Yachts are luxurious boats you can rent for the weekend for the required price. Typically, a yacht charter cost depends on its length and desired amenities. The advantage of this option is in absolute freedom, so rigid commercial cruise ship timings and crowd won’t restrict your enjoyment.
There are two possibilities with such a choice. You can enjoy privacy or pick out the yachts with the crew dedicated to your needs. In both cases, you will have an unforgettable sailing time but be prepared that such a pleasure will cost you a lot. Let’s see.
What Yacht Charter Is?
Yacht charter is actually renting an owner’s yacht for an agreed period, typically a week. An average yacht charter can cost you about $12,500 per week in the high season, while prices are lower in the low season.
You can find a comfortable yacht for $10,000 per week in that period. You will have full access to all available amenities while sailing, like:
- Swimming pool
- Beach club
- Water toys, such as equipment for water skiing, wakeboarding, or snorkeling
You can charter a yacht anywhere worldwide. The only condition is to find the port and yacht type you want to rent. Most owners will provide an experienced captain and crew, and it is practically impossible renting a yacht longer than 50 feet (15 m) to sail on your own.
The yacht’s crew will care for all your needs during charters, including ferrying, providing meals, or washing laundry.
If you want to be a captain, you need to have the Yachtmaster Ocean license, but some countries require the equivalent license. In that case, you should find a smaller yacht or a possibly bigger one located in Croatia.
However, the first step is to determine the yacht type suitable for your needs that you want to rent.
Crewed Catamaran
Popular Catamaran is suitable for group sailing and offers enough space, comfort, luxury, and privacy. You can charter this boat type when looking for a family vacation at an affordable price.
Crewed Catamaran vs. 5-star-resort at the British Virgin Islands in high season |
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| Price per week | 5-star-resort | Crewed Catamaran |
| Charter price | $30,000 for four sea view rooms | $27,000 for four cabins |
| Excursions | $2,000 | Included |
| Daily watersports | $2,800 | Included |
| Three gourmet meals a day | $8,400 ($150 per person) | Included |
| Drinks | $1,400 ($50 per person) | Included |
| Transfers | $150 | Included |
| Total without gratuity | $44,750 | $27,000 |
You should take advantage of Catamarans convenience and discover beautiful bays while dining close to the water. Modern fittings and experienced crews will offer the feeling of being on a luxurious yacht, but with the freedom of a sailing yacht.
Crewed Sailing yacht
This yacht is a comfortable option to enjoy sailing surrounded by luxury. Sailing yachts excellently head upwind but are suitable only for experienced sailors.
Crewed Motor yacht
This option is for you when you know the exact location to visit and have a precise itinerary in advance. So, this boat will allow you to get there while spending relaxing time.
Crewed Superyacht
Superyacht offers the holiday like in a 5-star-hotel. The cabins are comfortable, often with hot tubs and an exercise room. Plus, you have internet access and luxury water toys at your disposal at any moment.
Such a charter vacation will cost you at least $15,500 per week for a 65.5 feet (20 m) long yacht. A maximum price can go to approximately $3,400,000 per week for 450 feet (135 m) long super luxury yacht.
Factors That Affect Yacht Charter Costs
Yachts are almost always privately owned, so yacht charter costs primarily depend on the owner’s demand. That is a reason for the wide price range in this field, but some general frameworks still exist and are related to several factors.
Yacht
The yacht production year, design, brand, water toys, crew reputation, and the previous owner will significantly affect the yacht charter costs. Boats with a reputation as the most luxurious or largest and those whose former owners are celebrities will be more pricey.
For instance, the iconic charter yacht ‘Highlander’ has higher rates for so-called fame value since it hosted many celebrities, including Elizabeth Taylor and Prince Charles.
Average weekly charter rate |
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| Boat type | Estimated costs | Charter rate | Provisioning and tips |
| Motor yacht | |||
| < 80 feet (24.5 m) | $22,000 to $51,000 | $15,000 to $35,000 | $7,000 to $16,000 |
| 80 to 120 feet
(24.5 – 36.5 m) |
$51,000 to $115,000 | $35,000 to $80,000 | $16,000 to $36,000 |
| 120 to 150 feet
(36.5 – 46 m) |
$115,000 to $218,000 | $80,000 to $150,000 | $36,000 to $68,000 |
| > 150 feet (46 m) | $218,000 to $725,000 | $150,000 to $500,000 | $68,000 to $225,000 |
| Sailboat | |||
| < 80 feet (24.5 m) | $14,500 to $30,000 | $10,000 to $20,000 | $4,500 – $9,000 |
| 80 to 120 feet
(24.5 – 36.5 m) |
$30,000 to $73,000 | $20,000 to $50,000 | $9,000 – $22,500 |
| 120 to 150 feet
(36.5 – 46 m) |
$73,000 to $145,000 | $50,000 to $100,000 | $22,500 – $45,000 |
| > 150 feet (46 m) | $145,000 to $300,000 | $100,000 to $200,000 | $45,000 – $90,000 |
| Catamaran | |||
| < 50 feet (15 m) | $14,500 to $22,000 | $10,000 to $215,000 | $4,500 to $7,000 |
| 50 to 65 feet
(15 – 20 m) |
$22,000 to $44,000 | $15,000 to $30,000 | $6,750 to $13,500 |
| 65 to 80 feet
(20 – 24.5 m) |
$44,000 to $73,000 | $25,000 to $50,000 | $12,000 to $22,500 |
| > 80 feet (24.5 m) | $58,000 to $145,000 | $40,000 to $100,000 | $18,000 to $45,000 |
However, the yacht size will have the most significant impact on the renting price. Simply said, the bigger yachts will cost you more.
