Everything You Need to Know About Luxury Yacht Charter in Sardinia
YACHT CHARTER FAQ
Y&S Sardinia Exclusive Charter is a specialist in luxury crewed yacht charters based in Porto Cervo, in the heart of the Costa Smeralda.
In this section you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about yacht charter in Sardinia and the Mediterranean: from costs to onboard services, from itineraries to booking procedures.
Our goal is to help you choose the yacht and the type of charter best suited to your needs, providing clear, transparent and professional information.
GENERAL YACHT CHARTER INFORMATION
WHAT IS A CREWED YACHT CHARTER? A crewed charter is the rental of a luxury yacht complete with a professional captain and crew. The crew takes care of navigation, onboard service, safety and the overall organization of the experience, allowing you to enjoy the sea in total relaxation and privacy.
WHERE DO YACHT CHARTERS DEPART FROM IN PORTO CERVO AND COSTA SMERALDA? Most of our yachts depart from the main marinas of the Costa Smeralda, including Porto Cervo, Poltu Quatu and Cannigione. Upon request, embarkation can also take place from other locations in Sardinia or the Mediterranean, depending on the selected yacht.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO CRUISE IN THE MADDALENA ARCHIPELAGO? Yes, the Maddalena Archipelago is one of the most requested destinations for yacht charter. Its crystal-clear waters, numerous islands and sheltered bays make it ideal for day or weekly cruises, in compliance with National Park regulations and with crews experienced in the area.
HOW MANY GUESTS CAN BE ON BOARD? The number of guests varies depending on the model and size of the yacht. For daily charters, guest capacity depends on the type and size of the yacht. For weekly charters, the maximum number of guests is usually determined by the number of cabins, generally up to 10 guests, to ensure comfort and privacy.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DAILY CHARTER AND A WEEKLY CHARTER? A daily charter is ideal for day trips along the Costa Smeralda or to the Maddalena Archipelago, without overnight stays on board. A weekly charter allows for a wider and more flexible cruising experience, with overnight accommodation in cabins and itineraries that may include Sardinia, Corsica, Portofino, the Amalfi Coast and other Mediterranean destinations.
WHAT ARE THE MOST REQUESTED CRUISING AREAS AND ITINERARIES? The most popular itineraries include the Costa Smeralda, the Maddalena Archipelago, Tavolara and Molara, Southern and Western Corsica, Portofino and the Italian Riviera, as well as the Amalfi Coast and Capri. All itineraries are fully customizable according to charter duration, weather conditions and guest preferences.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO REACH CORSICA FROM SARDINIA? Absolutely. From the Costa Smeralda it is possible to easily reach Southern Corsica by crossing the famous Straits of Bonifacio. Itineraries to Bonifacio, Lavezzi, Cavallo and the western coast of Corsica are often included in both daily and weekly charters, weather conditions permitting. Many guests, for example, choose to have lunch in Southern Corsica or in Bonifacio: with a fast yacht, Bonifacio can be reached in just over one hour from Porto Cervo.
IS NAUTICAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO CHARTER A YACHT? No. All our yachts are chartered with professional crew, so no boating experience is required. The charter is designed to offer a safe, exclusive and worry-free experience.
CHARTER COSTS AND DURATION
HOW MUCH DOES A YACHT CHARTER IN PORTO CERVO COST? The cost of a charter varies depending on several factors, including yacht type and size, season, charter duration and requested services. Prices range from more accessible rates for daily charters to higher fees for weekly charters and superyachts, especially during high season.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO CHARTER A YACHT FOR JUST ONE DAY? Yes, daily or weekly charters can be arranged depending on the size, type and availability of the selected yacht. Generally, yachts up to approximately 60–80 feet operate daily charters, while larger yachts are usually offered for weekly charters. In some cases, daily charters may also be considered for larger yachts when there are available days between weekly bookings.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE CHARTER PRICE? Generally, the price includes the exclusive use of the yacht, crew services depending on the selected yacht, onboard equipment and amenities listed in the yacht specifications. Fuel, food and beverages, port fees (except the base port, if applicable) and any additional services are usually not included and are managed according to the charter formula of the selected yacht.
