Unlock Your Yacht Charter Vacation: A Guide to Budgets & Everything You Need to Know!
As Accredited CYBA yacht charter brokers with over 25 years of full-time experience in the captivating British Virgin Islands, Capt. Randy & Shelly Tucker understand the allure of sailing these waters. Our first crewed yacht charter trip to the Virgin Islands was in 1992; it changed both our lives as well as our careers!
Our passion lies in helping you find the perfect yacht for your dream vacation, and that starts with understanding your budget and needs. Let's get started!
Deciphering the Costs of a Yacht Charter Vacation:
All-Inclusive vs. Plus Expenses
Many clients wonder about the true cost of crewed yacht charters. Fear not, as we're here to demystify the process. There are two main types of charters:
All-Inclusive Yacht Charters: Your Guide to Caribbean & Mediterranean Yacht Charter Costs
All-Inclusive: These charters offer a truly carefree experience, where everything is included in the price, except for gratuities. You can expect:
8 Days & 7 Nights: Enjoy a full week on board beginning on any day of the week you choose, perfect for soaking up the beauty of the islands.
Captain & Crew: Experienced professionals will navigate the waters and cater to your every need.
Delicious Meals: Savor freshly prepared breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including appetizers and dessert.
Bar Service: Enjoy a selection of beers, wines, spirits, and cocktails.
Fuel & Operational Costs: All fuel for the yacht and dinghy, as well as taxes, permits, and mooring fees are covered.
Water Sports Equipment: Enjoy complimentary access to the yacht's water sports gear. Scuba Diving is the exception, so if you want diving included in your charter, specify it from the beginning.
What's Not Included:
Crew Gratuities: A 15-20% gratuity is customary for exceptional service onboard a yacht in the Caribbean. It's a great way to show appreciation for the crew's hard work. If you choose to tip the crew more, they will be overjoyed; but your CYBA charter contract will specify 15%-20% as the customary gratuity. Tipping is at your discretion based on the professional service received & can be given to the Captain at the end of the charter in a Thank-you card. Don't worry, the Captain will distribute the tip to the Crew.
Scuba Diving: This may incur additional charges for diving or instruction. Some yachts are not insured or qualified to allow diving onboard.
Premium Beverages or Fine Wines: While the standard bar is included and is usually top-shelf, specific requests for vintage wines and spirits may incur additional costs.
Expenses Ashore: Expenses like drinks & meals incurred off the yacht or personal requests to spend the night at the dock are the client's responsibility.
Transportation: Flights, transfers, and taxis are not included in the charter fee.
Plus Expenses Yacht Charters:
The Basics are Included: These charters include the yacht and crew, but all other expenses are additional.
APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance): This charge typically adds 20%-35% to the base rate of the charter fee and includes:
Food & Beverage Requests: Customize your culinary experience with a variety of options.
Standard Bar Requests: Stock the bar with your preferred beverages.
Fuel & Tender Costs: Cover all fuel needs for your yacht and dinghy.
Dockage Fees: Enjoy flexibility with dockage requests during your charter.
Additional Expenses:
Gratuities: A 15-20% Gratuity is standard for the crew.
Potential Expenses: If your requests exceed the APA, you may need to provide additional funds. Any unused funds will be returned to you or it can be allocated toward crew gratuity if desired.
Good To Know: Many high-end yachts with multiple, large diesel engines utilize APA's because of fuel costs.
The standard rule of thumb for figuring a Plus Expenses Charter is to multiply the base rate by 1.55.
If your group loves the "absolute best of everything" the luxury Motor Yachts recommend a 30-35% APA.
Sort by Budget: Finding Your Perfect Charter Yacht Vacation
Let's Break Down the Choices of Charter Yachts Based on Budget: See the Links!
Budget-Friendly Sailing Catamarans: From $15,000 to $20,000 per week, most are All-Inclusive; but some are "Captain Only" and you do the provisioning & cooking!
Affordable Sailing Catamarans: From $20,000 to $25,000 per week All-inclusive.
Mid-Range Sailing Catamarans: From $26,000 to $34,000 per week All-Inclusive
Premium Sailing Catamarans: From $35,000 to $49,000 per week All-Inclusive
Luxury Sailing Catamarans: From $50,000 to over $100K+
Power Catamarans: These fast cats are generally newer, starting from $17,650 for 2 guests per week up to $100K+
Sailboats / Monohulls: Modern yachts for the traditional sailing enthusiast from $15,000 to $100K+
Luxury Motor Yachts: For the ultimate indulgence, these yachts offer premium experiences starting from $50,000 per week and most are Plus Expenses
Factors Affecting Your Charter Cost:
Number of Guests: Rates are based on the total number of guests, not cabins.
Seasons: Winter season, typically May 1 to December 14, usually has higher rates than Summer season, which is December 15 to April 30.
