So you want to charter a yacht? BoatAffair can help steer you in the right direction
So, you’ve decided to charter a yacht? Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or this is your first time, BoatAffair is here to make your dream a living reality. The first question you might want to ask yourself is: “Where?” It’s a big world out there, and BoatAffair has yacht options in all parts of our blue planet. While we’ll focus on Asia and the Pacific region, this can apply to any part of the world.
The reality is that the majority of global yacht chartering occurs in the Mediterranean. The ‘Med’ has a large inventory and a long-established history of yachting. Asia and the Pacific Ocean present a wide variety of locations but ultimately have fewer operate yachts when compared to Europe. The climate and yachting culture is also different, which means the process of finding, sourcing, and the experience itself all differ slightly.
Here we break down the 6 steps to chartering a yacht, adding some of the aspects that might be different in Asia and the Pacific. Wherever you choose to go, chartering a yacht with BoatAffair Asia Pacific is a highly personalised experience involving personal support from the BoatAffair Asia Pacific MD — Andrew.
Step 1: Decide whether the yacht itself or the region/experience is your main priority
Discuss the time of year you’d like to charter, as this often influences the region or vice versa. This is especially true in Asia Pacific, which has significant climatic variation, both between and within countries. For example, June is winter in Australia, while directly above the equator, it’s summer. Within countries like Indonesia, rainy seasons vary by region. Sea conditions also differ widely. BoatAffair’s MD studied Marine Science and Technology and has a trained eye for everything related to the ocean environment. This doesn't just relate to temperate, it can relate to sea state, wind conditions, humidity and even currents which can impact the estimated APA and destination options.
Step 2: Choosing the right yacht for your region
If you're looking for a specific luxury yacht, we can help you find out which region it operates in. If you're focused on a location or experience, we’ll guide you to the yachts that best suit those. Asia Pacific offers a wide range of experiences. For example, if you want a classic traditional liveaboard, countries like Thailand and Indonesia offer phinisis. These beautifully handcrafted vessels combine luxury with culture and adventure. You genuinely feel like you're discovering a place for the first time when arriving aboard one. Phinisis are best used in calm, protected waters such as Raja Ampat, Komodo and the famous Alor -Banda islands
Alternatively, if you prefer modern luxury yachts, we may suggest Thailand, Fiji, or Australia. These aren't the only options, we even offer adventure yachts. These are custom-built for remote regions and often come with high-tech gear, support systems, and specially designed tenders. Australia's wild, uninhabited east coast is a perfect example of where these operate. Whatever your preference is, we will have something perfect for the location you will be chartering in.
Step 3: Tailor your experience
This is where we really dig into how we can personalise the trip to your needs, and this is where BoatAffair stands out. We’re not an “off-the-shelf” agency. We approach all requests with a “yes we can” attitude. Of course, we’ll be honest if something might not materialise the way you expect. But we’re known for delivering on custom food requests, special equipment, onboard events, massage therapists, and even world-renowned expedition leaders, marine biologists, and wellness professionals. If you can dream it, we may well be able to make it happen.
Step 4: Secure your booking
This works like most charters. Most yachts (though not all) have a fixed base price plus an APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance). This covers extras like fuel, park/government fees, and other trip-related costs. We provide an itemised list and return any unused balance.
Transparency is key in yacht chartering and this is something we take seriously. BoatAffair is based in London, Switzerland, and Singapore. We don't just value transparency and integrity personally, we operate within three of the world’s most respected legal jurisdictions. When you work with us, you can do so with complete peace of mind.
Step 5: Prepare for departure
You’ll receive detailed updates about your itinerary, crew, travel tips, and ongoing support. This sounds simple, but in practice, many “brokers” vanish after the deposit. BoatAffair does the opposite. We stay with you in the lead-up to your trip. Life happens, and things can change, especially before a once-in-a-lifetime journey. We're available across time zones and always here to help.
Step 6: Embark on your voyage
At last, you're ready for the trip of a lifetime. Our voyages are more than just a way to take a break, they’re often genuinely transformative. Guests often tell us they return home not just recharged, but with a renewed sense of perspective and energy they didn’t know they had.
By this stage, everything is mostly in place, but again, this is where BoatAffair’s unique approach makes a difference. We’re available during your trip and often know the crew personally. That means we can respond quickly to changes or new requests. It doesn’t even stop there, we are available after your trip to assist with any follow ups like collecting videos/photos from your trip that require time to be edited and formatted.