Yacht Chartering 101: Your First Yachting Adventure
An Introduction to Chartering a Private Yacht
If you’re considering a luxury getaway or vacation onboard a private for the first time, welcome onboard! Understanding that first time guests often have many questions, the brokers at High Tide Yacht Charters have created a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the yacht charter process with ease.
Take a look through our charter guide, which highlights essential information about chartering a yacht - perfect for preparing you ahead of your conversation with a charter broker. If you already have a vision of your ultimate luxury escape, reach out to one of the members of our team to make your dream yacht vacation a reality.
What is a yacht charter?
Whether you’re envisioning a family getaway in the Caribbean or dreaming of an island-hopping experience in the mediterranean, a yacht charter offers a safe and luxurious environment to enjoy quality time with family and friends. On a yacht charter, everything is tailored to you - your schedule, your customer itinerary, and your favourite activities. Onboard you’ll experience outstanding comfort and a personalised servi e in the setting of your dreams making each momnent truly unfortgettable.
When’s the Best Time to Charter?
In yachting, there are two main charter seasons: summer and winter. The summer season spans from May to October, with peak months in July and August. The winter season, from November to April, sees its busiest times around the holiday season through New Year’s.
Pro-Tip: Consider chartering in the shoulder seasons—early May, June, September, or October. Not only will you avoid the crowds in popular cruising areas, but you’ll often have more yacht options available, with rates sometimes slightly lower than peak season.
Where are the most popular places to charter?
Popular yachting destinations shift with the seasons. In the summer the Mediterranean reigns supreme with hotspots like the French Riviera, Balearic Islands, Greek Isles, Croatia and the Amalfi Coast drawing in yachting enthusiasts from around the world. In the winter months, crystal clear of The Bahamas and Caribbean are the go-to yachting destinations for those looking for a sunshine getaway.
Yacht Charter Destinations
What type of charter experience do I want?
For the ultimate relaxation, consider a yacht equipped with a spa, or jacuzzi, and an onboard masseuse to elevate your time spent unwinding. If you are chartering with a family, look for a yacht with a range of activities like water toys, beach games or perhaps a cinema room to keep everyone entertained. Your charter broker will work with you to find a yacht that perfectly matches your wishlist of amenities ensuring your experience onboard is tailored to your desires.
How big are the yacht and how many people can we bring?
Yachts can range in size from 30ft to 300ft and larger. The number of guests depends on the size of the yacht and its cabins. Most can carry up to a maximum of 12 guests. If you are considering a corporate charter, some yachts you can consider can accomodate up to 38 guests.
What type of yacht should I charter?
Consider the type of yacht that best fits the size and vibe of your group. For a family-friendly getaway, a spacious motor yacht might be ideal, while a sailing yacht will appeal to those who love the classic yachting experience. If you are seeking a relaxed yet luxurious voyage, a crewed catamaran offers a comfortable, social setting with an expert crew to hand to ensure a seamless experience. For those wanting to go off the beaten path, a bareboat charter offers the freedom to set your own course.
Browse our collection to find the perfect fit, or connect with a charter broker for an informal chat about the best options for your unique adventure.
How long should I charter for and how much will it cost?
Charters typically span from seven to 14 days, with rates quoted weekly. During peak seasons—like July, August, Christmas, and New Year—rates are generally higher. Many yachts also offer lower rates during off-peak months, allowing for more budget-friendly options. Prices vary widely depending on factors like yacht size, age, and onboard amenities. Keep in mind, additional costs such as food, fuel, and dockage will apply. (See the next section for a more detailed breakdown of these expenses.)
Are there additional expenses beyond the charter rate?
Yes, there are additional expenses beyond the base charter rate, and these can vary based on the contract type. The most common crewed yacht contracts are MYBA, which typically cover the yacht rental, crew, and owner’s insurance. Additional costs such as provisions, fuel, marina fees, and other incidentals are usually extra. The same applies for bareboat charters.
On Crewed Charters, to manage these expenses, an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) is collected upfront and given to the captain, who oversees all charter-related costs. At the end of your trip, the captain provides a detailed summary of these expenses, with any unused funds refunded to you. Additional costs may include taxes, VAT, or delivery fees, depending on your charter destination.
Your charter broker can clarify the expected costs and help you plan your budget accordingly.
How far in advance should I contact a charter broker?
Brokers generally advise booking six to ten months in advance for high-demand periods, such as Christmas/New Year or peak Mediterranean season in July and August. For off-peak charters, three to six months’ notice is typically recommended. Availability can shift quickly, so contacting your broker early will ensure access to a wide selection of yachts. The most popular charter yachts may even book a year in advance, so securing your spot early is essential for optimal choice and planning.
