Book a 70–120 ft private yacht with a 5–8 person crew, a dedicated chef, and a minimum range of 1,500–3,000 nm for ocean retreats; choose a 7–10 night charter for a cohesive itinerary, or 10–21 nights for ocean crossings and extended island-hopping. Reserve 6–12 months ahead for Mediterranean and Caribbean high season, and 3–6 months for off-peak windows to secure preferred yacht, crew and itinerary.
Match yacht size to guest count and comfort: 70–90 ft typically offers 3–4 guest cabins and 4–6 crew, 100–150 ft offers 4–7 cabins and 6–10 crew. Expect base weekly rates roughly $40,000–100,000 for 70–90 ft, $120,000–500,000 for 100–150 ft and $500,000+ for ultra-large yachts; plan an Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA) of 25–35% of the base fee to cover fuel, food, port dues and consumables. Look for fin or gyro stabilizers, a watermaker with at least 1,500–3,500 L/day capacity on larger yachts, and a tender sized 4–6 m with ≥100 hp for safe shore transfers and offshore landings.
Design daily passages no longer than 4–6 hours to maximize on-water leisure and onshore time; if you must cover long legs, schedule one overnight crossing per week and confirm captain rest cycles. Provisioning targets per person: approximately 2–3 L bottled water/day (supplement with watermaker), 1.5–2 kg fresh produce/day and 1 bottle of wine per 2–3 guests per day as a planning baseline. Expect port and customs fees to range from $500–$10,000 per call depending on region; add possible fuel surcharges for long hops or repositioning days.
Handle contracts and payments up front: request a written charter agreement, verify yacht insurance and crew certifications, pay a 30–50% deposit on booking and settle the balance 6–8 weeks before boarding. Ask the broker or captain for a detailed cost breakdown (base rate, APA, flat port fees, taxes, crew gratuity guideline of 8–15%), and confirm required permits and clearance procedures for planned countries. For itineraries through high-risk waters, hire vetted security and choose routes approved by the captain and insurance underwriter.
Selecting the right yacht size and layout for your guest list and privacy needs
Choose a yacht sized to give each guest at least one private cabin or one cabin per two guests, and match layout options to where you want solitude versus social space.
Recommended sizes by guest count
2–4 guests: 40–60 ft (12–18 m) motor yacht or 45–55 ft (14–17 m) catamaran. Typical layout: master suite plus one guest cabin, 1–2 en-suite heads, 1 crew or captain; ideal for couples or a small family who prioritize a single-owner suite and easy helm access.
6–8 guests: 60–80 ft (18–24 m). Typical layout: 3–4 guest cabins with en-suite bathrooms, separate crew quarters forward or below-deck, 3–6 crew recommended for discreet service. Choose a yacht with a main-deck master or a raised pilothouse master to separate owner space from guest entertaining areas.
10–20 guests: 80–160 ft (24–49 m). Look for 5–10 cabins, each with en-suite facilities, a dedicated owner’s deck (bridge deck or private terrace), a crew zone isolated from guest areas, and a tender garage. Aim for at least 1 crew per 2 guests for attentive, unobtrusive service; 1:1 delivers a highly personalized level of privacy and service.
20+ guests or corporate groups: 160+ ft (49+ m) superyacht or multiple-vessel charter. Multi-deck arrangements, private owner’s deck, separate guest decks and full-service crew quarters with internal service staircases; crew complements commonly run 20–40 depending on guest number and service level.
Layout features that preserve privacy
Require separate crew access (service companionway and stair) so crew do not transit guest public rooms. Prefer yachts with the owner/primary suite on the bridge deck or a private deck with its own outdoor terrace to create a private retreat that does not open directly onto the main salon.
Specify cabin placement: place guest cabins on the lower deck away from the salon for night-time quiet; position master forward or on a dedicated deck. Ask for floor plans showing sightlines and access routes–confirm there are direct pathways from galley to dining areas that avoid guest suites.
Demand one en-suite bathroom per cabin and check bathroom sizes (aim for at least 3–4 m² for a comfortable shower, larger on owner suites). For calmer nights and better privacy, choose wider-beam vessels (catamarans 40–60 ft with beams ~6.5–8 m provide stable platforms and separated hull cabins) or motor yachts with beams >6 m for spacious cabins.
Require soundproofing details and HVAC zoning: request acoustic insulation ratings where available and separate climate controls for owner, guest and crew zones. Confirm tender and crew-boarding arrangements (stern or side garage is preferable) so deliveries and crew movements stay out of guest sightlines.
Before booking, compare floor plans, cabin dimensions, crew roster and sample daily schedules from the charter company. Match the vessel’s night layout and crew-to-guest ratio to your privacy priorities rather than choosing solely by length.
