charter at yacht

• Inspiration

Yacht Charter Locations

Mediterranean Yacht Charter

G3 | From EUR€ 148,750/wk Special

55m superyacht YN20555 is launched by ...

Charterworld - the luxury yacht charter specialist, charterworld is a private yacht specialist with access the entire world's yacht fleet, at the best price, so get in touch..

Find out more about the CharterWorld company here or read recent client recommendations . We have every crewed luxury superyacht charter in the world, from large motor yachts to sailing yachts and crewed catamaran. For best value private yacht vacations start your holiday of a lifetime here with the company you can trust.

Summer Hot Spots 2024:

The mediterranean ...         south of france    |   italy     |   sardinia    |   spain   |   croatia   |   greece, mykonos | greece, st tropez | france, amalfi coast | italy, dubrovnik | croatia, browse yachts by type, browse all charter yachts, motor yachts, sailing yachts, on sale: yacht specials, mediterranean specials, popular yachts, new latest yachts, feature yachts, mar | from eur€ 1,800,000/wk.

TATIANA | From EUR€ 775,000/wk

MALTESE FALCON | From EUR€ 490,000/wk

Where To Charter A Yacht?

Matching the right location for you is paramount. There are immensely interesting and diverse places all over the world to charter a crewed superyacht, but the most popular spots are:

A Mediterranean yacht charter which makes for the ultimate vacation with it’s fine culture, finer boats and beautiful azure waterways. The Med’ is an extremely varied location with many beautiful countries to visit, such as France, Italy, Sardinia, Monaco, Greece, Croatia and more.

Caribbean yacht charters are all about exotic natural islands, beautiful tropical beaches and of course luxury charter yachts. St Barts, St Martin, The Virgin Islands and Antigua draw some superb mega yachts to the Caribbean for your vacation. You can see the full list of destinations here .

We offer all the mega yachts and superyacht charters worldwide , as well as in the Mediterranean including Italy , France , Greece , Spain, Croatia , & Turkey.  Additionally, we have great discounted luxury yachts , sailing and motor yachts in the Caribbean , including the Bahamas , British & US Virgin Islands, St Lucia, St Barts, Grenadines, Antigua, as well as the Pacific Northwest, the South Pacific , Asia and Australia & New Zealand and elsewhere.

Currently Popular Itineraries

CROATIA & MONTENEGRO - 14 Days

SPAIN & BALEARICS - 7 Day Itinerary

SARDINIA & CORSICA - 7 Day Itinerary

IONIAN ISLANDS & CORFU - 8 Days

All the luxury sailing and motor yacht charter boats worldwide:.

Go here to discover all the worldwide charter locations...  including the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Indian Ocean, North and South America, Pacific Northwest.

Apart from The Mediterranean & Caribbean their are many other hot spots - go here for the full list.

WHISPER | From EUR€ 1,200,000/wk

95 meter CUSTOM | From EUR€ 1,200,000/wk

Luxury Yacht Builders and Designers

The world has a fantastic array of very interesting luxury yacht builders and superyacht designers . At CharterWorld we have the definitive information on the ever evolving yacht builders and designers, as well as the latest superyacht news relating to the latest new yacht designs and new build yacht launches.

Luxury Yachts: Luxury crewed superyacht charters, both power motor and sailing boats, in all the areas of the world from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, Asia to the South Pacific, Australia & New Zealand to the Indian Ocean.

Sailing charters & vacations: CharterWorld provides full charter yacht rental sailing vacations & holidays including flights, accommodation and sightseeing. Sailing charters and sail boats from luxury catamarans to crewed boats, classic yachts as well as new ones.

Power/Motor boats: Luxury power & motor boat charter yachts are available either as crewed yachts, classic or new. They include performance open style motor yachts, right through to expedition (explorer) yachts.

For your reference, CharterWorld provides a  charter and superyacht news section as well as a  superyacht directory for easy access to the complete world of interesting yachts , not just luxury charter yachts. This comprehensive list is organised by the yachts naval architect designer , by year and by the country the builder launched them in.

Why CharterWorld? - The complete list of charter boats worldwide, at the most competitive prices. - Free, independent and professional advice. - Access to the latest specials and discounts in the Caribbean and Mediterranean. - CharterWorld saves time and money on any luxury yacht vacation.

New to Yachting or Superyacht Charter Vacations? If you haven’t enjoyed the advantages of this type of luxury holiday, then this section has plenty of articles about how it all works and what to expect. Of course you can also just contact us and an experienced broker will personally guide you through and explain everything. Additionally, the yachting news section keeps you abreast of developments in the industry.

Latest Luxury Yacht Charter & Superyacht News

Van der Valk Shipyard announce 35m ...

Abeking & Rasmussen’s 41-meter ...

Aegean Yachts unveil 26m explorer yacht ...

Latest yachts added to the database, date night | from us$ 75,000/wk.

ROBIN'S NEST II | From US$ 60,000/wk

CRAZY LOVE | From US$ 80,000/wk

SAMIRA | From EUR€ 46,000/wk

Ready for an extraordinary yacht charter experience?

Charter a yacht

• Yachts for charter

Do more of what you love. Indulge in an experience like no other, tailored to you, and only you

charter yacht offers

Feel tempted

Want to experience something new? Explore our incredible offers on all sorts of yachts to rent or hire all over the world

Yacht charter destinations

Start your adventure

Charter a private boat and discover a world where anything is possible, and everything is within reach

Register for an account today

Curate your own yachting space and find more of what’s important to you

Corporate yacht charter

New to private yacht rental?

Yacht charter inspiration

You can rely on our private yacht rental expertise.

Planning the perfect charter requires specialist knowledge, trusted contacts on board and on the ground, as well as first-hand knowledge of yachts, crews and locations, as well as legal contracts and local regulations to build an experience that suits you perfectly. Another reason to choose a broker is that sometimes there can be unforeseen issues with yachts or destinations and having an experienced broker to protect your interests and build a plan B is hugely reassuring. 

Creating the unforgettable is what we do at Burgess. It’s what our knowledge, experience and passion are all about. We take all the hassle out of the planning so you can just turn up and have the best holiday ever. 

At the heart of all we do

Popular yacht charter destinations in august.

• Croatia & Montenegro

Discover the Burgess difference

Charter a luxury yacht with Burgess. We are trusted for our expertise, and it is the first-hand insights of our charter brokers that raise the bar. Our collective knowledge serves to make your superyacht charter experience exceptional. Explore our stunning collection of luxury yachts for rent or hire and speak to our experts about chartering a private yacht to your dream destination.

Privileged access to the world’s finest charter yachts

Every charter yacht in the Burgess fleet is unique, from interior design and on board facilities, to watertoys and impeccable service. We rigorously inspect every yacht to ensure that when you find your ideal match, it exceeds every expectation.

A wealth of knowledge to enhance your experience

A superyacht charter offers life-affirming adventure and little can compare to a tailor-made experience orchestrated by your Burgess broker. By accommodating both your preferences and requirements, no detail is left to chance.

Personalised service that goes above and beyond

Burgess charter brokers are involved well beyond the booking stage. We share our intelligence on the best itineraries to suit you, organise private jet transfers, on board celebrations, luxury boat hire, restaurant bookings, spa treatments, fitness instruction and more.

• Motor yachts for charter

• Sailing yachts for charter

Creating a unique yacht charter experience starts with you. On board, the possibilities are endless – all you have to do is realise them.

A honeymoon yacht charter is the perfect getaway after your wedding. You and your spouse can settle down to spend some quality time together on board, as your private boat heads toward your dream destination. Relax on a Caribbean beach with a cocktail in hand, or discover the wonders of Thailand together. The choice is yours.

Tempted by a summer yacht charter? Set sail for the Mediterranean , where you can unwind in one of Ibiza ’s famous wellness retreats, or explore the iconic pink streets of Saint-Tropez .   Greece also makes the perfect destination for an explorer yacht charter holiday, thanks to its abundance of islands. Perfectly blending beautiful coastlines, sunsets and sites of antiquity, you’ll be well on your way to an indescribable Greek adventure.

If it’s cooler climes you’re after, don’t panic. Alaska and Antarctica are both popular destinations for expedition yacht charters that are filled with thrills. Try heli-skiing and hiking, kayaking through icebergs or experiencing them from below in a submersible, before warming up on board your luxury winter yacht charter.

The ultimate weekend away: unwind with a weekend yacht charter

Discover a Seychelles charter

Burgess at Cannes Yachting Festival

The Burgess guide to Monaco Yacht Show

The RENAISSANCE of charter

Your guide to the lesser-known Greek Islands

Best summer charter destinations close to the USA

Bahamas superyacht charter guide

Monaco Grand Prix: French Riviera yacht charter

The go-to places to visit this summer

Sign up to our newsletter, stay in the loop.

Subscribe to our newsletter to keep updated with all things Burgess.

What would you like emails about?

• Chartering a yacht
• Buying or selling a yacht
• General superyacht news

In order to understand how we use and protect your personal information, please read our privacy policy .

• Mediterranean
• French Riviera
• Corsica & Sardinia
• The Balearics
• The Bahamas
• Caribbean - Leeward Islands
• Caribbean - Windward Islands
• British Virgin Islands
• US Virgin Islands
• New England
• Indian Ocean
• The Red Sea
• South East Asia
• New Zealand
• French Polynesia
• Latest offers
• Destinations
• New to charter
• Meet the Charter team
• Superyacht videos
• 360° yacht tours
• Corporate & event charters
• Inspiring charter ideas
• Charter FAQs
• Every day different

MOONLIGHT II

Charter for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

For an unbeatable F1 experience

Early season availability in the BVI’s

Charter from mid-November onwards from St Maarten or Tortola

• Motor yachts for sale
• Sailing yachts for sale
• Yachts for sale over 200 feet
• Yachts for sale from 150 to 200 feet
• Yachts for sale under 150 feet
• Tenders and chase boats for sale
• Yachts under construction
• Meet the Brokerage team
• Berths for sale
• Sold yachts
• Yacht marketing
• New Build Sales
• Refit a yacht
• Delivered yachts
• Yacht designers
• Meet the Technical Services team
• Meet the Yacht Management team
• Crew vacancies
• Meet the Crew Services team
• Procurement Services
• Charter Management
• Sales Management
• Yacht Marketing
• Meet the Insurance team
• 360 degree yacht tours
• Boat shows and events
• Office vacancies
• Talent pool
• Office locations
• Burgess in Asia
• Burgess Blue Oceans
• Strategic partners
• Press centre
• Company Operations
• Crew Services
• New Business
• Technical Services
• Yacht Management
• Burgess Impact Report 2023

Filter your results

• Yachts for sale

The global authority in superyachting

• NEWSLETTERS
• Yachts Home
• The Superyacht Directory
• Yacht Reports
• Brokerage News
• The largest yachts in the world
• The Register
• Yacht Advice
• Yacht Design
• 12m to 24m yachts
• Monaco Yacht Show
• Builder Directory
• Designer Directory
• Interior Design Directory
• Naval Architect Directory
• Yachts for sale home
• Motor yachts
• Sailing yachts
• Explorer yachts
• Classic yachts
• Sale Broker Directory
• Charter Home
• Yachts for Charter
• Charter Destinations
• Charter Broker Directory
• Destinations Home
• Mediterranean
• South Pacific
• Rest of the World
• Boat Life Home
• Owners' Experiences
• Conservation and Philanthropy
• Interiors Suppliers
• Owners' Club
• Captains' Club
• BOAT Showcase
• Boat Presents
• Events Home
• World Superyacht Awards
• Superyacht Design Festival
• Design and Innovation Awards
• Young Designer of the Year Award
• Artistry and Craft Awards
• Explorer Yachts Summit
• Ocean Talks
• The Ocean Awards
• BOAT Connect
• Between the bays
• Golf Invitational
• BOATPro Home
• Superyacht Insight
• Global Order Book
• Premium Content
• Product Features
• Testimonials
• Pricing Plan
• Tenders & Equipment

Luxury Yacht Charter

Our luxury yacht charter hub has everything you need to know to help you plan a superyacht charter for your next vacation . Our charter advice section brings you the finest expert guidance, suitable to everyone from first-time charterers finding out how much it costs to charter a yacht to seasoned regulars. Our charter news reports on the newest charter yachts and the very best charter deals. And, once you’re ready to start looking for a luxury yacht for charter, our charter search will help you find the most suitable options, allowing you to filter the finest collection of luxury superyachts by destination , price, number of guests accommodated and more.

Search Luxury Yachts for Charter

Recently added superyachts for charter, yacht charter news, yacht charter advice, mediterranean charter destinations, caribbean charter destinations, americas charter destinations, rest of the world charter destinations, from our partners.

Yacht
Charter

Masterminding Amazing Experiences. Turning Moments into Memories. Achieving the Unbelievable in Every Second on Board. This is Yacht Charter by Y.CO.

Memories to last a lifetime

The joy of yacht charter lies in the amazing, impermeable memories made. The years of happy reminiscences that follow. From the weird and wild, to the humbling, heartening or all-out extraordinary, Y.CO creates moments so remarkable they’ll be inscribed on your mind for a lifetime.

Yachts for Charter

Your Adventure Starts Here

Access over 1000 of the best yachts for charter all over the world, with support from the most experienced charter specialists.

Pink Shadow

The Ultimate Experience

Chartering a yacht is the ultimate experience, and we know how to make the most of it.

Whether that means getting you unparalleled access to an island paradise, throwing you the party of a lifetime, or having crew dress up as pirates for your kids, we'll make sure you and your guests are living life to the fullest every moment you're on board.

Access Unlimited

From first choice of dates on board 1000 of the best yachts to the backing of on-the-ground specialists in every continent; Y.CO Clients have unparalleled access to the very best yachting has to offer.

EXPERTS IN ESCAPADE

From bringing on board specialist instructors to arranging the celebration of a lifetime, our team combines expert destination knowledge with insider info on the very latest yachts to secure you the yacht charter of your dreams.