Yachts for Charter
Should I consider trip insurance for my charter?
While not required, a trip protection plan is highly recommended to safeguard your investment.
Trip cancellation coverage offers you protection in case you need to cancel due to illness or other unforeseen circumstances.
Should I tip the crew?
Gratuity is completely at your discretion, but if you’re pleased with the crew’s service, it is customary to leave a tip of 10 to 15% of the base charter fee as a gesture of appreciation.
Do all yachts come with a crew?
No. Crewed yachts have a minimum of captain and hostess/deckhand with larger yachts having dedicated interior and exterior crew. A bareboat charter, meaning a yacht rented without a crew, is available only for smaller vessels with yachts typically under 50ft.
Who handles food and beverage purchases?
The yacht’s chef and interior crew take care of all provisions, based on the preferences provided by guests on the charter preference sheet. This ensures that every meal and snack is tailored to guest preferences. All provisions, including any special requests, are purchased using funds from the Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA), which also covers fuel, dockage, and other onboard expenses.
Is there WiFi aboard the yacht, and will my mobile phone work?
Yes, almost all yachts come equipped with Wi-Fi; however, connection quality and speed can vary based on location. It’s a good idea to confirm specific details with your charter broker and captain, especially if you’ll need reliable internet during your trip. As for mobile phones, coverage depends on your provider’s international service options in your cruising area, so it’s best to check with them before you depart.
If we change our minds about the itinerary once we’re on the yacht, can we skip a place or stay longer in another?
Yes, it’s common for charter guests to adjust their itinerary while aboard. Changes are generally possible, provided they align with the captain’s recommendations and availability of dockage in the area. Just speak with the captain about any desired adjustments, and they’ll do their best to accommodate your plans while keeping safety and logistics in mind.
What if there is bad weather?
One advantage of a yacht charter is flexibility. Often, your itinerary can be adjusted to seek sunnier skies or calmer waters. However, if a rainy day keeps you in port, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore local shops, boutiques, bars, and restaurants ashore.
What if we want to extend our charter once it is underway?
If you’d like to extend your time on board, simply reach out to your charter broker. They can check the yacht’s availability and, if possible, arrange the necessary paperwork to extend your journey.
What are the cleaning procedures on the yacht, both before we arrive and while we are aboard?
Each yacht maintains high standards for cleanliness, with specific protocols for cleaning, disinfecting, and maintaining hygiene. As a rule, charter yachts are held to rigorous standards to ensure guest safety and comfort. Your charter broker and the yacht captain can provide more detailed information on the exact procedures followed aboard the yachts you’re interested in.
Is there a minimum age for children on the yacht?
There is no minimum age for charter guests, and yachts make an excellent choice for family vacations. Many yachts offer a variety of activities and water toys tailored to kids, and are designed with comfort and safety in mind. However, some yachts may be better suited to children than others. Let your charter broker know the ages of the children and any specific plans for your trip, and they’ll help you find the ideal yacht for your family.
