6 Types of Yacht Charters: Complete Guide to Charter Models & Options

Introduction

6 Types of Yacht Charters: Complete Guide to Charter Models. Unlike traditional vacation rentals, yacht charters come in several distinct models, each offering different levels of service, crew involvement, and cost structures. Understanding these options helps you select the charter experience that perfectly matches your group’s preferences, budget, and desired level of involvement.
Whether you’re seeking white-glove service with a professional crew handling every detail, a hands-on sailing adventure with captain guidance, or a social cabin charter experience to meet fellow travelers, there’s a charter model designed for your vision. This comprehensive guide breaks down every type of yacht charter available, helping you make an informed decision for your luxury vacation on the water.

Fully Crewed & Inclusive Charter

What It Is

The fully crewed and inclusive charter represents the ultimate in luxury yacht vacations. This model originated in the Caribbean and remains the gold standard for travelers seeking effortless, pampered experiences on the water. Your charter fee covers not just the yacht, but a complete vacation package with professional crew and nearly all expenses included upfront.

What’s Included

Professional Crew:

• Captain with extensive local knowledge
• Private chef specializing in gourmet cuisine
• Stewardess for interior service (larger yachts)
• Deckhand for water activities and maintenance (larger yachts)
• Specialized crew like dive instructors (select yachts)

The Complete Package:

• Exclusive use of the entire yacht for your group
• All linens, towels, and luxury amenities
• Standard water toys and equipment (paddleboards, kayaks, snorkel gear)
• Three gourmet meals daily plus snacks and appetizers
• All beverages including standard bar with wine, beer, and spirits
• WiFi connectivity (where available)
• Fuel for standard cruising itinerary
• Marina fees for routine stops

What’s NOT Typically Included

While this charter model is comprehensive, a few items remain at your expense:

• Dining at shore restaurants (if you choose to go ashore)
• Premium or specialty wines and top-shelf spirits beyond standard bar
• Scuba diving in some cases (equipment rental, tank refills, certification courses)
• Special activities arranged ashore (guided tours, excursions, spa treatments)
• Dockage fees for special requests outside standard itinerary
• Crew gratuity (industry standard 15-20% of charter fee)

The Preference Sheet Process

Before your charter begins, you’ll complete a detailed preference sheet covering:

• Dietary requirements and restrictions
• Favorite foods and cuisines
• Beverage preferences
• Activity interests
• Wake-up times and meal schedules
• Special occasions or celebrations

Your chef uses this information to provision the yacht with exactly what you love, creating customized menus that feel personally designed for your group.

Service Level and Crew Expertise

Fully crewed charters offer the highest level of personalized service in the yacht charter industry. Professional crews excel at anticipating guest needs before they’re voiced—refilling drinks before glasses empty, preparing beach setups at secluded anchorages, timing meals perfectly with your activities, and adjusting itineraries based on your preferences.
Captains possess intimate knowledge of local waters, hidden anchorages, and the best snorkeling spots. Chefs often have culinary training and create restaurant-quality meals with elegant presentation. The crew’s attention to detail and genuine hospitality transform your charter from a boat rental into an unforgettable vacation experience.

Best For

Fully crewed and inclusive charters are ideal for:

• Families wanting stress-free vacations with children cared for
• Couples celebrating honeymoons, anniversaries, or special occasions
• Groups seeking luxury without managing details
• First-time charterers wanting full-service introduction to yachting
• Anyone prioritizing relaxation and pampering over budget concerns

Typical Charter Fee Range

Expect weekly rates from $20,000 for smaller Caribbean catamarans to $200,000+ for large luxury motor yachts in the Mediterranean. Most popular crewed charters range $30,000-$75,000 weekly, with final costs including gratuity bringing the total investment to roughly 115-120% of the base charter fee.

APA / Plus-Expenses Charter

What It Is

The Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA) or “plus-expenses” charter model is the traditional luxury yacht charter structure found throughout the Mediterranean and on high-end yachts worldwide. Instead of an all-inclusive fee, you pay the base charter fee plus a separate provisioning allowance that covers all operating expenses during your voyage.

