Choosing a Yacht Charter: 8 Types You Need to Know

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!

8 Must-Try Luxury Travel Experiences

Luxury travel is much more than opulent hotels and gourmet restaurants. In 2025, weaving what was once in your mind’s eye into your dream vacation is what luxury is all about. 

Whether it's diving with rays and turtles in the Maldives or island hopping around Greece on a superyacht, luxury has no bounds to what is possible. If you can imagine it, all you need to do is work with an authorized luxury travel agency to make it happen.

Most personalized luxury travel experiences can be roughly split into just a handful of categories. We lay out the most popular categories of luxury travel experiences, including wellness, adventure, yachts, and cultural immersion vacations, to help inspire and excite you for your next epic travel experience. 

1. Adventure Travel: Global Exploration & Personal Expansion 

Adventure travel goes beyond conventional boundaries to challenge the limits of your perspectives and physicality, often to the point you return home a completely different person. 

Such journeys of personal growth encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and build a stronger connection with the natural world through activities like trekking, rock climbing, kayaking, scuba diving, and other adrenaline-inducing experiences.

Examples of adventure travel vacations include a multi-day trekking adventure in the breathtaking landscapes and glaciers of Patagonia or diving in the pristine waters of the Galápagos Islands alongside marine iguanas and giant tortoises.

Other examples of adventure luxury travel experiences include: 

• Luxury Antarctic yachting expedition

• Serengeti hot air balloon safari & retreat

• Bhutan's mystical trek to the Tiger's Nest Monastery

2. Luxury Ski Travel: Extreme Sports & Indulgence

As well as the thrill of skiing, luxury ski travel is the world’s most exclusive way to experience the winter season and the splendor of a snowy mountain landscape.

One of the highlights of such high-altitude, subzero escapes is basing yourself in a fully outfitted and astonishingly beautiful traditional chalet, complete with such modern luxuries as a private pool, steam room, ski-in/out access, games room, and more.

With destinations such as St. Moritz, Megeve, and Courchevel, the French Alps and Swiss Alps are hard to beat for a luxury ski vacation. For those looking for something extra special, Niseko, Japan, is home to Asia’s finest powdery snow and offers winter luxury travel experiences such as snowmobiling, snowshoeing, snow tubing, and traditional geothermal ‘Onsen’ baths.

Some examples of luxury ski travel experiences: 

• Private chalet retreat in the Swiss Alps

• Rocky Mountain lodge stay & heli-skiing

• Onsen resort & skiing in Hokkaido

3. Luxury Eco-Safari Expeditions: Wild Discovery & Rare Experiences

Distinct from traditional safaris, eco-safari travel not only minimizes environmental impact and supports conservation efforts but also allows travelers to experience ever greater intimacy with breathtaking landscapes and a rich array of wildlife.

The luxury eco-safari experience extends beyond game drives to incorporate guided walks by skilled trackers, interactions with local conservationists, gourmet bush dinners, spa therapies, beauty treatments, and personalized activities. 

Cheetah Plains in South Africa’s most acclaimed wildlife area, the Sabi Sand, is an eco-luxury safari resort built with non-intrusive architecture and high-end resort facilities. Guests have the chance to witness the Big 5 and other species, such as cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, ground hornbills, honey badgers, African wild dogs, hyenas, and antelope. 

A few examples of luxury eco-safari expeditions include: 

• A sustainable Serengeti safari

• An Amazon Rainforest eco-adventure

• A green Safari in Namibia's conservation sanctuaries

4. Wellness Retreats: Close Contact With Nature & Yourself

Wellness or spa retreats are less a luxury and more a necessity in the modern world. One or two weeks focused on nothing but self-care, relaxation, and rejuvenation of mind and body can be a life-changing experience.

Much more than a hotel with spa facilities, wellness retreats bake relaxation and restoration into every detail, from menus packed with organic and local ingredients and personalized daily itineraries to remote locations and cutting-edge regenerative health protocols.

Renew You Asia on Phuket island, Thailand, is a wellness retreat packed with state-of-the-art biotechnical procedures, ultra-luxury travel experiences, and world-renowned doctors and lifestyle coaches. 

Other examples of wellness luxury travel experiences: 

• Private villa wellness retreat in Bali

• Spa Sanctuary in the Swiss mountains

• Wellness retreat in the Moroccan Sahara

5. Culinary Travel Experiences: Speak The World’s Universal Language

There are few better ways to get to know a part of the world than through its cuisine, markets, local ingredients, culinary techniques, and traditions.

