With a growing number of options on the market, it's more important than ever to know how to choose the right yacht that suits the special occasion or experience you are planning for.
From traditional sailing vessels to polar exploration yachts, there’s a wide variety of types, models, styles, and designs available. Thankfully, however, most of them essentially boil down to the main yacht charter types listed below.
So, whether you are looking for an adrenaline-fuelled vacation, a relaxing island-hopping break with friends, or the family celebration of a lifetime, read on this guide to choosing a yacht charter that fulfills all your expectations and more.
1. Motor Yacht Charter: Luxury Cruising & Water Toys
Powered by engines, motor yachts provide swift and stable navigation, speed, stability, the ability to cover vast distances efficiently, and come in a wide range of sizes and styles.
Express yachts prioritize speed and agility, making them ideal for short trips and day charters. Flybridge yachts boast expansive top decks with additional seating and panoramic views, enhancing the outdoor experience. Sportfishing yachts cater to fishing enthusiasts, with specialized equipment and fishing platforms. Tri-deck mega yachts and superyachts provide an unparalleled level of comfort and opulence.
Motor yacht charters often come with crews, allowing passengers to maximize their time for leisure and exploration. The availability of various water toys and recreational activities on board also enhances the overall experience, ensuring that every moment spent on a motor yacht charter is luxurious and memorable.
Examples of motor yacht charters:
Serene: A 439ft luxury yacht built by Fincantieri
Lady M: A 213ft motor yacht crafted by Palmer Johnson
Seven Seas: A 282ft superyacht built by Oceanco
2. Sailing Yacht Charter: Slow-Sailing & Romantic Voyages
Relying on wind propulsion, sailing yacht charters are perfect for those who enjoy a more traditional sailing experience and are seeking a slower-paced journey.
Sailing yacht charters come in various types, each catering to specific preferences and sailing styles. Cruisers, designed for comfortable long-distance voyages, offer spacious interiors and ample amenities for extended stays at sea. Performance sailing yachts prioritize speed and responsiveness. Catamarans, with their dual-hull design, provide stability and generous living spaces, making them popular for family or group charters. Traditional or classic sailing yachts evoke the elegance of bygone eras, often with wooden craftsmanship and timeless design. Finally, luxury sailing yachts combine opulent features with advanced sailing technology.
Sailing yacht charters are popular among those seeking a romantic experience or a more hands-on, participatory experience. Novices can relish the opportunity to learn the basics of sailing from experienced crews, while seasoned sailors can take the helm themselves.
Examples of sailing yacht charters:
Black Pearl: A 350ft sailing yacht known for its innovative features, built by Oceanco
Maltese Falcon: A 288ft clipper yacht famous for its unique DynaRig system
A: A 390ft sailing yacht built by Blohm+Voss and designed by Philippe Starck
3. Power Catamaran Charters: Extreme Comfort & Stability
Power catamarans or powercats are twin-hulled vessels equipped with powerful engines and a spacious and stable platform, offering an elevated level of comfort and an enjoyable environment for relaxation and entertainment.
Luxury power catamaran charters feature lavish interiors, multiple cabins, and high-end amenities. Sports fishing catamarans prioritize angling adventures with specialized features, while expedition catamarans offer extended cruising capabilities and resilience in diverse sea conditions.
Power catamaran charters are a great choice for luxury family vacations. They can feature expansive deck areas for sunbathing and socializing, and the ability to access shallow waters and open up a myriad of destinations that might be inaccessible to larger vessels. The efficiency of their design also allows for extended cruising ranges, making them a versatile choice for both short getaways and longer explorations.
Examples of power catamaran charters:
Hemisphere: A 145ft luxury catamaran, one of the largest in the world
Ipanema: A 160ft power catamaran built by Sunreef Yachts
Dragonfly: A 91ft power catamaran built by McConaghy Boats
4. Adventure Yacht Charters: Exploration & Adrenaline
Whether cruising through remote archipelagos, engaging in water activities like snorkeling or diving, or anchoring in secluded bays, adventure yacht charters transform the sea into an expansive playground that’s ripe for exploring.
Diving yacht charters come with diving facilities, expert dive instructors, and access to the world's most renowned dive sites. Surfing yacht charters allow beginners and experts to access uncrowded breaks and a personalized surfing experience. Fishing expedition charters are equipped for deep-sea fishing expeditions and often feature experienced fishing guides and state-of-the-art fishing gear. While watersports yacht charters can come with jet skis, paddleboards, kayaks, water skis, wakeboards, inflatable toys, and even tenders and submersibles.