Transparent charter pricing: breaking down base rates, fuel, berthing, taxes and crew gratuities
Request a fully itemized charter quote that separates the base rate, Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA), fuel, berthing, taxes and crew gratuities.
How charges are typically structured
- Base rate: Weekly hire fee that covers the yacht, standard crew, routine insurance and basic amenities. Typical ranges:
- 30–45 ft sailing yachts: $6,000–$18,000 per week
- 60–90 ft motor yachts: $40,000–$150,000 per week
- Superyachts (30m+): $150,000–$1,000,000+ per week
- Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA): Commonly 25%–35% of the base rate; covers food, beverages, port fees, docking, VAT on consumables, fuel for cruising and other outlays during the charter. Require an APA percentage in writing.
- Fuel: Two models appear:
- Fuel included in base rate for repositioning only – charterer pays cruising fuel.
- Fuel charged on consumption at actual cost plus handling. Estimate consumption and multiply by local fuel price to anticipate costs.
- Berthing/marina fees: Charged per night and vary by port, yacht size and season. Typical ranges:
- Small marinas: $50–$300 per night
- Popular Med marinas (high season): $400–$3,000+ per night for large yachts
- Taxes and local fees: Could include VAT, sales tax, customs levies and environmental surcharges. Expect combined rates from roughly 5% to 25% depending on flag, country and route. Ask for tax IDs and declarations to verify applied rates.
- Crew gratuity: Standard practice is 10%–20% of the base rate (15% common). Specify whether gratuity is paid in cash, bank transfer or added to the final invoice.
Practical recommendations and a sample calculation
- Request an itemized draft contract and final invoice that lists each cost line (base, APA, fuel, berthing, taxes, gratuity). Insist on original receipts for APA reconciliation.
- Ask for fuel burn estimates in liters or gallons per hour at cruising speed and an expected cruising-hours estimate for your itinerary.
- Negotiate a cap or pre-approval threshold for non-routine APA expenses (e.g., authorise captain to spend up to 10% of APA without prior approval).
- Confirm marina rate sheets for planned ports and ask the broker to estimate total berthing costs for the itinerary.
- Require a clear VAT/sales-tax statement showing whether taxes apply to the base rate, APA items or both, and obtain the yacht’s tax registration number.
- Set APA reconciliation terms in the contract: require final accounting and return of balance within 14–30 days after charter, with scanned receipts attached.
Sample calculation (one-week charter):
- Base rate: $60,000
- APA (30%): $18,000 – deposited before embarkation
- Fuel estimate: 200 L/hr × 40 hours = 8,000 L; fuel price $1.50/L → $12,000 (charged from APA or billed separately)
- Berthing: 6 nights × $600/night = $3,600
- Local taxes (assume 12% on base rate): $7,200
- Crew gratuity (15% of base): $9,000 – typically paid on final day
- Estimated total outlay (before APA reconciliation): $60,000 + $12,000 + $3,600 + $7,200 + $9,000 = $91,800 (with $18,000 APA covering fuel, berthing and provisioning; reconcile receipts after the charter and return any unused APA)
Checklist to include in your request for proposal:
- Itemized quote and sample final invoice format
- APA percentage and detailed list of what APA covers
- Fuel burn figures, fuel policy and local fuel prices used for estimates
- Marina rate confirmations for each planned port
- Exact tax treatment with registration numbers and legal references
- APA reconciliation timeline and receipt requirements
- Preferred method and timing for crew gratuity
Designing a secluded itinerary: choosing anchorages, shore transfers and weather windows
Select anchorages where the predicted low-water depth equals keel depth plus 2–3 m clearance, the seabed is sand or mud, and the protected sector blocks prevailing winds and swell; confirm those parameters on the latest official chart before committing.
Use these measurable anchorage checks: holding type (sand/mud), depth range at LAT (lowest astronomical tide), minimum swing radius = mooring length + 3x beam, distance to nearest ledge or shoal ≥ 1.5x yacht length, and approach corridor ≥ 1.2x yacht length wide for safe maneuvering.
Set ground-tackle and scope rules: deployed rode at 5:1 for calm conditions and 7:1 for exposed anchorages or forecast gusts; match anchor size to yacht displacement per manufacturer tables and inspect shackles and swivels before each anchoring operation.
Apply operational weather windows: plan transfers and overnight anchoring when sustained winds are forecast under 18–20 knots and gusts stay below 25–30 knots for sheltered bays; require significant wave height below 1.5 m for routine tender transfers and below 1.0 m for passenger transfers with older tenders.
Account for tidal currents: avoid shore transfers during peak current if current exceeds 1.5–2.0 knots at transfer site; schedule transfers near slack water when access requires stern-to or line-handling alongside a quay or rock landing.
