100,000 per week. Wondering about other expenses? Our Charter Advice Guide, a key part of our planning resources, delves deep into the specifics of yacht charter costs.

After you have chosen your desired yacht, your yacht broker will prepare a legally binding contract; usually a standard agreement with conditions set by the terms applicable to the destination. Before you sign on the dotted line, it is important that you understand what it is that you are paying for and when it is due.

Base charter fee: All-Inclusive vs Plus Expenses

When it comes to crewed luxury yacht charters, you can choose from two types of vacations- "All-Inclusive" or  "Plus Expenses" charter experiences. But what do these classifications entail? Let's briefly compare:

• All-Inclusive Yacht Charters Certain charters, particularly small catamaran and monohull sailboat charters in the Virgin Islands, wooden Gulets in Turkey or Phinisis in Indonesia, offer different all-inclusive pricing packages. This means that the rates depend on the number of guests and cover some or all meals and beverages, water sports, and fuel expenses. However, dockage fees and taxes are typically billed as additional costs.
• Plus Expenses Charters The rates for larger sailing or motor yachts are exclusive of operational costs, which are to be paid additionally. With these high-end charters, the base rate covers only the yacht rental. Extra charges, such as for food, beverages, fuel, dockage, port taxes, and other expenses, are billed separately. These running costs are usually covered by an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) payment, generally set at 20-35% of the base charter rate depending on the size and location of the yacht. This amount is paid before the start of the charter.

The table below gives a quick comparision of what is generally included in the price for both charter types.

Plus Expenses Charter Costs

In essence the base charter fee refers to the hire cost of the yacht itself, and implies that the yacht will be provided to you in full commission, with all equipment in working order and the yacht properly insured for marine risks.

In addition, the cost of the crew’s food, wages and clothing will be met by the owner for the entirety of the charter. 

Charter rates are typically quoted per week (7 days), which in superyacht terms is generally accepted as the minimum period for yacht charters – although this is by no means set in stone.

The APA in Plus Expenses charters is typically about 25-40% of the yacht's base weekly charter rate (based on the size of yacht, location and yacht's fuel efficiency). This fee is collected before the start of the charter and acts like an expense fund that the captain can utilize during the trip to cover costs such as fuel, food and beverages, dockage fees and ad hoc incidental expenses.  At the end of the charter the captain will prepare a detailed statement of the APA expenditures, along with any unspent APA funds returned in cash.

Should expenses exceed the initial APA, you might need to top up the fund during the charter. This replenishment can be done in cash, but many opt to establish accounts with their charter brokers. These accounts can then be accessed upon the captain's request for additional funds.

Taxes & Value Added Tax (VAT)

For most yachts, regardless of being All-Inclusive or Plus Expenses , local taxes or Value Added Tax are NOT incorporated into their charter rate. It falls upon the charterer to pay these tax expenses before the charter commences. Tax rates can vary greatly depending on the destination; here's an brief overview of tax rates in some of the most sought-after yachting locations:

In the European Union (EU) recent harmonising changes to tax laws have affected VAT rates across most of the Mediterranean region. EU tax laws state that VAT will apply to vessels embarking or disembarking within their waters, although rates for VAT vary depending on the European destination. In France the current rate is 20% and in Italy it is 22%, whilst Turkey and Montenegro both charge 0% for EU-flagged yachts cruising their waters.

VAT also applies to yacht charters cruising The Bahamas , plus may also apply in some Caribbean islands.

Please consult your yacht charter broker  for further personalized advice if considering chartering in any of these areas.

Charter Free: £100,000 p/w +30% APA + 14% TAX/VAT

Crew Gratuities

Although tipping is optional, it's customary to leave a gratuity for the crew. The typical range for tips is between 10-20%, and it should reflect the quality of service you and your guests experienced during your yacht charter.

