By Daan & Victoria Brinkers, Explore Yachting
“What does a week on a sailing yacht with a skipper actually cost?” It is one of the questions we get most, especially from guests planning their first sailing vacation. The honest answer is: it depends on the yacht, the season and the size of your group. Here is a transparent breakdown, including the extras, so you know exactly what to expect.
The short answer
For an average sailing yacht with a professional skipper, expect around €6,500 (about $7,300) for a week: roughly €5,000 for the yacht and €1,500 for the skipper. Charters with a hostess on board are priced as one all-in package from €15,000 (about $17,000), including breakfast and lunch, fuel and port fees.
What an average week costs
| Per week (whole yacht) | |
|---|---|
| Average sailing yacht | about €5,000 (≈ $5,700) |
| Professional skipper | about €1,500 (≈ $1,700) |
| Total | about €6,500 (≈ $7,300) |
Yacht prices vary with the size and type of boat and with the season: a smaller monohull in June costs less, a large catamaran in August costs more. Most of our yachts take up to 8 guests. Prices depend on dates and availability, so ask us for an exact quote.
All-in charters with a hostess
Would you rather not think about groceries, fuel or harbour fees at all? For charters with a hostess on board, we make one total price that covers the yacht, the skipper, the hostess, breakfast and lunch on board, fuel and port fees. These all-in charters start from €15,000 (about $17,000) per week for the whole yacht. Your hostess prepares breakfast and lunch; drinks and dinners in the tavernas ashore are paid separately.
Upgrade to a cook: would you also like dinner on board? Upgrade from a hostess to a cook, who prepares breakfast, lunch and dinner. With a cook, drinks served with lunch and dinner are included in the package too, so you can simply sit back and enjoy. The price of the upgrade depends on your wishes and the number of guests, so ask us for a quote.
What is included in the price?
- The yacht for 7 days, exclusively for your group
- A professional skipper (your captain)
- Accommodation on board in private cabins
- Bed linen and towels
- Route planning and local tips: the best bays, beaches and tavernas
- A dinghy with outboard engine, for trips ashore from the anchorage
- Snorkel gear
What costs extra?
These costs are normal on every yacht charter in Greece. We list them here so there are no surprises.
- Food and drinks: you choose how you eat. Most groups have breakfast and lunch on board and dinner in tavernas.
- Food allowance for the skipper: around €30 (about $35) a day, so roughly €210 (about $240) for a week. This is normal on skippered charters in Greece.
- Fuel: depends on how much you motor and sail. On average around €300–400 (about $340–450) a week for a monohull, and about double, €600–800 (about $680–900), for a catamaran.
- Marina and harbour fees: around €150 (about $170) a week. Nights at anchor are free.
- Hostess: optional. Your hostess takes care of the boat and prepares breakfast and lunch, so you can fully relax. Charters with a hostess are priced all-in (see above), including breakfast, lunch, fuel and port fees. Upgrade to a cook to add dinner on board and drinks with lunch and dinner.
- Transfers: from the airport or your hotel to the marina, which we can arrange for you.
- Water toys and Wi-Fi: stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) and other water toys, and Wi-Fi on board, can be added on request.
- Tours on land: such as a scooter, a winery visit or a guided visit to Epidavros.
- Final cleaning of the yacht: around €250–350 (about $280–400) for the week.
- Security deposit: between €2,500 and €4,000 (about $2,800–4,500), depending on the yacht. You pay it at check-in, and it is not a cost: you get it back at the end of the week if the yacht is returned without damage. Some yacht companies also offer a damage waiver, a non-refundable fee that reduces your liability; ask us which yachts offer this.
- Tip for the crew: optional, but customary if you are happy. A tip of around 10–20% of the total charter price (not just the crew fee) is usual. On an average week of €6,500, that is about €650–1,300.
Example: a family of six, one week in the Ionian
| Average yacht | €5,000 |
| Skipper | €1,500 |
| Food allowance for the skipper (7 × €30) | €210 |
| Fuel (monohull) | €300–400 |
| Marina and harbour fees | €150 |
| Final cleaning | €250–350 |
| Groceries for breakfast and lunch on board | €650 |
| Six dinners in tavernas (about €180 a night for six) | €1,080 |
| Total | about €9,150–9,350 (≈ $10,300–10,550) |
A private yacht, your own skipper and a different island every day: for many of our guests it is the highlight of their trip to Greece.
What affects the price?
- Season: July and August are high season. In May, June, September and October the weather is lovely and the harbours are quieter.
- Catamaran or monohull: a catamaran costs more but gives more space, more stability and more privacy. It is our favourite for families and groups. Read Catamaran or monohull? to compare.
- Yacht class: we offer standard, premium and luxury yachts. Newer and bigger yachts cost more.
- Crew: a skipper is always part of the charter. A hostess is optional; those charters are priced all-in, and upgrading to a cook adds dinner and drinks.
- Booking early: the best yachts for July and August are often booked by the winter, so booking between November and March gives you the most choice.
Frequently asked questions
Is a skippered charter more expensive than a bareboat charter?
Yes, by the skipper’s fee of around €1,500 a week, plus a food allowance for the skipper of around €30 a day. But you do not need a sailing licence, you get a local expert who knows the best spots, and you can fully relax. For most groups that is worth far more than the difference.
Can we pay from the US?
Yes. You can pay online with your credit card, so paying from the US is easy. Our prices are in euros, and your card converts them to dollars. The dollar amounts in this guide are approximate and depend on the exchange rate.
How much do we pay when booking?
To confirm your booking we ask for a deposit of 30% of the charter price (for some yachts 50%, if the yacht company requires it). The remaining balance is due 60 days before departure. This booking deposit is separate from the refundable security deposit for the yacht, which you pay at check-in.
Do we need travel insurance?
We recommend travel insurance that covers cancellation and medical costs abroad, especially if you are travelling from outside Europe.
Get a quote for your group
Tell us how many people are coming, when you would like to travel and which area you are dreaming of. We will send you a clear quote, with no hidden costs, for the yacht and route that fit you best.
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