Book shore transfers with licensed operators at least 24–72 hours ahead and confirm VHF watch and ETA updates. Specify required equipment: commercial operator license, lifejackets per passenger, portable VHF, Foghorn and flare kit, and a passenger manifest delivered to the vessel and port authority.
Handle clearance and local rules: submit advance notice of arrival to customs/immigration where required (commonly 24–48 hours), provide passenger lists and vessel documents electronically, and reserve berths or rendezvous points through the harbourmaster to avoid last-minute changes.
Run a pre-departure checklist: official chart printout or electronic chart (ENC) of the area, recent pilot-guide notes, tide table for the day and next 24 hours, 48-hour weather and swell forecast, anchor watch plan, and a named on-call transfer operator with backup).
Use authoritative forecasting and chart sources for final decisions; for marine forecasts and hazardous seas advisories consult the National Weather Service Marine Forecasts: https://www.weather.gov/marine.
Customizing onboard services: menus, wellness programming, watersports and childcare options
Schedule a pre-charter menu consultation with the head chef and request a two-hour tasting session to finalize dishes, portion sizes and a provisioning budget–typical provisioning runs $60–$200 per person per day depending on ingredient selection (Mediterranean basics vs. specialty seafood or wagyu).
Menus and dining logistics
Provide a completed chef brief at least 10 days before departure listing: guest count, allergies, intolerances, religious restrictions, preferred cuisines (no more than three), planned formal evenings, and a daily meal plan (breakfast/lunch/dinner + two snacks). For example, a 6-guest party often selects 3-course breakfasts, 2-course lunches and 4-course dinners with one themed evening; budget for the chef fee $350–$900 per day and specialty provisions (sushi-grade fish, truffles) as separate line items.
Offer menu options with measured portion guidance: adults 500–700 kcal per main meal, children 300–450 kcal; specify plating/service (family style vs. plated) and timing (serving windows: breakfast 07:30–09:30, lunch 12:00–14:00, dinner 19:00–21:30). Include beverage lists and wine pairing catalogues priced per bottle. Contract sample clauses: minimum provisioning deposit 30%, final menu confirmation 7 days out, outside-market sourcing adds 15–30% surcharge.
Wellness programming and schedule design
Design daily wellness schedules with clear durations and staffing: 60-minute sunrise yoga (max 8 participants, 1 instructor), 45-minute resistance or HIIT session (1:6 instructor-to-guest ratio), and a 60–90 minute spa slot (massage, physiotherapy or bodywork). Package examples: Basic Wellness = one instructor + equipment $150–$300 per person/day; Premium Wellness = private trainer + physiotherapist + advanced recovery gear $400–$1,000 per person/day. Book instructors 14–21 days ahead to ensure certification verification.
Provide equipment inventory: 8 yoga mats, blocks and straps; portable reformer or TRX set; free weights up to 15 kg; percussive therapy device and portable compression boots for recovery. Build client waivers for physical activity, include a 15-minute health screening before the first session and note contraindications. Schedule balance: active morning class, midday low-impact options, late-afternoon recovery/massage slots to reduce sea-sickness risk during motion.
Offer measurable outcomes: send a 3-day sample program with objective markers (sleep window, session length, hydration target 30–40 mL/kg/day) so guests can choose relaxation, fitness or mixed tracks.
Watersports and marine activities logistics
List available equipment and instructor needs: SUPs, kayaks, wakeboards, water-skis, seabobs, towable tubes, snorkel sets. Typical charter inventory for 8 guests: 3 SUPs, 4 kayaks, 2 wakeboards, 2 pairs water-skis, 2 seabobs. Instructor ratios: 1 coach per 4 participants for skill-based activities; 1:6 for recreational group sessions. Require a 10–15 minute skills-and-safety check before each activity and maintain a dedicated safety tender and rescue gear on immediate standby.
Cost examples: seabob rental $180–$420/day, jet-ski (where allowed) $280–$700/day, private watersports instructor $60–$120/hour. Include safety kit: appropriately sized PFDs for each age, throw bag, VHF radio check, emergency oxygen and AED. Draft a local-permit checklist and confirm insurance coverage for high-risk activities before booking.
Childcare options, safety and programming
Hire childcare professionals with pediatric first aid/CPR certification and verified background checks; request references and at least two season-specific charter references. Standard nanny ratios: ages 0–3 at 1:3, ages 4–8 at 1:4, ages 9+ at 1:6. Rates: hourly $25–$60, full-day onboard $220–$450; include a standby evening caregiver for late-night events at 1.5x hourly rate.
