The Complete Yacht Charter Guide
Everything You Need to Know to Charter with Confidence
Charter Guide
How to Charter a Yacht
Chartering a yacht is one of the most extraordinary ways to experience the world's most beautiful coastlines. Whether it's your first charter or your fiftieth, this guide walks you through every step — from choosing your destination to settling the APA at the end of your voyage.
As The Original Yacht Charter Company since 1949, Nicholson has arranged thousands of charters across every ocean. Our team shares that expertise here to help you plan with confidence.
Types of Yacht Charter
Three primary charter options, each suited to different needs and experience levels.
Crewed Charter
The most popular option. Your yacht comes fully staffed with a professional crew — captain, chef, stewardesses, and deckhands — who handle every aspect of your voyage. You simply relax and enjoy.
Bareboat Charter
For experienced yachtsmen who prefer to captain the vessel themselves. You take responsibility for navigation and operations. We can arrange a skipper if needed.
Cabin Charter
Book a cabin on a shared vessel rather than chartering the entire yacht. An excellent option for couples or solo travellers seeking a social sailing experience.
Understanding Charter Costs
The charter rate is the starting point, not the total cost. Here's what to expect.
Charter Rate | The base weekly cost of chartering the yacht. This covers the vessel, crew wages, and standard onboard equipment. |
Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) | Typically 25-35% of the charter rate, paid in advance. Covers food and beverages, fuel, port fees, communications, and special requests. Any unspent funds are refunded at the end of the charter. |
VAT and Local Taxes | Value-added tax varies by cruising area. Mediterranean charters typically incur VAT of 5-13%, while the Caribbean is generally tax-free. |
Crew Gratuity | Customary at 5-10% of the charter rate, at the charterer's discretion. We provide guidance based on service quality and regional norms. |
Optional Extras | Special requests such as helicopter transfers, private chefs, dive instructors, or special events are quoted separately and managed through the APA. |
Note: Charter rates and additional costs vary by yacht, destination, and season. Your broker will provide a detailed quotation tailored to your specific requirements.
The Charter Process
Six simple steps from initial enquiry to setting sail.
Define Your Voyage
Tell us your preferred destination, dates, group size, and the type of experience you're seeking — from family adventure to a relaxed Mediterranean escape.
Select Your Yacht
We present a curated selection of vessels matching your criteria, complete with crew profiles, amenities, and layout details. Viewings and virtual tours can be arranged.
Confirm the Agreement
Once you've chosen your yacht, we prepare the charter agreement, outlining the charter rate, APA, itinerary, and all terms. Contracts are managed through MYBA-standard documentation.
Plan Your Itinerary
Your captain and our charter team work with you to craft a bespoke itinerary — anchorages, dining, excursions, and special requests all tailored to your preferences.
Set Sail
Your crew welcomes you aboard. From provisioning to watersports, every detail is handled. Enjoy your voyage with 24/7 support from our shoreside team.
Return & Rebook
At the end of your charter, settle the APA account and share your feedback. Most of our clients return year after year — often trying new destinations and vessels.
Ready to Plan Your Charter?
Speak with our charter team about destinations, yachts, and availability. We'll guide you through every step.
Explore Further
Charter Costs & Pricing
Indicative weekly rates by yacht size and season, the APA, VAT and gratuity — with a worked example.
Yacht Buyer's Guide
Considering ownership? Explore our complete guide to purchasing a yacht — from defining requirements to closing.
Mediterranean Charter
Discover charter opportunities across the French Riviera, Amalfi Coast, Greek Islands, Croatia, and the Balearics.
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
We curate charter experiences across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, East Coast USA, South East Asia, Indian Ocean, and more. Each destination offers unique experiences, from pristine beaches to historic sailing grounds.
Charter rates typically include the vessel, professional crew, and basic provisioning. Additional services such as watersports equipment, gourmet catering, and special experiences can be arranged for an additional fee (APA).
Luxury yacht charters are priced per yacht per week, not per person, so the rate depends on length, age, crew numbers and season rather than on how many guests travel. Mediterranean high season runs late June to early September and Caribbean high season from December to March, when rates are at their highest. Every yacht on our charter fleet shows its current weekly rate, and our charter pricing page sets out the weekly rate bands by yacht size.
The Advance Provisioning Allowance, or APA, is an advance paid on top of the base charter rate, typically 25 to 35 per cent of it. It covers fuel, food and beverages, berthing and port fees, and any watersports or excursions you request. Your captain accounts for it against receipts during the charter, unused funds are refunded at the end, and any overspend is invoiced.
No. Charter rates are normally quoted excluding VAT, which depends on where you embark and cruise, and excluding the crew gratuity. Gratuity is discretionary and typically five to ten per cent of the base charter fee, given at the end of the charter and shared across the crew.
Most crewed luxury charter yachts carry six to twelve guests in three to six cabins, and larger yachts in the fleet carry more. Commercially coded yachts are limited to twelve guests for charter regardless of cabin count, which is why the guest figure on each listing is the number to plan around.
Peak season (summer in the Mediterranean, winter in the Caribbean) fills quickly, so we recommend booking 6-12 months in advance. However, last-minute availability can often be arranged.
Yes. We arrange walkthroughs or virtual tours for charter clients. Our brokers will explain the yacht's layout, amenities, and crew to ensure it's the right fit for your group.
Cancellation terms are set out in your charter agreement and vary by yacht and timing. We always recommend travel insurance. Our team will work with you to reschedule where possible and minimise any costs involved.
Yes. Charter clients return to us for repeat bookings and new destinations year after year. We're always on hand to help plan your next voyage.
Charter planning assistance at Nicholson Yachting covers the whole charter, not just the booking: brief, destination and dates, yacht shortlist, contract, crew preference sheets, itinerary and daily logistics. Brokers in London, Monaco and Fort Lauderdale have planned crewed charters since 1949, working from roughly 1,700 charter yachts and 85 destination guides. The sequence runs: agree the brief covering guest numbers and ages, dates, cruising area, budget and must-haves; choose area and season, since Mediterranean high season is late June to early September and Caribbean high season runs December to March; shortlist yachts that fit the party, crew ratio and budget; place a hold and sign the MYBA charter agreement with deposit and an Advance Provisioning Allowance of 25-35%; return the crew preference sheet covering dietary needs, allergies, activities and children; confirm the itinerary and berth bookings for busy weeks; then hold a pre-charter briefing before joining. Charter enquiries: mike@nicholsonyachting.com, +44 7815 137 135.
Still have questions?
Contact our team directly