Charter Yacht for Big Groups: Family Getaway, Friends, Yoga Tours & Themed Travels
- Mar 9, 2025
- 9 min read
Updated: Jan 30
The costs to rent a private yacht for 16 and more guests may surprise you in a nice way! A large crewed yacht nowadays can easily accommodate large groups of traveles, where everyone can stay together, enjoy ensuite cabins, and experience tailor-made entertainment on board instead of booking multiple hotel rooms or renting a villa, which is also nice but it's a totally different experience. Yacht charters for big groups (20 - 38 guests) are more accessible than many imagine—and in this article, you’ll discover all the options, costs, and insider tips for organizing an unforgettable journey at sea.
THE LUXURY OF TRAVELING TOGETHER
Yacht charters have become a popular way to bring together big groups of people for a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether it's multiple generations of a family, a reunion of old college friends, a wellness retreat, or even a gastronomy tour, a luxury yacht offers the perfect setting for like-minded individuals to come together, relax, and explore.
Countries like Turkey and Croatia are known for having fantastic, large crewed yachts that can accommodate these types of groups, but the Mediterranean as a whole is rich with opportunities for such unforgettable trips. You would imagine that the costs for such trips would be sky rocking, but not anymore. There have been quite a few yachts joining the market to offer very competitive and nice prices featuring absolutely amazing amenities (gym, sauna, cinema room onboard) and accommodation with ensuite facilities, A/C, TV's in the rooms, and so on.
In this article, we’ll explore how you can make the most of a yacht charter with your big group, what to expect, and why it’s such a great idea for creating lasting memories closer to the sea.
WHY CHARTER A YACHT FOR BIG GROUPS:
Privacy and flexibility: the beauty of chartering a private yacht is that you have complete control over your space. Large yachts can be configured to accommodate various group sizes, from 16 to 30+ guests, depending on the yacht’s layout. You’ll have access to private bedrooms, multiple dining areas, expansive deck spaces, and more, all while being able to set your itinerary with the captain and pace for the trip.
Tailored experiences: whether you're a family with young kids or a group of friends looking for an adventure, a yacht charter can be customized to fit your group’s needs. You can enjoy onboard activities, themed tours, or simply unwind in complete luxury. There's a crew of professional sailors who happily assist you with every travel related task and service during the whole trip, such as navigating the yacht, preparing meals, cleaning, managing water toys experiences for you, and much more. And a yacht charter broker who assists you with pre-planning and is always in touch for any additional help during the charter and even when it finishes.
Ideal for special celebrations: a yacht charter offers a stunning backdrop for milestone celebrations such as birthdays, anniversaries, and family reunions. You can create unique experiences like private sunset dinners or fun theme parties tailored to your group's interests, add onshore excursions to your onboard vacation, plan a yoga retreat on a yacht or a bicycle tour.
Private charter yachts with great amenities for big groups in Turkey, Croatia, Greece
TYPES OF BIG GROUPS & HOW A YACHT CAN SUIT YOUR NEEDS:
Big Families Traveling Together
Large families often find it challenging to vacation together while satisfying everyone's desires. A private yacht offers a solution by providing ample space for everyone to enjoy togetherness or privacy when needed. Multiple generations can gather in comfort, whether it’s grandparents, parents, or children. Here’s what you can enjoy:
Separate bedrooms & communal areas: luxurious cabins for each generation, along with spacious lounges and dining areas, meaning the whole family can stay together without feeling crowded.
Family-Friendly activities: many yachts are equipped with kid- & adult-friendly activities like waterslides, jet skis, snorkeling equipment, and more, making it easy to entertain all ages.
Customized itinerary: whether you prefer to explore the secluded beaches of Turkey’s turquoise coast, the islands of Greece, or the historical cities of Croatia, your yacht can take you to destinations suited to family interests, from cultural tours to quiet retreats.
College Friends Reunions
College friends want adventure, fun, and relaxation, all of which a yacht charter provides in abundance. Some of the best activities for this group include:
Water sports & adventure: from snorkeling and scuba diving to kite surfing and paddleboarding, a yacht charter provides an exciting range of activities for your group to enjoy.
