How Much Does It Cost to Charter a Yacht?

Ever dreamt of sailing through ocean-blue waters on your own private yacht, cocktail in hand and no crowds in sight—but figured it was only for billionaires and celebrities?

Good news: chartering a yacht is way more doable than you might think.

While prices can range from a few thousand to well over six figures, there’s actually a wide spectrum of options depending on your budget, destination, and what kind of experience you’re after. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family trip, or just want to see what it’s like to live the luxe life for a few days, there’s likely a yacht out there for you.

In this post, we’ll break down how much it really costs to charter a yacht, what affects those prices, and a few tips to help you get the best bang for your buck.

Average Cost of Chartering a Yacht

So, how much are we really talking when it comes to chartering a yacht?

The short answer: it depends.

The long answer? It can range anywhere from £1,800 for a day trip on a modest sailboat to over £100,000 per week for a luxury superyacht with a full crew and chef.

Here’s a rough idea of what you might expect to pay, depending on the type of yacht and length of your trip:

 

• Sailing Yachts: ~£4,000–£20,000 per week
  Great for a laid-back, authentic sailing experience. Usually more affordable than motor yachts.

• Catamarans: ~£6,400–£24,000 per week
  Popular for stability and space. Great for families or groups.

• Motor Yachts: ~£12,000–£40,000+ per week
  Fast, sleek, and often packed with luxury amenities. Higher fuel costs.

• Luxury Superyachts: £64,000–£400,000+ per week
  Think full staff, jacuzzis, jet skis, and fine dining.

• Day Charters: £400–£4,000+ depending on location and vessel
  Perfect for a quick adventure or special occasion.

 

Prices will always vary based on where you’re sailing, how long, and what’s included—but this gives you a rough idea.

What Affects the Cost of a Yacht Charter?

Yacht charter pricing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Several key factors can push the price up—or help you save—depending on what you're looking for.

Here's what plays into the final cost:

Type and Size of Yacht

Larger, newer, and more luxurious yachts naturally cost more. A sleek 100-foot motor yacht with a full crew and premium amenities will be pricier than a 40-foot sailing yacht.

Destination

Where you sail matters. Chartering in hotspots like the Mediterranean or Caribbean during peak season costs more than lesser-known or off-peak destinations. Greece and Croatia tend to be more affordable than, say, the French Riviera.

Time of Year

Just like flights and hotels, yacht charter prices surge during peak season:

 

• High season: Summer in Europe (June–August), Winter in the Caribbean (December–April)

• Low season: Spring and fall shoulder months can offer big savings

 

Duration of Charter

Most yacht charters are priced weekly, but shorter or custom trips can be arranged. Day rates tend to be higher on a per-day basis compared to weekly bookings.

Bareboat vs. Crewed Charter

 

• Bareboat: You rent the yacht and captain it yourself (license often required). Cheaper, but you bear full responsibility.

• Crewed: Comes with a captain, chef, and sometimes full staff. More expensive, but luxurious and stress-free.

 

Amenities & Extras

Things like hot tubs, jet skis, scuba gear, Wi-Fi, or onboard chefs add to the overall price. The more luxury you want, the higher the cost.

Hidden or Extra Costs to Watch Out For

While the base price of chartering a yacht is important, there are several hidden or extra costs you’ll want to keep in mind.

These fees can add up quickly and impact your overall budget.

Fuel Charges

Most yachts charge for fuel based on how much you use. The bigger and faster the yacht, the more fuel it’ll consume. Some charters include fuel in the price, while others charge separately, so be sure to check the details before you book.

Food and Beverages

If you're opting for a crewed yacht, meals may be included—but they often come at an extra cost. Expect to pay for provisions like breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic). If you're on a bareboat charter, you’ll need to plan and buy your own supplies.

Gratuity for the Crew

Tipping is customary, and typically, you’ll be expected to tip the crew about 10-20% of the charter cost (depending on the level of service). This is usually not included in the price.

Docking and Marina Fees

Most charter companies don’t cover docking costs, which vary by location. For example, docking fees in popular spots like Monaco or St. Tropez can be steep, adding several hundred to thousands of dollars to your total cost.

