Cost of crewed Yacht Charter
Know what it will cost for your next crewed yacht vacation in the British and US Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Croatia and Greece.
WHAT IS THE COST OF A CREWED YACHT CHARTER?
Most crewed yacht charters in the Caribbean are all-inclusive and range from $23,000 per week to $100,000.00 per week. Yachts in the Mediterranean have a base rate and then added to that are the expenses and VAT. Luxury Motor yachts start closer to $70,000.00 per week and do not included expenses. Some yachts offer half-board options where meals are enjoyed ashore at the charterer’s expense, making the week more affordable.
Yes! Many yachts in the Caribbean and beyond offer SCUBA certification with professional instructors onboard. Beginners can join resort diving programs, while certified divers can take advanced or specialty courses. Training is tailored to your charter itinerary, with all equipment provided.
👉 For more details on diving courses, certification, and onboard options, see our full guide to Yacht Charter SCUBA Diving Options & Certification
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Yes, children as young as 10 can participate in junior PADI programs while on a yacht charter. These courses teach safe, supervised diving skills, often starting in shallow water. Families can enjoy diving together under the guidance of certified instructors.
👉 For more details on diving programs for all ages, see our full guide to Yacht Charter SCUBA Diving Options & Certification
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Most crewed yachts whom offer SCUBA diving include high-quality SCUBA equipment onboard, so you don’t need to bring bulky items like tanks or weights. However, many divers prefer to bring their own mask or dive computer for comfort and familiarity. Equipment onboard is well maintained and regularly serviced. See details on SCUBA gear for yacht charters.
Yacht Charter SCUBA Diving Options & Certification | Epic Yacht Charters
Diving from a luxury yacht offers one of the most unforgettable ways to explore the underwater world. Whether you’re a certified diver, a first-time beginner, or looking to complete a full SCUBA certification, Epic Yacht Charters makes it possible right from your yacht.
Onboard SCUBA Diving
Many yachts in our Caribbean fleet are fully equipped with dive gear and feature professional dive masters or PADI-certified instructors onboard. This means you can enjoy seamless diving without needing to arrange rendezvous services.
- Complete set of SCUBA gear provided onboard
- Tanks and weights always supplied
- Certified dive guides or instructors included
- Convenient access to world-class dive sites directly from your yacht
Learn to SCUBA During Your Charter
For beginners, several yachts offer Resort Diving programs — a quick introduction to SCUBA basics with supervised dives up to 40 feet (12 meters). If you’d like full certification, we can arrange your PADI Open Water Course or even advanced and specialty courses.
Certification process typically includes:
- Online learning (ideally before your trip)
- Shallow water or pool training
- Supervised open water dives
- Final certification upon completion
All courses include:
- Professional PADI-certified instructor
- SCUBA gear, training materials, and certification fees
- Safe training environments in clear, calm waters
Advanced & Specialty Diving
Certified divers can take advanced courses or explore specialty dives such as wreck diving, night diving, or deep dives. Technical dive arrangements may also be available upon request.
Bringing Your Own Gear
While yachts carry high-quality rental equipment, many divers prefer their own masks, regulators, or dive computers for comfort and familiarity. Bulky items like tanks and weights are always provided onboard.
Top Caribbean Dive Sites
- RMS Rhone – The Caribbean’s most famous wreck
- Chikuzen & Rocus Wrecks – Legendary artificial reef dives
- The Indians – Perfect for snorkeling and diving
- Beyond the Reef – Artificial reefs including the famous Willy T
- Sheltered bays and coral gardens ideal for training and beginners
Planning & Considerations
- Book dives or certification in advance with your Epic broker
- Course duration for certification: 3–4 days
- Minimum age requirements may apply
- Medical clearance may be required
- Additional fees apply for certification courses
HOW DO I RESERVE A CHARTER, AND WHAT ARE THE PAYMENT TERMS?
Once you decide on the yacht, Epic puts a complimentary reservation on the yacht. Next, a contract is drawn up, and details to proceed with the booking are solidified. Your deposit is also required at this time. Travel arrangements can be finalized. If you are more than 6 months away from your charter dates, a 25% deposit is required. Then 25% at 6 months out, and the final 50% is due 45 days before the charter. Your monies are held in escrow and the yacht is paid right before your charter.
WHAT IS A STANDARD GRATUITY FOR THE CREW?
15-20% of the charter cost is the standard crew gratuity. Your crew is on call 24/7, working hard to ensure you have the vacation of your dreams. They begin preparing for your charter from the moment they receive your requests. The crew’s goal is also to provide you with exemplary service. The gratuity is given to the crew at the end of the charter in cash, checks or wire transfers.
WHAT ARE THE CANCELLATION TERMS?
In the unlikely event of you canceling your charter, all payments are forfeited. However, if the yacht can re-book a different charter for the same dates, there is a chance of a partial refund.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE YACHT CHARTER FEE?
Most yachts are all-inclusive with a professional captain and private chef. Larger vessels may have additional crew such as deckhands and stewards. All meals, snacks, standard ship’s bar (liquor, wine, beer, and soft drinks), fuel for the vessel and tender, insurance for the vessel and crews, all water sports activities, and cruising and National Park permits are part of your package. Some yachts offer SCUBA diving for guests with diving certification.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE YACHT CHARTER FEE?
Not included are crew gratuities of 15-20%, optional marina docking/berthing for an overnight stay, excursions, and meals ashore, special requests for top-shelf liquor, wine, or excessive alcohol consumption, and transfers to and from the airport.
WHY A CREWED YACHT?
1st class service is the goal of your yacht crew, allowing you the time to enjoy all that a luxury vacation on a yacht has to offer.Â
WHAT TO EXPECT ON CHARTER
Having a hard time visualizing your crewed yacht vacation? Watch our video for a glimpse of life on your crewed yacht charter.
