Yacht Charter America
Discover America’s spectacular sailing destinations with our premium yacht charter services. From New England to the Florida Keys, Pacific Northwest to San Francisco—diverse coastal adventures await.
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Best Price Match
Independent quotes across fleets with our lowest price guarantee
Local Insight
Routes, permits and moorings handled by regional charter experts
Concierge Support
Concierge help before, during and after your charter
Approved Fleets
Vetted, modern, and well-maintained yachts from leading providers
Yacht Charter United States Highlights
New England (Maine to Rhode Island)
Historic harbours, charming coastal towns, iconic lighthouses, and excellent summer sailing. Newport, Martha's Vineyard, and Penobscot Bay deliver classic American sailing.
Florida Keys
Year-round tropical sailing with coral reefs, clear waters, laid-back island culture, and excellent fishing. Key West offers vibrant nightlife and historic charm.
San Francisco Bay & Northern California
World-famous sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge, consistent winds, excellent facilities, and access to stunning coastal towns like Sausalito.
Pacific Northwest (Puget Sound & San Juan Islands)
Dramatic mountain scenery, abundant wildlife including orcas, protected waters, and authentic Pacific Northwest culture. Seattle to Victoria, BC.
Chesapeake Bay
America's largest estuary with hundreds of protected anchorages, historic towns like Annapolis, excellent seafood, and rich maritime heritage.
Southern California (Channel Islands)
Catalina Island, Channel Islands National Park, consistent sunshine, Mediterranean climate, and excellent facilities from San Diego to Santa Barbara.
United States Sailing Itinerary
United States Yacht Charter Types
Bareboat
- Complete freedom to explore at your own pace
- Lower cost option for experienced sailors
- Privacy and independence
- Choose your own route and schedule
Skippered
- Local expert knowledge of hazards and best anchorages
- No sailing qualifications required
- Stress-free navigation and mooring
- Learn while you sail!
Catamaran
- Spacious living areas and stability
- Shallow draft for accessing secluded bays
- Perfect for families and larger groups
- Two hulls means more privacy and space for wet-gear and toys
Crewed Luxury
- Chef, captain and concierge experience
- Professional crew handles everything
- Tailored menus, activities and privacy
- Ultimate relaxation and comfort
Yacht Charter United States: Guide Prices
| Season | Bareboat | Catamaran | Crewed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Season (May, Oct-Nov) | USD 3,200 | USD 5,500 | USD 11,000 |
| Mid Season (Apr, Sep, Dec) | USD 4,000 | USD 6,800 | USD 13,500 |
| High Season (Jun-Aug, Jan-Mar for Keys) | USD 5,500 | USD 9,500 | USD 19,000 |
| Off Season (varies by region) | USD 2,800 | USD 4,800 | USD 9,500 |
How it Works
Tell Us Your Dates & Preferences
Share your preferred dates, group size, experience level, and any special requirements. Our team will help you find the perfect yacht and itinerary.
Receive Your Custom Quote
Get personalised quotes with our lowest price guarantee, multiple yacht options, and itinerary suggestions. No obligation, completely free.
Book & Confirm
Once you're happy with your selection, we'll handle all paperwork, coordinate payments, and confirm your booking with the charter company.
Pre-Charter Support
Receive detailed information about your yacht, marina, provisioning options, and our recommended itinerary.
Sail Away!
Arrive at the marina, complete your check-in and briefing, and set sail on your sailing adventure. Any issues, we're available to help.
Why Choose SailScanner?
Choose SailScanner for a smarter way to book your dream sailing holiday: our FREE concierge compares 500+ trusted providers across 300+ destinations, then hand-picks the best yachts and routes for you—no fees, no faff. Dive into expert destination guides and ready-made itineraries, then let us match you to the perfect trip in minutes. Smooth planning, standout trips, zero extra cost.
Yacht Charter United States FAQs
For bareboat charters in the USA, you’ll need a recognised sailing qualification such as RYA Day Skipper, ASA 104, or equivalent. You should also demonstrate recent sailing experience—most charter companies require at least 2 weeks of bareboat experience within the last 3 years, plus a resume or logbook showing your competence. Requirements can vary by charter company and region. Some areas like San Francisco Bay or the Pacific Northwest require more advanced skills due to challenging conditions. If you’re uncertain or new to a specific region, a skippered charter provides local expertise and stress-free sailing.
The best sailing season varies significantly by region. New England: June-September (peak July-August) with warm weather but afternoon thunderstorms possible. Florida Keys: November-April for best weather, year-round sailing possible. Chesapeake Bay: May-October with comfortable temperatures. Pacific Northwest: June-September with driest weather. California: Year-round sailing, best April-October. Each region has distinct seasons and weather patterns. Florida provides winter sailing whilst New England and Pacific Northwest are summer destinations. Contact us for specific regional timing advice based on your preferences.
Yacht charter prices in the USA vary significantly by region, season, and vessel type. A basic 38-40ft monohull bareboat typically starts from USD $3,200/week in low season up to USD $5,500/week in peak season. Premium destinations like New England in summer or the Keys in winter command higher rates. Catamarans cost 60-80% more. Skippered charters add USD $180-250/day, whilst fully crewed luxury charters start from USD $11,000/week. Budget for substantial extras: fuel (USD $300-600), provisioning (USD $100-150/person), marina fees (USD $50-150/night in major ports), and any permits. Contact us for region-specific quotes.
Standard yacht charters typically include: the yacht itself, standard equipment and safety gear, bed linen and towels, final cleaning, and dinghy with outboard motor. Not included are: fuel, food and beverages, marina and mooring fees (which vary significantly—New England and Pacific Northwest marinas can be expensive), pump-out fees, skipper/crew (unless booked), and optional extras like fishing gear or paddleboards. Always check your charter contract for specific inclusions as these can vary between charter companies.
For charter yachts, your recognised sailing qualifications are generally sufficient. The charter company typically provides necessary vessel documentation. However, you should be aware of specific requirements: a VHF radio operator’s licence is recommended (though not always enforced for charterers), navigation lights must be properly displayed, you must follow USCG (US Coast Guard) regulations, and certain areas may have specific local rules. Your charter company will brief you on all requirements and provide necessary documentation. International visitors should bring their sailing credentials and passport. Each charter company handles vessel registration and required paperwork.
US sailing regions have very different conditions. New England: Variable weather, fog common in summer, afternoon sea breezes, watch for afternoon thunderstorms. Florida Keys: Generally calm, watch for afternoon thunderstorms in summer, occasional strong fronts in winter. Chesapeake Bay: Protected waters, afternoon thunderstorms in summer, excellent for beginners. Pacific Northwest: Cool temperatures, rain possible even in summer, strong tidal currents, excellent wildlife. California: Consistent winds, fog common, afternoon sea breezes can be strong. Each region requires different preparation and skills. Your charter company will provide detailed briefings on local conditions, weather patterns, and hazards. Always monitor weather forecasts and VHF weather channels.