How Much Does It Cost to Charter a Yacht on Below Deck?

Charter a 7–10 day Caribbean mega yacht for the best balance of value and memories. This choice gives you freedom to explore everything from emerald bays to hidden coves without rushing.

Base rates depend on length and crew. A 120–150 feet yacht with 6–8 crew typically charges about $60,000–$150,000 per day; larger 150–200 feet vessels run $120,000–$250,000 per day, depending on season and the yacht’s pedigree. Include an APA (provisioning and expenses) of 20–30% and a 10–20% crew gratuity; plus fuel, marina, and activity fees are extra. Seasons also matter; sirocco winds in the Caribbean can influence daily plans and available sailing days. A typical 7‑day charter can range from roughly $420,000 to $2,000,000 before gratuities, with most high‑demand routes costing toward the upper end.

On many boats, kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling gear come standard, and the crew showcased options for guided reef trips. They excelled at tailoring itineraries to your needs, stood out with private beach dinners and sunset sails, and kept the pace comfortable for all aboard. If youd like to design the trip yourself, share your must‑see spots and meals; this choice gives you freedom and creates memories that last.

To get the most from your charter, work with a seasoned broker through Caribbean routes. Confirm what’s included (meals, beverages, water toys like kayaks, Wi‑Fi) and what costs extra (APA, fueling, port fees). They can tailor a plan around your typical needs, ensuring your group can sail island to island and return with memories that you’ll still talk about years later.

Cost Overview and Practical Factors for Below Deck Yacht Charters

Recommendation: book a captained, high-end charter at a fixed usdweek that included crew, meals, and waters toys, then tailor the itinerary to your personal preference for a perfectly balanced experience with much comfort.

Base rate covers the yacht, captain, and crew; extras include dockage, fuel, provisioning, and special requests. In the dazur region or Cap ferrat, peak-season weeks push rates higher; typical mid-size yachts run roughly 60,000–120,000 usdweek, while flagship vessels can reach 180,000–250,000 usdweek. Meals included, with taxes, gratuities, port charges, and other incidentals added; for only a few peak-season weeks, expect higher add-ons and plus options to tailor your menu.

Selection affects value: vessel size, age, layout, and amenities such as a jacuzzi, living spaces, and an exquisite interior. A four-cabin yacht among featured yachts can sleep up to eight, with the ohana option offering refined service and privacy; the captain coordinates activities between ports. Verify what is included and what carries extra.

During the charter, you decide how much time to spend at sea versus on land; the captain arranges shore visits, dining experiences, and waterside show, like a sunset show. Even on a breezy evening, you can relax on deck or retreat to the living area, with the jacuzzi ready for a dip between activities.

Practical tips: start with two to three yachts that match your high-end taste and preference, and have worked with similar routes, then confirm inclusions such as chef services, beverages, and watersports gear. Look for a model with a strong safety record, well-equipped tenders, and a flexible schedule to fit much of your daily rhythm and maximize time on waters and on land.

Base Rates by Yacht Size and Type (days vs weeks)

Choose a 70- to 90-foot private yacht for flexible itineraries across azure waters. This size range balances onboard space with cost, making it ideal for short hops or week-long escapes to Grimaud’s coastline and other private destinations worldwide.

Yacht size and charter type drive the base rates. The table below uses USD and reflects typical ranges for private yachts designed for comfort and reliability. Inclusions usually cover a captain, crew, and standard water toys such as inflatable tenders. Check with your broker and use your browser to compare options and confirm what’s included, especially in high-season periods.

Crewed vs Bareboat: What's Included and What Carries Extra Charges

Choose crewed for predictable budgeting and smooth days at sea. That option includes a captain, a professional crew, meals, provisioning, and daily housekeeping, letting you focus on cruising and keeping the experiences stress-free. In usdweek terms, base rates are quoted with seasonal adjustments; you’ll notice higher prices in summer on routes like croatia or dazur, while january often brings more favorable conditions. The attitude of the crew matters: a proactive team avoids unnecessary delays, keeps times efficient, and helps you leave with happy memories and a lifestyle you’ll cherish.

