What an increase in charter days booked reveals about the future of yacht charters
What an increase in charter days booked reveals about the future of yacht charters
Published 24 七月 2026
Yacht charter is booming. With charter days booked up 35 percent in 2025 compared with 2024, the rise is more than a performance metric – it reflects a broader shift in luxury travel behaviour, from a growing demand for privacy and flexibility to increased interest in experiential travel and highly personalised itineraries.
In luxury travel, the preferences of the most discerning clients often point to what the wider market will come to expect next. What begins as a request for greater privacy, access or personalisation can quickly become the new benchmark, shaping how hotels, resorts and other travel providers respond. While that evolution is rarely immediate, the behaviours of ultra-high-net-worth travellers offer a clear indication of where the future of luxury travel – and travel more broadly – is heading.
What is driving the rise in yacht charter demand?
Luxury travellers are increasingly seeking holidays that offer something hotels and resorts simply cannot: complete privacy, total flexibility and experiences tailored entirely around them. A yacht provides the freedom to change course at a moment's notice, explore multiple destinations in one trip and enjoy exclusive experiences, all while sharing the journey with family and friends in complete seclusion. It's this combination of privacy, personalisation and unforgettable moments that continues to drive demand, particularly for multi-generational family travel.
The market reflects this shift. Charter days increased from 4,432 in 2024 to 5,970 in 2025 – a 35 percent year-on-year rise – while bookings in the 40–50m and 50–60m sectors are up 26 percent and 23 percent respectively. Although geopolitical uncertainty temporarily slowed bookings during spring 2026, demand quickly recovered, with summer bookings remaining ahead of last year and winter 2026/27 bookings already 150 percent ahead of the same point in 2025. Together, these figures highlight the continued strength of the charter market and the growing appeal of yachts as the ultimate private travel experience.
New clients vs returning clients
The charter market continues to benefit from a healthy balance of loyal repeat clients and first-time charterers. In 2025, 58 percent of bookings came from returning clients, demonstrating the lasting appeal of yacht charter once clients experience the flexibility, privacy and personalised service it offers. The average charter lasted 8.2 days, aboard yachts with an average length of 51.9m, reflecting continued demand for immersive, week-long experiences.
At the same time, a new generation of charter clients is entering the market. Younger, globally connected travellers are increasingly viewing charter as an accessible introduction to yachting, offering the opportunity to experience life on board before considering ownership. They arrive exceptionally well-informed and expect transparency, expert guidance and seamless service throughout the booking process. As charter continues to attract new audiences while retaining a strong base of repeat clients, it reflects a market that is both expanding and maturing.
The destinations capturing client attention
From incredible islands in French Polynesia teeming with marine life to secret beaches in Anguilla accessible only by tender, a charter means having the world’s most beautiful destinations at your feet. Our data shows that demand remains the strongest in the traditional cruising grounds, following the traditional Mediterranean summer and Caribbean winter patterns.
Where Burgess clients booked the most in 2025:
In 2026, the West Med once again reigns supreme as the most popular summer cruising destination, with two thirds of all charters this year booked so far taking place in the region.
‘There are so many places in the Med, but more people are heading to Greece. There are stunning waters, food and culture, and the fleet now has so many excellent large yachts to choose from. The crews and captains are passionate about their country and love giving clients the ultimate experience. Be flexible on your itinerary and let the captain guide you.’ Craig Cohen, Charter Broker
But there has been a steady rise of adventurous charterers seeking somewhere less travelled, with growing interest in Asia and French Polynesia. And to meet this demand, more yachts are willing to position themselves in far-flung regions, allowing guests to enjoy true comfort even in the most secluded corners of the planet.
Knowing you’re somewhere only a handful of people have gone before, disembarking the tender on a completely deserted island, or enjoying wildlife encounters in thriving marine areas – just some of the reasons why our brokers recommend chartering beyond the expected.
How charter guest expectations are evolving
Today’s charter guests are looking for more than just a yacht. They want a vessel to play host to adventure, facilitate wellness and enable them to get out on the water. A full toybox is not just a ‘nice to have’, it’s now a requirement, with added extras like on board masseuses and personal trainers also being seen as an advantage.
From high-octane water scooters to towering waterslides, today’s superyachts come packed with toys that deliver adrenaline and family fun in spades. Imagine speeding across crystal-clear waters on a jetski, diving below the surface with SeaBobs or exploring vibrant coral reefs with snorkel gear. For the truly adventurous, some yachts offer flyboards and even personal submarines for an immersive deep-sea adventure.
For those looking to trade the hustle and bustle of daily life for some R&R, there’s nothing better than a superyacht. Today’s vessels are kitted out with world-class amenities from luxurious spas, fully equipped gyms and expertly trained masseuses, allowing guests to indulge in wellness treatments or unwind in a jacuzzi overlooking glittering ocean views. With on board instructors and personal trainers who can guide guests on their wellbeing path, coupled with a tailored nutrition plan executed by the yacht’s chef, a wellness-focused charter provides an unparalleled opportunity to recharge.
Beyond activities on the water, we’re seeing an increase in guests looking to venture further in land beyond the beach, and our partnership with travel experts with JORO allows us to create something truly special for our clients. Whether it’s truffle hunting in Croatia followed by a cooking lesson, expert-led hikes in Sardinia or heli-skiing in Antarctica, this partnership allows those that have seemingly been everywhere and done everything to unlock a rarer way to travel – something increasingly more valuable among today’s ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
What this means for the future of yacht charters
The future of yacht charter looks increasingly defined by personalisation, privacy and discovery. As travellers continue to seek experiences tailored entirely to their interests, demand for bespoke itineraries, exclusive access and complete flexibility is expected to grow. At the same time, more clients are venturing beyond established cruising grounds, using yachts to explore lesser-known destinations and connect more deeply with the places they visit.
Taken together, these trends point to a broader evolution in luxury travel. While destinations remain important, today's charter clients place greater value on privacy, meaningful experiences and the freedom to travel on their own terms. As these priorities continue to shape modern luxury, yacht charter is increasingly becoming the benchmark against which other high-end travel experiences are measured.
Book your next charter with Burgess
To discuss your next adventure – whether it’s a Greek island hopping odyssey or a multi-week exploration of South East Asia – get in touch. Our charter brokers will discuss your requirements and curate your perfect itinerary.
To find out more about Burgess’ yachts for sale and yachts for charter, please contact a Burgess broker. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our offices directly: London, Monaco, New York, Miami, Singapore or all other locations.
- Yachts, prices and availability are correct at the time of publication.
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