Costs, APA & Extras — FAQ
Key terms
- APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance)
- A running-cost fund of 30% of the charter fee, paid before the charter. The captain uses it for fuel, food, drinks, marina and port fees and keeps a full account. Any unused balance is refunded after the charter; if it runs low, the captain asks for a top-up. Crew gratuities (voluntary, customarily 5 to 10%) are not part of the APA. Full cost breakdown
- MYBA charter agreement
- The industry-standard contract for crewed yacht charters, published by MYBA, the worldwide yachting association (originally the Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association). It records the yacht, dates, charter fee, APA, payment schedule, what is included and the cancellation terms. Your booking is confirmed once the signed agreement and the deposit, typically around 50% of the charter fee, have been received. Booking and payment FAQ
- Delivery fee
- A fee for moving the yacht when your charter starts or ends somewhere other than its home port, for example a one-way charter from Split to Dubrovnik. It covers fuel for the repositioning passage, the crew's time and the days the yacht spends away from base, so it depends on the yacht's size and the distance. It is not part of the weekly charter fee and is quoted individually in your offer.
Charter fee & APA
How much does it cost to charter a yacht in Croatia per week?
Weekly rates vary widely by yacht size and season. Our crewed yachts start from EUR 13,550 per week (LE CHIFFRE, low season), and the largest superyacht we broker reaches EUR 550,000. Rates for Croatia include 13% VAT; APA of 30% and a voluntary 5 to 10% crew gratuity come on top. We always confirm a tailored quote before booking.
What exactly does the base charter fee cover on a crewed yacht?
The base charter fee covers the yacht itself, the professional crew, comprehensive insurance and the base equipment on board, such as water toys and standard amenities. It does not include running costs like fuel, food, drinks or marina fees, which are handled separately through the Advance Provisioning Allowance.
What is APA and how much should I budget for it?
APA stands for Advance Provisioning Allowance, a running fund you pay before boarding. It is 30 percent of the base charter fee and covers fuel, food, drinks, marina and port fees. The crew tracks every expense, and any unspent balance is refunded to you at the end of the trip.
What is the difference between an all-inclusive rate and an APA charter?
With an APA charter, you pay the base fee plus a provisioning fund for variable costs, and the balance is refunded. An all-inclusive rate bundles most running costs into one fixed price for simpler budgeting. Most crewed motor yachts in Croatia run on the APA model, which we explain clearly before you commit.
How much should I expect to spend on fuel during a week-long charter?
Fuel is paid from your APA rather than the base fee, so it depends entirely on how far and how fast you cruise. A relaxed itinerary around the Šibenik archipelago burns far less than long passages at speed. Your captain can plan routes to balance fuel use with the experiences you want most.
Why do charter prices change between low and high season?
Demand drives the difference. July and August are peak, commanding the highest weekly rates, while May, June, September and October cost noticeably less for the same yacht. Croatia charters are priced per week by season band. Booking the shoulder months is the simplest way to reduce the fee.
How much does a luxury yacht charter cost per day?
As a rough guide, dividing the weekly fee by seven gives a daily figure, though yachts are booked by the week, not the day. Smaller motor yachts can start around a few thousand euros per day, while large superyachts run much higher. An APA of 30 percent is added on top.
Do longer charters offer better value than a single week?
Often yes. Ten-day or two-week charters spread the fixed embarkation effort over more days and sometimes attract a reduced weekly rate, while giving you a richer route. Per-day comfort improves because there is less rushing between stops. Ask the team about multi-week pricing for your dates.
Taxes, tips & deposit
Is Croatian VAT included in the charter price?
Yes. Weekly rates for yachts chartered in Croatia include the reduced Croatian charter VAT of 13%, so it is not added on top. The APA and the crew gratuity are listed separately, and we set out every item transparently in your offer.
Do you tip the crew, and how much is customary?
Tipping the crew is customary and always at your discretion. A gratuity of 5 to 10 percent of the base charter fee is the usual range, reflecting the level of service you received. It is normally given to the captain at the end of the trip to share among the crew.
Is there a security deposit, and do I get it back?
Crewed charters usually require a refundable security deposit to cover any accidental damage during your trip. Because a professional crew operates the yacht, claims are rare. Provided the yacht is returned in good order, the full deposit is refunded to you shortly after disembarkation.
Can I pay for my charter by bank transfer or card?
Charter payments are normally made by bank transfer under the MYBA agreement, with the deposit on signing and the balance before embarkation. Some bookings allow card payment by arrangement. The APA is usually transferred shortly before the trip or paid to the captain on arrival.
What is included
What extra costs should I plan for beyond the headline price?
Beyond the base fee, plan for the APA covering fuel, food, drinks and marina fees, plus a voluntary crew gratuity; Croatian VAT is already included in the charter fee. Optional extras such as special provisions, premium drinks or shore excursions are also drawn from the APA. We itemise everything in advance so your full budget is clear.
Are food and drinks included or charged on top?
Food and drinks are not part of the base fee; they are covered by your APA based on a preference sheet you complete beforehand. Your chef and crew shop to match your tastes, from everyday meals to special requests. Any provisioning you do not use stays in the refundable APA balance.
Are water toys, equipment and the crew already covered in the price?
Yes. The professional crew, standard water toys and base equipment are included in the charter fee at no extra charge. Only their running costs, such as fuel for tenders or jet skis, are drawn from the APA. We confirm the exact inventory for your chosen yacht when you enquire.
Are marina and mooring fees included in the price?
Usually not in the base fee. Mooring and marina charges are paid from the APA, the running-cost budget of 30 percent of the charter fee. The first night in the home marina at Šibenik is often included. The crew tracks all dockage and accounts for it during the trip.
Is the first meal or welcome provisioning included?
The base charter fee covers the yacht and crew, while food and drink are funded from the APA according to your preference sheet. Many crews lay on a welcome spread on embarkation day. You set the provisioning style, from simple to gourmet, and the budget follows your choices.
Is fuel for the yacht and water toys included?
Fuel is a running cost paid from the APA, not the base fee, covering both the main engines and the tenders and toys. Usage depends on how far and fast you cruise, so a relaxed island route uses less than long daily passages. The crew manages and reports fuel spend.
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