From the aromatic spices of Moroccan tagines to the delicate artistry of sushi in Tokyo or the hearty flavors of Italian pasta, a culinary travel experience acts as a kind of cultural bridge, connecting people through the universal language of food. Travelers can unlock the secrets behind iconic dishes, get an insight into local life, learn with expert chefs, and embark on farm-to-table tours.

In the historic Gion district in Kyoto, Japan, travelers can immerse themselves in the refined world of Kyoto's Kaiseki, a multi-course dining experience where each meticulously presented dish is a visual and culinary masterpiece. 

For a more lively experience, take a vibrant guided journey through the lively souks and bustling street markets of Marrakech, sampling aromatic tagines, flavorful couscous, and freshly baked pastries like msemen and chebakia.

Here are several examples of culinary luxury travel experiences: 

• Gastronomic experience in Provence’s lavender fields

• Sushi, Michelin dining & Tsukiji Market tours in Tokyo

• Vineyard Dinners on the Amalfi Coast 

6. Cultural Immersion Experiences: Live & Learn Like A Local

Travelers who go on cultural immersion vacations become active participants rather than passive observers, diving deeper into the customs, language, and daily life of a particular place, community, or culture.

This type of travel offers a profound and enriching perspective that transcends surface-level exploration, including participating in traditional rituals, savoring regional cuisines, learning about local crafts, and fostering meaningful interactions with locals. 

In New Zealand, travelers can immerse themselves in an indigenous Maori community, participating in welcoming ceremonies, traditional haka performances, and learning about the spiritual connections Maori people have with the land. 

For those with a penchant for art and history, you can stay in a historic palazzo turned luxury residence in Florence, take private tours of renowned museums such as the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia, and even enjoy exclusive access to the Vasari Corridor, a private Renaissance passageway for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into Florence's artistic legacy. 

Examples of cultural luxury travel experiences include: 

• Private archaeological tour in Egypt

• Luxury Silk Road expedition

• Cultural safari in Rajasthan, India

7. Private Island Vacations: Disconnect to Reconnect

Private island resorts cater to discerning travelers seeking the ultimate retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, without sacrificing their luxuries and pleasures.

A few of the main allurements of a private island vacation include access to secluded, pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, lush landscapes, complete privacy, and the height of personalized service and attention. These factors make them a popular option for honeymoons, anniversaries, corporate retreats, and other special occasions. 

Some of the favorite private island resorts include Nukutepipi (Nuku) Island in Tahiti, Calivigny Island in Grenada, Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands, and Isla Secas in Panama.

And some other examples of private island luxury travel experiences are:

• Private overwater bungalow escape in Bora Bora

• Isla Secas private archipelago retreat

• Necker Island Caribbean retreat

8. Yacht Charter & Superyacht Charter Travel: Freedom & Open-Sea Exploration

A yacht charter is the ultimate travel experience, allowing you to become a true explorer, navigate the open seas, hop between islands, reach hard-to-reach lands, and do it all in absolute privacy and comfort.

Due to their inherent flexibility, yacht charters make an excellent choice for families or groups of friends. Some passengers can be engaging in water sports or savoring the sun from the yacht's deck, while others can be watching a movie in the onboard theater or exploring nearby towns and beaches. All before getting together in the evening to enjoy a private gourmet meal under a sky full of stars.

Thanks to its mild and dry climate, luminous blue skies, gorgeous islands, and excellent cruising conditions, Greece is one of the world’s best yachting destinations. Travelers can explore destinations such as the remote island of Agistri, an extraordinary natural setting with jaw-dropping beaches, as well as the volcanic island of Milos, with an incredible lunar-like landscape of alabaster stone, pumice rock, and hexagonal basalt columns

A few examples of yacht charter luxury travel experiences include: 

• 3-day cruise along the Amalfi Coast

• Luxury superyacht charter in the Virgin Islands

• A 7-day yacht charter along the Côte d'Azur

Contact a member of a specialized luxury travel team to plan your next elite travel experience today.

Top 10 Largest Motor Yachts To Charter

Top 10 Largest Motor Yachts To Charter

The size of the global yacht fleet is growing at a rapid pace. Luckily for the yacht charter market, this means the number of options available above or around 100m is also on the rise.

Such enormous vessels can be categorized as superyachts (over 30m), megayachts (60m), and gigayachts (90m). All of the above are becoming increasingly popular options for anyone looking to host an elite event, go on a luxury vacation, or celebrate an extra special occasion. 

To shed some light on some of the best superyacht options out there, we’ve put together a list of the top ten largest motor yachts to charter. Starting from the smallest at a whopping 91.5m, all the way up to one of largest ever built at 136m.

