Pricing & Planning
All-Inclusive Yacht Charter Miami 2026 | What's Included
In This Article
“All-inclusive” is one of the most misused terms in the yacht charter industry. Some companies use it to mean “everything is in the price.” Others use it to mean “captain is included but fuel costs extra.” And some use it while still adding booking fees, cleaning fees, and fuel surcharges at checkout.
This guide defines exactly what all-inclusive means, what is included, what is not, how it compares to add-on pricing, and how to customize your charter with optional extras.
What “All-Inclusive” Actually Means
When a yacht charter is marketed as all-inclusive, the quoted price should cover three essential components:
1. Licensed Captain
Every charter includes a USCG-licensed captain who operates the vessel, handles navigation, manages safety, and acts as your local guide. The captain holds either an OUPV (Six-Pack) license or a Master license depending on the vessel and passenger count, along with a TWIC card, CPR/First Aid certification, and enrollment in a drug and alcohol testing program.
The captain is not just a driver. A good captain is a tour guide who knows every hidden sandbar, a weather expert who reads conditions in real-time, and a hospitality professional who adjusts the vibe to match your group.
2. Fuel for the Trip
The charter rate covers all fuel consumed during your trip. No fuel surcharge when you return to the dock. No per-gallon calculations. No surprise charges based on how far you traveled.
This is significant because fuel costs vary dramatically by vessel size and route:
- A sport boat (26-37 feet) may burn $100-$300 in fuel on a 4-hour charter
- A 66-foot yacht may burn $300-$600
- A 105-foot super yacht may burn $500-$1,200+
- A Bahamas crossing can burn $500-$1,000+ in fuel alone
With all-inclusive pricing, you do not calculate any of this. The fuel is in the price.
3. Standard Crew
Larger vessels require additional crew beyond the captain — a deck hand, mate, or steward. On all-inclusive charters, the standard crew complement for the vessel is included.
For reference:
- Sport boats (26-37 feet): Captain only
- Mid-size yachts (48-66 feet): Captain plus deck hand
- Large yachts (68-70 feet): Captain plus deck hand/mate
- Super yachts (85-105 feet): Captain plus 1-4 additional crew depending on vessel
The Azimut S10 94, for example, includes a crew of 5 (captain, 2 mates, 2 stewardesses) in the charter rate.
What Is NOT Included
These items are additional costs on any charter, including all-inclusive ones:
Gratuity (15-20%)
Industry standard. Not optional by social convention, though technically not mandatory. The captain and crew rely on gratuity as a significant portion of their compensation.
How much to tip:
| Charter Cost | 15% | 18% | 20% |
|---|---|---|---|
| $700 | $105 | $126 | $140 |
| $1,950 | $293 | $351 | $390 |
| $2,900 | $435 | $522 | $580 |
| $4,600 | $690 | $828 | $920 |
| $8,650 | $1,298 | $1,557 | $1,730 |
Cash is preferred. Hand it to the captain as you leave the yacht.
One exception: The Azimut 103 includes gratuity in its charter rate (from $9,800 for 4 hours). This is the only vessel in our fleet with this arrangement.
Food and Beverages
Yacht charters operate on a BYOB model. The boat provides:
- A cooler (or multiple coolers depending on the vessel)
- Ice
- Bottled water (on most boats)
You bring:
- Alcohol, soft drinks, mixers
- Snacks, sandwiches, platters
- Anything you want to eat or drink during the charter
Pro tip: Pre-mix cocktails in large pitchers or containers before boarding. It saves time and mess on the yacht. Champagne and wine are simple options. Avoid red wine on yachts with white interiors (it stains permanently).
Optional Add-Ons
These are customization options quoted separately:
Catering
- Gourmet meat and cheese platters: From $70 per platter
- Fresh fruit platters: From $70 per platter
- Seafood towers: Market price, typically $100-200 per platter
- Sushi and sashimi: From $80 per platter
- Private chef experience: $50-300 per person depending on menu
Water Activities
- Jet ski rental: $175/hour
- Seabob rental: Included on Galeon 68 and Azimut 103, quoted separately for other vessels
- Snorkel gear: Included on most vessels
Entertainment and Decor
- DJ: $300-600
- Live musician (acoustic): $300-800
- Floral arrangements: $50-500+
- Photographer: $250-500 for 2-3 hours
- Drone photographer: $250-500
- Custom cake delivery: Coordinated by the charter team
Wellness
- Onboard masseuse: $150-300/hour
Add-ons are requested when booking or up to a few days before the charter. Not all add-ons are available on all vessels (a jet ski requires open deck space and launch capability, for example).