Provide a child program outline: morning activity block (30–45 minutes), watersports-adapted lessons with child-sized equipment, creative hands-on sessions (45–60 minutes), quiet time and nap plan. Supply a medical packet with parent-signed medication authorization, allergy action plan, emergency contacts and preferred pediatrician. Equip cabins with child safety gates, cabin locks, and infant life-jackets sized by weight–mandatory use for deck activities.
Operational checklist and final recommendation
Send a three-page pre-charter form covering diets, medical info, activity preferences and emergency consent; require return 7–14 days pre-departure. Add contractual items: staff roster, overtime rates (1.5x), cancellation windows for external instructors (48–72 hours), and provisioning holdback for special requests. Review all elements in a 30–45 minute pre-departure briefing onboard so the team delivers a seamless, personalised experience.
Q&A:
How much does a private luxury yacht charter usually cost for a one-week lease?
Prices vary widely. Smaller motor or sailing yachts can start around $30,000–$50,000 per week, midsize vessels often range from $70,000–$200,000, and large superyachts can exceed $300,000–$1,000,000+ for a week. Key factors that change the price include vessel size and age, season and destination, onboard staff level, fuel consumption, special equipment or toys, and any bespoke catering or entertainment. Expect additional sums for the Advance Provisioning Allowance (commonly 15–30% of the charter fee) to cover fuel, food and beverages, port and marina dues, taxes, and docking. Crew gratuities are typically given separately (often 10–20% of the base fee). Ask your broker for a full cost breakdown so there are no surprises.
How private are the accommodations and the daily schedule on a chartered yacht?
When you hire a yacht privately, the boat is reserved exclusively for your group, including all guest cabins and public areas. Crew quarters are separate and off-limits unless crew members invite guests or provide services in guest spaces. The captain will work with you before and during the charter to create an itinerary that matches your preferences — for example quieter anchorages, late-night stays in port, or visits to less frequented coves. Some ports require permits or local agent coordination for remote moorings, which your broker or captain will arrange. If complete discretion is a priority, confirm confidentiality terms with the operator and ask about secure boarding procedures, limited shore personnel, and how they handle guest lists for any planned onshore events.
What are the most useful items to bring for a week aboard?
Pack light, soft-sided luggage, non-marking shoes, sun protection (reef-safe sunscreen, wide-brim hat), swimwear and rash guards, one smart outfit for formal dinners, personal toiletries, motion-sickness remedies if you are prone, chargers and adapters, and any prescription medications with copies of prescriptions. Most yachts provide towels, basic toiletries and laundry service; check with the charter manager about what is supplied so you avoid duplicates.
What safety measures and medical support can I expect on a chartered luxury yacht?
Professional yachts carry standard safety gear: lifejackets for all guests, life rafts, distress beacons (EPIRB), flares, fire suppression systems and up-to-date navigation and communication equipment (VHF, AIS, often satellite systems). Crew typically hold STCW certifications and at least one senior crewmember will have advanced first-aid or medical training. Many yachts carry expanded medical kits and automated external defibrillators (AEDs). For longer or more remote trips, captains will file clear passages with local authorities, plan nearest-medical evacuation options and may arrange telemedicine consultations if needed. It is wise to disclose health issues before booking so the operator can confirm that the vessel’s medical capability and route are suitable, and to verify your travel and medical evacuation insurance covers marine incidents.
Are there environmentally responsible options when chartering a private yacht?
Yes. Several owners and charter companies prioritize lower-impact operation. Measures include fuel-efficient hull designs and hybrid or electric propulsion systems on newer builds, solar arrays to reduce generator hours, modern watermakers to limit reliance on single-use plastic bottles, proper waste-management systems compliant with international maritime rules, and careful provisioning using local, seasonal produce. You can request a vessel’s fuel burn figures, waste-handling procedures and certificate of compliance with regulations (such as MARPOL) before booking. Ask whether the crew follows practices like minimizing engine use while at anchor, using shore power when available, and segregating recyclables. Some operators offer carbon-offset options or partner with local conservation projects; if this matters to you, request documented environmental policies and examples of past measures the yacht has taken to lower its footprint.
How much does a private yacht charter usually cost, and which factors drive the final price?
Charter prices vary widely. Typical weekly rates can range from the lower tens of thousands for smaller motor or sailing yachts up to several hundred thousand dollars or more for large superyachts. Key factors that affect the cost include the size and age of the vessel, onboard amenities and level of crew service, cruising area and season, length of the charter, and fuel consumption. Additional charges often appear on top of the base rate: provisioning (food and drinks), fuel for long passages and water toys, port and marina fees, taxes and local surcharges, crew gratuities, and sometimes delivery or repositioning fees. Contracts commonly require a security deposit or advanced provisioning allowance to cover incidental costs. To manage expense, compare all-inclusive and hybrid pricing options, consider shoulder-season dates, and ask for an itemized estimate before signing a contract.