What's Included in a Yacht Charter Price? The No-Surprises Guide

Nothing ruins a charter faster than surprise costs. We've seen it: clients who thought everything was included, only to get a bill for "mandatory" fees at the end. Here's the complete breakdown — no fine print, no surprises.

What the Base Price Includes

Your charter fee covers the yacht, standard safety equipment (life jackets, flares, first aid), dinghy with outboard, bed linen and towels, and berthing at your home marina on the first and last night. That's it. Everything else is extra.

Mandatory Extras (Usually)

Transit log: A government fee, typically €50–€150, for sailing in Greek waters. Non-negotiable.

End cleaning: €150–€250. You leave the boat clean; they do the deep clean. Standard across the industry.

Security deposit: €1,500–€3,000, refundable. Held on your card, released when the boat is returned undamaged.

Some operators bundle these into the price. Always ask: "What's included in the quote?"

Optional Extras (Your Choice)

Skipper: €150–€200/day. Worth every euro if you don't have a license or want to relax.

Hostess/cook: €120–€180/day. They'll cook, clean, and make your life easy. Great for groups.

Provisioning: €50–€80 per person for a week. They stock the boat before you arrive. Saves you a supermarket run.

Airport transfer: €80–€150 one-way. Convenient but you can often get a taxi cheaper.

Water toys: SUP, kayak, snorkel gear — sometimes included, sometimes €50–€100/week.

Hidden Costs Nobody Tells You About

Fuel: You pay for what you use. Motoring burns fuel fast. A week of mixed sailing/motoring: €200–€400. Pure sailing with minimal engine: €100–€150.

Marina fees: €30–€80 per night. If you anchor out (free), you save. But marinas offer showers, water, and peace of mind in bad weather.

Port fees: Some harbors charge €10–€30 for mooring. Ask your base for a list.

Restaurant meals: Budget €25–€40 per person for a good taverna dinner with wine. It adds up.

Realistic Budget Per Person

Budget: €350–€450/week. Bareboat, cook on board, anchor most nights, bring your own wine.

Mid-range: €500–€700/week. Skipper or provisioning, mix of anchorages and marinas, some tavernas.

Premium: €800–€1,200/week. Skipper, hostess, best marinas, eat out every night.

Deposit Explained

Most operators want 50% to confirm, 50% six weeks before departure. Cancellation terms vary — typically full refund 60+ days out, partial 30–60 days, nothing inside 30 days. Read the terms. Get travel insurance.

Vasile's Money-Saving Tips

First: anchor as much as possible. It's free, and often more beautiful than marinas. Second: provision at a supermarket before you leave — it's half the price of marina shops. Third: if you're a group, one well-stocked boat is cheaper than eating out every night. Fourth: book early. Last-minute deals exist, but the best boats and dates go first. Fifth: consider June or September. Same experience, 20–30% cheaper than August.

We never want you to be surprised. When you get a quote from NoaVela, we break it down line by line. No hidden fees. Ever.