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Megayacht Charters

Megayacht Charter Greece

Vessels above 50 metres. Reserved for charterers who already know what they want.

Why a megayacht

Above 50 metres, the yacht stops being a vessel and becomes a private estate that happens to float. A megayacht typically carries ten to fourteen crew, two or three tenders, often a submarine or beach club platform, a chef whose CV includes Michelin-starred dining rooms, and enough fuel for trans-Mediterranean passages. In Greek waters, megayachts are most commonly chartered by principals who already own a yacht and want to try a different class for a specific trip, by multi-family groups who book the maximum 12 guests legal cap across two extended families, and by private offices arranging discreet hosting for corporate or sovereign guests. The audience is narrow. The service standard is unforgiving. We represent a small set of megayachts each season; selection is by relationship and direct introduction. If you have not chartered above the 40 metre mark before, our usual recommendation is to start at a 35 to 45 metre superyacht and step up in the second season. The capacity to use what a megayacht offers takes one charter to develop.

Best suited for

  • Principals stepping up from 35 to 45 metre superyacht charters
  • Charters with helicopter, submarine, or limousine-tender requirements
  • Two-week+ itineraries crossing Greece, Turkey, and Croatia
  • Hosted charters for corporate or sovereign guests requiring full privacy
  • Multi-family charters consolidating two households on one platform

When megayachts charter best in Greece

Megayachts hold their value year-round, but Greek waters call them in for early summer (late May to mid-June) and late season (September to mid-October). Peak August weeks (15 to 31) are often pre-booked by repeat clients with multi-year arrangements. If your dates are flexible, ask about shoulder weeks at June and September edges — the same vessel at 20 to 30% off peak rates with quieter anchorages.

Notes from George

  • The first conversation with a megayacht captain happens in person, not over email. Plan a yacht-visit week before signing.
  • Charter VAT is paid by the charterer, not the broker. Megayacht totals can carry VAT bills of €100,000+; ensure your tax advisor reviews the contract.
  • Crew gratuity convention on megayachts is 10 to 15% of base rate, paid in cash to the captain who distributes. €40,000 to €75,000 is typical.
  • Megayachts cruise at 12 to 16 knots most of the day. Faster passages compromise the meal-and-service rhythm the crew is set up for.
  • The submarine, where the yacht has one, is typically rated for two people including the pilot. The on-board scuba kit will dive deeper than most.

Frequently asked

About megayacht charter greece

What's the minimum charter duration for a megayacht?

Most megayacht owners require a minimum 7-day charter. Some specify 10 or 14 days as a standard. For Greek-water itineraries spanning Cyclades, Dodecanese, and the Cretan coast, we recommend 10 to 14 days; less than that and the megayacht class is wasted on logistics rather than experience.

How much does a megayacht charter cost?

Weekly rates start around €500,000 for a 50-metre and run to €2M+ for an 80-metre vessel. Most of our megayacht weeks settle between €750,000 and €1.4M, before APA (typically 30%, occasionally 35% for high-fuel itineraries) and Greek charter VAT.

Can we charter just one or two days of a megayacht?

No. The economics of megayacht operations require a full week minimum. Day charters are not offered. If your event needs only a day, ask about superyacht charter (smaller vessels, similar service tier, day-charter possible in select cases).

Do megayachts come with private security?

Some do. Approximately a third of the megayachts we represent in Greek waters have ex-military security available as an add-on (€8,000 to €15,000 per week per officer). Ask discreetly; the answer depends on the owner's standing arrangements.

Will the crew sign an NDA?

Yes. Megayacht crews routinely sign NDAs as a condition of employment. For specific charters requiring additional confidentiality (celebrity, sovereign, corporate principal), supplementary NDAs are arranged through our office at no additional charge.

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