Every Detail Covered

From first inquiry to phenomenal itinerary, we’re dedicated to delivering more than expected. Enjoy effortless planning, with curated itineraries and yacht collections shared with you at the touch of a button.

Yacht Charter Inspiration

Best Holiday Ever

Whether you’re planning a big Greek family adventure during school holidays, a culinary escape on Italy’s Amalfi Coast or a voyage of discovery in Svalbard, we’ll make sure your next yacht charter is the best one yet.

Everything That's Hot

Your guide to the hottest spots and yachts of summer 2024.

Banish the Winter Blues

Winter just got hotter with our winter yacht charter inspiration.

Far-Flung Adventure

Whatever far-flung adventure looks like for you, we can make it happen than on an explorer yacht charter.

How to book a charter that will please the youngest guests - and the young at heart.

Adventure Awaits

Last minute yacht charter.

Looking to book a last minute holiday? We've got you covered. Browse our special offers and discover our selection of superyachts available to charter last minute.

Special Offers

Pay less up front on these popular charter yachts

Latest Availability

Ready to go for summer 2024

Summer 2024 Charter Spotlight

Experiences You Shouldn't Miss

Be the First

Be among the first to experience award-winning Pink Shadow this summer. There's nothing else like it.

To Sail is to Soar

Sea Eagle offers her unmatched sailing experience in the South Pacific.

Breathtaking Cuisine

Charter Nuri this summer and enjoy her chef's delicious culinary creations featuring the best local produce.

Ultimate Watersports

With no less that 3 kiteboarding instructors among the crew, Arkadia offers a watersports experience like no other.

Adventures in the Pacific

Join Windrose of Amsterdam in the Pacific leg of her world tour for breathtaking destinations and world-beating service and cuisine.

Indonesian Immersion

Experience the otherworldy Komodo National Park aboard the finest luxury Phinisi yacht in the world.

Northern Breezes

Experience Amara in a luxurious voyage through picturesque fjords, providing an unforgettable experience of Norway's coastal splendor.

“SUPERYACHTS ARE A WAY TO VIEW THE WORLD WITH NEW EYES AND RETURN TO LAND WITH MEMORIES THAT HAVE SHAPED YOU — AND THAT WILL STAY WITH YOU FOREVER.”

Gary Wright, Y.CO Co-Founder and Chairman

Itineraries & Destinations

Endless exploration.

From pirate adventures to celebrity chefs, full-throttle fun to front-row seats to wonders of the world, our yacht charter itineraries unlock the kind of experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime. Discover where Yacht Charter could take you.

Our Charter Specialists

Meet the Team

We think of ourselves not as brokers or consultants, but magicians. Able to pull something unforeseen out the hat, while still delivering on all the indulgences expected of a superyacht. From bringing on board specialist instructors to arranging the celebration of a lifetime, we combine expert destination knowledge with insider info on the very latest yachts to secure you the yacht charter of your dreams.

Alisha McDonald

Alisha’s vast captain network and two-decade experience give her knowledge of the latest trends.

Andrea Pothier

A self-confessed foodie who’s lived all over the world, Andrea loves finding new yachts and restaurants for clients.

Annabel Gray

A background in events gives Annabel the logistics expertise to craft unforgettable celebrations and experiences.

Ariane Cerdan

Watersports enthusiast Ariane loves to share her knowledge of the best spots for surfing, kitesurfing and diving.

Eleanor Bloodworth

Service-oriented Eleanor enjoys creating amazing family experiences in beautiful places.

Fleur Tomlinson

Well-travelled Fleur is based in New Zealand and is an expert in far-flung yacht charter.

A Military and international regatta veteran, Hume is a formidable partner in organizing complex charters.

Nick Heming

Travel enthusiast Nick loves crafting yachting experiences that will wow even the most seasoned guests.

Ollie Pryce

Ollie is keen to share his love of the on-the-water lifestyle with our clients, arranging dream charters and yacht sales.

Tamsin Priestley

Tamsin grew up sailing the Greek islands has expertise in finding unique, special yachts and locations.

Tilly Smith

Tilly spent her childhood summers in the Mediterranean and has great knowledge of its small coves and bays.

How can we be of Service?

How long is a yacht charter season?

Yachting has two main seasons: summer (May to October) in the Mediterranean and winter (November to April) in the Caribbean, peaking at Christmas and New Year. Booking in the shoulder seasons offers crowd avoidance, flexible rates, and a wider selection.

Where can I charter a yacht?

With access to a global fleet of yachts for charter all over the world, Y.CO offers diverse yachting destinations. In the summer, the Mediterranean is a top choice, while the Bahamas and Caribbean draw many clients during the winter months.

How much does it cost to charter a yacht?

Charter rates are typically quoted by the week and prices vary depending on the model of the yacht, size, year built, and onboard amenities. Most yachts have higher rates during peak season (July, August, Christmas and New Year) with lower rates throughout the rest of the year.

How do I charter a yacht?

If you're a complete beginner when it comes to yacht charter, don't worry. Our team of experts will guide you through the entire process. From choosing the perfect yacht and negotiating the best rates to fine-tuning your exclusive itinerary, we've got you covered.

Haven`t found the one?

Featured yachts.

Suggestions

Read Article

Trending Searches

Price per week

Your Privacy

We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, analyse our traffic and assist in personalised marketing. By selecting “Allow Cookies”, you consent to our use of cookies.

LET'S CHAT.

Get in touch with one of our teams around the world.

Where you'll find us

Monaco — MC

London — UK

Fort Lauderdale — US

Auckland — NZ

• Inquire Now
• YACHT SEARCH
• Motor Yachts
• Sailing Yachts
• $1 – $25,000 Yachts
• $26,000 – $50,000 Yachts
• $50,000 – $100,000 Yachts
• $101,000 – $200,000 Yachts
• $200,000 – ∞ Yachts
• Virgin Islands
• Leeward Islands
• Turks and Caicos
• Spain & Balearic Islands
• New England
• Tahiti & South Pacific
• More destinations
• Charter Advice

How much does it cost to charter a yacht?

There are many things to consider and first time charterers can be left confused, that's why we've created a comprehensive guide to yacht charter prices (with a checklist).

The good news: It’s easy to grasp the basics of yacht charter pricing. And with one of our experts in your corner, we can help you more accurately estimate the cost of your next once-in-a-lifetime vacation.

The cost of a yacht charter is dependent on a number of factors, including the type of yacht, the charter destination, local taxes, and the base cost. (If the yacht has a celebrity owner, well that too, can add to the cost.)

Therefore, yacht charters have a wide range of base prices. That’s why charters can cost from $10,000 per week on smaller sailing yachts and catamarans, up to $150,000+ per week on the most luxurious motor superyachts.

What else can you expect to pay? This overview – a part of our planning resource, the Charter Advice Guide – offers an in-depth look at charter yacht costs.

Yacht Charter Price Structure: “All-Inclusive” vs “Plus Expenses”

In the world of yachting, two types of crewed yacht charters are available to you – “All-Inclusive” and “Plus Expenses” charter experiences. What do these terms mean exactly? Here’s a quick look:

• All-Inclusive Yacht Charters – Some charters (mainly catamaran and monohull charters in the Virgin Islands) offer all-inclusive rates. That means rates are based on the number of guests, and they include all food and drink, water sports, and fuel costs. Dockage and taxes, though, are usually charged separately.
• Plus Expenses Charters – Rates for larger motor yachts do not include running expenses, which must be paid separately. For these luxury charters, the base price is for the yacht only. Additional expenses, i.e. food, bar, fuel, dockage, port taxes, and other expenses, are charged separately. Most frequently, the running expenses are paid by an Advance Provisioning Allowance, or APA, which is typically 35% of the base price; this is an amount that’s paid prior to the charter.

Our chart below offers a quick overview of what’s included in both of these types of charters.

Average Yacht Charter Cost: Base Prices

What can you expect to pay for a catamaran, a sailing vessel, or motored yacht? Here’s a quick overview of the average cost to rent a yacht (not including extra expenses) for the most common types available:

Factors that Affect Yacht Charter Prices

Since charter yachts are privately owned, prices are set by the owner. This can explain, in part, the wide range of differences in price between boats of similar lengths. Yet, several other factors can significantly impact price, including:

• The Yacht – The year the boat was built, the builder, previous owners, and the boat’s selection of water toys can also increase the cost of a yacht. Boats can also develop a reputation, i.e. the largest or most luxurious, or having a famous builder or previous owner. Reputation can also affect pricing.
• Season – Prices typically increase in the high season – i.e. high summer in the Mediterranean or winter in the Caribbean – and decrease in low seasons.
• Destination – Your charter destination also plays a role in charter cost. For example, prices increase in areas without large charter fleets (i.e. the Galapagos), whereas Bahamas yacht charters,   BVI charters , or Mediterranean yacht charter are priced more competitively.

Additional Costs Considerations on Yacht Charter

In addition to the cost associated with running the yacht and provisioning, there are a number of other costs that must be considered. These are the most significant:

Advanced Provisioning Allowance

The APA on Plus Expenses charters equals roughly 35% of the yacht’s base price. This is a fee that’s collected prior to charter, and it’s similar to an expense account the captain can access during the charter. At the end of the charter, you will receive a detailed accounting of your APA account, plus any unused APA funds in cash.

In the case of overages, you may be required to replenish the APA account during the charter. This can be done with cash, although many choose to set up accounts with their charter brokers , which can be accessed if requested by the captain.

Taxes and Value Added Tax (VAT)

Most boats – whether all-inclusive or Plus Expenses – will not include local taxes or a Value Added Tax into their charter rate. The charterer will be responsible for paying those taxes. Taxes range significantly by destination; here’s a look at some of yachting’s most popular destinations:

• The Bahamas – Tax: 4% plus 10% VAT
• BVI – Tax: between $6 and $16 per person per day, depending on the flag of the boat
• Croatia – VAT: 13%
• Florida – Tax: 6% for Broward County, 7% for Miami-Dade County
• France – VAT: 20%, however, 10% can be applied when an itinerary includes International Waters
• Greece – VAT: 12%
• Italy – VAT: 22%, however 6.6% (over 24m) and 8.8% (under 24m) can be applied when an itinerary includes International Waters
• Montenegro – NO VAT
• New England – NO TAX
• Spain – VAT: 21%
• Turkey – NO VAT

Charterers can purchase cancellation and curtailment insurance – which is similar to traveler’s insurance. This insurance can help cover costs if a charterer must cancel or shorten the charter. Charter brokers can help you weigh insurance options, and often offer several different options.

Crew Gratuity

While crew gratuity is certainly not mandatory, it is recommended, particularly if you were truly impressed with your charter experience. In general, crew gratuity is roughly 15-20% of the base charter rate, which is handed to the captain at the conclusion of your charter.

Delivery Fees

While these fees do not apply on most charters, you may be asked to pay delivery costs if you are not chartering in the yacht’s normal cruising ground. In most cases, you will only be required to cover the fuel for the trip.

Call Worldwide Boat today to learn more. Our Charter Specialists are here to assist you with every detail and explain all charter costs. Or read our Charter Advice guide for more information and tips for planning your charter vacation.

Showing 1–4 of 288 results

282.2ft / 84m

278.1ft / 83m

239.6ft / 71m

Serenity 236

236.3ft / 70m

Additional Charter Cost FAQs

What are standard private charter yacht prices?

There are a number of factors that affect charter yacht pricing. However, on average, a week-long private yacht charter costs anywhere from $10,000 on luxurious sailing yachts and catamarans, and up to $150,000 for superyachts.

What affects charter yacht prices?

There are several things that influence how much your yacht charter will cost. The type of vessel, charter destination, length of trip, base cost, time of year, and local taxes all make a difference.

How much does it cost for a crewed vessel?

Charter yacht prices do increase when hiring a crew along with the boat. At Worldwide Boat, we offer two types of crewed charter experiences: all-inclusive and plus expenses. An all-inclusive charter yacht includes accommodation for all guests, food and drink, water sport activities, and fuel costs – dockage fees and taxes are charged separately. A plus expenses experience accounts for just the yacht’s base price. Things like food, drinks, fuel, dockages, taxes, and other expenses are charged separately and are usually estimated to be about 35% of the base price.

What’s included in all-inclusive boat charters?

At Worldwide Boat, your all-inclusive charter experience includes a diligent and friendly crew, water toys, food, drinks, fuel, water and electric services, and occasionally diving experiences.

What are some additional charter boat costs to consider?

After finding a base price you’re comfortable with and evaluating your package, you’ll also want to consider delivery fees, crew gratuity, insurance fees, taxes, and Advanced Provisioning Allowance rates. If you are responsible for these fees, your crew will handle the necessary transactions on your behalf.

What does it cost to rent a 100- foot yacht charter?

This depends on what type of vessel you’re looking at and how long you’ll need it for. The average weekly cost of a 100-foot sailing yacht is between $50,000-100,000. A weekly 80-foot catamaran charter runs around $40,000-100,000, and a week-long 100-foot motor yacht rental is anywhere between $50,000-80,000.

Does the price to rent a yacht change depending on what type of boat it is?

Yes. Worldwide Boat offers sailing yachts, catamarans, and motor yachts. All of these vessels have different capabilities, but there are other factors that determine the price beyond what type of boat you choose. The year the boat was built, owner, availability of water toys, onboard amenities, and the ship’s reputation can all change how much the ship is priced at.

When is the high season for yacht charters?

The price of a yacht fluctuates depending on the season. A Mediterranean yacht charter cost rises in the summer and drops in the winter, whereas Caribbean boat charter prices are high during the winter and lower in the summer months.

How does my destination affect charter yacht cost?

The more remote an area is, the more expensive it will be to charter a yacht there. That’s because prices go up in areas that have fewer boats. If you were to travel somewhere like the Galapagos, which isn’t a typical yacht destination, you’d pay more than you would if you were traveling to the Caribbean.

