For families, friends and the people who plan their travel
Know what a crewed yacht charter really costs before you speak to a broker
TL;DR: A crewed yacht charter's advertised weekly rate is often only 60–85% of what you'll pay in total. Vessel Vista shows you the rest (APA, taxes, gratuity, delivery), line by line, with real numbers. Read the free Charter Cost Brief, then, when you're ready, send one enquiry and an established charter brokerage replies with yachts available for your dates.
Get the free Charter Cost Brief Start a charter enquiry
Vessel Vista is an independent charter guide. Enquiries go to our partner brokerage, and we may earn a referral fee if you book. It doesn't change your price. How this works.
The number on the listing isn't the number you pay
A yacht listed at $40,000 a week commonly costs $52,000 or more by the time you step off. Nothing is hidden, but it's spread across four lines that listings rarely put side by side:
| Line | What it is | Typical size |
|---|---|---|
| Charter fee | The yacht and crew for the week | The listed rate |
| APA | An advance for fuel, food, drinks and dockage, reconciled at the end | 0% on all-inclusive terms, 25–40% on most motor yachts |
| Taxes and permits | Set by the country you cruise in | Varies by destination |
| Crew gratuity | Customary, handed to the captain | 10–20% of the charter fee |
Most first-time charterers learn this from the contract. We'd rather you learn it here. Full breakdown with worked examples: what a Bahamas yacht charter costs.
Where to start: the Bahamas
Clear, shallow water, hundreds of cays, and a short flight from the East Coast. The Exumas suit a first charter: calm anchorages that a crewed catamaran can reach and larger yachts can't. December to May is the main season.
Choosing the yacht
Crewed catamaran: steady at anchor, shallow draft, usually all-inclusive. Often the best value per guest.
Motor yacht: faster between islands, more crew, more space and more toys. Running costs sit in the APA.
See our overview of crewed yacht charters in the Bahamas.
When you're ready: one enquiry
Tell us where, when, how many guests and a budget range. Your enquiry goes to our partner brokerage, which checks live availability and replies with a shortlist of yachts and their full estimated cost.
Why it costs you nothing: yacht owners pay brokerage commission out of the charter fee. The rate you're quoted is the same whether you come through Vessel Vista or go direct.
Our enquiry terms, in plain words:
- No fee to enquire, and no obligation to book.
- Your details go to our partner brokerage and no one else. We never sell them.
- Nothing is confirmed until you sign a charter contract.
- The Cost Brief emails stop the moment you unsubscribe: one click.
On timing: holiday weeks (Christmas, New Year and Easter) are usually booked 6–12 months ahead. That's the only reason to enquire early.
Questions people ask first
Do I pay more by enquiring through Vessel Vista?
No. Our referral fee comes from the brokerage's commission, which the yacht owner pays. See our affiliate disclosure.
Who do I actually book with?
With the brokerage, under a written charter contract. We don't take payments or sign contracts. See how it works.
What's the least a crewed week costs?
Crewed sailing catamarans in the Bahamas start around $20,000 a week before gratuity. Motor yachts over 80 feet usually start around $50,000 plus APA.
Before you go: if you're months away from deciding, the Charter Cost Brief is the useful next step. If you have dates in mind, start a charter enquiry and let a broker check availability.