“How much does it cost?” is the first question most guests ask, and the honest answer is that it depends on the yacht, the season and how you like to travel. This guide explains how Caribbean charter pricing works, what is and is not included, and typical weekly rates, so you can plan with confidence and no surprises.
Typical weekly rates
These ranges are a general guide to crewed charters in the Caribbean. Actual rates vary with the yacht’s size, age, specification, crew and season.
- Crewed catamarans, 4 cabins (about 45 to 55 ft): roughly $20,000 to $40,000 per week, usually all-inclusive
- Luxury crewed catamarans (about 60 to 80 ft): roughly $45,000 to $100,000+ per week
- Crewed sailing yachts: from about $20,000 per week for smaller yachts to well over $150,000 for large sailing superyachts
- Motor yachts (about 75 to 100 ft): roughly $60,000 to $120,000 per week, plus expenses
- Superyachts and mega yachts (over 100 ft): typically $100,000 to $300,000+ per week, and well beyond for the largest yachts, plus expenses
Spread across a group, the numbers often look different. For example, eight guests sharing a $28,000 all-inclusive catamaran week works out to about $3,500 per person, including the crew, meals and drinks.
All-inclusive vs plus expenses
Caribbean charters are usually offered on one of two types of terms, and understanding them is the key to comparing yachts fairly.
All-inclusive charters
Most crewed catamarans and many smaller yachts in the Caribbean are offered all-inclusive. The weekly rate normally covers the yacht, captain and crew, all meals, a standard bar, fuel for normal cruising and water toys such as paddleboards, kayaks and snorkel gear.
Plus-expenses charters
Most motor yachts and superyachts are chartered on plus-expenses terms, often under a MYBA contract. The charter fee covers the yacht and crew, and you pay running costs separately through an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA).
What is APA?
The Advance Provisioning Allowance is paid with your final charter balance, typically 25 to 35 percent of the charter fee, and sometimes more for large motor yachts with high fuel use. The captain uses it for fuel, food, drinks, dockage and other expenses during your charter and keeps detailed receipts. Any unused balance is returned to you at the end of the trip, and if you spend more, you settle the difference on board.
Other costs to budget for
- Crew gratuity: customarily 15 to 20 percent of the charter fee in the Caribbean, at your discretion, depending on the service you received
- Taxes and permits: local charter taxes, cruising permits and port fees vary by country and are confirmed in your contract
- Dockage: nights in a marina, especially in St. Barts or during events, may be extra on all-inclusive charters
- Special requests: premium wines and spirits, scuba diving, special excursions or extra deliveries
An example, put simply
A motor yacht with a $100,000 weekly charter fee might involve about $30,000 in APA, and a gratuity of $15,000 to $20,000, for a total of roughly $145,000 to $150,000 before taxes. Your broker will prepare this breakdown for each yacht you consider, so there are no surprises.
What makes the price go up or down
- Season: Christmas, New Year and Easter carry the highest rates, while late spring and summer are usually more favorable. See our guide to the best time to charter.
- Yacht size and age: larger and newer yachts command higher rates.
- Number of guests: some yachts price by the number of guests on board.
- Itinerary: longer passages use more fuel, and starting or ending away from the yacht’s base can add a delivery fee.
- Charter length: shorter charters are sometimes possible at a pro-rated rate, often with a minimum number of nights.
Does using a broker cost more?
No. As an independent charter broker, our commission is paid from the charter fee, so you pay the same rate as booking directly, and you gain impartial advice, contract support and a single point of contact from first enquiry to the final day of your trip. Every cost is set out transparently before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to charter a yacht in the Caribbean for a week?
Crewed catamarans typically start from about $20,000 to $40,000 per week all-inclusive, while motor yachts usually range from about $60,000 to well over $100,000 per week plus expenses. Superyachts start at around $100,000 per week and go far higher.
What does all-inclusive mean on a Caribbean charter?
An all-inclusive charter usually covers the yacht, crew, meals, a standard bar, fuel for normal cruising and water toys. Gratuities, some taxes, marina fees and premium drinks may be extra.
How much should I tip the crew on a yacht charter?
A gratuity of 15 to 20 percent of the charter fee is customary in the Caribbean, given at your discretion based on the service you received.
Is APA refundable?
Yes. Any unused part of the Advance Provisioning Allowance is returned to you at the end of the charter, and the captain provides receipts for all spending.
Want an exact quote? Share your dates and group size and one of our brokers will reply with a personal shortlist of available yachts, or call (561) 463-6840. Your private escape awaits.
