Luxury yacht charters are one of the most profitable and unforgettable experiences you can offer your clients but if you’ve never booked one before, the process can feel intimidating.
Good news: it doesn’t have to be.
This step-by-step guide will show travel advisors exactly how to book a yacht charter, what information is needed, how pricing works, and how to create a seamless, high-end experience for your clients while earning strong commissions.
Collect Key Client Details Early
To match your clients with the perfect yacht, we will need:
👥 Guest count + cabin preferences
💰 Target budget range
📍 Preferred destination
📆 Travel dates or season
🚤 Preferred yacht style (motor, catamaran, sailing)
The more detail you provide, the more tailored the yacht selection will be.
Step 1: Identify the Right Destination & Season
Yacht charter availability and pricing are highly dependent on location and time of year.
Top Yacht Charter Destinations
- Caribbean: British Virgin Islands, Bahamas, St. Martin
- Mediterranean: Greece, Croatia, Italy, South of France
- Exotic Destinations: Tahiti, Galápagos, Maldives, Seychelles
Seasonality Matters
- High Season: Best weather, higher rates, limited availability
- Shoulder/Low Season: Better pricing, fewer crowds, more yacht options
💡 As a travel advisor, your yacht charter broker can help you guide clients toward the best destination based on their travel dates, budget, and preferred experience.
Step 2: Choose the Right Type of Yacht
Matching the yacht to your client’s travel style is key.
🚤 Motor Yachts
- Fast, luxurious, and amenity-rich
- Ideal for island hopping and high-end experiences
⛵ Sailing Yachts
- More hands-on sailing experience
- Great for adventure-minded travelers
🐾 Catamarans
- Most popular for families and groups with options at every price point starting at around 20k/week
- Stable, spacious, equal accomodations and great value
⚓ Gulets & Motor Sailers
- Excellent for large groups
- Popular in Greece, Turkey, and Croatia
We will present vetted yachts that match:
✔ Guest count
✔ Cabin configuration
✔ Budget
✔ Preferred vibe (relaxation vs. adventure vs. luxury)
Step 3: Understand Yacht Charter Pricing (So You Can Explain It Clearly)
One of the biggest hurdles for advisors is understanding the real cost of a yacht charter. While most catamarans in the Caribbean are all-inclusive, the rest of the yachts in those areas and all catmarans and yachts in the rest of the world have extra fees.
Base Charter Rate
This covers:
- The yacht
- Professional crew
- Use of onboard water toys
APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance)
Usually 20–40% of the base rate, APA covers:
- Food & beverages
- Fuel
- Docking fees
- Special requests
Any unused funds from the APA are refunded at the end of the charter.
Crew Gratuity
- Caribbean: 15–20% of base rate
- Mediterranean: 10–15%
Given directly to the captain at the end of the charter to distribute among the crew.
VAT (Value Added Tax)
Applies in many destinations and varies widely (5%–24%+).
💡 We will always provide you with a clear, itemized quote so you can present totals confidently to your clients.
Step 4: Rely on US! (Your Secret Weapon)
As a travel advisor, you don’t need to be the yacht expert, you just need the right partner.
As professional charter brokers, we:
✔ Personally inspects yachts at international boat shows
✔ Verify crew quality and service standards
✔ Uses industry contracts (MYBA, CYBA, AYCA) for client protection
✔ Helps customize itineraries
✔ Supports you through the entire booking process
Think of it as having a luxury yacht department you can plug into anytime.
Step 5: Secure the Yacht with the Right Payment Structure
Standard payment terms:
💰 50% of the base rate to confirm the booking
💰 Remaining 50% + APA + VAT due 30–60 days before charter
For bookings far in advance, some yachts allow installment schedules. A broker can often negotiate flexibility when needed.
Step 6: Set Expectations with Your Clients
A yacht charter is not a cruise. It’s a fully customized private experience.
Clients can expect:
✨ Personalized itineraries
🍽️ A custom menu with meals prepared by a private chef on board.
🏝️ Hidden beaches & anchorages
🚤 Water sports and excursions
Your broker and the yacht captain work together to design an itinerary based entirely on your clients’ preferences. Nothing cookie cutter!
Common Mistake Advisors Should Avoid
❌ Booking directly with an owner or random website
❌ Assuming all yachts are equal
❌ Assume that just because it looks good on paper, its going to look that good in person.
❌ Underestimating additional costs
A vetted broker protects your clients and your reputation by ensuring yacht quality, crew professionalism, and transparent pricing.
Why Yacht Charters Are a Smart Add-On for Travel Advisors
✔ High commission potential
✔ Ultra-memorable client experiences
✔ Strong repeat and referral business
✔ Elevates your brand into the luxury market
You don’t need to know everything, you just need the right expert partner behind the scenes.
Ready to Book a Yacht Charter for Your Clients?
If you have a client interested in a private yacht vacation, I’ll help you every step of the way, from yacht selection to contracts to final itineraries, so you can deliver an exceptional experience with confidence.