How much does it cost to rent a charter yacht

If you want to enjoy your vacations away from crowds, chartering a private yacht is the ultimate getaway. To experience the most exceptional 5-Stars hotel luxury and explore a new location every day, you first need to know how much it will cost you to charter your yacht.

There are two main categories of charters: all-inclusive or separated charges. In the first case, the set rate includes fuel, food, beverages, and entertainment (diving and fishing equipment). In the second, you’ll have a real hand-tailored experience that suits all your demands. If you are willing to have fresh flowers daily as decor and exceptional wines or meals, you may have to be ready to add extra expenses.

In most advertisements, the price of charter only refers to the base price of a boat at its lowest possible charter time. To understand the cost of chartering a yacht, here are the different factors to take into account.

The cost of the yacht charter itself: a significant part of the total charter cost

The type of yacht you charter determines the total cost of the rental

The single factor that has the most impact on the cost of a yacht charter is the yacht itself. There are multiple types of boats, and each has its benefits and inconveniences. 

Motor yachts are the most popular ones, but you may prefer sailing boats. Are you looking for a multi-hulled catamaran or gullet yacht? Do you want to try sportfishing during the trip, or do you prefer to have a very cozy ship to unwind?

To make the most of your holidays, take time to imagine your day to day activities onboard and select your yacht accordingly.

The longer the yacht, the higher the charter cost

The boat’s size affects the price. It determines the number of cabins and guest capacity. Therefore, the features and amenities of the vessel will vary. Don’t expect an extensive sundeck on which to relax on a small sailing boat.

For 40 m yachts, expect a base price of €50,000 to €140,000 for a week’s charter. 

The size of the yacht also influences the crew size. On some boats, a small crew will be able to handle everything. But some ships need a staff of a dozen people. In some cases, the crew’s reputation changes the price as well.

The reputation of the yacht and her demand: critical in the yacht charter price

Among the other factors that impact the charter cost, there is the construction year, the builder’s reputation, the date of its last renovation, and its base location. 

A yacht reputation can also affect pricing. 

Some classic yachts (built between the 1920s and 1970s) had famous builders or previous celebrity owners. Who doesn’t want to taste the glamour of being on Jackie Kennedy Onassis’ former yacht, Christina O? Christina O is available for charter from 630 000€, find out more here.

Chartering a yacht featured in a James Bond movie such as luxury yacht Regina won’t cost the same as a regular model. Find out more here about James Bond’s famous boats.

Moreover, most superyachts owners are wealthy individuals who don’t need charter income to make a living. So, don’t count on negotiations in light of the coronavirus to decrease the cost of your yacht charter.

The water toys can add up to the charter cost

On a yacht, water toys don’t refer to your average backyard inflatable unicorns. Think instead of big equipment for marine activities: jet skis, kite-surf, kayaks, paddleboards, submarines, and expensive high-powered yacht tenders. Snorkeling and scuba diving equipment are included in water toys.

For a more family-friendly yacht, some vessels come with sea pools or a giant slide to glide from the top of the boat straight into the ocean. All the water toys specified in the yacht brochure when you make the reservation are included in the price. Although you can also want to rent others or even buy them. Make sure you ask your broker for advice about the cost of these extra.

The influences of the season

Your yacht charter rate depends on your date of departure. 

If you take your vacation during the busiest weeks of the year (high season), you’ll pay a higher price than someone who charters a yacht on low season dates.

In the Mediterranean, summer is the high season, whereas it is winter in the Caribbean. Between December and March, most North Americans strive to escape the winter blues by cruising the nearest sea.

Sometimes just a week or two can make a big difference to the price. Months on the high season’s outer ends (shoulder months) can be slightly cheaper. 

Since some destinations have very short seasons, it has increased demands and makes it more expensive. 

International events will also increase the cost of a yacht charter. Expect to pay more if you want to attend the Monte-Carlo Masters (April), the Cannes Film Festival (May), or the Monaco Grand Prix (May) during your yachting vacations in the Mediterranean.

The duration of your yacht charter

Most yacht charter companies only work ‘per week,’ and yacht owners rarely accept a shorter duration. Many companies have minimum stays of ten days, however some boats accept day charter or short periods, you can always ask your broker for an appropriate selection.

