Bringing you your next luxury yacht
Your Guide to Yacht Chartering
Chartering a yacht can feel overwhelming, especially with details like APA or delivery fees. To simplify the process, our expert brokers have answered the most frequently asked questions about booking a superyacht, so you can plan your charter with confidence.
General
- What is a yacht charter & how does it work?
- How are charter fees and expenses structured?
- How much do you tip?
- What is included within APA?
A yacht charter is the private rental of a luxury yacht for a specified period, complete with a professional crew.
This offers the ultimate in privacy, freedom, and flexibility, allowing you to explore stunning destinations at your own pace with a crew dedicated entirely to your comfort.
Unlike a villa or resort, your yacht moves with you, giving you access to secluded bays and hidden gems that can only be reached by sea.
With bespoke itineraries, five-star service, world-class cuisine, and endless water toys at your disposal, a charter delivers a tailor-made experience that is as unique as you are.
The charter fee is the base cost of renting the yacht and includes the vessel, professional crew, standard equipment, and insurance.
Local VAT may also apply depending on your embarkation point and cruising area; this is set by the destination’s regulations and is charged on top of the base fee.
Additional running costs, such as fuel, food and beverages, port fees, and special requests, are not included in the base rate and are covered via an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA), usually around 35% – 40% of the base charter fee.
Gratuities are at the guest’s discretion, but it is customary to tip between 10% and 15% of the charter fee.
A tip is a meaningful way to acknowledge the crew’s dedication and hard work.
“APA” stands for “Advance Provisioning Allowance.”
It’s a sum of money, collected by the charter company in addition to the charter fee to cover the expenses incurred during the charter, such as fuel, food, drinks, berthing fees, etc.
The APA is calculated as a percentage of the charter fee, typically ranging from 35% to 40%, and is paid in advance of the charter.
The yacht’s captain manages the APA and provides the charter guests with an account of how it was spent during the charter period. Any APA left over at the end of the charter will be refunded.
Booking & planning
- How do I book a yacht charter?
- How far in advance should I book?
- Can I book a last minute charter?
- What documents do I need to charter a yacht?
- Can I choose my itinerary?
- What happens in case of bad weather
- Can children come onboard?
- Are pets allowed onboard?
- Is WIFI available?
- Can I smoke onboard?
Each yacht is unique, from layout and crew to destinations, toys, and onboard amenities. Our charter brokers pair deep market insight with access to a global fleet to deliver accurate pricing and a hand-picked shortlist that fits your brief. We take care of the booking and every arrangement that follows.
Share your dates, guest count, destination, and budget; we’ll curate options, secure provisional holds, issue the charter contract, and manage payments. Once confirmed, we coordinate directly with the crew to organise your APA and tailor menus and itinerary to your preferences, so you simply step aboard and enjoy.
It’s best to book 6–12 months in advance.
This is particularly important during peak seasons, such as summer in the Mediterranean or winter in the Caribbean, when demand is at its highest.
Early planning gives you priority access to the most sought-after yachts.
That said, we are also able to assist with last-minute arrangements, depending on yacht availability.
Yes, last-minute charters are possible, and our brokers will work quickly to find the best available yachts. Early booking is recommended for the most sought-after options.
Guests will need to provide:
Lead passenger name, lead passenger address, lead passenger’s passport and proof of address dated within the past 3 months
Our team will handle contracts and regulatory requirements on your behalf.
Absolutely! We’ll create a tailor-made itinerary that reflects your preferences, whether that’s secluded anchorages, chic beach clubs, vibrant nightlife, or cultural excursions. Y
our captain and crew will also draw on their local knowledge and real-time weather conditions to recommend the best routes for your journey.
Your captain will adjust the itinerary to ensure safety and comfort, selecting alternative routes or destinations as needed.
Of course! Yacht charters are family-friendly, and many crews are experienced in hosting children. Most yachts even provide child-friendly amenities and water toys.
Some yachts welcome pets, while others do not. Let us know in advance, and we will recommend suitable yacht options.
Most yachts are equipped with Wi-Fi, although coverage may vary depending on your cruising area. Your broker can confirm specifics for your chosen yacht.
Most yachts allow smoking only in designated outdoor areas. If you let us know beforehand, we can find suitable vessels.
crew & service
- Is crew included in the charter?
- Do I need to tip the crew, and how much?
- Can dietary preferences or special request be accommodated?
Yes, every yacht is fully staffed with a professional crew, including a captain, stewardesses, deckhands, and private chef.
Crew size depends on the yacht. Smaller yachts may have 2–4 crew, while large superyachts may have 20 or more.
Gratuities are at the guest’s discretion, but it is customary to tip between 10% and 15% of the charter fee.
A tip is a meaningful way to acknowledge the crew’s dedication and hard work.
Absolutely. Your chef will create personalised menus tailored to your dietary requirements and preferences. Special requests, from wellness programs to themed parties, can be arranged.
destinations & seasons
- What are the best destination for yacht charters?
- How long is a charter season?
- What is a delivery/redelivery fee?
The most popular regions include the Mediterranean (France, Spain, Italy, Greece, Croatia), the Caribbean (St. Barts, Antigua, Bahamas), and further afield destinations.
In the Mediterranean, the high season runs for 8 weeks, from July through August. However, activity typically begins with the Monaco Grand Prix in late May and continues until the Monaco Yacht Show in late September, making the season effectively around 16 weeks long.
In the Caribbean, the season usually spans from early December through Easter, with highlights including Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
If a yacht needs to reposition to your preferred embarkation or disembarkation port, delivery fees may apply to cover fuel and time.