How much do I tip the crew when reviewing my yacht charter expenses?

It’s not required that you tip your crew, but it is recommended and appreciated. If you had an enjoyable experience it’s considered polite to tip your crew anywhere from 15-20% at the end of your charter.

Go to Charter Advice

Set your search criteria to find the perfect yacht

• Alaska Australia Bahamas BVI Caribbean Croatia Florida France Galapagos Greece Indonesia Italy Malaysia Maldives Mexico Mediterranean New England Norway Spain Thailand Tahiti Turkey
• Motor Yacht Catamaran Sailing Boats
• 2 4 6 8 10 12 12+

Search by yacht name

A Beginner’s Guide to Chartering a Yacht

With the pandemic driving a boom in superyacht charters , more and more people are taking to the water for their first yachting experience. But while some superyachts can cost more than a million a week to charter, you don’t need to outlay seven figures for your own yachting vacation.

Wondering what else you need to know before stepping on board for the very first time? We’ve turned to experts in the yachting industry for their insider intel on how to charter a yacht like a pro—from how much it will run you, to where to go, and well beyond. Read on.

Do I need a charter broker, and how do I find one?

It’s a charter broker’s job to match you with the right yacht and crew—and then take the lead in planning the entire experience. Professional bodies such as MYBA The Worldwide Yachting Association act as a database of industry-recognized professionals. But the best source for finding a charter broker is often your own network. “Building up a relationship with a charter broker is very important,” says Jacqui Lockhart, a Monaco-based broker at Camper & Nicholsons International . “If possible, look for a recommendation from a friend.”

Once you’ve found the right broker, communication with them will be key. “Take the time to be as detailed with your preferences, such as dietary requirements, likes and dislikes, and preferred activities, as possible,” says London-based broker Charles Crane of Edmiston . “This will give us and the crew the best information to make the charter a success and tailored to perfection.”

How much should I be prepared to spend?

“The entry point is around $40,000 for a week on a yacht 82-feet upwards that can sleep six people," says Lockhart. What can take first time charterers by surprise is that this isn’t an all-inclusive figure. “The charter fee covers the hire, the crew, the insurance—everything that’s linked to the yacht,” Lockhart continues. Anything specifically for the client is extra—including food and beverages, fuel, and dockage. As a rule of thumb, budget for an extra 30 percent on top of the baseline charter figure for these extras, which goes into a fund known as the Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA). At the end of the charter, it is also customary to tip the crew; between 10 and 20 percent of the charter fee is a guideline figure. There may also be Value Added Tax (VAT) to pay on the charter rate, depending on the country of embarkation.

At the smaller end of the charter fleet, more opportunity exists for single-cabin bookings rather than whole yacht charters. This year in the Caribbean , Sheila Ruffin of Soca Yacht Charters has launched a “Stranger on the Seas” package. Prices start at around $6,000 per person—all-inclusive—on catamarans between 48 and 60 feet. “This allows couples the opportunity to mix and mingle with other couples for an adventurous and social yacht charter on the Caribbean Sea,” says Ruffin.

What destinations are best suited to first-time charterers?

“For first-timers, I wouldn’t recommend a remote destination,” says Captain Kelly Gordon of Freddy , a 106-foot charter yacht based out of the Bahamas . “When it’s hard to get to, that eats up some of your valuable time and can also take some of the fun out of it.”

While yachts are heading towards unchartered waters such as Antarctica with increasing frequency, cruising grounds in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean are classic destinations for a reason. “For the first-time charterer in these locations, there will be more yacht options to choose from, proven cruising grounds with known and safe anchorages, well-connected and easy access hubs to ensure smooth passage to embark and disembark the vessel as well as the ability to source most provisions that guests may want,” says Crane.

The key ingredient? The crew.

Although much of the focus is on securing the right yacht, the secret to the success of a charter is its crew. “Put simply, the crew make the difference between a good charter yacht and a bad one,” says Crane. Today’s crew are increasingly versatile. “They may also be a diving or yoga instructor, personal trainer, fisherman, or sommelier,” he continues.

The crew also knows your cruising area better than anyone else. “Be sure to pick their brain on fun things to do. They often love the opportunity to come up with fun activities and games, whether for kids or adults,” says Lotte Barker-Hahlo, a London-based charter broker at Burgess .

The level of hospitality from crew on most yachts often convert first-time charters into repeat customers. “The attention to detail from the crew is unsurpassed by any other luxury holiday,” says Barker-Hahlo. “From the unpacking of your suitcase to being offered a drink before you’ve even realized you’re thirsty, it’s 24-hour care and service.”

Gordon says that much of the feedback she receives at the end of a first-time charter is why didn’t we do this earlier? “People are always surprised at how we take the time to get to know their needs before they have even arrived. We really do study those preference sheets!”

Think carefully about who else you want on board

Another important factor to a successful yacht vacation? Your fellow travelers. This is a specific type of vacation, which should narrow your list of invitees. “Strongly consider who you vacation with when chartering a yacht,” urges Ruffin. “Unlike other vacation options, yachts are very intimate and exclusive. Choose to share your water adventure with those you like and will enjoy on the water for a week or more.” Maybe, even for veteran yachties, that's the sagest advice of all.

• Center Consoles
• Dual Consoles
• Motoryachts
• Sport Cruisers
• Tenders & Ribs
• U.S. Atlantic
• Engine Buyers Guide
• Electronics
• Digital Edition

A Pleasurable Bahamas Yacht Charter Awaits – From Bareboats to Superyachts!

Bountiful bahamas, charter options, from bareboat sailing yachts to the grandest crewed superyachts, abound in the bahamas..

Popular Sites

Subscribe here for weekly updates.

Bareboat Charter in the Bahamas

Superyacht charter in the bahamas, travel tips:.

• The Bahamas is relatively hassle-free, with minimal red tape. All travelers, including U.S. citizens, require a passport. Nassau’s Lynden Pindling International Airport implements TSA PreCheck, and Paradise Island facilitates pre-clearance for U.S. Customs and Immigration Services.
• Private flight options are available through several fixed-base operators (FBO), like Jet Nassau and Odyssey Aviation. For a fee, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism offers expedited services at the airport when flying commercial or transferring to the FBO from Nassau. You can also fly into George Town, Staniel Cay, Norman’s Cay, or Eleuthera.
• A daily ferry runs from Fort Lauderdale to Grand Bahama Island, approximately three hours, but make sure it makes sense for your charter base location.
• The Moorings can help organize travel, and brokers can recommend travel arrangements.
• D’Offay recommends your broker organize transportation to the boat to ensure you get a reliable vehicle and driver. Minimize carrying valuables, check travel advisories, and be aware of your surroundings.

Are We Near a Turning Point? The Stock Market Has Been Betting on It!

Have you seen sharrow marine’s innovative propeller design a timely upgrade.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Receive our Newsletter

Recommended

Bahia Mar Resort & Yachting Center

Taco Marine Grand Slam

Don't miss it.

How to Catch Giant Bluefin Tuna: Fishing Tips for Success

The Blissful Charm of Block Island: A Boater’s Seaside Getaway

Experience Power and Efficiency with the Honda BF350 Outboard Engine

• Terms Of Service
• Privacy Policy

1591 E. Atlantic Blvd, 2nd Floor Pompano Beach, FL 33060 Office: +1 (954) 522-5515 Fax: +1 (954) 522-2260 Contact us: [email protected]

© 2024 Southern Boating Media

• Weird But True
• Sex & Relationships
• Viral Trends
• Human Interest
• Fashion & Beauty
• Food & Drink

trending now in Lifestyle

This sleep routine can cut your heart disease risk by 20%: new...

Remarkable video shows dad with Parkinson's before and after...

Horrific scan shows the disturbing effects of undercooked pork on...

I'm a doctor — these are 3 daily supplements I swear by for...

I'm a nutrition doctor — here's who should take magnesium...

These alcoholic drinks can raise the risk of gout, a painful type...

Passenger ripped for baking sourdough bread on flight: 'That’s...

Drug gang busted after smuggling cocaine worth millions in...

I lived ‘below deck’ on a luxury yacht — here’s what you need to know.

Tahiti, St. Thomas and the French Riviera — I’ve yachted in all of these exotic locales, albeit from the comfort of my couch. And, millions of Americans are in the same boat.

In 2013, “Below Deck,” introduced the masses to the most glamorous mode of traveling: yachting. Since then, it’s become a Bravo mainstay with Season 9 of “Below Deck Mediterranean’’ premiering in June.

But how real is the reality show? I spent five nights on a yacht in Croatia to find out.

A tip on tipping

My suitcase wasn’t bursting with Benjamins. An agency at your final destination provides cash for the crew’s tip money. While you’re expected to tip $30,000 for a two-night cruise on “Below Deck,” in real life you only have to tip 10% to 15% of your charter fee. That’s about $10,000 for a two-night cruise on a 180-foot charter yacht like Mustique (from $250,000 a week), which stars in the new season.

According to Zvonimir Androić, president of the yacht charter company Via Croatia, more often than not, the tip comes from what’s left over after provisioning.

So, shun the Dom Pérignon and skip the beluga caviar, and you’ll have money to spare.

What’s up, dock?

In real life, “Below Deck’s” favorite commercial-break cliff-hanger isn’t nearly as dramatic. Docking in our yacht, Via Croatia’s five-cabin, 100-foot Adriatic Escape (from $52,800 a week), was breezy.

I asked the crew if they hated setting up the slide — a tortuous, Herculean task if you believe what you see on TV.

“It’s not that bad,” a twentysomething Croatian deckhand, as cute as his on-screen counterparts, told me. “That said, we’re definitely not sad if you don’t ask for it.”

Play it cool

Despite being served meat on more than one occasion, my vegetarian co-guests on board weren’t divas when it came to cuisine — a major source of chef-related stress on the show.

Tantrums aren’t the norm Barbie Pascual, the “Below Deck” stewardess famous for putting up with former “RHONY” star Jill Zarin’s demands for the perfect Diet Coke in the “Real Housewives of Grenada” episode, tells me. “Guests know they are being filmed so their reactions are more extreme than they’d be if the cameras weren’t around,” she says.

Pascual’s biggest tip for first-time yachters? Don’t go skinny dipping, like they do on the show, after dark.

“People forget about currents, sharks, etc.,” she says. “Jumping in the water should always be with the captain’s consent!”

Our humorless Croatian yacht captain was a far cry from “Below Deck Mediterranean’s” affable Captain Sandy Yawn. I think we only saw him twice over the course of four days, and he definitely didn’t join us for dinner.

That was fine by us because the stews and deckhands were always handy with anything we needed — including at chat.

Asking for it

“No” is a word you’ll never hear on a yacht, unless there is a safety issue, Pascual says.

While we didn’t ask our crew to do a striptease or decorate for ‘70s night (two recurring requests on the show), out-there demands aren’t out of the question, as long as you’re willing to pay for it.

For example, Via Croatia is currently retrofitting one of its multimillion-dollar superyachts for an upcoming charter booked by a multigenerational Jewish family from Florida.

“In addition to paying the charter fee, the client is literally buying everything new: pots, pans, silverware, et cetera,” said Androić. “They’re even spending $30,000 on a new tender for the elderly mother-in-law.”

Now, I’m no reality show producer, but a picky primary trying to keep his wife, her elderly mom and their kosher kids happy at sea has the makings of an Emmy Award-winning episode.

Yachting on a budget

Charters are cheapest at the beginning and end of a destination’s season. Via Croatia’s yuppiest yacht, the 160-foot, 12-cabin Agape Rose , fetches $200,000 a week in July and August. But it’s just $164,000 a week in April and October. Divide that by 24 of your closest friends and family and it’s just $6,800 a person.

If that’s still too much, consider booking a yacht club suite on one of MSC Cruises ’ Mediterranean voyages.

Sure, you’ll be on a cruise liner, but for $1,659 a person you’ll be treated to seven nights of private butler service with a private pool and restaurant that the pleb passengers don’t even know exists.

Advertisement

BREAKING: Trump aide ‘abruptly pushed aside’ an Arlington worker, officials say. No charges will be filed .

Video shows moments before superyacht went down in storm off Sicily

Newly released video captures a luxury superyacht being battered by a violent storm before it suddenly sank off Sicily with 22 people aboard Monday.

The grainy images obtained by NBC News and other outlets were recorded on closed-circuit television not far from where the Bayesian was anchored, about a half-mile from the port of Porticello, on Sicily’s northern coast .

The yacht's 250-foot mast, illuminated with lights and lashed by the storm, appears to bend to one side before it finally disappears and is replaced by darkness.

The speed with which a yacht built to handle the roughest seas capsized stunned maritime experts.  

“I can’t remember the last time I read about a vessel going down quickly like that, you know, completely capsizing and going down that quickly, a vessel of that nature, a yacht of that size,” said Stephen Richter of SAR Marine Consulting.

British tech tycoon Mike Lynch and five of the 22 other people who were aboard the 184-foot vessel remain unaccounted for and are believed to be trapped in the Bayesian’s hull, nearly 170 feet underwater.

Officials confirmed Monday that at least one person, the ship’s cook, had died.  

Superyachts like the Bayesian, which had been available for charters at a rate of $215,000 a week, are designed to stay afloat even as they are taking on water to give the people aboard a chance to escape, Richter said. 

“Boats of this size, they’re taking passengers on an excursion or a holiday,” Richter said. “They are not going to put them in situations where it may be dangerous or it may be uncomfortable, so this storm that popped up was obviously an anomaly. These vessels that carry passengers, they’re typically very well-maintained, very well-appointed.”

Built by Italian shipbuilder Perini Navi in 2008, the U.K.-registered Bayesian could carry 12 guests and a crew of up to 10, according to online specialist yacht sites. Its nearly 250-foot mast is the tallest aluminum sailing mast in the world, according to CharterWorld Luxury Yacht Charters. 

