How Much Does It Cost to Charter a Yacht? The Complete 2026 Price Guide

A crewed yacht charter in the Mediterranean starts at approximately EUR 15,000 per week for a smaller motor yacht (15 to 20 metres) and ranges above EUR 500,000 per week for a 60-metre superyacht in peak season. But the weekly charter rate is only part of the total cost. APA, crew gratuity, VAT, and travel to the embarkation port all add to the final figure. This guide breaks down every cost component so you know exactly what to budget before you enquire.

Charter rates by yacht size

The charter rate (also called the base rate or hire fee) is the weekly price paid to the yacht owner for use of the vessel and its crew. Rates are set by the owner based on the yacht's size, age, condition, reputation, and the season. Here is what to expect by size category in the Mediterranean during high season (July and August):

15 to 24 metres (2 to 3 cabins, 4 to 6 guests): EUR 15,000 to EUR 60,000 per week. This range covers everything from a modern 50-foot motor yacht to a well-equipped 24-metre vessel with a crew of 3 to 4. Per person, this works out to EUR 2,500 to EUR 10,000 per week.

25 to 39 metres (4 to 5 cabins, 8 to 10 guests): EUR 50,000 to EUR 150,000 per week. This is the most popular charter size range. A 35-metre yacht with 4 cabins, a crew of 6 to 8, and a full suite of water toys typically charters for EUR 80,000 to EUR 120,000 per week. Per person (8 guests), that is EUR 10,000 to EUR 15,000 per week.

40 to 55 metres (5 to 6 cabins, 10 to 12 guests): EUR 150,000 to EUR 400,000 per week. At this size, you get a full superyacht experience: 10 to 15 crew, multiple deck levels, beach club, jacuzzi, and extensive water toy collection. Per person (12 guests), this is EUR 12,500 to EUR 33,000 per week.

56 metres and above (6 to 10 cabins, 12 to 20 guests): EUR 400,000 to EUR 2,000,000+ per week. The upper end of the market includes some of the most famous yachts in the world. Crew sizes of 20 to 40, facilities including helipads, cinemas, spas, and submarines. Per person (12 guests on a EUR 500,000/week yacht), approximately EUR 42,000 per week.

What is APA and how much does it cost?

APA stands for Advance Provisioning Allowance. It is a separate payment (typically 30 to 35 percent of the charter fee) made before the charter begins. The APA covers all running expenses during the trip: fuel, food, drinks, port fees, marina berths, and any additional services or activities requested by guests.

For a yacht chartering at EUR 100,000 per week, the APA would be EUR 30,000 to EUR 35,000. This is not an additional fee on top of the charter rate. It is a running account managed by the captain. At the end of the charter, the captain provides a detailed accounting of all APA expenditure. If you spent less than the APA deposit, the difference is refunded. If you spent more, the balance is settled.

The largest APA expenses are typically fuel (30 to 50 percent of APA depending on how much cruising you do), food and drinks (20 to 30 percent), and port fees (10 to 20 percent). A yacht that stays at anchor most of the time and cruises short distances between anchorages will use less fuel than one that covers 200 nautical miles in a week. Similarly, a group that dines onboard every night will spend less on food than one that visits expensive shoreside restaurants (restaurant bills are charged to APA).

Crew gratuity

Crew gratuity (tip) is customary but not mandatory. In the Mediterranean, the standard is 10 to 15 percent of the charter fee. In the Caribbean, 15 to 20 percent is more common. The gratuity is paid in cash at the end of the charter directly to the captain, who distributes it among the crew.

For a EUR 100,000 per week charter in the Mediterranean, a typical gratuity would be EUR 10,000 to EUR 15,000. This is a significant amount and should be factored into your budget from the start. The crew works 16 to 18 hour days during a charter, and the gratuity is their primary income beyond base salary. A generous tip reflects exceptional service and ensures the crew is motivated to deliver their best.

VAT and taxes

VAT applies to yacht charters embarking from EU countries. The rate depends on the country of embarkation: France 20 percent, Italy 22 percent, Spain 21 percent, Greece 24 percent, Croatia 25 percent. This is applied to the charter fee (not the APA or gratuity).

Some yachts are registered under commercial flags or in specific jurisdictions that reduce or eliminate VAT liability. Others use a lease structure where VAT is applied at a reduced rate. Your broker will confirm the exact tax position for each yacht on your shortlist. This can make a significant difference to the total cost: on a EUR 200,000 per week charter, the difference between 0 percent and 22 percent VAT is EUR 44,000.

