How to Work with a Yacht Charter Broker & Choose the Right One

Complete Guide to Services, Fees & Selection

Yacht charter brokers act as specialized consultants, helping you find and secure the perfect yacht for your vacation. From understanding fees to choosing between independent and fleet-affiliated brokers, here’s everything you need to know about working with a professional yacht charter broker.

For more on how brokers compare to yacht charter search engines, see our article: Yacht Charter Search Engines: How Brokers Add Real Value →

Category: Fishing

Top fishing areas include the North Drop (famous for marlin), Anegada waters for bonefish and permit, and Cooper Island drop-offs for yellowtail. Your crew will help choose the best spots for the season.

Category: Fishing

The BVI lobster season runs from November through July. Lobster harvesting is closed from August through October each year.

Get lobster season rules and local regulations in our Complete BVI Yacht Fishing Guide.
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Category: Fishing

Pelagic species such as tuna, mahi mahi, wahoo, marlin, and sailfish are always considered safe to catch. Some reef fish may carry ciguatera toxins, so our crew will guide you on safe species.

For a full list of species, safe zones, and fishing tips, visit our Complete BVI Yacht Fishing Guide
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Category: Fishing

Many yachts supply basic equipment, but avid anglers often bring their own rods and reels. Popular gear includes rigged lures, feather jigs, silver spoons, and sabiki rigs for baitfish.

See full equipment recommendations in our Complete BVI Yacht Fishing Guide
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Category: Fishing

Fishing is a popular activity on BVI yacht charters, but you’ll need the right permits and to follow local rules. All guests who plan to fish during a BVI yacht charter must have a valid BVI fishing permit. Your crew or the Epic Yacht Charters team can arrange BVI fishing licenses for guests in advance to ensure you comply with local regulations, and they’ll guide you on equipment and safe fishing practices.

 

How Epic’s Broker Expertise Works

Epic Yacht Charters deliberately maintains a selective portfolio of vessels we’ve personally vetted and trust. Our approach includes:

First-Hand Yacht Inspections at International Shows

We personally inspect vessels at major yacht shows in Fort Lauderdale, Greece, Virgin Islands, Antigua, and other key events. This means we’ve been aboard the yachts we recommend, walked through the cabins, met the crews, and assessed actual condition—not just reviewed specifications.

Direct Relationships with Captains & Crews

We maintain ongoing relationships with charter captains and crew worldwide. These connections give us real-time insights into yacht operations, crew changes, recent upgrades, and current maintenance status that never appear in public listings.

Yacht broker having conversation with charter catamaran captain on deck
Michelle in conversation with a charter yacht captain – the direct relationships that provide real-time insights into yacht operations, crew professionalism, and service quality

Quality Over Volume Philosophy

Epic doesn’t chase every listing or maximize yacht count. We curate a portfolio of vessels we genuinely trust based on consistent performance, crew excellence, and guest satisfaction.

Honest, Unbiased Recommendations

We recommend vessels solely based on client fit, not inventory pressure. If a yacht isn’t right for your group—even if it’s available and within budget—we won’t suggest it.

Insider Knowledge of Performance & Suitability

We know which yachts have the smoothest rides in open water, which crews are exceptional with young children, which vessels offer the most flexible itineraries, and which charters consistently exceed guest expectations.

Thorough yacht broker research provides the confidence to book a yacht that truly fits your vision. With expertise built on inspections, crew interviews, and ongoing industry knowledge, brokers help you make informed decisions and enjoy a stress-free, exceptional charter experience.

Part of our expertise includes helping you understand different charter models—from fully crewed to captain-only, cabin charters to tandem configurations.

When you contact Epic, we begin with understanding your group’s unique needs, then curate a short-list of yachts we’ve personally vetted and believe will exceed your expectations. Every recommendation is backed by first-hand knowledge, current intelligence, and our commitment to transparency and quality over volume.

Maxita
Premium
Location: Croatia
129' Motor Sailer - 12 guests

From €75,000/week

Plus Expenses

Plus Expenses or APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance)

The charter rate shown includes the use of the charter yacht, professional crew and onboard equipment.

All other daily expenses, that are not included in the base rate, will be covered with an Advanced Provisioning Payment (APA). This is collected before the charter commences.

APA expenses include fuel for both the yacht and tender, provisions, dockage, moorings, airport transfers, cruising permits and taxes, scuba diving and onshore excursions.

The APA payment is typically 20%-25% of the base charter rate for sailing yachts and 30%-35% for motor yachts. Your captain will purchase provisions, taxes, fuel etc for the charter using the APA and will keep all receipts along with a running log of expenses. This can be viewed at any time during your charter.

Any APA that has not been spent will be returned to you at the end of the charter. If during the charter, expenses exceed the APA, additional funds will need to be submitted. Your captain will update and advise you if any further payment is required. This will need to be paid before you disembark.

Crew Gratuity is separate and is typically 15%-20% of the charter rate. This should be given to your captain at the end of your charter.

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Akasti
Premium
Location: Greece
87' Motor Yacht - 8 Guests

From €55,000/week

Epic choice Plus Expenses

Plus Expenses or APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance)

The charter rate shown includes the use of the charter yacht, professional crew and onboard equipment.

All other daily expenses, that are not included in the base rate, will be covered with an Advanced Provisioning Payment (APA). This is collected before the charter commences.

APA expenses include fuel for both the yacht and tender, provisions, dockage, moorings, airport transfers, cruising permits and taxes, scuba diving and onshore excursions.

The APA payment is typically 20%-25% of the base charter rate for sailing yachts and 30%-35% for motor yachts. Your captain will purchase provisions, taxes, fuel etc for the charter using the APA and will keep all receipts along with a running log of expenses. This can be viewed at any time during your charter.

Any APA that has not been spent will be returned to you at the end of the charter. If during the charter, expenses exceed the APA, additional funds will need to be submitted. Your captain will update and advise you if any further payment is required. This will need to be paid before you disembark.

Crew Gratuity is separate and is typically 15%-20% of the charter rate. This should be given to your captain at the end of your charter.

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Aeolus 77
Epic Yacht Charters
Average rating:  
 31 reviews
 by June 2026 Charter Guests-Family
We Will Be Back!

A dream vacation with our family is the best experience ever. Thank you so much for your hospitality and kindness. The food, drinks, video, and laughter made a lifetime of memories.

We will be back!

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Location: British Virgin Islands
77′ Sailing Catamaran - 8 Guests

From $84,000/week

Scuba All Inclusive

All Inclusive

The charter rate shown includes the use of the charter yacht with professional crew and onboard equipment.

Also included are all meals and snacks onboard, all beverages from the yachts fully stocked bar along with tea, coffee and non-alcoholic drinks. All water sport activities provided by the yacht and fuel for both the yacht and tender.

Excluded in the rate are airport transfers, shore activities such as shopping, dining or special off yacht activities, port fees, park permits and fishing permits in certain locations. Any premium liquor, wines and champagne that not normally stocked and excessive alcohol consumption will be an additional charge.

Crew Gratuity is separate and is typically 15%-20% of the charter rate. This should be given to your captain at the end of your charter.

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Travel Agents
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Looking for more options?

Our main collection features a hand-picked selection of truly exceptional yachts — chosen for their quality, crew, and overall charter experience. If you’d like to explore a broader range of yachts across additional destinations, you can view our full worldwide charter portfolio.