Chartering a yacht can cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars for a day on the water to several hundred thousand dollars for a week on a superyacht. For most groups planning a crewed Caribbean vacation, a week on a private catamaran with a captain and chef lands between $25,000 and $60,000, with food, drinks, fuel, and water toys included.
This guide breaks down what a yacht charter really costs in 2026: by yacht type, pricing model, destination, and season, plus the extras to budget for and how to get the most out of your budget.
Quick answer: yacht charter cost by type
Here are typical one-week rates in 2026. Caribbean crewed yachts are usually all-inclusive; larger motor yachts and most Mediterranean charters add an APA (more on that below).
| Yacht type | Typical weekly rate | Pricing model |
|---|---|---|
| Bareboat sailboat or catamaran (you sail it) | $5,000–$18,000 | Base rate + provisions, fuel, fees |
| Crewed catamaran, 50–60 ft | $25,000–$45,000 | Usually all-inclusive |
| Crewed luxury catamaran, 60–80 ft | $45,000–$95,000 | Usually all-inclusive |
| Crewed motor yacht, 60–100 ft | $50,000–$150,000 | Base rate + APA |
| Superyacht, 100 ft+ | $150,000–$500,000+ | Base rate + APA |
Want a number for your own dates? Try the BVI charter cost calculator or the Bahamas charter cost calculator.
What drives the cost of a yacht charter
- Yacht size and type. Length, number of cabins, and whether it’s a sailing catamaran, power catamaran, or motor yacht have the biggest impact on price.
- Crewed vs. bareboat. A crewed yacht includes a professional captain and chef, and in the Caribbean usually your food and drinks too. A bareboat is just the yacht.
- Destination. The Caribbean leans all-inclusive. The Mediterranean usually adds an APA and local VAT on top of the base rate.
- Season. Peak season and holiday weeks cost the most. Shoulder season can save 15% to 25% on the same yacht.
- Length of charter. Most crewed yachts book by the week (7 nights). Some accept shorter charters, often with a minimum of 3 to 5 nights.
All-inclusive vs. APA: the two ways yachts are priced
All-inclusive
Most crewed catamarans and sailing yachts in the Caribbean are all-inclusive. One weekly rate covers the yacht, crew, all meals, an open bar, fuel, moorings, and water toys. It’s the easiest way to budget, because the rate you see is very close to what you’ll spend. Here’s exactly what all-inclusive covers.
Base rate plus APA
Larger motor yachts and superyachts, and most charters in the Mediterranean, charge a base rate for the yacht and crew plus an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA). The APA is usually 25% to 35% of the base rate, paid before the trip, and the captain uses it for fuel, food, drinks, and dockage. Any unused APA is refunded at the end. Many destinations also add VAT or local taxes, typically 5% to 25% depending on the country.
Yacht charter cost by destination
British and US Virgin Islands
The Virgin Islands are one of the best-value places in the world to charter a crewed yacht, and nearly everything is all-inclusive. Crewed catamarans for up to eight guests typically run $25,000 to $45,000 a week, and in the UC Yacht Charters collection, crewed yachts start around $27,000 a week. For a full breakdown by size, season, and hidden costs, see our BVI yacht charter cost guide.
The Bahamas
Bahamas charters usually start from Nassau and cruise the Exumas. Pricing ranges from all-inclusive catamarans to large motor yachts with APA. For example, Princess Mila, a 67-foot power catamaran, is all-inclusive from $39,000 a week, while Pronto, an 80-foot Sunreef power catamaran, starts at $90,000 a week plus APA and local taxes. Explore more on our Bahamas yacht charter page.
The Mediterranean
Greece, Croatia, Italy, and France are popular summer charter destinations. Expect most crewed yachts to price on a base rate plus APA and VAT, so budget roughly 30% to 50% on top of the base rate for your total cost.
Day charters vs. week-long charters
Day charters and sunset cruises are priced by the hour or by the day and are a great way to spend an afternoon on the water. Depending on the yacht and location, a day charter typically runs from about $1,500 to $10,000 or more.
A week-long crewed charter is a different kind of trip: the yacht becomes your private floating villa. You sleep aboard, wake up in a new bay every morning, and your crew handles every meal and every island along the way. That’s why most Caribbean charters are booked by the week.
Extra costs to budget for
Even on an all-inclusive charter, plan for a few items outside the weekly rate:
- Crew gratuity: 10% to 20% of the charter fee is customary in the Caribbean. On a $40,000 charter, that’s $4,000 to $8,000. Here’s our guide on how much to tip your yacht crew.
- Park fees and cruising taxes: In the BVI, National Parks permits and cruising tax add a few hundred dollars for a typical group.
- Flights and transfers: Getting to and from the yacht. See the best way to get to the BVI.
- Travel insurance: Usually 4% to 7% of the trip cost.
- Off-yacht extras: Scuba diving, spa days, or special dinners ashore.
How much does a yacht charter cost per person?
Because you’re paying for the whole yacht, the per-person cost drops as your group grows. A $40,000 all-inclusive week for eight guests works out to $5,000 per person, or about $715 per person per night, including every meal, every drink, and a private crew. Add gratuity and you’re at roughly $5,750 per person for the week.
That compares very well with a week at a five-star Caribbean resort, especially once you add restaurants, bar tabs, boat trips, and excursions.
How to get the most out of your charter budget
- Travel in shoulder season. May, June, and November offer great weather with lower rates.
- Book early. The most popular yachts book 6 to 12 months ahead for peak season.
- Fill the cabins. The yacht costs the same with six guests or eight, so a full boat lowers the cost per person.
- Avoid holiday weeks. Christmas, New Year, and spring break carry premiums.
- Work with a charter specialist. An advisor can match you with the best yacht for your budget and group.
Yacht charter cost FAQ
What is the cheapest way to charter a yacht?
A bareboat charter, where you sail the yacht yourself, has the lowest base rate if you’re a qualified sailor. For groups who want a captain and chef, a crewed catamaran in shoulder season with every cabin filled is the best value.
How much does it cost to charter a yacht for a week?
A week on a crewed catamaran in the Caribbean typically costs $25,000 to $45,000 all-inclusive for up to eight guests. Luxury catamarans run $45,000 to $95,000, and motor yachts and superyachts go well beyond that.
How much does it cost to charter a yacht for a day?
Day charters usually range from about $1,500 to $10,000 or more, depending on the size of the yacht, the crew, and the location.
Is chartering cheaper than buying a yacht?
For almost everyone, yes. A new 55-foot catamaran costs $1.4 million or more before annual running costs. We break down the math in our BVI cost guide.
Is food included in a yacht charter?
On an all-inclusive crewed charter, yes. Your chef prepares every meal and the bar is stocked to your preferences. On APA charters, food and drinks are paid from the APA.
Plan your charter
Tell us your dates, group size, and budget, and we’ll match you with the right yacht and crew. Browse the collection, take the Find Your Yacht quiz, or get in touch to start planning.
