Yacht Charter Cost 2025: Beginner’s Guide to APA, VAT & Fees
Introduction
A great yacht charter feels effortless—sun-kissed decks, seamless service, and a crew who anticipates every preference. Behind the scenes, pricing has moving parts that first-time charterers often miss. This guide breaks down what’s included, what isn’t, and how to budget confidently, with a transparent example for a mid-size yacht.
What the base rate actually covers
The base rate (also called the charter fee) is your starting point. It typically includes:
- The yacht itself, fully crewed
- Standard equipment and vessel insurance
- Crew salaries and basic onboard amenities
Think of the base rate as the platform for your experience—not the full cost.
What’s not included (and often overlooked)
1) VAT / Local Taxes
Taxes vary by jurisdiction and itinerary. Expect anything from low single-digit to ~10–22% in parts of the Mediterranean; some regions can be lower or tax-exempt depending on routing and rules.
Tip: Your broker should confirm the applicable VAT for your exact dates and itinerary before you sign.
2) Delivery / Relocation Fees
If the yacht must reposition to your preferred start or end port, you’ll pay for the fuel/time to move her there (and sometimes back).
Tip: Choosing a yacht already near your desired cruising ground often saves thousands.
3) APA — Advance Provisioning Allowance
The APA is a pre-funded onboard account, usually 30–40% of the base rate, to cover:
- Fuel/diesel for the yacht & tenders
- Food & beverages (from family-style to fine dining)
- Berthing/marina fees, local permits & formalities
- Special requests (e.g., premium wines, themed events)
The captain/chef manage spending against your preferences and reconcile at the end. Any unused APA is refunded – or, at your discretion, can be allocated as additional crew gratuity. If expenses exceed the APA, you’ll top it up during or after the charter.
4) Crew Gratuity (Discretionary)
Tipping customs vary by region and service level:
- Mediterranean: typically 10–15% of the base
- Caribbean: typically 15–20% of the base
Your lead guest (primary) usually presents the tip in an envelope to the captain at the end, to distribute among the crew.
5) Optional Incidentals
Premium moorings, private tenders/toys not standard, helicopter/waterplane transfers, spa treatments, satellite Wi-Fi upgrades, on-shore activities, and photographer/videographer services are outside the base rate
Example Budget: Mid-Size Yacht (1 week)
Illustrative only; actual numbers depend on yacht, season, and itinerary.
- Base rate: USD 100,000
- VAT (assume 15%): + 15,000
- APA (assume 30%): + 30,000 (unused funds are refunded or may be used as additional gratuity)
- Delivery/relocation (illustrative): + 8,000
- Local fees/permits (illustrative): + 2,000
- Crew gratuity (assume 10%): + 10,000 (discretionary)
Estimated total: USD 165,000
What could move this number up or down?
- Long open-water hops (fuel)
- Premium marinas during peak events (berth fees)
- High-end wine cellars & specialty provisioning
- Last-minute itinerary pivots and weather diversions
How APA works (step-by-step)
- Preference Sheet: Before embarkation, you’ll complete a detailed form (dietary needs, brands, activities, cabin setup).
- Provisioning: The chef and chief stew order to spec; the captain sets the operating plan.
- Tracking: All APA expenses are logged and available for review on request.
- Reconciliation: At disembarkation, the captain presents the final statement. Unused funds are returned (or, if you wish, applied as additional crew gratuity). Any shortfall is settled by card or bank transfer.
Planning Timeline (First-Timers)
- 3–9+ months out (peak season): Hold the yacht with an option; confirm dates, rough itinerary, and guests.
- Contract & payment: Sign MYBA or equivalent; pay deposit (often 50%).
- 6–8 weeks out: Complete preference sheet; settle VAT/APA; confirm tenders, toys, and berths.
- 2–3 weeks out: Final provisioning, transfers, special experiences.
- Embarkation day: Safety brief, stateroom tour, set sail.
- Disembarkation: APA reconciliation, feedback, and (optional) rebook.
Pro Tips to Avoid Surprises
- Match itinerary to fuel reality: Island-hopping with short legs = happier APA than long offshore runs.
- Choose shoulder weeks: Lower rates and easier berth access with near-identical weather windows.
- Lock premium berths early: St. Tropez, Portofino, Ibiza, Capri, and event weeks (GPs, regattas) book out first.
- Be explicit about Wi-Fi & media: Satellite upgrades, streaming rigs, and drone footage can add up.
- Communicate preferences early: Chef planning saves money and food waste; everyone wins.
- Check water-toy lists: Some chase boats, seabobs, foils, and inflatables are optional rentals.
FAQs
Is food included in the base rate?
No. Food, beverage, and most consumables are covered by the APA.
Can I bring my own wine or chef?
Usually yes – with corkage or by arrangement. A private chef can work with the yacht team; discuss in advance.
What if the weather changes our route?
The captain will adjust for safety. Fuel or berth changes flow through the APA.
Is gratuity mandatory?
No. It’s discretionary and tied to service, but customary in yachting.
Are there all-inclusive charters?
Smaller crewed yachts and some destinations offer near all-inclusive structures; large yachts usually use the base-rate + APA model.
Sample 7-Day Itinerary Snapshot (Fuel-Aware)
- Day 1–2: Embarkation + close-in bays/swim stops (short legs, low fuel).
- Day 3: One longer relocation to a marquee marina (fuel + berth premium).
- Day 4–6: Clustered islands with short hops; watersports day (fuel for tenders).
- Day 7: Gentle return with a final lunch stop near disembarkation port.
This pattern balances “headline” destinations with efficient cruising to keep APA healthy.
Quick Glossary
- Base Rate (Charter Fee): Yacht + crew + standard equipment.
- APA: Onboard account for variable costs (fuel, F&B, berths, permits, etc.); reconciled post-charter; unused refunded (or can be used as extra tip).
- Delivery Fee: Cost to reposition the yacht.
- Berth: Reserved place in a marina.
- Preference Sheet: Your playbook for the crew (menus, activities, logistics).
Talk to an Expert
At Luxcenture, our specialists map the entire cost structure up front, align yacht and itinerary with your style and budget, and handle every detail – from berths and provisioning to last-minute pivots – so you pay for experiences, not surprises.
Considering a charter? Get a discreet, end-to-end consultation conatct us