10. TRANQUILLITY: 91.5M 

A huge ocean exploration vessel, the 91.5m Tranquility is equipped for intrepid adventures in world-class style. The result of a collaboration between Oceanco and Winch Design has an ice-classed hull and an elegant interior inspired by voyages to Asia. 

The vast size of Tranquility affords the superyacht enormous outside areas and incredibly comfortable indoor living spaces. Indulgent furnishings and textures include Wenge, gold leaf, bamboo, bleached oak, and Travertino Velluto marble, while its luxury amenities include a helipad, 20m deck pool, spa, gym, and a full-beam VIP suite.

Tranquility is a motor yacht to charter that accommodates up to twenty-two guests in eleven suites. She has a cruising speed of fifteen knots, a top speed of 18.5 knots, and a range of 5,000 nautical miles at fourteen knots.

9. LADY S: 93M

The highly refined 93m superyacht Lady S is the vision of multi-award-winning UK-based Superyacht Designer Michael Leach Design. From her contemporary crystal chandeliers to her 180-degree window views, she offers a regal and high-class yacht charter experience.

Delivered in 2019, rare materials were sourced from around the globe to furnish the interior of LADY S. Inspired by the finesse of jewelry, the vessel boasts a diverse sports court, 2 fire pits, and the first floating IMAX Dolby cinema in the world that comes complete with 2 viewing platforms. 

Lady S is a motor yacht to charter that accommodates up to twelve guests in 7 cabins and can sleep up to thirty-three crew.

8. O'PARI: 95M

Designed and built specifically for the charter market, the brand new 95m O'Pari superyacht is the flagship vessel of the shipyard Golden Yachts. The feat of engineering offers a highly spacious vessel with large decks and a multi-faceted beach club.

A testament to its Greek roots, O'Pari is finished with luxurious furnishings such as Greek marble and other exotic materials. Its impressive amenities include a touch-and-go helipad, Turkish hammam, a sundeck with pool and jacuzzi, a bar, DJ booth, and vast lounge areas.

O'Pari is a motor yacht to charter that accommodates up to twelve guests in fourteen suites, with an expertly-trained and attentive crew of thirty on board.

7. MADSUMMER: 95M

With a playful and contemporary, colorful interior styling by Laura Sessa and resort-worthy amenities, the 95m Madsummer offers the complete yacht entertainment experience.

Madsummer was built by Lurssen and comes equipped with every extra, luxury, and water toy you could imagine. To name a few, she features a cinema, foldout balcony for boarding tenders, an eleven-meter limo tender and Husky seaplane, fire pit and Teppanyaki grill, twelve-meter pool with jacuzzi, and ten color-themed cabins.

Madsummer is a motor yacht to charter that accommodates up to twelve guests in ten suites and a crew of up to twenty-eight. Her cruising speed is sixteen knots and her maximum speed is eighteen and a half knots.

6. KISMET: 95.2M

Another superyacht by Lurssen, the 95.2m superyacht Kismet was envisioned by multi-award-winning designers and the pioneering mind of acclaimed Espen Oeino. Her style and specs are the outcomes of a brief to make the most desirable motor yacht charter in the world. 

The timeless yet strikingly modern hull is home to an incredible array of features and amenities, including a spacious sundeck with a swimming pool, a full-service spa, video walls in the main salon, bespoke furnishings, and a one-of-a-kind retractable outdoor fireplace.

Kismet is a motor yacht to charter that accommodates up to twelve guests in 7 opulent staterooms, with a master stateroom with a private deck. Her cruising speed is twelve knots and her max speed is seventeen knots.

5. CHRISTINA O: 99.06M 

With origins going back to World War Two and life as a Canadian frigate, Christina O has a rich history and has hosted many esteemed guests such as Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, John F Kennedy, and Winston Churchill.

The superyacht underwent a complete restoration that was finished in 2001, in which notable artifacts were salvaged and sensitively restored. Today, the historic vessel exhibits the peak of luxury, featuring a mosaic swimming pool that turns into a dancefloor, a grand dining hall, an English country manor house style, a bar, atrium, jacuzzi, and spiral staircase.

Christina O is a motor yacht to charter that accommodates up to thirty-four guests in seventeen cabins and up to thirty-eight crew. Her cruising speed is fourteen knots and her max speed is nineteen knots.

4. DREAM: 106M

A true one-of-a-kind project of monumental proportions, the 106m Dream is a passenger vessel that has been transformed into a 6-deck luxury superyacht. The vessel boasts immense indoor and outdoor spaces for dining and lounging that simply cannot be found elsewhere on the sea. 

