Separating Fact From Fiction: Behind The Scenes Of Below Deck Yacht Charters

Recently broadcasting the tenth series of Below Deck: Mediterranean, the show continues to reach viewers around the world as streamlined motor yacht charters explore a range of captivating superyacht playgrounds, with adventures, mishaps, and vibrant characters all thrown in for good measure.

The latest series followed 147.4ft (44.91m) superyacht rental BRAVADO as she made her show debut in the charter routes of Barcelona, welcoming the return of Captain Sandy Yawn at the helm. With fan favorite Chief Stew Aesha Scott also at hand, the series looked on as the cameras picked up a host of activity, including more than one incident with water toys.

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.