A transparent breakdown of superyacht charter costs, weekly rates, APA, crew gratuities, and hidden extras explained. Know exactly what to budget before you book.
At a glance
Fleet figures updated
- Destination
- French Riviera yacht charter
- Best season
- May to October. Peak season July to August. May to June and September offer superb weather, lower rates, and fewer crowds.
- Typical duration
- 7-day charters cover Saint-Tropez to Monaco with stops at the finest destinations. 10 to 14 days allow extension to Corsica or the Italian Riviera.
- Yachts, West Mediterranean region
- 538 crewed yachts, 326 of 24m and above
- Weekly rate, 24m and above
- $7,600 to $3,400,000 per week, typical $85,000 (USD, October 2026)
- Reading time
- 2 minutes
Understanding superyacht charter pricing is essential for planning your voyage. Unlike hotel bookings, charter costs involve several components, the base rate, the APA, crew gratuity, and optional extras. This guide breaks down every element so you can budget with confidence.
The Charter Fee
The base charter fee covers the yacht itself and its professional crew for the duration of your charter. Rates vary enormously based on yacht size, age, builder, and season. As a guide: 24 to 30m yachts start from EUR 30,000/week, 30 to 45m from EUR 80,000/week, 45 to 60m from EUR 200,000/week, and 60m+ from EUR 500,000/week.
APA: Advance Provisioning Allowance
The APA is a separate fund (typically 25 to 35% of the charter fee) that covers running costs during your charter: fuel, food and beverages, marina fees, customs charges, and any additional services. Your captain manages the APA and provides a detailed accounting at the end. Any unspent funds are returned to you.
Crew Gratuity
Tipping the crew is customary in the yachting industry. The standard gratuity is 10 to 15% of the base charter fee in the Mediterranean, and 15 to 20% in the Caribbean and US waters. This is shared among the entire crew.
What's Included vs. Extra
- Included: yacht, crew, basic water sports equipment, linens, and insurance
- APA covers: fuel, food, drinks, marina fees, permits, and docking charges
- Optional extras: premium wines and spirits, spa treatments, dive master, florist, special entertainment
- VAT: applicable in most European waters (varies by country)
Cost-Saving Tips
- Charter in shoulder season (May to June, September) for 20 to 30% lower rates
- Split costs among friends, a EUR 100,000/week yacht for 10 guests is EUR 10,000 per person
- Choose anchorages over marinas to reduce port fees
- Provide a detailed preference sheet so your chef provisions efficiently
- Consider relocation charters, yachts repositioning between seasons offer significant discounts
Frequently Asked Questions
What does APA mean in yacht chartering?
Is fuel included in a superyacht charter?
Plan this charter
- DestinationFrench Riviera yacht charterThe Legendary Côte d'Azur
- DestinationSaint-Tropez yacht charterGlamour, Beaches & Coastal Escapes
- DestinationMonaco yacht charterLuxury, Prestige & Mediterranean Elegance
- DestinationCannes yacht charterFilm, Festivals & Riviera Glamour
- Itinerary7-Day French Riviera Grand Tour Yacht Charter7 Days / 6 Nights
- Itinerary7-Day French & Italian Riviera Yacht Charter Itinerary7 Days / 6 Nights
- GuideYacht charter cost guideFull pricing breakdown
- FleetWest Mediterranean yachts for charterBrowse the fleet with weekly rates
Written by
Charter Broker, EU
Olivia designs bespoke yacht itineraries across Saint-Tropez, Monaco, and Cannes, delivering seamless charters with a balance of elegance and comfort. As our primary content author, she shares insider knowledge from hundreds of charters along the French Riviera.
More articles by Olivia G.Ready to plan your French Riviera charter?
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