On Tuesday, Italian rescue workers resumed the search for Lynch and the five other passengers still missing: Lynch’s 18-year-old daughter, Hannah; Morgan Stanley International Chairman Jonathan Bloomer and his wife; and Clifford Chance lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife.

“The fear is that the bodies got trapped inside the vessel,” Salvatore Cocina, the head of civil protection in Sicily, told Reuters .

The Bayesian is owned by a firm linked to Lynch’s wife, Angela Bacares, who was one of the 15 people rescued Monday after it capsized.

“It’s extremely rare for a boat of this size to sink,” Richter said.

What’s not rare is the kind of storm that sank it , said Simon Boxall, senior lecturer in oceanography at Britain’s University of Southampton.

“People assume the Mediterranean is this rather calm and passive place that never gets storms and always blue skies,” Boxall said. “In fact, you get some quite horrendous storms that are not uncommon at this time of year.”

The president of Italy’s meteorological society has said Monday’s violent storm may have involved a waterspout, essentially a tornado over water, or a downburst, which occurs more frequently but doesn’t involve the rotation of the air.

Luca Mercalli, president of the Italian Meteorology Society, also said recent temperatures may have been a factor. 

“The sea surface temperature around Sicily was around 30 degrees Celsius [86 Fahrenheit], which is almost 3 degrees more than normal,” Mercalli told Reuters. “This creates an enormous source of energy that contributes to these storms.”

The Mediterranean sailing vacation was designed to be a celebration for Lynch, who two months ago was acquitted by a San Francisco jury of fraud charges stemming from the 2011 sale of his software company Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard for $11 billion.

Prosecutors alleged that Lynch, dubbed “Britain’s Bill Gates,” and Autonomy’s vice president for finance, Stephen Chamberlain, had padded the firm’s finances ahead of the sale. Lynch’s lawyers argued that HP was so eager to acquire Autonomy that it failed to adequately check the books .

Lynch had taken Morvill, who was one of his defense attorneys, on the luxury trip. 

Chamberlain was not on the Bayesian.

In what appears to be a tragic coincidence, a car struck and killed Chamberlain on Saturday as he was jogging in a village about 68 miles north of London, local police said.

“Steve fought successfully to clear his good name at trial earlier this year, and his good name now lives on through his wonderful family,” Chamberlain’s lawyer, Gary Lincenberg, said in a statement .

Henry Austin reported from London and Corky Siemaszko from New York City.

Henry Austin is a senior editor for NBC News Digital based in London.

Corky Siemaszko is a senior reporter for NBC News Digital.

Inside the Shocking Sicily Yacht Tragedy: 7 People Dead After Rare Luxury Boat Disaster

There was a violent storm, but even then, luxury yachts are built to weather such events. so why did this boat sink off the coast of sicily, leaving seven people dead.

Nobody was trying to reach the lowest depths of the ocean or otherwise test the boundaries of human endurance .

But what was supposed to be a routine pleasure cruise aboard a superyacht turned deadly all the same on the morning of Aug. 19 when the 184-foot Bayesian got caught in a storm and sank off the coast of Sicily .

"I can't remember the last time I read about a vessel going down quickly like that," Stephen Richter  of SAR Marine Consulting told NBC News . "You know, completely capsizing and going down that quickly, a vessel of that nature, a yacht of that size."

Of the 22 people onboard, including crew, seven people died. The last of the bodies was recovered Aug. 23, an expectedly sad coda to what had already been a tragic week as the search for answers as to how this happened got underway.

And to be sure, every minute of the Bayesian's ill-fated outing is being fiercely scrutinized, starting with the general seaworthiness of the vessel itself.

Because, frankly, this was a freak occurrence.

"Boats of this size, they’re taking passengers on an excursion or a holiday," Richter explained. "They are not going to put them in situations where it may be dangerous or it may be uncomfortable, so this storm that popped up was obviously an anomaly. These vessels that carry passengers, they’re typically very well-maintained, very well-appointed."

But in this case, a $40 million yacht sank, seven people are dead—including a billionaire tech mogul and his 18-year-old daughter—and morbid fascination doesn't need a second wind.

Here is how the story of the Sicily yacht tragedy has unfolded so far:

What happened to the yacht that sank off the coast of Sicily?

The Bayesian had set off from the Sicilian port of Milazzo on Aug. 14 at capacity with 12 guests and 10 crewmembers aboard.

The aluminum-hulled vessel was built in 2008 by Italian shipbuilder Perini Navi and registered in the U.K. Cruise sites listed it as available for charter at $215,000 per week, per the Associated Press.

On the morning of Aug. 19, the superyacht was anchored off the coast of Porticello, a small fishing village in the Sicilian province of Palermo (also the name of Sicily's capital city), when a violent storm hit.

The vessel "suddenly sank" at around 5 a.m. local time, seemingly due to "the terrible weather conditions," the City Council of Bagheria announced shortly afterward, per NBC News .

At the time, only one person was confirmed dead—the ship's chef—but six others were said to be missing. The 15 survivors—who managed to make it onto an inflatable life boat, according to emergency officials—were rescued that morning by the crew of another yacht that had been nearby when the storm hit.

"Fifteen people inside," Karsten Borner , the Dutch captain of the ship that was able to help (the Sir Robert Baden Powell), told reporters afterward, per Reuters. "Four people were injured, three heavily injured, and we brought them to our ship. Then we communicated with the coast guard, and after some time, the coast guard came and later picked up injured people."

When the storm hit, his boat ran into "a strong hurricane gust," Borner said, "and we had to start the engine to keep the ship in an angled position."

They "managed to keep the ship in position," he continued, but once the storm died down, they realized the other boat that had been behind them—the Bayesian—was gone.

The wreck ended up settling 165 feet below the surface, according to Italy's national fire department.

Fire officials said that divers, a motorboat and a helicopter were deployed to search for the missing.

Meanwhile, footage was captured of the ship capsizing on closed-circuit TV about a half-mile away from where it was anchored.

In the video obtained by NBC News, the illuminated 250-foot aluminum mast of the ship appears to list severely to one side before disappearing completely. Survivors recalled having just a few minutes to literally abandon ship.

"They told me that suddenly they found themselves catapulted into the water without even understanding how they had got there," Dr. Fabio Genco , head of the Palermo Emergency Medical Services, told NBC News Aug. 22. "And that the whole thing seems to have lasted from 3 to 5 minutes."

Genco said he got to Porticello about an hour after the Bayesian capsized.

Survivors "told me that it was all dark, that the yacht hoisted itself up and then went down," he said. "All the objects were falling on them. That’s why I immediately made sure, by asking them questions, if they had any internal injuries."

Why did the yacht sink?

Italian prosecutors are investigating to determine what transpired before the boat went down, according to NBC News.

Meanwhile, the CEO of shipbuilder Perini's parent company The Italian Sea Group defended the vessel itself as "unsinkable."

Perini boats "are the safest in the most absolute sense," Giovanni Costantino told Sky News Aug. 22 . What happened to the Bayesian "put me in a state of sadness on one side and of disbelief on the other," he continued. "This incident sounds like an unbelievable story, both technically and as a fact."

Costantino said it had to have been human error that led to the boat sinking, declaring, "Mistakes were made."

"Everything that was done reveals a very long summation of errors," he told newspaper Corriere della Sera  Aug. 21, in an interview translated from Italian. "The people should not have been in the cabins, the boat should not have been at anchor."

The weather was "all predictable," he continued, adding that the storm "was fully legible in all the weather charts. It couldn't have been ignored."

The yacht's captain, identified as James Cutfield of New Zealand, was taken to Termini Imerese hospital for treatment. From there, he told  La Repubblica , per Sky News , that he didn't see the storm coming.

Borner, the captain of the ship that rescued the 15 Bayesian survivors, told NBC News that he noticed the storm come in at 4 a.m. local time, and saw what looked to him like a waterspout, a type of tornado that forms above water.

The International Centre for Waterspout Research posted on X Aug. 19 that it had "confirmed 18 waterspouts today off the coasts of Italy. Some were powerful waterspouts, one of which may have been responsible for the sinking of a large yacht off of Sicily."

Borner said he didn't know why the Bayesian sank so quickly, guessing "it may have something to do with the mast, which was incredibly long." (A tall mast, even with its sails down, means there's more surface area exposed to wind, which can result in tipping.) 

Confirming that one person was dead and six unaccounted for immediately following the wreck on Aug. 19, Salvo Cocina of Sicily's civil protection agency told reporters that a waterspout had struck the area overnight.

"They were in the wrong place at the wrong time," he said.

Who were the seven people who died when the yacht Bayesian sank?

The tragedy initially became headline news because billionaire tech mogul Mike Lynch —"Britain's Bill Gates ," some U.K. media called him—was among the missing. His body was ultimately recovered Aug. 22 .

The 59-year-old founder of software firm Autonomy had been on the trip with his wife Angela Bacares and their 18-year-old, Oxford-bound daughter Hannah  to celebrate his recent acquittal in the U.S. on fraud and conspiracy charges stemming from the $11.7 billion purchase of his company by Hewlett-Packard in 2011.

In a bizarre turn of events, Lynch's co-defendant at trial, Stephen Chamberlain , the former vice president of finance at Autonomy, died after being taken off life support following a road accident on Aug. 17. Chamberlain's attorney told Reuters Aug. 20 that his friend and client had been out for a run when he was "fatally struck" by a car.

Meanwhile, multiple people who contributed to Lynch's defense were on the cruise with him and his family.

The bodies of Morgan Stanley International Chairman Jonathan Bloomer —who testified on Lynch's behalf—and his wife Judy Bloomer , as well as lawyer Chris Morvillo , a partner at the U.S. firm Clifford Chance, and his wife Neda Morvillo , a jewelry designer, were recovered on Aug. 21 .

In a LinkedIn post thanking the team that successfully defended Lynch, Morvillo wrote, per Sky News , "And, finally, a huge thank you to my patient and incredible wife, Neda Morvillo, and my two strong, brilliant, and beautiful daughters, Sabrina Morvillo and Sophia Morvillo . None of this would have been possible without your love and support. I am so glad to be home. And they all lived happily ever after…"

The first casualty confirmed Aug. 19 was the ship's Canadian-Antiguan chef, later identified as Recaldo Thomas . 

"He was a one-of-a-kind special human being," a friend of Thomas told The Independent . "Incredibly talented, contagious smile and laugh, an incredible voice with a deep love of the ocean and the moon. I spoke to him nearly every day. He loved his life his friends and his job."

Hannah's body was the last of the missing six to be found , with divers bringing her remains ashore on Aug. 23.

Lynch and Bacares, who was rescued, also shared a 21-year-old daughter, according to The Times.

While awaiting trial, Lynch—who maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings—had spent 13 months under house arrest in San Francisco. Back home in London afterward, he admitted to The Times in July that he'd been afraid of dying in prison if he'd been found guilty. (He faced a possible 25-year sentence.)

"It's bizarre, but now you have a second life," he reflected. "The question is, what do you want to do with it?"

(E!, NBC News and Sky News are all members of the Comcast family.)

Everything We Know About the Luxury Yacht Sinking in Sicily, Killing 7 After Celebratory Trip

The key unanswered question remains — how did this happen?

What started out as a celebration on a luxury yacht off the coast of Sicily ended in tragedy on Monday, Aug. 19, when the craft — the 183-foot-long Bayesian — seems to have sunk quickly into the waves of the Tyrrhenian Sea after what the Italian coast guard called a “violent storm.”  

Twenty-two people were aboard, including 12 passengers and 10 crew, authorities have said.

Fifteen people were soon rescued after the Bayesian sank. By Friday, Aug. 23, following complicated and protracted search and rescue efforts , the bodies of all seven victims had been found, sources told PEOPLE.

Among the dead are British tech tycoon Mike Lynch and his daughter Hannah.

Here’s what to know about the tragedy as Sicilian officials are expected to share more information this weekend.

What is the Bayesian yacht?

Built in 2008 by Perini Navi, with a much lauded interior designed by Rémi Tessier and naval architecture by Ron Holland, the luxury vessel was refitted in 2020 and included six suites for as many as 12 passengers, plus quarters for 10 crew — the size of the traveling party this week when the yacht sank. 

It has previously gone by the name Salute . But Bayesian appears to be a nod to Lynch’s career: It refers to a kind of mathematical modeling used in his software company Autonomy.

Notably, the Bayesian has been touted as having the world’s “largest aluminum mast” at some 246 feet.

Other features included design elements specifically to “favor alfresco entertainment” outdoors, such as a large covered saloon, as one charter company put it. And the interior was intended to “create familiar, pure, and natural atmospheres,” according to the charter description. Past photos show rooms bedecked in warmly lit neutrals and cream colors.

Where was the Bayesian yacht when the storm hit?

According to the Italian coast guard, the Bayesian was off the coast of Porticello in Sicily, on the northern tip of the island, when disaster struck on Monday.

A source close to the survivors previously told PEOPLE that the passengers were celebrating after Lynch, labeled in headlines as Britain's "Bill Gates," was acquitted in June in a financial fraud trial in the U.S. that was related to selling his software company Autonomy for $11 billion to Hewlett Packard in 2011.

“That's why he took his closest friends and colleagues on the trip,” the source said.

Lynch himself reflected on how his life had changed after coming out from under the shadow of his legal troubles. He told The Sunday Times in the U.K. in late July that he felt like he'd been given a "second life."

But "the question is," he said then, "what do you want to do with it?”

Who was on the yacht before it sank?

The 12 passengers included Lynch, his daughter Hannah and his wife, Angela Bacares; Chairman of Morgan Stanley International Jonathan Bloomer and his wife , Judy Bloomer; New York City-based lawyer Christopher Morvillo and his wife, jewelry designer Neda Morvillo; Charlotte Golunski , her partner, James, and daughter Sophie and Ayla Ronald , a colleague at Christopher Morvillo’s law firm. 

