How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Yacht? (Price Guide)

Renting a yacht can mean a few hours on a 40-foot boat off Miami Beach or a week on a crewed superyacht in the Caribbean. The price scales with the size of the vessel, the length of the booking, and whether the boat comes with a captain and crew. A single figure for "a yacht" would hide that, so this guide breaks it down by duration.

One caveat up front: the hourly and half-day figures come from Miami marketplaces and local guides. Miami is a large, competitive charter market, so rates elsewhere, especially in smaller ports or off-season, can differ. Weekly rates are less tied to one place and describe charters generally.

Hourly pricing is common for day trips and short outings. These are Boatsetter's Miami figures by boat type, and most boats carry a minimum rental of a few hours.

Yachts of 40 feet and up with a captain and crew sit above all of these at $500 – $1,500/hr. Smaller boats such as pontoons and center consoles cost much less per hour, but you may be operating them yourself.

Most day charters are priced by block rather than by hour, usually four hours or a full day. Two sources give half-day figures for Miami.

Cost scales with size. The 38 to 50 foot class, which fits a small group comfortably, is priced at $1,700 – $2,500 for four hours on a weekday according to Miami Living Magazine, and larger vessels of 55 to 70 feet reach $3,000 – $5,500. Weekends and peak season cost more.

For a full day, expect to pay more than a half-day rate, though operators price differently, so request a quote for the exact hours. Superyachts with large crews are priced as full-day or multi-day packages rather than by the hour.

Week-long rentals are usually crewed charters, and the pricing changes character here. The rate usually covers the vessel and crew, with extras billed on top.

Catamarans and sailboats are the affordable end. Motor yachts and superyachts start much higher, and the largest vessels reach the six figures per week. The "from" prices are indicative base rates, not final bills, and the sailboat range is open-ended because the most luxurious crewed yachts cost more than the upper figure shown.

The quoted charter fee is usually just the start. Plan for these extras:

• Fuel. On owner-operated marketplace listings, fuel is often billed separately based on engine hours, and on larger crewed charters it is covered through the advance provisioning allowance.
• Advance provisioning allowance (APA). Crewed charters commonly ask for a percentage of the base fee in advance to cover fuel, food, drinks, dockage, and similar costs. Any unspent balance is typically returned.
• Crew gratuity. Tipping the captain and crew is customary on crewed charters and is separate from the base fee.
• Taxes and port fees. These depend on where you cruise.
• Captain. Smaller boats may charge a separate captain fee if you do not bring a licensed skipper.
• Cleaning, equipment, and add-ons such as water toys or catering.

All told, the final cost can land well above the listed rate, so ask for an itemized quote.

• Size and type. Length, cabin count, and amenities drive the rate.
• Crewed or bareboat. A crewed yacht includes professionals. A bareboat charter rents the vessel alone.
• Location and season. Peak season and popular destinations cost more.
• Day of the week. Weekends can cost more than weekdays in busy markets.
• Duration. Longer bookings may include a lower effective daily rate.
• Guest count. Boats have legal passenger limits, and more guests may need a bigger boat.

• Compare quotes from at least two operators or marketplaces, and ask what is included.
• Confirm the maximum number of passengers and that the vessel is insured and the captain is licensed.
• Read the cancellation and weather policy before you pay a deposit.
• Book a weekday if your dates are flexible.
• Split the cost with your group. A catamaran or yacht that costs a lot looks much cheaper per person with a full party.