How It Works

At final payment (typically 8 weeks before charter), you pay:
Full charter fee (covers yacht, crew, equipment, insurance)

APA amount (typically 25-40% of charter fee)

The captain manages the APA account like an operating budget, tracking every expense with receipts. At charter’s end, you receive detailed accounting, and any unused APA funds are refunded to you (typically within 2 weeks).

Why This Model Exists

The APA system provides complete transparency and flexibility. Since every charter’s expenses vary dramatically based on guest preferences—one group might cruise leisurely and dine aboard while another travels extensively and arranges elaborate shore activities—the APA ensures adequate funds for your specific charter without the limitations of a fixed all-inclusive budget.

What APA Covers

Your provisioning allowance funds all variable expenses:

• Fuel for yacht and tenders
• All food and beverage provisioning to your specifications
• Marina fees and dockage
• Shore excursions and activity arrangements
• Water sports equipment rentals beyond standard toys
• Communications (satellite phone, internet charges if applicable)
• Special services (massage therapists, entertainers, guides)

Complete Transparency

The hallmark of APA charters is absolute transparency. You see exactly where every dollar goes, with receipts for all expenditures. Mid-week accounting updates on longer charters keep you informed, and the captain discusses with you before the APA runs low (uncommon with proper planning).

Best For

APA charters suit:

• Guests who value complete transparency in expenses
• Those with specific preferences or premium taste in provisions
• Groups planning diverse activities or extensive travel
• Charterers comfortable with variable final costs
• Anyone who appreciates detailed accounting

For complete details on APA structure, payment terms, and accounting: See our comprehensive Yacht Charter Payment & APA Guide covering everything about this charter model.

Half-Board Charter

What It Is

A half-board charter provides a middle ground between all-inclusive convenience and the flexibility to explore dining ashore. This model reduces your charter fee by designating a specific number of meals to be taken at shoreside restaurants during your week, giving you both onboard luxury and opportunities to experience local cuisine and culture.
Standard Half-Board Configuration
Typical meal plan:

• 7 breakfasts aboard (every morning)
• 4 lunches aboard
• 3 dinners aboard
• Total: 3 lunches and 4 dinners ashore at your expense

Local Fare Variation

Some yachts offer a “local fare” option with fewer shore meals:

• 2 lunches ashore
• 1 dinner ashore

This variation provides slightly more onboard dining while still incorporating local restaurant experiences.

Cost Savings

Half-board charters typically reduce the weekly charter fee by $150.00 per person compared to fully inclusive rates, though the savings depend on your shore dining choices. Budget-conscious groups can select casual beach bars and local restaurants, while others might enjoy the flexibility to splurge at high-end establishments—you control the additional expense.

The Shore Dining Experience

Dining ashore offers unique benefits:

• Authentic local cuisine prepared by island chefs
• Romantic beachfront settings for sunset dinners
• Social atmosphere and people-watching
• Supporting local businesses and communities
• Variety beyond even the most talented yacht chef’s galley
• Your crew provides excellent recommendations for restaurants matching your preferences and can arrange reservations and transportation.

• 

Best For

Half-board charters are ideal for:

• Budget-conscious charterers seeking cost savings, although it is important to understand that you will typically spend more on full meals ashore then you would have paid for full-board on the yacht
• Groups who enjoy exploring local dining scenes
• Guests who’ve chartered before and want destination immersion
• Longer charters (10+ days) where meal variety becomes important
• Social groups who enjoy restaurant atmosphere

For detailed comparison of half-board versus full-board options: See our comprehensive Half-Board vs Full-Board Yacht Charter Guide with benefits, costs, and decision frameworks.

Captain-Only Charter

What It Is

A captain-only charter offers an intriguing hybrid: you rent a fully equipped yacht with a professional captain (and sometimes a mate), but you handle the provisioning, cooking, and housekeeping. Think of it as a bareboat charter with the safety, expertise, and licensing of a professional skipper aboard.

Captain’s Responsibilities

Your captain takes complete responsibility for:

• Navigation and boat handling
• Safety of vessel and passengers
• Route planning and weather monitoring
• All technical and mechanical issues
• Anchoring and docking procedures
• Local knowledge and recommendations

The captain may request assistance with specific tasks—helping raise sails, handling lines during docking, or pulling anchor. These tasks are fully explained and provide wonderful learning opportunities for those interested in sailing and seamanship.