The BBC reports that Ronald was also with her partner.

The 10 crew included cook Recaldo Thomas , who was among the seven victims who died, as well as the captain, reportedly named as James Cutfield, and others. According to The New York Times , one of the deck stewards was a 19-year-old South African native on his first such voyage.

Who was rescued from the yacht?

Bacares, Ronald and her partner, Golunski and her family and nine of the crew survived the sinking. The coast guard has said that some of them were “initially rescued by a boat in the immediate vicinity.”

Karsten Borner was the captain on the nearby boat and said he saw the yacht sink quickly.

"It all happened in really little time," he told Italian news outlet Rai, according to the BBC.

“The storm was over. We noticed that the ship behind us was gone,” Borner told the BBC. “And then we saw a red flare, so my first mate and I went to the position and we found this life raft drifting [with] 15 people inside."

Who died in the sinking?

Italian authorities have not yet publicly named all seven victims, though a government official told Reuters that Lynch was among the dead and the chef’s body was also identified to PEOPLE and other outlets by local sources involved in the investigation. 

Five other passengers were initially described as missing and five more bodies have since been found in the wreck, sources said: Lynch’s daughter Hannah; Jonathan and Judy Bloomer and Christopher and Neda Morvillo.

Why did the Bayesian sink?

This has emerged as perhaps the key question in the tragedy , and the answer remains unclear.

One theory is that the boat capsized after being struck by a waterspout (which refers to a tornado over the water), though there may have been more factors at play that contributed to the sinking. 

"The dynamics aren't clear — lightning, mini tornado, water spout, it's not clear exactly what happened," one person close to the search efforts tells PEOPLE. "The most likely hypothesis is that the cause was indeed a tornado that began at land and then sped out off coast and became a waterspout at sea with a speed of more than [180 miles] per hour, to the point that it managed to practically sink the ship whilst causing minimum damage to both the mast and the hull."

"Eyewitnesses said the boat went down in minutes," this person adds.

The source says the vessel’s upper hatches could have been open at the time of the disaster, which would have caused the boat to quickly fill up with water. The source also says that large amounts of water may have flowed onto the ship through the hatches as the vessel rocked back and forth during the storm.

“This would be the only thing that could cause the hull to rear up which, as several survivors told the investigators, made the ship sink in literally 60 seconds​​​​​​​​​​​​​​,” the source says.

Another factor that could have caused the yacht to lose stability was its movable keel, which is an underwater blade designed to help keep boats upright and prevent them from swaying back and forth, the source close to the investigation tells PEOPLE.

They say that the 30-foot keel was allegedly retracted to about 13 feet when the storm hit, while natural experts say it would have been strange to retract the keel at that location if the crew knew bad weather was approaching.

The boat’s 236-foot mast may also have also played a role in allowing the boat to rock, similar to a pendulum.

"This episode sounds like an unbelievable story, both technically and as a fact," Giovanni Costantino — who leads The Italian Sea Group, the company that now owns Perini Navi, which built the Bayesian in 2008 — said, according to CNN .

Speaking with PEOPLE, Costantino was more circumspect.

“I obviously can't say for certain [what happened],” he says, “but what I'm sure of is that the only reason a sailboat, especially one with Perini Navi technologies installed, could sink is if it fills with water."

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People .

Advertisement

Supported by

Lynch Yacht Sinking Off Sicily Proves as Baffling as It Is Tragic

As bodies were recovered, the authorities and experts wondered how a $40 million, stable and secure vessel could have sunk so quickly.

• Share full article

By Emma Bubola and Michael J. de la Merced

Emma Bubola reported from Porticello, Italy, and Michael J. de la Merced from London.

Two months after being cleared in a bruising legal battle over fraud charges, the British tech mogul Mike Lynch celebrated his freedom with a cruise. He invited his family, friends and part of his legal team on board his luxury sailing yacht, a majestic 180-foot vessel named Bayesian after the mathematical theorem around which he had built his empire.

On Sunday night, after a tour of the Gulf of Naples, including Capri, and volcanic islands in the Eolian archipelago, the boat anchored half a mile off the Sicilian coast in Porticello, Italy. It chose a stretch of water favored by the Phoenicians thousands of years ago for its protection from the mistral wind and, in more recent times, by the yachts of tech billionaires. The boat was lit “like a Christmas tree,” local residents said, standing out against the full moon.

But about 4 a.m., calamity unfolded. A violent and fast storm hit the area with some of the strongest winds locals said they had ever felt. Fabio Cefalù, a fisherman, said he saw a flare pierce the darkness shortly after 4.

Minutes later, the yacht was underwater. Only dozens of cushions from the boat’s deck and a gigantic radar from its mast floated on the surface of the sea, fishermen said.

In all, 22 people were on board, 15 of whom were rescued. Six bodies — five passengers and the ship’s cook — had been recovered by Thursday afternoon, including that of Mr. Lynch, an Italian government official said, adding that the search was continuing for his daughter.

It was a tragic and mystifying turn of events for Mr. Lynch, 59, who had spent years seeking to clear his name and was finally inaugurating a new chapter in his life. Experts wondered how a $40 million yacht, so robust and stable could have been sunk by a storm near a port within minutes.

“It drives me insane,” said Giovanni Costantino, the chief executive of the Italian Sea Group, which in 2022 bought the company, Perini, that made the Bayesian. “Following all the proper procedures, that boat is unsinkable.”

The aura of misfortune only deepened when it emerged that Stephen Chamberlain, 52, a former vice president of finance for Mr. Lynch’s former company and a co-defendant in the fraud case, was killed two days earlier, when he was hit by a car while jogging near his house in England.

Since June, the two men had been in a jubilant mood. A jury in San Francisco had acquitted both on fraud charges that could have sent them to prison for two decades. There were hugs and tears, and they and their legal teams went for a celebratory dinner party at a restaurant in the city, said Gary S. Lincenberg, a lawyer for Mr. Chamberlain.

The sea excursion was meant as a thank-you by Mr. Lynch to those who had helped him in his legal travails. Among the guests was Christopher J. Morvillo, 59, a scion of a prominent New York family of lawyers who had represented Mr. Lynch for 12 years. He and his wife, Neda, 57, were among the missing.

So, too, was Jonathan Bloomer, 70, a veteran British insurance executive who chaired Morgan Stanley International and the insurer Hiscox.

The body of the ship’s cook, Recaldo Thomas, was recovered. All the other crew members survived. Among them was Leo Eppel, 19, of South Africa, who was on his first yacht voyage working as a deck steward, said a friend, who asked not to be identified.

Since the sinking, the recovery effort and investigation have turned the tiny port town of Porticello, a quiet enclave where older men sit bare-chested on balconies, into what feels like the set of a movie.

Helicopters have flown overhead. Ambulances have sped by with the sirens blaring. The Coast Guard has patrolled the waters off shore, within sight of a cordoned-off dock that had been turned into an emergency headquarters.

On Wednesday afternoon, a church bell tolled after the first body bag was loaded into an ambulance, a crowd watching in silence.

The survivors were sheltering in a sprawling resort near Porticello, with a view of the shipwreck spot, and had so far declined to comment.

Attilio Di Diodato, director of the Italian Air Force’s Center for Aerospace Meteorology and Climatology, said that the yacht had most likely been hit by a fierce “down burst” — when air generated within a thunderstorm descends rapidly — or by a waterspout , similar to a tornado over water.

He added that his agency had put out rough-sea warnings the previous evening, alerting sailors about storms and strong winds. Locals said the winds “felt like an earthquake.”

Mr. Costantino, the boat executive, said the yacht had been specifically designed for having a tall mast — the second-tallest aluminum mast in the world. He said the Bayesian was an extremely safe and secure boat that could list even to 75 degrees without capsizing.

But he said that if some of the hatches on the side and in the stern, or some of the deck doors, had been open, the boat could have taken on water and sunk. Standard procedure in such storms, he said, is to switch on the engine, lift the anchor and turn the boat into the wind, lowering the keel for extra stability, closing doors and gathering the guests in the main hall inside the deck.

12 guests occupied the yacht’s six cabins. There were also 10 crew members.

Open hatches, doors and cabin windows could have let in water during a storm, according to the manufacturer.

Open hatches, doors and

cabin windows could

have let in water

during a storm,

according to the

manufacturer.

Source: Superyacht Times, YachtCharterFleet, MarineTraffic

By Veronica Penney

The New York Times attempted to reach the captain, James Cutfield, who had survived, for comment through social media, his brother and the management company of the yacht (which did not hire the crew), but did not make contact.

So far none of the surviving crew members have made a public statement about what happened that night.

Fabio Genco, the director of Palermo’s emergency services, who treated some of the survivors, said that the victims had recounted feeling as if the boat was being lifted, then suddenly dropped, with objects from the cabins falling on them.

The Italian Coast Guard said it had deployed a remotely operated vehicle that can prowl underwater for up to seven hours at a depth of more than 980 feet and record videos and images that they hoped would help them reconstruct the dynamics of the sinking. Such devices were used during the search and rescue operations of the Titan vessel that is believed to have imploded last summer near the wreckage of the Titanic.

After rescuers broke inside the yacht, they struggled to navigate the ropes and many pieces of furniture cluttering the vessel, said Luca Cari, a spokesman for Italy’s national firefighter corps.

Finally, as of Thursday morning, they had managed to retrieve all but one of the missing bodies, and hopes of finding the missing person alive were thin. “Can a human being be underwater for two days?” Mr. Cari asked.

What was certain was that Mr. Lynch’s death was yet another cruel twist of fate for a man who had spent years seeking to clear his name.

He earned a fortune in technology and was nicknamed Britain’s Bill Gates. But for more than a decade, he had been treated as anything but a respected tech leader.

He was accused by Hewlett-Packard, the American technological pioneer that had bought his software company, Autonomy, for $11 billion, of misleading it about his company’s worth. (Hewlett-Packard wrote down the value of the transaction by about $8.8 billion, and critics called it one of the worst deals of all time .) He had been increasingly shunned by the British establishment that he sought to break into after growing up working-class outside London.

He was extradited to San Francisco to face criminal charges, and confined to house arrest and 24-hour surveillance on his dime. In a townhouse in the Pacific Heights neighborhood — with security people he jokingly told associates were his “roommates” — he spent his mornings talking with researchers whom he funded personally on new applications for artificial intelligence. Afterward, he devoted hours to discussing legal strategy with his team.

Despite his persistent claims of innocence, even those close to Mr. Lynch had believed his odds of victory were slim. Autonomy’s chief financial officer, Sushovan Hussain, was convicted in 2018 of similar fraud charges and spent five years in prison.

During Mr. Lynch’s house arrest, his brother and mother died. His wife, Angela Bacares, frequently flew over from England, and she became a constant presence in the San Francisco courtroom during the trial.

After he was finally acquitted, Mr. Lynch had his eye on the future. “I am looking forward to returning to the U.K. and getting back to what I love most: my family and innovating in my field,” he said.

Elisabetta Povoledo contributed reporting from Pallanza, Italy.

Emma Bubola is a Times reporter based in Rome. More about Emma Bubola

Michael J. de la Merced has covered global business and finance news for The Times since 2006. More about Michael J. de la Merced

Please use a modern browser to view this website. Some elements might not work as expected when using Internet Explorer.

• Why Charter Homepage
• Luxury Yacht Vacation Types
• Corporate Yacht Charter
• Tailor Made Vacations
• Luxury Exploration Vacations
• ALL 3,698 Yachts For Charter
• Motor Yachts
• Sailing Yachts
• Classic Yachts
• Catamaran Yachts
• Special Offers
• by Destination
• Yacht Reviews
• Destination Guides
• Inspiration & Features
• Mediterranean Charter Yachts
• France Charter Yachts
• Italy Charter Yachts
• Croatia Charter Yachts
• Greece Charter Yachts
• Turkey Charter Yachts
• Bahamas Charter Yachts
• Caribbean Charter Yachts
• Australia Charter Yachts
• Thailand Charter Yachts
• Dubai Charter Yachts
• Destination News
• New To Fleet
• Charter Fleet Updates
• Industry News
• Yacht Shows
• Corporate Charter
• Charter Advice
• Why Use a Yacht Broker
• Charter Costs Explained
• Add my yacht
• Yacht Charter Destinations
• North America

• Ideas & Tips

Itineraries

• See & Do
• Eat & Drink

146  Crewed Luxury Yachts for Charter in USA

USA Yacht Charter

The USA is one of the most diverse superyacht destinations in the world showcasing an array of spectacular sights from big blue-bird skies and majestic snow-capped mountains to charming picturesque harbors and historic colonial towns. Further south, vsiitors can also experience a warmer more vibrant atmosphere that belies its Caribbean and Latin heritage, interwoven with the alluring glamor of 5-star resorts and megayacht marinas. Whatever your desires, endless potential abounds for a  superyacht rental  vacation in this magical country. 

Bounded by vast oceans and seas: from the Arctic, Pacific and Atlantic oceans to the balmy Caribbean Sea, the USA is notable for its wildly diverse landscape. From the first pilgrim settlers who landed at Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts in 1620 to the present day, the USA has been transformed to become one of the most economically developed nations in the world. However, the draw card for yacht charters undoubtedly lies in its rich cultural history and the amazingly varied cruising grounds on offer.

USA YACHT BOOKING GUIDE:

USA: At a Glance

Where to rent a yacht in the usa, types of rental yachts in the usa, how much does it cost to rent a yacht in the usa, where should i begin my yacht charter in the usa, when is the best time to visit america by yacht, marinas for yacht charters in america, anchorages for yacht rentals in the usa, airports in the usa, booking advice from the experts, local insight, most popular superyacht hotspots in the usa:, don't miss:.

