How to Start a Yacht Charter Business: A Step-by-Step Guide
Stepping into a yacht charter business is somewhat similar to running a vacation rental and a tour company at the same time, so it’s a blend of two words in a way. In this tutorial, we’re explaining what you need to think about before you even start your yacht trip and boat trip tour business.
From legal requirements and crew selection to tour planning and marketing strategies, we will help you get a sneak peek at the industry.
Get All The Documents Ready
Depending on where you plan to operate (your sailing region), the requirements can vary widely. Moreover, the size of your yacht, your crew’s qualifications, and your intended sailing locations – all influence the final pack of documents you must prepare.
We’ve put some of the examples into a table to help you sail legally.
| Region | License/Permit | Cost (Approximate) | Processing Time | Details |
| European Union | Commercial Yacht License | Varies by country | Several weeks to months | – Compliance with EU fiscal regulations.- Yachts should be formally imported into free circulation within the EU.- local VAT and fiscal regulations. |
| USA | Operator’s License (varies by state) | Varies by state | Varies by state | Operator’s license if the vessel has an engine above a certain horsepower. |
| Australia | Certificate of Competency | Varies | Varies | A Certificate of Competency appropriate for the vessel size and operation area |
Finally, consider these factors based on your region of business:
- Larger yachts and those operating in international waters may take more time to set all up.
- Learn the commercial yacht registration and tax registration details in your region.
- All crew members must hold the appropriate certifications.
- Before you launch your business, consult with maritime legal experts or local authorities.
Define Tour Types & The Crew You Need
Customers will buy experiences from you – so your boat tours should be well thought-out and polished.
When starting your yacht charter business, the types of tours you offer and the size of your yacht will directly impact the crew size and roles you’ll need.
Are you thinking of offering a romantic sunset sail or an adventurous multi-day expedition? Is it all about a luxury cruise? Create a list of those torus and experiences, our research below should help you:
Estimate Crew Size
Here’s how to decide on the crew size based on the type of tour you offer:
Captain-Only Charter
For small yachts and guests seeking a private and independent experience.
Captain and Cook
Great for couples or small groups wanting a more relaxed experience and a touch of luxury, for a carefree trip.
Captain, Cook, and Host
Want to provide top-notch events and services? This option is perfect for longer or more luxurious tours, where the host manages guest comfort and activities.
Bigger Crew
Required for larger yachts or specialized tours like luxury cruises, diving expeditions, or long journeys. May include a first mate, stewardess, engineer, and activity specialists (e.g., dive master or yoga instructor).
You can adjust the crew size based on the tour booked. For example, a day cruise might only need a captain, while a week-long luxury charter could require a full crew.
How Long Should Your Tours Be?
Decide on tour durations that cater to different types of clients. Here are some popular options:
| Tour Duration | Details |
| Half-Day Tour (4–5 hours) | Short getaways.Coastal cruises or snorkeling trips.For tourists with limited time. |
| Full-Day Tour (8–10 hours) | Island hopping.Diving.Gourmet lunch onboard. |
| Overnight Tour (24 hours) | Romantic escapes.Short family trips.Includes dinner, stargazing, and breakfast. |
| Multi-Day Tour (2–7 days) | For adventure seekers or luxury clients.Exploring multiple destinations.Cultural experiences.Onboard and water entertainment. |
| Extended Expedition (7+ days) | Long-term cruises for ultimate explorers.Well-equipped yacht and experienced crew. |
Create Itineraries for Your Boat Tours
Well-planned itineraries are another point on your to-do list for the yacht charter business.
They showcase what your tours offer and help clients get better prepared for what to expect. How to do that? We’ve prepared a small step-by-step guide to crafting itineraries.
- Research popular destinations and activities in your charter area to understand market demands.
- Understand the most common clients for charter trips – families, couples, adventurers, or luxury seekers.
- Highlight must-visit spots like secluded beaches or medieval castles.
- Charter trips are a mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences, so plan the activities respectively.
- Plan activities like snorkeling, diving, fishing, hiking, or cultural and holiday tours.
- Think of onboard experiences like sunset dinners, yoga sessions, or stargazing.
- Schedule rest periods.
Think of Extra Services, Equipment & Water Toys
Think of the extra services and equipment that enhance the guest experience and include them into your business plan. Predict how to entertain them both on and off the yacht. Our recommendations are below:
- Standup paddle boards (SUPs).
- Kayaks.
- Snorkeling gear.
- Inflatable water toys.
- Fishing gear.
- Jet skis.
- Scuba diving equipment.
- Onboard games and lounging.
Highlight the available equipment in your marketing materials. Guests often choose charters that include these amenities at no extra cost.
Define Shoreside Activities
Shoreside activities should not be an afterthought; quite often customers are looking forward to them when they book a charter.
But adding excitement to the tour, you need more equipment and planning.
In most regions, yachts cannot dock directly on the shore. A dinghy or tender is essential to transport guests safely to land. And it should be large enough for your group size.
Moreover, you need to understand the gems available ashore in your sailing region like hiking trails, markets, historical sites, or beach bars. Is there someone who offers evening bonfires?
It also goes into planning, deciding how often you’ll anchor near the shore during your tours.
Get Yacht Booking Software
If you want to find clients easily and don’t control every piece of the process, booking software will change the game for your business.
Usually, with digital software, customers apply their choices, preferences, and budgets to find the best available tour and sailing time.
With a booking system that integrates into your website and is fully customizable, like BookingPress for WordPress, you save a lot of money and time on the operational processes.
Moreover, just recently, we’ve dived into the specific details of building a WordPress site for a yacht rental business. Take a look at it for a more in-depth understanding.
The software is ready to serve any watercraft business and deliver many features you will need every day:
- Create personalized schedules for boats and captains, including time-off and cleaning buffers.
- Offer extras such as snorkeling gear, onboard dining, or guided tours during the booking process.
- Send booking confirmations, reminders, and follow-ups via email, SMS, or WhatsApp.
- Manage bookings, payments, and client data from a single dashboard.
- Accept full or partial payments online with transparency and tax integration
- Set variable rates based on season, duration, or number of passengers.
It’s an affordable yacht charter booking software that will help you manage a single boat or an entire fleet with advanced scheduling and management tools.
Final Word: How to Get Into Yacht Charter Business
Starting a business is always a long story, however, here is our shortcut to help you launch it much faster.
- Write a business plan outlining all your licensing, equipment, and staff needs.
- Think of the boat services and tours you want to provide and calculate your budget based on this.
- Start a website and drive bookings with charter booking software like BookingPress.
- Educate your clients on your services, for example, provide exciting and detailed itineraries.
More articles for you:
Brian is a WordPress expert with a decade of developing experience & technical-writing. He enjoys blogging, movies & hiking.
Get BookingPress Premium
45+ Premium Addons
20+ Payment Gateways
Plan starts at just $79
Get Premium Now