Charters in non-EU destinations (Turkey, Montenegro, Dubai, Caribbean) typically do not attract VAT, though local taxes or fees may apply at lower rates.

Total cost example: what you actually pay

Here is a realistic total cost breakdown for a one-week Mediterranean charter on a 45-metre yacht accommodating 10 guests:

Charter fee: EUR 200,000. APA (30 percent): EUR 60,000. Crew gratuity (12 percent): EUR 24,000. VAT (assuming French embarkation at 20 percent): EUR 40,000. Total: EUR 324,000.

Per person (10 guests): EUR 32,400 for one week, all-inclusive of yacht, crew, food, drinks, fuel, and port fees. Per night per person: approximately EUR 4,600.

For context, a top suite at a five-star Mediterranean hotel costs EUR 3,000 to EUR 8,000 per night. A yacht charter at this level provides a comparable (or superior) level of service with the added benefit of a new destination every day, complete privacy, and no other guests.

How to reduce the cost

There are legitimate ways to pay less for the same yacht and experience. The most effective strategies are:

Charter in shoulder season (June or September) instead of peak July and August. Rates are typically 20 to 30 percent lower for identical conditions. Read our September charter guide for details.

Book last-minute availability (2 to 4 weeks before departure). Owners with open weeks are motivated to fill them and may offer 10 to 20 percent below the published rate. Right now, MY OCEAN has 8 superyachts with potential discounts of up to 20 percent for July and August 2026.

Choose a yacht that embarks from a low-VAT or no-VAT jurisdiction. A charter starting in Montenegro (no VAT) versus France (20 percent) saves EUR 40,000 on a EUR 200,000 charter fee.

Maximise guest count. The per-person cost drops significantly when you fill all cabins. A 12-guest yacht at EUR 300,000 per week costs EUR 25,000 per person. The same yacht with only 6 guests onboard costs EUR 50,000 per person for the same experience.

Stay at anchor instead of in port. Marina berths for a 45-metre yacht cost EUR 2,000 to EUR 8,000 per night in premium ports (Monaco, Porto Cervo, Saint-Tropez). Anchoring in a bay is free. Most experienced charter guests prefer anchoring anyway for the privacy and tranquility.

What is included in the charter rate

The weekly charter rate includes: the yacht itself, the full professional crew (captain, chef, stewardesses, engineer, deckhands), all onboard facilities (jacuzzi, gym, cinema, etc.), all water toys carried on the yacht (jet skis, paddleboards, SeaBobs, snorkelling gear, waterskis, inflatables), bed linen, towels, and basic toiletries.

The charter rate does NOT include: fuel, food, drinks, port fees, marina berths, shore excursions, additional water toys not carried on the yacht (e.g., renting a Flyboard or hiring a diving instructor), crew gratuity, or VAT. These are all covered by the APA or paid separately.

Payment timeline

The standard payment schedule for a yacht charter is: 50 percent of the charter fee upon signing the charter agreement (deposit), the remaining 50 percent plus the full APA paid 4 to 6 weeks before the charter start date. Crew gratuity is paid in cash at the end of the charter. VAT is typically included in the charter fee payments.

Payment is made by bank transfer in most cases. Some yachts also accept cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, USDT, Ethereum). Read our guide to crypto yacht charter payments for details.

Charter rates in Dubai and the Arabian Gulf

Charter rates in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are quoted in AED (UAE Dirhams) and follow a different pricing structure to the Mediterranean. Day charters (4 to 8 hours) are common and start from AED 5,000 for a smaller vessel. Weekly charters start from approximately AED 150,000 (EUR 38,000) for a 20-metre yacht and range to AED 650,000+ (EUR 165,000+) for a 30-metre yacht.

The Dubai market operates year-round but peaks from October to April when temperatures are comfortable (25 to 35 degrees). Summer charters (May to September) are less common due to extreme heat (40 to 50 degrees) but are available at reduced rates for clients who prefer indoor, air-conditioned yacht experiences.

How to get an accurate quote

Every charter is different. The total cost depends on the specific yacht, the dates, the destination, the itinerary, and your group's preferences. The figures in this guide are indicative ranges based on current market rates. For an accurate quote tailored to your specific requirements, contact Emily Cossey at MY OCEAN with your dates, guest count, destination preference, and budget range.

Browse the charter fleet or Contact our charter team to get a personalised charter quote.