You can rent a vessel for two weeks or more, but the price won’t go down for longer holidays.  

Your destination: chartering a yacht isn’t the same cost worldwide

Your vacation destination is an essential factor in the yacht charter charge. 

As always, the more competition there is, the less you have to spend. It is why locations with large charter fleets are less expensive. 

The Bahamas, BVI and the Mediterranean are more affordable than remote islands without established yachting industries.

Taxes: each country has different rules impacting the cost of yacht charter

In Europe, chartering a commercial vessel is subject to VAT. Fees vary significantly according to your destination and itinerary. Some countries have a 0-tax rate (Montenegro, New England), while in others a passage in the international waters can lower the VAT rate.

The taxes can vary from VAT, national parks entrance (la Maddalena in Sardinia for example), countries taxes etc. the VAT and taxes will be based on the charter fee, make sure you discuss this with your advisor to anticipate the cost.

Here are some VAT rate applied on luxury yacht charter in 2022 :
– Charter in France will be at 20 % VAT based on charter fee
– Charter in Italy will charge 22 % VAT based on charter fee
– Charter in Spain will charge 21 % VAT based on charter fee
– Charter in Croatia will charge 13 % VAT based on charter fee
– Charter in Greece will charge 24 % VAT based on charter fee with a discount of 60% on charter of more than 48h ending usually at 12% VAT, this is subject to change in 2022.

Charters beginning in non-european countries but cruising or ending in a EU country will apply a VAT on the prorata of days spent in its territorial waters. The owning company of the yacht must be registered in each EU-country he intends to do a charter and must declare VAT at the end of your charter. Moreover some countries such as SPain or Greece charge a licence for a yacht to be able to embark passenger for a paid charter in their waters, this explains why no every yacht can cruise in all countries.

Crew gratuity: a good practice to include in the cost of your yacht charter

The crew on a yacht work even if you don’t notice it. Serving, cleaning, preparing, fixing, they are the key element that makes your charter a success. Even if tipping is not mandatory, it is recommended when you are satisfied by the crew. The suggested amount is around 15-20% of your base charter rate.

Yacht charter cancellation insurance: a small cost that can save you a lot

To cover costs, if you have to cancel or shorten the trip, you can purchase cancellation and curtailment insurance. As a charter company, we will help you select the best insurance options among several different offers.

APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance): the variable costs of your yacht charter

The charter fee usually covers the cost of renting the yacht and the crew’s salary. But you still need to pay for fuel, provisions, and other extras for your trip. 

A fee covers all these additional costs: APA or Advanced Provisioning Allowance. The broker or the captain (and chef) will use this allowance to provision on your behalf. He will prepare the yacht for your arrival, stocking up on food, wine, and fuel. It’s the simplest way of tracking charter expenses while you’re on board. Find out more about the APA here.

APA is the standard system to pay your expenses on a luxury yacht charter, and it is generally a percentage of the charter fee. You’ll usually end up paying around 30% more than the base cost of the yacht charter.

The amount varies a lot, depending on the ship and your activities. It will increase if the yacht has a higher fuel consumption, if you plan on cruising more than 4 hours a day, if you want to have onboard particular expensive brands, etc.

What does the APA cover?

Designed to simplify the charter experience, APA covers all the day-to-day operating expenses. It also includes any special requests you might have while you’re on board. 

If you have a specific figure to spend on expenses, but the APA is double that, you will still need to pay the APA in advance. 

It would be best if you communicated your expenses budget accurately with the broker and the captain. They can adapt the planned itinerary to meet your budget for fuel consumption. If you put realistic constraints on the food and drinks expenses, the captain will be able to stay within this budget.

Here are the main costs to expect.

Food and drink

On your yacht charter, the chef can prepare all the dishes you want, whether you are vegan or low carb, whether you have allergies or require kosher meals. Make sure that you explain your food preferences to your broker.

Outstanding yachting vacation is often a way to celebrate a special occasion, which often results in a lot of Champagne and luxury items. Bear in mind that you have to pay the bill for everything served on board. 

