How Much Does a Yacht Charter Really Cost? A Comprehensive Guide

Yacht Charter Cost Explained

In this article, we give you full transparency of all costs included in chartering a yacht.

Charter Types: All-Inclusive vs Plus Expenses (APA)

When planning a private yacht charter, there are two main options to consider: All-Inclusive yacht charters and Plus Expenses Yacht Charter. One is a set fee from the beginning, and the other is a base yacht fee and expenses paid on top.

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:

● Plus Expenses Yacht Charters (APA 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

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.

APA is a standard practice in Mediterranean crewed luxury yacht charters. It is usually set at around 25-40% of the base charter fee. It is higher on motor yachts and lower on sailing yachts.

● 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…All-inclusive charters are common in the Caribbean, where almost all catamarans are all-inclusive. However, in the Mediterranean, APA charters are the standard.

The following is a breakdown of Plus Expenses Charters:

What is Included in the Base 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 Does the APA Cover?

● FOOD & DRINKS

Before your yacht charter begins, your broker will send you a preference sheet on which you can specify your food preferences, dietary requirements, and favorite beverages. This will help to more accurately calculate your Advance Provisioning Allowance estimate.

● FUEL CHARGES

Fuel costs greatly vary depending on the itinerary and whether you travel long distances or spend more time at anchor. This cost also includes any fuel used for water toys.

● HARBOUR FEES & DOCKING

The harbor and docking fees also vary a lot depending on where and when you want to charter and, of course, the size of your yacht. Popular spots in high season are the most expensive. You can keep this cost down by spending some nights on anchor.

● CREW GRATUITY

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. High-end luxury yacht experiences may see higher expectations in terms of percentage, reaching up to 30%, reflecting the elevated service level.

NOTE: The Yacht Delivery Fee is NOT INCLUDED in the APA. There is another section in the contract for delivery terms. This fee only applies when the charterer wishes to start from somewhere other than where the yacht is based.

Handling Overages and Shortages in APA:

Exceeding APA Estimates: If the expenses exceed the initial APA amount, the broker can facilitate discussions to settle any additional payments required and make sure that the additional fee corresponds with the client’s spending.

APA Underutilization: Conversely, if there are any remaining funds, the broker ensures that they are returned to the client via bank transfer. This process helps prevent any disputes over charges and maintains a clear and trustworthy relationship between the charter client and the yacht crew.

Charter Broker Louis Lamprell from DMA Yachting and My Croatian Charter

We Save You Money By Checking Your APA and Post-Charter Review

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Booking with us comes at no extra cost, as our commission is paid by the yachts. In fact, we can save you money by securing the best deals and guiding you through managing your APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance). We represent you from beginning to end!

Base Fee Per Yacht Type and Size

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.

Motor Yacht Charter Rates Per Week

Price Range	Description
€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	Mega yachts offering ultimate luxury and personalized services.

Motor Yachts

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+	Ultra-luxurious catamarans with personalized services and extensive amenities.

Catamarans

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+	Mega sailing yachts with top-tier luxury and bespoke services.

Sailboats

Yacht Charter Tax (VAT)

Yacht charter VAT (Value Added Tax) applies differently depending on each country’s regulations. It is only applied to the base charter fee, not to variable expenses like the APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance). Here are some examples of VAT prices.

Croatia: 13% VAT on the base charter fee.
Bahamas: 14% tax (10% VAT + 4% local tax) on the base fee.
BVI: No VAT on yacht charters.
USVI: 12.5% gross receipts tax on charters.

These VAT rates impact the total cost based on the country in which the charter begins. For example, if a yacht departs from Croatia, the Croatian VAT rate applies even if the itinerary travels beyond Croatian waters.

Cost Drivers: What Drives Up the Final Price

● Fuel Consumption & Old vs New Yachts

Fuel consumption is a significant factor in the final yacht charter price. Typically, the APA includes an estimate for around 3-4 hours of motoring per day. If you exceed this, the extra fuel costs will be charged at the end of the charter. Essentially, the APA is based on projected usage—if you use less fuel, you receive a refund, but if you use more, you pay the difference.

For those planning an ambitious itinerary with longer travel times, it’s wise to consider a yacht with a more efficient engine. Newer yachts often have modern engines that consume less fuel, leading to potentially lower overall costs. This difference can be especially impactful on extended trips or routes that require additional motoring.

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 on Sameli at the MEDY Yacht Show in Nafplion in 2024

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.

Also Read How Much Does a Yacht Charter in Greece Cost?

● 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.

Ready to Start Your Croatia Luxury Yacht Charter Vacation?

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.

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.

✔️ We’re here to understand your vision and make it a reality.

✔️ We handpick the best yachts tailored to your needs.

✔️ We take care of all paperwork and secure transactions for peace of mind.

✔️ We craft a personalized itinerary that suits your preferences.

✔️ We stand by you from the first inquiry until all final accounts are closed.

Where Do We Charter?

Morning view of Amalfi cityscape on coast line of mediterranean sea, Italy

West Mediterranean

Beautiful, colorful, coastal town in Greece with clear blue waters and a mountainous backdrop

East Mediterranean

Emerald water idyllic beach at Nassau, The Bahamas in a sunny day.

Bahamas & Caribbean

Where to Charter? – Destinations by the Month!

C

Chuck

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.

Read More Reviews On TrustPilot…

MT

Malloy Tulsa

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!

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DT

Dana Terrell

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.

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RS

Ryan Shirley

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!

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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.

DMA Yachting | Yacht Charter Company
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