Crewed Motor Yachts

What Is a Motor Yacht Charter?

A motor yacht is engine-powered, which means faster speeds, greater stability, and more range than a sailing yacht. You’re not waiting on wind or adjusting your plans around weather patterns.

Motor yachts range from sleek 20-metre cruisers to 100-metre superyachts with helipads and beach clubs. Most come with a professional crew already on board.

The key difference from a sailing charter is the experience onboard. Motor yachts tend to offer more interior space, better amenities, and a smoother ride. They’re suited to people who want comfort and flexibility without making sailing the focus of the trip.

Who books them? Families, groups of friends, couples celebrating something significant, and corporate groups. Anyone who wants a private, organised experience at sea.

Types of Motor Yacht Charters

Crewed charters are by far the most common and what most people are looking for. The yacht comes with a full team: captain, chef, and one or more stewardesses. Everything is handled for you. Meals, navigation, provisioning, water toys, port arrangements. You show up and enjoy it.

Bareboat charters mean you rent the yacht without a crew. You’re the captain. This requires proper sailing or powerboat licenses and real on-water experience. It’s less common for motor yachts and not recommended unless you genuinely know what you’re doing.

Superyachts and mega yachts sit at the top end. These are 40 metres and above, with crews of 10 or more, cinema rooms, gyms, tenders, and the kind of service you’d expect from a five-star hotel.

Day charters are single-day rentals, great for a group outing or if you want to test the experience before committing to a week.

Weekly charters are the standard format for most destinations. Seven nights, with full crew and a planned itinerary.

What’s Included in a Crewed Motor Yacht Charter

When you book a crewed charter, you’re getting the yacht and the team that runs it. Here’s what that typically covers:

This is where APA comes in.

What is APA? APA stands for Advance Provisioning Allowance. It’s a separate budget, typically 25 to 40% of the base charter fee, held by the captain and used for all running costs during the trip. Fuel, food, drinks, mooring fees, local taxes. At the end of the charter, you get a full breakdown and any unspent amount is returned.

Some charters offer an all-inclusive format instead, where food, drinks, and fuel are bundled into a fixed price from the start. It’s simpler but usually more expensive upfront.

Pricing Guide

Motor yacht charter pricing varies based on yacht size, season, destination, and crew level.

Entry level: €15,000 to €25,000 per week Smaller motor yachts and power catamarans, typically up to 25 metres. Good crew, solid amenities, and perfectly capable of a great trip.

Mid-range luxury: €25,000 to €90,000 per week Larger yachts, 30 metres and above, with professional crews of 6 to 10. Expect jet skis, flybridge, well-equipped cabins, and a real chef on board.

Superyachts: €100,000 to over €1,000,000 per week Elite vessels with full-service crews, designer interiors, beach clubs, tenders, and everything else. Some of the most well-known yachts in this category sit well above the €1 million mark.

Day charters in destinations like Greece start around €3,000 to €8,000 for a full day depending on the vessel.

Important: Always add 25 to 40% on top of the base fee to account for APA. A €30,000 charter week could cost €38,000 to €42,000 in total.

Rates are highest in July and August. May, June, and September offer the same destinations at meaningfully lower prices, with fewer crowds.

Best Destinations for Motor Yacht Charters

Greece The most popular charter destination in the Mediterranean.
The Greek Islands offer a dense network of anchorages, crystal water, and historical sites within short cruising distances.
The Ionian Islands around Preveza are ideal for families and first-time charterers.
The Cyclades and Dodecanese suit those who want more open sea and island hopping.
Weekly rates starting from €15,000.

French Riviera Cannes, Nice, Monaco, Saint-Tropez. The Riviera is glamorous and busy in summer. It’s best for people who want to be in the middle of it, with access to ports, restaurants, and events like the Cannes Film Festival.

Amalfi Coast Dramatic scenery and beautiful small ports. Positano, Ravello, Capri. Short distances between stops make it manageable and visually impressive. Best combined with a base in Naples or Sorrento.

Croatia Fast-growing as a charter destination. Dubrovnik, Split, the Kornati Islands. It combines unspoiled nature with a well-developed charter infrastructure. Slightly more affordable than Greece and France.

Sample Weekly Itinerary: Greek Islands (Ionian)

Day 1 – Preveza / Lefkada Board in the afternoon. Settle in, meet the crew, and sail south to anchor in a sheltered bay for dinner on board.

Day 2 – Meganisi A quiet island with turquoise coves. Swim in the morning, lunch at anchor, explore a small village in the evening.

Day 3 – Skorpios Private island with exceptional anchorages. A full day in the water with jet skis and paddleboards.

Day 4 – Ithaca The mythical home of Odysseus. Walk up to the old capital, visit local tavernas, anchor in Vathy bay.

Day 5 – Kefalonia Myrtos beach, local wine, the cave of Melissani. A longer day with more to see ashore.

Day 6 – Ithaca to Lefkada A relaxed sailing day. Sundowners at a beach bar, final dinner on board with the crew.

Day 7 – Return to base Morning swim, breakfast, and back to Preveza.

