Yacht Charter FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Yacht Charter
Welcome to our FAQ section! Planning your yacht charter experience should be easy and enjoyable, so we’ve gathered clear, concise answers to the most common questions asked by our clients. Whether you’re booking your very first yacht charter or you’re an experienced charterer seeking specific details, you’ll find helpful information here—from booking processes and onboard services to special requests and practical considerations.
If your question isn’t listed, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our dedicated team at SELECT Boutique Agency is always here to assist and guide you personally through every step of your yacht charter journey.
How early should I book my yacht charter?
For day charters, booking one or two weeks in advance is usually ideal, especially if you have flexibility regarding yacht type and date. However, if you have your heart set on a specific yacht or date, we strongly recommend booking as early as possible—ideally at the start of the season. For longer or multi-day charters, planning ahead is even more beneficial. To secure your ideal yacht, dates, and itinerary—particularly during the sought-after high season months of July and August—we recommend booking 3 to 4 months in advance.
Of course, last-minute requests are always welcome, and we’ll do our utmost to accommodate you. However, please be aware that availability may be limited closer to your desired date.
What’s included and what’s not included in my yacht charter?
Includedin your yacht charter are:
- The exclusive use of your selected yacht
- Professional crew services throughout the charter
- Towels for all guests (and bedding provided for overnight charters)
- Usage of standard water toys already onboard your yacht
- Mooring fees at the yacht’s home port for overnight charters
Not included (charged separately or covered by the Advance Provisioning Allowance, APA):
- Fuel costs, calculated based on actual consumption
- Provisions, such as food and drinks, customized to your preferences
- Additional water toys or special equipment you request
- Mooring fees at other marinas (outside of the yacht’s home port)
- Crew gratuities (tips), which are customary and highly appreciated
We’ll always clarify these details during the booking process, ensuring transparency and making sure your yacht charter meets every expectation.
How many guests can I bring onboard?
In the Balearic Islands, including Mallorca, charter yachts can accommodate a maximum of 12 guests, due to local maritime regulations.
Typically, charter yachts accommodate:
- Smaller yachts: comfortably up to 8–10 guests for day charters.
- Medium-sized yachts: comfortably up to 10–12 guests for day charters.
For overnight charters, the number of guests depends on the available cabins and berths onboard the yacht you choose. We’ll help you select the perfect yacht to comfortably accommodate your group, ensuring a pleasant and relaxing stay onboard.
What’s the process for booking a yacht charter?
We’ve made our yacht charter booking process straightforward and enjoyable:
- Inquiry: Reach out to us with your preferred charter date, yacht type, number of guests, and any special wishes or requests you might have.
- Follow-Up: We’ll promptly ask any additional questions if further details are needed to ensure our recommendations perfectly match your expectations.
- Personalized Offers: You’ll receive tailored yacht options via email or WhatsApp for your review.
- Confirmation: Once you select your yacht, we’ll reserve the date and send you the charter agreement. We’ll ask for your ID and billing address for this step.
- Contract Signature: The charter contract will be signed by you and then by the yacht owner.
- Payment: We’ll send an invoice which you can conveniently pay via bank transfer (if there is sufficient lead time) or through a secure credit card payment link. If you book well in advance, some yachts offer a two-step payment option—a deposit to confirm your reservation and the remaining balance 30 days before departure.
- Final Arrangements & Planning: After your booking is confirmed, we’ll send you a detailed booking confirmation. We’ll then work closely with you to plan all additional details like the itinerary, restaurant or beach club reservations, water toys, and provisions such as drinks and catering. Depending on your chosen yacht, these extra services can either be paid directly by you or accounted for within your charter’s Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA).
Our team remains by your side through every step, ensuring your yacht charter is effortless from booking to boarding.
What’s an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA)
The Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) is a sum paid in advance to cover additional expenses during your yacht charter, ensuring a smooth and carefree experience onboard.
The APA typically amounts to 35% of your charter fee, though in some cases, a fixed sum might apply—this will be clearly communicated during the booking process.
The APA covers costs such as:
- Fuel (calculated based on actual consumption)
- Food, beverages, and special provisioning requests
- Mooring fees at marinas other than the yacht’s home port
- Additional services or special requests arranged specifically for your charter
After your charter, you’ll receive a detailed breakdown of all APA expenses. Any remaining APA funds will be promptly refunded to you via bank transfer shortly after your charter concludes.
Can I customize my yacht charter itinerary?
Absolutely! Your yacht charter itinerary can be fully tailored to your preferences, whether you’re looking to dine at a special restaurant, spend some time at a vibrant beach club, enjoy thrilling water toys, or discover secluded bays and coves.
We’re always happy to suggest personalized itineraries based on your interests and desired activities. While planning your itinerary, we’ll consider practical aspects such as distances between destinations and cruising times, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable experience onboard.
Typically, your itinerary is planned in advance for a seamless experience. However, flexibility is key—weather conditions or your spontaneous preferences may require adjustments during your charter. In these cases, your experienced captain will recommend the best alternatives, ensuring your safety, comfort, and enjoyment onboard.
Your ideal yacht charter experience is our priority, and we’re here to create it with you.
What special services or activities can be arranged?
At SELECT Boutique Agency, we love to personalize your yacht charter experience by organizing special services and activities tailored to your wishes. Some of the most popular choices include:
- Restaurant and beach club reservations
- Drinks and catering customized to your tastes
- Water toys and equipment, with the option of hiring professional instructors
- Onboard wine tasting or professional cocktail service
- Private chef or onboard pizza-making experiences
Do yachts provide water sports equipment and toys?
Most charter yachts come standard with basic water sports equipment, typically including snorkeling gear and paddle boards. Some yachts offer additional toys already onboard—please check with us for details.
If you’d like something extra, we can arrange additional water toys upon request (at an additional cost). Our most popular add-ons include Seabobs, eFoils and electric surfboards.
For more advanced toys like eFoils, we can also organize professional instructors, perfect if you’re trying them for the first time.
Just let us know your wishes, and we’ll ensure your yacht charter includes all the excitement you’re looking for!
Is gratuity expected, and how much should I tip the crew?
While crew gratuities are not mandatory, they’re highly appreciated as recognition of excellent service provided during your charter. Guests typically offer gratuities in cash at the end of their charter, handing the total amount directly to the captain, who will distribute it fairly among the crew.
The amount given is entirely at your discretion and usually reflects your satisfaction with the service onboard. If you’d like guidance on typical gratuity amounts or more precise recommendations, please don’t hesitate to ask us—we’ll be happy to assist you.
What happens if the weather isn’t suitable for my yacht charter?
- We will first attempt to arrange an alternative charter date.
- If the alternative date falls within a different pricing season, any difference in price will either be paid by you or reimbursed by the charter company accordingly.
- If no suitable alternative date can be found, we’ll guide you through the next steps, as policies vary depending on the specific terms and conditions of each yacht. In most cases, however, the charterer typically receives a reimbursement.
Still Have Questions? We’re Here To Help!
Our dedicated team is here to ensure every aspect of your yacht charter is exactly as you imagine.
Let us assist you personally, answer any remaining questions, and help you create an extraordinary experience onboard.