The Best Vacation You’ve Never Heard Of: Chartering a Yacht

Hint: It’s More Affordable Than You Think

I’m going to tell you a secret. 🙂

Chartering a yacht is probably much more attainable than you think. When most people hear the words yacht charter, they immediately picture celebrities, billionaires, and six figure vacations. While those charters certainly exist, they represent only a small portion of the market. The reality is that many people spend just as much, and sometimes more, on traditional luxury vacations without realizing it.

So what exactly does it mean to charter a yacht?

Simply put, a yacht charter is when you rent an entire yacht for your group and live aboard it for a set period of time, typically a week. But the experience goes far beyond simply staying on a boat.

Unlike a resort where you’re confined to one location, your yacht becomes a private floating villa that moves with you. Each day you can wake up somewhere new, explore hidden beaches, snorkel pristine reefs, paddleboard through turquoise anchorages, visit local island communities, or simply relax with a cocktail while taking in the view.

Your crew becomes much more than just a crew. They’re your captain, chef, tour guides, local experts, and hosts all rolled into one.

But what about the food? I’m glad you asked.

Before your charter your group will receive a guest preference sheet. In that sheet you will fill out all of your food and drink preferences, favorite foods, special requests, allergies, dietary restrictions, and everything to give your chef all the information they need to plan a week’s worth of mouth watering meals. Whether you’re dreaming of fresh seafood, tropical fruit, premium steaks, craft cocktails, or healthy options throughout the week, your chef will plan menus specifically for your group.

Many guests tell us the food ends up being one of the highlights of the entire trip. As it should be!

So What Do You Actually Get?

When you charter a fully crewed yacht, you’re getting far more than accommodations. You’re getting:

• Transportation between islands
• Private accommodations
• A professional captain
• A private chef
• Three freshly prepared meals per day
• Snacks, beverages, and cocktails
• Snorkeling equipment
• Paddleboards and water toys
• Personalized itineraries
• Daily housekeeping
• Local knowledge and guidance from your crew
• Zero stress planning once you’re onboard

And perhaps most importantly…you get access to places that simply can’t be experienced any other way.

Ok, I’m starting to get interested now. How much does this cost?

Below are 3 examples of boats from different price points. 

Example #1 – On The Low End

On A Whim III

On A Whim III is an immaculate 2024 Lagoon 46 that can accommodate 6 guests in 3 separate queen cabins. She charters out for $24,000 USD per week with everything included. That breaks down to $4000 USD per person.

Now you tell me, do you think that is a good value for an unreal experience island hopping around with your friends or family on a beautiful yacht with amazing meals and friendly and lovely crew that double as your tour guides? I think so. 

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Example #2 – Middle Of The Road

Baymahni

Baymahni is a 2021 Bali 5.4 that gives you no reason to want more. She can host 8 guests in 4 queen size staterooms. She charters out for $34,000 USD per week with everything included. That breaks down to $4,250 USD per person. Only coming in at $250 per person more than the yacht in example number one. Think about what a week at a luxury resort, plus restaurants, excursions, transportation, and activities would cost for comparison.

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Example #3 – On The Higher End

Liquid Sky

Liquid Sky is a 2024 Fountaine Pajot 67 that can accommodate 6 guests in 3 large queen state rooms. It’s a large, luxury space that even has a hot tub on the bow. She has a full time crew of 3 and the level of service is absolutely next level with this crew. She charters out for $55,000 USD per week with everything included. That breaks down to $9,166.70 USD per person.

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We are proud to offer all of the yachts used in the above examples for charter. 

Is It Really All Inclusive? Almost.

The vast majority of charter costs are included, but there are a few additional expenses to keep in mind.

Typical additional costs include:

• Crew gratuity (typically 15% to 25% based on service and satisfaction)
• For Bahamas Charters Only – 14% VAT 
• Premium or specifically requested wines and spirits

Beyond that, most guests find there are very few surprises.

In Summary

A crewed yacht charter is not the cheapest way to travel. But it’s often far more affordable than people expect. When you compare the total cost of luxury hotels, restaurant meals, excursions, transportation, and activities, many travelers are surprised to find that chartering a yacht falls within a similar range.

The difference is that on a yacht, everything moves with you. You don’t spend your vacation coordinating logistics, making reservations, or figuring out where to go next. You simply wake up each morning in a beautiful destination while your crew takes care of the rest.

At Contigo Yachts, we specialize in helping clients find the perfect yacht, crew, and destination throughout The Bahamas, Caribbean, and French Polynesia. Unlike many charter agencies, we don’t simply recommend yachts from an online database. We actively sail throughout these regions ourselves, exploring destinations firsthand, stepping aboard yachts, and building relationships with the crews who bring these experiences to life. This allows us to carefully curate a collection of yachts and crews that we know, trust, and confidently recommend to our clients. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, planning a family getaway, or simply looking for a unique way to experience the world, we’re here to help you find the charter experience that’s right for you.

You might just discover that the best vacation you’ve never heard of is much closer than you think.