How Much Do Yacht Charters Really Cost? A Comprehensive Guide
My Croatia Charter 〉 Charter Insights 〉 How Much Do Yacht Charters Really Cost? A Comprehensive Guide
If you are thinking of a charter vacation and want to know how much a yacht charter really costs, you have come to the right place! Understanding the costs involved is crucial to making the most of your vacation.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the factors that affect yacht charter prices, typical price ranges, any hidden costs you should be aware of, and tips for budgeting your trip.
First of all, the type of yacht you choose significantly impacts the cost. Sailing yachts, catamarans, and motor yachts each have different price points based on their size, amenities, and build.
So, let me give you a breakdown of the price ranges for each yacht type and their size.
TIP: Chartering during the high season (July and August) is more expensive compared to the low season. Booking in advance or looking for last-minute deals can also affect prices.
Detailed Breakdown of Price Ranges for Different Types of Yachts
Average Weekly Sailing Yacht Charter Rates
Price Range | Description |
---|---|
€10,000-€20,000 | Under 100 ft: Smaller sailing yacht rentals or skippered with basic amenities. |
€20,000-€50,000 | Under 130 ft: Mid-sized sailing yachts with more luxurious accommodations. |
€50,000-€100,000 | Under 160 ft: Large, fully equipped sailing yachts with premium features. |
€100,000-€200,000 | Under 200 ft: High-end sailing yachts with extensive amenities and larger crew. |
€200,000+ | Under 300 ft: Super sailing yachts with top-tier luxury and bespoke services. |
Average Weekly Catamaran Charter Rates
Price Range | Description |
---|---|
€10,000-€20,000 | Under 65 ft: Basic catamarans ideal for small groups or families. |
€20,000-€50,000 | Under 75 ft: Mid-range catamarans with better amenities. |
€50,000-€100,000 | Under 90 ft: Luxury catamarans with extensive facilities. |
€100,000-€200,000 | Under 130 ft: High-end catamarans with premium services and accommodations. |
€200,000+ | Under 150 ft: Ultra-luxurious catamarans with personalized services and extensive amenities. |
Average Weekly Motor Yacht Charter Rates
Price Range | Description |
---|---|
€10,000-€20,000 | Under 75 ft: Smaller motor yacht rentals or speedboats with essential features. |
€20,000-€50,000 | Under 120 ft: Mid-sized motor yachts with more comfort and space. |
€50,000-€100,000 | Under 160 ft: Large motor yachts with luxurious amenities. |
€100,000-€200,000 | Under 175 ft: Premium motor yachts with extensive features and services. |
€200,000-€500,000 | Under 300 ft: High-end motor yachts offering ultimate luxury and personalized services. |
€500,000+ | Under 400 ft: Mega motor yachts with exceptional luxury, extensive crew, and bespoke experiences. |
What is Included in the Yacht Charter Fee?
Many crewed charters, in Croatia included, follow a ‘plus-expenses’ pricing structure. This base charter fee typically includes the cost of the yacht rental for the agreed period, the full crew, and access to all water sports toys and equipment onboard.
However, additional expenses such as food, drinks, fuel, crew tips, and docking fees are not included in the base price. These extra costs are covered through an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA), which is a deposit paid before the trip to cover these additional expenses.
For a more detailed breakdown of how the APA works and what you can expect to pay, continue reading below.
What About Charter Taxes?
When planning a private yacht charter, there are two main options to consider: APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) yacht charters and All-Inclusive yacht charters. This makes a big difference between the initial charter price and the overall charter cost at the end of it all.
When choosing between an APA yacht charter and an all-inclusive yacht charter, you should consider your desired level of customization, budget flexibility, and overall vacation experience.
Let’s have a look:
➧ APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) Yacht Charters
An APA yacht charter is popular for clients seeking a customized, high-end experience. In this charter arrangement, the client pays a base charter fee for the yacht rental and crew.
On top of this base fee, an advance provisioning allowance (APA) is added, typically around 20-30% of the yacht’s base rental cost.
This APA is intended to cover other charter costs, including expenses such as food, beverages, fuel, marina fees, and any other costs that might arise during the charter.
➧ All-Inclusive Yacht Charters
In contrast, an all-inclusive yacht charter offers a hassle-free experience with a set price that covers all expenses related to the yacht, crew, food, beverages, and activities.
