The Complete Guide for Planning Your First Private Yacht Charter
Planning your first private yacht charter is an exciting adventure, but it can also feel overwhelming with so many options to consider. At Goolets, we take the stress out of the equation by handling all the planning for you. From selecting the perfect yacht to customizing your itinerary, activities, and onboard services, we ensure that your yacht charter is as seamless as it is unforgettable. Whether you're looking to relax, explore stunning landscapes, or enjoy high-end luxury, a private yacht charter offers something for everyone. This guide will walk you through the key aspects of organizing your dream yacht charter—from selecting the ideal vessel to understanding the costs and services involved. Let’s dive in!
Advantages of Chartering a Private Yacht
One of the most significant benefits of chartering a private yacht is the unparalleled privacy it provides. Unlike commercial cruises, where you’re surrounded by other travelers, a private yacht charter ensures you and your group can enjoy each other’s company in complete seclusion. You also gain total control over your experience.
From tailoring your daily itinerary to designing a custom sailing route and activities, your private yacht charter can be entirely adapted to your preferences. You can plan specialized experiences such as wine and olive oil tastings, hiking excursions, or even biking tours on land. Your meals, beverages, and entertainment are all curated to suit your group’s needs, making the experience truly your own.
Private Yacht Charter Destinations
Choosing the ideal destination is one of the most exciting parts of chartering a private yacht. For many travelers, Croatia is a top choice—and for good reason. Croatia boasts pristine sailing conditions, a calm sea, and a captivating coastline dotted with islands all near each other. In addition to the natural beauty, Croatia offers endless historical sites, rich culture, and stunning landscapes that make it a prime yachting destination.
Your private yacht can anchor in secluded bays, offering the opportunity to safely swim, explore by paddleboard or kayak, and engage in other watersports directly from the yacht. It’s the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, with the freedom to explore Croatia's mesmerizing waters at your own pace.
Selecting the Ideal Yacht
Choosing the right yacht for your group is a critical part of the planning process. Depending on your preferences, group size, and budget, there are several types of vessels to consider:
- Motor Yachts: Known for speed and luxury, ideal for travelers looking to cover more distance.
- Motor Sailing Yachts: A hybrid of motor and sail power, offering a balance of tradition and modern convenience.
- Gulets: These upgraded and luxurious traditional Turkish vessels offer a more authentic cruising experience.
For smaller groups, we recommend Yacht Maxita - a luxurious vessel with six spacious ensuite cabins, accommodating up to 12 guests. With an attentive crew of seven, Maxita offers a personalized experience with all the comforts you’d expect from a luxury yacht. Bright and airy, the yacht features floor-to-ceiling windows in the salon, multiple dining tables, two fully stocked bars, a Jacuzzi, and shaded areas perfect for sunbathing or relaxing.
If you're planning a trip for a larger group or a special occasion, we recommend yachts like Freedom, Ohana, and Bella. These yachts are known for their impressive amenities, such as a fully equipped gym, an on-deck Jacuzzi, cinema and gaming rooms, a spa, a kids' playroom, and even a beauty salon. Each of these yachts is staffed with a talented onboard chef to create gourmet meals tailored to your tastes, and they come fully equipped with water toys, snorkeling, and diving gear to keep everyone entertained.
Price Ranges
Understanding the costs involved in a private yacht charter is essential for proper planning. Prices for yacht charters vary depending on the yacht type, size, and season. To calculate the total cost, you need to factor in the base fee, yacht charter taxes (which vary depending on the destination), APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance), crew gratuity, and insurance costs. Typically, you can expect to add between 30% and 100% on top of the base fee for a comprehensive estimate.
Here’s a breakdown of typical base fee price ranges for different yacht types:
- Motor Yachts / Sailing Yachts under 50ft: €4,000 – €15,000 per week
- Motor Yachts / Sailing Yachts between 50ft and 65ft: €15,000 – €40,000 per week
- Motor Yachts / Sailing Yachts between 65ft and 80ft: €40,000 – €70,000 per week
- Motor Yachts / Sailing Yachts between 80ft and 100ft: €70,000 – €100,000 per week
- Motor Yachts / Sailing Yachts over 100ft: €100,000 – up to €1,000,000 per week
For example, one of our most popular options, the superyacht Freedom (48.2 meters/158.14 ft), can accommodate up to 24 guests. During the low season, Freedom is available for €110,000 per week + 13% VAT. This breaks down to a cost of around €4,588.88 per person for a week, which includes a crew of 12 and fuel for up to four hours of daily cruising. In the high season, the price rises to €140,000 + 13% VAT, translating to €5,833.33 per person for the week.
Crew and Service Onboard
One of the many perks of a private yacht charter is having a dedicated crew onboard, catering to your every need. The size of the crew typically depends on the yacht’s size and the number of guests. On some yachts, you’ll find a one-to-one guest-to-crew ratio, ensuring an unmatched level of service.
The crew members are highly skilled professionals, often with years of experience in luxury hospitality, whether from working on yachts or in luxury hotels. Their roles cover everything from housekeeping, meal service, and preparing cocktails, to providing massage and beauty treatments, and even babysitting. They also ensure smooth navigation and manage your excursions to and from the yacht using the dinghy.
Activities During Your Private Yacht Charter
One of the major highlights of chartering a private yacht is the variety of activities available. Whether you’re looking for fun, educational, or relaxing activities, the choice is yours. Enjoy water-based adventures such as snorkeling, diving, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Or, spend your days fishing, organizing treasure hunts, or hosting themed parties onboard.
On land, you can explore local attractions, visit national parks, participate in guided tours, or enjoy wine and olive oil tastings. Croatia, in particular, offers all of this and beyond, allowing you to discover the region's cultural, historical, and natural beauty. For a glimpse into what a typical day on a private yacht charter looks like, check out this detailed blog: A Day on a Yacht Charter.
Tailor-Made Experiences
One of the most rewarding aspects of a private yacht charter is that we tailor every detail of your experience. From planning a sailing route that explores secluded coves, visiting famous historical sites, wine tastings, bicycling tours, planning gourmet meals, and selecting your favorite drinks we are there to make your dreams come true. Every moment onboard and onshore can be personalized to fit your group’s tastes and preferences.
In summary, planning your first private yacht charter offers a unique opportunity to experience luxury, adventure, and personalization all in one incredible vacation. At Goolets, we make sure every step of the process is taken care of for you - from selecting the perfect yacht to customizing your itinerary, so you can focus on enjoying your trip. Whether you're exploring the stunning coastline of Croatia or relaxing in the comfort of a superyacht, your private yacht charter will be an adventure like no other. Are you ready for your next unforgettable vacation at sea? Send us an inquiry and our team of yacht charter specialists will send you a tailor-made proposal.
