If you fancy setting sail on the ocean then you will probably be wondering how much it costs to charter a boat or yacht. Unfortunately it’s not always quite as simple as knowing the charter cost alone, as there are other costs you’ll need to budget for.
This guide to boat charter costs will walk you through the options and associated costs, so you can decide on the best option for you. Covered here is what affects boat and yacht charter costs, including the type of vessel as well as what’s included with rental rates.
We also give you a breakdown of compulsory costs versus optional extras, followed by an outline of what charter packages are all about. Finally, we take a closer look at what else you’ll need to budget for when planning to charter a boat.
How Much Does it Cost to Charter a Boat or Yacht?
The cost to charter a boat depends on a number of factors. These include the type of boat, the location, the season, and whether or not your boat comes with a skipper and other crew. The number of passengers and how soon you book can also come into play.
Factors affecting the cost
Boat
A larger boat with more facilities will cost more than a small vessel with limited amenities. A big, smart new yacht is therefore likely to be a lot more expensive than an older, more basic boat. Opting for the latter can thus save you money, but make sure you book a well-maintained vessel via a reputable company like Borrow a Boat.
Location
Popular locations can cost more than lesser-known places, too, due to supply and demand. The cost of a boat charter in a sailing hotspot like Croatia or Greece, for example, can be higher.
Season
Supply and demand also comes into play when it comes to the dates. The summer season, when school is out, will be more expensive than dates during term-time. If fewer people tend to rent boats at particular times of the year, then this will reduce prices to ensure boats remain fully booked.
Skipper and crew
Whether or not your vessel is staffed will also influence the boat or yacht charter cost. An experienced skipper will make life on the ocean so much easier for you, but also comes at a price. As do any other crew members supplied by the charter company or boat owner.
If you opt for a catered boat, for instance, then the cost will be higher. The wages of the crew need to be covered (and in this particular case, the food does too).
Passengers
Though the number of passengers may not affect the price of your charter boat, it can come into play when it comes to how much you’ll pay. More people means a lower cost per head. Often, staying on board a boat works out much cheaper per night than staying at a hotel.
Booking ahead
How far ahead you book can also affect the price of your boat hire. Booking as far in advance as possible gives you the best chance of securing any discounts or early bird rates. This is because boat owners get the peace of mind that comes with knowing their vessel is booked up.
What’s included
When considering how much it costs to rent a boat, it’s important to know what’s included with the cost, and what isn’t.
Typically, the rental charge will cover the use of the boat itself. Plus any necessary equipment that you must have on board.
You’ll usually need to pay for things like fuel, food, and drinks on top, unless the charter company states that these are included. There may also be obligatory costs such as cleaning and mooring fees, fuel, and tourist taxes.
Mandatory Costs and Optional Extras
When you book with Borrow a Boat, you’ll receive a booking confirmation, or a quote from a holiday planner. This will include the total cost.
It should also include a costs breakdown, which will differentiate between mandatory and optional expenses. You should also find out at this stage whether such costs are due to be paid in advance, or when you check in.
If in doubt, you can always consult one of our holiday planners for guidance. Here are some examples of compulsory and optional extra costs.
Mandatory costs
- Fuel
- Cleaning fee
- Mooring fees
- Inspection fee
- Tourist taxes
- Linen and towels
Charter fee
This one kind of sits between the two categories. It may be compulsory, covering costs like linen and towels, cooking gas, an outboard engine, and cleaning. Or such charges may be listed as optional extras instead. Find out more about charter packages further down the page.
Optional extras
- Groceries
- Water refills
- Crew provision
- Beach towel hire
- Outboard engines – may be added to smaller boats if required
- Early check-in – a fee is often payable for this service
- Damage waiver – this gives you protection in case the boat is damaged while in your possession
- Water sports equipment – you might also be able to hire stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, fishing kit, snorkelling gear, and so on
Understanding Charter Packages
When you’re looking at boats to rent, you may come across charter packages. These are known by a variety of different names, such as comfort package, welcome package, VIP package, and more.
What’s covered by such a charter package fee is determined by the charter company or boat owner. These package costs are likely to include mandatory charges, such as cleaning, inspection and mooring fees, the use of bed linen and towels, fuel for cooking and the engine, and tourist taxes.
The charter package price might also cover optional extras. This could include a crew, food and drinks, an outboard engine, beach towel hire, water sports equipment rental, and more.
What amenities are available can vary from one boat provider to another. The price is also set by each boat owner or charter company, so this will also differ.
Before signing up, make sure you know exactly what is covered by the charter package cost, and what may be charged for on top of this fee.
If you’re keen to save money, then it’s worth comparing the cost breakdown for one boat against another, as well as the overall rental price. The total price you’ll pay is what matters, so knowing precisely what’s covered, and at what cost, is very important.
What Else To Budget For
In addition to the rental price, mandatory costs, optional extras, and any charter packages applied, you need to budget for other aspects of your trip. Other things you’ll need to pay for include food and drinks, any costs at the destinations you visit, and hiring a skipper – if this is an option and you want one.
Food and provisions
The cost of food and drinks is obviously determined by what, and how much, you consume. But don’t forget to factor in where you’ll be shopping.
For example, if you’ll be stocking up before you board the boat, then consider food prices in the country you’re departing from. Some countries are of course much cheaper than others when it comes to shopping for food, soft drinks, and alcohol. Plus daily essentials such as toilet roll, cleaning products, toiletries, and so on.
The same applies, of course, if you’ll be picking up more supplies in various ports of call.
If you’ll be spending time in Europe, this food and beverage cost comparison from the European Commission can be a useful guide.
Destination costs
How much money you’ll spend visiting destinations en route is also an important consideration. What you’ll do in each place determines how much money you’ll need.
For example, spending the day at the beach with a picnic may not cost much. But you might decide to hire some water sports equipment while you’re there, which means spending more money.
Having dinner at an upmarket restaurant might be expensive. As will splashing out on an overnight stay, should you decide to treat yourselves to a hotel for a night. If you want to book any tours or experiences, these will also come at a price.
Some ports of call might also offer a number of shopping options. Whether it’s gifts for loved ones back home, or clothing and accessories for yourself, anything you buy also means stretching your budget.
Hiring a skipper
Whether or not to hire a skipper is a big decision. It can have a big bearing on the cost of your charter boat rental. There could also be safety implications, as being in experienced hands will always offer more protection.
If you don’t hold the required licences, then you may not have a choice. While you can skipper some types of boat without a licence in some destinations, this is far from always the case.
If you do want to use a skipper, then you’ll need to secure their services as soon as possible. They are often booked out way in advance, especially during the busiest times of year.
If in doubt, you can always consult one of our Borrow a Boat holiday planners for advice. There’s also more information in this guide to renting a boat without a skipper.