It's best practice to hand over crew gratuities to the captain for distribution, ensuring that every crew member is fairly recognized. This approach is important because there are often less visible crew members, like the engineer and sous chef, working diligently behind the scenes to guarantee the success of your charter. It would be unfair for their contributions to go unrecognized.

Cancellation Insurance

Charterers have the option to buy cancellation and curtailment insurance, akin to travel insurance. This insurance can provide coverage for costs in case the charter needs to be canceled or shortened. Charter brokers are equipped to assist in evaluating different insurance choices and typically offer a variety of options.

Delivery Fees

These fees are not typical for most charters, but if your charter takes place outside the yacht's regular cruising territory or a significant distance from its homeport, you might need to pay delivery fees. Usually, this will just involve covering the fuel costs for the journey.

The charter fee varies from one yacht to another for a number of reasons, such as its size, age, onboard amenities and time of year the yacht is chartered. We've listed below some of the most common factors that affect the base rate of a rental yacht.

Charter seasons

A yacht charter season can refer to the weather patterns of a particular destination or the peak times when demand for charter yachts is at its highest. Yacht charter seasons, therefore, are broken down into two distinct categories: Summer/Winter, and High/Low season. 

In terms of the yacht's base charter fee, high season rates will apply to the most popular periods for yacht charters – such as July and August in the Mediterranean or Christmas and New Year in the Caribbean . Low season rates will generally apply to all other periods.

Event pricing

Major events such as the Monaco Grand Prix and Cannes Film Festival are generally categorised as high season events , regardless of where they fall in the season, with yacht prices generally higher around these dates due to popular demand.

Unless you are keen to charter a yacht for a particular high season event, it is worth considering your dates carefully.

Shoulder seasons

The months straddling the high and low seasons are known as shoulder months, for example April and September for yacht charters around the Mediterranean, and can share much of the same weather and beautiful cruising conditions as the peak season whilst charter rates tend to be lower, making these months a great time for chartering a yacht.

• Onboard amenities

Aside from seasons and events, yachts of the same size can often differ in price based on their onboard amenities. A yacht which boasts a cinema or lavish water toys may have a higher base rate compared with a yacht with minimal amenities of the same size.

If the pricing is unclear, be sure to ask your yacht broker to explain any disparities. 

Once you are clear on the base charter fee of your chosen yacht, it is important to learn about the additional costs that will be applied on top, depending on the type of charter contract used.

MYBA Charter Agreement

The most widely used contract for yacht charters is a MYBA agreement (Worldwide Yachting Association, formerly known as Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association), which operates under Western Mediterranean Terms (WMT) . 

This contract, often referred to as a "plus all expenses" contract, requires that you pay for items, such as fuel, delivery fees, food and drink, local taxes and dockage fees, as an additional expense applied over the base charter fee.

Typically, a charter party (this is the collective term for the total number of guests on a charter) will accumulate additional costs of between 25% to 30% of the base charter fee, depending 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.

Other charter contracts

Caribbean Terms Inclusive (CTI) – sometimes referred to as Standard Caribbean Terms (SCT) – is another contract regularly used by the yachting industry, the terms of which are generally employed by smaller yacht charters in the Caribbean. 

Otherwise known as a "mostly all-inclusive" agreement, CTI differs from Western Mediterranean Terms as it includes three meals, plus up to four hours cruising, per day.

In addition to the commonly used MYBA terms and Caribbean Terms Inclusive, there are also less frequently used terms such as Standard Eastern Mediterranean Terms (SEMT) and Greek Terms (GT). 

SEMT operates much in the same way as CTI, except it includes only two meals per day for guests instead of three, as it is assumed guests will dine ashore in the evenings. Greek Terms are similar to the MYBA terms apart from harbour and berthing fees, which are included under GT terms so long as they are within Greek waters.

If you are unsure what is included under the terms of your contract, be sure to ask your yacht charter broker .

For more in-depth information, please see our guide on yacht charter contracts below.

