Yacht Charter Cost Guide

Weekly Rates, Inclusions and Extras Explained

The honest answer to "what does a yacht charter cost" is: it depends on the yacht, the season and how you cruise — but the structure of the pricing is very learnable. This guide explains how weekly rates work across gulets, motor yachts, catamarans and sailing yachts, what a rate includes, which extras to expect, and where guests commonly save.

How Weekly Rates Work

Crewed charters are priced per week, per yacht (not per person). The rate covers the whole vessel with its crew. Split across a group of eight, a mid-range charter often lands near what a high-end hotel would cost per couple — with far more included.

Indicative Weekly Rates by Yacht Type

Broad frames to calibrate expectations; individual yachts vary widely with age, size, crew and demand:

Gulet — Traditional wooden motorsailers for 6–16 guests, typically from the low tens of thousands per week; the strongest space-per-euro in crewed chartering
Sailing Yacht — Classic experience for smaller parties, often comparable to entry-level gulets
Catamaran — Stability and deck space for 6–10 guests, spanning mid-market to premium bands
Motor Yacht — Speed and range, generally the highest rate band, with fuel the largest variable extra

What the Rate Usually Includes

The yacht itself with its full crew, standard water sports equipment, and linens/towels. Crew numbers scale with yacht size — typically a captain, chef and one or more stewards/deckhands. Meals and provisioning are inside the rate on many yachts, gulets in particular, and outside it on others, where food and beverages are billed separately or drawn from an APA. Read the inclusion list for the specific yacht before comparing two rates.

Common Extras to Budget For

These vary by yacht and agreement — your charter agreement lists exactly what applies to your booking:

Fuel — included on many gulets for standard routing; metered or estimated on motor yachts
Port and marina fees — higher on busy routes in peak season
VAT / local taxes — depend on the charter area and regulations
Beverages — a standard cellar is often included; premium wines and spirits vary
Crew gratuity — discretionary, customarily around 5–15% of the charter fee when deserved

Where Guests Commonly Save

Shoulder seasons (May–June, September–October) offer noticeably better value than peak summer with still-excellent conditions. Booking earlier widens yacht choice and sometimes unlocks early-booking incentives — offers vary by yacht, owner and season and are confirmed at booking. Flexible routing and fewer marina nights also trim costs without trimming the experience.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is food really included in the rate?

It depends on the yacht. Many crewed yachts, gulets especially, include your chef's meals in the weekly rate; others exclude food and beverage provisioning and bill it separately or through an APA. Premium wine lists, speciality purchases and shore-side dining are separate either way. The charter agreement for your yacht is the authority.

Why do similar-looking yachts differ so much in price?

Age, refit quality, crew size and experience, ownership overheads and demand all move the number. Two similar hulls can deliver very different weeks — crew quality is usually the difference.

What is an APA?

An Advance Provisioning Allowance is a prepaid pot (common on motor yachts) covering fuel, food and port fees as used, reconciled at the end with receipts. Many gulets instead include these in the rate — one reason their pricing feels simpler.

How does a gulet week compare cost-wise?

For groups of 8–16, gulets frequently win on per-person cost because the rate splits across more guests while including crew, meals and most equipment. Our gulet charter cost guide works through examples.

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