How much does a yacht charter cost? This is almost akin to asking how long a piece of string is. I cannot cover every situation, but I can give you a few guidelines.
Costs to charter a yacht depend on the following:
- Type of yacht
- Type of Charter
- Size of Yacht
- Location of Yacht – and how many yachts for charter in that location
- How many Crew onboard
- What the market will bear
- Time of Year
I did a 5 part series covering all the basics of chartering a yacht earlier, and Part 3 covers the different types of charter rates depending on the type of charter.
How much do Fully Crewed yacht charters cost in the Virgin Islands?
- Fully Crewed and Inclusive- Sailing Catamaran. You will find the largest number of yachts and the largest variations in price in this category. You can get a 40-odd-foot fully crewed and inclusive catamaran on the quiet budget end for $20,000 per week. $30,000 will give you a decent but still lower budget to play with, and the sky is the limit from there.
- Fully Crewed plus All Expenses—Motor Yacht. Now, we are getting into the luxury motor yacht range. You are most likely looking at motor yachts at least 80′ and more likely over 100′. Count on $70,000 per week PLUS all the expenses.
The Sky is the limit in Yacht Charter Prices
Fully Crewed and Fully Inclusive- Motor Yacht. Lately, quite a few power catamarans have come into this market and you are looking \$35,000 and up for these. I have added Inclusive Motor Yachts in here as we are starting to see a couple who are offering fully crewed and inclusive packages in the 90′ range on a stunning yacht for around $100,000.
It is wonderful to have your food and drinks included and quite uncommon in this range.
Is there a High Season and Low Season for Yacht Charter?
Yes. There definitely is for the demand on the yachts, but it is not always reflected on the charter prices.
Holiday Pricing on Charter Yachts
High Season Pricing over Xmas and New Year applies to ALL the charter fees. These prices can be 20-40% higher. No, there will not be any discounts. Nor can you take less than a 7-night charter on any of them. In reality, the luxury motor yachts want a ten-night minimum.
Fully Crewed and inclusive charters USED to have a High, Low, and Holiday season rate. Every year, the tendency has been growing that they only have a Holiday and rate that is the same year-round otherwise.
Summer Rates on Fully Crewed Yacht Charters
Some yachts do have summer rates that are a bit lower ( from May 15th to December 15th) but less and less every year. You CAN find more ” last-minute” specials to fill the lower season calendar in the crewed yacht charters. Additionally, booking at this year’s costs before next year’s price increase is a benefit.
How do I get my Yacht Charter costs lower?
There are some tips and tricks with this.
- It’s a smart move to book in the off-season. If you’re not a fan of the hustle and bustle of the charter season, consider booking the first week or two in the NEXT season. You’ll get almost the same experience at a fraction of the cost.
- Opt for a 6-night charter to make the most of your budget. Most yachts prorate a 6-night charter, and anything less than 6 nights will incur a surcharge. This means the cost of a 5- and 6-night charter typically ends up being only a few hundred dollars difference, saving you money.
- Take a sleep-aboard. Look and see when your flight is going to get in! Since most yacht charters in the crewed fleet start at noon. If you are not getting in until mid or late afternoon, take a 6-night charter and see if your yacht will let you add on a sleep aboard. This is often half the price, if not even a great discount, than a typical day onboard.4) Several websites are set up for this or forums.
- On the Super Yachts, ESPECIALLY when it is coming to the last minute or late in the season, you can put in a reasonable offer. You will be surprised what may be accepted! Your charter yacht broker can guide you on this.
- Be prepared to jump on “fill the gap” or cancellation specials.
- Flexibility is key! Flights are typically less expensive during the week, so consider adjusting your travel dates. However, keep in mind that the one thing that doesn’t sway the yacht owner in your favor is the argument about expensive flights. Instead, focus on the benefits of your flexibility.
- Go for a Captain-Only Charter and do the cooking and cleaning yourself instead of a fully crewed and inclusive charter.
- Take a Cabin-Only Sailing for six or seven nights in many areas, such as the Caribbean, Greece, or the exotic. These are surprisingly good bang for your buck if you cannot get a large group together!
In-depth experience
At H2O Luxury Yachts, we can book you on any of these vacations. We spend a lot of time researching and viewing the yachts in each category. After living in the Virgin Islands for over twenty years and completing over 400 weeks of charter, I understand all aspects of your yacht charter vacation well.
Stop thinking that THIS is the only way that you can enjoy a yacht vacation, and start calling us to make that booking!
