How Much To Charter a Superyacht? (Less Than You Think)

Written by Desiree Vilar in Sailing Cost

Spending a week on a luxurious superyacht can be expensive, but there are ways to make it a dream come true without breaking the bank. In fact, you might be surprised to know that the cost of chartering one may be less than you think. In this article, we have researched the average charter rates of superyachts, from the cheapest to the most expensive.

Chartering a superyacht can cost anywhere from $40,000 to over $2 million per week, plus expenses. Smaller superyachts measuring under 30 meters have a weekly charter rate of around $43,000, while megayachts measuring 80 meters and over have an average rate of $1.8 million a week.

When choosing a superyacht for your charter, there are a variety of options you can choose from—may it be small yachts to megayachts, classic or modern yachts, or whether it is sailing or motor-operated, there's a specific type for your needs and preferences. Let's learn below how the type of yacht affects the overall chartering costs.

Summary

  • The cheapest superyacht you can charter is a small sailing superyacht with an average cost of $43,000 per week. The most expensive is a megayacht, on which a week's trip can cost millions of dollars.
  • If you are looking for a vintage-style kind of superyacht, you can choose a classic superyacht, mostly made up of wood. But if you're leaning towards technology, modern superyachts will be more enjoyable for you.
  • Chartering a superyacht in the Caribbean is less costly compared to chartering a superyacht in the Mediterranean.

On this page:

  1. Chartering a Superyacht Can Cost Between $40,000 and $2 Million Per Week
  2. The Type of Superyachts Can Affect Charter Costs
  3. Your Chosen Destination Can Influence Chartering Costs

Chartering a Superyacht Can Cost Between $40,000 and $2 Million Per Week

Chartering a superyacht can actually be more affordable than you think. When it comes to the cost breakdown, there are a few key factors to consider.

Key Factors Estimated Cost
Charter Fee for boat under 30 meters €40,000 per week
Charter Fee for boats at 30–40 meters €70,895 per week
Charter Fee for boats at 80 meters and over €1.7 million per week
Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) 30% of charter fee
Fuel Costs €4,000 - €10,000 per day
(varies based on distance and speed)
Dockage Costs €500 - €2,000 per day
(varies based on location and yacht size)
Crew Gratuity 10-20% of charter fee

The charter fee depends on the size of the yacht

The charter fee is the base cost for renting the yacht and typically includes the use of the yacht, crew salaries, and insurance. The cost of the charter fee can vary greatly depending on the size and type of yacht, as well as the location and time of year.

Smaller superyachts measuring under 30 meters will have a weekly charter rate somewhere around €40,000 (around $43,000), while yachts between 30 and 40 meters will weigh in at an average of €70,895 (around $77,000) per week. On the other hand, mega yachts measuring 80 meters and over have an average rate of €1.7 million (or around $1.8 million) a week.

The Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) is typically 30% of the charter fee

The Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) is an additional fee that covers expenses such as food, drinks, fuel, and dockage costs during the charter. The APA is usually calculated as a percentage of the charter fee, typically around 30%. The APA is paid before the charter begins, and any unused funds will be returned to you at the end of the charter.

Fuel and dockage costs depend on a variety of factors

Fuel and dockage costs are typically included in the APA, but you may need to be aware of these costs as they can add up quickly. Fuel costs will depend on the distance traveled and the speed of the yacht, while dockage costs will depend on the location and the size of the yacht. You might need to discuss these costs with your yacht charter broker before booking the charter.

Crew gratuity ranges around 0–20% of the charter fee

Crew gratuity is a customary payment for the crew and is typically around 10–20% of the charter fee. This is not a mandatory fee, but it is expected and greatly appreciated by the crew. The gratuity can be paid in cash or added to the APA.

The Type of Superyachts Can Affect Charter Costs

Below is a table comparing the different types of superyachts you can charter and their weekly costs, based on their size, style, and propulsion.