Typically, the APA accrues to approximately 25% to 30% of the base charter fee, though this does of course depend on your charter party’s 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 a sailing yacht charter that is anchored at sea for most nights can expect to save on fuel costs and hefty marina fees. 

You can request an APA estimate from your yacht broker based on your charter party's onboard expectations.

What happens next?

The APA is payable one month prior to boarding the charter yacht (see 'Payment Structure' below), and is generally paid direct to the Captain.

Once the APA has been paid it will then be retained as a bank account of sorts, from which the Chef can provision the yacht ready for your charter and the Captain can make expenditures while keeping a strict record of what has been spent. It is important to note that all additional costs incurred throughout the charter are charged at cost with no mark-up.

At any point during the vacation you can request an up-to-date summary of the accounts as a way of keeping track of expenditures.

When you think of fuel costs, you may think of what is consumed by the yacht over the course of your charter.

However, there are further fuel costs to take into account that you may not have considered. These include;

• Personal watercraft toys, such as jet skis
• Tender boats used for transporting guests to and from the yacht, or for water sports activities
• A yacht's generators whilst at anchor (shore-side electricty is used when docked at a marina)

Furthermore, the distance travelled and the speed at which the yacht cruises also affects the overall fuel costs, so it is important to bear these factors in mind when settling on your itinerary. 

Dockage fees

These may vary widely depending on the destination and time of year from minimal to extravagant (think Port Hercule in Monaco during the Grand Prix).

If you are interested in booking any nights in marinas during your yacht charter, you should liaise with your broker who can advise on the various options available, including prices, around your chosen location and dates.

In general, the base charter fee of a yacht will include insurance for marine risk and third party liability insurance, which covers accidental damage and personal injury. It will also cover use of the yacht's watertoys and equipment.

Additional insurance

Although insurance is not generally connected to charter costs, it is useful to consider should you wish to take out additional insurance such as Cancellation and Curtailment cover which is calculated at 2.5% of the charter fee for the unforeseen cancellation of a charter, and can prove a worthwhile investment as well as providing peace of mind.

You should check with your broker about the level of insurance built into your charter contract before signing. 

Other taxes 

Local taxes may also apply in certain countries, therefore it is important to speak with your yacht charter broker to clarify what additional taxes are applicable to your chosen destination and itinerary.

Whilst the payment structure can vary depending on the contract, in general charter payments are made as follows;

• 50% of the charter fee is payable upon signing the charter agreement, which confirms the booking.
• The remaining 50% of the charter fee, APA (usually between 25-30% of the base charter fee), delivery and/or re-delivery fees, applicable taxes, plus any additional agreed amounts are payable one month prior to commencement of the yacht charter.
• Any balance of monies due are to be paid on the first working day prior to completion of the yacht charter.

For further clarification of the payment structure for your yacht charter, please speak with your broker.

The base charter fee for a yacht can differ for a number of reasons, including;

• Size and age of the yacht
• High/low seasons, and major events such as the Monaco Grand Prix

There will also be additional amounts to pay on top of the yacht's base charter fee, which can include;

• Advanced Provisioning Allowance (roughly 25-30% of the yacht's base fee and includes all charter expenditure such as food, fuel and marina fees)
• Additional insurance, such as Cancellation and Curtailment Insurance
• VAT and other taxes

It is important for you to understand the entire payment structure to ensure no unpleasant surprises arise whilst enjoying your vacation.

If you wish to know more about costs relating to your yacht charter, please speak with your preferred yacht broker for more information.

Related advice articles

• Share on Linked In

Yacht Reviews

• See All Reviews

Charter Yacht of the week

Start Planning - Speak with a Charter Expert

Our charter experts will:

• Discuss your vacation plans
• Check availability & shortlist suitable yachts
• Negotiate booking & prepare your itinerary

Enquire now for yacht availability & free consultation.

Featured Luxury Yachts for Charter

This is a small selection of the global luxury yacht charter fleet, with 3741 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?

