How much does it cost to take a charter yacht?
Embarking on a yacht charter vacation is a luxurious adventure, but understanding the costs involved is key to planning the perfect getaway. The charter rate varies based on multiple factors, and this guide will provide insights into what influences the cost of your dream yacht vacation.
Types of Charter Yachts:
The first consideration is the type of yacht you prefer. Whether it’s a Motor Yacht, Mega Yacht, Catamaran, or Monohull, each comes with its unique charm and cost structure.
Luxury Yacht Vacation Packages:
Decide on the type of luxury yacht vacation you desire – an all-inclusive package or one with an Advanced Provision Allowance (APA). The former covers most expenses, while the latter involves additional costs for fuel, food, and beverages.
Yacht Size Matters:
The size of the yacht significantly impacts the charter rate. From 40ft to 150ft and beyond, the larger the yacht, the more elaborate the facilities and, consequently, the higher the cost.
Charter Location:
The destination of your yacht charter plays a crucial role. Whether it’s a Bahamas yacht charter, the British Virgin Islands yacht charter, or a Mediterranean escape, each location has its unique appeal and cost considerations.
Crew Options:
Yacht charters offer various crew configurations. Opt for a luxury crewed yacht charter with a full crew, go captain-only, choose a chef-only option, or experience a bareboat sailing vacation.
Market Dynamics:
Stay informed about market trends, as they influence Advanced Provision Allowance and all-inclusive charter costs. Fluctuations in fuel prices and the cost of food and beverages impact overall expenses.
Seasonal Pricing:
Yacht charter rates experience seasonal variations. Understanding high, medium, and low seasons, especially in the Mediterranean, helps plan your vacation budget effectively.
Yacht Charter Vacation FAQs:
Is there a spending limit on yacht charters?
No, your yacht charter vacation is tailored to your preferences and budget.
Are there high and low seasons for yacht charters?
Yes, seasons impact charter rates, with variations in the Mediterranean’s high, medium, and low seasons.
Are there holiday charter fees?
Yes, during Christmas and New Year’s week charters in the USVI and BVI, fees may increase by 20-40%. Larger motor yachts might require a minimum 10-night charter.
Are there summer rates?
Motor yachts tend to have increased rates from May 15th to December 15th.
Greece has a Medium season from May to mid-June and September, the High season is July and August and the Low season is everything else.
All-inclusive, crewed yacht charters, we find typically do not, but many of these end by July and do not start again until November.
Booking ahead will always fall in your favor of booking this year’s price before the rise of the new season’s cost comes into play.
Is there a TAX on my yacht charter rate?
Taxes range by destination; here’s a look at some of yachting’s most popular destinations:
- The Bahamas – Tax: 4%
- USVI- No tax
- BVI – Tax: between $6 and $16 per person per day
- Croatia – VAT: 13%
- Florida – Tax: 6%- 7%
- France – VAT: 20% -10% can be applied when an itinerary includes International Waters
- Greece – VAT: 12%
- Italy – VAT: 22%, – 6.6% (over 24m) and 8.8% (under 24m) can be applied when an itinerary includes International Waters Montenegro.
- Turkey- 21% Turkey
WE HIGHLY ENCOURAGE TRIP INSURANCE COVERAGE, TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE, and MEDICAL COVERAGE.
Are there additional charter costs?
It does not include the following.
- Crew Gratuity, industry standard at 15-20% adjusted up or down according to the service you received.
- Getting to and from the yacht by taxi/water taxi. Any dockage you request during the week. The yachts will anchor out under the stars.
- Anything you choose to eat and drink on land.If you have very high-end liquor tastes, excessive alcohol consumption ( drinking from 7 am to midnight), or it’s not on the standard ship’s bar menu that would be additional.
- Travel/ Trip/ Cancel For Any Reason Insurance
When you have a yacht price plus expenses, APA, called Advanced Provision Allowance you will cover all your food, beverage, and fuel, and when there are water toys you want that the boat does not have onboard, these can be rented and subtracted from your APA.
Can I get my charter costs lower?
Yes, but consider what it’s worth to you…spending a little bit more will go a long way.
- Book in the off-season for the following year.
- On all-inclusive charters and crewed yacht charters, book a 6-night charter. This won’t take much, maybe a couple of hundred off, but something to consider. A 6-night charter is prorated. These will have a surcharge on them.
- Add a sleep aboard. Most yachts have you board your yacht at noon. You may be able to get on the night before. Sleep boards are often 1/2 the daily rate and get you on the yacht about 5 PM with cocktails and a meal ashore at your expense, but you will leave bright and early the next morning.
- You can put in a reasonable offer on the higher-end yachts when it is coming to last minute or late in the season.
- Look for specials that offer filling in gaps. But you must be prepared to book.
- Check for flights. Flying during the week is less expensive.
- You could cook and clean for your group, but hire a Captain-Only Charter.
We have experience with all types of yacht charters. We can book you on any type of yacht charter vacation at Songs In The Sails Yacht Charters. We attend boat shows each year and spend a lot of time researching and viewing the yachts in each category. Additionally, we establish relationships with industry professionals.
