Superyacht Charter: What You Get at Every Size and What It Costs
Quick answer
A superyacht charter means hiring a professionally crewed yacht of roughly 30m (100 ft) or more, usually for a week. Typical base rates run about €95,000 a week for 40m, €165,000 for 50m and €350,000 for 60m, with megayachts over 70m at €700,000 to €1.5 million or more, before APA, VAT and tips. Most superyachts carry no more than 12 overnight guests because of commercial passenger rules.
A superyacht charter is a private, fully crewed floating resort: a captain and crew who run the yacht, a chef cooking to your tastes, and a garage of tenders and water toys, all moving with you from anchorage to anchorage. The step up from a smaller crewed yacht is less about length than about space, crew numbers and what the yacht can do.
This guide explains the size bands, what each brings, crew ratios, the 12-guest rule, the toys you can expect, typical 2026–2027 costs and where the superyacht fleet cruises through the year.
What counts as a superyacht?
There is no legal definition, but the industry generally treats professionally crewed yachts of about 24–30m (80–100 ft) and above as superyachts. Over about 60–70m they are often called megayachts.
Most charter superyachts are motor yachts, but the category also includes large sailing yachts and a growing number of expedition yachts built to roam further afield. For charter, what matters is not the label but the size band, because it sets the guest space, crew size, toy list and price.
What do you get at each superyacht size?
Each step up in length adds deck space, crew and toys, and roughly doubles the price. The table below summarizes typical features and base weekly rates by band. Rates exclude APA, VAT and tips, and vary by season and yacht.
| Size band | Typical weekly base rate | Typical crew | Guests (overnight) | What changes at this size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30–40m (100–130 ft) | ~€51k–€95k (USD-priced ~$80k–$115k) | 6–10 | 8–12 | Four or five cabins, a tender, jet ski and basic toys; a single chef |
| 40–50m (130–165 ft) | ~€95k–€170k (USD-priced ~$115k–$195k) | 8–12 | 10–12 | Full-beam owner's suite, beach club or large swim platform, more toys, often a gym |
| 50–60m (165–200 ft) | ~€165k–€350k | ~12–15 | 12 | Larger tender garage, spa or massage room, sky lounge, greater range |
| 60–75m (200–245 ft) | ~€350k typical (USD-priced ~$419k) | 15–20 | 12 | Pool or large deck jacuzzi, cinema, helipad on some, multiple tenders |
| 75–100m+ (245–330 ft+) | ~€700k–€1.5M+ (largest €2M+) | 25–35+ | 12 (13–36 if specially certified) | Resort-scale amenities: beach clubs, dive centers, submersibles on a few |
Within each band, the newest and best-known yachts sit at the top of the range and older yachts at the bottom. Interior volume matters as much as length: a wide, high-volume 45m yacht can feel larger inside than a slim 50m one.
How many guests can a superyacht take?
Most charter superyachts can take a maximum of 12 guests overnight, regardless of size. Carrying more than 12 passengers turns a commercial yacht into a passenger ship under international maritime rules, with far stricter construction and safety requirements.
That is why a 70m yacht with eight cabins may sleep 16 when used privately by its owner but only 12 on charter. A small number of yachts are built and certified under special passenger-yacht codes that allow between 13 and 36 passengers; Malta's Passenger Yacht Code was the model. These yachts are rare and command a premium.
For groups larger than 12, the usual solution is a tandem charter: two yachts booked together, cruising in company, often with a shared itinerary and one hosting dinners. Day guests are a separate matter governed by each yacht's certification, so ask your broker before planning a party on board.
What is the crew-to-guest ratio on a superyacht?
Crew numbers scale with size: roughly 6–10 crew on a 30–40m yacht, 8–12 on 40–50m, 15–20 on 60–70m and 25–35 on 80–100m. From about 50m upward, there is typically at least one crew member per guest.
A 40–50m yacht usually carries a captain, a first officer, an engineer, two or three deckhands, a head chef, a chief stewardess and two or three stewardesses. On larger yachts, departments deepen: a second chef or crew chef, a dedicated spa therapist, a dive instructor, an AV/IT officer and a purser. The extra hands are what deliver the service level guests associate with a superyacht: a tender always ready, a meal served on any deck, and a cabin made up while you are at breakfast.
What water toys come on a superyacht charter?
Almost every superyacht carries tenders, paddleboards, kayaks, snorkel gear and towable inflatables. Most 40m+ yachts add jet skis and seabobs, and larger yachts bring e-foils, inflatable water slides, dive gear and sometimes a submersible.
| Toy or feature | Typical from | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tender (main) | All sizes | Larger yachts carry two or more, including a limousine tender |
| Paddleboards, kayaks, snorkel gear | All sizes | Usually included |
| Jet skis | ~30m+ | Banned or restricted in some marine parks and zones; confirm locally |
| Seabobs | ~35m+ | Popular with families; battery-powered, so no fuel cost |
| Wakeboard, water skis, towables | ~30m+ | Pulled by the tender |
| E-foils | ~40m+ | Increasingly standard on newer yachts |
| Inflatable slide and water park | ~40m+ | Big hit with children |
| Scuba equipment and instructor | ~50m+ | Requires certified divers or a trial-dive program |
| Pool, gym, spa | ~50–60m+ | Deck jacuzzis are common from about 40m |
Toy fuel comes out of the APA, and some yachts charge for specialist activities such as dives. Local rules restrict jet ski use in some areas; your captain will know where they can run.
How much does a superyacht charter cost all-in?
