Everything You Need to Know About Chartering a Boat (From a Luxury Travel Advisor Who's Done It)
Imagine waking up to the gentle sway of the sea, coffee in hand, as the sun rises over a quiet cove only accessible by boat. There’s no rush, no itinerary chiseled in stone—just a floating luxury villa, your family or friends, and the open water.
This is the beauty of chartering a private yacht or catamaran. It’s not just for celebrities or billionaires anymore (though it can be!), and it’s one of the most customizable, exclusive, and unforgettable ways to travel.
Whether you’re planning a milestone birthday, multi-generational family trip, or just want a taste of sea-sprayed freedom, here’s everything you need to know before booking your charter—plus why working with an experienced travel advisor (like us!) makes all the difference.
⚓️ Types of Boat Charters: What’s Right for You?
1. Crewed Charter (most popular for luxury travel)
This is the full-service experience. You get the boat plus a professional crew, including a captain and often a private chef, hostess, and deckhands. All you need to do is show up and relax.
✅ Best for: Families, friend groups, first-time charterers, milestone celebrations
🍽️ Meals, cleaning, and itinerary planning are all handled.
2. Bareboat Charter
You rent the boat without a crew, and you or someone in your group acts as the skipper (must be licensed). This option offers more freedom but requires sailing experience.
✅ Best for: Experienced sailors who want complete independence
⚠️ Licenses often required, and you'll be responsible for all logistics.
📍 Best Destinations for Chartering a Boat
The Caribbean (St. Barts, BVI, St. Lucia): Calm waters, island hopping, family-friendly.
Greece & Croatia: Stunning coastlines, rich culture, charming ports - ability to visit multiple destination on one trip
The Amalfi Coast & Sicily: Perfect for combining yachting with top notch dining and history.
French Polynesia: Remote, luxurious, and surreal in its beauty.
Turkey or Thailand: Unique culture-meets-coastline experiences.
🗓️ When to Book
For high season (summer in the Med, winter in the Caribbean), book 6–12 months in advance—especially for larger boats or specific weeks (like holidays or school breaks). Shoulder seasons (May-June, Sept-Oct) can offer great weather and better rates.
💰 What Does It Really Cost?
This varies dramatically depending on:
Size and type of vessel
Destination
Crew level and inclusions
Season
A fully crewed catamaran in the Caribbean might start at $15,000–$30,000/week, all-inclusive for 6–10 guests. A luxury motor yacht in the Med could range from $50,000 to $250,000+/week, plus expenses (APA).
🔑 Important: Most luxury charters use an APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance), typically 20–30% of the base rate, to cover fuel, food, alcohol, and port fees. This allows the crew to stock the boat and any leftover money will be returned and can be used toward extra fuel or gratuities.
🧳 What’s Included (and What’s Not)
Typically included:
The boat itself
Crew salaries
Standard amenities (paddleboards, snorkel gear, etc.)
Often additional:
Food and drink (sometimes included on catamarans and/or specific destinations)
Fuel and marina fees (especially for motor yachts)
Tips for crew (usually 10–20%)
Insurance or cancellation coverage
👨👩👧👦 Chartering with Kids? Absolutely.
As a family travel advisor, I’ve helped many clients plan kid-friendly charters—and I’ve done it with my own family, too. Look for boats with:
Netting or safety rails for toddlers
Crews who are amazing with kids
Plenty of shade and indoor space
Water toys and beach access
Some crews even include nannies or dive instructors. And yes—you can request kid-friendly menus, early dinners, and nap-friendly schedules.
🙋 Why Work With a Travel Advisor?
You could Google your way into a charter… but here’s the truth:
Booking a private yacht is not like reserving a hotel. It’s complex, personal, and full of details you don’t want to miss.
When you book a boat through a luxury travel advisor like me, you get:
🧭 Personalized recommendations based on your style, group size, and comfort level
📄 Contract reviews and transparency so you know exactly what you're paying for
🍝 Pre-trip concierge services (menus, itinerary planning, transfers, travel insurance, and more)
💬 Ongoing support before and during your trip
💎 Access to vetted fleets, captains, and off-market charters you won’t find online
And yes, we can tie your charter into a full itinerary: villa stays before or after, private tours in port, and more.
Final Word: If You’re Thinking About It… Do It.
Chartering a boat is luxury travel at its most intimate—a floating home base where you make your own rules and your own memories. Whether you’re exploring turquoise bays in the Caribbean or anchoring beneath a Croatian sunset, it’s an experience that stays with you forever.
Let’s talk about your dream charter—and I’ll handle the rest.
📩 Ready to plan your yacht escape?
Reach out to me for a personalized quote, destination match, and full-service support to make your charter effortless.