136m | Lurssen

from $3,270,000 p/week ♦︎

115m | Lurssen

from $2,874,000 p/week ♦︎

85m | Golden Yachts

from $977,000 p/week ♦︎

88m | Golden Yachts

from $1,222,000 p/week ♦︎

83m | Feadship

from $1,113,000 p/week ♦︎

93m | Feadship

from $1,554,000 p/week ♦︎

Maltese Falcon

88m | Perini Navi

from $490,000 p/week

122m | Lurssen

from $3,000,000 p/week

As Featured In

The YachtCharterFleet Difference

YachtCharterFleet makes it easy to find the yacht charter vacation that is right for you. We combine thousands of yacht listings with local destination information, sample itineraries and experiences to deliver the world's most comprehensive yacht charter website.

San Francisco

• Like us on Facebook
• Follow us on Twitter
• Follow us on Instagram
• Find us on LinkedIn
• Add My Yacht
• Affiliates & Partners

Popular Destinations & Events

• St Tropez Yacht Charter
• Monaco Yacht Charter
• St Barts Yacht Charter
• Greece Yacht Charter
• Mykonos Yacht Charter
• Caribbean Yacht Charter

Featured Charter Yachts

• Maltese Falcon Yacht Charter
• Wheels Yacht Charter
• Victorious Yacht Charter
• Andrea Yacht Charter
• Titania Yacht Charter
• Ahpo Yacht Charter

Receive our latest offers, trends and stories direct to your inbox.

Please enter a valid e-mail.

Thanks for subscribing.

Search for Yachts, Destinations, Events, News... everything related to Luxury Yachts for Charter.

Yachts in your shortlist

Cost of Chartering a Yacht

Explore yacht charter costs with our guide, including pricing charts for destinations like Miami and the Mediterranean. Perfect for travelers planning a luxurious getaway.

In the movie Arthur , Liza Minelli, playing a snappish waitress, asks drunken playboy millionaire, Dudley Moore, playing Arthur, "is it wonderful to be on a yacht?" Arthur pauses for a moment and considers. "It doesn't suck," he says simply. Truer words might never have been spoken. A yachting getaway tops many a vacation wish list for people all over the world.

One wonders if Liza might have then asked, "Arthur, how much does it cost to charter a yacht?" The answer depends on a range of factors, including the charter destination, the type of yacht, taxes where the cruise occurs, level of pampering on board, and more. 

In general, a yacht charter can run from $3,000 for a day charter in Miami to $150,000 plus for a week-long charter in the Mediterranean. Smaller sailboat yachts, often catamarans, can be found for $10,000 per week in the Bahamas, and larger, gas-fueled motor yachts can fetch several hundred thousand dollars for a week in French Polynesia.

Clarifying what constitutes a "yacht" can be challenging. Some folks will say a boat larger than 33' is a yacht. Others, primarily those in the day-to-day yachting world, believe that a yacht should exceed 24 meters (78 feet). 

In addition to the base price of the charter, other costs can impact the total expense. Tipping of the crew, fuel costs, and provisioning contribute to the overall impact to your wallet. Beyond the base rate, one can expect to add another 25% - 50% in expenses. In this article we'll cover the specific add-on costs of yacht chartering. 

What is the Average Cost To Charter A Yacht?

What Are The Factors That Affect Yacht Charter Prices?

Charter prices jump around all the time, so it's hard to say for sure how much it is to charter a yacht at any given time. However, you can always estimate. Below are some of the factors that affect the price.

As with any resort destination, there is a high and low season for yacht charters. Prices will rise and fall seasonally like hotel rates rise and fall. That means that you can expect to pay top dollar in the Caribbean during the winter. 

If the Mediterranean speaks to you, summer is going to be the priciest time of year. Off-season, possibly with overcast days, cooler waters, and more wind, you can still charter a boat and will certainly save money over high-season pricing. Know too that lower costs don't necessarily translate to a lower-quality experience.