All-Inclusive vs. Add-On Pricing: Real Cost Comparison
Here is what the same 4-hour charter experience costs under each pricing model. The add-on pricing scenario is illustrative — actual competitor fees vary by operator and platform.
Scenario: 55-Foot Yacht, 4 Hours, 10 Guests
All-Inclusive Pricing (Our Model)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Azimut 55 charter (4hr, captain + fuel + crew) | $1,950 |
| Gratuity (18%) | $351 |
| Food and drinks (BYOB) | $200-$400 (your cost) |
| Total | $2,501-$2,701 |
Add-On Pricing (Illustrative Competitor Example)
| Item | Illustrative Cost |
|---|---|
| Base yacht rate (4hr) | ~$1,200-$1,400 |
| Captain fee (separate) | ~$160 |
| Fuel surcharge | ~$100-$200 |
| Platform booking fee (~10%) | ~$120-$140 |
| Cleaning fee | ~$75-$100 |
| Gratuity (~18%) | ~$245-$281 |
| Food and drinks (BYOB) | ~$200-$400 |
| Potential total | ~$2,100-$2,521 |
The advertised price is $750 cheaper with add-on pricing. The actual total? Roughly the same — and sometimes more. The difference is transparency. With all-inclusive, you know the real cost from the first quote. With add-on pricing, you discover the real cost at checkout.
The Psychological Trap
Add-on pricing companies understand that most people compare the advertised base rate, not the total cost. A yacht listed at “$1,200 for 4 hours” looks cheaper than one listed at “$1,950 for 4 hours” — even when the final bills are nearly identical.
Smart comparison means adding captain fees, fuel surcharges, and platform fees to any base rate before comparing. When you do the math, all-inclusive pricing is usually equal or better in total cost, with the added benefit of no checkout surprises.
How to Customize Your All-Inclusive Charter
The all-inclusive base covers the essentials. From there, you build the experience you want.
The BYOB Charter (No Add-Ons)
Cost: Charter rate + gratuity only.
Bring your own food and drinks. Play your own music. Let the captain plan the route based on your group’s preferences. This is the most popular and most affordable option.
Best for: Casual outings, sandbar trips, sunset cruises, first-time charters.
The Catered Charter
Cost: Charter rate + gratuity + catering ($30-100/person).
The charter team coordinates catering delivery to the yacht before departure. Platters are set up when you board — no prep, no cleanup, no cooler logistics.
Best for: Celebrations, corporate outings, dinner cruises, any occasion where you want the food handled for you.
The Full-Service Charter
Cost: Charter rate + gratuity + chef ($50-300/person) + photographer ($250-500) + flowers ($200-1,000) + additional add-ons.
Everything is handled. A private chef boards with ingredients and prepares a custom menu. A photographer captures the experience. Floral arrangements set the mood. This is the concierge approach — tell the team what you want, and they make it happen.
Best for: Proposals, anniversaries, milestone birthdays, weddings, corporate entertainment.
The Adventure Charter
Cost: Charter rate + gratuity + water toy add-ons (if not included with vessel).
Some vessels (Galeon 68, Azimut 103) include water toys in the charter rate. For others, jet ski rental and specialized gear can be added. The focus is on activities — snorkeling, swimming, jet skiing, Seabobs — not just cruising.
Best for: Active groups, bachelor parties, family outings with teenagers, thrill-seekers.
Fleet Pricing Quick Reference
All prices are per charter (not per person), with captain, fuel, and crew included.
Sport and Adventure
| Vessel | 2hr | 3hr | 4hr | 6hr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crownline 26 | $450 | $650 | $800 | $1,150 |
| Axopar 37 | $700 | $1,050 | $1,350 | $1,750 |
| Saxdor 32 | — | $1,150 | $1,400 | $1,850 |
Yachts
| Vessel | 4hr | 5hr | 6hr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Ray 48 | $1,600 | $1,850 | $2,300 |
| Azimut 55 | $1,950 | $2,300 | $2,650 |
| Azimut 50 | $2,100 | $2,300 | $2,650 |
| Azimut 66 | $2,900 | $3,450 | $4,050 |
| Azimut 70 | $4,050 | — | $5,200 |
| Galeon 68 | $4,600 | — | $5,550 |
Super Yachts
| Vessel | 4hr | 6hr | 8hr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Azimut 105 | $8,650 | $11,150 | $13,250 |
| Azimut 103* | $9,800 | $11,500 | $13,250 |
| Azimut S10 94 | $10,950 | $13,800 | $15,550 |
*Azimut 103 rate includes gratuity.
