Rates
Rates will always be provided in your charter proposal options, ensuring transparency and clear communication from the start.
General Considerations & Rate Explanation
Out of the Blue Yacht Charters – Weekly Yacht Charter Rates & Pricing Guide
At Out of the Blue Yacht Charters, all rates are quoted on a weekly (7-night) basis for the entire yacht.
Additionally, this guide provides an overview to help you understand the structure and key factors influencing yacht charter pricing.
It is therefore designed to assist you in budgeting effectively and selecting your ideal luxury yacht charter experience.
While this summary highlights primary cost considerations, other additional expenses will be discussed after you choose your yacht and destination.
Importantly, variables affecting final charter rates include yacht relocations, size, type, age, local taxes, guest count, and seasonal pricing.
Furthermore, rates often fluctuate during peak holiday periods, such as Christmas, New Year’s, and regional holidays, sometimes increasing up to 20%.
Seasonal variations also generally range between 15% and 20% from low season to high season.
Finally, for a detailed price breakdown or personalized advice, our team is always available to help plan your perfect sailing vacation.
Inclusive
An all-inclusive yacht charter provides a seamless, indulgent experience, covering all provisioning and operational expenses throughout your voyage.
Moreover, this premier charter option is especially popular in the Caribbean, with the Virgin Islands being one of the top destinations.
Additionally, onboard you are attended by a fully licensed, professional captain and crew, dedicated to your comfort, safety, and relaxation.
Furthermore, a private chef curates exquisite, personalized menus, often exceeding five-star dining standards and tailored to your specific tastes.
While the charter rate includes nearly everything, certain premium elements—such as local taxes, top-shelf beverages, scuba excursions, and gratuity—are additional.
However, these additional costs will be clearly discussed during the booking process to ensure complete transparency and satisfaction.
Finally, for a truly bespoke yachting experience, inquire today with Out of the Blue Yacht Charters to begin planning your voyage.
Plus Expenses or APA
(Advanced Provisioning Allowance)
Large charter yachts—including motor yachts and catamarans in the Mediterranean and other locations—often follow a “Plus Expenses” pricing structure.
Additionally, this model is known as the Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA), which separates base charter costs from operational expenses.
Furthermore, the base rate includes the yacht, standard equipment, and a fully professional crew, ensuring a complete yachting experience.
However, it does not cover daily operational costs, such as fuel, food and beverages, dockage, local taxes, crew gratuity, or incidentals.
These additional costs are therefore managed through an APA deposit, typically ranging from 20% to 35% of the yacht’s base charter rate.
Moreover, the captain maintains an ongoing account of all expenditures throughout the charter to ensure transparency and proper budgeting.
At the voyage’s end, any unused APA funds are refunded, while overages may require an additional payment from the client.
Additionally, certain services—like scuba diving, government taxes, departure fees, and airport transfers—may or may not be included depending on the yacht.
Finally, for a personalized estimate and detailed cost breakdown, we encourage you to inquire about a specific yacht through Out of the Blue Yacht Charters today.
Half Board
The Half Board option is ideal for adventurous travelers seeking to experience local culture and cuisine at each destination.
Additionally, with this flexible arrangement, guests enjoy several lunches and dinners ashore, exploring regional flavors and engaging with local communities.
Furthermore, this option provides a similar five-star experience to All-Inclusive, including gourmet breakfasts, appetizers, soft drinks, and expertly prepared onboard meals.
Your private chef prepares seven breakfasts, four lunches, and three dinners, while remaining meals are enjoyed at local restaurants at your expense.
Moreover, Out of the Blue Yacht Charters and the onboard crew gladly recommend dining options suited to your preferences and budget.
Because fewer onboard meals are provided, provisioning costs are reduced, and the charter rate is adjusted accordingly for Half Board arrangements.
Please note that Half Board pricing is available upon request and must therefore be specified at the time of inquiry.
Finally, local government taxes, departure fees, and airport transfers are not typically included and may vary by yacht and destination.
Local Fare
The Local Fare meal plan is perfect for adventurous travelers eager to immerse themselves in the culture and cuisine of each destination. This flexible option includes 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 6 dinners in total. The remaining meals are taken ashore at the guests expense.
Captain Only
A “Captain Only” charter—available on sailing and power catamarans—offers a more hands-on and budget-conscious yachting experience.
Additionally, much like renting a vacation villa, guests remain responsible for provisioning, meal preparation, daily upkeep, and general onboard tasks.
This arrangement therefore allows flexibility and cost savings, while still enjoying full amenities and guidance from a licensed professional captain.
The base charter rate includes only the captain; meanwhile, guests remain responsible for cooking, cleaning, and routine onboard responsibilities.
Furthermore, you may assist the captain with sailing activities and mooring, creating a unique opportunity to learn life at sea.
Depending on group size or season, yachts may also offer the option to add a hostess or first mate for support.
Please note that local taxes, departure fees, and airport transfers are not typically included and vary depending on yacht and destination.
Finally, for personalized estimates and yacht-specific details, we recommend submitting an inquiry with Out of the Blue Yacht Charters directly.
Bareboat Charters
Bareboat charters provide a cost-effective, adventurous way to explore the open water while also enjoying a unique “working vacation” experience.
