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.
Key facts
- Charter rates are quoted per week for the entire yacht, not per person.
- Indicative base rates: 20–30 m ≈ €25k–€90k/week; 30–45 m ≈ €90k–€250k/week; 45 m+ superyachts beyond.
- APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance): typically 25–35% of the base rate, covering fuel, food, drinks and berthing.
- Local taxes (VAT/tourist tax) and a customary 5–15% crew gratuity are additional.
- Season matters: high-season (Jul–Aug) rates are materially higher than shoulder months.
| Yacht size | Typical weekly rate | Guests | Crew |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20–24 m | €25,000–€60,000 | 6–8 | 2–4 |
| 24–30 m | €45,000–€90,000 | 8–10 | 3–5 |
| 30–40 m | €90,000–€180,000 | 10–12 | 4–7 |
| 40–50 m | €180,000–€350,000 | 10–12 | 7–12 |
| 50 m+ | €350,000+ | 12+ | 12+ |
Indicative ranges — confirmed by your broker on enquiry.
How much is the base charter fee?
The base fee buys the yacht and its crew for a week. Price scales with length, age, brand and crew size. As broad 2026 guidance: yachts of 20–30 metres typically range from about €25,000 to €90,000 per week; 30–45 metres from around €90,000 to €250,000; and yachts of 45 metres and up climb well beyond that into superyacht territory.
These are indicative ranges only. The same length can vary widely — a brand-new yacht with a large crew and jet skis costs more than an older yacht of the same size. Your broker confirms exact rates for specific yachts and dates.
APA — the running-cost float
On top of the base fee you pay an Advance Provisioning Allowance, usually 25–35% of the charter fee. This float covers variable costs during the trip: fuel, food, drinks, port and marina fees, and special requests.
The captain manages the APA transparently and gives you a full accounting. Anything unspent is returned at the end of the charter; if it runs low, you top it up. Cruising style matters — long high-speed passages burn more fuel than lazy days at anchor.
What taxes and gratuity apply?
Local charter VAT and, in some countries, a tourist tax are added and vary by cruising ground. A crew gratuity of roughly 5–15% of the base fee is customary for good service, though it is always discretionary.
Adding it up: budget the base fee, plus ~25–35% APA, plus local tax, plus an optional tip. Your broker provides an itemised estimate up front so there are no surprises.
How can you get better value?
Charter in the shoulder months (June or September in the Mediterranean) for warm seas at lower rates. Consider a slightly older yacht in excellent condition, and be flexible on dates. A broker can also flag special offers and repositioning deals you won't find yourself.
Common questions
Is a crewed yacht charter priced per person or per yacht?
Per yacht. You charter the whole yacht and its crew for the week at one price, then divide it among your party however you like. Running costs (APA), taxes and gratuity are additional.
What is a realistic all-in budget?
As a rule of thumb, budget the weekly base rate plus roughly 30–45% on top for APA, local taxes and gratuity combined. For a 25-metre yacht that means the base rate plus tens of thousands, depending on cruising style.
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