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How Much Does a Yacht Charter in Greece Cost?

A complete pricing breakdown by yacht type, season, and extras — so you know exactly what to budget.

In This Guide

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Katerina can answer any question about chartering in Greece.

Charter Fee Overview

The charter fee is the base cost of hiring the yacht and its crew for a set period, typically one week (7 nights). This fee varies enormously depending on the yacht type, size, age, and season. For a crewed yacht charter in Greece, expect the following ranges per week: **Motor Yachts:** €15,000 – €300,000+ per week. A modern 24-metre motor yacht with 3 cabins and a crew of 3 typically starts at €25,000–€35,000/week in high season. Superyachts (40m+) start at €100,000/week and can exceed €500,000 for the most prestigious vessels. **Sailing Yachts:** €8,000 – €80,000 per week. A crewed sailing yacht of 15–20 metres with 3–4 cabins starts at €10,000–€18,000/week. Luxury sailing yachts (25m+) range from €25,000–€80,000/week. **Catamarans:** €10,000 – €120,000 per week. Catamarans offer exceptional space for their length. A crewed catamaran of 15–18 metres with 4 cabins starts at €12,000–€20,000/week. Luxury catamarans (20m+) range from €25,000–€120,000/week. **Gulets:** €12,000 – €60,000 per week. Traditional wooden gulets offer a unique charm. A crewed gulet with 4–6 cabins starts at €15,000–€25,000/week.

Pro Tip

The charter fee is just the starting point. Budget an additional 30–50% on top for running costs (APA), which covers fuel, food, drinks, marina fees, and crew gratuity.

The APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance)

The APA is an upfront payment — typically 25–35% of the charter fee — that covers all running expenses during your trip. This includes: **Fuel:** The biggest variable. A motor yacht burns significantly more fuel than a sailing yacht or catamaran. For a 24m motor yacht, budget €3,000–€8,000/week for fuel depending on cruising distance. Sailing yachts and catamarans use far less — typically €500–€1,500/week. **Food & Beverages:** The onboard chef will provision the yacht before your arrival based on your preferences. Budget €150–€300 per person per day for high-quality food and drinks. This covers breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and beverages including wine and spirits. **Marina & Port Fees:** Greek marina fees are generally reasonable compared to the French Riviera or Croatia. Budget €200–€800 per night depending on the yacht size and marina. Many anchorages in Greece are free. **Water Sports & Equipment:** Fuel for tenders, jet skis, and water toys is covered by the APA. At the end of the charter, the captain provides a detailed accounting of all APA expenses. Any unused funds are refunded to you.

Pro Tip

Ask your charter broker (that's us!) for a realistic APA estimate based on your specific itinerary and preferences. A Cyclades cruise with lots of motor yacht cruising will cost more in fuel than a leisurely Ionian sailing trip.

Seasonal Pricing

Greece has three distinct charter seasons, each with different pricing: **High Season (July – August):** Peak pricing. The most popular islands (Mykonos, Santorini) are at their busiest. Expect to pay full charter rates with limited availability — book 6–12 months in advance. **Shoulder Season (May – June, September – October):** The sweet spot for value. Prices are typically 15–30% lower than high season, the weather is still excellent, and the islands are less crowded. September is particularly beautiful — warm seas, golden light, and a relaxed atmosphere. **Low Season (April, November):** The lowest prices — up to 40–50% off high season rates. Weather can be unpredictable, and some island services may be limited. But for experienced travellers, the quiet islands and dramatic light are magical.

Pro Tip

Our top recommendation: charter in late June or September. You get near-perfect weather, significantly lower prices, and the islands at their most authentic.

Crew Gratuity

Tipping the crew is customary but not obligatory. The standard gratuity in Greece is 10–15% of the charter fee, given to the captain at the end of the charter to distribute among the crew. For exceptional service, 15–20% is appropriate. For a €30,000/week charter, a typical gratuity would be €3,000–€4,500. This is separate from the APA and should be budgeted in addition to the charter fee and running costs.

Pro Tip

The crew gratuity is the single most impactful way to show appreciation. A generous tip is remembered — and if you charter again, the crew will go above and beyond.

