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Private yacht charter New York
TL;DR: A private yacht charter in New York is usually two to four hours around the harbor: the Statue of Liberty, Lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge. Small yachts for six start around $700 for two hours; most private motor yachts start around $2,500. In summer, a crewed yacht can also take you for a week to Newport, Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Rates are indicative, vary by yacht, season and itinerary, and are confirmed only in a charter contract.
Vessel Vista is an independent charter guide. We send enquiries to established charter brokerages, and we may earn a referral fee if you book. It doesn't change your price. How this works.
What a New York charter costs
| Yacht | Guests | Indicative price |
|---|---|---|
| Small sail or motor yacht | Up to 6 | From about $700 for 2 hours |
| Private motor yacht, 50–80 ft | 6–30 | From about $2,500 for 3 hours |
| Large event yacht, 100 ft+ | 50+ | From about $4,000 for 2 hours |
Expect a crew gratuity of 10–20% (10% is standard, 20% is for exceptional service), and ask whether catering and bar are included or billed separately. July 4th fireworks, Fleet Week and summer Saturdays carry the highest prices and book months ahead.
The harbor route
- Depart from Chelsea Piers, North Cove Marina at Brookfield Place, or Liberty Harbor in Jersey City.
- South down the Hudson past the Lower Manhattan skyline.
- The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, usually with a slow pass for photos.
- Into the East River under the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges.
- Back along the Hudson at sunset, the most requested time slot.
That loop takes about two hours. Four hours allows a run up the Hudson toward the Palisades, or a swim stop in calmer water outside the harbor.
Six guests or more
A yacht that isn't inspected by the US Coast Guard can carry at most six paying passengers. Many of the nicest smaller yachts fall in this group. For a larger birthday, proposal party or company event, ask specifically for an inspected vessel certified for your number.
A crewed week from New York
From June to September, crewed motor yachts and sailing yachts work the New England coast. A week might run Long Island Sound, the Hamptons, Newport, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.
| Yacht | Charter fee per week (indicative) |
|---|---|
| Crewed sailing yacht or catamaran, 50–70 ft | $25,000–$60,000 |
| Motor yacht, 80–120 ft | $60,000–$200,000 plus APA |
| Superyacht, 120 ft+ | $200,000 to $1,000,000+ plus APA |
See the line-by-line charter cost guide for APA and gratuity.
Questions to ask the operator
- Is the yacht certified for our guest count?
- Which pier do we board from, and is there parking?
- Is food and bar included, or can we bring our own caterer?
- What's the policy if weather or harbor closures cancel the trip?
Common questions
How much does a private yacht charter in New York cost?
Small yachts for up to six guests start around $700 for two hours. Most private motor yachts start around $2,500 for a few hours, and large event yachts for 50 guests or more run about $4,000 for two hours and up. Holiday dates, especially July 4th, cost more.
How long is a typical New York yacht charter?
Two to three hours covers the Statue of Liberty, Lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge. Four hours or more allows a swim stop or a run up the Hudson.
Why do some New York yachts only take six guests?
A yacht that is not inspected by the US Coast Guard can carry at most six paying passengers. Larger groups need an inspected vessel.
Related
Ask about New York availability
Send the date, hours, guest count and budget. We send your enquiry to established charter brokerages, which check available yachts and reply with options and an all-in price.