Dream was fully rebuilt in 2018, with stunning exteriors by Studio Vafiadis and interiors by Simone Ciarmoli & Miguel Queda of Milanese firm Ciarmoli Queda Studio. Among its endless list of amenities, she features easy access to the sea, an expansive sundeck with a huge pool, 2 bars, 3 formal dining rooms, a grand central lobby, business center, cinema room, and a custom limousine tender.

Dream is a motor yacht to charter that accommodates up to thirty-six guests in twenty-three cabins, and up to forty crew in nineteen cabins. Her cruising speed is fifteen knots and her max speed is seventeen knots. 

3. LANA: 107M

The brand new 107m Lana superyacht is one of the most luxurious vessels ever made. Delivered in 2020 by Benetti SpA, Lana has been making headlines for hosting the likes of Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos.

Taking quality and attention to detail to another level, this superyacht is the epitome of Italian shipbuilding. Packed with state-of-the-art amenities, she features a cinema, beach club, gym, hammam, outdoor salons, pool, a vast array of water toys, and 7 VIP staterooms.

Lana is a motor yacht to charter that accommodates up to twelve guests in 8 en-suite staterooms, with quarters for up to thirty-three crew. Her cruising speed is seventeen knots, her maximum speed is nineteen knots, and her range is up to 12,500 nautical miles.

2. OCTOPUS: 126.2M

A megayacht built for Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, the 126.2m Lürssen explorer superyacht Octopus is an icon of the seas. Often pinned as the first superyacht of her kind, the vessel is custom built to “go anywhere” and features two helipads and a 12,500 nautical miles range.

Octopus is made for adventure, exploration, and entertainment in the most remote places on Earth. She cruises at 17 knots (max 19 knots) and is equipped with a dancefloor, helipad, underwater lights, elevator, beach club, gym, hyperbaric chamber, submarine, and a luxury spa. 

Octopus is a motor yacht to charter for up to twelve guests in thirteen cabins, with room for up to forty-two crew members.

1. FLYING FOX: 136M

Among the top 20 largest yachts in the entire world, the 136m Flying Fox superyacht by builder Lürssen from Germany is a behemoth that seems big enough to part seas. With a spectacular range of 6,500, it is also capable of reaching every corner of the globe in unrivaled style and luxury.

Flying Fox’s bold and curvy design by award-winning Espen Øino presented a difficult challenge for her welders. But equally astonishing is the power she boasts for her size: a maximum speed of 20 knots and a cruising speed of 17 knots.

A first for a superyacht of this size, Flying Fox features a never-previously-seen 400 SqMt 2-floor Spa including the finest assets and treatments that only a palace could offer.

This unbelievably grand motor yacht to charter accommodates up to twenty-five guests on board in eleven cabins, all with private sea-view terraces.

Your yacht charter vacation should be about relaxation, quality time with loved ones, and making memories — not being stressed by paperwork and technical problems. With many years of experience as a specialist yacht broker, we can help you with everything from pre-trip itineraries and APA to choosing the right yacht, so you can make the most out of every moment of your trip.

How To Book a Yacht Charter

How To Book a Yacht Charter The Right Way

Today, chartering a yacht is easier than it has ever been. You can book a yacht charter in a few minutes with an app, using a yacht rental website, or even by calling the owner via an ad on CraigsList.

These options mean more and more people are looking to yachting as a viable option for their vacations, events, and family celebrations. The fact is, whether you’re in the market for something glamorous, adventurous, wellness-focused, or just plain fun, there is a yacht charter for you.

However, although chartering a yacht is more accessible, it is not without its complications. Yacht charters involve more variables and added fees than a hotel room, and breaking down at sea without support or arriving at a port without knowledge about its specific tax system is a sure way to ruin any trip.

Managing your booking via a specialist yacht broker is a great way to help ensure the whole process and trip goes smoothly from start to finish. But whether you work with a yacht broker or not, there are several key steps to consider when booking your yacht charter.

WHAT ARE YOUR DESTINATION & DATES?

Yachts come equipped for every kind of trip and are based in different locations around the world throughout the year. And so, the first step in chartering your yacht is choosing where you would like to go and when. 

The most common migration is the Mediterranean in the summer and the Caribbean in the winter. But you can also find yachts cruising all year round in the waters of Central and South America, Australia and New Zealand, Northern Europe, Greece, Italy, and Antarctica.

The destination and date question heavily depends on the purpose of your trip. Are you looking for a relaxing snorkeling vacation in the Bahamas? Or a more adventurous island hopping holiday in the Adriatic Sea? Or maybe you need a venue for hosting a business meeting in the marina at St. Barts or Dubai or Monaco?

