The excellent news about yacht chartering is that there is a yacht for nearly every group. Depending on where you would like to travel, how many people will be going, and the level of service you would like, a luxury yacht charter can cost anywhere from $15,000 to well over $450,000.
If you are looking for a holiday that combines privacy, luxury, and unique destinations, then chartering a private yacht is undoubtedly the way to go.
What Affects a Luxury Yacht Charter Cost?
Charter yachts are privately owned, and the owner sets charter fees. Several factors can determine the price, and we’ve outlined them in the following sections below.
The Yacht
You can charter different yachts, from smaller sailing catamarans to mega yachts. Factors that play a role in the cost include the year the boat was built, the builder (Lagoon, Horizon, etc.), the owners, and the array of water toys it has. Some popular yachts, such as SIROCCO, are in demand because of their reputation. Are you interested in the differences between yacht types? Please see our Boat Comparison for help.
A larger yacht that can accommodate a larger group of people may cost more than a smaller yacht. Additionally, specific amenities, such as onboard entertainment, may add to the cost of the charter.
Different types of yachts come with different amenities and capabilities. For example, a motor yacht will be more costly than a sailing yacht, as motor yachts are typically larger and use more fuel.
The Type of Charter Rate
- Inclusive Rates – Inclusive Charters are based on the number of guests. Inclusive rates include all food, beverages, water sports, and fuel expenses. Additional fees usually include taxes and dockage, and Non-standard beverages, specialty foods, and excursions are additional.
- Plus Expenses Rates – The fee for charters that are plus-expenses are for the yacht only. Other expenses, such as food, alcohol, taxes, dockage, etc., are additional. In this case, the APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) is paid before the charter. It is usually about 25-35% of the charter price. For more, please see our First Time Yacht Charter Guide.
No matter what type of rate you have, it is important to understand all costs involved with your charter. We will ensure you understand all the services included in your charter fee.
The Season You Travel
Yachts charter in different places depending on the season. There is a high season and a low season in each destination. Prices are usually higher in the Mediterranean’s summer or the Caribbean’s winter. Then the price decreases in the winter in the Mediterranean and the summer in the Caribbean. There are also peak weeks or periods over the winter and summer holidays.
Inside tip, travel during the shoulder seasons of Fall and Spring for more yacht availability and sometimes even lower rates. The smaller crowds also add to the appeal. To stay on top of the latest yacht specials, head to our Specials page or join our Newsletter.
The Length of the Trip
If you want to sail to far-off locations or take a longer trip than usual, expect to pay more for your charter. The average length of a charter is seven or fourteen days. However, it is possible to extend a cruise at an additional cost.
The Yacht Charter Destination
The supply and demand for yachts in crucial travel destinations also affect the cost. For example, the price will be higher if you want to head to a more remote locale without many yachts (such as the Galapagos).
GALAPAGOS SEA STAR JOURNEY is one example of a yacht available in the Galapagos. Remote, atypical luxury yacht charters may carry a higher price tag, but we’d say they are a tremendous bucket-list item to strive for!
The cost can often be more competitive if you want to head to a more heavily chartered area like Croatia, the Bahamas, or the Virgin Islands.
Catamarans PARADIGM SHIFT and ENDLESS HORIZON or motor yachts PRIME TIME and BROADWATER in the Caribbean give you an idea of what is available in these areas.
There are no right or wrong answers when choosing a charter destination. It depends on what type of activities and experience you are looking for.
The best part of yacht charters is that you can visit different places every vacation. Many locations have a variety of great sites that can’t possibly be seen in just one week. When planning your charter, a CKIM broker will help identify the type of itinerary right for you and the time of year.
Additional Costs to Consider
Other factors to consider when determining how much your luxury yacht charter will cost are:
- APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) about Plus Expenses rates
- VAT (Value Added Tax) and other Taxes
- Crew Gratuities
- Scuba Diving, other activities, or shore excursions
- Onshore Dining
- Trip Insurance
- Charterer’s Liability Insurance
- Cost of traveling to the departure port
- Any hotel stays before or after the charter
- Docking Fees. These fees may be several hundred to several thousand dollars per night in places like Capri and Sardinia.
- Delivery Fees: Delivery fees are usually incurred when the yacht needs to move from one destination to another. Depending on the distance, these fees can range from several hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. The cost of relocating the yacht is typically based on the number of sailing hours needed to reach the destination, fuel, and other related expenses.
Check out our Frequently Asked Questions for more information about what to expect when yacht chartering. Feel free to chat with us on-site or leave a message for us.
Ideas for Saving on Your Yacht Charter
Specials
Sometimes there are special offers during the off-season or if there is a last-minute cancellation. For example, see our Greece Motor Yacht Specials for a large selection of specially-priced yachts to charter in the Greek Islands.
Flexible Destination
You can also save money by being flexible about the destination for your charter. Booking a yacht in a less popular area may cost you less than in a well-known destination.
Flexible Travel Dates
Similarly, booking during the off-season will likely be less expensive than during peak times. An additional benefit of traveling during the off-season is fewer crowds. Fewer crowds mean you will be able to enjoy the real atmosphere of a place, have more opportunities to interact with the locals, and overall, have a more relaxed trip.
Travel Insurance
Don’t forget to include travel insurance for your vacation and travel securely. Travel insurance can cover the cost of unexpected medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost or damaged luggage, and other unforeseen expenses. Always be prepared with your travel insurance, which our yacht charter brokers can explain.
There’s a Yacht for You – Inquire
Whatever your parameters, the team at CKIM Group can help you find the right yacht for your vacation. We will also work with you to help craft the perfect itinerary to suit you and your guests. Whether you love lazing on a secluded, sandy white beach in the Exuma Islands, Bahamas, or browsing the shops in Dubrovnik, Croatia, we can make it happen.
Call to speak to a charter specialist today.
Please call us today at 1 (321) 777-1707 or describe Your Vacation Vision to help you plan your fully-crewed private luxury yachting vacation! Inquire as soon as possible about your custom, crewed yacht charter.
You make the memories. We make the arrangements.