How Do You Choose the Right Yacht Charter Type for Your Sailing Vacation?
Every unforgettable journey begins with a single decision. This page is your compass, designed to guide you through the world of sailing vacations with ease. You’ll discover the three main yacht charter types: Bareboat, Captain Only, and Crewed explained in simple, clear terms, along with how pricing works.
Since 1987, Virgin Island Sailing® has helped travelers navigate these waters, turning questions into confidence and dreams into departure dates.
Explore your options, compare pricing, and choose the charter experience that fits your group, your pace, and your vision of the perfect getaway.
What Are the Different Yacht Charter Types for a Sailing Vacation?
What Should You Expect on a Bareboat Sailing Vacation?
You skipper the yacht. You set the pace. Moor where you like and explore hidden coves at your leisure.
What is included
- Private yacht with standard safety gear
- Charts, GPS, dinghy with outboard
- Staff
- Fully Equipped Galley
- Fridge & Cooler
- Linens & Towels
- Topped Off Fuel & Water Tanks
- Starter Kit of Paper Goods
- Cleaning Supplies
Typical rates: Mid Season Rates
- 2–6 Guests: from USD $6,000–$12,000
- 8–12 Guests: from USD $8,000–$20,000
Best if you want complete independence, the best value per cabin, and have sailing experience.
BAREBOAT CHARTER RATE SHEETS >>Virgin Islands & Caribbean
What Extra Costs Should You Plan for in a Bareboat Yacht Charter?
| Category | Details | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Overnight Moorings | Average $30/night. First-come, first-served. Plan to arrive by 3:00–3:30 PM in high season and 4:00–4:30 PM in low season. Payment collected by dinghy or paid to restaurant ashore. Cash only. | USD $30/night |
| Meals | Charterers usually dine ashore for at least half their dinners and occasionally breakfast or lunch. Most restaurants accept credit cards — Visa and MasterCard are more widely accepted than Amex or Discover. | $50 on board, and $50-$75 ashore (excluding lobster) |
| Ice, Water & Fuel | Ice bags available from local vendors (cash only). Water refills at marinas: $0.30–$0.50/gal. Fuel tanks must be topped off before returning the yacht. | Ice USD $5–$10/bag • Fuel USD $6.50–$7.50/gal • Weekly Fuel Costs: Sailing w/o generator USD $100–$150 • Sailing w/ generator USD $250–$450 • Power vessel USD $600–$800 |
| Taxes & Fees | BVI Departure Tax ($20/person), BVI Environmental Levy ($10/person), Cruising Tax ($4/person/day), Park Permit ($25 for 1–4 people + $10 each for 1–2 additional), VISAR fee ($10/charter). Local taxes vary: Bahamas 14%, Belize 12.5%, Greece 11%. | Varies by destination |
| Insurance | Yacht damage waiver costs vary by company and yacht size. | USD $40– $100/day |
| Water Toys Rentals | Add adventure to your charter with rentals. Stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, and floats are the most common. | Varies by toy type. Most Common is stand up paddle board or kayak ~$200/week |
What Should You Expect in a Crewed Sailing Vacation?
Your private yacht with captain, chef, and attentive service. Menus tailored to you. You choose the vibe. We handle the rest.
What is included
- Yacht, captain, chef, and steward as applicable
- All meals and standard open bar
- A selection of water toys like paddle boards and snorkel gear
Typical rates
- Luxury Crewed: 7 nights from USD $20,000 to $50,000 for 4 guests and 7 nights from USD $25,000 to $60,000 for 8 guests
- High Luxury and Superyachts: From USD $60,000 to $250,000+, featuring larger crews and expanded water toys such as Sea bobs, eFoils, dive gear and jet skis (where permitted)
Best if you want all inclusive ease and a floating five star experience.
CREWED YACHT CHARTER RATE SHEETS >>Virgin Islands & Caribbean
What Extra Costs Should You Plan for in a Crewed Yacht Charter?
| Category | Details | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive Rates | Typical in the Caribbean, especially for yachts under 80’. Includes captain, gourmet chef, all meals and beverages onboard, personalized menu and bar plus itinerary based on your preferences, water toys, and onboard amenities. | 7-night base rate (varies by yacht) Gratuity 15%–20% of charter fee Belize tax 10% Bahamas tax 14%Shorter charters of 5 nights or fewer include a surgecharge. |
| Plus Expenses Rates | Typical for yachts over 80’ in the Caribbean and all yachts in the Mediterranean. Includes yacht hire and crew only. All other expenses covered by an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA): food, beverages, fuel, dockage, customs, and special requests. Any unused APA refunded at charter end (or can be applied to gratuity). VAT also applies. | Charter fee + APA (25%–40% of charter fee) Mediterranean gratuity 10%–15% Local tax varies |
What Services Come with a Captain-Only Sailing Vacation?
