Charter guides
Everything worth knowing
70 straight answers from working brokers — no fluff, no sales pitch. Understand the costs, the contracts and the process, then enquire in minutes.
Costs & Budget
How much does a crewed yacht charter cost?
Crewed yacht charters are priced per week for the whole yacht. As a guide, 20–30 metre yachts run roughly €25,000–€90,000 per week, 30–45 metres around €90,000–€250,000, and larger superyachts beyond that. Add an APA of about 25–35% for running costs, plus local taxes and an optional crew gratuity.
Read the guideWhat is APA in yacht chartering?
APA stands for Advance Provisioning Allowance — a running-cost float, usually 25–35% of the charter fee, paid to the captain before the trip. It covers fuel, food, drinks, and port and marina fees. The captain accounts for it transparently and refunds any unspent balance at the end of the charter.
Read the guideWhat is included in a yacht charter?
A crewed yacht charter includes the yacht itself, its professional crew (captain, chef and service staff), and use of the onboard equipment and water toys. Extra, paid through the APA, are the running costs — fuel, food, drinks and berthing — plus local taxes and an optional crew gratuity.
Read the guideHow much should you tip a yacht charter crew?
The customary crew gratuity on a crewed yacht charter is around 5–15% of the base charter fee, with 10% a common benchmark for good service. It is discretionary and reflects the crew's effort, not the yacht's size. You give it to the captain at the end, who shares it among the crew.
Read the guideHow much does it cost to charter a superyacht?
Superyacht charters are priced per week for the whole yacht. As a guide, yachts of 30–45 metres typically run from around €90,000 to €250,000 per week, and 45 metres and above climb from roughly €250,000 into the millions for the largest yachts. Add an APA of about 25–35%, local VAT and a crew gratuity.
Read the guideHow does VAT and tax work on a yacht charter in the Mediterranean?
Most Mediterranean countries charge VAT on the charter fee, but the rate and the way it is calculated vary by country — for example France and Italy apply a reduced effective rate based on time spent in EU waters, while Croatia and Greece apply their standard VAT rate more directly. Turkey and some non-EU cruising areas charge no VAT at all. Your broker calculates the exact liability based on your actual itinerary and confirms it before you sign.
Read the guideCan I pay for my charter by bank transfer, and how is a large sum handled securely?
Yes — charter fees are paid by international bank transfer under the signed charter agreement, directly to the owner's or management company's account, never a personal account. The agreement sets out the deposit and balance schedule in advance, so there's no ambiguity about amounts or timing, and your broker confirms the receiving account details independently before you send anything.
Read the guideCan I extend my yacht charter once it has already started?
Often yes, if the yacht doesn't have another booking immediately following yours — ask the captain or your broker as early as possible during the charter, since availability and any crew or provisioning adjustments are easier to arrange with more notice. An extension is billed at the same daily rate as your original charter, plus additional APA for the extra days.
Read the guideWhat is a one-way or repositioning yacht charter?
A one-way or repositioning charter is when you book a yacht that's already moving between two cruising grounds — for example from Croatia toward Greece — rather than a round trip. These are sometimes offered at a discount because they save the owner the cost of relocating the yacht empty, though availability is opportunistic and depends on what's repositioning when you want to travel.
Read the guideCan multiple families split the cost of chartering one yacht?
Yes, this is common and works well when the group knows each other and cabin allocation is agreed in advance — the charter fee and APA are simply split by agreement among the families, though the contract itself is typically signed by one lead charterer who then arranges payment among the group. Make sure everyone is clear on the total cost and cabin assignments before booking.
Read the guideCharter Process & Contracts
How do you charter a crewed yacht, step by step?
To charter a crewed yacht: (1) choose your destination and dates, (2) set your party size and budget, (3) shortlist yachts with a broker, (4) sign a charter agreement and pay the deposit and APA, (5) complete a preference sheet for food, drinks and itinerary, and (6) board on day one and let the crew take over.
Read the guideWhat are the biggest yacht charter mistakes to avoid?
The most common crewed-charter mistakes are booking too late for peak weeks, underestimating the extra costs (APA, taxes and gratuity) on top of the base rate, choosing the wrong yacht size or type for your group, packing hard suitcases, and cramming too many miles into the itinerary. A good broker helps you avoid all of them.