Taxes and VAT

In some destinations, you’ll need to pay local taxes or VAT (Value Added Tax), which can add 10-25% to your charter price. Countries like the French Riviera or Italy have higher VAT rates compared to more tax-friendly places like Croatia.

Additional Activities & Water Toys

If you're planning to use things like jet skis, scuba diving gear, or other activities, they may come with a rental fee. Some yachts include water toys as part of the package, but others charge extra.

Realistic Example: Mediterranean Yacht Charter Costs

Planning a yacht charter in the Mediterranean?

Here's a breakdown of typical costs based on yacht type and charter duration, using data from Tubber:

Sailing Yachts

 

• Bareboat Charter (No Crew):

  • Example: A 40-foot sailing yacht in Croatia

  • Cost: Approximately ~£1,280–£2,560 per week

  • Ideal For: Experienced sailors seeking independence

• Skippered Charter:

  • Example: A 45-foot sailing yacht in Greece with a skipper

  • Cost: Around ~£2,990–£4,270 per week (including skipper fees)

  • Ideal For: Those wanting guidance without full crew services

 

Catamarans

 

• Mid-Range Catamaran:

  • Example: A 40-foot catamaran in Italy

  • Cost: Approximately ~£3,420–£5,130 per week

  • Ideal For: Families or groups desiring stability and space

• Luxury Catamaran with Crew:

  • Example: A 50-foot catamaran in Spain with full crew

  • Cost: Around ~£8,550–£12,820 per week

  • Ideal For: Travelers seeking comfort and full-service experience

 

Motor Yachts

 

• Standard Motor Yacht:

  • Example: A 35-foot motor yacht in Turkey

  • Cost: Approximately ~£4,270–£6,840 per week

  • Ideal For: Quick travel between destinations with moderate luxury

• Luxury Motor Yacht:

  • Example: A 60-foot motor yacht in France with crew

  • Cost: Around ~£12,820–£21,370 per week

  • Ideal For: High-end travelers desiring premium amenities

 

Additional Costs to Consider:

 

• Fuel: Depending on yacht type and distance traveled

• Provisioning: Food and beverages, either pre-arranged or on your own

• Port Fees: Vary by marina and location

• Crew Gratuity: Typically 10–20% of the charter fee

 

For more detailed options and to customize your Mediterranean yacht charter experience, visit Tubber's Mediterranean listings.

Tips to Save Money on Yacht Charters

Chartering a yacht doesn’t have to drain your bank account. With a little planning and some insider know-how, you can enjoy an amazing experience without overspending.

Here are some smart ways to save:

1. Book in the Shoulder Season

The shoulder seasons—spring (April–June) and fall (September–October)—are often just as beautiful in the Mediterranean, but prices can be up to 30–50% cheaper than in peak summer months.

2. Go Bareboat (If You Can)

If you’re licensed and confident in your sailing skills, choosing a bareboat charter can save thousands compared to a crewed option. You’ll skip the skipper and crew fees entirely.

3. Split the Cost With Friends

Chartering a yacht with a group is one of the best ways to make it more affordable. Split the cost between 4–10 people, and suddenly that luxury catamaran feels a lot more budget-friendly.

4. Look for Last-Minute Deals

Charter companies often slash prices on unsold inventory a week or two before departure. If you're flexible with dates and destinations, you could score a high-end yacht for a fraction of the usual price.

5. Stick to Local Destinations

Fuel costs add up fast. Planning a route that stays relatively local or includes short hops between ports can help you avoid extra charges at the end of your trip.

6. Bring Your Own Food & Drinks

Some charters allow you to stock your own provisions. Buying food and drinks from a local market is usually much cheaper than paying for an onboard chef or pre-arranged packages.

Conclusion

Chartering a yacht might sound like something out of a celebrity vacation reel—but in reality, it can be surprisingly accessible with the right planning.

Whether you’re after a laid-back sailing trip along the Croatian coast or a luxury experience off the shores of the French Riviera, there’s a yacht for almost every budget and vibe.

The key is knowing what affects the price, where the extra costs sneak in, and how to find value without cutting corners. From picking the right season to sharing the cost with friends, a little strategy goes a long way.

So go ahead—start browsing, get inspired, and who knows? Your dream sailing getaway might be closer (and more affordable) than you think.