Yacht chartering has a reputation for being expensive. It can be — but for a group of 4–6 people, it's often more affordable than a week in a hotel, especially once you factor in food, freedom, and the experience. Here are real numbers.
Bottom line: For a group of 6 on a 45ft sailboat in Croatia in June (shoulder season), including skipper, marinas, fuel, and food, budget €700–1,000 per person for the week. Less than most city-break hotels.
The main cost components
1. Yacht hire
The biggest single cost. Prices vary enormously by yacht size, age, region, and season.
| Yacht type | Low season (May, Oct) | Shoulder (Jun, Sep) | Peak (Jul–Aug) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sailing monohull 40–44ft | €1,200–1,800/wk | €1,800–2,800/wk | €2,800–4,500/wk |
| Sailing monohull 45–50ft | €1,800–2,500/wk | €2,500–3,800/wk | €3,800–6,000/wk |
| Catamaran 40–45ft | €2,500–3,500/wk | €3,500–5,500/wk | €5,500–9,000/wk |
2. Professional skipper
A professional skipper costs €120–200 per day, plus their food (typically €30–40/day extra). For a 7-day charter that's €840–1,400 for the skipper fee + ~€250 food. Split between 6 people: €180–275 per person for the week.
3. Security deposit
This is not a cost — it's a refundable deposit (€2,000–5,000 depending on the yacht) blocked on a credit card. Returned in full if the yacht is returned undamaged. Insurance (€200–350/week) can reduce this to €500–1,000.
4. Marina fees
In Croatia and Greece, you can anchor free in most bays — marinas are optional. Budget €30–80 per night for a marina berth if you want shore power and facilities. Many crews alternate: anchor 3 nights, marina 2 nights per week. Estimated total: €150–400 for the week.
5. Fuel
Diesel for a 45ft sailboat averages €50–100/day if motoring a lot, much less if sailing. Budget €200–400 for the week.
6. Food and provisions
Budget €20–35 per person per day for provisioning — this includes breakfast on board, lunches, snacks, drinks, and most dinners. Eating out adds to this. A group of 6 should budget €840–1,470 for food for the week.
The complete picture
Example: 6 people, 45ft monohull, Croatia, June (shoulder season):
| Item | Total | Per person (÷6) |
|---|---|---|
| Yacht hire (45ft, June) | €3,200 | €533 |
| Skipper (7 days + food) | €1,200 | €200 |
| Marina fees (4 nights) | €280 | €47 |
| Fuel | €280 | €47 |
| Provisioning | €1,200 | €200 |
| Skipper insurance (optional) | €250 | €42 |
| Total | €6,410 | €1,069 |
That's under €1,100 per person for 7 days and 7 nights aboard a private yacht in Croatia, with a professional skipper.
How to reduce costs
- Sail in June or September — 30–40% cheaper than July–August, better weather, fewer crowds
- Choose Croatia over Greece — marinas and provisions are generally cheaper
- Anchor out — skip marinas when there's a good bay available
- Cook on board — eating ashore every night adds €30–50 per person per day
- Book early — best yachts at best prices go 6–8 months ahead
✦ Compare it to a hotel holiday
A 7-night stay in a decent 4-star hotel in Dubrovnik in June costs €150–250 per person per night — €1,050–1,750 per person, before flights, food, or activities. The yacht charter, including food, comes in at a similar or lower price — with infinitely more freedom.