Read the guideWhat does a yacht charter broker do, and do you need one?
A yacht charter broker matches you to the right yacht, negotiates the terms, handles the contract and paperwork, and is your point of contact before and during the charter. The service is free to you — the broker earns a commission from the yacht. A good broker saves you time and costly mistakes, so most charterers use one.
Read the guideWhat is a MYBA charter agreement?
The MYBA Charter Agreement is the standard contract used for most crewed yacht charters worldwide, drafted by the Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association. It sets out the charter fee, the payment schedule, the Advance Provisioning Allowance, cancellation terms and each party's liability, giving both guest and yacht owner a consistent, well-tested legal framework.
Read the guideHow do I know a yacht charter broker or listing is legitimate?
The clearest red flags of a yacht charter scam are being asked to pay directly into a personal bank account rather than under a signed MYBA or CYBA charter agreement, prices dramatically below the market for that size and class of yacht, and a broker who can't or won't put you in direct contact with the yacht's captain or management company before you pay a deposit. Legitimate brokers always use a standard contract and can verify the yacht independently.
Read the guideWhat happens if the yacht breaks down during my charter?
If a genuine mechanical breakdown prevents the yacht sailing, the MYBA agreement entitles you to a pro-rata refund for the time lost, or in some cases a substitute yacht, at the owner's cost rather than yours. In practice a good captain and management company resolve most issues within hours; your broker also stays involved to make sure you're looked after and properly compensated if a real problem does occur.
Read the guideWhat is force majeure in a yacht charter contract, and what's the cancellation policy?
Force majeure in a charter agreement covers events genuinely beyond either party's control — such as war, government travel bans or the yacht being requisitioned — and typically allows the charter to be cancelled or rescheduled without the usual cancellation penalties. Ordinary cancellation for personal reasons follows a separate, tightening schedule of deposit forfeiture the closer you get to departure, which is why cancellation insurance is worth considering.
Read the guideWhat is a preference sheet and why does it matter?
A preference sheet is a questionnaire the yacht's crew sends before your charter, covering dietary needs and food likes and dislikes, drink preferences, allergies, activity interests and any special occasions to plan around. It matters because it's how the chef and crew prepare properly before you even board — the more specific and honest your answers, the better the week matches what you actually want.
Read the guideDo I need any sailing experience to charter a crewed yacht?
No. A crewed yacht charter requires no sailing experience or licence whatsoever — the professional captain and crew handle everything. Your only decisions are where you'd like to go and how you'd like to spend your days. This is the key advantage of crewed over bareboat chartering.
Read the guideHow far in advance should I book a crewed yacht charter?
The most sought-after yachts and peak weeks (July–August in the Mediterranean, Christmas and New Year in the Caribbean) are often reserved 6–12 months ahead. That said, brokers can frequently arrange charters at shorter notice, including last-minute availability. Enquiring early gives you the widest choice of yachts and dates.
Read the guideWhat is the difference between a MYBA and a CYBA charter contract?
Both are standard-form charter agreements built around the same core structure — charter fee, deposit schedule, APA and cancellation terms — with MYBA (Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association) more common in Europe and CYBA (Charter Yacht Brokers Association) more common in the US and Caribbean. In practice the terms are similar enough that which one you sign mostly reflects where the yacht and its management company are based.
Read the guideDo I need a visa for a yacht charter in the Mediterranean or Caribbean?
It depends entirely on your nationality and the specific countries on your itinerary — many nationalities can visit the main Mediterranean and Caribbean charter destinations visa-free or with a simple visa-on-arrival, but requirements vary by country and change over time. Check current requirements for your passport and each destination on your route well before departure; your broker can flag anything unusual about a specific itinerary.
Read the guideYacht Types & Choosing
Crewed vs bareboat yacht charter: what's the difference?
A crewed yacht charter comes with a professional crew who run the yacht, cook and serve you, and needs no licence. A bareboat charter is the yacht alone, which you skipper yourself and which requires sailing qualifications. Crewed suits full-service luxury holidays; bareboat suits experienced sailors on a budget.
Read the guideMotor yacht, sailing yacht or catamaran: which should you charter?
