What determines your costs and how the price is structured
Charter fee
This is the bare weekly rental price for the superyacht, including professional crew. On the French Riviera, modern yachts from 24 to 30 meters typically start at around €80,000 to €120,000 per week, 35 to 50 meters at around €150,000 to €400,000 and 50 meters plus from around €300,000 per week. Want to know specifically what a yacht rental with staff costs? We would be happy to advise you based on your requirements.
APA - Advance Provisioning Allowance
The APA covers variable costs such as fuel, food and drinks, harbour fees and travel. Count on 30 per cent of the charter fee for yachts up to about 40 meters and 35 to 40 per cent for 45 to 55 meters. The captain specifies all expenses and unused amounts are refunded at the end. Want to know more? How does the APA work on a yacht charter?
VAT in France
For charters starting in France and sailing mainly in French waters, 20 per cent VAT on the charter fee is common. Derogations are possible for specific routes or sailing outside territorial waters, but on the French Riviera, 20 per cent usually applies in practice. Want to know exactly how this works out? Check out the VAT rate for yacht charter with crew.
Fuel and sailing behaviour
Fuel is the biggest variable within the APA. Quiet cruising and short distances reduce costs, high speeds and lots of miles increase them sharply. For 24 to 30 meters , this can amount to several thousand euros per week, for 45 to 55 meters to tens of thousands of euros when actively cruising. Common question: is fuel included in a superyacht charter?
Port and berthing fees
Top marinas like Monaco, Cannes and Saint-Tropez charge seasonal rates. For 30 to 50 meters , moorings in high season range from several hundred to several thousand euros per night. During events, surcharges apply and early booking is essential.
Season and events
July and August are peak months with the highest rates and most demand. Events such as the Monaco Grand Prix and the Cannes Film Festival create additional scarcity and higher costs for moorings and tenders. May, June and September often offer more favourable prices in similar conditions.
Tips and other items
A crew gratuity of 10 per cent of the charter fee is common but not mandatory in the Mediterranean. Depending on your requirements, transfers, special wines, wellness and unique experiences are added to that. These items run through the APA or are invoiced separately. See also our overview of all cost items.
Examples of budgets on the French Riviera
27 meters - 1 week in July
Starting point: Queen Martina from €85,000 per week, excluding VAT and APA. VAT 20 per cent is 17,000 euros. APA 30 per cent is 25,500 euros. Allow for high-season berths around €3,000 to €5,000 and fuel at moderate cruising around €8,000 to €15,000. Indicative total budget: about €138,000 to €152,000.
45 meters - 1 week in July
Starting point: Bravado from €200,000 per week. VAT 20 per cent is 40,000 euros. APA 35 per cent is 70,000 euros. Moorings 6,000 to 10,000 euros. Fuel when actively sailing 25,000 to 60,000 euros. Indicative total budget: around €341,000 to €380,000.
55 meters - 3 days in September
Starting point: Reliance 375,000 euros per week. VAT 20 per cent, approximately 32,000 to 33,000 euros. APA 35 per cent, 56,000 to 58,000 euros. Moorings: 4,000 to 6,000 euros. Fuel: 18,000 to 35,000 euros, depending on the route. Indicative total budget: approximately 270,000 to 295,000 euros.
Do the math yourself? Check out our sample budget for a yacht charter with crew.
Save smart without losing the experience
Choose May, June or September. You will benefit from quieter ports, more favourable rates and often nicer light and weather. The price difference with July and August can be substantial.
Start in a practical departure port such as Antibes or Cannes. You limit repositioning, increase your chances of finding a berth and keep more budget for onboard experiences.
Plan a relaxed sailing schedule with the captain. Fewer miles and cruising speed often yield the biggest savings, without missing anything from the Côte d'Azur.
Book early for events and popular dates. Booking berths early avoids surcharges and disappointment, especially around Monaco Grand Prix and Cannes Film Festival.
Frequently asked questions about costs
What is the cost of a superyacht?
For chartering on the French Riviera, weekly prices are typically €80,000 to €120,000 for 24 to 30 meters, €150,000 to €400,000 for 35 to 50 meters and €300,000 plus for 50 meters. Add 20 per cent VAT and 30 to 40 per cent APA to the charter fee.
What is the cost of renting a superyacht?
The total budget includes the charter fee, 20 per cent VAT, 30 to 40 per cent APA and mooring and event costs. Route, season and sailing speed determine the difference. A personalised quote gives the most accurate estimate.
Quotation and personal advice
Would you like to know exactly how much your superyacht charter on the French Riviera will cost? Our team will draw up a transparent quote, tailored to your itinerary, guests and preferences. We’ll match you with the right yacht, book berths and, if you wish, arrange private jet flights through our sister company, Global Aviation. Request a no-obligation quote or book your charter straight away via Global Yacht Charter.
For inspiration on distances and daily schedules, also check out our Sample trips in southern France.