Before high season hits or as the high season fades, you'll find that it's easier to charter a yacht in some of the more desirable locations. These more tranquil times of year appeal to those who aren't looking for the action-packed, party-hard crowds that may flock to prime berths and moorings in conjunction with major social and sporting events around the world. 

Major events aside, there's no lack for other things to do in these locales. The reduced costs from steering clear of crowds affects other activities too during these slower times.

Shoulder seasons offer less intense weather than high season. In the Med, high season means higher temperatures. Milder weather can be just as appealing to individuals less inclined to bake themselves in the hottest sun during July and August.

The earlier or later in the season, expect charter costs to decrease proportionally relative to how far early or late you're able to cruise. Expect to save somewhere in the 15% - 20% range. In some instances you can snag a deal with savings of 50% or more. 

So, you've watched every season of Below Deck and have your heart set on chartering the Below Deck yacht? Well, be prepared to pay a premium for a boat with any notoriety or celebrity association. 

From yachts sailed on by Kourtney Kardashian ( Sealyon ) and Beyonce ( Halo ) to yachts used on reality shows like The Bachelor ( Leight Star ), the celebrity stamp of approval means even bigger bucks are needed to charter these boats. 

Aside from celebrity significance, the type of yacht is also a pricing factor. Smaller yachts and yachts that are wind-powered (catamarans) are going to be cheaper than larger boats with big fuel tanks for getting from Point A to Point B.

For enthusiasts seeking yachting experiences, exploring the cost to charter a yacht is an essential step towards planning a memorable journey, especially if you're looking at a destination like British Virgin Islands. One of the best providers that can assist in the process is BVI yachting .

Destination

Supply and demand, as with all things economic, affect a yacht charter fee. In destinations with an ample supply of yachts (places like the British Virgin Islands, the Bahamans, or the Med), the availability makes prices more competitive. 

In more remote charter locations, like Indonesia, French Polynesia, and Costa Rica, a more limited supply of yachts drives fees up.

Advanced Provisioning Allowance

APA (advanced provisioning allowance) is money in addition to the base cost of the charter. APA is used for paying expenses on board such as food and beverage, berthing fees, customs, and fuel. Like a bank account, the captain and chef are able to access the APA to cover expenses while on board the yacht. 

The amount needed for APA is dependent on the cost of fuel and berthing locally. Foodies wanting the best of everything for every meal will have higher APA costs than clients with less discriminating palates.

Generally speaking, plan to pay 30% to 40% of the base charter fee for APA. Spending more time underway and cruising from spot to spot as opposed to laying at anchor and saving fuel costs affects APA. 

Crew Gratuity

Tipping your captain and crew is a standard industry practice. That expense should be looked at closely when considering how much it costs to charter a yacht. Because gratuity starts at 5% and goes up to 20%, it has a sizable impact on overall cost for your charter experience. 

Tips are generally provided to the captain in cash. In some instances, rather than carry extra cash, clients can wire their tip in advance to be held in escrow. 

What is the Standard Gratuity for a Crewed Yacht Charter?

Because gratuity starts at 5% and goes up to 20%, it has a sizable impact on the overall cost of your charter experience. In the Med, based on input from the Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association (MYBA), most tips are in the 10% - 15% zone. 

Some background on Mediterranean gratuity: At one point several years ago, certain clients were tipping exorbitant amounts which led to increased expectations of yacht crews. When other clients weren't as generous, crews were less than enthusiastic, sullying the service image of yacht charters. The MYBA stepped in to level the playing field for a consistent amount and practice in the industry.

When there are extra funds left in the APA at the end of the charter, the funds can be used toward the gratuity or refunded to the client. Some clients will opt to tally 15% of the base cost to add to the APA as a means of being efficient and safe with the gratuity expense.

When you need it and have it, insurance can be the eighth wonder of the world. But it does come at a cost. As with other travel and vacation plans, purchasing travel insurance at the same time as you book your charter can save you money and headaches. It also buys peace of mind. 