Clients can relax and enjoy their vacation without worrying about additional costs or budgeting for unexpected expenses.
Nevertheless, the issues are the same as in a luxury All-inclusive resort – you can’t have a hot tub full of Moet…
What are Some Other Hidden Costs I Should be Aware of?
Fuel Consumption & Old vs New Yachts
In the world of crewed charters, the choice between a new or an older vessel is not merely a matter of aesthetics or initial yacht price; it significantly impacts the overall fuel consumption, consequently the overall charter cost of your charter vacation, and the environmental footprint of your maritime journey.
It is quite simple: Newer yachts, often equipped with newer technologies, i.e., engines and generators, tend to be more fuel-efficient.
While the initial charter cost for a new yacht might be higher, the potential savings in fuel expenses can make it a more sustainable and cost-effective choice in the long run.
This is why we always list fuel consumption in our yacht catalogs!!
Transfers To & From the Charter
The cost of transfers to and from a yacht charter depends on several factors, mainly how far and in what style. It ranges from simple taxi fares or private cars to arrival by limo or private jet.
There is also the scenario of your yacht charter starting from an Island where flights might be limited or non-existent, in which case boat taxis or a private speedboat pickup will be arranged.
In Croatia, the proximity of major airports like those in Split, Dubrovnik, and Zadar to prime yacht charter locations significantly eases the transfer process. Many guests fly into these airports and use taxis or private car services, often arranged by the yacht charter, for a quick transfer to the marinas. It is pretty straightforward.
Shore Excursions
When planning a yacht charter vacation, any shore-based or additional excursions you choose to include, such as wine tours, restaurant bookings, or diving trips, will typically incur additional costs. These activities offer enriched experiences that complement the yacht charter but require separate planning and budgeting.
Here’s how you can manage these extra costs and activities:
- Pre-Arrangement: These activities can often be pre-arranged either through your charter broker or directly with the yacht’s crew. This planning ensures that your preferred activities are booked and scheduled according to your itinerary.
- Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA): The costs for these excursions can be covered through the APA, which is a budget set aside in advance for expenses that are not included in the charter fee. The APA typically covers fuel, food, beverages, and harbor fees, but it can also be used for booking external activities. Normally, the APA is around 30% of the charter fee, but this can vary.
- Payment and Budgeting: When you use the APA to pay for activities, the captain will keep a detailed account of all expenditures and provide receipts. If the cost of activities exceeds the APA, additional funds will need to be provided during the charter. Conversely, any unused funds from the APA are returned to you at the end of the trip.
- Planning Ahead: To ensure availability and synchronization with your charter itinerary, it’s wise to plan these activities well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Your broker or the yacht’s crew can assist in making reservations and recommendations based on your interests and the charter route.
Crew Gratuity
When it comes to tipping crew members on a yacht charter, the general guideline is to offer a gratuity that reflects the quality of service provided.
Typically, tips range from 5% to 15% of the total charter fee, depending on the location and the customary practices there. For example, in the Mediterranean, it’s common to tip towards the lower end of this range, while in the US and Caribbean, gratuities at the higher end are more typical.
All crew members usually share in the gratuity, regardless of their specific roles, as they all contribute to the overall experience of the charter. It’s customary to hand the total tip to the captain, who will distribute it among the crew.
Payment is generally made at the end of the charter, and while cash is often preferred, other arrangements can sometimes be made through your charter broker or by other means agreed upon.
The expected tip can also be influenced by the type of yacht and the level of luxury and service provided. High-end luxury yacht experiences may see higher expectations in terms of percentage, reaching up to 30%, reflecting the elevated service level.
Tip for Budgeting Your Yacht Charter
Limit the Distance You Travel Between Places
As I touched on earlier, fuel consumption is a major factor in the overall charter cost. It is, therefore, wise to choose an Itinerary in a place with Islands located in close proximity. Fx, the Saronic Islands in Greece, over the popular long stint from Athens to Santorini in the Cyclades (over 100 nautical miles).
Apart from generally being one of the most stunning destinations in the Mediterranean, with the best infrastructure for luxury yachts, Croatia is a great pick for those looking to budget smartly.
