How much does a boat holiday cost?

From our series on skippered boats — What are the costs associated with a yachting holiday and what to budget for? Check out our guide.

An overview of the expenses of a yachting holiday:

Planning a boat holiday? Here's a clear list of the expenses you can expect during your voyage. Each cost is described and explained below.

  • Boat charter price
  • Tourist tax
  • Transit log
  • (Refundable Deposit)
  • Insurance
  • Diesel
  • Captain's (hostess) services
  • Transportation to the site
  • Meals
  • Accompanying activities
  • Souvenirs and other purchases

How much does it cost to rent a boat?

Boat rentals are typically offered from Saturday to Saturday or for multiple weeks during the season. However, in the low season, you can negotiate shorter charters with the charter company, allowing for rentals of less than a week.

Mediterranean

In the high season, from June to September, renting a classic charter sailboat typically costs between 1500 and 6500 EUR. The price varies based on factors such as the boat's size, age, and equipment.

A catamaran can be rented for 1800 to 15,000 EUR, depending on its size, luxury level, and age.

Generally, renting a sailboat is cheaper than renting a catamaran. However, since catamarans often accommodate up to 12 people, the per-person cost can offset the price difference. During the low season (October to May), charter prices can be significantly lower, sometimes by up to half.

Exotic destinations

When the weather in Europe is cold and inclement, it's a great idea to head somewhere warm. Popular destinations for sailing in tropical locations include:

  • Thailand
  • Seychelles
  • Maldives
  • Martinique
  • Saint Martin
  • British Virgin Islands
  • French Polynesia
  • Bahamas
  • Cuba
  • and many more 

Prices for chartering a boat in Exotica are comparable to prices elsewhere in the world. However, yachtsmen must prepare for increased expenses in the form of airfare and visa costs. For more on the specifics, check out our complete guide to tropical sailing holidays or our article on practical tips on sailing for some winter sun.

What are the other fees?

In addition to the boat rental itself, be prepared for some additional fees that can add up. Upon arrival at the port and before checking in on the boat, you will need to pay a sojourn tax/tourist tax, which is approximately €2 per person per day.

Another fee is the transit log, paid directly to the charter company at the port of departure or to yachting.com, depending on the situation. This fee covers boat cleaning, gas consumption, provision of linen, towels, and sometimes the rental of an outboard motor. The price ranges from 150 to 700 EUR, with higher amounts including extras such as deposit insurance.

If you plan to dock at paid piers or marinas, expect to pay around 50 to 120 EUR per night for parking. The charter price does not include diesel, which needs to be topped up during the cruise. If you don’t refuel, the charter company will charge you a pro-rata amount.

We highly recommend taking out deposit insurance, which costs around 100 to 200 EUR, depending on the area, boat price, and insurance claim amount. You might also consider trip cancellation insurance, which is 5.5% of the charter price, or travel insurance. We can provide you with a comprehensive insurance service.

Read more about skippered boats and boat holidays:

(Refundable deposit)

The refundable deposit is a security measure similar to a car rental deposit. This is not an actual fee, but an amount you must pay to the charter company when you rent the boat. Typically, the charter company will block this amount in your account for the duration of the rental. The deposit, which usually ranges from 1500 to 3000 euros depending on the boat's value, is refunded at the end of your holiday if the boat is returned in good condition.

To protect your deposit, we recommend taking out boat deposit insurance. This insurance covers any potential damage to the boat. As the renter, you are responsible for any damage, even if caused by a crew member or a hired skipper. Therefore, to avoid unnecessary risks, it's wise to take out boat deposit insurance when renting a boat.

How to save money on a boat charter

There are several ways to save money on your boat rental and avoid unnecessary extra costs. The most commonly used are:

  • Earl Bird deals: Take advantage of these offers, which usually launch in the autumn of the previous year and last until early spring.
  • Economy Plans: yachting.com offers different pricing packages. With the Economy plan, we guarantee the lowest price on the market.
  • Fill the boat: Per person, a boat holiday can work out cheaper than a hotel stay.
  • Free piers and bays: Choose unpaid piers and bays where parking is free. The captain sailing with you will know the area and can recommend such places. Anchoring in a deserted cove can be more romantic and cost-effective than staying in a busy, expensive harbour.
  • Off-Season charters: Renting outside the high season (June to September) can significantly reduce costs.
  • Last-minute offers: These can offer savings, but they may not always be available. We recommend not leaving everything to the last minute to avoid stress. Early Bird deals provide more peace of mind.
bay boats

Most of the time it is even better to stand free with a boat in the bay than in a crowded paid harbour.

How much does a captain cost?

If no one in your crew has a captain's license, you will need to hire a captain for the boat. The fee for a professional skipper ranges from EUR 100 to EUR 200 per day, though prices can vary slightly based on economic conditions and market rates.

It is generally assumed that the skipper will eat with the crew, which means a slight increase in the meal cost per person. Most of the time, this is barely noticeable, since cooking for six people is similar to cooking for seven. However, you can arrange for the captain to eat separately if preferred.

If the crew is satisfied with the captain's work, they can give an additional gratuity in cash at the end of the cruise.

Journey to the yachting destination

Yachting.com, as a charter broker, does not provide transportation to the location, air tickets, visas, or highway fees. Our sales team will be happy to advise and recommend the best transport options to the charter location, but you are responsible for your own travel costs in addition to the charter price.

Tips on how to keep an eye on your spending

If you are planning a holiday with several people, it's important to have a system for tracking expenses. Avoid situations where everyone pays for different items without keeping track, as this can be difficult to reconcile later.

We recommend using the Settle Up app or a similar system. With these apps, every time someone pays for something, you enter the amount, the purpose of the payment, and who made the payment. At the end of your vacation, the app will provide a clear accounting, showing exactly who owes how much to whom.

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Denisa Kliner Nguyenová

Denisa Kliner Nguyenová

Sales Consultant

+420 730 188 100denisa.nguyenova@yachting.com