For instance, a week’s charter will cost you approximately $20,000 to $80,000 when you pick out a 65 to 80 feet (20 – 24.5 m) yacht. On the other hand, renting an 80 to 100 feet (24.5 – 30.5 m) long model is more expensive, and its price will be $80,000 and $120,000.
As you can expect, a weekly charter rate for over 100 feet (30.5 m) long superyacht is at least $100,000 and often more expensive. Renting a super-luxury mega yacht longer than 200 feet (61 m) goes from at least $300,000 to over $1,000,000.
In rare cases, you can find a charter fee discount offer. It is always time-limited, typically when a particular boat has a gap in the charter calendar due to an unexpected cancellation.
Destination
As you can expect, the charter destination plays a significant part in charter costs. For example, Mediterranean and Bahamas yacht charters prices are more competitive, while places without large charter fleets will be more costly.
Typically, all charters outside the USVI and BVI will be expensive since cruising permits and taxes for remote destinations are higher. Finally, sailing to Alaska can be pricey since renting is available only for half a year because of the harsh weather. You will probably need to make a reservation in advance.
Trip duration
In most cases, the yacht charter is for seven to ten days on average, but sometimes owners accept a shorter duration. In such rare cases, a minimum stay is five days.
The trip length directly affects the charter costs. If the primary price included two hours of sailing, you should count on a 50% higher rate when deciding to use the yacht for three hours.
Be aware that the yacht charter price won’t go down for longer holidays, so you won’t get a discount and pay less when renting the boat for a longer period. The price for a week is the same whether you rent a boat for a week, two weeks, or a month.
Season
Yacht charter prices vary depending on the season, like most other touristic services. Therefore, you can expect higher rental costs during the high season. However, you should be careful with dates since they are not the same for all destinations.
For instance, high seasons in the Caribbean are New Year’s Eve, Christmas, and all February. On the other hand, you should count on the highest prices in July and August when you plan to sail in the Mediterranean.
The yacht charter rates are often higher during famous festivals, carnivals, and shows. The most expensive destinations based on dates include:
- Olympic destination
- The Film Festival in Cannes
- Grand Prix in Monaco
- America’s Cup
If you only want to use a yacht during your vacation, you should plan sailing carefully. Sometimes, only a difference of one week can significantly affect the charter costs.
In other words, you can rent a boat the first low season week when the weather conditions are still the same as the previous high season week. However, it will cost you 15% to 30%, or approximately $6,000 to $30,000 less, depending on the yacht length.
The number of passengers
The group size is a primary thing you should consider before renting a yacht since it will directly influence the yacht type you need.
For instance, a monohull boat is ideal for a small family, but a group of 8 to 10 will need at least a catamaran. Finally, you should pick out a large yacht when planning a big party for many people.
All-inclusive or plus expenses
1. All-inclusive
It is a complete service you can get for your money. In this case, the rates include:
- The yacht
- Accompanying crew
- Meals and snacks
- Open standard bar drinking
- Onboard watersports equipment
Be aware that there are some limitations regarding excessive consumption as well as consuming champagnes, extraordinary brands, and vintage wines.
A standard crew gratuity of 15 to 20% of the charter rate is excluded from the all-inclusive charter. Finally, you will need to pay separately for the final cleaning, insurance, dockage, and necessary taxes.
All-inclusive is an excellent option for renting monohull charters, catamarans, and yachts under 80 feet (24.5 m).
What a charter rate does and doesn’t include |
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| Service | Plus expenses charter | All-inclusive charter |
| Crew | yes | yes |
| Crew gratuity | no | no |
| Food | no | yes |
| Drinks | no | yes, with restrictions |
| Diving | no | sometimes |
| Water toys | yes | yes |
| Fuel | no | yes |
| Electric and water | no | yes |
| Communication | no | no |
| Dockage | no | no |
| Airport/boat transport | no | no |
| Taxes | no | no |
2. Plus expenses
This service typically includes:
- Yacht with the crew
- Water toys
- Yacht insurance
In this case, you should pay for all operating expenses at cost, including:
- Food and drink
- Consumables
- Communications
- Fuel
- Dockage, cruising taxes, port fees, and port agent fees
Typically, the owner will charge these extra costs from an Advance Provisioning Allowance, increasing the yacht charter fee by 30 to 35%.
It is the most often option on motor yachts, higher-end sailing yachts, and superyachts since the overall costs significantly vary, depending on the number of passengers and their demands.
Water toys
This term includes many different equipment and amenities, like:
- Paddleboard
- Kayak
- Underwater sea bob
- Jetski
- High-powered smaller boat (yacht tender)
- Personal submarine
Some super luxury yachts can also come with:
- Slide
- Zorb
- Sea pool
Since the primary price doesn’t include these toys, you need to pay for the required ones.
Other factors
The owner will always recommend you to consider paying for optional extras, like:
The outboard engine – It will cost you €80 (approximately $90) to the charter cost but save you from rowing ashore in case of an accident.
Safety net – It is necessary equipment if you sail with children, which will cost you €80 (approximately $90) for one.
Adding crew – Paying for a cook or hostess can be convenient for a private cruise if you can afford it. That satisfaction will cost you €100 (approximately $110) a day, but keep in mind that the chef’s daily allowance is slightly higher.
Skipper – A professional help is always welcome, so you should consider hiring a skipper to find the best routes and places worth visiting.
Food costs for the crew – You should need to include the food for the crew on the paying list.
Summary
Yacht chartering is an excellent way to vacation and discover exotic islands and beautiful waterfront towns. You should pick out a boat of the proper size and a reputable yacht broker to help you with the organization. It is an expensive but ultimate pleasure you will remember for life.