Reconnect with Luxury, Privacy and Freedom at Sea Escape the Noise

I want to charter a yacht

Out of Office, On the Ocean: Why Yacht Charter is the Ultimate Escape

Space to Disconnect

A private yacht is more than a luxury — it’s complete disconnection from the demands of everyday life. Anchor in quiet bays, explore untouched coves, and enjoy space that’s truly yours.

watertoys on a superyacht charter

Every Experience, On Your Terms

Start your day paddleboarding at sunrise. End it watching a movie under the stars. From Michelin-level dining to scuba diving from the aft deck — the only schedule is yours.

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Dining Without Limits

No dress codes, no reservations — just world-class cuisine, served where and when you choose. From beach BBQs to chef-curated tasting menus, every meal is made for you.

Crew member serving a drink

A Crew That Understands You

Exceptional service starts before you step on board. Your crew knows your favourite coffee, how you like to spend your mornings, and when to disappear. Discreet, intuitive, and always one step ahead — it’s service at sea, elevated.

Let’s Start Planning Your Escape

When you’re ready to switch off, we’re here to take care of the rest. Fill in a few details and one of our experts will be in touch for a discreet, no-obligation consultation.

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What Sets Ocean Independence Apart

A Global Team, With Local Insight

With 16 offices worldwide, we combine reach with real, on-the-ground knowledge. Our local experts know the best anchorages, the hidden gems, and the routes others overlook.

Full-Service, 360° Yachting Support

We don’t just charter yachts — we advise on ownership, manage vessels, and simplify complexity. Whether you’re a first-time charterer or supporting an Owner, we’re your trusted partner.

Trusted by the Trusted

With over 750 charters arranged each year, we support family offices, lawyers, Captains and Owner representatives with seamless, expert and discreet service — making your role easier.

“Ocean Independence made the entire charter experience effortless. From the moment we enquired, everything was handled with discretion and precision. It was the perfect escape – truly bespoke and beyond five-star.”

- Charter Client from London
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What you can expect A step-by-step guide to yacht charter

 

1 Choose your destination

Whether you already know where you want to go or need inspiration, your Charter Consultant will guide you with insider knowledge — from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean and beyond.

2 Tell us your requirements

Your ideal onboard experience starts with a preference sheet and conversation. From dining and activities to ambience and excursions, everything is tailored to you.

3 Find the perfect yacht

With access to over 3,000 yachts worldwide, your consultant will curate a shortlist that fits your style, needs, and cruising plans — from crew to watertoys and tech.

4 Book your charter

Once you’ve selected your yacht, we’ll handle the contract and formalities. Your consultant is with you every step of the way to make the process simple and clear.

5 Create your itinerary

Every day is yours to design — island-hopping, wine tastings, beach BBQs or heli-tours. Your consultant will help plan a journey that fits your pace and passions.

6 Meet your Captain and crew

Your Captain and crew are fully briefed and ready to anticipate your every need — whether that’s a chilled bottle for surprise guests or your favourite smoothie post-spa.

Your Journey, Fully Tailored

No two escapes are the same. Whether it’s island-hopping across the Cyclades or a family trip along the Amalfi Coast, every charter is built around your preferences. Browse a few sample itineraries for inspiration — then let’s make one yours.

Enquire now

Planning a yacht charter doesn’t need to be complicated. Tell us a little about what you’re looking for — we’ll handle the rest, making the entire process completely stress-free. Your information will be kept private.

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FAQs

Get the answer to any question about luxury yacht charter Yacht Charter FAQs

What is a superyacht charter and how does it work?

A superyacht charter is a way to rent a luxury yacht for a period of time, typically a week or more. The yacht comes with a crew, including a Captain and chef, to take care of the vessel and guests. The guest can work with a charter broker to customise their itinerary, decide where they want to go, and what activities they want to do while on board. From luxury vacations, to special occasions and corporate events, a superyacht presents a chance to make any vacation or event truly memorable.

How much does it cost to charter a yacht?

The total cost of your private yacht hire will depend on a variety of factors. This includes the size and type of yacht you charter, alongside your cruising area, travel itinerary and any other special requirements you have for your luxury yacht experience.

Luxury superyachts can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars per week, plus costs for fuel, food and beverages, and crew gratuities.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with our specialist team to find more information on our yacht rental prices and our services.

How do I book a yacht charter?

The first steps to booking a superyacht charter are to contact your charter broker and provide them with details for your desired itinerary, dates, and group size. You will then be presented a range of suitable yachts to choose from and their respective quotes. If you decide to proceed, you will be given a charter agreement to sign before making a deposit to secure the booking.

What is the cancellation policy for a yacht charter?

Typically, a deposit is required to secure the booking and the deposit is non-refundable. The remaining balance is usually due several weeks before the charter begins. If you need to cancel the charter, the remaining balance may be refunded, but it will depend on the terms and conditions outlined in the charter agreement. It's important to carefully review the cancellation policy before making a booking and to consider purchasing trip cancellation insurance to protect your investment. If you are unsure of any terms and conditions be sure to ask your broker to clarify before signing the agreement.

