Greece is a top spot for yacht lovers with beautiful waters, sunny islands, and historic sites. It’s the perfect place to experience Mediterranean charm. Renting a crewed yacht in Greece offers a unique experience. You can enjoy luxury, adventure, and the freedom to explore. Discover beautiful bays, lively ports, and historic ruins at your own pace. As we sail into 2024, let’s navigate through the costs and considerations for chartering a crewed yacht in this timeless archipelago.
The Appeal of a Greek Yacht Charter
A private crewed yacht charter provides luxury and personalized service with a professional crew to take care of everything. A complete experience where you can enjoy sailing and exploring without the stress of managing a yacht yourself.
Understanding Charter Costs
Booking a crewed yacht in Greece can vary greatly in price. Factors that influence the cost include the size and type of the yacht, and the month of your sailing vacation. To give you a better picture, we have broken down costs into 3 categories: Yacht Type, Price Structure and Best Time To Charter.
1. Yacht Type and Size
- Sailing Yachts: A great option for people who enjoy the romance of sailing. Prices for a medium-sized sailing yacht (around 45 to 55 feet) can vary from €15,000 to €25,000+APA+V.A.T. per week.
- Catamarans: Offering more stability, space and smoother sailing conditions, catamarans are ideal for families or larger groups. Weekly rates for a luxury catamaran can range from €20,000 to €60,000+APA+V.A.T. Sizes can range from 45-80′ and will sleep 6-12 people+crew. The larger catamarans will usually include water toys such as: underwater seascooters, E-Foils and water slides.
- Motor Yachts: Renowned for speed and luxury, motor yachts remain unmatched. Booking a luxury yacht charter for a week can cost anywhere from €50,000 to over €300,000+APA+V.A.T. The price depends on the length of yacht, number of crew and age.
2. Price Structure: The APA Explained
- APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance): Typically 20-35% of the charter fee which is prepaid, this amount goes towards covering fuel, port fees, food, and beverages.
- At the end of the week, the captain will provide a detailed breakdown of your expenses. If you have an unused amount that you did not spend, you will receive a refund. If you have exceeded the amount you prepaid, you will need to pay this prior to departure. A good charter captain will keep you informed throughout the charter to avoid any surprises at the end.
- Gratuities: Standard gratuity is 10-15% of the charter fee, given at the client’s discretion based on service quality.
- Extras: Activities like scuba diving, special excursions, or specific gourmet requests may incur additional costs.
3. Best Times To Charter In Greece
- During the busy months of July and August, prices increase by 15-20% because of high demand. This is higher than prices during other times of the year.
- Shoulder Season (May, June, September, October) has good weather and lower prices than peak season, making it a good deal. Duration and Route
- Most charters are for one week but extending your journey allows for exploring farther-flung islands and coasts. Discounts may apply for longer charters.
- The chosen route can affect costs, with longer distances requiring more fuel.
- Price Structure: The APA Explained
- APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance): Typically 20-35% of the charter fee which is prepaid, this amount goes towards covering fuel, port fees, food, and beverages.
- At the end of the week, the captain will provide a detailed breakdown of your expenses. If you have an unused amount that you did not spend, you will receive a refund. If you have exceeded the amount you prepaid, you will need to pay this prior to departure. A good charter captain will keep you informed throughout the charter to avoid any surprises at the end.
- Gratuities: Customarily 10-15% of the charter fee, given at the client’s discretion based on service quality.
- Extras: Activities like scuba diving, special excursions, or specific gourmet requests may incur additional costs.
Maximizing Your Charter Experience in Greece
To ensure a memorable and cost-effective yacht charter vacation in Greece, consider the following tips:
- Book Early: Secure your preferred yacht and take advantage of early booking discounts.
- Be Flexible with Dates: If possible, consider chartering during the shoulder season for better rates and fewer crowds.
- Be Flexible with Itinerary: Weather conditions can change quickly in Greece. While you might have planned to visit Santorini, you might end up chartering around the Saronic Islands. The Saronic Islands are full of rich history and culture and do NOT have the same volume of cruise ship traffic!
- Tell your crew what you what activities you enjoy. They will customize your itinerary based on your activity preferences and weather conditions for time of Greece yacht charter.
Conclusion
Booking a private crewed yacht in Greece lets you see the beauty of the Aegean and Ionian seas. A private yacht charter combines adventure with luxury service for a relaxing getaway. While costs can vary widely, planning and research can help tailor a voyage that fits your budget and exceeds your expectations.
Sailing in Greece on a crewed yacht is a memorable journey through beautiful islands like the Cyclades, Dodecanese, and Ionian. It’s a great way to explore one of the world’s most enchanting sailing destinations.
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