However, it is important to understand both the responsibilities and the skills required for safe and successful bareboat operation.
Additionally, bareboat charters mean you are fully in charge of the vessel, from provisioning to navigation and general onboard management.
Moreover, you will handle all aspects of sailing or operating the boat, including docking, anchoring, and safe navigation throughout your charter.
Furthermore, you are responsible for provisioning, cooking, fuel, dockage fees, and general maintenance while onboard the yacht.
Charter companies therefore require proof of relevant sailing experience, and some destinations may also require formal certifications or licenses.
To qualify, you should be prepared to submit a detailed sailing resume for review by the charter company.
Most bareboat companies recognize ASA, US Sailing, or RYA certifications, as well as any local or international boating licenses.
Finally, certain locations may also require a radio operator certificate for communication and safety compliance while at sea.
Relocations
Bareboat Charters
Bareboat charters provide a cost-effective, adventurous way to explore the open water, while offering a unique “working vacation” experience.
However, it is important to understand the responsibilities involved when operating a bareboat charter safely and effectively.
Additionally, you are entirely in charge of the vessel, including provisioning, navigation, and all aspects of onboard management.
Moreover, on a bareboat charter, you handle sailing or operating the boat, including docking, anchoring, and navigation.
Furthermore, you are responsible for provisioning, cooking, fuel, dockage fees, and general upkeep during the charter.
Charter companies therefore require proof of relevant sailing experience, and some destinations may also require formal certifications or licenses.
To qualify, you should be prepared to submit a detailed sailing resume for review by the charter company.
Most companies accept ASA, US Sailing, or RYA certifications, as well as local or international boating licenses.
Finally, certain locations may require a radio operator certificate for communication and safety compliance while at sea.
Yacht Charter Relocation Costs
Yacht charter rates are usually calculated based on the vessel’s designated departure location.
For example, a yacht based in the BVI may additionally charge extra for pickups or drop-offs in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Relocation costs—including fuel, crew time, and potential taxes—are generally the responsibility of the charter group.
Nearby transfers may involve minimal or no additional charges, whereas longer relocations often require higher fees.
Destinations such as St. Martin, Antigua, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, or Florida to the Bahamas may therefore incur significant costs.
These higher charges reflect extended travel time and potential loss of multiple charter days due to repositioning logistics.
Gratuity
Gratuity Guidelines for Your Yacht Charter
A gratuity is customary and appreciated at the conclusion of your yacht charter.
Additionally, Out of the Blue Yacht Charters recommends 10–15% of the charter rate for Mediterranean and other locations.
Meanwhile, for charters in the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Virgin Islands, a 15–20% gratuity is suggested.
Gratuities are based on the total charter contract amount and are performance-based, often exceeding the suggested range.
Furthermore, guests may choose to give more to recognize exceptional service provided by the captain and crew during the charter.
Typically, the gratuity is given to the captain at the end of the charter, who then distributes it among the crew.
Moreover, for higher-end motor yachts or upon request, some clients prefer wiring gratuities to their broker in advance.
Some yachts may also accept gratuities via PayPal, Zelle, check, or other electronic payment methods for convenience.
Finally, we are happy to guide you and discuss the most appropriate method based on your specific yacht and itinerary.
Tax/Vat
VAT & Additional Tax Considerations
VAT (Value Added Tax) is a tax that varies depending on the country and, additionally, sometimes on the specific region.
Moreover, the rate can also be affected by sailing beyond the 12-mile limit, as offshore cruising often reduces VAT.
This is therefore a complex calculation and will be determined once your specific cruising area is confirmed.
Furthermore, Out of the Blue Yacht Charters stays current on all relevant tax regulations to provide accurate information.
We also provide a precise VAT calculation once your planned itinerary is established, ensuring transparency before your charter begins.
Additionally, our team ensures you clearly understand any tax implications based on your chosen destinations.
Finally, we are happy to provide further details and guidance regarding VAT as needed for your yacht charter.
Holidays
Holiday Rates and Terms
During the holiday season, yachts often apply a premium of 20% or more to high-season rates.
Additionally, extra terms and conditions may apply depending on the specific yacht and charter itinerary.
Furthermore, Out of the Blue Yacht Charters ensures you are informed of any promotions or special offers, including last-minute discounts.
Some yachts may also charge a flat rate for the entire vessel, regardless of whether all cabins are occupied.
Moreover, rates can vary depending on the specific holiday period, including Christmas week or New Year’s week.
Charter dates are therefore often structured so that Christmas charters conclude December 26, and New Year’s charters begin December 27 or 28.
Finally, we provide full transparency on pricing and terms specific to your desired holiday period for your peace of mind.
High Season / Low Season
High season runs from November to May 31st in the Caribbean, Bahamas and the USA. Low season runs from June 1st to October 31st in the Caribbean, Bahamas, and USA. High season for yacht charters in the Mediterranean runs from June 15th to May 31st. Shoulder season for yacht charters in the Mediterranean runs from May 15th to June 14th and August 31st to October 1st. Low season for yacht charters in the Mediterranean runs from October 2nd to November 1st.