Charter Yachts Spotlight
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N+1
Sunreef 70 Eco
2024 - 8 guests | 4 cabins | 3 CrewStarting From: €45,000 / week
Available as FULLY CREWED
Cruising Area: ADRIATIC SEA
Home Port: MARINA KASTELA -
FLORAMYE
Fountaine Pajot Algeria 67
2025 - 8 guests | 4 cabins | 3 CrewStarting From: €40,000 / week
Available as FULLY CREWED
Cruising Area: ADRIATIC SEA
Home Port: TROGIR -
OVER THE MOON
Moon 60 Power
2023 - 8 guests / 4 cabins / 3 CrewStarting From: €39,000 / week
Available as FULLY CREWED
Cruising Area: ADRIATIC SEA
Home Port: SPLIT -
AMBER ONE
Sunreef 70 Power
2023 - 8 guests | 4 cabins | 4 CrewStarting From: €53,000 / week
Available as FULLY CREWED
Cruising Area: ADRIATIC SEA
Home Port: SPLIT -
PIXIE
Fountaine Pajot Algeria 67
2022 - 9 guests | 4 cabins | 3 CrewStarting From: €30,500 / week
Available as FULLY CREWED
Cruising Area: GREEK ISLANDS
Home Port: ATHENS -
ADRIATIC DRAGON
Lagoon 77
2019 - 8 guests / 4 cabins / 4 CrewStarting From: €47,000 / week
Available as FULLY CREWED
Cruising Area: ADRIATIC SEA
Home Port: MARINA KASTELA -
MR SI
Sunreef 60
2023 - 8 guests | 4 cabins | 3 CrewStarting From: €28,350 / week
Available as FULLY CREWED
Cruising Area: ADRIATIC SEA
Home Port: ROGOZNICA -
VULPINO
Sunreef 60
2020 - 8 guests | 4 cabins | 3 CrewStarting From: €25,500 / week
Available as FULLY CREWED
Cruising Area: ADRIATIC SEA
Home Port: MARINA KASTELA -
ELLY
Fountaine Pajot Power 67
2023 - 8 guests | 4 cabins | 3 CrewStarting From: €34,000 / week
Available as FULLY CREWED
Cruising Area: GREEK ISLANDS
Home Port: ATHENS -
DUOLIFE
Lagoon 620
2018 - 10 guests | 5 cabins | 3 CrewStarting From: €24,850 / week
Available as FULLY CREWED
Cruising Area: ADRIATIC SEA
Home Port: MARINA KASTELA -
SINATA
Sunreef 60
2019 - 8 guests | 4 cabins | 3 CrewStarting From: €24,850 / week
Available as FULLY CREWED
Cruising Area: ADRIATIC SEA
Home Port: ROGOZNICA -
NO INHERITENCE
Bali 5.4
2023 - 10 guests | 5 cabins | 2 CrewStarting From: $32,000 / week
Available as FULLY CREWED
Cruising Area: VIRGIN ISLANDS
Available from: ST THOMAS or TORTOLA -
AMADA MIA
Lagoon Sixty5
2021 - 8 guests / 4 cabins / 3 CrewStarting From: €23,000 / week
Available as FULLY CREWED
Cruising Area: ADRIATIC SEA
Home Port: SPLIT -
DESSUS
Sunreef 60
2022 - 8 guests | 4 cabins | 3 CrewStarting From: €21,000 / week
Available as FULLY CREWED
Cruising Area: ADRIATIC SEA
Home Port: MARINA KASTELA -
VALIUM 55
Lagoon 55
2023 - 10 guests | 5 cabins | 3 CrewStarting From: €22,000 / week
Available as FULLY CREWED
Cruising Area: GREEK ISLANDS
Home Port: ATHENS -
SWEET DREAMS
Sunreef 50
2022 - 8 guests | 4 cabins | 3 CrewStarting From: €21,000 / week
Available as FULLY CREWED
Cruising Area: ADRIATIC SEA
Home Port: MARINA KASTELA -
LA SPERANZA
Lagoon 50
2020 - 6 guests | 3 cabins | 2 CrewStarting From: $20,750 / week
Available as FULLY CREWED
Cruising Area: VIRGIN ISLANDS
Available from: ST THOMAS or TORTOLA -
SOLITAIRE
Sunreef 50
2020 - 8 guests | 4 cabins | 2 CrewStarting From: €21,000 / week
Available as FULLY CREWED
Cruising Area: ADRIATIC SEA
Home Port: MARINA KASTELA -
RELENTLESS II
Sunreef 80
2022 - 8 Guests | 4 Cabins | 4 CrewStarting from: $94,000 / week
Available as FULLY CREWED
Cruising Area: VIRGIN ISLANDS
Available from: TORTOLA -
AGENDA 55
Lagoon 55
2023 - 8 guests | 4 cabins | 2 CrewStarting From: €19,900 / week
Available as FULLY CREWED
Cruising Area: ADRIATIC SEA
Home Port: MARINA KASTELA -
ADRIATIC LION
Lagoon 620