What’s included with a crewed charter? A typical package covers comfortable rooms or cabins, a captain and crew, meals and beverages, provisioning and shopping services, daily cleaning, fresh linens and towels, Wi-Fi where available, and a curated itinerary tailored to well-known routes. Water toys such as snorkel gear and paddleboards usually come standard, and ferrat models are popular for their stable platforms. The team’s service creates a beautiful, relaxed atmosphere, and you’ll often hear church bells in port towns during shore visits. Cookies or light snacks are refreshed mid-cruise to keep guests happy. The service keeps operations perfectly coordinated.

What carries extra charges and how to anticipate them on bareboat or add-ons? Bareboat means you manage the boat without onboard crew, so you would hire a skipper if you’re not certified and arrange provisioning yourself. Extra charges commonly include provisioning beyond basic staples, premium beverages, special shore excursions, marina and port fees, fuel beyond a base allowance, and rental of additional equipment. That means the basic rate covers the hull, systems, and safety gear, but not the lifestyle extras that define your cruise times.

Tips to compare options and avoid surprises: request a detailed inclusions list, specify what is included for meals and beverages, and verify whether port fees and fuel are covered. When embarking on a charter, review what is included per room and confirm if Wi‑Fi, cookies, and household amenities are part of the deal. Consider destinations such as croatia or the dazur coast, and plan around your ideal balance of privacy, service, and flexibility. A well-structured contract keeps costs transparent and helps you match your attitude and pace to the itinerary.

Bottom line: for most groups, a crewed charter is ideal because it combines comfort, predictable budgeting, and a lifestyle that supports beautiful summer cruising. Bareboat can work for experienced sailors who want maximum control and lower base costs, but you must be comfortable managing provisioning, safety, and schedules. Among options, crews stand out for keeping things simple from january through summer, and for avoiding unexpected charges while you’re embarking on a shared adventure.

Seasonality, Destination, and Itinerary: Price Drivers

Book in shoulder season for your route to lock in the best value; weekly rates often drop 15–30% versus peak weeks, and you will love the calm seas, amazing weather, and smooth cruising.

• Seasonality
  • Caribbean peak weeks run December–April; rates often rise 20–50% over off-peak weeks. May or October deliver spectacular sailing and snorkel opportunities at a fraction of the price, and you can love the experience without crowds.
  • France and the tropez corridor see the highest demand in July–August; expect rate premiums. Target May or September for great weather with lower prices.
  • In August–October hurricane season in the Caribbean reduces demand, often pushing rates down and freeing up anchorages; good for displacement-heavy boats that need careful planning.
  • Prices vary with seasonality; price guides showcased by brokers reveal this pattern clearly, letting you plan ahead.
• Destination
  • Caribbean itineraries around Îles and private coves tend to be very price-stable when you keep legs short; this keeps the daily rate includes and port dues predictable.
  • Mediterranean routes near tropez, Corsica, Capri, and the Greek isles carry higher base rates; off-peak weeks unlock better value while still offering warm seas and abundant beaches.
  • Cross-region routes (Caribbean + Bahamas, Greece + Ionian) add fuel and displacement costs; plan accordingly to avoid surprises in the rate or budget.
  • Successful itineraries balance demand with provisioning needs; a well-chosen Îles arc often delivers greater value and memorable days.
• Itinerary
  • 7 days is the perfect length for most yachts; 10–14 days increase fuel, provisioning, and crew time, but unlock more anchors and experiences.
  • Multi-leg routes raise repositioning costs; arrange a logical loop to keep the rate approachable while visiting spectacular ports.
  • Activities such as snorkeling, diving, and tenders are frequently included; verify inclusions, as boats vary and boadicea often showcases exclusive experiences that guests love.
  • Include a snorkel day to explore reefs up close; snorkel gear is often provided and your needs can be met by the crew.
  • History-rich ports add emotional value; imagine a voyage along history-laden shores that feels absolutely epic and great for family or friends; these itineraries are often showcased as the best examples of a luxury sailing experience.
  • You can tailor an itinerary to be perfectly aligned with your needs; include private beaches, iconic routes, and a few surprise stops for an amazing, unforgettable trip.
  • Displacement matters: larger displacement yachts burn more fuel and incur higher port and pilot charges; plan with a trusted broker to keep your budget balanced.
  • Boadicea is a benchmark example in this class; her displacement and performance illustrate how price drivers play out in practice.
  • Think about the rate impact of a 7–10 day itinerary; you’ll often find value when you combine efficiency with wow moments and even pacing between ports.
  • Schedule the trip so that you can target a couple of days in a single base like caribbean sailing routes, which often creates a daily rate that feels absolutely fair given the included experiences and boats.

