• Prices will vary for yacht charters based on the following:

• Yacht type, yacht size, charter type (all-inclusive vs plus all expenses), the number of guests, & destination

• Rates may also be affected by high and low season rate differences

• Yacht charter rates can range from $15,000 to $200,000+ USD

• Gratuities (typically 15-20% of base charter rate) , taxes (dependent on location), and APA are additional costs

• Read more in Charter Pricing

It does not cost you more money to book with a yacht charter broker. Charter brokers are paid via commission from the yacht which is already fixed into the yacht price. There is no additional fee to utilize the expert guidance of a yacht charter broker.

The BENEFITS of booking with a yacht charter broker offer you a superior service to curate vacation options specifically designed to you and your travel party.

When you decide to book a crewed yacht charter, choosing the right yacht and crew is essential to getting the most out of your vacation. When you use an independent brokerage such as Clearwater Passages, in contrast to a large company, you have access to a wide range of yachts to find the most compatible yacht for you, without a company bias and preference to an in-house, specific fleet. In contrast to searching for a boat for rental, with Clearwater Passages, you are able to get accurate, current information on all options available with personal charter guidance.

• ACCESS and compare the best and most reputable yachts and crew

• SAVES you time, energy, and stress in travel planning

• BENEFIT from a reputable charter broker’s strong relationships with yachts, captains, managers, owners, and yachting industry resources

We will:

• COMMUNICATE with you about all of your key charter elements

• LISTEN closely to how you envision your charter and your priorities 

• NETWORK to determine availability and select yachts specific to your preferences. 

• OFFER GUIDANCE and recommendations based on the communications they have had with you. 

• EFFICIENTLY NAVIGATE LOGISTICS for booking and planning your charter (contracts, documentation, funds, and communications and prep with the yacht and crew). 

Booking a charter through Clearwater Passages will not cost you any additional fees as the broker commission is paid by the yacht, however, it ensures you a great deal more expertise and security for peace of mind. Our contracts have the protection of being an industry-standardized charter agreement, and your deposits will be made through an independent and safe escrow account.

We are with you every step of the way. We are able to provide you options for your choosing as well as a wealth of information and expert guidance, assisting you with all of your vacation planning, helping to manage to your relationship with your crew, and ongoing support during your charter.

In addition, Courtney Graham is an active CYBA member. CYBA promotes and maintains high ethical standards and professionalism in the crewed yacht charter industry and serves as a liaison and network between brokers and industry-related groups. Membership for CYBA requires sponsorship and referrals from active CYBA members and regular attendance at annual broker shows and seminars. Members have to conform to a list of standards which provide charterers with additional security.

Stand on deck and BREATHE in the fresh salt air...

Allow your TASTEbuds to be enticed by gourmet meals by your own chef, specifically designed to your preferences...

LISTEN to the the waves, the wind, and the wildlife and the beautiful natural song they create...

Bask in the tropical sun, dive in and FEEL the refreshing salt water cool your skin, feel the warm sand between your toes...

VIEW sensational sunsets and sunrises that seem to go on forever, a starry night that lights up the dark skies, wake to turquoise waters lapping on a white sandy beach at your stern, and explore another world of coral gardens and sea creatures under the surface...

A crewed charter yacht vacation offers you an opportunity to...

• experience a vacation in a way you never have before

• discover each other: your loved ones, your friends

• connect with your kids and loved ones

• truly relax and unwind

• experience a new destination each day, while not having to relocate to different accommodations

• be pampered by your professional crew

• have daily luxury meals prepared for you, specifically tailored to your preferences

• experience a new sport you have wanted to try 

• enjoy remote picturesque anchorages

• lie on deck soaking in spectacular endless sunsets

• disconnect from the worries and stresses of every day life, and let your professional crew take over the responsibilities

• and so much more…

In your desired destination you may have the freedom to...