Your Responsibilities

Unlike fully crewed charters, you manage:

• • Grocery shopping and provisioning (before or during charter)
  • All meal preparation and cooking
  • Interior cleaning and housekeeping
  • Dishes and galley cleanup
  • Laundry if extended charter
  • Caring for the captain (they’re part of your group for meals and provisions)

Captain Care Considerations

Since the captain ensures your safe enjoyment, proper care is important:

• • • Provide three meals daily for the captain
    • Include them in grocery provisioning
    • When dining ashore, either include captain or leave provisions/funds for their meal
    • Some captains cook one or two dinners during the week (discuss in advance)
    • Some will help with provisioning runs before you arrive (arrangements vary)

Cost Structure

Captain-only charters offer significant savings:

• • • • Lower base charter fee (captain services vs. full crew)
      • All expenses separate (fuel, provisions, dockage, etc.)
      • You control food and beverage budget completely
      • Captain gratuity at week’s end (typically 15% of charter fee)

Total investment is usually 40-60% of comparable fully crewed charter, depending on your provision choices and cruising style.

Learning Opportunities

Many captain-only charterers appreciate the educational aspect. Professional captains often share knowledge about sailing techniques, navigation, local waters, marine life, and seamanship. It’s like a private sailing course incorporated into your vacation—invaluable for those building sailing experience or considering yacht ownership.

Best For

Captain-only charters suit:

• • • • Experienced sailors wanting local expertise without full crew
      • Budget-conscious groups comfortable with cooking and cleaning
      • Families who enjoy working together and shared responsibilities
      • Those seeking hands-on sailing experience with professional guidance
      • Friends who don’t mind the work and enjoy group meal preparation

Important Considerations

This charter model requires realistic expectations:

• • • • Someone in your group must enjoy cooking
      • Shopping and cleaning take time from relaxation
      • Less polished service than fully crewed experience
      • Limited to moderate destinations (captain can’t navigate complex provisioning in foreign languages while you’re diving)

Cabin Charter

What It Is

Cabin charters offer yacht vacation experiences without chartering an entire vessel. Instead of booking the whole yacht, you reserve individual cabins—single, double, or sometimes even bunk-style shared cabins—on a yacht with other travelers. Each cabin includes private ensuite bathroom facilities, and you share common areas and the overall sailing experience with fellow guests.

How Cabin Charters Operate

Typical structure:

• • • • • Fixed Saturday-to-Saturday schedules (most common)
        • Alternatively, 5 PM Saturday to 10 AM following Saturday
        • Set itineraries covering popular routes and anchorages
        • Mixed group of travelers (typically 4-8 guests total depending on yacht)
        • Full professional crew (captain, chef, deckhand/stewardess)
        • Most meals aboard with several designated shore meals

Itinerary and Flexibility

Unlike private charters where you control the route, cabin charters follow pre-planned itineraries designed to showcase the region’s highlights. The captain may make minor adjustments for weather or sea conditions, but the general route remains fixed to ensure all guests experience the advertised destinations.
This reduced flexibility is offset by the advantage of expertly planned routes hitting the best anchorages, snorkeling spots, and local attractions—essentially a curated yacht vacation package.

Social Experience

Cabin charters attract solo travelers, couples, and small groups interested in meeting like-minded yacht enthusiasts. The shared experience often creates lasting friendships, with convivial dinners, group snorkeling adventures, and shared sundowner cocktails fostering camaraderie.
The social atmosphere makes cabin charters popular with:

• • • • • Solo travelers seeking companionship and shared experiences
        • Couples wanting to meet other sailing enthusiasts
        • Small friend groups (2-3 people) who enjoy larger social settings
        • Anyone open to the serendipity of meeting interesting people

Policies and Restrictions

Many cabin charter operations maintain specific policies:

• • • • • • Minimum age requirements (often 18+ or 21+)
          • No-children policies on many cabin charters
          • Shared responsibility for group dynamics
          • Respect for other guests’ privacy and space

These policies help ensure compatible groups and pleasant experiences for all aboard.