Additional Costs to Consider

**Flights:** International flights to Athens, plus domestic flights or ferries to embarkation points like Mykonos, Corfu, or Rhodes. **Transfers:** Airport to marina transfers. We arrange these for all our clients. **Shore Excursions:** Restaurant dinners ashore, guided tours, spa treatments, and activities are typically paid separately. **Travel Insurance:** Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. Ensure it covers yacht charter cancellation. **Delivery Fees:** If the yacht needs to reposition to your preferred embarkation port, a delivery fee may apply (typically €1,000–€5,000 depending on distance).

Sample Budgets

Here are three realistic budget scenarios for a 7-night crewed charter in Greece for 6–8 guests: **Comfortable (€25,000–€40,000 total):** A crewed sailing yacht or catamaran, 3–4 cabins, professional crew of 2–3. Shoulder season. Mix of anchorages and marinas. Simple but excellent Greek cuisine on board. **Premium (€50,000–€80,000 total):** A modern motor yacht or luxury catamaran, 4–5 cabins, crew of 3–4 including a dedicated chef. High season. Gourmet food, premium drinks, and water toys. **Luxury (€100,000–€250,000+ total):** A superyacht with 5+ cabins, crew of 6–12 including chef, stewardess, and water sports instructor. Full water toy inventory. Fine dining on board. VIP marina berths. Per person, a week-long crewed charter in Greece can cost as little as €3,000–€5,000 per person (sharing a comfortable yacht with friends) — comparable to a luxury hotel, but with the freedom to explore a new island every day.

Pro Tip

When you divide the total cost by the number of guests, a crewed yacht charter is often comparable to — or even less than — a week at a luxury resort. And you get a private chef, a new view every morning, and no crowds.

How to Get the Best Value

**Book early:** The best yachts for the best weeks sell out 6–12 months in advance. Early booking gives you the widest selection and sometimes early-bird discounts. **Consider shoulder season:** May–June and September–October offer the best balance of weather, price, and crowd levels. **Choose the right yacht type:** Sailing yachts and catamarans are significantly cheaper to run than motor yachts due to lower fuel consumption. **Be flexible on embarkation:** Starting from Athens (Lavrion or Alimos) avoids delivery fees and domestic flights. **Work with a specialist broker:** A good broker (like Aegean Yachting!) knows which yachts offer the best value, can negotiate on your behalf, and ensures there are no hidden costs.

Get a Personalised Quote

Every charter is different, and the best way to understand the cost is to speak with our charter specialist Katerina. She'll create a personalised quote based on your dates, group size, preferred yacht type, and itinerary — with complete transparency on all costs. There's no obligation and no hidden fees. Just honest advice from someone who knows Greek waters intimately.

Frequently Asked Questions

A crewed yacht charter in Greece typically costs between €10,000 and €300,000+ per week depending on the yacht type and size. Catamarans start from €12,000/week, sailing yachts from €10,000/week, motor yachts from €15,000/week, and superyachts from €100,000/week. These are base charter fees — budget an additional 30-50% for running costs (APA) covering fuel, food, drinks, and marina fees.

The APA is an upfront payment of 25-35% of the charter fee that covers all running expenses during your trip, including fuel, food and beverages, marina fees, and water sports equipment. At the end of the charter, the captain provides a detailed accounting and any unused funds are refunded to you.

The cheapest time is the low season (April and November) with prices 40-50% lower than peak rates. The best value is shoulder season (May-June and September-October) with 15-30% savings, excellent weather, and fewer crowds. Late June and September offer the ideal balance of price, weather, and atmosphere.

The standard crew gratuity in Greece is 10-15% of the charter fee, given to the captain at the end of the charter to distribute among the crew. For exceptional service, 15-20% is appropriate. For a €30,000/week charter, budget €3,000-€4,500 for gratuity.

Yes, when shared among a group. A week-long crewed charter in Greece can cost as little as €3,000-€5,000 per person when sharing with friends or family. This includes accommodation, a private chef, all meals, and a new destination every day — often comparable to or less than a week at a luxury resort.

The main costs are the charter fee, APA (running expenses), and crew gratuity. Additional costs to budget for include flights to Greece, airport-to-marina transfers, shore excursions and restaurant dinners, travel insurance, and potential delivery fees if the yacht needs to reposition. A good broker like Aegean Yachting ensures complete transparency on all costs upfront.