Yacht Charter Terms and Conditions

As an agency, we respect and follow the rental and charter terms of each charter company we cooperate with, whether it concerns the Mediterranean – Croatia, Greece, Italy, Malta, France, Spain, Turkey – or the Caribbean and other worldwide destinations where we offer boats for rental through our partners.

It is important to emphasize that we forward to each guest only the rental terms applicable to the selected vessel, exactly as defined by the charter company or the boat owner. We do not alter these terms; we act on behalf of the charter company that owns the recreational vessel.

From our experience, this is a frequent question among guests, which is why we always advise carefully reading the terms sent once a vessel is selected. These terms are also available on our website on the specific boat’s page and are set by the charter company offering the vessel for rent or charter.

Although every vessel has its own specifics, we have noticed that general rental and charter terms across the charter industry are very similar with most charter companies, whether we are talking about the Adriatic, the wider Mediterranean, or the Caribbean.

General rental terms are an integral part of every boat rental or yacht charter agreement signed by the lessee (the guest) and the charter company, or by our agency acting as the charter company’s representative. However, the actual contractual relationship is always between the guest and the charter company on whose behalf we act.

This is precisely why the final invoice for accommodation on the rented or chartered vessel is issued directly by the charter company to the guest, and not by our agency, except in rare and specific cases.

From our experience, general rental and charter terms most often regulate the following items:

• payment methods and payment deadlines
• security deposit amount and conditions
• vessel pick-up and return times
• check-in and check-out procedures
• rights and obligations of the renter
• rights and obligations of the charter company
• rental cancellation conditions
• complaint handling procedures
• legal jurisdiction in case of dispute

Due to the specific nature of multi-day boat rentals and yacht charters, the standard rule in the charter industry is advance payment. From our experience, this provides guests with clarity, security, and a confirmed booking.

The rental is paid by bank transfer or credit card. At the time of booking, a deposit is paid, usually between 30% and 50% of the total rental price. The remaining balance is typically due no later than around 30 days before the start of the rental, depending on the rules of the individual charter company.

Once the full amount has been paid, guests receive a voucher for vessel pick-up, along with the charter base contact details and all necessary instructions. We advise guests to keep these contacts handy throughout the rental period, as the charter base staff are available for on-site assistance. Of course, we as an agency remain available for additional support as well.

From our experience so far, we know that most charter companies operate with standardized rental periods. The most common model is boat pick-up on Saturday afternoon, while the return to the home base is usually required on Friday late afternoon, one day before disembarkation. Guest disembarkation itself then takes place on Saturday early in the morning, allowing sufficient time to clean and prepare the boat for the next rental or the yacht for the next charter.

Returning the boat to the home base on the evening before disembarkation not only allows additional time for technical inspection, especially of underwater parts, but also significantly reduces the risk of unforeseen situations on disembarkation day. From our experience, this practice prevents cases where guests, due to misjudging the distance from their last overnight anchorage to the charter base, changing weather conditions, stronger winds, waves, or other circumstances, are unable to reach the charter base on time. Although there are charter companies that allow returns in the morning on the day of disembarkation, such cases are rare, involve additional risk, and always require prior approval from the charter base manager.

In our experience, weekly rentals from Saturday to Saturday are by far the most common, while Sunday-to-Sunday or Wednesday-to-Wednesday rentals are significantly less frequent. However, special periods sometimes appear to fill gaps in the booking calendar, for example after a ten-day charter, when shorter and more flexible rentals may be offered, possibly with an additional fee for check-out and cleaning outside the standard boat handover days.

A security deposit is mandatory for all rental and charter vessels. The amount depends on the size of the boat and the level of mandatory insurance arranged by the charter company with the insurance provider. It is paid immediately before embarkation and returned to the guest at disembarkation if the vessel is returned in the same condition, without damage, missing equipment, or delays.

While deposits were once more often paid in cash, today they are most commonly secured by credit card, without an actual charge to the account. If everything is in order, the transaction is simply released. In case of damage, the assessed amount is charged, but not exceeding the deposit amount. Any larger damage is covered by the vessel’s mandatory insurance.

There is also the option of deposit insurance. From our experience, this is a popular choice among guests who want extra peace of mind. Instead of blocking the full deposit, the guest pays a smaller, non-refundable amount (or a reduced deposit), transferring the damage risk to the insurer. We recommend this option to guests who want the most relaxed possible cruising experience.

In the event of a boat rental or yacht charter cancellation, the conditions depend on the rules of the charter company with which the vessel was booked. Most commonly, cancellations made more than 30 days before the start of the rental result in the retention of the paid deposit, while cancellations made less than 30 days before the start of the rental usually lead to the retention of the full paid amount, as by that time 100% of the rental price is typically already due.

In certain cases, charter companies may accommodate guests by offering to reschedule the rental to a later date within the same season or to the following season. Additionally, if either the cancelling guest or the charter company finds a replacement guest for the same period, a refund may be possible, most often reduced by administrative costs or any difference in rental price due to current discounts at the time of contracting.

As an agency, we follow and assist our guests throughout the entire cancellation process, but the final cancellation conditions are always defined by the charter company. Due to possible unforeseen circumstances, we strongly recommend that every guest arranges rental cancellation insurance with their insurance provider, with the widest possible coverage of cancellation reasons.

General rental and charter terms usually also specify that any potential complaints must be submitted in written form and recorded on the check-out list upon vessel return, with the signatures of both parties – the guest and the charter base staff member who agree on the recorded condition. From our experience, most such situations are resolved immediately and on the spot, where both sides have a clear view of the actual situation.

If an amicable solution cannot be reached, the boat rental or yacht charter agreement and its general terms define which competent court has jurisdiction over any potential dispute.

We can say with certainty that carefully reading and understanding the rental and charter terms helps prevent misunderstandings, dissatisfaction, and unwanted situations during your holiday. Guests who have booked with us so far often point out that good preparation was exactly what allowed them to enjoy a carefree and relaxed stay at sea.

We are here to advise, explain, and help – before, during, and after the charter or rental. If you have any questions regarding boat rental or yacht charter terms, feel free to contact us. From our experience, good advice at the beginning makes a big difference in the end.