Guide to Yacht Charter

Discover the Charter Experience

Guide to Yacht Charter

Thinking of Chartering a Yacht?

Enlist the experts right from the start.

Whether you’ve holidayed on yachts all your life or have decided to try yacht charter for the first time, our team will help guide you through the whole process, from selecting the perfect yacht for your charter group, negotiating the best rate, and planning your itinerary to the last detail. Making sure every part of the process is as fun and effortless as the experience you’ll have on board.

In this guide to yacht charter, our team of specialists answer some of the most frequently asked questions from first-time charterers.

Yacht Charter The Basics

Guide to Yacht Charter

Yacht Charter The Basics

The Basics of Yacht Charter

What is Yacht Charter?

Yacht Charter is the most bespoke vacation you can possibly imagine. Whether you want to get the family together for a landmark celebration, explore the beaches and boutiques of the Mediterranean, or go off-grid on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, renting a luxury superyacht will allow you to do it in total privacy, safety and comfort, with unrivalled personal service and cuisine.

The Basics of Yacht Charter

What Time of Year Can I Charter?

Traditionally, yachting has two main seasons: summer and winter. The summer season, when many yachts head to the Mediterranean, begins in May and ends in October, while the winter season, which is traditionally centered around the Caribbean, runs from November until April, with Christmas and New Year being peak season. Booking at the start and end of these seasons (the shoulder season) is a great option for charter guests who want to avoid crowds, and often there is more flexibility on rates and a wider choice available during these periods.

The Basics of Yacht Charter

How Far in Advance Should I Book?

If you’re booking for Christmas/New Year or during school holidays, or have a particular yacht in mind, you’ll have the best choice if you book 6 to 10 months in advance. For other times of year, it’s good to start speaking to your charter specialist 3-6 months before you plan to cruise. That said, the Y.CO charter team has exclusive access to the best dates on the most popular yachts – even those not advertised publicly, and can advise on availability and special offers, however last-minute you plan to go.

The Basics of Yacht Charter

Where Can I Charter?

This is a question our Charter Specialists are asked all the time - and the answer is, just about anywhere! Y.CO has a fleet of yachts all over the world – from the Mediterranean to Indonesia, from the Bahamas to Antarctica. That said, during yachting’s summer season, the Mediterranean is very popular, while a lot of our Clients head the Bahamas or Caribbean during the Winter months.

Our Yacht Charter Destinations

Popular Yacht Charter Destinations

Discover Where Yacht Charter Can Take You

Island hopping in Croatia. Sun Soaked days in the Exuma Cays. Swimming with Rays in the Cocos Islands. Heliskiing Greenlandic glaciers. Whatever your perfect yachting vacation, we've got the destination to match. Here are some of our most exciting yacht charter destinations.

West Med

Yacht Charter Destination

West Med

There’s nowhere like the West Mediterranean. A starry constellation of superyacht hotspots, blissful beaches and island escapes. Say hello (or bonjour, buongiorno or buenos dias) to sun, sea and sass.

West Mediterranean
East Med

Yacht Charter Destination

East Med

From the Greek Islands to Turkey and Croatia. The East Mediterranean has more islands than the entire Caribbean. Welcome aboard.

Explore
Caribbean

Yacht Charter Destination

Caribbean

Welcome to 7,000 islands. To rum, sun and fun. To hammocks strung between coconut trees. To snow white sand and lapis lazuli seas. In short, welcome to paradise on earth.

The Bahamas

Yacht Charter Destination

The Bahamas

700 sandy islands scattered over 100,000 miles of ocean. Discover why NASA Astronaut Scott Kelly described The Bahamas as “the most beautiful place from space.”

Explore
Antarctica

Yacht Charter Destination

Antarctica

Join the select few who have travelled 66 degrees south and discover the wildest, most remote place on our planet.

North America

Yacht Charter Destination

North America

To charter a yacht in North America is to cruise a continent. The adventures aren’t bucket list. They’re once-in-a-lifetime

The Maldives

Yacht Charter Destination

The Maldives

The Maldives are, quite simply, a nature-designed heaven-on-earth. Almost every one of the country’s 1,200 islands boasts a world-class white powder beach

French Polynesia

Yacht Charter Destination

French Polynesia

French Polynesia offers fine dining and deep water diving in abundance. Snorkel UNESCO protected reefs. Kayak to powder-sand beaches Saunter through vanilla plantations. Swim with sharks and mantas.

Northern Europe

Yacht Charter Destination

Northern Europe

Fairytale landscapes. Cutting edge capitals. Culture, cuisine and nature in abundance.

About Your Yacht

Guide to Yacht Charter

About Your Yacht

About Your Yacht

How Do I Pick a Yacht?

Your charter specialist will work with you to establish what kind of yacht will best suit you, depending on factors like your budget, how many people you are bringing with you and the types of activities you’d like to do. After an informal chat with you to find out what you’re hoping to achieve, they will select a personalised shortlist of yachts for you to review. Whether you want to relax and unwind, keep the family entertained with water toys or do a specialist activity such as scuba diving, our team will help select the perfect yacht for you.