WHAT IS A.P.A. (ADVANCE PROVISIONING ALLOWANCE)? The APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) is a standard practice in yacht charter for yachts of a certain size. It is an advance payment made before the start of the charter to cover operational expenses incurred during the charter period, such as fuel consumption, food and beverages, mooring fees in ports other than the base port, and any extra or personalized requests. The APA is usually equal to 30–40% of the charter fee, but this percentage may vary depending on the yacht and specific guest requirements. At the end of the charter, the captain will provide a detailed account of expenses. Any unused amount will be refunded to the client, while any additional costs will be settled accordingly.
CREW, SERVICES AND ONBOARD EXPERIENCE
ARE YACHTS ALWAYS CHARTERED WITH CREW? Yes, all our yachts are chartered with professional crew included. Depending on the size of the yacht, the crew may include a captain, deckhands, hostess and chef, ensuring safety, comfort and a high level of service.
CAN THE EXPERIENCE ON BOARD BE CUSTOMIZED? Absolutely. Every charter is fully customizable, including itineraries, stops, shore experiences, restaurants, beach clubs, water sports and additional services.
WHAT LEVEL OF SERVICE CAN I EXPECT ON BOARD? The level of service on board is always premium. On smaller yachts, only the captain is usually present, while as yacht size increases, so does the crew and service level, up to full superyacht standards with dedicated assistance and attention to every detail.
CAN I HAVE LUNCH ON BOARD THE YACHT? For daily charters, the possibility of having lunch on board depends on the size of the yacht and the onboard facilities. On smaller yachts, generally up to about 60 feet, onboard kitchens are not designed for full culinary service, so lunch is often arranged at exclusive restaurants or beach clubs along the Costa Smeralda, in the Maddalena Archipelago or in Southern Corsica. Alternatively, a catering service can be arranged. On larger yachts with full crew and chef, lunch on board becomes an integral part of the charter experience.
ARE WATER TOYS AND ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE ON BOARD? Many yachts are equipped with water toys such as tenders, seabobs, paddle boards, snorkeling equipment and, on some yachts, jet skis. Your Charter Manager will advise you on the best water and sports activities available for adults and children, as well as exclusive onboard and onshore services.
IS YACHT CHARTER SUITABLE FOR FAMILIES AND CHILDREN? Absolutely. Yacht charter is also an ideal experience for families with children of all ages. Many yachts are designed to offer safe and comfortable spaces, protected outdoor areas and family-friendly layouts. Crews are experienced in welcoming families and organizing activities for children, ensuring a safe, fun and memorable experience for both adults and children.
BOOKING AND AVAILABILITY
HOW DO I BOOK A YACHT CHARTER IN COSTA SMERALDA? Bookings are made by contacting our charter team, who will guide you in choosing the most suitable yacht and defining itinerary, duration and services. Once the details are confirmed, the booking is formalized through a charter contract.
WHAT ARE THE CANCELLATION POLICIES? Cancellation conditions depend on the charter contract and the selected yacht. All terms are clearly communicated before booking confirmation and contract signing.
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I BOOK? For weekly charters, it is advisable to book early in the year to secure the best options and availability. For daily charters, especially during high season such as June, July and August, booking well in advance is recommended to guarantee availability of the most requested yachts. In low season, it is often possible to find availability with shorter notice.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO CHECK AVAILABILITY IN REAL TIME? Yes, our team can check real-time availability and quickly propose the best available options, also via direct WhatsApp contact using the button on the website.
Why Choose Y&S Exclusive Charter?
Choosing Y&S Sardinia Exclusive Charter means relying on a yacht charter specialist based in Porto Cervo, with in-depth knowledge of the sea, the territory, onboard life and the real needs of guests during a charter. We personally select yachts and crews and create tailor-made experiences, from yacht selection to itinerary planning, and from onboard to onshore services.Thanks to a consolidated Mediterranean network, we offer access to an exclusive fleet and unique itineraries between Sardinia, Corsica and the most iconic destinations. Discretion, attention to detail and fast response times are at the core of our approach, ensuring a smooth, authentic and worry-free yacht charter experience.