Chartering the USVI and BVI on your own private, crewed yacht charter is one of the most stress-busting ways to spend a week you can imagine. How to determine the cost can be a bit more challenging, at least until you understand the basics. Here you go….
Caribbean charter rates are either “All Inclusive” or “Plus Expense”. Neither includes the customary crew gratuity which is typically 15%-20% of the charter rate.
The majority of our crewed yacht charters are “All Inclusive” meaning that all meals, appetizers drinks and standard bar, water toys, customs fees and running expenses for the boat are included. The smaller yachts may charter for an “All Inclusive” week for as little as under $10,000 and up to $65,000 per week for the larger luxury power and sail catamarans. The large power catamarans coming into the fleets recently start around $25,000 and up.
The other category, “Plus Expense” is for the higher-end luxury yacht charters. The basic rate is for the boat alone and starts at about $25,000. All other expenses are additional including food, drinks and bar and all running expenses for the boat. These additional expenses are handled using an APA (Additional Provisioning Allowance) which is typically 35% of the base rate and paid prior to the charter. All receipts are provided for an accounting at the end of the charter.
SCUBA diving is usually an additional fee but not in all cases. The yacht’s brochure will spell out all the details on diving.