Hidden and Optional Costs: Fuel, Taxes, Port Fees, Gratuities

Set aside 15-25% of the base charter price for fuel, taxes, port fees, and gratuities, and confirm which items are prepaid by the operator so your budget stays predictable for a seamless week-long getaway. These costs are designed to reflect real usage and your preference for a smooth, private sailing experience.

Fuel costs depend on speed, itinerary, and seas. For a seventy-foot private yacht, a typical week of sailing in popular routes can push fuel bills into the range of roughly $3,000-$8,000, influenced by how much you sail, the destinations, and whether you favor long hops or tender trips ashore. If you want more predictability, request a fuel cap or a fuel-included option from the designer.

Taxes and local duties vary by jurisdiction. In many Mediterranean and Caribbean routes, taxes or VAT add to the base cost, and some operators show these charges as a separate line item. Expect taxes to contribute a meaningful portion of your total, often in the single to double-digit percentage, with higher rates in certain destinations. kate and the crew will typically handle the paperwork, but review the final invoice to avoid surprises.

Port and marina fees reflect where you dock and how long you stay. Popular destinations like the riviera, Capri, Santorini, or Monaco command higher weekly charges, and visits to private ports may lock in substantial costs. A typical week might include $1,500-$5,000 in port fees, with peak-season spikes higher. Some charters bundle these fees, while others itemize them; ask for a line-by-line estimate so you can adjust your route to fit your preferred style and budget. Note that many charters also charge for water toys like kayaks or paddleboards if they are not included–these add-ons can tip the total for guests looking for a spacious, private live-aboard getaway.

Gratuities reward the crew for service and coordination. A common guideline is 15-20% of the base charter price, distributed among the captain, chef, stewards, and deckhands. If your group includes friends and family who value a smooth, private experience, consider tipping as a pooled amount to reflect the overall service. If you dont want to micro-manage, pre-arrange a tipping policy with the crew; many yachts prefer to distribute tips at the end of the voyage. A transparent approach ensures the ideal balance between generous recognition and staying within your preferred budget.

Builder/Manufacturer Influence: Build Quality, Equipment, Maintenance, and Depreciation on Charter Price

Recommendation: Choose a pershing yacht with a documented maintenance log and a factory-backed equipment package; this selection protects depreciation and keeps the rate predictable. In your browser, review service records, hull surveys, and the equipment roster to confirm that what is showcased matches the actual gear at times and locations, especially when guests join for charters in diverse locations.

Build quality drives long-term reliability and controllable costs. A hull built with high-grade composites, solid joinery, and reinforced bulkheads reduces recurring maintenance and downtime aboard. When the structure is locked in by original engineering, guests enjoy fewer surprises and much happier times on board, which supports a higher guest satisfaction level without spiking the rate.

Equipment packages matter for guest happiness and operational costs. A gorgeously appointed yacht should offer seabob, kayaks, and a varied roster of water toys, with robust shorepower and guest-ready electronics. For vessels showcased in charter briefs, verify that the equipment list remains complete and up-to-date; this avoids last-minute add-on costs and keeps the experience fun-filled for guests aboard kate-led charters and other crews like Ohana.

Depreciation and related costs hinge on how well the boat is cared for. Well-maintained models from top builders tend to depreciate more slowly, stabilizing the overall cost to guests over multiple charters in different locations. Owners who refresh gear between charters, keep electronics current, and maintain the cherry wood interiors preserve value and reduce future replacement spikes, which helps keep the rate competitive for much of the season while maintaining high guest satisfaction.

Practical tips for securing a fair rate and solid value: build a checklist that covers hull materials, maintenance cadence, and the factory equipment package; confirm seabob and toy inventories are in working order; request the last three maintenance records; and verify the vessel has recent service for critical systems like generators and stabilizers. This due diligence creates a transparent buying/booking path for charters, enabling Kate and the crew to deliver a gorgeous, fuss-free voyage that guests remember for years, even when bouncing between different locations and times aboard a fun-filled itinerary.