Nightlife & dining: charter yachts crew consists of a private chef and sometimes of a bartender, who will ensure your group has access to gourmet meals and cocktails. You can also enjoy onboard evening entertainment or dock near lively cities for late-night fun.
Freedom to explore: from the partying atmosphere of Mykonos to the peaceful beauty of Croatia’s islands, you’ll have the freedom to explore destinations that offer both relaxation and excitement.
Yoga & Wellness Retreats
If your group is focused on wellness, a yoga tour on a private yacht could be the perfect escape. Imagine practicing yoga with the Mediterranean as your backdrop, enjoying healthy meals, and unwinding in complete tranquility. Benefits include:
Onboard yoga studio & instructor: many yachts are equipped with outdoor decks perfect for yoga and meditation. You can hire a professional yoga instructor to lead private sessions tailored to your group’s needs.
Wellness-centered itinerary: visit peaceful islands and serene coastal destinations perfect for unwinding. You can also indulge in spa treatments and aromatherapy sessions onboard.
Healthy cuisine: the chef can curate a menu focused on fresh, healthy ingredients, offering everything from detox smoothies to organic gourmet meals.
I was a guest onboard TERSANE 8 gulet for big groups in May 2025, and it was a very beautiful experience. Here's a Youtube link to my video journey.
Cycling or Gastronomy Tours with a Private Chef
If your group shares a passion for gourmet food or cycling, a yacht charter can combine both passions with local explorations. Here’s how:
Cycling tours: for groups of cycling enthusiasts, a yacht can serve as a floating hotel while you explore coastal routes by bike. After a day of cycling through beautiful landscapes, you can return to the yacht to relax and enjoy a gourmet meal.
Gastronomy tours: a yacht can be the perfect setting for a culinary tour of the Mediterranean, with a private chef crafting dishes inspired by local cuisines. The chef can organize cooking lessons, wine pairings, and even offer themed dining nights that reflect the culinary culture of your destination.
DESTINATIONS FOR BIG GROUPS ON A CHARTER YACHT:
Turkey, Greece, and Croatia are all fantastic destinations for large group yacht charters, each offering something unique:
Turkey: known for its beautiful turquoise coastline, Turkey offers a variety of private yachts capable of accommodating large groups. Explore places like Göcek, Bodrum, and Marmaris, where secluded coves, ancient ruins, and vibrant cities await.
Greece: from the famous Greek islands like Mykonos, Santorini, and Corfu, to the lesser-known islands of the Cyclades and Dodecanese, Greece is a paradise for group travel. Each island offers something special, whether it’s rich history, beautiful beaches, or lively nightlife.
Croatia: the Croatian coast is dotted with stunning islands such as Hvar, Brač, and Korčula, which offer both relaxation and adventure. Known for its crystal-clear waters and beautiful historical sites, Croatia is a popular choice for yacht charters.
Other Mediterranean destinations, such as Italy, Spain, France, are also perfect for big group yacht charters, offering diverse cultures, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant cities. But it is more common to rent there several yachts in these destinations for a tandem charter as there are no or very small amount of budget-friendly options for a yacht to host the whole group. Tandem charter means chartering 2-3 and even more yachts (for example, each yacht accommodates 10 guests) and the vessels cruise together and stay in the same bays, and the travel group shares the experiences together, just not on one yacht at the same time.
EXAMPLES OF CREWED CHARTER BOATS FOR BIG GROUPS: Please, visit Contact Yachts where I work to explore full selection of available yachts. This website where you're now serves as my personal yacht and travel blog to inspire you for different experiences and share some useful information.