Defining the type of trip, its duration, the flexibility of your dates, and the activities you will be doing will make it much easier to book a yacht charter. For example, if you plan to explore coastal towns, the yacht’s speed, size, draft depth, and flag will determine how many stops you can make and where. Likewise, if your yacht cruises at 12 knots, you may only get to see a few ports as opposed to if it cruises at 24.

PARTY SIZE & NUMBER OF CREW

Once you know when and where you’re heading, the next step in booking a yacht charter is defining how many people will be traveling with you. Most charter yachts are certified to carry up to 12 guests plus crew. Any more than that and you need a PYC- or SOLAS-class yacht which is licensed for up to 36 passengers.

The number of guests will also determine the size of the crew and the type of service you need. The size of the crew ranges from around six to twenty and typically includes a captain, deckhands, engineers, stewards, housekeepers, and chefs. Other crew members include dive instructors, yoga instructors, spa therapists, babysitters, security guards, and beauticians. 

To book a yacht charter you also need to know who you are traveling with. Many yachts have cabins designed for children or teens bunking together, owner's decks, and separate quarters for staff such as personal assistants, babysitters, or other security guards. 

WHAT TYPE OF BOAT FITS YOUR NEEDS?

When it comes to what type of yacht you need, the main question is whether you want a sailing yacht or a motor yacht. In other words, do you want a classically romantic experience for the experienced sailor (sailing yacht) or more space, facilities, speed, and ease (motor yacht)?

Motor yachts make up the majority of yacht charters. No sail and more power mean room for facilities such as jacuzzis and water toys, as well as the ability to travel larger distances with little to no sailing experience. Motor yachts can also accommodate more guests and may include accessibility features such as stair-climbers for those with limited mobility.

If you have no particular boat preference, a yacht charter specialist will ask you several questions to help determine the best yacht type for your needs, group, and trip.

WHAT FACILITIES & AMENITIES WOULD YOU LIKE ON THE YACHT? 

Most modern motor yachts come with certain facilities and amenities, including wifi, sun pads, and basic gear for snorkeling. However, there are endless other features and services to choose from.

For instance, luxury superyachts often come with facilities such as a beach club, movie theatre, owner’s deck, gym, sauna, spa, scuba gear, inflatables, and water toys such as jet skis and personal submarines. A specialist yacht broker may also help you arrange anything you need for specific events and celebrations, including catering, decorations, and other highly personalized additions.

What’s Your Budget?

The overall cost of a yacht charter adds up to much more than solely the cost of the yacht rental. Once you have included the security deposit, tax, gratuity, and APA, you can reasonably expect to be paying an additional 30 to 50 percent of the charter rate of your trip. 

APA is the Advanced Provision Account that acts as a kind of open purse for your trip. This purse typically covers fuel consumption, all food and drink, activities and excursions, expenses for docking, tips for the crew, and other fees. The MYBA (Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association) suggests a five to 15 percent gratuity as customary.

A specialist yacht broker will ensure an adequate APA is included in your budget, that all receipts are kept during the trip, and that any money left over is returned to you at the end of the trip. 

REVIEWING THE BROKER & CONTRACT TERMS 

Your yacht broker should adhere to global guidelines at the MYBA and that of the International Yacht Brokers Association. The contracts they use should also come from a trusted association such as MYBA and include a reliable cancellation policy in the event you can't go ahead with the trip due to personal reasons, COVID regulations, or other contingencies.

It can be tempting to book a yacht charter on your own to try and avoid unnecessary costs. However, this can leave you unprotected and open to risk. Almost all yacht charters involve some technical difficulty or challenge, and so working with a reputable yacht broker is paramount.

A specialist yacht broker can also help with planning the perfect itinerary for your trip. Their expertise includes industry knowledge of the best locations and best times of the year to visit as well as relations with the most respected crews, familiarity with port taxes, and insight into the constantly changing landscape of COVID regulations. 

BOOK YOUR YACHT CHARTER WITH A RESPECTED BROKER

Like any other vacation, booking a yacht charter over high-demand periods such as spring break or popular events such as the Monaco Grand Prix requires you to do so well in advance. This could be anything from six months to a year in advance. 

If you are flexible with both your dates and the type of yacht, most trusted yacht brokers will be able to find the perfect yacht for you. Once they send you the selection, make sure to do a review and check they fit your requirements. The yacht broker should then help you secure the deal and ensure smooth sailing from there on out. 

Your yacht charter vacation should be about relaxation, quality time with loved ones, and making memories—not being stressed by paperwork and technical problems. With many years of experience as a specialist yacht broker, we can help with everything from pre-trip itineraries to APA to choosing the right yacht so you can make the most out of every moment of your trip.