Helpful tips to align your budget with the ideal Carefree Yacht Charter experience. Gain an understanding of typical all-inclusive price ranges in the BVI, Caribbean and Bahamas and what can influence how much your crewed charter will cost.
The majority of the BVI and Caribbean crewed yacht charters are all inclusive, starting around $20,000 per week and going up to around $100,000 per week, plus tip. The other category of higher-end motor yacht charters are plus expenses. These “plus expenses” charters start around $70,000, with all expenses on top.
The majority of BVI and Caribbean crewed yacht charters are "all inclusive". They include 8 days/7 nights aboard a private yacht with at least a Captain & Chef, 3 meals per day, soft beverages & standard bar, fuel for the yacht & dinghy, all expenses related to running of the vessel and use of water sports equipment.
The main cost excluded from the Charter Fee is the customary crew gratuity. The standard amount is 15 to 20% on top of the Charter Fee, paid at the end of the charter. The gratuity is based on services provided throughout the charter, can be scaled up or down based on service, and is at the client's discretion.
A 20% crew gratuity is common on a BVI, Caribbean or Bahamas charter. Tipping on these crewed charters is similar to tipping in US based restaurants. A 15% gratuity is a standard base amount for good service while a 20% gratuity or even higher is a consideration for excellent to extraordinary service, split equally among crew.
| Guests | sailing catamarans | power catamarans | motor Yachts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | $50,000 to $70,000 + | $50,000 to $70,000 + | $70,000 + |
| 4 | $50,000 to $70,000 + | $50,000 to $70,000 + | $70,000 + |
| 6 | $50,000 to $70,000 + | $50,000 to $70,000 + | $70,000 + |
| 8 | $50,000 to $70,000 + | $50,000 to $70,000 + | $70,000 + |
| 10 | $50,000 to $70,000 + | N/A for 10 guests | $70,000 + |
| 12 | $50,000 to $70,000 + | N/A for 12 guests | $70,000 + |
| Guests | sailing catamarans | power catamarans | motor Yachts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | $35,000 to $50,000 | $35,000 to $50,000 | N/A for 2 guests |
| 4 | $35,000 to $500,000 | $35,000 to $50,000 | N/A for 4 guests |
| 6 | $35,000 to $50,000 | $35,000 to $50,000 | N/A for 6 guests |
| 8 | $35,000 to $50,000 | $35,000 to $50,000 | N/A for 8 guests |
| 10 | $35,000 to $50,000 | N/A for 10 guests | N/A for 10 guests |
| 12 | N/A for 12 guests | N/A for 12 guests | N/A for 12 guests |
| Guests | sailing catamarans | power catamarans | motor Yachts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | $20,000 to $35,000 | N/A for 2 guests | N/A for 2 guests |
| 4 | $20,000 to $35,000 | N/A for 4 guests | N/A for 4 guests |
| 6 | $20,000 to $35,000 | N/A for 6 guests | N/A for 6 guests |
| 8 | $25,000 to $35,000 | N/A for 8 guests | N/A for 8 guests |
| 10 | $30,000 to $35,000 | N/A for 10 guests | N/A for 10 guests |
| 12 | N/A for 12 guests | N/A for 12 guests | N/A for 12 guests |
Explore other Frequently Asked Questions about crewed yacht charter costs to find helpful insights and answers, ensuring a smooth and informed planning process for your ultimate yachting experience.
Unless otherwise specified in your contract, the Charter Fee does not include scuba diving or equipment, premium beverages or fine wines, excessive alcohol consumption, off yacht excursions, dockage at guests request, phone expense, airport or inter island transfers, or similar expenses.
These “plus expenses” crewed yacht charters include the yacht and crew only, with all other expenses during the charter coming at an additional cost to the Charterer. These other expenses are paid via an upfront APA (advance provisioning allowance) and typically at 35% on top of the base Charter Fee.
These “plus expenses” charters exclude everything but the yacht and crew, such as fuel for the yacht and tender, all food requests, all beverage and bar requests, guest dockage requests during the charter, etc. Another key exclusion is the customary crew gratuity, with standard at 15 to 20% on top of the Charter Fee.
Charter deposits are considered non-refundable, except where specifically provided for within your charter contract. In the event of a cancellation on the part of the Charterer, and should the yacht rebook for all or a portion of the charter dates, deposits paid or a prorated portion thereof is available, less a 20% cancellation fee.
Trip Insurance is suggested year round and particularly if chartering during hurricane season in order to protect your charter investment. The choice of whether or not to secure trip insurance and the insurance source you choose is always at your discretion, but some industry recommended sources will be made available for consideration.
Yes. Christmas and New Year’s charters have premium rates due to the popularity of these weeks. These premiums are typically at least 10% on top and can go up quickly based on yacht & crew popularity, etc. New Year’s charters are often more expensive than Christmas charters.
Most yachts offer 6 night charters at a prorated rate. To determine 6 night rates, the industry divides the weekly rate by 7 and multiplies by 6. To determine 5 night rates, the industry divides the weekly rate by 6 and multiplies by 5. Due to this calculation, the difference between 5 and 6 nights is minimal.
The cost table provided represents typical charter rate ranges, but there are occasionally available yachts which may charter for less. Some yachts may be offering published specials or you can consider a 6 night charter at a prorated rate.
No. The owners and management companies set the rates for the crewed yachts within the fleet. All yachts therefore have "published rates" that do not vary based on how the charter is booked or who books it. The yachts are priced according to the size and age of the yacht along with the popularity of the crew, etc.
Some yachts offer a half-board charter or a local-fare charter, both providing a small discount for at least 3 to 6 meals taken ashore. The discount provided is often not enough to pay for the meals taken ashore and this type of charter is therefore suited for those who simply enjoy dining ashore.
Some of the yachts in the fleet offer a published half-board charter rate. Usually this means that a combination of lunches and dinners are taken ashore at the clients expense, typically one meal per day with a corresponding small discount in the rate.
Some of the yachts in the fleet offer a published local-fare charter. Usually this means that a combination of lunches and dinners are taken ashore at the clients expense, typically 3 meals during the charter with a corresponding small discount in rate.
For a majority of crewed yachts in the fleet, the summer season or what used to be the “low season” runs from May 1 through December 14 and winter season or what used to be the “high season” runs from December 15 through April 30. Most crewed yachts now operate on a year round rate.
Yes. Sailing catamarans are the only yacht style available within the affordable $20,000 to $35,000 range. In the mid-range of $35,000 to $50,000, you’ll find a wide assortment of sailing catamarans and a handful of power catamarans. High-end yachts that start at $50,000 include sailing and power catamarans plus all motor yachts options.
Yes.The BVI offers the most affordable pricing as this destination offers the most all-inclusive yachts within the $35,000 mark. Charters in St. Maarten/St. Barts or the Grenadines are typically plus cruising taxes/permits. Charters in the Bahamas tend to be most expensive due to a 4% Government tax plus 10% Vat tax on top.
No. We only offer charters with at least a Professional Captain and Chef aboard. While some of the crewed yachts may note a “Captain-Only” rate within their rate details on their yacht e-brochure, please note that Carefree Yacht Charters does not book these types of charters for our clients.
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