• Diverse topography From huge glaciers, vast lakes, deep canyons, giant forests, craggy coastlines and miles upon miles of glittering golden beaches, this country has it all.
• Rich maritime history America’s historic East Coast has deep connections with its sailing past; from the first settlers who founded the whaling and boat building communities to the glamorous yacht clubs and summer jazz festivals we know today, and it is widely acknowledged as the birthplace of yachting.
• Wide variety of marinas and anchorages USA is eminently a yacht charter destination with a strong yacht infrastructure that caters to the thousands of vessels traversing its vast coastline and myriad islands each year.
• National Parks and UNESCO World Heritage sites This country boasts an incredible collection of national parks and world heritage sites unrivaled anywhere in the world.
• Popular neighboring destination s USA enjoys close proximity to Canada on its West Coast, as well as the Bahamas and the Caribbean in the south east, offering bountiful stunning additional cruising grounds from which to start or finish your yacht charter.

With a supreme raft of destinations to choose from, you may not be sure where to head to on your USA yacht charter . To make it a little bit easier, we have compiled a list of some of the best places to visit:

Pacific Northwest (San Juans & Anacortes, Desolation Sound, Sunshine Coast, Alaska) Best for : visual drama, glaciers, majestic mountains, salmon fishing, diverse wildlife, endless miles of tranquil cruising, stunning anchorages, dramatic sunsets

California (San Francisco, Newport Beach, San Diego, Baja California) Best for: year-round cruising, natural harbors, whale watching, national parks, Hollywood heritage, characterful islands, iconic landmarks, laid-back beaches

New England (Maine, Newport, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Cape Cod, New York) Best for:  lighthouses, rocky coastline, lobster fishing, sailing yachts, colonial heritage, legendary summer festivals, charming architecture, art galleries, walking tours, vibrant autumn foliage

Florida (Daytona Beach, Miami, Fort Lauderdale) Best for:  everglades, fishing, snorkelling, water sports, scuba diving schools, secluded anchorages, excellent marina facilities, miles of pristine beaches, Hollywood royalty, luxury resorts, celebrated nightlife, short distance to the stunning Abacos Islands

Florida Keys (Key Largo, Key West, Bimini Islands) Best for: coral reefs, spectacular scuba diving and snorkelling, kayaking, eco-tours, dolphin watching, island hopping, fishing, gateway to the Bahamas

Neighbouring Regions (Bahamas and Caribbean) Best for: white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, marine parks, coral reefs, an abundance of marine life, stunning anchorages, water sports, pastel-hued villages, excellent dining, vibrant clubs and bars

As an enduring and highly popular yacht charter destination, there will always be a varied selection of charter yachts to choose from. If you are unsure of the type of yacht that would best suit your needs, there are a few things you should consider first: 

Motor Yacht Charter in the USA

With their ability to cover vast distances over a short period, as well as offering comfortable and generous accommodation, not to mention a much wider variety of onboard facilities and water toys, a motor yacht charter could prove the perfect choice for your vacation. From high-performance open yachts, perfect for zipping around waterways and harbors, to larger displacements vessels offering luxurious cruising at a slightly more relaxed pace, the choices are endless. 

Sailing Yacht Charter in the USA

If you prefer a more adventurous style of cruising, then a sail yacht charter could be just the ticket. New England on America's East Coast is a renowned sailing mecca, where you can enjoy far-reaching views of the Appalachian mountains as you cruise this stretch of glorious rugged coastline. 

There promises to be plenty of favorable winds wherever your destination and a sailing yacht charter is a superb way to experience all the wonder this beautiful country has to offer.

With spacious accommodation and shorter drafts enabling access to shallow waters, catamarans can also prove a great choice for yacht charters, especially if you wish to incorporate the exquisite shallow turquoise waters of the   Bahamas i nto your itinerary.

With the wide variety of yachts available for charter across the country, there should be something to suit every type of budget. The average prices for motor and sailing yacht charters in the USA are as follows;

Motor Yacht Charter

* All prices are quoted per week plus expenses.

Sailing Yacht Charter

The possibilities of where to start your USA yacht charter are endless, so the answer really depends on your chosen destination. Whether you are looking to cruise around the warm blue waters of Florida and the Bahamas , or prefer the majestic scenery and incredible wildlife of Alaska , there is a destination to suit everyone's taste and desires around this spectacular country.

For Florida yacht charters on the southeast coast, Miami  is great place to kick start your charter, where you will find plenty of international transport links, plus well-equipped superyacht marinas and luxury resorts in which to indulge yourself. Relax with a heavenly massage or take advantage of the many fine-dining options available before heading south to explore the exquisite Florida Keys .  Nassau is another fantastic option for those wishing to include the beautiful cruising grounds of the Bahamas in their itinerary.

For East Coast charters, the quintessential all-American yachting ports of Newport , Rhode Island and  Maine further north are fantastic jumping-off points for New England yacht charters , offering picture-perfect bays, charming clapboard houses, boutique art galleries and chic yacht clubs.

Sag Harbor to Nantucket (6 days)

On the country's West Coast, San Francisco provides an ideal place to start your yacht vacation, with a number of international airports serving the region and reliable shuttle and fast-speed train services delivering you straight to the harbor. Don't forget to include a trip to downtown San Francisco where you can explore its fascinating curving streets and hidden alleys. Head north to visit Napa Valley 's famous wineries or south to explore this region's stunning golden-fringed coastline, including the eternally glamorous  Los Angeles , San Diego and Baja California .

Up in the Pacific Northwest region, the San Juan and Gulf Islands are incredibly popular for yacht rental vacations where the pace of life is slower. This stunning archipelago of 450 or so islands offers relaxed and tranquil cruising, with short hops between islands. Accessible by road,  Anacortes is the ideal jumping-off point for your superyacht rental around this exquisite region. Head south to the breathtaking Desolation Sound ; world-class cruising grounds bursting with diverse wildlife from humpback whales to the emblematic Bald eagle.

For more information and advice on your preferred charter destination and itinerary, please speak with your yacht charter broker .

As part of the third largest continent in the world, the best time to visit during your superyacht vacation will naturally depend on your destination;

• Pacific Northwest – peak cruising times are during the months of June-September, however, the shoulder months of May and early October are also worth considering, offering a less crowded chartering experience, especially around the San Juans, and the weather is still usually quite settled.
• West   Coast – for yacht rentals around San Francisco, Napa Valley, California and Baja California further south, the best time to visit is around May through to November, although these destinations can be enjoyed all year round.
• Florida – the optimum times to visit the Sunshine State will be from November through to April, which are the driest months where temperatures rarely dip below 20 degrees in winter. You should note that Christmas and New Year are peak times and can get busy, so if you are looking to rent a yacht over this period we recommend booking early. Ideally, ensure your yacht charter is booked no later than late spring/early summer to avoid the hurricane season from July-October. 
• New England – the ideal time to visit this charming location will be from May to September, although shoulder months are a great time to avoid the crowds, especially late September when the foliage on the leaves start to change to reveal the breathtaking canvas of golden hues and rich deep reds this destination is so famous for.

The USA has been a renowned destination for yacht lovers for years, spurring the construction of hundreds of excellent, well-equipped marinas up and down the East and West Coast, and throughout its vast labyrinth of waterways and lakes, which cater to yachts of all shapes and sizes. 

We have listed some of our favourite marinas at which to park up and take a breather whilst on your yacht charter, where you are sure to be welcomed with a wide smile and offered lots of helpful advice as you head off to explore your new surroundings.

New England

• North Cove Marina , downtown New York: hosts yachts of up to 53m LOA, with a max draft of 4m. 
• Montauk Yacht Club , Hamptons: this exclusive marina is located near the Hamptons, with pools and tennis courts as well as access to Gurney's Resort facilities. It has 232 berths catering to yachts of up to 67m / 220ft.
• Saybrook Point Inn Marina & Spa , Connecticut: a fabulous location with great amenities on the Long Island Sound, comprising 123 berths for yachts up to 70m / 230ft in length.
• Newport:  the spiritual home of yachting offers fantastic first-rate marinas including  Newport Marina , Bowen’s Wharf , a marina located on the waterfront, accommodating yachts of up to 56m / 185ft and the  Newport Yachting Centre  in the heart of town, boasting 4,500 feet of dockage for yachts of up to 55m / 180ft. Some further gorgeous marinas and luxury resorts can be found on Goat Island , a small island oasis nestled in Narragansett Bay close to Newport.
• Boston Yacht Haven: located in Boston’s historic quarter of North End, comprising a fully serviced marina, restaurants and boutique hotel, and offers 100 berths for yachts up to 91m / 300ft in length.
• Nantucket Boat Basin:  this pretty marina consists of 240 berths that can accommodate yachts of up to 90m / 300ft.
• Dimillos Marina, Portland, Maine : close to the beautiful old-world town and extremely well run. It has 125 berths for yachts up to 75 meters in length.

Florida, Florida Keys and Bahamas

• Palm Harbour Marina, Palm Beach: extremely well-equipped marina, boasting 200 berths that can cater to yachts of up to 76m / 250ft. 
• Mia Marina, Miami:  centrally located next to some of the finest restaurants in the country, and a popular haunt of the rich and famous.
• Key West:  a great stopover for yachts cruising the Keys and the Bahamas . There are several marinas here catering to larger yachts . Key West Marina  - offers 37 berths for yachts up to 60m / 200ft, although this marina gets very busy so we recommend booking ahead.  Conch Harbour  - has 43 berths for yachts up to 60m / 195ft and Stock Island Marina Village boasts an impressive 288 berths catering to yachts of up to 137m / 450ft.
• Hawks Key Resort & Marina , Duck Key: is a delightful family-friendly marina, offering 85 berths for yachts up to 33m / 110ft LOA.
• Ocean Reef Club , Key Largo: this friendly marina boasts 175 berths accommodating yachts up to 53m / 175ft.
• Atlantis, Nassau, Bahamas:  a luxurious resort, with Michelin-star dining and luxury spas, and boasting 63 megayacht berths.

• Marina Del Rey , California: the king of all marinas. It’s the largest man-made harbor in North America and has the facilities to go with it.
• Berkeley Marina , California: a vast marina with 1,000 berths and boasting an array of activities in the area, this marina also offers spectacular views of the San Francisco skyline and Golden Gate Bridge.
• Kona Kai Marina , San Diego: located just minutes from San Diego International Airport, this marina is a great jumping-off point for yacht charters around America's stunning west coast. It has 500 berths that can accommodate yachts of up to 76m / 250ft.
• IGY Marina Cabo San Lucas:  located right on the very tip of Baja California Sur, this marina boasts 380 berths, with 33 slips catering to superyachts of up to 115m / 375ft.

Pacific Northwest

• Elliott Bay , Seattle: this marina offers wonderful views of the Seattle skyline plus restaurants and hosts year-round events, and is a great place to tie up for itineraries encompassing Desolation Sound and Alaska.
• Salmon Bay Marina:  superyacht standard marina with excellent facilities catering to yachts up to 73m / 240ft.
• Roche Harbor Marina,  San Juan Island: this picturesque harbor sits on the northwest side of the island and is a popular stop-off for yachts exploring the beautiful San Juan archipelago. If you're looking for something a little livelier, head to the nearby town of  Friday Harbor , which   has a marina with 377 berths catering for yachts of up to 45m / 150ft.

If we were to list all the great anchorages around this vast country we would be here all day, so we have condensed this list down to a few of our favorites for you to consider whilst cruising your chosen destination; whether that's in the shadows of the imposing Golden Gate Bridge , or the verdigris waters of Alaska as you watch orcas frolic over the bow, or anchored in the shallow turquoise bath-warm waters of the Bahamas , where you can swim and snorkel straight off the back of the yacht. The choices for spectacular anchorages in America are simply endless.

• Block Island, Rhode Island:  just 13 miles from Newport this is a lovely area to drop anchor for anyone cruising the beautiful Long Island Sound, encompassing 17 miles of pale golden beaches and well-preserved Victorian architecture.
• Port Washington, Long Island : situated in Massachusetts Bay, this is a charming anchorage with easy links to New York City, and regularly gets rave reviews.
• Martha’s Vineyard, Edgartown:  located on the island's East Coast, hugely popular for its whaling history, smugglers and pirates! Martha's Vineyard is popular for its lovely beaches, boutique art galleries, sailing and laid-back culture, as well as being a well-known retreat for celebrities and politicians.
• Seven Hundred Acre Island, Maine: drop anchor here and head ashore to experience the charming quintessence of this popular New England haunt, where lovely pastel timber homes vie with gilded-age colonial mansions and yacht marinas. 

Florida and Florida Keys

• Cayo Costa State Park, Florida:  encompassing 9 miles of wild coastline, this is a superb stop for those who wish to explore the park’s trails and get acquainted with the local residents, including alligators, manatees, porpoises and sea turtles. 
• Dry Tortugas National Park, Gulf of Mexico:  comprising seven islands – named for their lack of freshwater – located 63 miles west of Key West. This sheltered national park also boasts excellent snorkeling areas. Head ashore to Garden Key, the site of Civil War-era Fort Jefferson. 
• Dinner Key Anchorage, Coconut Grove, Florida:  located on Biscayne Bay, this stunning anchorage is a perfect place to park up before heading down to the Bahamas or the Caribbean. 

• Glorietta Bay, San Diego:  a lovely anchorage inside the main waterway close to the beautiful Hotel del Coronado, San Diego’s legendary beach resort.
• Newport Beach, San Diego:  quiet and scenic.
• Coronados Islands:  located 12 miles off the coast of San Diego. This small group of islands has some lovely anchorages around its clear blue waters and boasts some of the best diving on the west coast, where visibility often exceeds 80 feet.
• Channel Islands National Park:  a stunning archipelago of 5 islands off the coast of Santa Barbara offering a heady mix of sea caves, kelp forests, scenic hikes and whale watching.
• Monterey Bay, Big Sur:   located in a pretty scalloped bay south of Santa Cruz, with a bustling waterfront offering plenty of dining options where you can enjoy freshly caught squid, the local specialty. Don’t miss the Monterey Aquarium, one of the best on the west coast.
• Turtle Bay (Bahia Tortugas), Baja California: a pretty sheltered bay with plenty of anchorages, perfect for yachts heading down to the southern end of Cabo San Lucas. 