Adventure yacht charters can be completely tailored to your preferences and desires. From unique encounters with marine wildlife to exploring underwater caves, an adventure yacht charter should be a personal, one-of-a-kind voyage.
Examples of adventure yacht charters:
Legend: A 252ft icebreaker expedition yacht converted from a Soviet ice-class tugboat
Planet Nine: A 239ft explorer yacht built by Icon Yachts with ice-class capabilities
Game Changer: A 229ft yacht designed for both luxury and research purposes by Damen Yachting
5. Crewed Yacht Charters: Ultimate Leisure & Epic Events
Unlike bareboat charters, a crewed yacht charter offers the expertise of a professional crew, including a captain, deckhand, and additional staff.
Crewed yacht charters typically can also include a chef, steward/stewardess, engineer, first mate, host/hostess, water sports instructor, and a nanny/childminder, depending on the type of yacht and your preferences. The crew takes care of navigation, maintains the vessel, and provides tailored hospitality, allowing passengers to indulge in the pleasures of the open sea without the responsibilities of yacht management.
Crewed yacht charters are ideal for special occasions, family vacations, or romantic getaways, as the crew can cater to your unique preferences and plans, such as celebratory dinners, themed events, and onboard parties.
6. Bareboat Charters: Full Autonomy & Privacy
Recommended for experienced boaters, a bareboat charter entails chartering a yacht without a captain or professional crew to take care of navigation or hospitality.
The main benefit of bareboat charters is that you have the freedom to navigate your chosen waters at your own pace, exploring secluded coves, pristine beaches, and charming harbors without the constraints of a crewed or skippered yacht charter.
Bareboat yacht charters provide a level of privacy and flexibility unmatched by crewed charters, as well as a sense of autonomy and a more intimate connection with the ocean and the surroundings.
Bareboat charters are typically available to individuals with the necessary qualifications and experience, including a recognized sailing certification and a minimum number of sea miles.
7. Skippered Yacht Charters: Expert Navigation & Security
A skippered charter is one of the most popular options when chartering a yacht, as passengers can enjoy the pleasures and privacy of yachting without the need for advanced nautical skills and the responsibilities of navigating the vessel.
Skippered charters enhance safety on the water, as the skipper is well-versed in navigating the seas and handling the yacht's systems. They also allow passengers to learn more about sailing, navigation, and the local marine environment. The skipper's local knowledge can lead to hidden gems and picturesque anchorages that may not be easily discovered by those unfamiliar with the area.
Skippered charters are ideal for families, couples, and friends who desire the freedom of a private yacht charter with the security of a highly experienced professional at the helm.
8. Superyacht Charter: The Ultimate 5-Star Floating Resort
The pinnacle of open sea exploration and luxury, superyacht charters are floating palaces adorned with luxuries such as private spas, helipads, and state-of-the-art entertainment systems.
The generous proportions of these vessels, ranging from around 79 feet (24 meters) to beyond 500 feet (152 meters), not only accommodate twenty or more guests but also provide an abundance of shared and secluded areas, creating an intimate atmosphere for socializing, relaxation, or simply reveling in the tranquility of the open seas.
Superyacht charters can feature multiple pools with glass bottoms and infinity edges, beach clubs with direct access to the water, submarine garages, cinema rooms, gyms, nightclubs and bars, and gourmet restaurants.
As they are very high-value assets and are less common, these exclusive vessels come at a higher cost than standard yachts and can involve a more lengthy negotiation process. Many high-net-worth individuals charter a superyacht for special events such as weddings, anniversaries, corporate retreats, or milestone celebrations.
Examples of superyacht charters:
Dilbar: One of the largest yachts by volume, a 511ft yacht built by Lürssen
Rising Sun: A 452ft luxury yacht co-owned by David Geffen and built by Lürssen
Azzam: A 590ft superyacht built by Lürssen Yachts and launched in 2013
For any of the above types of yachts, it is important to work with an experienced yacht broker who has knowledge of your preferred type of charter. Such a company will work with you to better define your requirements, determine the best vessel, contract the crew, and take care of every element from fuel and provisions to APA and gratuities.
A specialized luxury agency arranges everything from pre-trip itineraries to APA to port permits and more. Contact an authorized travel agency, and make the most out of every moment of your trip!
