One price - many factors
The question "How much does it cost to charter a yacht?" is difficult to answer at first glance - too many variables influence the final price. But if you are looking for clarity, you will find orientation: from route planning and crew to hidden costs that only become apparent at sea.
For entrepreneurs, families or their confidants, one thing counts above all: Reliability in the calculation - without surprises.
The five most important price factors for yacht charters
1. yacht type & year of construction
Whether a 20-meter motor yacht or a 70-meter mega yacht with helipad - the size, equipment and design have a direct impact on the price. Modern yachts with hybrid drive, stabilizers and luxury interiors are significantly more expensive than older models with standard equipment.
2. travel duration & season
A week in July off the coast of Sardinia is not comparable in price to a spring charter in the Cyclades. High season (July-August in the Mediterranean, December-February in the Caribbean) means: higher charter rates, more demand, less flexibility.
3. destination & availability
Charters in regions with a high density of superyachts - such as Ibiza, Monaco or Portofino - are often more expensive than alternative areas such as Montenegro or southern Italy. Positioning trips ("delivery fees") must also be taken into account if the yacht is not already moored locally.
4 APA - The operating costs
In addition to the charter price, the Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) usually 25-30 % of the basic price. It covers, among other things:
- Tip for crew (usual: 5-15 % of the charter costs)
- Fuel consumption (often several hundred liters per hour)
- Harbor dues, pilots, anchorage reservations
- Catering, wines, special requests from guests
5. charter conditions & taxes
In the EU, the charter is often subject to local VAT - e.g. 20 % in France, 22 % in Italy, 0 % in Croatia for international cruises. In addition: In some countries, complex regulations apply to commercial use, which only experienced brokers can navigate safely.
Price examples - realistic guide values
Price examples - realistic guide valuesNon-binding approximate values (excl. APA & VAT):
| Yacht class | Guests | Destination | Week from |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 m motor | 8 | Croatia | 39.000 € |
| 35 m motor | 10 | Sardinia | 75.000 € |
| 45 m superyacht | 12 | Côte d'Azur | 145.000 € |
| 60 m megayacht | 12+ | Western Mediterranean | 280.000 € + |
All prices are approximate and include the usual additional costs.
What do you pay for what - and when is it worth the effort?
The actual costs consist of three levels together:
- The pure charter price - negotiable depending on duration and season.
- Operating costs via APA - predictable, but volatile (e.g. fuel prices).
- The value of experience - Hardly measurable in monetary terms, but decisive for rebooking.
The central question for HNWIs is not: How much does it cost?but: What is it worth to me - and who makes sure it works smoothly?
Conclusion: Yacht charter is calculable - with the right partner
A yacht charter is not a package tour. It's a tailor-made experience - and like any bespoke item, it's first-class when it fits.
Chartering a yacht means investing in independence, privacy and the certainty that someone has thought ahead. With the right partner at your side, the figures are not only transparent - they pay off.