How much does a Bahamas yacht charter cost?
Real weekly rates by yacht type, what the APA, taxes and gratuity add, and two worked examples of an all-in week. Broker-led since 1992.
Get My ShortlistCall 1-561-463-6840A crewed week in the Bahamas starts around $20,000
As a guide, a crewed catamaran of 45–60 ft costs about $20,000–$40,000 a week, larger luxury catamarans $40,000–$90,000, motor yachts of 75–100 ft about $60,000–$120,000, and superyachts over 100 ft from about $150,000 to well over $300,000. On top of the charter fee, budget for Bahamas charter taxes (10% VAT plus a 4% charter fee, about 14% in total), a crew gratuity of 15–20% and, on motor yachts, an APA of 25–35% for fuel, food and dockage. Day charters from Nassau start at a few thousand dollars.
Typical weekly charter fees by yacht type
Charter fees vary with the yacht’s size, age, crew, toys and season. The ranges below are what we typically see for crewed yachts operating in the Bahamas in the 2026–27 season, before taxes, gratuity and expenses.
| Yacht type | Typical size | Guests | Weekly charter fee | How it is priced |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crewed catamaran | 45–60 ft | Up to 8–10 | $20,000–$40,000 | Often all-inclusive |
| Luxury catamaran | 60–80 ft | Up to 10–12 | $40,000–$90,000+ | All-inclusive or plus expenses |
| Crewed sailing yacht | 45–100 ft | Up to 8–12 | $20,000–$100,000+ | All-inclusive or plus expenses |
| Motor yacht | 75–100 ft | Up to 10–12 | $60,000–$120,000 | Plus expenses (APA) |
| Superyacht | 100 ft+ | Up to 12 | $150,000–$500,000+ | Plus expenses (APA) |
Ranges are our own guide from current charter rates and change with season and availability. Your written quote is what you pay.
What a week actually costs, all in
Two illustrations of how the charter fee becomes a final figure. Taxes and the APA are calculated on the charter fee; gratuity is at your discretion.
| Line | Catamaran, all-inclusive | Motor yacht, plus expenses |
|---|---|---|
| Charter fee | $40,000 | $80,000 |
| APA (fuel, food, dockage) | Included | $24,000 (30%) |
| Bahamas charter taxes (14%) | $5,600 | $11,200 |
| Crew gratuity (15%) | $6,000 | $12,000 |
| Estimated total | $51,600 | $127,200 |
Any unspent APA is refunded at the end of the charter, so the motor yacht figure is a ceiling rather than a certainty. Relocation fees, if they apply, are added separately.
What is included, and what is billed separately
Usually in the charter fee
- The yacht and its professional crew
- Water toys carried on board
- On all-inclusive catamarans: meals, a standard bar and fuel for normal cruising
Usually billed through the APA
- Fuel, especially on motor yachts
- Food and beverages chosen from your preference sheet
- Dockage, moorings, park fees and communications
Always separate
- Bahamas charter taxes on the charter fee
- Crew gratuity, customarily 15–20%
- Relocation fees if the yacht must reposition
- Flights, fuel surcharges for extra-long passages and special requests
The Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) is a deposit, usually 25–35% of the charter fee on motor yachts and superyachts, that the captain spends on your behalf. Every receipt is accounted for and any unspent balance is returned at the end of the week.
Day and overnight charter prices
Most crewed day charters run from Nassau and Paradise Island. As an example from recent quotes, a 60-ft crewed catamaran in Nassau runs about $3,500 for a half day of four hours and about $6,000 for a full day of eight hours, before tax and gratuity. Larger motor yachts cost more.
Day charters to Rose Island, Athol Island or the Exumas are possible; the further you go, the more the fuel and time add. For the Exumas, it is often better value to fly to Staniel Cay or Norman’s Cay and meet the yacht there. Read more in our day charter guide.
Relocation fees: where your yacht starts matters
Most crewed yachts in the Bahamas are based in Nassau. If you want to start in the Abacos, Eleuthera or the southern Exumas, the yacht may need to reposition and a relocation fee usually applies. Recent quotes we have handled ranged from about $2,500 for a short hop to $5,500 for a relocation to the Abacos.
Relocation fees are normally quoted without Bahamas charter tax, which applies to the charter fee. Starting where the yacht already is, or flying to it, is often the simplest way to keep costs down.
How to get the most from your budget
Timing
- Late April, May and early December often bring better availability than Christmas and spring break
- Book holiday weeks 9–12 months ahead
Yacht choice
- All-inclusive catamarans make costs predictable for families
- A newer 50–60 ft catamaran can feel more spacious than an older, larger motor yacht
Itinerary
- Start where the yacht is based to avoid relocation
- Fewer long passages mean less fuel on motor yachts
Want this worked out for a real yacht and your dates?
Tell us your dates, group and the kind of week you have in mind. Within one business day we reply with yachts that are genuinely available, with every cost set out in advance. There is no fee to you: the yacht pays our commission.
Get My ShortlistCall 1-561-463-6840Your brokers
Hansel Sneed
Founder and Yacht Charter BrokerHansel founded Sneed Charters in 1992 and has spent more than three decades matching families, couples and companies with crewed yachts across the Bahamas, Florida and the Caribbean.
Adrian Sneed
Yacht Charter BrokerAdrian handles day-to-day charter planning, from Nassau day charters to week-long journeys through the Exumas and the Abacos, and works directly with captains and owners on availability, relocation and pricing.
Bahamas yacht charter cost FAQs
Crewed catamarans typically cost $20,000–$40,000 a week, motor yachts of 75–100 ft about $60,000–$120,000, and superyachts from about $150,000 to well over $300,000, before taxes, gratuity and expenses.
Foreign-flagged charter yachts pay 10% Bahamas VAT plus a 4% charter fee on the charter fee, about 14% in total. Relocation fees are normally quoted without this tax. We show the tax as a separate line in every quote.
The Advance Provisioning Allowance is a deposit, usually 25–35% of the charter fee on motor yachts and superyachts, that covers fuel, food, drinks and dockage. The captain keeps receipts and any unspent balance is returned to you.
A gratuity of 15–20% of the charter fee is customary for good service. It is paid to the captain at the end of the charter and shared among the crew.
Yes, if you are staying on land and want a taste of private yachting. A half-day on a 60-ft catamaran costs about $3,500 and a full day about $6,000 before tax and gratuity, and it is a lovely way to visit Rose Island or Athol Island.
No. Our commission is paid by the yacht, so you pay the same rate as booking direct, with our advice and support included.
Related charters and guides
Sources checked November 2026: Waterway Guide – Bahamas charter VAT and charter fee; current charter rates from our own quotes.