Yacht charter — or crewed yacht rental — is one of the most comprehensive travel experiences available. A private superyacht, a dedicated professional crew, otherwise inaccessible destinations, complete freedom over the itinerary. But it is also a market with its own codes, contracts, variables, and pitfalls that only solid expertise can navigate with confidence.
International Yachts Charter and Brokerage XXIII is an agency specializing in yacht charter for over 20 years. This guide compiles everything our clients ask us before their first charter — and what experienced clients always check before signing.
Yacht charter refers to the rental of a yacht with its full crew for a specified period — usually weekly, sometimes daily or monthly. Unlike renting a classic pleasure boat where you are at the helm, yacht charter provides you with an MCA-certified captain, a qualified STCW multilingual crew, and an onboard chef — you have nothing to manage.
Yacht charter covers a very wide range:
Our fleet covers motor yacht, superyacht, and explorer yacht categories — from ABELY 33 meters to RILASSATA 49.8 meters.
Step 1 — The Brief — you communicate your dates, number of passengers, desired destinations, and budget. Our team selects 3 to 5 suitable units.
Step 2 — The Quote — each quote includes the base rate, a detailed line-by-line APA estimate, and an itinerary recommendation. Deadline: 48h.
Step 3 — The Signature — MYBA contract signed by both parties, payment of a 50% deposit of the base rate.
Step 4 — The Gastronomic Brief — 3 to 4 weeks before boarding, you complete a detailed questionnaire about your dietary preferences, allergies, and favorite wines. The onboard chef designs the menus accordingly.
Step 5 — Boarding — you arrive at the agreed boarding port. The crew welcomes you with your luggage. The charter begins.
Step 6 — Disembarkation — the captain provides you with a detailed APA statement of account with supporting documents. The unused APA balance is refunded to you within 10 days.
The French Riviera remains the most sought-after yacht charter destination in the world. Cannes, Monaco, Saint-Tropez — three major destinations within an 80-kilometer radius, with an unparalleled density of events globally.
2026 Events:
Ibiza, Formentera, Mallorca, Menorca — the Balearics offer some of the most transparent waters in the Mediterranean at rates 20 to 30% lower than the French Riviera.
Sardinia — Porto Cervo, Costa Smeralda — and Capri — the Faraglioni, the Blue Grotto — are the benchmark Italian destinations for luxury charter.
Mykonos, Santorini, the Cyclades, the Dodecanese — Greece has been the fastest-growing Mediterranean destination since 2020. Rates 15 to 25% lower than the French Riviera.
Saint Barthélemy and the Lesser Antilles from December to February — the service level of the French Riviera in a tropical setting.
The Persian Gulf from November to March — calm waters, ideal temperatures, Dubai skyline in the background.
The price of a yacht charter is broken down into 4 items:
1. The base rate — provision of the yacht and crew. This is the figure displayed in catalogs.
2. The APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) — a provision of 25 to 35% of the base rate that covers fuel, port fees, provisions, and taxes. Managed by the captain, refunded if unused.
3. VAT — variable depending on the yacht’s flag and cruising area.
4. Extras — crew gratuities (10 to 15% of the base rate), excursions, onshore activities.
Realistic total budget = Base rate × 1.40 to 1.50
| Category | LOA | Low Season | High Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact Motor Yacht | 20-25 m | €10,000 – €25,000 | €18,000 – €40,000 |
| Motor Yacht | 25-35 m | €22,000 – €60,000 | €40,000 – €100,000 |
| Superyacht | 35-45 m | €55,000 – €130,000 | €90,000 – €220,000 |
| Mega Yacht | 45-60 m | €110,000 – €250,000 | €190,000 – €420,000 |
Each yacht has a maximum passenger capacity defined by its certification — generally a maximum of 12 passengers for units under commercial flag. A group of 10 to 12 people requires a superyacht of at least 35 meters to be comfortable in individual cabins.
The overall length determines accessible ports and anchorages. A 50-meter yacht cannot enter all Mediterranean ports. Draft is critical for the shallow coves of the Balearics and Greece — our RILASSATA with its 2.25-meter draft can access the most secret coves.