As compared to other costs (i.e. APA, gratuity), travel insurance for your yacht charter runs in the 3% to 10% of the base fee range. Consider comprehensive travel insurance which lumps together coverage for the trip itself, medical/health situations, and the personal property you have with you on the trip. 

How Much is a Yacht Per Day?

During the low season, chartering a yacht can cost from $1,500 per day to $10,000+ per week. When it's high season, size of the yacht dependent, in the US, one could plan to pay $3,000 per day or $15,000 per week. Charter per-day prices tend to be higher than per week charges.

Average yacht charters are a weeklong (seven days). Some charter companies have a five-day minimum. In larger cities, it's possible to charter a yacht for a day or two but expect to pay a -higher average per day than you would for a five to seven-day charter.

How Much Does it Cost to Charter a Yacht for 3 Days?

Pricing factors aside, a three-day charter can run from $2,500 to $10,000 depending mostly on the size of the boat and number of guests.

In the Bahamas, three-day yacht charters are not unheard of. The Bahamas is likely the most popular place to do a three-day charter. If one were to charter for three days in the Bahamas. This compares interestingly to the going rate for the Below Deck yacht for a three-day charter is $45,000 (plus gratuity and more).

How Much Does it Cost to Charter a Yacht For 7 Days?

Pretty much the standard yacht charter length, most pricing that you'll see listed on yacht charter websites focuses on the seven-day charter. 

Driven by location-location-location and size-size-size, a seven day charter will run from $15,000 to several hundred thousand dollars.

Cost Per State to Charter a Yacht

Some states are better known for their yacht chartering options. Many states, even those on the coast in reasonably-sized or well-known cities (Charleston, Washington DC, Philadelphia) don't offer a robust yacht charter industry. 

Major charter boat hubs in the US include Florida, New York, and small pockets of New England on the eastern seaboard. On the west coast, Seattle, Santa Barbara, San Francisco, and San Diego are locales known for yacht charter options as well as large-scale sailing events such as the America's Cup Challenger Series and the Louis Vuitton Cup. Such high-visibility events are certain to attract a yachting crowd. 

While not as active as the east or west coast, a nominal amount of yacht charter activity occurs in the Gulf Coast, primarily because of Florida's western side and plenty of money in the state of Texas.

On average, a catamaran charter in the Sunshine State will run between $1,000 and $3,500 per day. For a luxury yacht option, count on paying from $4,000 to $15,000 daily. As noted previously, additional costs may be incurred on top of the base fee. 

A quick search on a luxury yacht charter website for California shows yacht charters starting at $11,500 (five guests, two crew, 47'). From this low end, prices rise steeply to a high end of $170,000 for a 140' yacht (that sleeps five and has a crew of nine) per week.

Charter a 40' Swan sailboat without a captain for less than $3,000 per week in New York. Or go big time and splurge on a 180' superyacht with room for 12 guests and 12 crew for the price of a cool $1.2/M per week – or $170K per day.

Luxury yacht charters in Seattle range from $4,500/day to $6,100/day with a captain.

If JR Ewing from the TV show, Dallas, was going to charter a yacht, he could expect to spend anywhere from $1,200 to $5,000 plus per day. High-end, luxury yachts in Texas can easily cost $4,000 a day or more.

In comparison, the cost for a yacht character in Puerto Rico is around just $1,100 per day, which is much more inexpensive.

How Much is it to Charter a Luxury Sailing Yacht?

Luxury sailing yachts are typically more cost-friendly than motor yachts. That's no surprise given the price of fuel. Chartering a sailing yacht will typically run anywhere from $1,000 per day to $25,000 per day.

Obviously, the bigger the sailboat, the bigger the charter fee. A cost-savings option is to bareback charter – which means there is no captain or crew. This option should only be considered by experienced sailors.

