Costs & Pricing
What Is APA in Yacht Charter?
APA = Advance Provisioning Allowance
The Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) is an advance deposit you pay on top of the base charter fee. The crew uses this fund during the trip to cover: fuel, marina and mooring fees, groceries, drinks, and sometimes shore excursions.
How Much Is APA Typically?
APA is usually 25–35% of the base charter price. For a one-week motor yacht charter at $20,000, that's an additional $5,000–7,000 deposited in advance.
Is Unused APA Refunded?
Yes. At the end of the trip you receive a detailed accounting of all expenses. Unused funds are refunded; expenses beyond the APA are billed afterward.
Does APA Apply to Bareboat Charter Too?
For bareboat charter (no crew), there's typically no classic APA — instead, you pay for fuel and marina fees directly on-site, often against a modest deposit.
Tip
Budget for APA from the start as a fixed part of your costs rather than treating it as a "hidden fee" — reputable operators always disclose it transparently in the offer.
Frequently asked questions
Is APA mandatory for every yacht charter?
For crewed charter yachts, APA is standard. For bareboat charter it usually doesn't apply — instead you pay fuel and marina fees directly.
What happens if the APA isn't enough?
If the deposited amount isn't sufficient, the crew will request an additional payment. Conversely, any surplus is refunded at the end of the trip.
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