Choose a motor yacht for speed, space and stability; a sailing yacht for a quieter, traditional experience under sail; a catamaran for stability, wide living space and shallow-water access; and a gulet for relaxed, spacious, good-value cruising in Turkey and Greece. The right choice depends on the pace and feeling you want.
Read the guideWhat is a gulet and what is a gulet charter like?
A gulet is a traditional wooden two- or three-masted motor-sailing yacht, originally from the Turkish coast. Gulets are broad and comfortable with wide, shaded deck space, and they cruise mostly under engine with sails as a secondary aid. A gulet charter is a relaxed, sociable, good-value crewed holiday, popular in Turkey and Greece.
Read the guideWhat is a catamaran charter and who is it best for?
A catamaran charter is a holiday on a twin-hulled yacht prized for stability, space and shallow draft. Catamarans barely roll at anchor, offer huge deck and living space for their length, and reach shallow coves bigger yachts can't. Crewed catamarans suit families and groups who want steadiness, space and easy swimming over outright speed.
Read the guideWhat is an explorer or expedition yacht?
An explorer or expedition yacht is built for long range and remote cruising rather than speed — typically with a steel, sometimes ice-classed hull, extended fuel capacity for ocean crossings without refuelling, and generous garage space for tenders, dive gear and vehicles. They open up destinations far beyond the Mediterranean and Caribbean, including Antarctica, the Arctic, the Galápagos and remote Pacific islands.
Read the guideHow many people can a crewed yacht charter accommodate?
Most crewed charter yachts sleep between 6 and 12 guests overnight in en-suite cabins, which is the sweet spot for families and groups of friends. By maritime convention many charter yachts carry a maximum of 12 sleeping guests regardless of size; larger superyachts can host more under commercial coding. We match the yacht's cabin layout to your party size.
Read the guideWhat size yacht should I charter?
Allow one cabin per couple, then pick length by the experience you want: 20–27 metres suits families wanting an intimate crewed holiday, 27–40 metres adds space, crew and amenities like a gym or jet skis, and 40 metres-plus delivers full superyacht service. Yacht Charter Experts works across the 20–86 metre range and shortlists sizes matching your party and budget.
Read the guideWhat is the difference between a motor yacht, a sailing yacht and a gulet?
A motor yacht runs on engines, offering speed, spacious interiors and stability. A sailing yacht uses sail power for a quieter, traditional experience with a gentle heel under way. A gulet is a wooden two- or three-masted motor-sailer, traditional to Turkey and Greece, valued for wide decks and relaxed cruising. Choice depends on pace, budget and feel.
Read the guideCan I charter a yacht with diving facilities or a dive support setup?
Yes — a growing number of charter yachts carry dive compressors, tanks, dive tenders and sometimes a dedicated dive instructor as part of the crew, particularly explorer-style yachts built for remote cruising grounds with excellent diving. Mention diving when enquiring, since it narrows the fleet to yachts genuinely equipped for it rather than just carrying masks and fins.
Read the guideWhat is a wellness or spa-focused yacht charter?
A wellness-focused charter uses a yacht equipped with a spa or massage room, sometimes a gym, sauna or plunge pool, and a crew that can include a masseuse or wellness practitioner alongside the usual captain and chef. It suits guests who want the charter itself to be restorative — quiet anchorages, lighter menus and treatments built into the rhythm.
Read the guideWhat makes a yacht charter eco-friendly or more sustainable?
Lower-impact charters generally combine a fuel-efficient or hybrid-propulsion yacht, a chef sourcing local and sustainable provisions, and a route favouring quieter anchorages over the busiest, most-visited bays. It's a genuinely developing area of the fleet rather than a standardised category yet — tell your broker it matters so they can shortlist accordingly.
Read the guideCan I charter a yacht specifically for sport fishing?
Yes — some charter yachts, particularly sportfisher-style motor yachts, carry proper fishing tackle, a fighting chair and a crew experienced in game fishing. This is a more specialist request than a standard charter, so mention it early so your broker can shortlist yachts genuinely set up for it rather than a general charter yacht with a rod or two aboard.
Read the guideWhat's involved in chartering a gigayacht (90 metres and above)?
Gigayacht charters follow the same core process as any crewed charter — a MYBA or CYBA agreement, APA, a broker managing details — but with a larger crew, often 20 or more, more elaborate provisioning, and sometimes port restrictions on where a vessel that size can berth. Planning lead times tend to be longer given the scale of coordination.