• experience the truth behind "dolce far niente", an Italian saying meaning "the sweetness of doing nothing"

• slow down to "island time" with no pre-determined schedules

• swim with turtles, or rays, variety of sea creatures and a vast variety of colorful fish on a snorkeling adventure

• amble through and explore unique natural wonders of the world

• lie on deck and star gaze under a dark sky

• jump into the turquoise water for a swim before breakfast

• lounge on a long remote stretch of sandy beach

• swim to a local beach bar for their signature cocktail to enjoy while sitting at the waters edge or floating in the sea

• hike through historic ruins or explore historic cultural sites

• experience exotic tropical fruit you may have never tasted before 

• what do you desire to do on your getaway?

A crewed charter yacht is a yacht available charter which is crewed and hosted by at minimum 2 crew : a Captain and a Chef/Mate/Host(ess). Fully crewed means there will be a chef onboard to design and prepare a delicious menu during your week onboard.

Typically, yacht crew permanently live onboard and occasionally the crew own the boat (known as owner operators). On larger yachts, 70 ft or larger, additional crew members are added: a deckhand/ mate and stew. As yachts are larger, additional support crew are added.  

Generally each party onboard has their own private en-suite cabin (en-suite means including a private bath). The charter is designed as full-service (meaning you won’t be required to do anything except relax if that is your choosing) and inclusive means that all of your meals and beverages are included in your charter rate, along with onboard amenities, water toys and sports equipment. Usual amenities include A/C, a generator, TV/ DVDs, wifi connection (though often not unlimited data), etc. Each yacht has a specification sheet to define their yachts offerings.

Read on to learn more about types of charters.

ALL IN ONE | You are provided the combination of of the best of all options offered by a resort, villa or cruise vacation with the additional bonus of a vacation that is curated specifically to you and your group

• the privacy of a villa,

• the luxury amenities and service of a resort

• the ability to move and explore destinations at sea of a cruise

ACCOMMODATIONS AT SEA | You will enjoy luxury accommodations with gorgeous oceanfront views every single day that will change throughout your week, without ever needing to move your luggage.

AT YOUR OWN PACE | Choosing a private yacht charter offers you the opportunity and luxury of a vacation at your own pace, while choosing when you wish to be private or social.

PRIVACY AT YOUR CHOOSING | This type of vacation ensures that you can be far from crowds and chaos if you choose. Apart from your professional yacht crew onboard, you are able to remain isolated while enjoying the exterior and interior amenities of your yacht, dining and surrounding destination. You will have the opportunity to sail to remote anchorages, and to visit beaches and snorkeling locations without anyone around.

ACCESS OF ITINERARY FREEDOM | You will also get to express your hopes and desires for your itinerary with your crew, and subject to weather conditions and timing, they will do their best to accommodate your wishes.

VACATION TAILORED TO YOU | Your charter will be designed specifically to you and your unique group. Every aspect: dining, itinerary, and activities are customized to your preferences.

ACCESS TO REMARKABLE DESTINATIONS | stunning scenery and landscapes, natural wonders of the world above and below the sea, historical sites, wildlife.

ESCAPE THE STRESS | No additional planning involved with a private villa, no stressful crowds and lines at a resort or cruise, no concerns about dining reservations or meals throughout the day, access to remote destinations and anchorages reachable only by private yachts.

YES! Clients are able to take an active role in the planning of the cruising itinerary.

Prior to your trip, you will discuss your goals with your charter broker and your charter broker will advise on crews and yachts that will best compliment your travel party and hopes for your trip.

After booking, you will be introduced to your captain, and are able to express any specific desires and goals you wish to accomplish whilst on charter. Your crew will do their best to accommodate these requests dependent on logistical and weather viability.

Upon your arrival, the crew will continue these discussions with you and will be able to communicate the options available to you within your cruising area. Your crew (along with us here at Clearwater Passages) will be available to answer any questions you have regarding the area, as well as offer suggestions.

We, or your crew will be able to arrange any land based or sea (scuba diving) excursions you make want to accomplish.

The aim for your vacation is for you to make it to the locations you would like to go, and your Captain and crew will do their best to accommodate these travel wishes. Your captain will be typically be able to adjust a planned itinerary if weather, timing or schedule is not suitable for a safe journey, or if you love an anchorage so much you decide you’d like to stay!

We are able to review your dates an offer yacht options and advice at any time.

Ideally, advance planning is always beneficial in order to access more options and to guarantee availability. We advise booking as early as possible for the best available yacht options. Yacht options that you may review are not guaranteed available until the time of booking. If you see a yacht that you absolutely must charter, do not hesitate in booking.