Each destination has its optimal season. The French Riviera is excellent from May to October. The Caribbean from December to April. Dubai from November to March.
Event Charter — a yacht anchored in Monaco during the Grand Prix or in Cannes during the Festival. Priority is given to geographical positioning, with little navigation.
Cruising Charter — sailing from stop to stop, covering distance, discovering anchorages. Priority is given to autonomy and speed.
Family Charter — priority is given to water toys, outdoor spaces, onboard safety, and child-friendly cuisine.
Corporate Charter — representation event, client entertainment, nautical team building. Priority is given to reception areas, high-standard catering, and onshore logistics.
STCW certification is the international standard for seafarer training. Every professional crew member on a charter yacht must be STCW certified — first aid, firefighting, sea survival.
MCA certification is required for captains and officers of yachts under the British flag and many commercial flags. It is the reference standard for commanding yachts over 24 meters.
Our commitment: all crews in our fleet are STCW certified. All our captains are MCA certified. No exceptions.
Booking too late — the best units for event weeks are booked as early as January. A call in March for the Cannes Film Festival in May — the best positions are already taken.
Underestimating the total budget — the base rate represents only 65 to 70% of the actual cost. APA, VAT, gratuities, and onshore extras must be budgeted from the outset.
Choosing solely based on photos — the actual condition of a yacht, the quality of the crew, and the level of maintenance are not visible in catalog photos. An experienced broker who knows the units physically is essential.
Neglecting the gastronomic brief — the onboard chef prepares menus according to your preferences. A rushed brief results in generic meals. A detailed brief results in memorable meals.
Ignoring weather conditions — the Mediterranean in July-August is often rougher than in June or September. Summer winds — Mistral on the French Riviera, Meltemi in Greece — can disrupt the itinerary.
| Criterion | Crewed Yacht Charter | Bareboat (Uncrewed) |
|---|---|---|
| Navigation | Professional Captain | You Navigate |
| Cuisine | Onboard Chef | You Cook |
| Logistics | Crew Manages Everything | You Manage Everything |
| Comfort | 5-star Hotel Level | Depends on Your Skills |
| License Required | None | Minimum Coastal License |
| Budget | €10,000 to €500,000/week | €1,000 to €10,000/week |
| Client Profile | HNWI, Groups, Corporate | Experienced Boaters |
No — with a professional crew, you are a passenger. No license is required. The captain and crew fully manage navigation.
The maximum regulatory capacity is generally 12 passengers for yachts under commercial flag. Some yachts can accommodate up to 14 or 16 passengers with specific configurations.
Yes — the itinerary can be modified at any time in agreement with the captain, subject to weather conditions and port availability. This is one of the great advantages of yacht charter compared to a classic cruise.
Most yachts are rented weekly (7 nights). Some units offer 3 to 5-day charters outside of high season. Charters of less than 3 days are rare for units over 30 meters.
The APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) is a provision paid at the beginning of the charter — generally 25 to 35% of the base rate. The captain manages this budget to cover fuel, port fees, provisions, and taxes. At the end of the charter, they provide you with a detailed statement with supporting documents and refund the unused balance.
Yes — you can bring your own wines, spirits, or specific products. The onboard chef will incorporate them into their menus. Additional provisions do not go through the APA.
For event weeks (Monaco Grand Prix, Cannes Film Festival): 6 to 12 months in advance. For the summer high season: 3 to 6 months in advance. For low season and flexible dates: 4 to 8 weeks are sufficient.
The water toys package — Seabobs, Jet Skis, tender, electric bikes, snorkeling equipment — is onboard and included in the base rate. Onshore activities (restaurants, excursions, event tickets) are at the client’s expense.
International Yachts Charter and Brokerage XXIII supports each client from the first contact until the end of the charter. Our process is simple — brief, detailed quote within 48 hours, contract, gastronomic brief, boarding.
Our fleet covers all categories — from ABELY at €28,000/week to RILASSATA at €385,000 in high season. All destinations — French Riviera, Balearics, Sardinia, Greece, Caribbean, Dubai.