Read the guideDestinations & Timing
When is the best time to charter a yacht in the Mediterranean?
The Mediterranean yacht charter season runs May to October. July and August are hottest and busiest; June and September offer warm seas, calmer anchorages and better value, making them the connoisseur's choice. May and October are quieter shoulder months. The Caribbean season is the opposite, running November to May.
Read the guideWhat are the best Mediterranean yacht charter destinations?
The best Mediterranean yacht charter destinations are Croatia (islands and short, sheltered hops), Greece (dramatic Cyclades and calm Ionian), Italy (Amalfi and Sardinia), the French Riviera (glamour and events), Turkey (gulets and quiet bays) and Spain's Balearics (Ibiza and Mallorca). The right choice depends on the pace, scenery and scene you want.
Read the guideWhat does a one-week yacht charter itinerary look like?
A one-week crewed charter usually runs Saturday to Saturday, covering four to seven anchorages at a relaxed pace — a mix of lively harbour towns and quiet swimming bays, with short hops of one to three hours between them. You shape the outline with your broker and finalise it with the captain, who adapts each day to the weather and your mood.
Read the guideHow does hurricane season affect a Caribbean yacht charter?
The Caribbean hurricane season officially runs from June to November, with peak activity typically August to October, which is why the main Caribbean charter season instead runs November to May. Chartering during hurricane season is possible but carries genuine weather risk, so ask about the specific cancellation and rescheduling terms for storm-affected dates before booking.
Read the guideHow much can I save by chartering in the shoulder season?
Shoulder-season weeks — roughly May, June, September and October in the Mediterranean — are typically noticeably cheaper than the July–August peak, alongside calmer anchorages and easier availability of the most popular yachts. The exact saving varies by yacht and destination, but many experienced charterers consider shoulder season better value overall, not just cheaper.
Read the guideCan I combine a yacht charter with a hotel or resort stay?
Yes, this is a common way to structure a longer trip — spending a few days on land before or after the charter, particularly in a destination like the Amalfi Coast, the French Riviera or the BVI, where excellent hotels sit right alongside the charter's start or end point. Your broker can help time the yacht charter around a land stay you've already planned.
Read the guideWhat is a rendezvous charter with more than one yacht?
A rendezvous charter is when two or more separately chartered yachts travel the same itinerary together, anchoring side by side each evening — popular for large family reunions or friend groups who want everyone together but prefer smaller, more intimate yachts to one very large one. It needs more coordination between captains but gives every group its own private space at night.
Read the guideFamily, Groups & Occasions
Is a yacht charter good for families with kids?
Yes — a crewed yacht charter is one of the best family holidays there is. The crew handles cooking, cleaning and safety while the kids swim, kayak and play off the back of the boat, the chef caters to fussy eaters, and you wake up somewhere new together each day. Catamarans and motor yachts with water toys and calm-water itineraries suit families best.
Read the guideIs a yacht charter good for a honeymoon?
A crewed yacht charter is one of the most romantic honeymoons there is: total privacy, a different beautiful anchorage each day, and a crew who quietly handle everything so you never have to. A smaller yacht or catamaran suits two, and the chef and crew tailor private dinners, secluded bays and special touches to you.
Read the guideWhat's the best yacht charter setup for a multigenerational family reunion?
A multigenerational family charter works best on a yacht with at least one full-beam or lower-deck cabin for less mobile guests, a stabilised or steadier hull for comfort, and a crew briefed to plan a flexible itinerary — lively water sports and excursions for children and grandchildren, calmer anchorages and shorter transfers for grandparents. The right yacht size is driven by cabin count and layout as much as by total guest numbers.
Read the guideCan I charter a yacht for a bachelor or bachelorette party?
Yes — a crewed yacht is a popular and effective bachelor or bachelorette party venue because it combines private beach-club energy with total control over the guest list and no need to book separate accommodation. The best setups pair a yacht with a sociable open-plan deck and jacuzzi with a destination known for daytime beach-club anchorages and evening nightlife within reach, such as Ibiza, Mykonos or the French Riviera.
Read the guideCan I legally get married on a yacht charter?