Itemizing the costs of a luxury sailboat charter versus costs of booking at a hotel or resort in the same destination quickly brings the yacht-charter savings difference to light. 

Excursions, food, beverage, and other amenities add up quickly and expensively at a resort. With a luxury charter, meals and drinks are included as are water sports and jaunts to unique, hidden getaways.

Wrapping It Up

The thought of chartering a yacht and getting away from it all conjures lovely visions. Breakfast service by uniformed crew members featuring exotic fresh fruit and mimosas. Dancing on the deck bathed in the moonlight dappling the calm seas. Slipping down a three-story slide into warm Mediterranean waters. A dinner table piled high with fresh seafood plucked from the sea only hours before.

Visions like these have created a growing interest in private yacht charters. With increased demand, a variety of companies have sprung up to provide first-class experiences to people ready to step off the dock and onto a luxurious salt-air encounter.

If chartering a yacht is on your bucket list, start by googling "yacht charter + your dream destination." This will give you a quick idea of specific pricing for a specific scenario. Knowing the number of guests that would be on the yacht is key information to share with google to better narrow down the pricing range.

 Lastly, keep in mind the other big factor shared earlier – timing. If budget is a consideration (and when isn't it…), don't forget that off-season charters may offer substantial savings without much compromise on a quality experience.

Kit Evans is a seasoned marine journalist and naval architect, bringing over 20 years of multifaceted experience in the boating industry to his writing and consultancy work. With expertise ranging from boat design and marine surveying to charter operations and vessel restoration, Kit offers unparalleled insights into all aspects of maritime life. When he's not penning articles for top boating publications or hosting his popular YouTube channel, Kit can be found sailing his lovingly restored 1960s Columbia 29 on the Chesapeake Bay, embodying his commitment to both preserving nautical heritage and embracing modern innovations in boating.

Recommended Reads

Trending reads.

15 Best Lobster Boat Tours in Maine

Explore the top 15 lobster boat tours in Maine for an unforgettable experience. Learn to catch lobster, enjoy marine life sights, and more. Ideal for travelers!

How Much Does Freedom Boat Club Cost?

Explore Freedom Boat Club costs state by state! Learn about membership fees, benefits, and why it's a budget-friendly option for boating enthusiasts.

20 Best Liveaboard Marinas in North Carolina

Explore the top 20 liveaboard marinas in North Carolina, perfect for travelers seeking a unique on-water living experience with all amenities included.

Your trusted source for travel guides, tips, and insights since 2020. Empowering adventurers with expert advice for smarter, more rewarding journeys.

How Much Does It Cost to Charter a Yacht?

Table of Contents

Last Updated on May 30, 2023 by Boatsetter Team

Who among us hasn’t dreamed of cruising far horizons aboard a luxurious private yacht? Even just imagining ourselves cruising around sandy shores, anchoring in secluded coves, and pulling up to a great waterfront restaurant or a colorful beachside bar makes us happy.

Yacht charter makes all of this a reality. If you’re concerned about the cost of chartering a yacht, cast your apprehensions aside. Plenty of options means there’s no reason to give up on being the hero or heroine of your own dreams.

Here we’ll go over the types of private yacht charters and the costs of one. Let’s dream big together, shall we?

Explore available yacht rentals near you

Types of private yacht charters

Firstly, there are different types of private yacht charters. All-inclusive charters include the yacht, a professional captain and crew , all onboard meals and beverages, harbor fees, and fuel costs.

You’ll likely enjoy this experience the most if your hardest decision all day is how many cups of coffee you’ll drink at breakfast.

Meanwhile, a plus-expenses private yacht charter includes the yacht, the captain, and the crew. Meal costs and fuel costs are separate. So, too, are port taxes, dockage, and other fees.

You pay for these through an allowance before stepping aboard or a bill at the end of your trip. Either way, it allows for a more personalized, tailored experience.

Note that these types of private yacht charter are much different than the bareboat charter type. With that type of trip, you’re basically the owner and crew rolled into one.