A professional captain runs the yacht. You keep your freedom on dining and provisioning. Learn the ropes or relax while the captain handles the tricky bits. Another popular sailing vacation option is a Bareboat plus Skipper. With this option a freelance skipper would be hired just for your bareboat charter. You are not provided a captain bio in advance, but the charter company only hires skippers they use on a regular basis whom are of course professional and very knowledgeable about the cruising area.
What is included
- Captain Only
- Yacht, designated professional captain, fully equipped galley, linens & towels, complement of water toys
- Bareboat Plus Skipper – please refer to Bareboat section, in this case the skipper is not included and it’s an extra fee
Typical rates
-
- Captain Only – from USD $14,000 to $18,000 for 7 nights
- Bareboat Plus Skipper – please refer to Bareboat section, Captain fee is typically USD $250 to $350 per day
Best if you want a stress free upgrade from DIY plus flexibility on cuisine and schedule.
Explore Captain Only Yacht ChartersHow Much More Should You Budget for a Captain-Only Sailing Vacation?
| Category | Details | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Meals & Beverages | Not included for guests or captain. Charterers often dine ashore for ~3 dinners plus some breakfasts or lunches. | On board: USD $50 per person per day (include captain) Ashore: USD $50–$75 per person per meal |
| Running Expenses | Covers fuel, ice, and water. Varies based on sailing vs. motoring. | USD $500–$800 per week |
| Overnight Moorings | Mooring balls are convenient and well-positioned. Anchoring is free and widely available. | USD $30–$40 per night |
| Customs Fees | Varies by departure port. Tortola departures: none. St. Thomas departures: required when entering BVI. | USD $60–$150 (St. Thomas departures) |
| Permits & Taxes | Cruising tax & park permits depend on departure port and number of guests. | Tortola: USD $6 pp/day cruising tax, USD $25–$55 per week park permit St. Thomas: USD $16 pp/day cruising tax, USD $50–$100 per week park permit |
| Skipper Fee + Gratuity | Captain Only charters already include yacht rental + captain fee. For Bareboat + Skipper charters, the skipper fee is charged separately. | Varies (itemized separately) |
How Do Bareboat, Captain-Only, and Crewed Yacht Charters Compare Side by Side?
| Charter Type | Best If You Want | Included | Plan For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bareboat | Maximum independence, hands-on sailing, best value | Yacht, safety gear, charts, dinghy, base support | Fuel, moorings, provisions, local taxes |
| Captain Only | Pro skipper for safety and skills, freedom to dine out | Bareboat inclusions plus licensed captain | Fuel, moorings, provisions, local taxes, captain meals, gratuity |
| Crewed | All-inclusive ease, chef-prepared menus, premium comfort | Yacht, captain, chef, meals and drinks, water toys | Premium beverages, optional dockage, gratuity |
Don’t Want to Book an Entire Yacht? Choose a Shared Yacht Charter
A shared yacht charter is one of the easiest ways to enjoy a sailing vacation without the stress of planning every detail. You book a private cabin aboard a fully crewed yacht and share the experience with a small group of like-minded travelers.
When choosing the right sailing vacation, focus on three key factors:
Destination
Decide what kind of experience you want. Some destinations offer laid back island hopping, while others deliver adventure, snorkeling, and cultural discovery.
Cabin Size and Comfort
Make sure the cabin layout and space work for everyone traveling with you. Comfort matters when you are spending a full week at sea.
Reviews and Past Guest Experiences
Reading traveler reviews helps set expectations and gives insight into the onboard experience, crew, and overall vibe of the trip.
Best if you want a sailing vacation that blends adventure and relaxation while socializing!
How Much More Should You Budget for a Shared Yacht Charter?
| Cost Item | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Per Night Cost | $600 – $800 per couple, per night |
| Standard Charter Length | 7 nights recommended |
| What Is Included | Most meals and beverages, onboard activities, and professional crew service |
| Alcohol Packages | Either all-inclusive alcohol or table wine and local aperitifs with meals |
| What Affects Price | Destination, season, yacht size, and amenities |
| Additional Costs to Confirm | Flights, gratuities, and optional excursions |
How Are Rates Calculated for a Sailing Vacation?
Sailing vacation rates are built around your dates first, then your yacht.
Step 1: Choose your dates and group size
Use the date picker on each yacht page to select your travel dates and number of guests. This instantly shows the base charter fee for that specific week. You will also see pricing for the two weeks before and after in case shifting dates offers better value.
Step 2: Review what is included
Scroll to the Rate Details section to see what is included in the charter and any additional fees that apply. These vary by destination and yacht and are listed clearly so there are no surprises.
Step 3: Compare and fine-tune
Our Charter Experts help you compare yachts and destinations, explain cost differences, and identify the best value based on season, availability, and your priorities. Online booking for select yachts is coming soon.
Good to know
Peak season and holiday weeks book first and cost more
Booking early unlocks the best selection of yachts
The per-person cost drops as you fill more cabins