Aim for :

• 3- 6 months in advance for low / off-peak seasons

• 6 months - 1 year advance for high / peak seasons.

With that said, we are certainly able to review and offer any available yacht options for charter requests at any time with the understanding that selections may be limited, and that to maximize your ideal charter vision, advance charter planning is best.

We often have last-minute SPECIALS and availabilities, so always be sure to check-in.

Please be advised, that whilst crew do their best to make commitments to full seasons, crew changes do happen and cannot be guaranteed for your charter.

Typically, unless crews have commitments for years in advance, they will make their commitments for the upcoming season nearing the end of each season.

This offers the challenge of booking with enough availability for more options sometimes without confirmation of crew commitment.

Prior to the charter we will send you a preference sheet for your travel party to complete.

This preference questionnaire will allow you to express information and details with regards to your:

• travel plans / flights

• daily habits

• food and dietary preferences and needs

• beverage preferences

• vacation activity goals

• health needs, concerns, awareness

• special dates / plans whilst onboard charter

• and more…

This provides you and your travel party the opportunity to reveal all preferences, needs, and dislikes of each member of your party. It is also important to note any dietary or health needs such as allergies, sensitivities, etc. On the preference sheet you are able to make your crew aware of any celebrations or special occasions such as birthdays or anniversaries.

We will then review and discuss these preferences with you for clarity and expansion if needed and then introduce you to your crew so that you are in direct contact with your captain and chef. Your chef will then design a menu according to your preferences. Your crew will prioritize a time to be available prior to charter if there are any questions or concerns prior to your trip.

Additional dining options whilst on charter include half-board and local fare charter options.

Many clients are decent or experienced sailors or boaters or even hold licenses themselves. Many clients have yachts or boats at home and wish to expand their travel experiences by enjoying yachting in another destination around the world. Some fancy going out with a bunch of seasoned sailing buddies, and may not consider not bothering with crew. However, depending on the circumstances, sailing with crew can be a very enjoyable, beneficial experience. These are reasons why:

DINING | It is an absolute luxury to have someone cook for you for a week, let alone a professional chef or cook! They will spoil you with a menu designed to your dietary preferences and needs which you have the opportunity to discuss prior to charter, and will cleanup after each meal. You are welcome to discuss your dining preferences as well - if you prefer a refined service or a more casual “family-style” experience.

ATTENTION TO EACH OTHER & CHILDREN | Sailing with family or friends with young kids makes it much more difficult to count on others to help handle the boat. Your crew are there to take care of all yachting needs: underway and at anchor so that you are able to enjoy undivided attention with your family or friends. They are also able offer entertainment options for you and your children with fun new adventures in snorkeling, beach combing, inner-tubing, etc. Many good crew enjoy sharing stories with kids, teaching them boat terms, how to tie knots and interactive games while onboard or ashore.

UNINTERRUPTED SLEEP | You are not required to get up in the middle of the night to check the anchor if it’s blowing hard. The crew will be doing that while you sleep soundly.

CHARTER PREPARATIONS | You do not need to worry about food provisioning, refueling the boat or tender, filling water, and other chores along the way.

YOU RELAX, WE CLEAN | No one needs to be concerned about cooking, doing dishes and cleaning the galley! The rest of the yacht and your cabins will be attended to as well for tidying.

CHOICE of ENJOYMENT UNDERWAY | Your choice of vacation enjoyment: relaxing, reading, napping, socializing with cocktail in hand, or learning from your crew while still sailing down the channel…and at the end of a long sailing day, you can shower while your crew prepares appetizers and a sundowner cocktail.

Alternatively often you can choose to take a part in sailing with the crew. Please be sure to communicate this to crew if you would like to. If they are able, many are happy to accommodate in some form.

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE | Your crew can share many lesser known secrets of sailing in your cruising area including anchorages, snorkel spots, or other tricks of the trade, cruising with a crew can offer a learning experience of an area you might otherwise think you know.

In some cases, by the time you add up the cost of the boat, the permits, the provisioning, etc, often time you are well on your way to paying for a crewed charter!