Type of Superyacht Size Amenities Condition Weekly Charter Cost (approx.)
Small Superyacht 30–50 meters Basic amenities Average condition around $43,000
Megayacht Over 80 meters Luxury amenities Excellent condition $1.8 million–$4 million
Classic Superyacht 50–70 meters Vintage amenities Restored condition $100,000–$300,000
Modern Superyacht 70–90 meters High-tech amenities New condition $500,000–$1.5 million
Sailing Superyacht 30–60 meters Sailing amenities Average condition $50,000–$150,000
Motor-Operated Superyacht 60–120 meters Motorized amenities Excellent condition $200,000–$1 million

The size of the superyacht matters

Superyachts come in a range of sizes, from small sailing yachts to massive megayachts. The size of the yacht you choose will depend on a variety of factors, including the number of guests you plan to bring, the destinations you want to visit, and your budget.

Smaller yachts, such as sailing yachts and motor yachts, are typically more affordable and can accommodate up to 12 guests. Larger yachts, such as megayachts and explorer yachts, can accommodate up to 36 guests and offer more amenities and space.

Consider the style of the superyacht

Classic yachts are typically made of wood and have a timeless, elegant design. They offer a sense of nostalgia and tradition and are often favored by those who appreciate the craftsmanship and history of sailing.

Modern yachts, on the other hand, are sleek and contemporary, with cutting-edge technology and amenities. They offer a more futuristic and luxurious experience and are often favored by those who want the latest and greatest in yacht design.

Comparison between sailing and motor yachts

The propulsion of the yacht is another important factor to consider. Sailing yachts offer a more authentic and eco-friendly experience, with the wind as the primary source of power. They are also quieter and more peaceful, allowing you to enjoy the sound of the waves and the beauty of the sea.

Motor yachts, on the other hand, offer more speed and power, allowing you to cover more ground and visit more destinations in a shorter amount of time. They also offer more amenities, such as hot tubs, gyms, and helipads, making them ideal for those who want a more luxurious and indulgent experience.

Your Chosen Destination Can Influence Chartering Costs

Chartering a yacht in the Caribbean vs. the Mediterranean

The Mediterranean and the Caribbean are two of the most popular destinations for superyacht charters. The Mediterranean is known for its stunning coastline, historic cities, and glamorous ports of call. The Caribbean, on the other hand, is famous for its crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, and laid-back island lifestyle.

If you're looking for a yachting destination with a rich history and culture, the Mediterranean is the place to be. You can explore ancient ruins, dine on Michelin-starred cuisine, and experience some of the world's most famous events, such as the Monaco Grand Prix and the Cannes Film Festival. Charter prices for luxury superyachts in the Meds can range from €30,000 to over €1 million per week.

If, on the other hand, you're looking for a more relaxed charter destination where you can soak up the sun and enjoy water sports, the Caribbean is the perfect choice. You can swim with dolphins in the Bahamas, snorkel in the Virgin Islands, and enjoy a beach barbecue on a secluded island. Chartering a superyacht in the Caribbean can be as pricey as $100,000–$500,000 or more.

Renting a superyacht during seasons with special events

If you're planning your superyacht charter around a special event, such as a music festival or a sporting event, you'll need to consider the location and timing of the event. Some of the most popular events for superyacht charters include the Monaco Grand Prix, the Cannes Film Festival, and the America's Cup.

Keep in mind that these events can be very busy, so you may need to book your charter well in advance to secure a berth in the port of call. You'll also need to consider the additional costs of attending the event, such as tickets, transportation, and accommodations.

Planning to Charter a Superyacht in Different Weather Conditions

When planning your superyacht charter, you may need to consider the weather conditions at your chosen destination. The Mediterranean has a mild climate, with warm summers and mild winters, while the Caribbean has a tropical climate, with hot and humid weather during the dry season, and frequent rains during the wet season.

If you're planning your charter during the summer months, you may need to be prepared for high temperatures and strong sun. Make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and lightweight clothing to stay cool and comfortable.

In the winter months, you might need to be prepared for cooler temperatures and the possibility of rain. Try to pack warm clothing and rain gear, and be prepared to adjust your itinerary if the weather turns bad.

To give you a grasp of the sailing seasons around the world, here's an article containing a map to guide you through enjoying your superyacht trip wherever you plan to go!


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