A legally binding marriage performed by the yacht's captain at sea is only recognised in a small number of flag-state jurisdictions, so most yacht weddings are either a legal ceremony conducted ashore followed by a symbolic ceremony and reception aboard, or a vow-renewal-style ceremony at sea with the legal paperwork completed separately. Your broker and the yacht's management confirm exactly what's possible for your chosen flag and destination.
Read the guideWhat's a good yacht charter idea for a milestone birthday?
A milestone birthday charter usually combines a destination with real wow-factor (Amalfi, Santorini, the Whitsundays) with the crew planning something specific around the day itself — a themed dinner, fireworks or a surprise excursion. Tell your broker the birthday date and any ideas when booking so the crew has time to plan properly rather than improvise.
Read the guideDoes it make sense to charter a large yacht for a small group?
It can — some travellers charter a larger yacht than their headcount strictly needs specifically for the extra space, crew ratio and amenities (gym, jacuzzi, more deck area), and the per-person cost can still compare well against a very high-end hotel. Your broker can show you the trade-off between yacht size and cost for your specific group size.
Read the guideIs yacht chartering LGBTQ+-friendly?
Yes — a private crewed yacht is, by nature, entirely your own space with a guest list you control, and reputable brokers and crews serve all guests equally and professionally. If a specific destination's local social or legal environment is a consideration for your group, mention it when enquiring so your broker can factor it into the itinerary.
Read the guideCan the crew accommodate halal, kosher or other religious dietary needs?
Yes — mention specific religious dietary requirements (halal, kosher, or restrictions around alcohol) on your preference sheet before the charter, and the chef provisions accordingly. For fully certified kosher provisioning, discuss the specifics with your broker in advance, as it may involve sourcing from particular suppliers depending on the destination.
Read the guideOnboard Life & Crew
What should you pack for a yacht charter?
Pack light and soft: swimwear, casual resort clothes, a warm layer for evenings, plenty of reef-safe sun protection, a hat and sunglasses, soft-soled or deck shoes, and any personal medication. Use soft holdalls rather than hard suitcases, as cabin storage is limited. Towels are provided and formal wear is rarely needed.
Read the guideWhat is the food like on a yacht charter?
On a crewed yacht charter a private chef cooks every meal on board, tailored to your tastes via a preference sheet you complete beforehand. Expect fresh, restaurant-quality food — from relaxed deck breakfasts to multi-course dinners — with all dietary needs catered for. The chef and cooking are included; the food and drink itself is paid through the APA.
Read the guideWhat crew roles are on a charter yacht, and how many crew are there?
A small crewed charter yacht typically carries a captain and a chef who also handles service; as yachts grow past around 30 metres, the crew expands to include deckhands, one or more stewardesses for service and housekeeping, and an engineer, with the largest yachts carrying 10 or more crew including specialist water-sports and spa staff. As a rough guide, expect roughly one crew member for every one to two guests on larger yachts.
Read the guideHow can I prevent or treat seasickness on a yacht charter?
Most seasickness on a crewed charter is preventable: take motion-sickness medication or wear acupressure/anti-nausea wristbands before you feel unwell rather than after, stay on deck in fresh air and look at the horizon rather than reading below deck, and tell the captain if you're prone to it — a good crew will choose a smoother route and calmer anchorages accordingly.
Read the guideWhat's the etiquette for being a good guest on a crewed charter?
Good yacht charter etiquette comes down to a few simple habits: remove hard-soled shoes before boarding to protect the deck, communicate preferences to the crew directly and early rather than assuming, treat crew areas and equipment with the same care as your own home, and tip the customary 5–15% gratuity at the end for genuinely good service. Respectful, clear communication with the crew is what actually makes a charter feel effortless.
Read the guideCan I bring my own wine onboard, and is there a corkage fee?
Most crews are happy for you to bring your own wine or spirits aboard, particularly bottles with sentimental or collector value, and there is generally no corkage fee on a private charter the way there would be at a restaurant. Mention it in advance so the crew can plan storage and glassware, and let them know if you'd like it served on a particular evening.
Read the guideWhat should I do if I have a problem or complaint during my charter?
Raise it with the captain or chief stewardess directly and as soon as possible — most issues (a cabin's temperature, a request not being followed) are resolved quickly once the crew knows about them. For anything more significant, contact your broker, who represents your interests and can involve the yacht's management company if needed.
