How Much Does It Cost to Charter a Yacht in Greece?
Melding the world of the ancients with ultramodern sleekness, chartering a yacht in Greece offers you an amazing adventure. Incredible azure waters of the Mediterranean, Ionian and Aegean Seas combined with days of sunshine create a Grecian paradise.
The cost of chartering a yacht in Greece can range from just over $1000 a day to many thousands of dollars a day. Expenses for renting yachts in Greece vary by the seasons, type crew or no crew, and other amenities. Options exist for all budgets.
A world of its own awaits. Pack your bags and get ready to sail the waters off the shores of Greece. Continue reading for information on options to explore as you design your own version of bliss.
Types of Charters
You have selected your vacation dates. Now, the next significant cost is deciding which type of crewing you are going to select. Decision-making components might include your budget, sailing skill, the number of people, and what type of experience you are seeking.
For those of you with sailing skills and a license, a bareboat might be the option for you. A bareboat charter is a yacht rental for which you will be the captain. For you to captain the boat, you need an appropriate license and documented experience. Some charter companies will ask that you have a passenger who also can skipper the boat with you.
A related choice for you to consider, you can charter a vessel bareboat with a skipper. If you want someone who is experienced in the waters you will be sailing, a skipper can help you get acclimated to the boat and the waters off Greece. Or this is a possibility for those who do not have a passenger who has documented experience.
Not all boats are available for a bareboat charter. Typically boats that are longer than 50 feet require you to hire the charter company’s skipper and/or crew.
If a carefree experience is what you are seeking, there are choices for you. Yachts can be chartered with a skipper. Your skipper will navigate the yacht similar to a chauffeur. Depending on the size of your traveling ensemble and your wish list, you may want to explore chartering a fully crewed yacht. The crew can include your skipper, hostess/cook, and/or deckhand.
Another possibility is to charter a cabin on a larger yacht, catamaran, or gulet. This is a great way to meet new people and enjoy a different experience. As a passenger, you are renting your cabin. Others on the vessel have their own cabins. Many of these choices are part of travel packages, which offer another option on costs for you to consider.
Do you know what difference between a sailing and a motor yacht is? Learn more here.
Other Costs
No one wants to return home from an extraordinary vacation to face a mountain of bills. Before you reserve your yacht, develop a comprehensive list of possible expenses. Be sure to include on the list, everything you want to experience while on your charter. For example, if you want to go snorkeling while on the Ionian Sea, check with the charter company for the cost.
Other items to think about include fuel for the charter, food, drinks, costs to dock, costs for sightseeing, charges at the marinas, etc. Do not forget to add in the costs involved in getting to your port of sail.
There are ways to save money. Some charter companies offer discounts for last-minute bookings. If you have a flexible schedule, this might be a possibility. Or if you are a planner, charters offer savings for early bookings. You need to be able to commit to your trip in advance.
Sailing Seasons
Most vacation regions have different seasons. There are peak or high seasons, shoulder seasons, and off-seasons. Yachting in Greece is the same. Which month and week(s) you choose to vacation can change your costs and experiences. Peak season is favored by many travelers, so it is the costliest.
In Greece, the sailing season spans from April to November. Peak or high season is the end of June to mid-September. Shoulder seasons are usually early to mid-June and the second part of September. Seasons can be longer the farther south you go. When deciding which season is best for you, factor in total costs, crowds, and the weather.
High or peak seasons typically offer the best weather conditions. More people take vacation time or holiday during the summer season. For families, children can travel without missing school days. This all adds up to higher costs. Charter prices during the peak season are more than 15 percent higher than shoulder season and 30 percent more than the low season.
During peak season, marinas, restaurants, museums, and other tourist spots will be overflowing with people. For some travelers, this equates to a festive and lively atmosphere; to others, this adds stress. Though not a monetary decision, considering crowd size can be an important factor ensuring your money is well spent.
Depending upon your itinerary, peak and shoulder season may be important. Since more people are traveling during those weeks and months, eateries, nightclubs, boutiques, and other visitor destinations are certain to be open for you. Before booking the off-season, check the availability of different venues to ensure they do not close in the low season.
Weather is another component of each of the sailing seasons. In the Mediterranean region, summers are filled with sunny, hot, and dry days. This is another reason the peak season is enjoyed by so many. Usually, the weather does not dramatically change in the shoulder season.
However, once you are in the fall and winter months, the weather can affect your yachting experiences. Winters tend to be rainy and mild off the southern coast of Greece. The winds become more unpredictable. And the hours of daylight are diminishing as winter approaches. While the charter costs are reduced from peak season, off-season yachting may not be for everyone.
Related Questions
What is VAT?
VAT is an acronym for value-added tax. In Greece, the VAT is applied to the cost of charters. If the charter is longer than 48 hours, there is a 50 to 60 percent reduction in the VAT.
What is APA?
APA stands for advanced provisioning allowance. This is the fee for all costs associated with your charter other than the yacht and crew. It can include items such as fuel, food, beverages, etc.
Please note: This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Please consult a legal expert or medical professional to address your specific needs.