Yacht Chartering 101: Your First Yachting Adventure
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.
An Introduction to Chartering a Private Yacht
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.
Mediterranean Yacht Charter
Caribbean Yacht Charter
Exotic Yacht Charter
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 accommodate 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.
Some of Our Favourites
VENTANA AL MAR - Lagoon 52F - 2018
VENTANA AL MAR is a 2018 Lagoon 52F crewed catamaran based in Belize, accommodating up to 8 guests in 4 ensuite cabins. Explore coral reefs, tropical islets, and the stunning Belizean coast in style and comfort.
ECLIPSE - Lagoon 52F - 2013
ECLIPSE is a stunning Lagoon 52F catamaran based in Phuket, Thailand, accommodating up to 8 guests in 4 luxurious ensuite cabins. Sail in style through the Andaman Sea with a dedicated crew and exceptional onboard comfort.
BLUE MOON - Lagoon 52F - 2019
Charter BLUE MOON, a luxurious 2018 Lagoon 52F based in Phuket, Thailand. Accommodating up to 10 guests in 5 ensuite cabins with a professional crew of 3, BLUE MOON offers exceptional comfort and tropical adventure across the Andaman Sea.
SASTA - Lagoon Seventy8 - 2022
Charter SASTA, a 2022 Lagoon Seventy8 Power Catamaran, based in Palma, Mallorca, and enjoy luxury living with 4 lavish cabins, including an Owner's Suite with a private beach club, stunning outdoor spaces, and world-class amenities.
LA GATTA - Lagoon Seventy7 - 2019
Charter LA GATTA, a Lagoon Seventy7 catamaran based in Palma, Mallorca, for an unforgettable experience in the Balearic Islands. Enjoy exquisite outdoor spaces, alfresco dining, a luxurious interior, and exciting water toys as you cruise through the Mediterranean’s finest destinations.
BABAC - Lagoon Seventy7 - 2018
Charter BABAC, a Lagoon Seventy7 catamaran based in Tahiti, and explore French Polynesia in unrivaled luxury. Cruise past Bora Bora, Raiatea, and Papeete with five-star service, spacious outdoor lounges, and stunning interior accommodations.
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?
While not required, a trip protection plan is highly recommended to safeguard your investment.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.
Start planning your yacht charter adventure with High Tide Yacht Charters, today!
