Charter Advice

A charter lasts anything between a week and longer. The required budget will fluctuate depending on the season. In the Mediterranean prices peak in July and August while in the weeks around Christmas and New Year they are highest in the Caribbean. Rates are priced weekly. Aside from the time of year they are determined by yacht size, year built and type (power catamarans and motor boats typically cost more than a similar sized sailing yacht or a Gulet). Weekly charter prices are referred to as the base fee and do not include onboard expenses such as the cost of fuel, food, beverages and docking fees. These are usually estimated by the yacht manager and provided by your broker for indicative purposes before booking.

Size determines the number of berths (beds) onboard so remember to pick your yacht size according to the number of people in your group. Bear in mind that the more paying guests in your party the larger your budget per person. For example a group of 8 will need a 70 feet yacht / 50 feet catamaran /, a group of 6 will be fine on a 60 feet yacht / 45 feet catamaran. If you are travelling with family on a limited budget, it’s advisable to keep your group down to 4 including yourself.

If you’re not sure what type of yacht to charter think about what would best suit the size and character of your group. A catamaran or contemporary motor yacht provides ample room, making it perfect for family vacations, whereas a sailing yacht caters to those who truly appreciate the art of sailing or have a smaller budget. To find the ideal vessel, explore our yacht selection or click the ‘Enquire’ button for personalized advice. In the mean time here is a description of the five types of yacht you can book.

Catamaran: multihull yacht with two parallel hulls creating increased spaciousness for guests compared with a traditional single hull sailing yacht. In addition, catamarans offer more stability and manoeuvrability making them easier to handle in tight spaces. Ideal for large groups and family charter holidays in secluded locations.

Power Catamaran: a type of catamaran that has no sails and a more powerful engine. This allows for higher speeds and greater control than traditional sailing catamarans that carry a smaller engine. Ideal for families and groups with a generous budget in search of comfort at anchor and speed between locations.

Motor Yacht: a traditional single hull yacht intended for pleasure and leisure that is powered by an engine with no recourse to wind propulsion. They come complete with luxury features that enhance comfort and enjoyment such as en-suite cabins, sun decks and onboard entertainment systems. Ideal for high budget groups with or without children in search of modern comfort onboard and swift cruising speeds.

Sailing Yacht: Sailing yachts typically offer less interior and deck space compared to motor yachts and catamarans of similar length. Their narrower single hull design can also lead to more rolling in rough seas. They are appreciated by sailing purists in search of a more traditional experience, emphasizing the connection with the wind and sea. Ideal for budget conscious groups and families willing to prioritise adventure over space and comfort.

Gulet: most prevalent in Turkey and the Eastern Mediterranean a Gulet is a traditional wooden sailing vessel featuring two or three masts. Its broad beam (width) and rounded hull offer more spaciousness and comfort over sailing yachts. The ample deck space for lounging and dining are conducive to a generally relaxed and social atmosphere onboard. Ideal for large families and groups who appreciate long relaxed periods at anchor and who are not in a hurry to visit many destinations in a small amount of time.

Sailing yachts are for purists who love to move on the sea and feel the power of the wind in their sails but they can feel cramped inside and even up on deck. Motor yachts offer luxury, speed, and spacious living areas but they are the preserve of the super wealthy. If you can’t afford one but crave for space and luxury while on the sea, catamarans are for you. By connecting two hulls and using the space between them, the living area is roughly triple what you can expect on a traditional yacht. Make no mistake if floating in comfort is your priority and you don’t have hundreds of thousands to spend on a luxury motor yacht the catamaran is hands down the best choice for your charter holiday.

To determine your options, we have assigned indicative yacht sizes to the following range budgets:

• €10k - 14k per week: up to 40 feet (12m)
• €15k – 19k per week: up to 50 feet (15m)
• €20k – 24k per week : up to 65 feet (20m)
• from 24k per week: over 65 feet (20m)

Note these are base charter fee budgets including crew wages. For all inclusive prices including fuel, food and drink and dockage fees add 25% for a rough estimate of the total cost per week.

