A complete guide by GlobeSailor
Whether you’re dreaming of sailing the Mediterranean, exploring the bays of Corsica or sailing from island to island in the West Indies, a yacht charter is the best option for discovering the sea in a completely different way. But how much does a yacht charter actually cost? What can you expect, depending on the type of boat, the duration of the charter, the time of year and any additional costs?
Keep reading below, and GlobeSailor will explain it all!
What can influence the cost of your yacht charter?
Type of boat
The first decisive factor is, of course, the type of boat. Here’s an idea of the average prices per boat:
- Sailboat: around €1,750 to €3,500 per week (or €250 to €500 per day), depending on the build year, size and equipment.
- Catamaran: more spacious and comfortable, prices start at €3000 a week (or €420 to €600 a day).
- Motorboat: ideal for a quick trip or exploring several beaches in a single day. Prices start at €150 per day. Note that fuel consumption will increase the budget.
- Yacht: for a premium experience with crew on board. Prices from €2,000 per day.
Type of charter
GlobeSailor lets you choose between skippered and bareboat charters, as well as luxury crewed charters and cabin cruises. What you choose depends on your level of experience, your expectations for your charter, and your budget.
- Bareboat charter: if you have a boating license and/or experience, you can sail by yourself. This will be less expensive. However, it’s important to check with a sailing instructor or base manager before renting a boat without a skipper, so as not to put yourself and the crew at risk. If in doubt, our advisors can point you in the direction of a more suitable boat, or recommend a professional skipper.
- Skippered charter: ideal if you are a novice, or just want to enjoy the experience of the sea without worrying about navigating the water. The skipper’s fee is generally between €150 and €300 per day, depending on the destination. In addition to guaranteeing safety, the skipper knows the sailing area inside and out. He can show you secret anchorages and the best stopovers, handle all of the port formalities and even introduce you to the basics of sailing.
- Crewed charter: if you are seeking a luxury, tailor-made experience to rival that of a 5 star hotel, then crewed charters will be the right fit for you. These types of charters come with a permanent crew. You can choose between a sailboat, catamaran, luxury motor yacht, or gulet. Please note that Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA), is a standard component of luxury crewed charters. APA is an upfront payment of around 20 – 40% of the base charter fee, that allows your crew to provision the yacht to your specific preferences and also manage operational costs throughout your holiday. APA covers expenses such as fuel, food and beverages, port and mooring fees, local taxes, shore excursions and more. This is with the exception of crewed charters onboard gulets, as these types of charters usually come with a mandatory half or full board option. Value Added Tax (VAT) is normally applied to the charter fee, it varies depending on the destination country and itinerary.
Check out our selection of crewed yacht charter options.
- Cabin cruise: ideal for those seeking a relaxing getaway, without having to worry about manning the helm or planning an itinerary. Cabin cruises are tailor made cruises with a professional crew, perfect for couples, families and friends alike. You can either book a private cabin aboard a catamaran or monohull and spend a week sailing the open sea alongside other guests who have also reserved cabins, or privatise the entire boat, booking all of the cabins.
The time of year
Yacht charter prices vary greatly depending on the time of year and sailing season. For example, in the Mediterranean:
- High season (July-August): this is the most expensive period, with very high demands. Prices can double compared to the mid-season. It’s advisable to book as early as possible to take advantage of early-booking discounts.
- Mid-season (May-June and September): the best value for money. Fewer people on the water and at anchor, pleasant climate and more affordable rates. There are usually bigger discounts available for this time period, especially when booked in advance!
- Low season (autumn-winter): ideal for tight budgets, more choice, but beware of potentially non favourable weather conditions.
Popular charter destinations
GlobeSailor offers departures from over 180 destinations worldwide. Certain charter destinations can have a great impact on prices:
- Croatia, Greece, Italy and the Balearics: very popular sailing destinations, with a varied and affordable range. While they are typically very busy for sailors during the high season, there are usually excellent mid-season options before or after summer.
- West Indies, Seychelles, Polynesia: ideal for winter sailing, many catamarans for rent with higher budgets, but a tropical climate and warm waters are guaranteed.
Additional costs to anticipate
Beyond the initial price, other factors can determine the final price of your yacht charter:
- Fuel: this is usually not included, and the cost is dependant on the amount used. Count on using around 4 to 5L/hour for both a sailboat and catamaran under standard conditions.
- Final cleaning: this is compulsory on many rentals, expect to pay between €100 and €250 for this service, depending on the size of the boat.
- Optional extras: dinghy and outboard motor (approx. €100), stand up paddle board(€150), wakeboard (€200), safety net (€200), etc.
- Skipper/ hostess: hiring a skipper or a hostess is optional, it depends on your needs and expectations. Please note that if a skipper is on board, their meals are at your expense. You’ll need to include their provisions in your shopping.
- Provisioning: plan to fill up on groceries and essentials before boarding. Especially heavy products that keep well. Expect to pay €20 to €40/person/day, excluding drinks. It is also possible to order your groceries online, to be delivered to the boat. We recommend contacting the local operator at least two weeks before your charter to organise provisioning being delivered to your boat.
- Marina: if you choose to moor at a port or marina on certain nights, count on around €120/night for a 40-foot sailboat in high season. This rate gives you access to port services (sanitary facilities, water, etc.) and electricity for recharging your batteries.
- Taxes: some destinations impose tourist taxes or taxes to be paid on site in certain protected nature reserves. Expect to pay between €2 and €10/day/person.
GlobeSailor always indicates additional charges in the offer details to avoid surprises. Some charges are compulsory, others are optional, depending on your choices.
The security deposit
When renting a boat, a security deposit is often required to cover any damage that may occur. The amount varies according to the type of boat:
- Small motorboat: approx. €1,000.
- Sailboat: €2,000 to €3,000.
- Catamaran or yacht: €4,000 to €10,000.
You can take out excess waiver insurance directly with GlobeSailor for peace of mind and reduced risk. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your dedicated GlobeSailor advisor.
Read our blog to find out more about excess waiver insurance for your yacht charter.
To conclude: GlobeSailor is with you every step of the way
The price of a yacht charter depends on many factors: choice of boat, destination, season, whether or not you hire a skipper, and other various costs. It’s best to compare offers, book in advance, and read the conditions carefully to get the most out of your yacht charter.
Chartering a yacht is an exceptional experience… provided you’re well prepared! With GlobeSailor, you benefit from:
- Personalized assistance from expert advisors.
- A wide choice of boats carefully selected by professional owners and charterers.
- Services adapted to your level (with or without skipper).
- A clear and transparent search engine for prices, fees and availability.
