Yacht charter rates vary enormously depending on the size, age and pedigree of the yacht, the time of year and the destination.

As a broad guide, weekly charter rates can start from around €10,000–€15,000 for catamarans and smaller yachts, and rise to several hundred thousand euros for larger superyachts, with the very largest and most sought-after yachts commanding rates in excess of €1 million per week.

Use our charter search tool above to browse yachts and associated prices. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Get in touch — not all yachts are openly listed.

Some of the most established charter yachts take bookings a year or more in advance, so it is best to enquire as early as possible if you have a particular yacht or set of dates in mind.

Around six months ahead of the season, the majority of yachts will have opened their calendars, giving you the widest selection, particularly if you have some flexibility with dates.

Last-minute bookings are always possible and there can be good opportunities to be had. The available selection will, however, naturally be narrower.

One week is the standard length of a yacht charter, although 10–14 days or longer is very common. Some guests charter a yacht for an entire season.

Shorter charters of a few days can also be possible, particularly outside peak season and subject to the yacht’s availability.

Almost anywhere with navigable water.

The Mediterranean remains the most popular summer charter destination, with Greece, Italy, France, Croatia and the Balearics amongst the perennial favourites. During the winter months, the Caribbean and Maldives attract much of the charter fleet.

Further afield, yachts cruise everywhere from Indonesia and French Polynesia to Patagonia, Norway, Greenland and Antarctica.

The best destination will depend on the time of year, the type of experience you are looking for and, in some cases, the capabilities of the yacht itself.

Visit our Destinations page for inspiration.

Most charter yachts accommodate between 8 and 12 guests overnight, depending on their size, layout and certification.

A smaller number of larger yachts can accommodate significantly more, with some sleeping up to 30–36 guests.

For events held in port, yachts can often host many more people than they are permitted to accommodate overnight, with some larger yachts able to welcome well over 100 guests depending on their certification, layout and local regulations.

The charter fee, quoted weekly in EUR or USD, covers:

• Exclusive use of the yacht, together with its equipment and amenities.
• Crew wages, uniforms and onboard meals.
• Cleaning supplies, ship’s linen and general consumables used in the operation of the yacht.
• Insurance for the yacht and crew.

Additional operating expenses, VAT and APA are charged separately.

The APA is an advance payment used to cover the operating expenses of your charter, including food and beverages, fuel, berthing and port fees, transfers, customs, permits, waste disposal, utilities, upgraded internet use and other incidental costs.

The captain manages these expenses on your behalf and retains all receipts. There are no mark-ups on the APA, and expenditure can be reviewed during the charter.

Any unused balance is returned to you at the end of the charter, while any additional expenditure is settled before disembarkation.

As a general guide, APA is typically estimated at around 20–30% of the charter fee for sailing yachts and 35–40% for motor yachts, depending on the yacht, itinerary and your preferences.

VAT is charged on yacht charters in many jurisdictions, with the applicable rate depending on where the charter takes place and the rules in force at the time.

Rates vary significantly between countries (e.g., currently as low as 5.2% in Greece and 20% in France) and can change, so we will confirm the applicable VAT for your chosen itinerary before booking.

Any changes to the applicable rate before the charter begins will be reflected in the final charter account.

Yes. One of the great advantages of a yacht charter is the flexibility to change plans as you go.

Your itinerary can usually be adjusted during the charter, whether you want to stay somewhere longer, move on earlier or explore somewhere new.

Changes will always be subject to weather conditions, cruising distances, berth availability, local regulations and, ultimately, the captain’s judgement on safety.

Standard embarkation and disembarkation times are typically from noon to noon.

Alternative timings can often be arranged, subject to the yacht’s availability and operational schedule.

The MYBA Charter Agreement is the industry-standard contract widely used for yacht charters around the world.

Developed by MYBA, it sets out the rights and obligations of the yacht owner and charterer, together with the agreed charter dates, cruising area, payment terms, cancellation provisions and other important conditions of the charter.

Typically, 50% of the charter fee is payable when the charter agreement is signed.

The remaining 50%, together with VAT and the APA, is normally due one month before embarkation.

Alternative payment terms may sometimes be agreed, particularly for very advanced or last-minute bookings.

If the yacht is required to reposition away from its home port to your chosen embarkation or disembarkation point, a relocation fee may apply.

The amount will depend on the distance involved and the associated fuel, crew and operational costs. If the yacht secures another charter nearby before or after your booking, the relocation fee may be reduced or removed altogether.

Cancellation terms are set out in the charter agreement and will depend on the circumstances and timing of the cancellation.

As significant sums may already have been committed by the time a charter is cancelled, we recommend taking out appropriate travel and cancellation insurance.

If your plans change, speak to us as early as possible and we will work through the available options with you.