Names below are clickable - they are of the charter yachts displayed above
Gulet TAJNA MORA in Croatia: 31m long, 9 cabins for 18 guests, price per week from €24,000 per week plus expenses
Gulet ERATO in Greece: 27.5m long, 7 cabins for 19 guests, price per week from €30,000 per week plus expenses
Gulet TERSANE 8 in Turkey: 44m long, 14 cabins for 32 guests, price per week from €30,000 per week plus expenses
Motor Yacht OHANA in Croatia: 49m long, 14 cabins for 28 guests, price per week from €90,000 per week plus expenses
Motor Yacht FREEDOM in Croatia: 48.2m long, 11 cabins for 22 guests, price per week from €120,000 per week plus expenses
Motor Yacht RIVA in Croatia: 48.2m long, 18 cabins for 36 guests, price per week from €69,000 per week plus expenses
Special features: such yachts have or may have multiple dining areas, outdoor lounges, a spa, a cinema room, or an indoor pool.
Crew size: usually such yachts have 10-12 crew members (captains, chefs, stewards, etc.) needed to ensure a top-tier experience for large groups.
ADDITIONAL TAILORED EXPERIENCES THAT CAN ENHANCE THE TRIP:
Private excursions: a custom guided tour of local vineyards, ancient ruins, or private islands.
Unique experiences for specific groups: for example, a wine tasting on a private island, cycling tours with support vans to explore remote areas, or even hosting a private concert on board.
Cultural or culinary experiences: a cooking class with a local chef, a sunset aperitif at a private beach club, or an onboard local music performance.
WHAT'S USUALLY INCLUDED IN THE PRICE TO CHARTER BIG PRIVATE VESSELS: Depending on the type of yacht and its location, pricing can follow different structures. In Turkey and often in Croatia, rates may include crew services, fuel for cruising (up to a certain number of hours per day), usage of basic water toys. In Greece, as well for some yachts in Turkey and Croatia too, pricing often follows the APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) system, where the charter fee covers the yacht and crew, and an additional APA—usually 30–40% of the charter fee—is used to cover all running expenses. Some yachts in all 3 destinations for big groups offer a mix of these terms, such as half board or full board with drinks at extra cost. No matter the setup, the broker always helps clarifying what's included for each specific yacht.
WHAT'S USUALLY NOT INCLUDED: VAT according to the cruising area, food, drinks, alcoholic beverages are often extra unless specifically stated. Port fees, marina costs (especially if you choose to dock in luxury harbors), and fuel for long-distance cruising or water sports like jet-skis may also incur additional charges. Crew tips are customary and not included—generally 10–15% of the charter fee is recommended. On APA-based charters, any unused funds are refunded, and any overage is settled at the end of the trip. We always review together with you the full charter terms beforehand to avoid surprises and plan your budget with confidence.
I’m here to help you plan every detail
Every journey is personal. Let’s find the perfect yacht and experience for you
Message me at kateryna@contactyachts.com – I’ll guide you every step of the way
Browse the curated fleet: Contact Yachts
HOW TO PLAN YOUR BIG GROUP YACHT CHARTER:
Booking early - at least a year in advance: due to the limited amount of the crewed yachts that can host 20 - 38 guests onboard, it’s important to book months in advance for large groups, especially if you plan to travel during peak seasons.
Choosing the right yacht for your group: if you know the theme of your travel with a big group, it's easier to choose the right yacht and match yacht size, amenities, and layout to the group’s specific needs.
SEASONALITY & BEST TIME TO TRAVEL
Turkey: best from May to the end of October, with June to September being the peak season for large yacht charters.
Greece: late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) offer fewer crowds and good weather, perfect for large groups.
Croatia: the summer months are ideal, but early fall offers a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere for group charters.
THE CONCLUSION
Chartering a yacht for a big group is more than just a vacation; it’s an experience that brings people together in a luxurious and unforgettable way. Whether you’re a large family, a group of friends, or like-minded individuals on a wellness or gastronomic tour, a private yacht offers privacy, flexibility, and tailored experiences for everyone. If you’re looking to charter a yacht in Turkey, Greece, Croatia, or other Mediterranean destinations, now is the perfect time to start planning your next adventure.
MORE YACHT CHARTER EXPERIENCES TO DISCOVER
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