Frequently Asked Questions about Luxury Yacht Charters

A luxury yacht charter is a truly unique experience and one that is not only reserved for a fortunate few. Experience the heights of luxury, immaculate service, serene surroundings and memories to treasure with a bespoke yacht charter. Every detail is tailored to your tastes and budget, making every yacht charter truly special and unique.

You can contact us directly for any additional information, before and during (24/7) your yacht charter.

On a crewed yacht the crew has their separate sleeping quarters. On skippered charters, it is recommended to charter a boat and provide the skipper (and maybe the hostess/cook) with his own cabin. Since he is in charge of the day-to-day running of the yacht, as well as the security of people on board, he should be well-rested and have some privacy – apart from that, the guests will have more comfort and a free salon area to hang out.

Every vessel is registered for a certain number of people (the law does not allow this number to be exceeded).

During our initial contact, you will tell us the sailing area, or which islands, you are interested in exploring with a luxury yacht charter. Depending on the time of the year, and any other wishes we will advise you what sailing area is best suited for you and your party. We will find you a suitable yacht in the selected area. Check out the sailing areas section on our website to get some inside information on the sailing areas in Greece and the Mediterranean seas.

Depending on your yacht and destination, there are different activities and sports that are available to you. Snorkel gear and fins are provided on every yacht and you can also reserve Stand-Up Paddle Boards, kayaks and fishing gear (at extra cost). You can also check out your particular sailing route for specific water activities and/or tours that you can participate in along the way.

The islands are at their best in late spring (starting the end of April, mid-May) when the landscape is still green, although the sea has not yet fully warmed up for swimming, and when the tourist crowds have yet to arrive. Another option is early autumn (starting 1 September) when the sea is at its warmest and few tourists remain. Towards the end of  November, many facilities close and storms are possible. If you must holiday at these times we will be happy to recommend to visit other boating destinations.

Avoid visiting the Cyclades by boat in July or August as the Cyclades bears the brunt of the ‘meltémi’ seasonal wind, which can make moving by boat and sailing uncomfortable and scatters sand and tablecloths.

The APA amount is used to cover expenses incurred during the course of the charter such as fuel, food, beverages, mooring fees and other expenses not included in the Charter Fee. The captain of the yacht is responsible for accounting for all APA expenses during the charter and the breakdown will be presented to you in a clear manner at the end of the charter. The Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) is due at the time of the final charter payment.

Under MYBA Terms, this sum is usually equivalent to 25% of the total charter fee, but maybe 30% in some cases. If the costs incurred during the course of the charter are less than the APA deposit, then the difference will be refunded to the Charterer at the end of the charter. If the costs incurred during the course of the charter that is over and above the APA deposit then this difference will be payable by the Charterer at the end of the charter.

MYBA is the Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association and is a worldwide professional trade association founded in 1984 by a group of prominent yacht brokers with the aim of promoting standards of professionalism and ethics in the yachting industry throughout the Mediterranean, and ultimately, worldwide. MYBA only endorses membership to brokerages with a proven track record of professional excellence in the yachting industry, thereby offering valuable benefits and safeguards to clients choosing to purchase, sell, build or charter a yacht through an MYBA broker. Bluewater is proud to be a member of MYBA with a proven track record in the Yachting Industry.

Most of our yachts are offered with a crew (skipper, hostess, cook) or only with a  skipper. These charters are recommended for people who really want to enjoy a no worry holiday, are not qualified or for those who do not have enough experience to feel confident handling a yacht themselves.

Crewed yachts are offered with a dedicated – professional crew. A variety of sailing yachts, motor yachts, catamarans, motor sailers, and Superyachts is available for luxury yacht charters throughout the Greek islands. Pricing varies depending on the size of the yacht, the kind of yacht, and the service that is requested.

Each type of yacht for charter has different advantages and disadvantages. Please read this guide outlining these, and do not hesitate us any questions you may have. We have a selection of motor yachts to charter, sailing yachts to charter and catamarans to charter on our website, but do offer a wide variety of Luxury yachts and even Mega Yachts.

There are a number of factors that affect charter yacht pricing. However, on average, a week-long private yacht charter with skipper and 6-8 guests costs anywhere from $5,000 on luxurious sailing yachts and catamarans, and up to $150,000+ for superyachts.

When you look at the total cost of a private yacht charter, you will often find that it is significantly less expensive than a comparable land-based vacation. Compared to the cost of paying for a hotel plus traveling by car between destinations, it is actually very affordable. Plus you get to be on the water instead of in a rental car!

Your Luxury Yacht Holiday can take just a couple of hours (Day-Trip) up-to multiple weeks. We organize day-trips on the most famous islands Santorini, Milos, Zakynthos, and others. And day and week charters from yacht charter hubs. The biggest yacht charter hubs are in Athens, Lefkada, Corfu, Kos, Rhodes, Skiathos and Mykonos, but there are other options available, some at additional cost.

No, there is an “off season” for sailing in Greece – (mid-October?) through (mid-June?). August is considered high season and second season is mid-June, July, September, and half October. Charter prices vary based on the season.

We have detailed information on all the yachts we offer, including accommodation information such as yacht layouts. Sometimes we only have photo’s from sister ships especially on new yachts that just entered the luxury yacht charter fleet.

