A week on a crewed superyacht in the Caribbean this winter costs from around US$100,000 for a 35-metre yacht to well over €1,000,000 for the largest superyachts, before running expenses. On top of the charter fee, plan for an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) of 30–40%, a crew gratuity of 10–20%, and local taxes where they apply. For most yachts, that puts the all-in figure at about 1.4 to 1.6 times the headline rate.
Below, we break down each cost with typical figures by yacht size, so you can budget with confidence before you enquire.
What the charter fee includes
The weekly charter fee covers the yacht, her full professional crew, insurance and the use of her tenders and water toys. It is the figure you see on every yacht page, quoted "per week plus expenses".
Rates move with the calendar. Christmas and New Year are the most expensive weeks of the Caribbean season and often carry a minimum stay; January to April is high season; late spring is quieter and can be better value.
Caribbean superyacht charter rates by size
Yacht length | Typical guests | Typical weekly rate, plus expenses |
|---|---|---|
30–40 m | 10–12 | US$80,000 – 150,000 |
40–50 m | 10–12 | €150,000 – 350,000 |
50–60 m | 12 | €300,000 – 500,000 |
60–75 m | 12 | €350,000 – 900,000 |
75 m and above | 12 | €900,000 to over €1,500,000 |
These are typical ranges; each yacht is priced in the currency her owner sets, in US dollars or euros. Length is only part of the story: age, refit, interior volume, crew numbers and the toys on board all move the price.
The Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA)
The APA is a deposit paid with the charter fee and held by the captain to cover your running costs during the week: fuel, food and drink, dockage, communications and any special requests. It is usually 30–40% of the charter fee, and around 35% is a sensible figure to budget for a Caribbean motor yacht.
Fuel is the biggest variable. A relaxed itinerary with long stays at anchor uses far less than a week of fast island-hopping. The captain keeps a full account, you can check the balance at any time, and anything unspent is returned at the end of the charter.
Taxes on a Caribbean yacht charter
Most Caribbean islands do not charge VAT on yacht charters in the way the Mediterranean does, but there are exceptions and local fees:
The Bahamas currently applies a charter levy of about 14% on the charter fee (10% VAT plus a 4% port fee). Industry reports say the government has discussed changes, so we confirm the rate that applies on every quote.
British and US Virgin Islands charge cruising permits and daily fees rather than VAT.
St Barths, Antigua and the Grenadines have harbour, anchoring and environmental fees, which are usually paid from the APA.
If your itinerary crosses several countries, your quote will show exactly which taxes and fees apply and where.
Crew gratuity
Gratuity is discretionary and paid at the end of the charter to the captain, who shares it among the crew. In the Caribbean, 10–20% of the charter fee is customary, with 15% the most common figure for excellent service. It is calculated on the charter fee, not on the APA.
A worked example: one week on a 50-metre yacht
Take a typical 50-metre motor yacht for 12 guests at €300,000 per week in the Virgin Islands:
Charter fee: €300,000
APA at 35%: €105,000 (with any balance returned)
Gratuity at 15%: €45,000
Estimated total: about €450,000, or roughly €37,500 per guest for the week
Shared between 12, that often compares well with the best villas and hotel suites in the islands, with a private crew, chef and a new anchorage every day.
Other costs worth knowing
Delivery fees if you want to start or finish away from the yacht's base.
Festive minimums: many yachts ask for 7 to 10 nights over Christmas and New Year.
Special requests such as rare wines, flown-in ingredients, extra toys or a dive instructor, all charged at cost through the APA.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to charter a superyacht in the Caribbean?
From about US$100,000 per week for a 35-metre yacht to over €1,000,000 per week for the largest, plus 30–40% APA, a 10–20% gratuity and any local taxes.
Is APA refundable?
Yes. The captain accounts for every expense, and any unspent APA is returned to you at the end of the charter.
When is the cheapest time to charter in the Caribbean?
Late April and May usually offer the best value. Christmas and New Year are the most expensive weeks.
Do I pay VAT on a Caribbean charter?
Usually not. The Bahamas is the main exception, with a combined levy of about 14% at the time of writing.
Ready to see what your week would cost? Browse our yachts for charter or read how to book with Mystique Yachts, and we will send a full quote with every cost set out.