Read the guideCan I work remotely during a yacht charter?
Yes, to a point — most charter yachts have onboard wifi or a Starlink connection suitable for calls and email, and a quiet cabin or shaded deck area works well as a temporary desk. Connectivity in more remote cruising grounds can be less reliable than in a city, so mention it to your broker if consistent connectivity is essential for your trip.
Read the guideIs there a drone or social media policy onboard?
Most yachts are relaxed about personal photography and drones over open water, but ask the captain before flying a drone near the yacht itself or over other vessels and anchorages, since local regulations and other guests' privacy both apply. If your charter is for a special event you plan to film or livestream, mention it in advance so the crew can plan around it.
Read the guideWhat safety briefings happen at the start of a charter?
The crew gives every guest a safety briefing on your first day covering life jackets and their location, muster points, basic fire safety and how the tender and water toys are used safely. It's brief and routine, but genuinely worth listening to properly — it's the same standard of briefing required on any properly run commercial vessel.
Read the guideIs there wifi or Starlink internet on a charter yacht?
Most modern charter yachts have onboard wifi, increasingly via Starlink, giving genuinely reliable connectivity even well offshore — a significant improvement on older satellite systems. Coverage and speed can still vary by yacht and destination, so ask your broker to confirm what a specific yacht offers if connectivity matters to your trip.
Read the guideSafety, Insurance & Ownership
Is it better to charter a yacht or buy one?
For most people, chartering makes more sense than buying. Owning a yacht means large ongoing costs — crew, berthing, insurance, maintenance and depreciation — often 10% or more of the yacht's value each year, whether you use it or not. Chartering gives you a fully crewed yacht only for the weeks you want, with no commitment, and a different yacht each time.
Read the guideWhat insurance do I need as a yacht charter guest?
The charter yacht itself carries hull, liability and Protection & Indemnity (P&I) insurance arranged by its owner, which covers the vessel and third-party liability — you don't need to arrange this. As a guest, the cover worth considering separately is trip cancellation and interruption insurance, and personal travel/medical insurance, since the yacht's own policy is not designed to reimburse you if you have to cancel or need medical treatment.
Read the guideWhat is the 12-guest rule (PYC code) and why does it exist?
Most privately-registered charter yachts are legally limited to 12 overnight guests under long-standing maritime passenger-safety rules, regardless of the yacht's size. Yachts built or certified to the Passenger Yacht Code (PYC) or an equivalent commercial code can carry more — sometimes up to 36 or more guests — because they meet stricter safety, fire and evacuation standards, similar to a small passenger ship.
Read the guideWhat happens if there's a medical emergency onboard?
The captain and crew are trained in first aid, and the yacht carries a medical kit; for anything serious, the captain coordinates with coastguard or medical evacuation services for the cruising area — faster and better resourced than most people expect. This is why appropriate travel and medical insurance matters, especially for remote itineraries.
Read the guideWhat do yacht safety certifications and classifications mean?
A charter yacht's flag state and classification society set the safety, structural and equipment standards it must meet — similar in spirit to commercial shipping regulation, scaled to the yacht's size. Brokers only propose yachts holding current, valid certification and commercial coding for charter, which is part of the vetting done before a yacht is ever offered to you.
Read the guideHow is privacy protected on a high-profile or celebrity charter?
Crews on yachts regularly used for high-profile charters are experienced with discretion as standard practice, from managing crew and dockside confidentiality to coordinating with private security if a guest brings their own. Brokers handling these charters are equally used to keeping guest identity and itinerary details confidential — raise any specific privacy or security needs when enquiring.
Read the guideHow much does it cost to own and operate a charter yacht?
Annual running costs for a charter yacht — crew, maintenance, insurance, berthing and management — are commonly estimated at around 10% of the yacht's value per year, though this varies with age, size and use. Owners weigh this against potential charter income and their own use, which a broker or management company can model for a specific vessel.
Read the guideWhat is fractional yacht ownership, and how does it compare to chartering?
Fractional ownership means several owners each hold a share of one yacht, splitting purchase and running costs and each getting an allotted number of weeks aboard per year. Chartering gives you a different yacht and destination each time with no capital outlay or running costs at all — for occasional charter guests, it remains the simpler, lower-commitment option.
Read the guide