Meal Service

Cabin charters typically include:

• • • • • • All breakfasts aboard
          • Most lunches aboard (some ashore at local beach restaurants)
          • Several dinners aboard
          • 2-3 dinners ashore at your expense</li

The chef prepares communal meals with menus accommodating various dietary needs. The shared dining experience becomes a highlight, with conversations flowing over excellent food and wine.

Cost and Value

Cabin charters offer the most budget-friendly entry into crewed yacht vacations. Weekly rates typically range $1,500-$4,000 per person depending on destination, yacht size, and season—a fraction of private charter costs while still providing professional crew, gourmet meals, and luxury yacht amenities.

Best For

Cabin charters are ideal for:

• • • • • • Solo travelers seeking yacht experiences without chartering alone
          • Budget-conscious couples wanting crewed yacht luxury
          • Open-minded travelers who enjoy meeting new people
          • Those new to yacht charters wanting lower-commitment introduction
          • Flexible schedules matching fixed Saturday departures

Limitations to Consider

This model isn’t for everyone:

• • • • • • • No privacy—you’re sharing the yacht
            • Fixed itineraries—no customization
            • Compatibility depends on other guests (usually works well, occasionally challenging)
            • Limited availability—fewer cabin charter options than private yachts
            • Schedule constraints—must match fixed departure dates</li

Tandem Charter

What It Is

When your group exceeds the capacity of available yachts—typically 20+ guests—a tandem charter provides an elegant solution. Instead of one large vessel, you charter two (or more) carefully matched yachts that travel together, following the same itinerary and anchoring at the same locations each night. This arrangement maintains group cohesion while accommodating everyone comfortably.

How Tandem Charters Work

Coordination details:

• • • • • • • Two or more yachts chartered simultaneously
            • Synchronized itineraries planned in advance
            • Same overnight anchorages and key stops
            • Independent crews on each yacht
            • Flexibility for activities (some joint, some separate)

Each yacht operates independently with its own captain and crew, but they coordinate closely to ensure the yachts travel together and arrive at anchorages around the same time, allowing the larger group to gather for shared meals, water sports, or evening socializing.

Matching Yacht Considerations

Successful tandem charters require thoughtfully matched yachts:

• • • • • • • Similar speeds: Pairing a fast motor yacht with a slower sailing catamaran creates logistical challenges. The motor yacht constantly waits, or the sailing yacht struggles to keep pace. Best practice matches similar vessel types or speeds.
            • Compatible capacities: Ideally, yachts accommodate similar guest numbers to avoid one yacht feeling empty while the other is full.
            • Equivalent luxury levels: Matching interior appointments, amenities, and service standards prevents guests from feeling they received inferior accommodations.
            • Complementary layouts: Some groups strategically pair yacht types—perhaps a spacious catamaran for families with young children and a sleek motor yacht for adult couples—allowing each sub-group optimal comfort.

Activities and Social Dynamics

Tandem charters provide beautiful flexibility:
Joint activities:

• • • • • • • • Raft the yachts together for communal dinners
              • Shared beach barbecues at secluded anchorages
              • Group snorkeling or diving expeditions
              • Water sports tournaments between boats
              • Sunset cocktail gatherings on one vessel

Independent time:

• • • • • • • • Each yacht explores different snorkeling sites
              • Separate lunch anchorages for quieter experiences
              • Different pace for different preferences (active vs. relaxed)
              • Privacy when subgroups desire independent time

Planning and Coordination

Tandem charters require additional planning:

• • • • • • • • • Earlier booking (coordinating multiple yacht availability)
                • Clear communication about group composition and preferences
                • Designated coordinator or “group leader” for decisions
                • Flexibility about itinerary adjustments affecting both yachts
                • Realistic expectations about perfect synchronization

Your charter broker plays a crucial role in identifying compatible yachts, negotiating synchronized availability, and coordinating logistics between multiple crews and clearinghouses.

Cost Considerations

Tandem charters don’t offer per-person savings—you’re chartering two complete yachts. However, they enable yacht vacations for large groups that would otherwise be impossible. Some yacht pairs offer slight discounts when booked together, but the primary value is accommodating everyone in your party rather than cost reduction.

