Luxury Yacht Charter

West Mediterranean Yacht Charter

The western Mediterranean runs from the Riviera's beach clubs to the volcanic islands north of Sicily, taking in Corsica, Sardinia, the Balearics and Malta on the way. It is the most established charter ground in the world — where the practice of chartering was perfected — and still the easiest place to begin. Nicholson has arranged voyages through these waters for more than seventy years.

Why Charter Here

The West Mediterranean Yacht Charter Experience

The Classic Charter Ground

The Riviera invented the modern yacht charter. Provisioning, marinas, restaurants and shore support are more developed here than anywhere else, which makes a first charter effortless.

Short Hops, Big Variety

You can breakfast off Saint-Tropez, swim off Corsica and dine in Portofino inside a week, with passages short enough that nobody spends the day underway.

Everything Within Reach

Three international airports, a dozen shipyards and the densest concentration of yacht service providers in the world mean the boat is never far from what it needs.

Choosing the route before you choose the boat? Our regional guide covers the anchorages, the seasons and the weather in detail.

Read the full West Mediterranean Yacht Charter cruising guide

Best Time to Charter

When to Visit West Mediterranean Yacht Charter

The western Mediterranean is at its best from late May to early September. June offers long days and settled weather before the August crowds arrive; September is warm, quieter and increasingly the choice of experienced charterers. July and August are hot, busy and expensive, though the atmosphere on the Riviera is unmatched.

May to September (peak: July & August)

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).

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

Start Planning Your West Mediterranean Yacht Charter

Speak with our charter team today. With over 75 years of expertise, we'll craft the perfect itinerary for your voyage.