What's included 2026
What's Included in a Greek Yacht Charter: The Complete Guide
What the charter fee covers, what APA covers, what's separate. The honest answer to the question every first-time charterer asks.
Last updated August 2026
The four cost buckets of a Greek yacht charter
What's covered in detail, by bucket
Charter Base - included: • The yacht (hull, engines, sails, hull insurance, equipment) • Full crew (captain, engineer, chef, stewardess, deckhands - typically 3-12 people depending on yacht size) • Crew salaries, food, accommodation, training certificates • Hull and machinery insurance, marine liability insurance • Charterer named as additional insured (no separate charge) • Base marina mooring at boarding/disembarkation • Standard onboard equipment (linens, tableware, BBQ, sound system, satellite TV) • Toys included with the vessel (jet ski, paddleboards, snorkelling gear - varies per yacht; confirm at booking) APA - typically covered: • Fuel for engines, generators, and tender outboards • All food (chef-prepared meals, snacks, fresh provisioning) • All beverages (water, soft drinks, beer, wine, spirits) • Port fees, marina dockage at intermediate stops, harbour master fees • Communications (satellite phone, internet beyond base allowance) • Ground transfers and excursion fees the captain arranges • Laundry, ice, supplies, water-maker maintenance • Tender fuel for guest excursions NOT included anywhere - paid separately by charterer: • Crew gratuity (10-15% of base, end of week) • Personal travel insurance (recommend purchasing separately) • Premium toys not standard on this yacht (helicopter charter, scuba certification courses, custom outfitter rentals) • Shore-based activities the charterer arranges directly (private tour guides, Michelin restaurants ashore that aren't on yacht catering, special-occasion event production) • Local mobile phone roaming charges • Pre-charter or post-charter hotel nights
Notes from George
- When a broker quotes 'all-in' or 'fully included', ask which of the four buckets they're folding together. Reputable brokers list the four separately so you can compare like-for-like.
- APA on a high-end charter often runs higher than 30% - premium provisioning, sommelier wines, helicopter time. Budget at 35% for safety; the refund is the upside.
- Crew gratuity is real cost, not optional. If your budget doesn't accommodate 10-15% on top of the base, charter a smaller yacht with a smaller crew.
- Personal travel insurance covers what the yacht's marine policy doesn't: lost luggage, personal medical, trip cancellation. Buy separately from a travel-insurance specialist.
- Pre-charter and post-charter hotels in Athens or the boarding port are NOT included. Build them into your trip budget.
Frequently asked
Questions we get about What's Included in a Greek Yacht Charter: The Complete Guide
Is fuel included in the charter fee?
Fuel is covered by APA, not by the charter base. The base covers the vessel and crew; fuel for the actual cruising is an APA expense.
Is food included?
Yes - food and beverages are covered by APA. The chef provisions and prepares all meals during the charter. Premium wines and spirits depend on the chef's brief at booking.
Is gratuity included?
No. Crew gratuity (10-15% of base) is paid by the charterer directly to the captain at end of week. It's customary but not contractual; in practice it's part of the real cost.
Is VAT included in the charter base I'm quoted?
Almost always quoted separately. Always confirm with your broker. Greek charter VAT is invoiced at the yacht's certified rate, in practice 5.2% to 12% for a typical weekly Greek-waters charter (statutory 13% ceiling).
Are excursions ashore included?
Some are (when the captain arranges them via APA) and some aren't (when the charterer books directly with a third-party provider). Confirm in the pre-charter brief.
What about pre-charter hotel?
Not included. You book and pay separately for any nights in Athens, Lefkada, Corfu, etc. before or after boarding the yacht.
See the all-in cost for your charter.
A personal reply from George, usually within a few hours.