Every cruise we provide is customized based upon your specific wishes. Our experts have intimate knowledge of the sailing areas, islands, tourism and weather patterns will ensure that your vacation is second to none.

Some yachts are pet friendly. Please contact us for additional assistance, information.

Absolutely!  Sailing is a wonderful family activity and there are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. We will provide guidance in using the snorkeling gear, kayaks, and other water toys and are experienced in serving families with children.

Most charter rates quoted imply that the yacht will be provided to the charterer in full commission and with all necessary equipment, properly insured for marine risks and managed by a crew (if any), whose wages, food and clothing are for the owner’s account.

All other operating expenses are payable by the charterer and comprise (but are not restricted to) the following items: fuel and lubricating oils for the yacht, her tenders and motorised water toys; local taxes; pilotage; port, harbour and marina dues; customs clearance; water and electricity; personal laundry; all provisions, wines, beers, spirits, soft drinks and consumables for the charterer’s party; telecommunication costs.

Please note that, occasionally, a yacht may offer a variation on the terms described above. We provide full details of any charter terms that vary from the local charter contract (or standard MYBA Terms, if applicable) when presenting the relevant yachts.

All charters are subject to a fully executed contract, so once the availability for your chosen yacht has been verified; you will receive a standard reservation invoice and an (MYBA if applicable) Charter Agreement for signature.

If your chosen cruising itinerary necessitates embarking or disembarking from a point other than the yacht’s home port, positioning charges (delivery/redelivery fees) may be required. These charges, if applicable, will be confirmed in advance and affirmed in the reservation invoice/Charter Agreement, together with any taxes that may apply.

Ones the downpayment for your yacht charter has been received the charter has been secured.

A deposit of 50% of the total charter fee is payable by bank transfer on the signature of the Charter Agreement. This confirms your booking. The remaining 50%, plus an APA Advance Provisioning Allowance, together with any taxes, delivery/redelivery fees and any additionally agreed charges, is payable by bank transfer one month before the charter commences.

VAT (Value Added Tax) is usually charged on the Charter Fee in European territorial waters. Rates can vary according to the place of embarkation, the type of yacht and the chosen itinerary. We will advise you on the latest tax situation for any country you wish to visit.

We strongly recommend that charterers take out Cancellation and Curtailment Insurance to protect their investment if unforeseen circumstances prevent or curtail their charter. Additionally, all members of the charter party should be covered by Personal Accident and Medical Insurance, and their personal effects should be insured against theft, loss or damage. Other forms of insurance, such as Charterer’s Liability may also be prudent. We are pleased to assist with arranging any policy not covered by the basic Charter Agreement.

You can contact us directly for any additional information, before and during (24/7) your yacht charter.

You will board the yacht at one of our partner marinas in the yachting location you have chosen. You will receive detailed information on where and when you depart upon booking confirmation.

For most locations, you can board your yacht before or at 5:00 pm on the day the charter starts. You and your guests will get acclimated and sleep onboard your yacht that night so we can get an early start to a full day of yachting and adventure. You will receive detailed information upon booking.

Excellent question! While we want you to enjoy the comforts of home, there is limited space on a yacht. Depending on the period you sail you don’t need too much when sailing in Greece. Shorts and shirts and lots of suntan during the summer months starting in June until September. You also want to bring a windbreaker. Outside the summer, April, May, and October you need some warmer clothes. Whatever you bring, a duffel bag is recommended (no hard case suitcases) as space on board is limited. Please see our recommended packing list.

The APA amount is used to cover expenses incurred during the course of the charter such as fuel, food, beverages, mooring fees and other expenses not included in the Charter Fee. The captain of the yacht is responsible for accounting for all APA expenses during the charter and the breakdown will be presented to you in a clear manner at the end of the charter. The Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) is due at the time of the final charter payment.

Under MYBA Terms, this sum is usually equivalent to 25% of the total charter fee, but maybe 30% in some cases. If the costs incurred during the course of the charter are less than the APA deposit, then the difference will be refunded to the Charterer at the end of the charter. If the costs incurred during the course of the charter that is over and above the APA deposit then this difference will be payable by the Charterer at the end of the charter.

Tipping is something almost every yacht charter guest wonders about. According to the Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association (MYBA) tipping guidelines in the Mediterranean sailing area, the general rule is to tip between 10% and 15% of your weekly charter fee, excluding running expenses and taxes. It’s customary to put the entire tip for the crew in an envelope, together with a personal note, and hand it directly to the Captain. In turn, the Captain will determine how to split up the tip amongst the crew.

We have three primary marinas we depart from and numerous other options. We have travel information to get to each. Ask us for more detailed information on servicing airlines, customs and immigration, taxis, and other helpful links. We would be happy to assist you in determining the most efficient way to get to and from the marina of your departure/return.  

We offer provision services, booking services for transfers (taxi, ferry, local flights and hotels) at no additional cost.

Part of the beauty of a private yacht charter is that you get to alter your itinerary to match your desires and prevailing weather, so assuming sufficient time and suitable weather you simply do as you please! As your personal broker I can provide you with plenty of ideas in the form of sample itineraries before you book, once you booked the Skipper will discuss with you his ideas based on his local knowledge. Ones you are on route discussion is open depending on weather conditions at the time and the alternatives we have, always considering your safety and comfort.