Yacht Charters, Explained: Finding the Right Broker

In the Caribbean, gratuity is considered a standard part of charter culture, particularly in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and surrounding waters.

• Typical gratuity rate: 15-20% of the charter fee
• How it’s calculated: Based on the total charter rate for fully crewed, all-inclusive charters
• Flexibility: Can be adjusted slightly higher or lower depending on service quality and guest satisfaction
• For example, on a $40,000 Caribbean charter, budget $6,000 to $8,000 for crew gratuity.
• Caribbean yacht crews often go above and beyond, creating tailored itineraries, cooking custom meals, and providing hands-on water sports instruction. Because of this service-intensive experience, gratuities in the Caribbean are generally on the higher side compared to other regions.

In Greece and the Mediterranean, tipping culture is slightly different from the Caribbean.

• Typical gratuity rate: 10 to 15% of the charter fee, adjusted to reflect the service you received.
• Base rate vs. APA: Gratuity is calculated on the base charter fee, not on the APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance)
• Regional norm: Applies primarily to catamarans and sailing yachts operating in the Mediterranean

Greek yacht charters often provide incredible itineraries through the Cyclades or Ionian Islands, with professional crews delivering attentive service. While 10-15% is considered standard, some guests may choose to give more when service has exceeded expectations.

Luxury motor yachts often have larger crews and operate under slightly different gratuity structures.

• Recommended gratuity rate: 10–20% of the charter fee
• What’s excluded: APA costs (fuel, dockage, provisions) are not included in the gratuity calculation
• Variation: The gratuity amount can depend on yacht size and the number of crew
• International practice: These guidelines are recognized across popular destinations including the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Bahamas, and beyond

Because motor yacht crews can be much larger, gratuity is pooled and distributed evenly, ensuring everyone from the captain to the stewardess is acknowledged for their role in making the charter seamless.

Guests often wonder how their gratuity is divided. The captain is typically responsible for allocating gratuity fairly among the crew. This ensures that all team members — from chefs and deckhands to engineers and stews — are recognized for their hard work. It is common on most charters for the gratuity to be split evenly among all crew members.

Gratuity can be given in several ways, depending on what is most convenient for the guests and crew:

• Cash – Preferred by most crews for immediate distribution
• Wire transfer – Can be arranged through your charter broker
• PayPal or Venmo – Accepted in some cases, depending on the country your crew has banking
• Credit card – Sometimes processed through the broker or clearinghouse or even onboard.
• Pre-arranged payment – Organized in advance, especially for larger motor yachts

Your broker can assist in arranging the most suitable payment method before or at the end of your charter.

The standard gratuity for yacht crew ranges from 10 to 20% of the charter fee, depending on the destination and level of service. In the Caribbean and Bahamas, gratuities are typically 15 to 20%, while in the Mediterranean and Europe, the standard is 10 to 15%.

For a detailed breakdown of tipping practices by region, visit our full Yacht Crew Gratuity Guide.