Best For

Tandem charters are ideal for:

• Family reunions (20-30+ family members)
• Milestone celebrations (significant birthdays, anniversaries)
• Corporate retreats and team-building events
• Destination weddings with large guest lists
• Multi-family friend groups
• Any group exceeding single yacht capacity

Real-World Example
A common tandem scenario: A family reunion with 24 guests books two 65-foot catamarans, each accommodating 12 guests. One catamaran houses the grandparents and their adult children’s families, the other hosts the younger generation and their spouses. The yachts travel together, raft up for family dinners, but provide separate spaces for different age groups during the day—perfect balance of togetherness and autonomy.

How to Choose the Right Charter Type

Selecting your ideal charter model depends on several key factors:

Budget Considerations

Your budget dramatically influences charter type selection:

• Premium budget ($61,000+ weekly):
• Fully crewed inclusive or APA charters provide ultimate luxury and service. Choose APA if transparency matters; choose all-inclusive for simplicity.
• Moderate budget ($31,000-$60,000 weekly):
• Fully crewed inclusive charters on mid-size yachts, or half-board options on luxury yachts extend your budget while maintaining excellent service.
• Value budget ($20,000-$30,000 weekly):
• Half-board charters, smaller fully crewed yachts, or captain-only on larger vessels balance experience and cost.
• Limited budget (under $20,000 weekly):
• Captain-only charters or cabin charters (per person pricing) make yacht vacations accessible without compromising safety or basic luxury.

Group Size and Composition

Couples or small families (2-4 people):- Any charter type works well. Consider whether you prefer privacy (private charter) or social experience (cabin charter). Fully crewed inclusive provides ultimate romance and ease.
Medium groups (6-8 people):- Private charters (crewed, APA, or half-board) offer perfect balance of space, service, and cost-per-person value.
Large groups (10-12 people):- Large catamarans with full crew provide excellent value when cost is divided among many. Consider half-board to reduce per-person expense.
Very large groups (14+ people):- Tandem charters become necessary, pairing complementary yachts to accommodate everyone while maintaining cohesion.

Service Level Desired

White-glove service:- Fully crewed inclusive or APA charters deliver exceptional personalized attention with dedicated crew anticipating every need.
Moderate service with independence:- Half-board charters balance onboard service with independent shore time and dining.
Hands-on involvement:- Captain-only charters suit those who enjoy participation, cooking, and learning while maintaining professional navigation.
Social communal experience:- Cabin charters provide crew service in a shared environment with fellow travelers.

Working with an experienced broker helps you navigate these choices – learn more in our Complete Charter Broker Guide.

Sailing Experience

No sailing experience:
Fully crewed charters (inclusive, APA, or half-board) require zero sailing knowledge. Relax completely while professionals handle everything.
Some sailing experience, want to learn more:
Captain-only charters with professional guidance provide invaluable learning opportunities while ensuring safety.
Experienced sailors:
Bareboat charters (not covered in this guide—no crew at all) or captain-only for local expertise in unfamiliar waters.

Destination Factors

Caribbean:
Fully crewed inclusive charters originated here and remain the regional standard. Half-board also popular. APA less common except on luxury yachts.
Mediterranean:
APA (plus-expenses) model dominates, especially Greece, Croatia, Turkey. Very few all-inclusive options exist.
Other destinations:
Research regional norms. Some areas favor specific charter types based on local regulations, provisioning availability, and cultural preferences.

Personality and Vacation Style

Control enthusiasts who want transparency:- APA charters with detailed accounting satisfy those who want to understand every expense.
Simplicity seekers who hate surprises:- Fully crewed inclusive with one upfront price eliminates financial decisions during vacation.
Budget-conscious without sacrificing luxury: Half-board provides service and quality with meaningful cost savings through strategic shore dining.
Social butterflies who love meeting people: Cabin charters create built-in social experiences with like-minded yacht enthusiasts.
Hands-on learners who enjoy participation: Captain-only charters transform vacation into educational adventure with professional mentorship.
Large family organizers: Tandem charters keep everyone together while providing necessary space and logistics for substantial groups.

Special Considerations

Sleep-Aboard Options

Some Caribbean yachts offer “sleep-aboard” the night before your charter begins. This optional extra (typically $200-$400) allows you to board the yacht the evening before your official start date, sleep aboard, and wake up ready to depart at dawn.