You chart where you want to go, fuel up as needed along the way, and provision the boat. Similar to renting a car while on vacation, you keep the boat neat and tidy so there’s a quick turnaround for the next customers to step up.

Costs of a private yacht charter

Okay, now that you understand the types of charter, you’re still probably wondering how much it is. The cost of chartering a yacht may seem high, at least initially.

However, it actually can be quite reasonable if a few friends or family members join you and split the expenses. In fact, you may find you get more bang for your buck compared to other upscale entertainment choices, like staying at a resort.

A few factors ultimately influence the cost of chartering a yacht. As already mentioned, all-inclusive charters are different than plus-expenses charters. Additionally, the age of the yacht and the crew’s reputation comes into play.

The time of the year —peak summer season, for example— does as well. The charter’s length, the yacht’s size, and the passenger total are often the biggest factors, however.

Consider a yacht in Miami that lists at $2,100 for an eight-hour day . Once you add fuel costs, dockage fees, and the captain’s gratuity, the total is about $3,300.

Since the yacht accommodates 12 people, that’s $275 per person. Even with just eight people, you’re each paying $412.50. Remember, this isn’t just transportation; it’s sightseeing, anchoring, swimming, and so much more entertainment all rolled into one day.

Ultimately, the cost of a private yacht charter can and does reflect a vacation as laid-back or as extravagant as you wish. Yachts from 45 to 65 feet in length easily can accommodate up to 10 people.

Usually, they book trips lasting a few hours, though some further offer daylong charters. At the other end of the spectrum are ultra-luxurious experiences in which 12 or more in your party can spend a week aboard.

These are much larger yachts—well over 100 feet—with much larger crews. They’re decked out with spas, swimming pools, and regal staterooms with marble-lined baths (too luxurious to be called heads).

This type of deluxe charter comes with a price tag of six figures for a week. If you book one, let us know if we can tag along—or at least tag us on Instagram.

Remember, too, that gratuities aren’t included in the cost of a private yacht charter, regardless of whether you book an all-inclusive or plus-expenses trip. If you’re pleased with the crew and the service, tip 15% to 20% of the charter fee.

If, after reviewing all these details, you decide the cost to charter a yacht just isn’t in your budget, don’t give up!

Consider instead boat sharing or boat renting

Boat-sharing sites like Boatsetter give people like you more access to great boats, with more boats added all the time. Grab a group of your friends and family, and get out on the water. That’s the most important thing to do.

Learn more about renting out your boat or yacht from Owners on the platform.

Boatsetter is a unique boat-sharing platform that gives everyone — whether you own a boat or you’re just renting — the chance to experience life on the water. You can list a boat , book a boat , or make money as a captain .

List your boat & start earning an avg. of $20K yearly with Boatsetter

A journalist with more than 30 years’ experience, Diane M. Byrne is the owner of MegayachtNews.com, a daily website educating American superyacht owners, buyers, and their circles of influence about the leading builders, designers, cruising destinations, and more. She founded the website in 2007 as the first, and still the only, American-focused online media outlet exclusively covering this market. It features all-original content, for real stories of real interest.

Diane is additionally one of the most-sought-after journalists for expert editorial coverage and commentary about not only superyachts, but also general boating and yachting. Her byline appears in Boatsetter.com, DiscoverBoating.com, and the magazines Luxury Guide, Ocean, Yachting, and Yachts International.

Additionally, Diane is the Chair of the U.S. Superyacht Association, having been on the Board of Directors since 2015. Outside of yachting, she’s a trustee of Sempre Avanti, a non-profit resource supporting Italian and Italian-American individuals, businesses, and organizations in the United States and Italy.

Browse by experience

Explore articles

Pontoon vs. Deck Boat: What’s the Difference?

7 Common Boating Fails, and How to Avoid Them

The Best Fall Destinations to Explore by Boat

Chicago's Green River: St. Patrick's Day History & Boating Guide