View All Charter Yachts

Popular Yachts for Charter

Discover Our Yachts

Kenshō

Kenshō

  • 75 M

  • 12 Guests

  • 2022

From €900,000  p/w
Vertigo

Vertigo

  • 67 M

  • 12 Guests

  • 2011

Please enquire
Nautilus

Nautilus

  • 73 M

  • 12 Guests

  • 2014

Please enquire
Driftwood

Driftwood

  • 55 M

  • 12 Guests

  • 2017

From $340,000  p/w
Samsara

Samsara

  • 89 M

  • 12 Guests

  • 2015

From $1,100,000  p/w
Galene

Galene

  • 55 M

  • 12 Guests

  • 2020

From $300,000  p/w

About Your Yacht

How Many People Can Come?

The yachts Y.CO represents range from 24 metres (79’) to over 100 metres (328’) and most have accommodation for up to 12 guests, though we do also offer some larger yachts which accommodate 22 guests or more. The wide variety of what’s on offer makes yacht charter a great option whether you’re holidaying as a couple, a group of friends or a large multi-generational family.

About Your Yacht

What Can I do on Board?

That really depends on you and your charter group! Your charter specialist will help you plan your itinerary in advance, which includes arranging shoreside activities or restaurant reservations ashore, depending on your preferences. Your crew can also arrange beach picnics and tender excursions depending on your destination. While on board, there’s plenty to do, and all yachts have ample space for soaking up the sun, many with Jacuzzis or even onboard pools. Many yachts have gyms, spas and masseuses on board, to help you really unwind. If you’re travelling with family, a yacht with a great selection of water toys and facilities like an onboard movie room (or open-air cinema) can help keep the youngest guests entertained.

Charter Rates Explained

Guide to Yacht Charter

Charter Rates Explained

Charter Rates Explained

How Much Does it Cost to Charter a Yacht?

Chartering a yacht can cost anything from 50,000 EUR per week to over 1,000,000 EUR per week. Most of the time, charter rates are quoted by the week, with prices varying from yacht to yacht, depending on things like size, year built and amenities. Many yachts have higher rates during peak season - July, August and the Christmas/New Year period - and lower rates at other times of year.

Charter Rates Explained

Do I Have to Pay Anything Else on Top of the Quoted Charter Rate?

The rate that you see online covers the hire of the yacht and the crew and the owner’s insurance, and there may be additional costs on top, including fuel, dockage and provisioning and depending on the destination, taxes, VAT and delivery fees. To cover expenses, an Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA) – usually around 25 – 30% of the charter rate - is collected ahead of the charter and is managed by the captain who keeps a detailed summary of expenditure, which is presented to you at the end of your charter. Any unspent funds are refunded to you.

Charter Rates Explained

Should I Tip the Crew?

If you feel you have received good service during your stay on board, you may decide to leave your crew a gratuity. While all tipping is entirely discretionary, the customary rate is 10 – 15% of the base charter fee.

Every Detail Covered

Guide to Yacht Charter

Every Detail Covered

Every Detail Covered

Are Y.CO Yachts Crewed?

All yachts that Y.CO represents for charter have a professional crew on board, which will usually include a captain, engineer, deck crew, service/interior crew and a chef. Your Y.CO charter specialist will be able to provide a full crew profile ahead of your charter.

Every Detail Covered

Can I Choose the Menu?

Yes, and much more! Your Y.CO Charter Specialist will run through a charter preference sheet, which details your likes and dislikes. This includes everything from the types of food and beverages that you’d like to be served to the colour of the flowers and the activities you want to do on board. The yacht’s chef and interior team will purchase all the provisions using the funds from the Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA).

Every Detail Covered

Will there be WiFi on Board?

Almost every yacht that Y.CO represents for charter will have WiFi connection on board, but if staying connected is particularly important for you, then let your Y.CO charter specialist know so that extra arrangements can be made if necessary.

Every Detail Covered

Can I Change the Itinerary?

Your itinerary is planned in advance between yourself, your charter broker and captain, using their recommendations and local knowledge and any requests that you have. Like everything on board, it is flexible around your preferences, so if you want to throw an impromptu BBQ on a deserted beach or stay an extra night in a certain location, then let your captain know, and they will always try to accommodate your requests.

Every Detail Covered

What if there is Bad Weather?

Staying on board a private yacht is unique in that it allows you to reposition to take into account different weather conditions such as sunshine and wind. Your captain will always have an accurate weather forecast and will adjust your itinerary accordingly. Greyer days can provide the perfect opportunity to explore local shops and restaurants ashore.

Every Detail Covered

Are there Medical Facilities on Board?

Safety is the crew’s number one priority and all crew on board are trained in first aid and CPR. All yachts carry lifesaving equipment on board, and most have remote access to doctors ashore via telemedicine contracts. Yachts that cruise to remote locations often also carry advanced medical facilities with trained medics on board.

Every Detail Covered

Is there a Minimum Age for Guests?

No, in fact yacht charter is a fantastic option for a family holiday. If you’re planning to bring small children on board, let your Y.CO charter specialist know, and they can recommend yachts that have features like adjoining cabins, child safety netting or movie rooms on board.

Every Detail Covered

Can I Smoke?

Most yachts are non-smoking, at least in the interior areas, though a few have designated smoking zones out on deck. Your Y.CO Charter Specialist will be able to inform you of the individual smoking policies of different yachts when you are making your selection.

Every Detail Covered

Can I Wear Shoes?

Most yachts don’t allow shoes to be worn on board, so that the teak decking and carpet is protected. Some yachts will allow you to wear boat shoes as long as they are clean and not worn ashore during your stay.

Your Privacy

We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, analyse our traffic and provide personalised marketing. You can choose whether to accept these, or reject all but essential cookies, according to our Cookie Policy.