The Week of New Year: The most expensive week of the year on a yacht with premium surcharge and set dates.
The Week of Christmas: A little less expensive than New Year; but you must book early!
The Week of Thanksgiving: No surcharge or premium rates. Its one of our favorite weeks due to the yachts having just completed the charter yacht shows and everything onboard is fresh.
Destination: The USVI & BVI offers the widest variety of affordable to mid-range to luxury charter yachts. Other destinations, like St. Maarten, St. Barts, and the Grenadines, may have higher costs. Some areas such as the Belize and the Bahamas charge a government VAT.
Rate Increases: Yachts may increase the cost of a charter without notice, so lock in your rate and vacation date with a signed CYBA charter contract and a deposit payment to prevent a cost increase.
Trip Insurance: It has become more important; but is not required in most cases. Adding 5% to 6% to the cost of your charter, we will discuss options for trip insurance.
Ways to Lower the Cost of a Crewed Yacht Charter:
Charter Duration: Consider shorter charters of 6 or 5 nights for budget-conscious options. But keep in mind that the overall cost per night is a little more & you will not get to see every island that you want to enjoy.
For charters of 6 nights, use the 6/7ths Rule or six sevenths of the weekly rate: The weekly rate divided by 7, times 6.
For charters of 5 nights: dividing the weekly rate by 6, then multiplying that figure by 5 nights.
Have Meals Ashore for a Discount: If you know your group wants to eat out, you can choose Local Fare or Half Board Meal Options. This is great suggestion for experiencing the local culture and customs of the Virgin Islands. It varies by yacht, so inquire! But the disadvantage is you may discover the meals created by your chef onboard the yacht are your preference!
See our News & Deals Page! Updated on the 1st Day each Month!
Let's Make Your Dream Yacht Charter Vacation a Reality
We're here to help you navigate the world of yacht charters, from understanding costs to selecting the perfect yacht for your budget and preferences. Contact us today for a personalized consultation and let's embark on your unforgettable Caribbean adventure!
~Capt. Randy & Shelly
-Your Charter Yacht Vacation Expert & Concierge!
CYBA Accredited Yacht Charter Brokers: Capt. Randy & Shelly Tucker
If you want to experience a luxury yacht charter vacation first hand and up close, there is no better way than on your own privately crewed yacht with a full-time professional Captain and Chef/First Mate. We've been sailing and chartering for well over thirty years.
How We Got Started:
Yacht Charters Guru CYBA Accredited Brokers Captain Randy and Shelly Tucker
The U.S. Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands were our "backyard" which we came to love and cherish. So much so, that we sold everything in 1997, became a USCG licensed Captain and moved to Charlotte Amalie, USVI as owners & operators aboard the 72' sailing yacht. We do know the ins and outs of this special place & the people who live there. That's what makes us an official "Yacht Charters Guru”!
Never been on a chartered yacht vacation? We will help you personally design your charter yacht vacation in the Caribbean or Mediterranean! Imagine being able to sail into small bays with beautiful white sands & fantastic snorkeling. A yacht vacation is a great way to spend quality time with your friends or family!
Why use a CYBA Accredited Yacht Charter Broker?
BE SAVVY WITH YOUR YACHT CHARTER CONTRACT!
Is Your Charter Contract Real or Fake?
As a member of CYBA, the Charter Yacht Broker’s Association, we adhere to strict yacht charter booking protocols. We have access to the CYBA industry escrow account and E-Contract to protect your money. This is made available by CYBA for electronic use only by established, industry recognized and reputable Yacht Charter Brokers with a verifiable contract number at CYBA.net
Charter yacht owners, their hired crews and travel agents do not have access to this account. Check your contract verifcation number at CYBA.net
We have time to answer ALL your questions. If the crew are taking care of guests onboard, they honestly do not have time to answer a lot of questions.
This is what differentiates professional CYBA yacht charter brokers from anyone else trying to book a charter vacation.
Very Important! It is not safe to send your hard-earned money directly to a business or yacht that is not accredited by a professional charter industry association to handle yacht charter client funds. Always ask & verify!
We frequently receive compliments on how we've arranged our site, making it easy to see yachts within your price range. Choose from an extensive list of hand-picked yachts on our site that we have personally chosen to represent, including our spacious and stable catamaran charters, power catamarans, traditional monohull sailboat vacations, or high-end luxury motor yacht charters in the U.S. Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, Bahamas, Belize, Croatia. Greece, and the Mediterranean.
Yacht Charters Guru Does Not sell Yachts like many other agencies so there is no conflict or distraction in our focus for your yacht charter. Our service is free to you. We travel extensively to boat shows and yacht charter shows worldwide year-round to personally view and inspect as many of the charter yachts and the crews as possible.
Yacht Charters Guru is Proudly Accredited by These Professional Associations!
