Let’s talk about one of the most common questions I get as a yacht charter broker—
‘How many people can we bring on the yacht?’ And the answer might surprise you…
Most charter yachts, yes, even the big, glamorous ones, are legally limited to 12 guests. And it’s not just a preference. It’s tied to international maritime law.
But don’t worry, if you’ve got a group of 13 or more, you still have great options. Let’s talk about what those options are!
Option 1: Tandem Charter (aka Flotilla Style)
One of the most popular solutions is a tandem charter. That means two (or more) yachts travel together on the same route—coordinated, crewed, and fully in sync.
We’ll help you pick the best yachts based on your group’s style and budget, and then the crews work together to make sure it feels like one big, shared experience. You can anchor side-by-side, eat meals together, hop between boats, and still enjoy that full-service, private yacht lifestyle.
This is a fantastic option for weddings, retreats, family reunions, or any large group looking to get the private yacht experience together.
Option 2: Go Where High-Occupancy Yachts Are Legal.
Now, if you’d prefer to keep the whole group on one yacht, your best bet is heading to a destination where those regulations don’t apply. Croatia is the superstar here. It’s home to high-occupancy yachts. Think mini cruisers, motor sailers, and gulets that can accommodate up to 39+ guests, legally. These are all spacious, elegant options and come at a variety of price points, giving you options at every level of luxury.
Greece and Turkey also have a few of these large-capacity yachts, so if you’re looking for that classic Mediterranean charm and need space for a crowd, there are options.
The Bottom Line: If your group is larger than 12, don’t stress. Whether it’s a tandem charter or a high-occupancy yacht, we’ll find the perfect solution and make sure the experience is luxurious and exactly what you had in mind.
The key to success with large groups is to start planning 1-2 years out because the high-occupancy yachts get booked up FAST!
Ready to start planning your group’s dream yacht vacation? Or just curious what’s possible based on your guest count and budget? 📩 Reach out—I’d love to help guide you through it.
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How Much Does a Group Yacht Charter Cost?
The base charter rate covers the yacht and crew — it does not change based on how many guests you bring. Whether you have 8 people or 12, you pay the same weekly rate. What does scale with group size is the APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance), which covers fuel, food, drinks, and marina fees. Larger groups eat and drink more, so the APA tends to run slightly higher. As a rough guide:
- Sailing catamaran: APA typically 20–30% of the base rate
- Power catamaran or motor yacht: APA typically 30–40% of the base rate
- High-occupancy yacht (gulet/motor sailer): APA varies — often quoted as an all-inclusive rate
For a group of 12, splitting the total cost (base rate + APA + flights) across everyone often makes a private yacht charter surprisingly affordable per person compared to a luxury resort or cruise.
What Size Yacht Do You Need?
As a general guide for groups chartering in international waters (where the 12-guest cap applies):
- Up to 8 guests: Most sailing catamarans (4 cabins) or motor yachts 60–80ft
- 9–12 guests: Larger catamarans with a forepeak cabin, or motor yachts 80–100ft+
- 13–20 guests: Tandem charter with two yachts, or a high-occupancy gulet in Croatia/Greece
- 20–39+ guests: High-occupancy motor sailers or gulets, available primarily in Croatia and Turkey
Catering and Logistics for Large Groups
One of the biggest advantages of a crewed charter for large groups is that catering is handled for you. The onboard chef prepares all meals, snacks, and cocktails — you just show up. For tandem charters, the two crews coordinate so groups can share meals anchored side by side, or rotate between yachts for different dining experiences each evening.
A few logistics to plan in advance for large groups:
- Dietary requirements: Collect these early and share with both crews
- Cabin allocation: Decide who shares with whom before departure — this avoids awkward conversations on day one
- Embarkation point: For tandem charters, confirm both yachts depart from the same marina
- Budget split: Agree upfront whether costs are split equally or by cabin
How Far in Advance Should You Book?
For groups of 12 or fewer on a single yacht, booking 6–12 months out is standard for popular summer seasons. For high-occupancy yachts (13+ guests on one vessel), availability is much tighter — 12–24 months in advance is strongly recommended, especially for Croatia and Greece in July and August. These yachts are limited in number and get reserved quickly by repeat clients.