Everything You Need to Know About Luxury Yacht Charter in Sardinia
YACHT CHARTER FAQ
Y&S Exclusive Charter Sardinia is specialized in luxury crewed yacht charter, 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.
The goal is to provide a clear guide to help you choose the most suitable yacht and charter experience for your needs, with transparent and professional information.
GENERAL YACHT CHARTER INFORMATION
WHAT IS A CREWED YACHT CHARTER? A crewed yacht 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 management 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 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 across the Mediterranean, depending on the selected yacht.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO CRUISE IN THE LA MADDALENA ARCHIPELAGO? Yes, the La 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 the regulations of the National Park 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 day 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 DAY CHARTER AND A WEEKLY CHARTER? A day charter is ideal for day trips along the Costa Smeralda or the La 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 La 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 the charter duration, weather conditions and guests’ 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 Strait of Bonifacio. Itineraries to Bonifacio, Lavezzi, Cavallo and the western coast of Corsica are often included in both day 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 yachts are chartered with a 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 day 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, day 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 are available for day charters, while larger yachts are usually offered for weekly charters. In some cases, day 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 the amenities listed in the yacht specifications. Fuel, food and beverages, port fees (excluding the base port, if applicable) and any additional services are usually not included and are managed according to the terms of the selected yacht. Fuel costs are calculated based on the actual navigation time required for the requested itinerary. Each yacht has an indicative hourly fuel consumption, which is multiplied by the actual cruising hours. The calculation is based on the fuel price at the marina fuel dock, which is slightly higher than standard road fuel stations due to logistical and operational reasons.
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 additional 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 provides a detailed account of expenses. Any unused amount is refunded to the client, while any additional costs are settled accordingly.
CREW, SERVICES AND ONBOARD EXPERIENCE
ARE YACHTS ALWAYS CHARTERED WITH CREW? Yes, all yachts are chartered with a professional crew included. Depending on the size of the yacht, the crew may include a captain, deckhands, a hostess and a 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. The itinerary and services are defined directly with the Charter Manager based on the selected yacht.
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 the size of the yacht increases, so does the crew and level of service, up to full superyacht standards with dedicated assistance and attention to every detail.
CAN I HAVE LUNCH ON BOARD THE YACHT? For day 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 La 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 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, enjoyable and memorable experience for both adults and children.
BOOKING AND AVAILABILITY
HOW DO I BOOK A YACHT CHARTER IN COSTA SMERALDA? A request can be sent through the available contact channels. Based on the indicated preferences, suitable options and available yachts are shared. Availability, pricing and booking management are handled directly by the Charter Manager.
WHAT ARE THE CANCELLATION POLICIES? Cancellation conditions depend on the charter contract and the selected yacht. All terms are clearly defined 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 day 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, availability can be checked upon request based on the indicated preferences. The available options are shared as quickly as possible, including via direct WhatsApp contact through the button on the website. Final availability is always verified and confirmed directly by the Charter Manager.
Why Choose Y&S Exclusive Charter Sardinia?
Choosing Y&S Exclusive Charter Sardinia 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 create tailor-made experiences, supporting clients in selecting the most suitable yacht, defining itineraries and organizing onboard and onshore services. Thanks to a well-established Mediterranean network, we provide access to a selected fleet and exclusive itineraries across Sardinia, Corsica and the most iconic destinations. Availability, pricing and charter management are handled directly by the Charter Manager. Discretion, attention to detail and responsiveness are at the core of our approach, ensuring a smooth, authentic and worry-free yacht charter experience.