The recommended time for your charter depends on your choice of destination. The best time to charter in the Mediterranean is between May and October. If you like long summer evenings with late sun sets plan to go before mid-July. If you don’t like crowded bays the best time to avoid peak is early in May or in the second half of September and early October. Lastly if you want maximum sunshine and very warm water temperatures July and August are the best in the Mediterranean but beware this is when prices and affluence are at highest. In the Caribbean, Thailand or the Seychelles it’s best to go in winter between November and April when the seas are calmer and the skies are clearer. It is strongly advisable to avoid the Caribbean during hurricane running June to October.

The itinerary is a day-by-day program of where you plan to go during your charter. You don’t need to have one but bear in mind that your choice of itinerary will determine what you see and the type of activities available onshore during your charter holiday. During peak season it is necessary to book dockage in advance so some will like to plan where they will be every night while those travelling off peak may opt to make it up as they go along. Depending on your destination our team will give you precious advice and tips on where to go, what to do there and the pitfalls to avoid. When requested they will propose a mapped itinerary but always remember the primary feature of a yacht holiday is freedom to go where you like. Once on your charter speak to your captain who will always do their best to accommodate a change subject to weather and the availability of dockage.

Typically, the size of your group determines the yacht size you need. Search results indicate number of ‘berths’ which is the number of guest the yacht can accommodate. For example if you have 6 people in your group set the berths filter to 6 and above for optimal search results. As a rule of thumb check there’s a cabin for each couple or individual requiring private accommodation. Crew members require cabins too but you don’t need to factor them in when setting the number of berths as search results cater for guests bedding only.

A recurring question from our clients’ is should I plan travel arrangements before or after booking my yacht? If you’re planning your charter during peak holiday season you may need to book up to six months in advance when flights for your destination may not yet be available for booking. There are always considerably fewer charter yachts available at your destination than there are airlines flying there so always book your charter before your flights to avoid discovering there are no corresponding yachts to match the flights you have. Last but not least to avoid ballooning flight prices, make sure to book your flights as soon as you have secured your charter dates.

If you’ve got young children in your group prioritize safety with child-friendly features, experienced crew, and constant supervision. Ensure your yacht offer child entertainment and sea toys, comfortable accommodation, and a flexible itinerary. Communicate clearly with our brokers and the crew about your children's needs, and choose calm, family-friendly destinations. For destination specific advice please consult our team by clicking the ‘Enquire’ button above.

By understanding what to expect and not to expect, you can ensure a delightful and stress-free dining experience on your charter holiday. In addition to the base charter fee expect to pay an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) for food and drinks. If you opt for a fully crewed charter expect cooked meals, regular snacks, and local flavours with crews catering to dietary needs via preference sheets. Don't expect an unlimited, all-inclusive experience; the APA has limits. While food is high-quality, it's not Michelin-level, and specialized items or large orders may not be readily available, especially in remote areas. Also, not every brand of food or drink will be on board.

This is a recurring questions for first timers. Fuel costs are covered by the APA or Advance Provisioning Allowance but vary based on yacht type, itinerary, and generator use. The captain tracks consumption, and you'll either receive a refund or pay extra at the charter's end, depending on the actual fuel used.

APA stands for Advance Provisioning Allowance; it in addition to the base charter fee it is a pre-paid fund (typically about 20% to 30% of the base charter fee) to cover variable expenses like fuel, food and docking. Costs vary by yacht type, itinerary, preferences, and location. The crew tracks expenses and you'll receive a refund or pay extra at the end. Click the ‘Enquire’ button to request an accurate estimate for a specific yacht and itinerary.

‘Bareboat’ charters involve renting a yacht without a crew, offering freedom, privacy, and lower costs. They are ideal for experienced sailors seeking adventure and independence. Bareboat Charters are exclusively for those with a sailing license and a proven track record of sailing expertise as they involve increased responsibility and liability for damages.

‘Fully Crewed’ indicates the yacht comes complete with a professional crew to manage all aspects of the voyage. This allows guests to fully relax and enjoy their vacation without any responsibilities related to sailing, navigation, or onboard services. Ideal for those seeking relaxation, luxury, and a stress-free experience. This includes individuals with limited sailing skills, families, groups, and those with time constraints, all wanting personalized service and a seamless vacation.