Benefits of sleep-aboard:

• Avoid rushing from airport to yacht for noon departure
• Settle in gradually, unpack at leisure
• Adjust to boat motion overnight
• Meet crew casually evening before
• Maximize first full day (early morning departure possible)

Sleep-aboard includes overnight accommodation and continental breakfast, but no other services—think of it as using the yacht as a hotel room. Most yachts provide a welcome cocktail upon boarding. You’ll dine ashore at a nearby restaurant.
This option particularly benefits groups arriving late afternoon or early evening, preventing the stress of same-day arrival and departure coordination.

Boarding Times and Departure Days

Standard boarding schedule:

• Embarkation: Noon on first day
• Disembarkation: 9-10 AM on last day

Some cabin charter operations use alternate schedules:

• • Embarkation: 5 PM Saturday
  • Disembarkation: 9 or 10 AM following Saturday

Day flexibility:

Most private charters accept any start day based on yacht availability. The industry prefers avoiding 5-night gaps between charters, so brokers may request flexibility of a day or two to optimize yacht calendars.
Holiday weeks exception:- Christmas and New Year’s weeks typically require fixed schedules (often Saturday-to-Saturday or specific holiday dates) at premium rates, as yachts maximize bookings during peak season.
Mediterranean variations:- Some Greek and Croatian catamaran fleets operate exclusively Saturday-to-Saturday, while most other Mediterranean yachts accept flexible start days.

Charter Duration Recommendations

Minimum duration:- Most yachts require 5-7 night minimums. Some accept shorter charters (3-4 nights) during low season or to fill calendar gaps, though this is uncommon.
Optimal duration:- Seven nights represents the sweet spot—long enough to fully relax and explore, short enough to avoid laundry pile-up and schedule disruption. The standard week aligns with most work schedules and vacation planning.
Extended charters:- 8-10 nights work beautifully for those with time, providing deeper destination exploration and ultimate relaxation. Beyond 10 nights, some guests (particularly families with young children) begin feeling ready to return to normal routines.
From extensive charter experience:

• • • Days 1-2: Settling in, finding boat rhythm, mild adjustment
    • Days 3-5: Peak enjoyment, complete relaxation, best memories created
    • Days 6-7: Sad to leave, but ready to return home
    • Days 8-10: Extended bliss for those who can manage longer absence

Children under 7 often show fatigue signs after 5-6 nights due to disrupted schedules and constant excitement. Teenagers, once they get over initial reluctance, typically never want to leave—they’re often found hanging on the mast crying on departure day!

Conclusion: Your Perfect Charter Awaits

Understanding the different types of yacht charters empowers you to select the model that transforms your vision into reality. Whether you prioritize all-inclusive luxury with white-glove service, transparent expense tracking with premium customization, budget-conscious elegance with shore dining, hands-on sailing education with professional guidance, social cabin experiences with fellow enthusiasts, or coordinated tandem adventures for large groups—the perfect charter type exists for your specific needs.
The charter type you select dramatically influences your overall experience, but remember: even “budget” yacht charters deliver extraordinary vacations that surpass traditional hotels and resorts. The magic of waking on the water, exploring secluded anchorages, and experiencing destinations from your private floating villa transcends charter model differences.

Next Steps

Ready to explore which charter type suits your dream vacation?

Our experienced team at Epic Yacht Charters specializes in matching clients with ideal charter models based on your unique preferences, budget, group composition, and destination desires. With over 30 years of personal charter experience and deep industry relationships, we provide honest guidance about which charter type delivers the best value and experience for your specific situation.
Contact us to discuss your yacht charter vision. We’ll ask the right questions, listen carefully to your priorities, and recommend the charter model that creates your perfect vacation on the water.

Related Resources:

Yacht Charter Payment & APA Guide – Understanding costs and payment structures
Working with a Yacht Charter Broker: Complete Guide – How brokers help you navigate choices
Half-Board vs Full-Board Yacht Charter Guide – Detailed comparison of dining options
Yacht Charter Cancellation & Travel Insurance Guide – Protecting your charter investment (coming soon)

Ready to start planning? Contact our team for personalized charter type recommendations and yacht selections.