Separating Fact From Fiction: Exposing The Truth Behind Below Deck Yacht Charters

Recently broadcasting the tenth series of Below Deck: Mediterranean, the latest series followed 147.4ft (44.91m) superyacht rental BRAVADO as she made her show debut in the charter routes of Barcelona. With adventures, mishaps, and vibrant characters all thrown in, one of the Series 10 primary charter guests has broken their silence on what really happens behind the scenes of Below Deck.

YachtCharterFleet digs even deeper to lift the mask of reality TV and unveil the true luxury yacht charter experience.

Broadly known and accepted as being a reality TV show, privacy for guests on board a Below Deck yacht charter is largely nonexistent. 

Wearing a microphone at all times, every conversation is picked up, with some discussions being cut from recordings to maximise entertainment value on the show.

With camera crews milling around and getting in the faces of those onboard, there's a lot of movement behind the scenes, including multiple new arrivals from the production team throughout the day and night. Providing anything but a relaxing atmosphere.

The costs of a charter with Below Deck are heavily discounted and do not truly represent the costs involved in real bookings.

Carl Moon explains in his video that he believes the €60,000 he paid for a Barcelona yacht charter with the show is approximately what a three or four-day charter would cost; however, this is completely inaccurate, as the fee taken by the producers of the show does not account for all the additional charges related to a charter vacation.  

Comparing the prices side by side, it is evident that no VAT or APA has been charged by the production team of Below Deck, resulting in the incredibly low rate placed on the primary charter guest for inclusion on the reality TV show.

In addition to the standard weekly charges as seen above, it is also customary to add on a tip for the crew. 

Carl Moon states that his charter party provided a €30,000 tip to be split among the crew, on top of what they paid for their charter. Though this seems incredibly generous, this amount still doesn't bring the total cost up to where a realistic Barcelona yacht charter would sit. 

YachtCharterFleet's guide for charter crew gratuity explains that the standard amount sits between 10-20% of the charter cost and is usually discreetly given to the captain for distribution, other than being presented in front of the entire crew, as seen on the show.

For more details surrounding the ins and outs of charter pricing, read the comprehensive YachtCharterFleet guide to yacht charter costs, which includes a charter cost calculator.

While Below Deck Mediterranean often showcases whirlwind three or four-day Mediterranean yacht charters packed with drama and glamour, this format is largely designed for television.

In reality, most luxury yacht charters operate on a weekly basis. This gives charter guests ample time to explore multiple destinations, enjoy the yacht’s full range of premium amenities, and settle into the rhythm of life at sea.

Shorter charters, such as weekend or half-week bookings, are far less common in the industry and are typically only considered during shoulder seasons or when a yacht’s schedule permits. The condensed itineraries on Below Deck are therefore a made-for-TV adaptation, rather than a reflection of standard charter operations.

When it comes to charter costs, Below Deck often leaves out some of the financial fine print. For instance, a Below Deck yacht charter guest from the tenth series of the Mediterranean spin-off reported paying €60,000 for their Barcelona yacht charter, a figure that sounds impressive, but only tells part of the story. That price excluded both VAT (Value Added Tax) and the APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance), which together can add 30–40% to the overall cost of a luxury yacht rental.

In reality, a charter aboard the featured superyacht BRAVADO at the time of filming in August 2024 would have been priced closer to €171,500 per week, including expenses but before crew tips. The difference highlights a key distinction between the show’s television-friendly pricing and the true market rates for large superyacht charters in the West Mediterranean.

Another notable difference that separates fact from fiction lies in the extras surrounding a yacht charter vacation. On Below Deck Mediterranean, guests are reported to arrive from luxury hotels and seamlessly transferred to the yacht as part of their experience.

In reality, however, accommodation and transfers fall outside the charter package.

When booking a yacht in destinations such as the French Riviera or the Balearics, charter guests are responsible for arranging and covering their own hotel stays, flights, and transportation to and from the chosen yacht’s embarkation point.

While brokers can assist with recommendations and logistics, these costs are not included in the base weekly charter fee, meaning the real-world experience is a little less cinematic, but entirely customisable to suit each charter guest’s travel plans and preferences.

While Below Deck Mediterranean thrives on crew tension and behind-the-scenes drama, life aboard a real motor or sailing yacht charter is a very different affair. In reality, professional yacht crews operate under strict industry standards, with qualifications certified by bodies such as the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) or STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping).

Every position on board, from the captain to the deckhands and stewards, is governed by precise protocols to ensure safety, discretion, and impeccable service at all times.

When it comes to tipping the crew of luxury yacht charters, Below Deck often highlights a dramatic handover at the end of the charter, usually in cash and often discussed openly.

In the real world, whether it's a Caribbean, Scandinavia, or an East Mediterranean yacht charter, this process is handled far more privately. Gratuities are a customary expression of appreciation for excellent service, generally ranging between 10% and 20% of the base charter fee, depending on satisfaction and destination norms.

The tip is normally given to the captain, who then distributes it evenly among the entire crew, ensuring that every member, from deckhands to engineers, is acknowledged for their contribution to the charter’s success.

The dynamic between charter guests and crew on Below Deck Mediterranean makes for compelling television, but it’s important to note that real-life yacht charters unfold with far greater discretion and professionalism.

Charter guests rarely experience the level of interpersonal drama or on-camera tension portrayed on screen. Professional yacht crews operate with the utmost respect for guest privacy, and charter guests typically enjoy a seamless, almost invisible level of service.

It’s also worth noting that on real superyacht charters, guest conduct and etiquette reflect the high standards of luxury travel in highly sought-after charter destinations. While Below Deck thrives on occasional tension and entertainment-driven conflict, most charters are defined by mutual respect, relaxation, and a shared appreciation for the exclusive experience of life at sea.

For those curious about stepping into the spotlight, becoming a charter guest on Below Deck Mediterranean involves more than simply signing up for an indulgent South of France yacht charter. Interested primary charter guests must apply through official casting calls published by Bravo or the show’s production team, usually announced ahead of filming each season.

Applicants are typically asked to submit professional photos and a short introduction video, helping producers determine whether they suit the show’s dynamic, luxury-focused environment. While guests on Below Deck pay a discounted charter rate, participants are still required to cover the crew tips. Airfare is arranged by production, but those chosen are expected to have a background in luxury travel or yachting.