Pacific Northwest and Alaska

• Gig Harbor, Washington:  this charming maritime village near Puget Sound is a great place to anchor up and head ashore to explore its unique history and culture. Don’t miss its legendary Maritime Gig Festival in June.
• Princess Louisa Inlet, British Columbia:  often heralded as the “eighth wonder of the world” this area is located up a waterway inside the border of Canada opposite Vancouver Island. This breathtaking spot is famous for its waterfalls and tranquil emerald green mirrored lakes that perfectly reflect the surrounding snow-capped mountains and lush forests.
• Sucia Island Marine State Park, San Juan Islands:  known as the “Crown Jewel” of Washington’s San Juan Islands, this beautiful area has an array of exquisite anchorages, offering sheltered coves, lovely beaches and forest trails.
• Emerald Cove, Prince William Sound, Alaska:  watch icebergs float by as you picnic on one of the lovely pebble beaches around this sheltered cove. Prince William Sound offers incredible vistas and wonderfully diverse wildlife.
• Inian Islands, Alaska:  located south of the popular Glacier Bay, these exceptionally lovely islands are perfect for anchoring. Take the tender and watch the whales feeding on the area's rich sources of plankton. The islands are also teeming with salmon and halibut, perfect for fishing, or watch the region's brown bears as they catch their evening meal. 

Your yacht crew and broker will know the most about the best marinas, bays and sheltered coves where you can find suitable docking and anchorage options throughout your charter.

Newport, Rhode Island tends to be the favorite destination to kick start yacht charters in this beautiful region. The closest airport is Providence International, which is only half an hour's drive away.  For other destinations in New England, there are countless airports serving this region, including;  

• Logan International, Boston – New England's largest and busiest airport, with nonstop flights to destinations across the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, and a domestic hub for Delta and Cape Air and JetBlue. 
• Hartford's Bradley International Airport – New England's busiest airport in the south of the region, serving Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts. 
• Rhode Island's Green Airport (formerly T.F. Green) – a great alternative airport to Boston Logan.
• Portland International Jetport – Maine's largest airport 

Bear in mind that perennial summer favorites such as Cape Cod , Nantucket , and Martha's Vineyard each have their own airports which may prove worthwhile, particularly if you have limited time.

Florida is extremely accessible by air with five international airports serving the area: 

• Florida Keys/Marathon International Airport
• Miami International Airport
• Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
• Palm Beach International Airport
• Southwest Florida International Airport

Private jets and other aircrafts are also able to land at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, Boca Raton Airport, Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport and Naples Airport. 

For USA intineraries incorprating the Bahamas

The Bahamas archipelago has four major airports with countless smaller airports running services to and from the islands.

• Lynden Pindling International Airport in the capital city Nassau. This is the region's busiest airport with three terminals serving international, charter and domestic flights.
• Rocksound International Airport, South Eleuthera.
• Exuma International Airport, Great Exuma
• Grand Bahama International Airport, Freeport

California 

California boasts literally dozens of commercial airports, here are some of the main ones for yacht charters in this region;

• Los Angeles LAX – the busiest and largest of all California airports, with major international flights from all over the world.
• San Francisco International Airport – California's second busiest airport is located on the edge of the San Fransisco Bay and offers stunning views of the city as you land.
• Oakland International Airport – located only 25 miles from San Francisco, just across the San Francisco Bay, and is served by a wide range of major airlines.
• Sacramento Airport is located about 15 km north of the city and ideal for yacht charters heading to Napa Valley, Lake Tahoe or Yosemite National Park.
• San Jose International Airport – located south of Silicon Valley, this airport offers direct flights to Europe, Asia Canada and Mexico and is perfect for itineraries incorporating San Fransisco, Monterey and Carmel.
• San Diego International Airport - perfect for yacht charters encompassing the San Diego, the Coronados and Baja California.

For yacht charters around the beautiful San Juan Islands, the following international airports offer flights  into the region;

• Seattle Tacoma Airport, Washington – the largest and busiest airport serving the region.
• Vancouver Airport – located on Vancouver Island, it is Canada's second-largest airport and serves destinations from across the globe. 
• Victoria International Airport – More than 50 flights a day connect Victoria with Vancouver International Airport, Seattle-Tacoma Airport and several other major cities throughout Canada and the US. 
• Bellingham International Airport, located 50 miles north of San Juans.

Popular San Juans airports include  Anacortes , Fidalgo Island , Friday Harbor , San Juan Island and Orcas Island. 

For Alaska-bound flights, many include a stop at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in Seattle.

Other airports in Alaska include:

• Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport – located in Alaska's largest city, and serves both international and domestic flights into the region. This is the most popular destination for yacht charters around this stunning location.
• Fairbanks International Airport – also serves flights from across several continents although is not conveniently located close to the water.
• Juneau International Airport – located in Alaska’s capital city in the south of the region, and another popular starting off point for yacht charters. 

Flights from Seattle take about two-and-a-half hours to reach Juneau , and three-and-a-half to four hours to Anchorage and Fairbanks.

With its incredibly diverse landscape offering a wide variety of spectacular destinations, the USA remains a hugely popular destination for yacht charters. 

As a major yachting hub, there should always be a wide variety of yachts and destinations to choose from, however we do recommend booking your rental yacht well in advance of your trip to secure your perfect yacht on your preferred dates.

This will ensure your yacht broker has plenty of time to tailor an itinerary to suit you and your guests, including any nights you wish to spend in marinas. We recommend booking up to 3 months in advance to give your broker the optimum time to organize everything down to the last detail. 

For yacht charters in the Pacific Northwest;

• Desolation Sound is very calm and sheltered so not always a good option for those who like to sail.
• The San Juan islands are slightly protected from rain by the Olympic Mountains, but can still be showery at any time of the year.
• Bring warm clothes for Alaska as temperatures get very chilly, especially near the glaciers.
• Beware of large cruise ships as their wakes can be a nuisance.
• Alaska is not an ideal destination for sailing, as winds are either non-existent or southwesterlies bring uncomfortable seas.
• Some of the most beautiful anchorages around Alaska can be up to 100 ft deep.

For yacht charters on America's southwest coast;

• If you are chartering a foreign-flagged vessel or returning from Mexico, you will be required to stop at Customs on Shelter Island, where they routinely confiscate chicken, eggs, and fruit.
• It's also generally preferable to head south down the US West Coast rather than fight the winds and tides heading north.

For yacht charter itineraries that include the Bahamas

• Insurance and taxes in the Bahamas are 4%.
• Visa issues have been experienced clearing through the Bahamas.

Advice relating to all regions;

• Tips on charters in the US are often expected to be at least 20%.
• Whilst some yachts are legally permitted to charter in the US, others do not meet American fiscal requirements and so are not available for charter whilst in US waters. Please speak with a yacht broker for further advice on specific yachts that can charter in the USA.

Steeped in maritime history, this beautiful region comprises six states: Maine , New Hampshire , Vermont , Massachusetts , Rhode Island and Connecticut . Located in America’s Northeast and stretching nearly 3,500 miles from top to bottom, this area has been a drawcard with sailing elites for centuries. Characterized by its craggy coastline, rocky peaks of the Appalachian Mountains, sand dunes, lighthouses, forested mountains and vibrant autumn foliage, New England is the perfect yacht charter destination for those who enjoy sailing, history and culture – where picture-perfect bays and charming portside towns adorned with beautiful architecture abound.

Most New England yacht charters start off in Newport Rhode Island , which enjoys convenient transport links and easy access to the marinas. Often heralded as the birthplace of yachting and home of America’s Cup challenger series, Newport is one of the most popular summer havens in the US, especially for the East Coast’s smartest families, who come to enjoy the gilded mansions, myriad mouthwatering seafood restaurants, glamorous yacht clubs and endless oceanside views that typifies this gloriously rich historic town. Head over to Block Island, known for its laid-back lifestyle, historic lighthouses and the beautiful Black Rock beach , perfectly suited for a hiking expedition.

Martha’s Vineyard is an absolute must for anyone who appreciates powdery beaches, boutique art galleries and quaint wooden plank homes. Anchor at the enchanting island of Cuttyhunk in Vineyard Sound, with its rich history and lovely beaches. Don’t miss Nantucket , located east of Martha’s Vineyard , home to the Whaling Museum where you can discover the island’s intriguing culture and history as a 19th-century global whaling hub. Another famous summer destination is Cape Cod , a rather apt hook-shaped promontory north of Nantucket, and a favorite residence of the Kennedy’s, known for its beautiful beaches and laid-back lifestyle, as well as being the fictional location for Jaws!

And perhaps, no New England yacht charter would be complete without a trip to New York , where you can cruise past its illustrious towering skyline and take in the majestic  Statue of Liberty . Stop off at Greenwich village port renowned for its designer shops then head up Long Island Sound with its glorious miles of coastline, entertainment and some of the most expensive real estate in America. Anchor outside the Montauk Yacht Club , The Hamptons' most exclusive sailing hub.

Affectionately known as the Sunshine State , this region is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Kick things off with a trip to the hedonistic city of Miami , where you may even find yourself moored up alongside Hollywood royalty as you step off your yacht to explore this spectacular location, renowned for its luxury resorts, designer shopping, golden bronzed beaches and exclusive marinas. A visit to South Beach is an absolute must, for all things art, fashion and film. For something a little quieter, head to Biscayne Bay , a national park located south of Miami with beautiful clear aquamarine waters and stunning marine life. For those who appreciate culture, take a stroll through the Art Deco district , and gaze at the exquisite early twentieth century hotels and architecture. 

Head south to experience the spectacular Florida Keys , a stunning archipelago of 800 or so islands protected by America’s only living coral reef, dotted like a “jade necklace” south towards the turquoise waters of the Bahamas. Key Largo , situated between the everglades and coral reef, is a bustling retreat from the mainland, offering diving, fishing, and great restaurants. Take a high-speed airboat trip around the Everglades , where you may spot an alligator or crocodile peeking out from the reeds. Don’t miss Key West , where history and tradition meet natural beauty and serenity. Key West is known for its year-round balmy temperatures, palm-lined streets and tropical gardens, as well as for its boutique shops, art galleries and delectable restaurants and cafes. Don’t miss a visit to the American writer Ernest Hemingway’s home , a short hop across from the Key West lighthouse . These islands provide a convenient jumping-off point for itineraries including the  Bahamas and the   Caribbean .  

Related:  The Coolest Neighbourhoods to Explore on Your Miami Yacht Charter

Neighboring Regions:

Starting from Bimini island , just 45 miles south of Miami, and stretching all the way south to Turks and Caicos , Bahamas is an oasis island chain of 700 picturesque islands fringed by powder-white sands and see-through aquamarine waters, bordered by one of the world’s greatest barrier reefs. These glorious islands offer endless miles of relaxed cruising around shallow waters, where marine life surrounds you, tempting you into the clear warm waters to explore its fascinating kaleidoscopic underwater world.

We recommend a stop at the Abacos , a string of sandy keys to the west of Florida, offering a paradisical adventure of a lifetime. Treasure Cay is also home to one of National Geographic's top 10 beaches. Don't miss Fowl Cay for fantastic snorkeling, marine parks and near-perfect beaches. Harbour Island further south boasts fantastic dining options, beaches, as well as a tropical garden. For some amazing snorkeling and diving, head for Pelican Cays National Park , renowned for its spectacular coral and sea life where you will witness giant starfish dotted along the sandy bottom for miles.

Your trip around the Bahamas wouldn't be complete without a trip to the breathtaking Exumas , offering hundreds of exquisite anchorages and also home of the famous swimming pigs.

The Pacific Northwest can be characterised by its sublime mountainous scenery, spectacular wildlife and lush forested islands, so it's hardly surprising that it is one of the most sought-after yacht charter regions in the world.

A hugely popular destination is the San Juans Islands : aptly nicknamed the “Virgin Islands of the North” and located south of the US/Canada border. Here the pace of life is slower, where friendly locals welcome you as you attempt to reconcile yourself with the mesmerizing scenery around you. Favorite areas in the region include the picturesque Orcas Island , the largest of the San Juans, where you can trek the tallest mountain in the archipelago – Mount Constitution – rising skyward for nearly half-a-mile. The 360º views at the top are well worth the effort! Another must-see is the delightful San Juan Island , with its delectable restaurants and bustling markets. Take a stroll through the exquisite Victorian gardens, or discover the island’s fascinating historical site of confrontation between British and American troops in 1859. 

Head north to the spectacular Desolation Sound , where intense serene tranquility awaits. This area is considered one of America’s finest cruising grounds, where calm, sheltered waters teem with fish; oyster, clams, prawns, salmon and cod. Enjoy a spot of fishing off the back of the yacht and afterward your chef can prepare your catch for dinner onboard! There are numerous marine parks in the area with plenty of stunning anchorages. Step ashore for a lovely walk in the woods, where you could encounter a herd of elk, soaring eagles or even a grizzly – so don't forget to pack your bear spray! 

Sunshine coast & Jervis Inlet is another breathtaking location comprising 13 marine parks offering total seclusion, majestic scenery, stunning anchorages, excellent dining options and fantastic yacht facilities. Don't miss the phenomenal Princess Louisa Inlet and Chatterbox Falls; a  scenic granite-walled gorge of cascading waterfalls that has to be seen to be believed. Gibson’s Landing is a quaint seaside village overlooked by the towering mountains where you will find a charming bustling town, art galleries, museums and restaurants, marina and mooring facilities. Further afield, be sure to visit Halfmoon bay , Sargeant Bay  and Thormanby Islands , characterized by their tiny coves and blissfully quiet anchorages.