2018 - 10 guests / 5 cabins / 3 CrewStarting From: €17,500 / week
Available as FULLY CREWED
Cruising Area: ADRIATIC SEA
Home Port: MARINA KASTELA -
BLESSED
Sunreef 50
2024 - 6 guests | 3 cabins | 2 CrewStarting From: €16,500 / week
Available as FULLY CREWED
Cruising Area: ADRIATIC SEA
Home Port: MARINA KASTELA -
OPAL
Lagoon 620
2017 - 10 guests | 5 cabins | 3 CrewStarting From: €16,300 / week
Available as FULLY CREWED
Cruising Area: ADRIATIC SEA
Home Port: MARINA KASTELA -
NAMASTE OF BALI
Bali 5.4
2020 - 12 guests | 6 cabins | 2 CrewStarting From: €16,200 / week
Available as FULLY CREWED
Cruising Area: ADRIATIC SEA
Home Port: MARINA KASTELA -
OCEAN LOUNGE 1
Bali 5.4
2022 - 10 guests | 5 cabins | 2 CrewStarting From: €16,000 / week
Available as FULLY CREWED
Cruising Area: ADRIATIC SEA
Home Port: MARINA KASTELA -
ADRIATIC TIGER
Lagoon 620
2018 - 10 guests | 5 cabins | 3 CrewStarting From: €15,900 / week
Available as FULLY CREWED
Cruising Area: ADRIATIC SEA
Home Port: MARINA KASTELA -
EQ HORIZON
Bali 5.4
2021 - 10 guests | 5 cabins | 2 CrewStarting From: €14,160 / week
Available as FULLY CREWED
Cruising Area: ADRIATIC SEA
Home Port: DUBROVNIK -
JEWEL
Lagoon 51
2023 - 10 guests | 6 cabins | 2 CrewStarting From: €14,500 / week
Available as FULLY CREWED
Cruising Area: GREEK ISLANDS
Home Port: ATHENS -
TOPAZ
Lagoon 560 S2
2017 - 8 guests | 4 cabins | 2 CrewStarting From: €15,100 / week
Available as FULLY CREWED
Cruising Area: ADRIATIC SEA
Home Port: MARINA KASTELA -
EAGLE OF NORWAY
Lagoon 560 S2
2016 - 8 guests / 5 cabins / 2 CrewStarting From: €13,600 / week
Available as FULLY CREWED
Cruising Area: ADRIATIC SEA
Home Port: SEGET DONJI -
MARLA
Lagoon 450
2012 - 6 guests | 3 cabins | 2 CrewStarting From: €12,000 / week
Available as FULLY CREWED
Cruising Area: ADRIATIC SEA
Home Port: SPLIT -
SERENITY
Lagoon 52F
2015 - 10 guests / 5 cabins / 2 CrewStarting From: €10,190 / week
Available as FULLY CREWED
Cruising Area: ADRIATIC SEA
Home Port: SPLIT -
EMERALD GEMINI
Lagoon 52F Owner’s Version
2018 - 6 guests / 3 cabins / 1 CrewStarting From: €10,190 / week
Available as SKIPPERED
Cruising Area: ADRIATIC SEA
Home Port: MARINA KASTELA -
MIRAVAL
Baglietto 37M
R.2022 - 10 guests / 4 cabins / 5 CrewStarting From: €34,000 / week
Available as FULLY CREWED
Cruising Area: GREEK ISLANDS
Home Port: ATHENS -
MAJERA
Sirena 88
2024 - 11 guests / 5 cabins / 4 crewStarting from: €77,500 / week
Available as FULLY CREWED
Cruising Area: CROATIA
Home Port: PULA -
AKANA
Lagoon 52F
2019 - 10 guests | 4 cabins | 2 CrewStarting From: €10,100 / week
Available as FULLY CREWED
Cruising Area: ADRIATIC SEA
Home Port: MARINA KASTELA -
INDULGENCE
Fountaine Pajot Algeria 67
2023 - 8 guests | 4 cabins | 3 CrewStarting From: $57,000 / week
Available as FULLY CREWED
Cruising Area: VIRGIN ISLANDS
Available from: ST THOMAS or TORTOLA -
COOL CHANGE
Lagoon 560
2015 - 8 guests | 4 cabins | 2 CrewStarting From: €9,950 / week
Available as FULLY CREWED
Cruising Area: ADRIATIC SEA
Home Port: MARINA AGANA -
FALCO
Lagoon 450
2017 - 6 guests | 3 cabins | 2 CrewStarting From: €8,000 / week
Available as FULLY CREWED
Cruising Area: ADRIATIC SEA
Home Port: SUMPETAR -
AURA
Lagoon 42
2018 - 6 guests | 3 cabins | 2 CrewStarting From: €8,000 / week
Available as FULLY CREWED
Cruising Area: ADRIATIC SEA
Home Port: MARINA ZENTA -
VISTA
Princess Y85
2020 - 8 guests / 4 cabins / 4 CrewStarting From: €60,000 / week
Available as FULLY CREWED
Cruising Area: GREEK ISLANDS
Home Port: ATHENS -
STELLA D'ORO
Feretti 731
2007 - 8 guests / 4 cabins / 3 CrewStarting From: €30,000 / week
Available as FULLY CREWED
Cruising Area: ADRIATIC SEA
Home Port: SPLIT