First of all, you have the Dalmatian coast dotted with prime locations, within small jumps of each other, and then you have the Dalmatian Islands, nicely spread along the coast, allowing for easy and swift sails out.
Get More for Your Money with a Split Bill
A really smart way to get a nice-sized luxury charter yacht with a smaller budget is with a large group charter (12+). Get your family or friends together and go bitter with a split bill.
Croatia happens to be one of the absolute best places for large-group charters. Why? Because, in general, the EU has strict rules limiting more than 12 people on charter yachts unless they have licenses and safety parameters of the same standard as large cruise ships. But not Croatia, well, and Turkey, which means there are tons of nice big luxury yachts set up to accommodate large groups. We are talking up to 71 people. Like Variety Voyager here!
Check Out 10 BEST Large Group Charters in 2024
Take advantage of Off-Season Discounts?
The high season for Croatia yacht charters spans from July and August. This is by far the busiest time as well as the hottest.
If this does not appeal, you can opt for a pre-season or post-season yacht charter. The Croatian climate is warm enough, with mild winters, too, giving you a bigger window during which to find the perfect motor yacht for your Croatia yacht charter.
The months of May-June and September-October are quieter and less crowded as far as anchorages and routes are concerned. During this time, the motor charter rates are considerably cheaper than during the high season, especially for popular destinations such as Dubrovnik.
Where do we Charter?
Types of Crewed Yachts in Croatia
Crewed yacht charters in Croatia include, at minimum, a captain and at least 1 stewardess. On a larger motor yacht, the number of crew can be higher than the number of guests (including engineers, bosun, and additional stewardesses)
Sailboats
Read MoreCatamarans
Read MorePower Catamarans
Read MoreMotor Yachts
Read MoreLuxury Yachts
Read MoreHigh End Yachts
Read MoreCharter Yachts with a Jacuzzi
Read MoreCharter Yachts with a Jetski
Read MoreCharter Yachts with Multiple Jetskis Onboard
Read MoreCroatia Charter Yachts with Scuba Diving Onboard
Read MoreReady to Start Your Croatia Yacht Charter?
Who are We?
At DMA Yachting, we are proud to have a team of individuals who have real on-water experience. Many of our brokers have worked or lived on yachts themselves and crossed oceans.
This firsthand experience allows us to truly understand life at sea in both the shoes of crew and guests and the details that make a luxury yacht charter an exceptional experience.
We closely inspect yachts and meet in person with captains and crew to ensure every element of the charter meets our high standards.
Our yearly participation in yacht shows like the EMMYS, and MEDYS helps us stay on top of industry trends and client needs.
We are here to guide you through every step of your charter, from the moment you reach out to the moment your yacht charter ends.
C
Chuck
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Jun 16, 2024
Alex was outstanding
Alex was outstanding. He was always very responsive to emails and texts with my many questions.
The boat he recommended for my group was perfect.
I would use DMA again.
MT
Malloy Tulsa
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Jun 11, 2024
An incredible experience
Very professional, communicated clearly and planned an amazing trip for us. Louis Lamprell did an amazing job connecting us with the unbridled yacht and crew. It was a trip of a lifetime. Our family highly recommends both DMA yachting and the unbridled charter. Everything was perfection!
DT
Dana Terrell
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Jun 4, 2024
This was a trip of a lifetime
This was a trip of a lifetime! We booked with Nadja at DMA yachting and she made sure the entire process was easy and no problems. Our charter was with Zuri3 and our Captain Andre and First Mate Jana made our trip amazing! They made sure everything was taken care and treated us like royalty. This is not just a vacation this is an experience of a lifetime.
RS
Ryan Shirley
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Feb 9, 2024
Louis was great from beginning to end and walked me through the whole process. He helped me find a great boat that fit within our time and cost preferences. He explained the differences between the different builds and the pros and cons. Once we selected the boat, he explained and walked me through the whole booking process and answered all my questions. Finally, he checked in with me before, during, and after the charter to make sure everything met our expectations. I can’t recommend Louis enough if you are planning a charter, and I will definitely be in touch for our next trip!
What Our Clients Say
Our clients speak of unparalleled service, exquisite yachts, and an easy booking process, highlighting the excellence of their yacht charter in Croatia.
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Booking a yacht charter in Croatia is easy with us—just contact one of our Expert Charter Brokers and tell us what you want!