America's largest state, lying on the Arctic Circle separated from its own country by Canada, is well-known for its unparalleled visually dramatic scenes, breaching whales, calving glaciers and majestic mountains, not to mention its undeniably breathtaking dramatic midnight sunsets. Anyone visiting the region will also be able to get up close to some of nature's most magnificent animals, such as humpback whales, orcas, caribou and majestic soaring eagles. There are endless beautiful spots to visit, and wherever you are you will not be disappointed during a yacht charter in Alaska .

Glacier Bay is a particular favorite destination for yacht charters, where you can park up and witness thunderous icebergs births, as well as also enjoy skiing, whitewater rafting and spectacular helicopter picnics on top of a glacier.

Try your hand at King Salmon fishing outside of Sitka , fly over the Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau or float through endlessly beautiful Frederick Sound spotting breaching humpback whales. Red Bluff Bay , known for its towering mountains, waterfalls and glistening ice fields, is also home to the region's brown bears who feast on salmon here every August.

Stretching from San Francisco down to Newport Beach , San Diego and into Baja California, this region is best characterized by its endless miles of beautiful beaches and wild rugged shoreline, where you can appreciate its spectacular beauty from the water as you witness breaching whales and dolphins darting across the wake of your yacht as they make their journey towards the warmer waters of Mexico . 

Start your yacht charter in San Francisco ’s natural vast harbor, and watch the dolphins and sea lions frolic in the surf. Unhampered views of the  Golden Gate Bridge are sure to make your charter already feel special. Take the tender ashore to experience the heady bustle of Fisherman’s Wharf , and don’t miss a spine-chilling trip around Alcatraz Prison . We also recommend a trip to Muir Woods , where you can take in the spectacular sight of hundreds of gigantic 1000-year-old redwoods, a truly unmissable event. 

Head north to Point Reyes National Seashore Reserve , and enjoy a hike around beautiful wind-swept rocky bluffs and secluded golden beaches. Due east of Point Reyes, you’ll find California’s world-class Napa Valley wine region , where you can spend the day tasting some of the world’s finest wines in the California sun against the stunning backdrop of the hillside vineyards.

Follow the wind and tides down past Santa Cruz and take shelter in the scalloped bay encircling the beautiful town of Monterey , a bustling waterfront offering plenty of dining options where you can enjoy the local specialty of freshly caught squid. Don’t miss the Monterey Aquarium , one of the best on the West Coast.

If you are intending to include the stunning Baja California in your itinerary, where better than to kick things off in the eternally glamorous city of Los Angeles , where convenient transport links, not to mention some of the finest restaurants and bars in America, will prove a great starting point for your yacht charter. Take a stroll along Redondo Beach , Los Angeles’ hidden gem, before heading back to your yacht. Cruise to Newport Beach just off the coast of Los Angeles, the renowned playground for mega yachts and Hollywood royalty. If you’ve booked ahead, moor up at Newport Beach Club, one of the oldest in the US, and take a stroll across the bridge to Balboa Island , where nostalgically charming cottages with white picket fences, saltwater taffy shops and wooden ice-cream parlors abound. 

Across the water you’ll find the beautiful Santa Catalina Island , where crystal clear waters make the perfect spot for a picnic, followed by a swim and some snorkeling around the reef, where you will find an abundance of fascinating marine life. 

Further south you'll be sure of a warm welcome in  San Diego , with gorgeous sandy beaches and a plethora of parkland. Visit Redwood National Park where you can discover the world’s tallest trees. Of course, a trip to San Diego wouldn’t be complete without stops at San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld , where you can get up close and personal with some of their friendly killer whales!

If you have time, cruise down into Baja California , the world’s second-longest peninsula, where you will find yourself transported to a world of wild untamed beauty and romantic sunsets, where condors swoop on thermals high up in vast washed out skies, and nights are spent under a wide canopy of twinkling stars. Simply heaven.

Acadia National Park, Maine : a stunning rocky headland with a rich cultural heritage, featuring some of the highest mountains along the Atlantic Coast.

Everglades National Park, Florida : a unique tropical wilderness with UNESCO Biosphere status, where you can explore its vast network of wetlands and forests.

Universal Orlando Resort, Florida : the ultimate theme park for kids, big and small!

Museum of Modern Art, New York : boasting some of the world's finest collections of contemporary art.

Bunker Hill Monument, Massachusetts : a 221-foot towering obelisk commemorating one of the first major battles between British and Patriot forces in the American Revolutionary War in 1775. 

San Diego Zoo, California : located in the beautiful Balboa Park, the zoo boasts over 12,000 animals of more than 650 species and subspecies. 

Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska : spectacular 13 miles long glacier located in southeast Alaska, in the Mendenhall Valley.

Lido Key Beach, Florida : exquisite white-sand beach lapped by turquoise waters, located on Barrier Island off the coast of Florida.

Start Planning - Speak with a Charter Expert

Our yacht charter experts will:

• Discuss your vacation plans
• Check availability & shortlist suitable yachts
• Negotiate booking & prepare your itinerary

Need Advice?

Speak to a Charter Broker

Luxury Yachts for Charter in USA 2024 & 2025

Crewed charter yachts in usa.

• My Yacht Shortlist
• Save My Search
• Main Photo Main Photo
• Interior Interior
• Lifestyle Lifestyle
• Most Relevant

Image View Options

Length Options

Currency Options

Sort Search

• View Shortlist
• Save Search

50m   Trinity Yachts

from $200,000 p/week

Chantal Ma Vie

Aspen Alternative

from $480,000 p/w eek

Utopia IV 12

63m Rossinavi

from $505,000 p/w eek

Blue Moon 12

60m Feadship

60m   2005/2021

from $395,000 p/w eek

Unbridled 12

58m Trinity Yachts

58m   2009/2019

from $295,000 p/w eek

58m Feadship

58m   2013/2020

from $450,000 p/w eek

Starship 12

56m Delta Marine

56m   2001/2021

from $275,000 p/w eek

Chantal Ma Vie 12

55m Feadship

55m   1993/2017

from $245,000 p/w eek

Aspen Alternative 10

50m Trinity Yachts

50m   2010/2022

from $199,000 p/w eek

Ocean Club 12

50m   2009/2018

from $180,000 p/w eek

50m   2008/2018

from $200,000 p/w eek

Lady Elaine 9 6 12

50m Christensen

from $225,000 p/w eek

Remember When 12

49m Christensen

49m   2011/2022

from $230,000 p/w eek

Zoom Zoom Zoom 10

49m Trinity Yachts

49m   2005/2016

from $175,000 p/w eek

48m Christensen

48m   2005/2022

Mirabella 11

48m Trinity Yachts

48m   2004/2019

from $165,000 p/w eek

Miss Christine 11

48m   2006/2022

from $160,000 p/w eek

Alessandra III 12

47m Sunseeker

47m   2016/2022

from $231,000 p/w eek

47m Delta Marine

47m   2007/2019

from $179,500 p/w eek

46m Delta Marine

46m   2009/2014

46m   2009/2021

from $125,000 p/w eek

Aquanova 10

46m Palmer Johnson

46m   2007/2021

46m Cheoy Lee

46m   2010/2023

from $99,500 p/w eek

from $135,000 p/w eek

44m Van Mill

44m   1988/2020

from $120,000 p/w eek

Aquasition 10

43m Trinity Yachts

43m   2010/2022

from $150,000 p/w eek

Rising Dawn 12

43m Gulf Craft

Antelope IV 10

43m Italyachts

43m   2012/2021

from $140,000 p/w eek

43m Eastern Shipbuilding

from $68,000 p/w eek

Blue Devil 10

42m AB Yachts

42m   2007/2022

from $130,000 p/w eek

Douce France 12

42m Alu Marine

42m   1998/2021

from $111,000 p/w eek ♦︎

Serenity 12

41m IAG Yachts

41m   2016/2023

from $145,000 p/w eek

Marybelle 8

40m Feadship

40m   1970/2023

from $80,000 p/w eek

Rule No.1 12

40m Westport Yachts

40m   2011/2023

Serengeti 12

40m   2002/2014

39m Northcoast Yachts

from $110,000 p/w eek

Impetuous 10

39m   2003/2022

from $105,000 p/w eek

38m Feadship

38m   1978/2019

from $95,000 p/w eek

Leverage 10

38m Palmer Johnson

38m   2003/2023

Persistence 10

38m Gulf Craft

38m   2017/2022

Sacajawea 12

38m Lake Washington Shipyard

from $70,000 p/w eek

38m Breauxs Bay Craft

38m   1979/2023

from $69,000 p/w eek

38m Broward

38m   2007/2019

from $85,000 p/w eek

37m Palmer Johnson

37m   2006/2016

Temptation 8

37m   2005/2023

Gale Winds 8

37m Delta Marine

37m   1997/2022

37m Flagship

37m   1993/2017

Lady Victoria 8

37m Feadship

37m   1991/2022

from $72,000 p/w eek

Real Summertime 12

37m Sovereign Yachts

37m   2000/2022

Safari Quest 22

37m Shear Yachts

37m   1992/2005

from $222,100 p/w eek

36m Ocean Alexander

36m Intermarine

36m   2001/2023

from $77,000 p/w eek

35m Deep Sea Marine

35m   1987/2022

Entrepreneur 10

35m Ocean Alexander

Renaissance 10

35m Hargrave

from $90,000 p/w eek

Summertime II 8

35m Hatteras

35m   1997/2022

from $84,000 p/w eek

35m   2008/2023

from $55,000 p/w eek

35m Brooks Motor Craft

35m   1939/2016

from $44,000 p/w eek

Scott Free 8

35m President

from $49,500 p/w eek

Another One 9

34m Sanlorenzo

Braveheart 8

34m Westport Yachts

34m   2006/2022

from $62,500 p/w eek

34m   2007/2022

34m   2003/2021

from $65,000 p/w eek

Island Girl 8

34m   2000/2017

Book with Ease - Speak with a Charter Expert

Our charter experts will:

Enquire now for yacht availability & free consultation.

Crewed Luxury Yachts in USA

USA Yacht Search:

• Bubble name

Yacht Amenities

Top 'Things To Do' in USA

Scenic parkland with crystal clear waters

Elegance at its finest

The iconic Miami beach

More Things To Do

USA Yacht Charter Q&A

Whilst some yachts are legally permitted to charter in the US, others do not meet American fiscal requirements and so are not available for charter whilst in US waters.  Many charter yachts are foreign flag vessels and don't qualify.

Please speak with a yacht charter broker  for further information on specific yachts that can charter in US Waters.

Where to begin your yacht charter depends on your chosen destination in this hugely diverse continent. For New England yacht charters, the popular option is Newport, Rhode Island, an all-American yachting hub boasting picturesque harbours, gilded-age mansions and chic yacht clubs. 

For Florida yacht charters, the glamorous city of Miami tends to be the preferred jumping off point. Alternatively, yacht charters can begin in Nassau, Bahamas before making their way up the Florida Keys to finish up in Florida. With a raft of international airports at your disposal, along with world-class cruising areas, the choice is really up to you.

For yacht charters on the southwest coast, a popular starting point is in the beautiful harbor of San Francisco, where views of the Golden Gate Bridge greet you as you fly in. For charters in the Pacific northwest region, most yacht charters incorporate either the breathtaking San Juan Islands or the scenic splendor of Alaska further north, with most international flights routing through the main hub Seattle for both destinations, with smaller charter flights operating out from here.

There are myriad yachts available for charter in America, which come in all shapes and sizes, from speedy planing models to luxury mega yachts and everything in between.

The costs will vary depending on your chosen destination and time of year, so be sure to contact your yacht broker well in advance who can help you secure your perfect yacht and itinerary, including any nights you wish to spend in marinas.

The best time to visit during your yacht charter really depends on your destination;

New England – May-September, although shoulder months are a great time to avoid the crowds. 

Florida – November-April. Be sure to avoid the hurricane season from July-October. 

Southwest – May-November, although this region can be enjoyed all year round.

Pacific Northwest – June-September, although shoulder months of May and early October are also worth considering.

To give you an idea of which yachts are available, you can browse the complete fleet of North American charter yachts on our site. If you make an enquiry, a yacht charter broker will be in touch to provide you with a custom charter proposal based on your requirements.

Alternatively, please speak with your preferred yacht charter broker , who can help you find the ideal yacht and itinerary for you and your charter party. 

Speak with your yacht broker who can arrange to secure your chosen yacht on your selected dates. Your broker will then draw up a legally binding agreement for you both to sign, along with the yacht owner and captain. 

Depending on the type of contract, usually a standard agreement with terms applicable to the destination, you will be required to pay 50% of the base charter fee, plus a further 25-30% to cover additional costs incurred whilst on charter, such as fuel, food and drink and marina fees. 

To find out more, read our guide on yacht charter costs , which details the costs involved when booking a yacht charter. For more information, please speak with a  yacht broker . 

As Featured In

The YachtCharterFleet Difference

YachtCharterFleet makes it easy to find the yacht charter vacation that is right for you. We combine thousands of yacht listings with local destination information, sample itineraries and experiences to deliver the world's most comprehensive yacht charter website.

San Francisco

• Like us on Facebook
• Follow us on X
• Follow us on Instagram
• Find us on LinkedIn
• Add My Yacht
• Affiliates & Partners

Popular Destinations & Events

• St Tropez Yacht Charter
• Monaco Yacht Charter
• St Barts Yacht Charter
• Greece Yacht Charter
• Mykonos Yacht Charter
• Caribbean Yacht Charter

Featured Charter Yachts

• Maltese Falcon Yacht Charter
• Wheels Yacht Charter
• Victorious Yacht Charter
• Andrea Yacht Charter
• Titania Yacht Charter
• Ahpo Yacht Charter

Receive our latest offers, trends and stories direct to your inbox.

Please enter a valid e-mail.

Thanks for subscribing.

Search for Yachts, Destinations, Events, News... everything related to Luxury Yachts for Charter.

Yachts in your shortlist