What it actually costs — without the small print.
Real numbers, in ranges, in plain language.
The base price isn't the price
The number on a charter listing is the boat hire. It is not the week. The week is the boat plus six other line items, some of which are unavoidable. Anyone who tells you the listed price is what you'll pay is not your friend.
The layers
Boat hire
The largest number. A 40-foot monohull in the Ionian in June: roughly €3,000–€4,500 a week. The same boat in August: €4,500–€6,500. A 45-foot catamaran in June: €7,000–€10,000. In August: €10,000–€16,000. Ranges, not promises — boats vary in age and condition.
Skipper, if you need one
€180–€240 per day, plus their food. Worth every cent if it's your first time, and required by most charter companies if you don't hold a recognised licence.
Fuel
Paid on return, based on what you used. A typical week of mixed sail-and-motor: €150–€350 depending on weather. A week of mostly motoring because the wind didn't show: closer to €500.
Provisioning
What you eat and drink on board. We don't pre-order; you shop on arrival or we arrange a delivery. Budget €400–€800 per week for a family of four, plus restaurant meals on top.
Port and mooring fees
Most nights are at anchor, free. Two or three nights in harbour: €20–€80 per night depending on the port. Some harbours in high season are pricier; we tell you which.
End cleaning and taxes
End cleaning is a fixed fee, usually €150–€300 depending on boat size. Greek charter VAT applies; we show the all-in number before you commit.
A worked example
Family of four, two adults, two children (8 and 11), first week of June, Ionian, 40-foot monohull, hired skipper for the week.
Boat: €3,800. Skipper: €1,400. Fuel: €200. Provisioning: €450. Port fees (3 nights ashore): €150. End cleaning: €200. All in: roughly €6,200, plus dinners ashore (figure €250–€400). Real total: €6,500–€6,600.
The same family in August on a 45-foot catamaran would land closer to €13,000–€16,000.
What changes the number most
The single biggest lever is season. The second is region. The third is boat type. A family willing to take their week in June or September instead of August saves between 30% and 50%. A family choosing a monohull over a catamaran saves a similar amount. We'll show you both before you decide.
We'll quote the all-in number, not the base price.