How Much Does It Cost to Charter a Yacht?
Last Updated on May 30, 2023 by Boatsetter Team
Who among us hasn’t dreamed of cruising far horizons aboard a luxurious private yacht? Even just imagining ourselves cruising around sandy shores, anchoring in secluded coves, and pulling up to a great waterfront restaurant or a colorful beachside bar makes us happy.
Yacht charter makes all of this a reality. If you’re concerned about the cost of chartering a yacht, cast your apprehensions aside. Plenty of options means there’s no reason to give up on being the hero or heroine of your own dreams.
Here we’ll go over the types of private yacht charters and the costs of one. Let’s dream big together, shall we?
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Types of private yacht charters
Firstly, there are different types of private yacht charters. All-inclusive charters include the yacht, a professional captain and crew, all onboard meals and beverages, harbor fees, and fuel costs.
You’ll likely enjoy this experience the most if your hardest decision all day is how many cups of coffee you’ll drink at breakfast.
Meanwhile, a plus-expenses private yacht charter includes the yacht, the captain, and the crew. Meal costs and fuel costs are separate. So, too, are port taxes, dockage, and other fees.
You pay for these through an allowance before stepping aboard or a bill at the end of your trip. Either way, it allows for a more personalized, tailored experience.
Note that these types of private yacht charter are much different than the bareboat charter type. With that type of trip, you’re basically the owner and crew rolled into one.
You chart where you want to go, fuel up as needed along the way, and provision the boat. Similar to renting a car while on vacation, you keep the boat neat and tidy so there’s a quick turnaround for the next customers to step up.
Costs of a private yacht charter
Okay, now that you understand the types of charter, you’re still probably wondering how much it is. The cost of chartering a yacht may seem high, at least initially.
However, it actually can be quite reasonable if a few friends or family members join you and split the expenses. In fact, you may find you get more bang for your buck compared to other upscale entertainment choices, like staying at a resort.
A few factors ultimately influence the cost of chartering a yacht. As already mentioned, all-inclusive charters are different than plus-expenses charters. Additionally, the age of the yacht and the crew’s reputation comes into play.
The time of the year —peak summer season, for example— does as well. The charter’s length, the yacht’s size, and the passenger total are often the biggest factors, however.
Consider a yacht in Miami that lists at $2,100 for an eight-hour day. Once you add fuel costs, dockage fees, and the captain’s gratuity, the total is about $3,300.
Since the yacht accommodates 12 people, that’s $275 per person. Even with just eight people, you’re each paying $412.50. Remember, this isn’t just transportation; it’s sightseeing, anchoring, swimming, and so much more entertainment all rolled into one day.
Ultimately, the cost of a private yacht charter can and does reflect a vacation as laid-back or as extravagant as you wish. Yachts from 45 to 65 feet in length easily can accommodate up to 10 people.
Usually, they book trips lasting a few hours, though some further offer daylong charters. At the other end of the spectrum are ultra-luxurious experiences in which 12 or more in your party can spend a week aboard.
These are much larger yachts—well over 100 feet—with much larger crews. They’re decked out with spas, swimming pools, and regal staterooms with marble-lined baths (too luxurious to be called heads).
This type of deluxe charter comes with a price tag of six figures for a week. If you book one, let us know if we can tag along—or at least tag us on Instagram.
Remember, too, that gratuities aren’t included in the cost of a private yacht charter, regardless of whether you book an all-inclusive or plus-expenses trip. If you’re pleased with the crew and the service, tip 15% to 20% of the charter fee.
If, after reviewing all these details, you decide the cost to charter a yacht just isn’t in your budget, don’t give up!
Consider instead boat sharing or boat renting
Boat-sharing sites like Boatsetter give people like you more access to great boats, with more boats added all the time. Grab a group of your friends and family, and get out on the water. That’s the most important thing to do.
Learn more about renting out your boat or yacht from Owners on the platform.
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A journalist with more than 30 years’ experience, Diane M. Byrne is the owner
of MegayachtNews.com, a daily website educating American superyacht owners, buyers, and
their circles of influence about the leading builders, designers, cruising destinations, and more.
She founded the website in 2007 as the first, and still the only, American-focused online media
outlet exclusively covering this market. It features all-original content, for real stories of real
interest.
Diane is additionally one of the most-sought-after journalists for expert editorial coverage and
commentary about not only superyachts, but also general boating and yachting. Her byline
appears in Boatsetter.com, DiscoverBoating.com, and the magazines Luxury Guide, Ocean,
Yachting, and Yachts International.
Additionally, Diane is the Chair of the U.S. Superyacht Association, having been on the Board of
Directors since 2015. Outside of yachting, she’s a trustee of Sempre Avanti, a non-profit
resource supporting Italian and Italian-American individuals, businesses, and organizations in the
United States and Italy.
