There is no travel experience quite like a private yacht charter. You wake anchored in a secluded bay, swim off the stern before breakfast, sail to a new island by lunch, and watch the sunset from your private deck with a glass of rosé. No check-in times, no hotel lobbies, no fixed itineraries — just you, the crew, and the sea.
Types of Yacht Charters
Crewed Catamaran (Most Popular)
A catamaran with a captain and chef is the sweet spot for most travellers — spacious (4-5 cabins sleeping 8-10 guests), stable (minimal seasickness), and all-inclusive (meals, drinks, water toys). The crew handles everything — sailing, cooking, route planning, and local knowledge. Prices range from €8,000-€25,000 per week depending on size and season. Split among 8 guests, that is €1,000-€3,000 per person per week — competitive with luxury hotel stays.
Sailing Yacht
More romantic and traditional than catamarans, with the thrill of actual sailing — wind in the sails, heeling through waves, and the satisfaction of traveling by natural power. Cabins are smaller and movement is more pronounced, but the sailing experience is unmatched. Best for experienced sailors or those who prioritise romance over space.
Motor Yacht
Faster, larger, and more hotel-like. Motor yachts cover more distance per day and offer more indoor/outdoor living space. The trade-off is higher fuel costs and less environmental friendliness. Ideal for island-hopping itineraries where you want to cover significant distances.
Superyacht
For the ultimate in luxury — 30+ metres, full crew, chef, spa therapist, water toys (jet skis, sea bobs, paddleboards), and fully customised itineraries. Superyacht charters start at €50,000 per week and can exceed €500,000 for the most exclusive vessels. This is the territory of the ultra-wealthy, celebrities, and special-occasion splurges.
Best Sailing Destinations
Greek Islands
The Cyclades (Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Naxos) and the Dodecanese (Rhodes, Kos, Symi) offer the classic Mediterranean sailing experience — crystal water, whitewashed villages, ancient ruins, and reliable winds. The Meltemi wind (June-September) provides excellent sailing conditions but can be strong for novices. A 7-day itinerary typically covers 5-7 islands with daily swimming stops in secluded bays.
Croatian Coast
Dubrovnik to Split (or vice versa) is the classic route — 1,000+ islands, medieval walled towns, pine-covered coastline, and some of the cleanest water in the Mediterranean. The islands of Hvar, Vis, and Korčula offer excellent anchorages and vibrant nightlife. Prices are 20-30% lower than Greece for comparable boats.
British Virgin Islands
The Caribbean's premier sailing destination — short island hops, protected waters, and consistent trade winds. The Baths on Virgin Gorda (giant granite boulders forming sea-level caves and pools), the beach bars of Jost Van Dyke, and the snorkelling at Norman Island are highlights. Hurricane season (June-November) offers lower prices but higher weather risk.
Thailand (Andaman Coast)
Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands and beyond — dramatic limestone karsts, emerald lagoons, and warm water year-round. Thailand offers the best value in yacht chartering — crewed catamarans from $5,000 per week, a fraction of Mediterranean prices.
Planning Your Charter
- Book early: Peak season charters (Greek islands July-August, Caribbean December-March) sell out 6-12 months ahead for the best boats.
- Provisioning: On crewed charters, you provide a preference sheet for meals and drinks. The chef shops and prepares everything. Dietary requirements, favourite cuisines, and special occasion meals are all accommodated.
- What to bring: Soft bags only (no hard suitcases — they do not fit in cabin storage), swimwear, sunscreen, a light jacket for evening sailing, and minimal formal wear. Yacht life is inherently casual.
- Seasickness: Catamarans are very stable. If you are prone to motion sickness, take medication before departure (not after symptoms start) and choose a catamaran over a monohull.
- Tipping: Standard crew tip is 10-15% of the charter fee, given in cash to the captain at the end of the charter. This is expected and budgeted separately from the charter cost.
ZFORB yacht charter packages include crewed boats, provisioning, port fees, and concierge route planning. Explore membership for exclusive access to our curated fleet across the Mediterranean and Caribbean.