Why should I use a broker when booking a superyacht charter?

As the ultimate luxury holiday, a superyacht rental can be tailored uniquely to your needs and preferences. Our experienced brokers work with you to understand which private yacht for charter is perfect for you. Then, using their global network of over 3,000 luxury yachts for charter, they will find all available yachts that match your requirements. Using their extensive local knowledge, your Charter Broker can work with the Captain to advise a charter itinerary that is totally unique to you. Should you have questions at any stage of the charter process, your broker will be available to assist.

Can I rent a yacht for one day?

In general the minimum charter duration for a superyacht is one week, although some yachts can be chartered for shorter periods. A charter may be shorter than a week to host events such as weddings and parties, or for a three day Formula One Grand Prix weekend.

What additional costs will I pay on top of the yacht charter rate?

What is and is not included in the price of your superyacht for charter varies from yacht to yacht and you may be expected to pay the following in addition to the set charter rate:
– APA – The APA, or Advanced Provisioning Allowance, represents the operating expenses that you will incur during your stay on board, including but not limited to fuel, berthing fees, customs charges and food and beverages.
– Shipping/supply agent fees
– Local taxes
– Delivery fees

Your broker will gladly advise you on all additional charges during the process of selecting your luxury yacht for charter.

Do I pay gratuity?

If your time on board a private yacht rental has been everything you hoped it would be, by all means, show your appreciation with a gratuity. However, please note that, on all superyachts for charter, although crew gratuities are customary, they are left at your sole discretion. As a guideline, we would suggest between 10% and 20% of the charter fee to be split equally between the crew depending on the level of service.

When do I transfer funds?

In most cases, you will be required to pay (by wire transfer) a 50% deposit of the total yacht hire fee upon signing the Charter Agreement. The remaining 50% of the charter fee plus the APA and any applicable taxes, delivery fees and security deposit are due one month before the beginning of your charter.

How does the chef know our likes and dislikes?

Culinary excellence is often the highlight of any yacht charter, and your personal chef will ensure your dining experience is no different. Prior to your charter, we will ask you to complete an information sheet noting your culinary preferences or any special dietary requirements, beverages, newspapers, flowers or other special requests. Details on any medical issues, allergies and special occasions can be noted. We encourage you to divulge as much information as possible to give the crew a detailed understanding before you step on board your luxury yacht for a charter like no other.

Will the steward / stewardess deal with my laundry?

It is common practice on most luxury yachts for charter that small quantities of personal laundry are carried out by the yacht’s crew as a service. Please note that these terms also allow the crew to refuse politely to do excessive quantities of laundry on board or to handle particularly delicate items. It may be possible to have certain laundry done ashore professionally if time allows, the cost of which will be deducted from the APA.

Can I smoke on board?

Generally, on luxury yachts for charter, smoking is not permitted inside the yacht for safety reasons. Many private yachts operate a policy of smoking permitted on deck only; however, please check the policy as each yacht varies in its approach to smoking on board.

How long is a yacht charter season?

Typically, two seasons are ideal for chartering a private yacht. The summer season lasts from the beginning of May until the end of October and mainly revolves around the Mediterranean, whereas the winter season runs from November until April when the Caribbean and Bahamas are traditionally the destination of choice. We have many superyachts for charter during these periods in destinations around the globe, however it is crucial to keep in mind that popular yachts in the most exclusive destinations are typically booked months in advance.

In what destinations can I charter a superyacht?

The short answer to this question is anywhere. Modern yachts are able to circumnavigate the globe with ease. So, while charter destinations include the ever-popular cruising grounds of the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Mediterranean, some explorer yachts offer a unique opportunity to sail in luxury anywhere from the tropics of the South Pacific, and Indian Ocean to the remote wilderness of Central America and Antarctica.

How many people can a luxury yacht accommodate?

The number of guests a superyacht can accommodate mainly depends on the yacht’s size and layout. Some smaller yachts can only accommodate five to six guests, while the largest mega yachts can sleep up to 20 or more guests, although the industry average sits between 10 and 12.

What type of yacht should I charter?

The type of yacht you should charter will depend on your desired itinerary, group size, budget, and style. From interior décor to amenities and space, the choice is endless. While the most popular are motor yachts as they generally offer superior space, comfort, amenities, and cruising speed, sailing yachts offer the romance and charm of traditional yachtsmanship; while motorsailers and multihulls can offer a happy medium blending the sailing experience with the luxury of a motor yacht. To choose the right yacht for your needs, contact your Ocean Independence Charter Broker.

Need help or advice?

The yachting journey can be complex with many decisions to be made. Get in touch with Ocean Independence, and one of our specialist consultants will help you make the right choices.

As a truly global company with 15 offices worldwide, we’re available 24/7 to help with any enquiries.

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