When you see a yacht advertised at a weekly rate, that figure is only part of the total. Understanding how charter pricing works makes it much easier to compare yachts and budget with confidence. Here is a clear breakdown of each cost.
1
Charter fee
2
APA
3
VAT
4
Delivery fees
5
Crew gratuity
1. The Charter Fee
This is the advertised rate. On most Mediterranean charters, which usually use the standard MYBA contract, it covers the use of the yacht, the crew’s wages and food, the yacht’s insurance and its standard equipment and water toys. Rates vary with the season: high season (usually July and August) costs more than the shoulder months.
2. The Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA)
The APA covers the yacht’s running costs during your charter: fuel, food and drinks, marina and berthing fees, and communications. It is paid in advance, usually as a percentage of the charter fee, commonly between 25% and 40% depending on the yacht and how much cruising you plan.
The captain keeps a detailed record of everything spent and shares it with you. Any unused balance is refunded at the end of the charter. If you spend more, for example on extra cruising or premium wines, the difference is settled on board.
Tip: fuel is usually the biggest variable. Fast motor yachts use far more fuel than sailing yachts or catamarans, so a relaxed itinerary with fewer long passages can make a real difference to your APA.
3. VAT
Most Mediterranean countries charge VAT on yacht charters, and the rate depends on where the charter starts and where the yacht cruises. It is usually added to the charter fee and, in some countries, to the APA too. We will always tell you which rate applies to your charter.
4. Delivery Fees
If you want to start or finish your charter somewhere other than the yacht’s home port, a delivery fee may apply to cover the extra time and fuel. One-way charters, for example from Malta to the Aeolian Islands, often include a delivery fee for the yacht’s return.
5. Crew Gratuity
It is customary to thank the crew with a gratuity at the end of the charter. It is not included in the price and is entirely at your discretion. As a rough guide, many guests give around 10% to 15% of the charter fee in the Mediterranean, and often a little more in the Caribbean. The captain shares it among the crew.
What About the Caribbean?
In the Caribbean, many yachts, especially crewed catamarans, are offered on an all-inclusive basis, with food, most drinks and fuel for normal cruising included. Larger yachts are more often quoted plus expenses, in a similar way to the Mediterranean.
Planning ahead? Read why it pays to book a 2027 Mediterranean charter early, or see our Caribbean winter charter guides.
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