What do you actually get when you charter a yacht? Here’s a full breakdown of services, crew, meals, water toys, and hidden extras so you know exactly what’s included—and what isn’t.
Introduction
The first time I chartered a yacht, I assumed “all-inclusive” meant literally everything. I thought fuel was included. I assumed alcohol was unlimited. I believed docking fees were someone else’s problem. By Day Three, reality arrived in the form of a polite captain handing me an APA reconciliation that included $14,000 in fuel and port costs I hadn’t accounted for.
That’s when I realized: You can’t enjoy luxury if you don’t understand its fine print.
Many first-time yacht guests assume the price of the charter covers everything. But yacht charters have two buckets: what’s genuinely included… and what’s only available if you pay extra or pull from the APA.
This article breaks open exactly what’s included in a typical yacht charter, what amenities come standard, and which services cost extra—so you never get surprised after the fact.
What’s Typically Included in a Yacht Charter
| Category | Included? |
|---|---|
| Yacht rental & onboard accommodations | ✅ Yes |
| Captain & basic crew (stewardess, chef) | ✅ Yes |
| Standard meals & snacks (if all-inclusive) | ✅ Yes |
| Water toys (kayaks, paddleboards, snorkel gear) | ✅ Usually |
| House drinks (water, soft drinks, house wine) | ✅ Often |
| Basic toiletries & linens | ✅ Yes |
| Cleaning / housekeeping | ✅ Yes |
| Tender (small boat) | ✅ Yes |
Let’s break each one down in real terms…
✔ The Yacht Itself (Obviously Included)
The base charter fee covers the vessel, your cabins, common spaces, and use of all onboard facilities — from the salon to the deck to the onboard cinema (if applicable).
✔ Captain & Crew
All crewed charters include:
- Captain: navigates, communicates with ports, ensures safety
- Chef: prepares meals; often trained in specialty cuisines
- Stewardess/Hostess: serves food, cleans cabins
- Deckhand: assists with docking and water toys
Their salaries are already included in the charter fee.
✔ Meals (If All-Inclusive)
Many yachts in the Caribbean and some in Greece/Turkey operate on an “all-inclusive” basis:
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included—plus snacks, coffee, tea, water, basic wines.
In the Mediterranean, most yachts operate under APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) instead. That means food is bought with APA funds and billed after the trip.
✔ Water Toys & Recreational Amenities
Most charter yachts include:
- Kayaks
- Paddleboards
- Snorkeling gear
- Fishing rods
- Tender (small chase boat)
Larger yachts may also include:
- Jet skis
- Seabobs
- Waterslides
- Floating mats
These toys are usually included — but fuel for jet skis may come out of the APA.
What Is Often Not Included (Unless You Pay Extra)
| Item | Usually Extra Cost? |
|---|---|
| Fuel (for yacht + jet skis) | ✅ Yes |
| Premium alcohol (champagne, specialty brands) | ✅ Yes |
| Dockage & mooring fees | ✅ Yes |
| Airport transfers & ground transport | ✅ Yes |
| Spa services, masseuse, private trainer | ✅ Yes |
| VAT / taxes | ✅ Yes |
| Crew gratuity (10–15%) | ✅ Yes |
| Off-yacht dining or excursions | ✅ Yes |
Short version: Anything not physically on board at the start is probably extra.
All-Inclusive vs APA-Based Charters
All-Inclusive Charters (Common in Caribbean):
- One price covers meals, fuel for up to X hours, drinks, toys
- Easier budgeting; fewer surprises
APA-Based Charters (Common in Mediterranean):
- The charter rate is just the yacht and crew
- Guests pay ALL operating costs through a prepaid APA (usually 25–35%)
- At the end of the trip, you receive a summary and either pay the overage or get a refund
Realistic Daily Life on a Crewed Charter
Here’s how luxury actually works:
- Breakfast is set out before you wake up — fresh fruit, eggs, pastry
- Crew cleans your cabin while you’re on deck
- Chef cooks lunch based on your preference sheet
- Paddleboards are placed in the water for you
- Captain navigates to your next cove
- Drinks served at sunset
- You never wash a dish, adjust a sail, or handle an anchor line
It feels like staying in a luxury private villa — except it floats.
Final Thoughts: Know Before You Go
A yacht charter is not just a rental — it’s a full-service, customizable experience. But to truly enjoy it, you need clarity upfront.
Always ask:
- Is this charter all-inclusive or APA-based?
- Is alcohol included?
- Are port fees included?
- Which water toys come standard?
- What activities require extra payment?
The more you know, the more you can relax — because surprises should be scenic views, not invoices.