Fuel Charges

Your fuel costs will depend on your boat, your itinerary, and whether you choose to cruise or stay at anchor. A sailing yacht charter can cost 10% less than a motor yacht charter because the fuel consumption is smaller.

This amount also includes the fuel expenditure of any water toys and tenders you use during your charter.

If you plan to spend your time island hopping, you’ll need to cover that extra fuel consumption. Besides the cruise, fuel is also used to power the onboard generators.  

For a week’s charter on a 30 m yacht, fuel expenses can fetch around €3,500.

Harbor fees and dockage

Depending on your destination and dates, the harbor fees and dockage will be more or less high-priced. In high season, depending on boat widths, popular spots such as St Tropez, Monaco, Capri, and Sardinia have expensive docking fees. They can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars per night. During the International Cinema Festival, berthing in Cannes will cost more than during winter.

You will pay significantly less if you travel to other places, with the additional benefit of escaping the crowds.

Communications Costs

For most people, yachting is about enjoying life outside of the daily routine. If you can’t survive without the Internet or satellite communications, you don’t have to worry. Your yacht charter will provide you all the digital connections needed. They won’t add much to the APA, but they are in the price.

Delivery fee

If you board or disembark the ship outside its usual harbor, you’ll have to pay a transportation fee to cover the fuel required to get to your requested destination.

Interiors and Laundry

The charter fee includes interiors and laundry costs to keep the yacht immaculate. But if you request unique decoration, it may add an extra charge.

Personal laundry services may not be covered depending on the yacht. Complex cleaning and delicate items have to be treated ashore, and you’ll have to pay extra for this type of request.

So how much does it cost to charter a yacht ? in a nutshell, here is and idea on charter price expenses not included :

MY-SY vessel under 50ft
€4 000 – €15 000
MY-SY vessel 50ft and 65ft
€15 000 – €40 000

MY-SY vessel between 65ft and 80ft
€40 000 – €70 000
MY-SY vessel between 80ft and 100ft
€70 000 – €100 000
MY-SY vessel between over 100ft
€100 000 – up to 1,000,000

FAQ about cost of yacht charter and APA

How much does it cost to charter a small yacht?

Small motoryachts and sailing yachts under 50 ft (15m) can be chartered from 4,000€ to 15,000€ weekly.

How much does it cost to charter a yacht between 50ft (15m) and 65ft (20m)?

Chartering motoryachts and sailing yachts between 50ft and 65ft costs between 15,000€ and 40,000€ weekly.

How much does it cost to charter a yacht between 65ft (20m) and 100ft (30m)?

Between 65ft (20m) and 80ft (24m), you can expect motoryachts and sailing boats charters between 40,000€ and 70,000€ weekly.
Between 80ft (24m) and 100ft (30m), the cost of chartering a yacht ranges between 70,000€ and 100,000€ weekly.

How much does it cost to charter a superyacht or a mega yacht?

For yachts over 100ft (30m), the cost of charter ranges between 100,000€ and 1,000,000€ weekly.

What is the yacht charter APA?

APA stands for Advance Provisionning Allowance. You pay this fee in advance to cover food and drinks, fuel charges, harbors fees and dockage, communication, delivery fee various fees such as cleaning or interior design.

How much does the APA cost?

Advance Provisionning Allowance varies depending on your travel plans. Usually, it represents a surcharge of 30% to 45% on top of the yacht charter base price.

When is the APA due?

The APA is due one month before you set sail when dispensing your final charter payment. The captain directly receives the money and will supervise all the purchases made before and during your journey. He will be responsible for ensuring the crew stays within budget and will provide receipts upon request.

What happens if expenses on board are above APA?

APA estimations are usually accurate. The captain will keep you updated during your trip. If you decide to go over the initial payment, you can top up the APA in cash or pay the balance during your trip.

What happens when APA is not fully used?

With transparent communication, realistic budgets, and advanced provisioning, you may spend less than the APA and have the difference returned to you at the end of the cruise.

How much does a charter yacht cost to rent?

How much does it cost to charter the yacht on Below Deck?

How much do you pay for a yacht charter?

How much is a 3 day charter on Below Deck sailing yacht?