The yacht charter season is when everyone wants to be sailing; the sea conditions are favorable, the weather is beautiful, and the coastline comes alive. However, every country’s sailing season is different, so it’s important to research in advance.
At sailyachts.com, our busiest time of year is the yacht charter season, so we know everything about it. In this post, we’ll discuss the different durations of the seasons in each part of the world, peak vs. off-peak prices, and much more. Let’s get started!
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When Are the Yacht Charter Seasons?
Yach charter seasons are broken up into two sections, the first being the climate and weather, which are summer and winter; summer being April to September, and winter being October to March.
During these seasons, there are also seasons within them; they’re the high, low, and shoulder seasons. The high season is June, July, and August, when it’s the busiest. The low is November, December, and January when it’s the quietest. The shoulder season is September and October, and February and March, which are the periods in between when it’s not too quiet or busy.
Peak vs Off-Peak Yacht Charter Prices
If you hire a yacht with sailyachts.com during the peak season, the price will be more expensive than the off-peak season because it’s busier and the demand is higher.
Of course, the conditions are nicer, and the season coincides with the European summer holiday season, so you’ll have to pay a premium to sail then.
Our prices for hiring a yacht start at €3,500 per week during the off-peak season, but this price can greatly increase if you want to hire one in the peak season.
Also, the type of yacht charter you choose will impact the price; bareboat charters, where you sail by yourself, are the cheapest, while crewed charters are the most expensive because you have to pay €170 per crew member per day.
Alternatively, you can get a skippered charter, which is a happy medium; you get a captain to take control of the sailing while you enjoy the ride. This costs an extra €220 on top of the bareboat charter fee.
Summer Yacht Charter Season
The summer yacht charter season lures avid sailors in with its promise of warm breezes and clear skies.
It also offers endless opportunities for taking part in water sports like kayaking and discovering untouched beaches such as Navagio in Zakynthos and stunning island destinations like Ibiza.
How Long Is the Summer Charter Season?
The summer yacht charter season length is around 5/6 months, running from mid-April until September in most Mediterranean destinations. However, the peak season only makes up three months of this period, those being June, July, and August.
If you want to hire a charter with us during these months, you’ll have to book far in advance as they sell up quickly and the prices go up to 10% more.
Non-targeted Locations
Europe isn’t the only place you can sail around the world; there are plenty of other wonderful alternatives that have better weather during Europe’s winter, which lots of sailors flock to take advantage of.
Between January and March, the sailing season runs throughout the Caribbean in destinations like the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Turks and Caicos, and the Cayman Islands. Think of azure blue waters, golden sandy stretches of coastline, and endless islands to anchor at; that’s the Caribbean for you.
If you want to go on a sailing trip from October to December, Australia is a fantastic option, along with some other destinations that border the Indian Ocean, like the Seychelles. The conditions in the likes of Thailand start to clear up around then, too, and stay great until the beginning of May.
Popular Summer Charter Destinations
The places where you can charter a yacht around the globe are endless, but the Mediterranean, in particular, is popular with dedicated cruisers. One week, you can sail around Corfu; the next, it’s by the Dalmatian Coast in Croatia.
Here are some of the most popular summer charter destinations:
Greece
Greece is southeastern Europe’s gem, offering over 6000 islands and islets for sailors to explore. It’s stuck at the crossroads between the Mediterranean and the Ionian Sea, making it every boaters paradise.
Start your journey in the ancient Greek capital of Athens to unearth vestiges from the past like the Acropolis. Once you’re out at sea, you can head towards the Cyclades Islands group to tour Naxos or Paros.
Or, if the Ionian Islands are more up your alley, Zakynthos and Kefalonia are amazing alternatives.
Croatia
Drenched in sun-kissed coastline, over 1000 idyllic islands, and ancient cities like Dubrovnik, Croatia has it all for sailors. Meander through the cobblestoned streets of Split, anchor up in the gorgeous Sesula Bay and enjoy Hvaar’s party lifestyle.
Spain
Spain is one of sailyachts.com’s hottest destinations at the moment. It’s best loved for its Balearic Islands, adorable cities like Valencia, and stable weather for most of the year.
While the peak season is a popular time to visit Spain, some of the country’s festivals attract many sailors, like Las Fallas in March and Semana Santa during Easter.
Italy
A sailing trip to the Amalfi Coast, anyone? The boot-shaped country of Italy captivates sailors for its lush islands like Sardinia and Sicily, the coastal cities of Naples, and divine cuisine that’s cherished worldwide.
If you get off the typical sailing path, you can relish some less-visited locations like Portonio and Livorno.
France
This sailing destination needs no introduction! France has always been a hard hitter with sailors for the unbelievably alluring French Riviera, coastal cities like Nice, and delightful stretches of sand such as Plage Baleine. If you sail further north, you’ll be amazed by places like La Rochelle and the Normandy region.
Winter Charter Season
Often overlooked by many, the winter yachting charter season runs from September to the end of March.
Many sailors avoid this season because of the unpredictable sea and weather conditions, but there’s some fantastic value to be taken advantage of, particularly during the shoulder seasons (September and October, and February and March).
Throughout these months, the weather is relatively nice; it’s not too hot or cold, making the sea temperatures enjoyable for watersports. Prices drop a considerable amount, too; you can pick up some fantastic deals that you’d never find in the summer season.
Year-round Charter Destinations
While most yacht charter destinations are somewhat affected by weather, some are far less affected by it than others, like Italy, Croatia, Greece, and Spain. However, it’s important to note that weather conditions can be unpredictable, so always do your research before heading out to sea.
Final Words on the Charter Yacht Season
Now that you know how long the charter yacht season is, you can start planning your next voyage with sailyachts.com. We operate out of a number of Europe’s top sailing destinations all year round and have some incredible offers available.
If you would love to charter a yacht with us for the upcoming season, get in touch with us now. We can help you choose a suitable option for you and your party for a sailing adventure like no other.