For a deeper dive into pricing by category and tips for getting the best value, see the complete Miami yacht rental pricing guide and our national yacht rental cost guide.
How to Know If a Charter Is Truly All-Inclusive
Before booking with any company, ask these three questions:
-
“Is the captain included in the quoted price?” — If no, ask for the captain fee per hour and add it to the total.
-
“Is fuel included?” — If no, ask for the estimated fuel surcharge for your itinerary and add it.
-
“Are there any booking fees, service fees, or cleaning fees?” — If yes, ask for the total amount and add it.
If you add all three and the “cheaper” base rate ends up matching or exceeding an all-inclusive quote, you have your answer.
The Bottom Line
All-inclusive yacht charter pricing means captain, fuel, and crew are in the quoted rate. No hidden captain fees. No fuel surcharges. No booking platform markups. The additional costs — gratuity (15-20%), food and beverages (BYOB or catering), and optional add-ons — are transparent and within your control.
The result: you know exactly what you are paying from the first quote, and you can build the experience you want on top of a clear foundation.
Browse the full fleet to see pricing across every vessel, or visit the how it works page for a step-by-step walkthrough of the booking process. Ready to go? Get a custom quote or reach out on WhatsApp for the fastest response.
Quick Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
What does all-inclusive mean for a yacht charter?
All-inclusive means captain, fuel, and standard crew are bundled into one quoted price. No separate captain fee, no fuel surcharge, no hidden booking fees. The price you are quoted is the price you pay. Gratuity (15-20%), food/beverages, and optional add-ons are not included.
Is food and drink included in an all-inclusive yacht charter?
No. Food and beverages are not included in the charter rate. BYOB is standard — bring your own food and drinks in coolers. The boat provides ice. Catering packages are available as an add-on ($30-100+ per person) including gourmet platters and private chef options.
Is gratuity included in the charter price?
Gratuity is not included in most charter rates. Industry standard is 15-20% of the charter cost, given directly to the captain and crew in cash. The one exception in our fleet is the Azimut 103, where gratuity is included in the rate.
How much do hidden fees add to a yacht rental?
At companies using add-on pricing, hidden fees can significantly inflate the advertised price. Separate captain fees, fuel surcharges, and platform booking fees (5-15% on marketplaces) are the most common. A yacht listed at $1,500 for 4 hours can end up costing substantially more after these additions.
What add-ons are available on a yacht charter?
Common add-ons include catering (platters from $49.99/person), private chef, jet ski rental, drone photographer, floral arrangements, onboard masseuse, and DJ services. All add-ons are optional and quoted separately based on your event needs — contact us for pricing.
Which yacht includes gratuity in the price?
The 103-foot Azimut is the only vessel in our fleet where gratuity is included in the charter rate. Starting at $9,800 for 4 hours, the rate covers captain, fuel, crew, and gratuity. All other vessels follow the standard 15-20% gratuity protocol.
Best Yachting Company
Your trusted source for yacht charter advice in Miami. Captain, fuel, and crew always included.
Learn more about usKeep Reading
Related Articles
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Yacht? [2026 Price Guide]
Yacht rental costs by size: 25ft from $450, 40ft from $1,600, 60ft from $2,900, 100ft+ from $8,650. What's included, hidden fees to avoid, and value tips.
How to Charter a Yacht for the First Time: Beginner's Guide
First-time yacht charter guide. What a charter is, types of charters, choosing the right yacht, pricing explained, what to expect, and tipping etiquette.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Yacht in Miami? [2026 Price Guide]
Complete 2026 Miami yacht rental pricing guide. Sport boats from $450, yachts from $1,950, super yachts from $8,050. Captain, fuel, and crew always included.
Plan Your Perfect Charter
Captain, fuel, and crew included with every booking. Tell us what you're celebrating and we'll match you with the ideal vessel.