Welcome! You’re about to discover ultimate insider tips for chartering a private yacht in the Greek Islands. This detailed guide will answer your top questions, provide proven strategies, and help you plan a seamless luxury sailing experience. Expect actionable insights, easy language, high‑value keywords for your search (“private yacht charter Greece,” “luxury crewed yacht Greece,” “Greek islands yacht charter cost”), and curated references for trust.
Why Charter a Private Yacht in Greece?
You may wonder: why Greece?
- Over 6,000 islands to explore and endless scenic variety, from Mykonos nightlife to secluded Ionian bays (Xaipemorandini)
- Flexible itineraries, anchored in quiet bays or buzzing towns—perfect for groups or couples
H2: “Luxury Yacht Charter Greece Cost”
Base Prices
- Crewed yacht charters typically start around €10,000/week, depending on yacht type and luxury level (my Greek Yacht Charter)
- Sailing yachts and catamarans cost less—approximately €2,000–5,000/week for standard models (Catamaran Charter Greece)
Additional Fees (APA & VAT)
- Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA): usually 20–40% of the charter cost; covers food, fuel, docking, drinks (my Greek Yacht Charter)
- Value‑Added Tax (VAT): 24% standard, sometimes reduced to 12% if >60% charter time is outside Greek territorial waters (YachtCharterFleet)
Sample Cost Table
| Yacht Type | Base Cost (€/wk) | APA (20–40%) | VAT (12–24%) | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Catamaran | €2,000–5,000 | €400–2,000 | €240–1,200 | €2,640–8,200 |
| Luxury Motor Yacht | €50,000–300,000 | €10,000–60,000 | €6,000–72,000 | €66,000–432,000 |
H2: “Private Yacht Charter Greek Islands Insider Tips”
Choose Between Bareboat, Skippered & Crewed
- Bareboat: You captain the yacht yourself; needs qualifications and experience (my Greek Yacht Charter, Cosmos Yachting, Xaipemorandini, Worldwide Boat, Wikipedia)
- Skippered: Yacht is yours but a local skipper handles navigation (~€150–200/day) (Catamaran Charter Greece)
- Crewed: Full service—captain, hostess, chef included; ideal for luxury and convenience
Avoid Common Booking Mistakes
- Research and vet brokers thoroughly—check Trustpilot and verified reviews; steer clear of lead‑gen sites that resell your info (my Greek Yacht Charter)
- Book early: top yachts book 10+ months ahead; half gone by March, 70% by June for summer season (my Greek Yacht Charter)
- Understand APA: debating Hamburg lobster dinners? APA may run out; track usage carefully (my Greek Yacht Charter)
Best Time to Charter
- Ideal season: June–September, peak in July–August; shoulder months May and September offer lower rates and fewer crowds
H2: “Luxury Crewed Yacht Charter Greece: What You Should Ask”
When speaking with brokers, you should ask clearly:
- Does the yacht have a Greek charter licence? Most Greek start/end yachts need one (Condé Nast Traveler, YachtCharterFleet)
- What is included in the charter fee and APA? Fuel, food, water toys, docking?
- Are crew tips or port taxes included—or expected as extra?
- Repositioning fees: starting outside Athens (e.g. Santorini) often costs extra (viravira.co Blog, YachtCharterFleet)
H2: “Greek Islands Yacht Charter Itinerary Examples”
Plan for 6–8 days to fully explore one region or combine areas. Example routes:
- Cyclades: Santorini → Mykonos → Paros → Naxos (iconic beaches, nightlife, culture)
- Ionian Islands: Corfu → Paxos → Lefkada → Kefalonia (calm seas, family‑friendly beaches)
- Dodecanese: Rhodes → Symi → Kos → Nisyros: rich history, fewer crowds (YachtCharterFleet, my Greek Yacht Charter)
Pro tip: start in Athens (Piraeus/Athens Marina) to avoid repositioning fees and access most of fleet ~90% homeported there (YachtCharterFleet)
H2: “High CPC Keywords to Target for Your Yacht Charter Content”
Here are high-value phrases that address user pain points and convert:
- “Luxury yacht charter Greece”
- “Private crewed yacht charter Greek islands”
- “Greek islands yacht cost calculator
- “Charter yacht with private chef Greece”
- “Best Greek islands yacht itinerary”
Embed links like: learn more about VAT rules or check licensed Greek charter brokers to reputable sites—or cruise directories like YachtCharterFleet (Xaipemorandini, YachtCharterFleet)
Your Action Plan: How You Book the Best Yacht Charter
- Start by deciding between bareboat, skippered, or crewed
- Search and vet licensed Greek brokers using trusted reviews
- Ask clear questions about APA, VAT, repositioning, refunds
- Book at least 6–10 months ahead for top yachts
- Prepare your itinerary considering sea routes, wind, and ports
- Plan your APA provisioning wisely—local seafood, wine, docking
- Include flex days for weather shifts or spontaneous stops
- Confirm what’s included: toys, meals, crew gratuities
- Arrange airport transfers to marinas (Athens, Mykonos, Rhodes)
- Stay in touch with your skipper or coordinator before embarkation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I charter without a license in Greece?
Yes—only if you book a skippered or crewed boat. Bareboat charters require proper sailing certification (viravira.co Blog, my Greek Yacht Charter)
Q: What is APA and how does it work?
APA covers fuel, food, mooring, drinks, and is usually 20–40% of base cost. Unused funds are returned at end (viravira.co Blog)
Q: How far ahead should I book?
The best yachts go 10+ months in advance; at least secure 50% by March for high season (my Greek Yacht Charter)
Q: What destinations are safest and most scenic?
Saronic Islands offer calm anchors and easy stops. Cyclades bring thrill and views; Dodecanese offer history without crowds
Conclusion
You’re now armed with the ultimate insider tips for chartering a private yacht in the Greek Islands. From budgeting to broker selection, itinerary design to provisioning—all steps are actionable, clear, and tailored to help you sail with confidence. Focus on long‑tail, high‑intention keywords like “luxury crewed yacht charter Greek islands”, and mix practicality with luxury in your planning.
Chart your course early, ask the right questions, and enjoy a breathtaking journey through some of the world’s most beautiful waters.
Ready to start? Bookmark trusted brokers like YachtCharterFleet or MyGreekCharter, draft your itinerary, and begin comparing yachts for your dream floating escape in Greece.