How to Book a Motor Yacht Charter

1. Define what you need How many people, how many nights, what kind of experience, and roughly where you want to go.

2. Choose your yacht Work with a charter broker or browse directly. The yacht size determines how many cabins you get. A 30-metre yacht typically sleeps 8 to 10 guests across 4 or 5 cabins.

3. Confirm availability and dates Popular yachts in high season book months in advance. Don’t leave this to the last minute.

4. Review the charter agreement This is a legal contract. Read it. It covers the base fee, APA terms, cancellation policy, and crew responsibilities.

5. Pay the deposit Usually 50% upfront, with the balance due 4 to 8 weeks before departure.

6. Plan the itinerary with the captain Once booked, you’ll connect with the captain to map out the route and discuss preferences. Meal preferences, dietary needs, places you want to visit.

7. Departure day Arrive at the agreed marina, board, meet the crew, and go.

When to Book

High season: July and August Peak prices, busiest ports, warmest water. Book at least 6 to 12 months ahead for the best yachts.

Shoulder season: May, June, September, early October Slightly cooler but still very good weather. 20 to 30% lower rates, fewer crowds, better availability. This is when experienced charterers tend to book.

Off-season: November through April (Mediterranean) Most Mediterranean charters don’t operate in winter. The Caribbean is the alternative from November to April.

Crewed Motor Yachts

Ready to Plan Your Charter?

If you know roughly where you want to go and when, the next step is finding the right yacht for your group size and budget. A crewed motor yacht charter works best when it’s planned with someone who knows the yachts and the destinations well.

Browse available yachts or get in touch for help choosing the right one for your trip. No pressure, just practical advice.

Check Availability

Private Crewed Yachts – What This Charter Represents

A private crewed yacht delivers elevated service with scale and sophistication. Expect a professional captain, chef, stewardess, and often additional deck crew. It is a fully managed floating villa designed for privacy, performance, and tailored experiences.

Typical Price in Greece

€25,000 to €250,000+ per week depending on yacht class and season.

Top Destinations in Greece & the Mediterranean

Crewed Motor Yachts

Crewed motor yachts deliver speed, space, and five-star service. Ideal for guests who value comfort and efficiency, they combine powerful cruising with expansive interiors, multiple decks, and a professional crew handling every detail from navigation to fine dining.

Keynotes of a Crewed Motor Yacht

• Fast island hopping
• Spacious cabins and lounges
• Stabilized for smooth cruising
• Full crew including chef
• Water toys and tenders
• High privacy and comfort
• Ideal for families or events
• Premium charter rates

Crewed Sailing Yachts

Crewed sailing yachts offer a refined, traditional experience at sea. Powered primarily by wind, they deliver a quieter, more connected journey while a dedicated crew manages sailing, service, and cuisine for a relaxed yet authentic charter.

Keynotes of a Sailing Yacht

• True sailing experience
• Quiet, wind-powered cruising
• Hands-on or relaxed option
• Smaller, intimate groups
• Professional captain and chef
• Elegant teak decks
• Ideal for couples or friends
• Balanced luxury pricing

FAQ about Private Crewed Yachts

What’s Included in an all-inclusive crewed yacht charter?
Professional crew, standard equipment, water toys, onboard service, itinerary planning, and in some cases meals and beverages under an all-inclusive structure.

What’s Not Included?
APA expenses such as fuel, dockage, provisioning, premium selections, and gratuities unless clearly outlined in the agreement.

Difference Between Bareboat, Skippered, and Crewed?
Bareboat: self-managed.
Skippered: captain only.
Crewed: fully staffed with hospitality and culinary team.

Gratuity Expectations?
Generally 10–15% of the base charter fee, reflecting the level of service delivered.

How much does a motor yacht charter cost? Anywhere from €15,000 to over €1,000,000 per week depending on the yacht. Most first-time charterers spend between €25,000 and €60,000 per week for a quality crewed experience. Add 25 to 40% on top for running costs through the APA.

What’s included in the charter price? The yacht and full crew are always included. Fuel, food, drinks, and port fees are usually covered through the APA, paid separately. Always check the specific charter agreement.

Do I need a license? No, for crewed charters. The captain handles all navigation. A license is only required if you’re booking a bareboat charter without crew.

How many people can stay on board? It depends on the yacht. A 25-metre motor yacht typically sleeps 6 guests. A 40-metre superyacht can sleep 10 to 12. Day charter rules sometimes allow more guests than overnight.

Are food and drinks included? It depends on the charter structure. With APA, you fund a kitty and the chef shops and cooks to your preferences. With all-inclusive charters, everything is bundled in from the start. Both work well. APA gives more flexibility.

What’s the difference between APA and all-inclusive? APA is a variable budget managed by the captain for running costs. You get back whatever’s unspent. All-inclusive means a fixed cost covering food, drinks, and fuel. All-inclusive is simpler; APA is more transparent.

Can I customize the itinerary? Yes. That’s one of the main reasons people choose a motor yacht charter. You work with the captain before departure and adjust as you go. Want to stay an extra day somewhere? You can.

What happens if the weather is bad? The captain monitors conditions and adjusts the route for safety. Sometimes this means staying in a sheltered bay instead of crossing open water. A good captain will always find you somewhere worth being.