If you're considering a private yacht experience, you’ll likely come across two main options: day charters and overnight (or multi-day) charters. While both offer luxury, relaxation, and freedom, they’re designed for different types of travelers and experiences.
So, what actually happens on a day charter compared to an overnight yacht charter? Whether you’re planning a short celebration or a longer escape, here’s what you need to know before you book.
What Is a Day Charter?
A day charter is a short yacht rental, typically lasting 4 to 8 hours. It's perfect for quick getaways, celebrations, or sightseeing cruises without the need for sleeping onboard.
What You Can Expect on a Day Charter:
Flexible Routes: Cruise the coastline, visit sandbars, or drop anchor at a local island. Most day charters have flexible itineraries within a set cruising zone.
All About Fun: Water activities like jetskiing, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and swimming are often the focus. Yachts usually come equipped with water toys such as a tender, a jacuzzi, floats, jetski, a waterslide, and a seabob.
Food & Drinks: Light snacks and beverages are often included. You can also upgrade to full catering or bring your own.
Crew Onboard: A captain and crew are always included, handling everything from docking to serving drinks.
No Sleeping Arrangements: Since it’s a daytime rental, you’ll return to your original port by sunset.
Best For:
Birthday parties
Sunset cruises
Bachelorette or bachelor events
Quick family outings
Top Yachts for Day Charters
94’ Azimut in Miami
This yacht offers 4 cabins for 8 guests, 4 crew, and accommodates up to 13 day guests. Amenities include a tender, jacuzzi, water slide, jet ski, Seabob, floats, and Wi-Fi.
Total Cost for 4 Hours: $13,420* (All Taxes and Fees Included)
95' Sunseeker in Ft. Lauderdale
Features 4 cabins for 8 guests, a crew of 4, and space for 13 day guests. Amenities include a jacuzzi, Seabob, and Wi-Fi.
Total Cost for 6 Hours: $15,860* (All Taxes and Fees Included)
87' San Lorenzo in the Bahamas
Includes 4 cabins for 8 guests, 4 crew, and a maximum of 13 day guests. Amenities are tender, water slide, jet ski, Seabob, floats, and Wi-Fi.
Total Cost for 8 Hours: $20,807* (All Taxes and Fees Included)
What Is an Overnight or Multi-Day Charter?
An overnight charter (also called a multi-day charter) allows you to stay aboard for 2 nights or more, giving you time to truly explore multiple destinations.
What You Can Expect on an Overnight Charter:
Onboard Accommodations: Fully equipped cabins with ensuite bathrooms, lounges, and dining areas. It’s like a luxury villa on water.
Custom Itinerary: Plan a personalized route over multiple days—visit several islands, coastal towns, or even different countries.
Meals & Service: All overnight charters are all-inclusive or offer a provisioning system called APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) to cover food, drinks, fuel, and dockage.
Full Crew: In addition to a captain, you’ll have a chef, stewardess, and other crew.
Water Toys & Entertainment: Multi-day charters give you more time to enjoy amenities like a tender, jacuzzi, waterslide, jetskis, seabob, various floats, and WiFi for both relaxation and adventure at sea.
Total Privacy: Wake up with ocean views, dine under the stars, and enjoy total seclusion at sea.
Best For:
Romantic getaways
Family vacations
Island-hopping trips
Retreats with friends
Top Yachts for Multi-Day Charters
78' Lagoon in the Caribbean
This yacht has 4 cabins for 8 guests, 3 crew, and accommodates 13 day guests. Amenities include a tender, jacuzzi, water slide, jet ski, Seabob, floats, and Wi-Fi.
Total Cost for 2 Nights: $22,499* (All Taxes and Fees Included) (minimum booking of 2 nights is required)
85’ Ferretti in France
This yacht is equipped with 5 cabins for 8 guests, a crew of 5, and can fit up to 13-day guests. Amenities include a tender, a Seabob, and Wi-Fi.
Total Cost for 1 Week: €80,600* (All Taxes and Fees Included) (minimum booking of 2 nights is required)
How to Decide Which Is Right for You
If you’re short on time and want to enjoy a luxury experience without the overnight commitment, a day charter is a great option. But if you’re planning a more immersive escape, a multi-day charter lets you explore more, enjoy personalized service, and fully settle into yacht life.
Still unsure? Think about:
Your available time
Your destination
Who are you traveling with
Your budget
The kind of experience you want
Book Now, Pay Later with Klarna
YATR makes luxury charters more accessible with Klarna financing, allowing you to split your payments into interest-free monthly installments. Whether it’s a single-day celebration or a week-long island adventure, you can secure your booking without paying everything upfront.
Ready to Book Your Yacht Charter?
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day on the water or a full week of island-hopping, YATR has top-rated yachts with clear pricing and instant online booking. As with all YATR charters, additional services like catering, event planning, private jet transfers, and extra water toys can be arranged to enhance your trip.
Browse our curated fleet at YATR.co or reach out to our team at info@yatr.co.
*Prices can and may change at any time without notice.