Yacht Charter Cost: What You Pay For (and the Extras)
Updated October 31, 2026
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Yacht charter prices vary more than almost any travel cost. A small bareboat sailboat and a fully crewed motor yacht are different products. Here is what drives the price so you can compare quotes.
Bareboat vs crewed
| Type | What you get | Cost notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bareboat | The boat only; you (or someone in your group) skipper | Lowest base price; operators usually require proof of sailing experience |
| Skippered | Boat plus a hired captain | Captain's fee added; you may also cover their food |
| Crewed | Captain plus crew (often a chef/host) | Highest base price; extras and tips add up |
What moves the base price
- Boat size and type (monohull, catamaran, motor yacht).
- Season and destination: peak holiday weeks cost more.
- Length of charter (weekly rates are common).
- Boat age and equipment.
Extras to ask about
| Extra | What it is |
|---|---|
| Provisioning / APA | On crewed charters, an advance provisioning allowance is often charged as a percentage of the base fee to cover food, fuel and docking; unused funds are typically returned |
| Fuel and marina fees | Often extra on bareboat charters |
| Security deposit or damage waiver | Held or charged on bareboat charters |
| Taxes | Local VAT or charter taxes vary by country |
| Crew gratuity | Customary on crewed charters; ask what is normal locally |
| Cleaning and gear | Final cleaning, dinghy, water toys, linens |
Get every quote in writing with the extras listed. For a day on the water instead of a week, see boat rental cost, bareboat charters and Boatsetter vs Getmyboat.
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- Boat Rental Cost: What Drives the Price
- Boatsetter vs. Getmyboat: How the Two Marketplaces Compare
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