Common questions about yacht charter costs.
Base rate, APA, VAT, gratuity, deposits and hidden extras — a transparent breakdown of what a private yacht charter actually costs.
What is included in the base yacht charter rate?
The base rate covers the yacht itself, full professional crew (captain, chef, deckhands, stewardesses), standard insurance, and onboard water toys such as paddleboards, kayaks, and snorkelling gear. Fuel, food, beverages, port fees, and marina berthing are charged separately through the APA.
What is APA and how much is it?
APA stands for Advance Provisioning Allowance. It is an upfront deposit — typically 20–30% of the base charter rate — used to cover fuel, food, drinks, port fees, and any special requests during your trip. At the end of the charter, the captain presents receipts. Any unused APA is refunded; any overspend is settled before disembarkation.
How much VAT do I pay on a yacht charter?
VAT depends on the flag state and cruising area. Croatia charges 13%, Greece 12%, France 20%, Italy 22%, and the British Virgin Islands 0%. Your concierge manager calculates the exact amount before you sign the charter agreement so there are no surprises.
How much should I tip the crew?
Crew gratuity is discretionary but customary in yacht charter. Industry standard is 10–15% of the base charter rate, delivered in cash to the captain at the end of the week. The captain distributes it among the crew according to their role and performance. Exceptional service may warrant 20%.
When do I pay the deposit and final balance?
A 50% deposit secures the yacht when you sign the charter agreement. The remaining 50% is due 30 days before embarkation, along with the full APA. For last-minute bookings, full payment may be required at reservation. We accept bank transfer and card.
Are there any hidden costs I should know about?
Reputable brokers disclose all costs upfront. Beyond base rate and APA, possible extras include delivery fees (if embarking outside the yacht's home port), private dockage at premium marinas, onshore excursions, and communications. Your concierge provides a line-by-line estimate before booking.
Need a line-by-line estimate for a specific yacht and itinerary? Your concierge manager will prepare one before you sign.