Add about 55–75% to the base rate for APA, VAT and tips. On a 60m superyacht asking €350,000 a week, a realistic all-in budget in Europe is about €540,000–€615,000.
The main extras on a superyacht are:
- APA: typically 30–40% of the base fee on motor superyachts, covering fuel, food and drink, berthing and communications. Large yachts burn significant fuel at speed.
- VAT or charter tax: set by the starting country, for example 20% in France, 22% in Italy, 21% in Spain, 13% in Croatia, an effective rate of about 12% in Greece for most qualifying charters, and 14% in the Bahamas. Tax rules change; confirm at booking.
- Crew gratuity: about 10–15% of the base fee in the Mediterranean and 15–20% in the Caribbean and US.
- Delivery fees: if you start or finish away from the yacht's base.
For worked examples, see yacht charter cost.
Where do superyachts cruise?
In summer the superyacht fleet is concentrated in the western and central Mediterranean, with growing numbers in Greece, Croatia and Montenegro. In winter it moves to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.
Summer: the Mediterranean
The French Riviera is the heart of the superyacht world, from Monaco and Cap Ferrat to Cannes and Saint-Tropez, with the Monaco Grand Prix (June 4–6, 2027) and the Monaco Yacht Show (September 22–25, 2027) as fixtures. See our French Riviera yacht charter guide and Monaco Grand Prix yacht charter guide. Italy's Amalfi Coast, Sardinia's Costa Smeralda and the Aeolian Islands draw the same fleet, as do the Balearics. Further east, Greece offers more space, and Montenegro has become a superyacht base with no charter VAT.
Winter: the Caribbean and Bahamas
Superyachts cross the Atlantic in late November. St. Barths is the winter showpiece, especially at New Year, when Gustavia harbor fills for the fireworks; see our St. Barts yacht charter guide. Antigua, St. Martin and the Virgin Islands are close by, and the Bahamas, an easy flight from the US East Coast, are popular for family weeks in the Exumas.
How do you choose the right superyacht?
Start with your group, then the cruising ground, then the size band, and choose the crew before the yacht. Photos sell yachts; crews make charters.
A practical checklist for your broker conversation:
- Cabin configuration: how many king or queen cabins versus twins, and whether the owner's suite is on the main deck. Families often need convertible cabins.
- Crew tenure: captains and chefs who have been aboard several seasons usually run a smoother week than a newly assembled team.
- Refit history: ask what was done and when. A technical refit matters more than new soft furnishings.
- Range and speed: if your itinerary covers long distances, for example the Riviera to Corsica or the Cyclades to the Dodecanese, cruising speed and fuel burn will shape both your days and your APA.
- Stabilizers at anchor: zero-speed stabilizers make a real difference to comfort when the yacht is anchored in a swell.
- Toy list in writing: confirm which toys are included in the base fee, which carry extra charges, and any local restrictions where you are cruising.
- Base port: starting where the yacht is based avoids a delivery fee, which is taxable in France.
Your broker should also confirm the yacht's commercial certification for your guest count, especially if you are close to the 12-guest limit or planning a day-guest event.
Is a superyacht charter right for families?
Yes, often more than a smaller yacht. More crew means childcare-friendly service, and the toy list keeps children of every age busy. Many superyachts can arrange a nanny or a crew member with childcare experience; ask your broker. Our family yacht charter guide covers cabin layouts and safety.
Our view
Choose the size band for space and crew, not prestige. For a group of 10–12, a well-run 45–55m yacht delivers most of the superyacht experience at less than half the cost of a 70m+ megayacht. Beyond 60m, you are paying for amenities such as a pool, cinema and multiple tenders, which matter most on longer charters and for multi-generational groups.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to charter a superyacht?
Typical weekly base rates are about €95,000 for a 40m yacht, €165,000 for 50m and €350,000 for 60m. Megayachts over 70m run from about €700,000 to €1.5 million or more per week, and the very largest ask €2 million or more. Add roughly 55–75% for APA, VAT and crew tips.
What size is a superyacht?
There is no legal definition, but the industry generally treats yachts of about 24–30m (roughly 80–100 ft) and above as superyachts. Yachts over about 60–70m are often called megayachts, and those over 90–100m gigayachts.
How many guests can a superyacht carry?
Most charter superyachts can carry a maximum of 12 guests overnight, whatever their size, because carrying more turns a commercial yacht into a passenger ship under international rules. A small number of yachts are certified under special passenger-yacht codes that allow 13–36 guests. For larger groups, brokers arrange two yachts cruising in tandem.
How many crew are on a superyacht?
Crew size scales with length: roughly 6–10 crew on a 30–40m yacht, 8–12 on 40–50m, around 15–20 on 60–70m and 25–35 on 80–100m. On larger yachts that means more than one crew member per guest, which is what makes the service level so different.
What water toys come with a superyacht charter?
Most superyachts include tenders, paddleboards, kayaks, snorkel gear and towable inflatables, and many add jet skis, seabobs, wakeboards and water skis. Larger yachts may carry e-foils, inflatable slides, dive equipment and a swimming pool. Toy fuel is paid from the APA, and some toys are restricted by local rules in certain areas.
Where do superyachts cruise?
In summer, mainly the Mediterranean: the French Riviera, Amalfi Coast, Sardinia, the Balearics, Greece, Croatia and Montenegro. In winter, the fleet moves to the Caribbean, especially St. Barths, Antigua and the Virgin Islands, and to the Bahamas.
Charter rates, APA, VAT and fees quoted are approximate, vary by yacht and season, and change often. Confirm current figures with your broker at booking.