Welcome to the ultimate 2025 Megayacht Guide, your definitive resource for exploring the world of luxury yachting. Giga yachts are synonymous with opulence and cutting-edge technology and offer unparalleled experiences on the water. Whether you’re dreaming of exotic voyages, relaxing on board in the sun, or seeking the perfect vessel for entertaining in style, this guide provides everything you need to know—including insights on explorer yachts and luxury yacht charter options for those craving adventure and comfort.
Image Source: KISMET 2014 312′ 3″ LURSSEN Motor Yacht
From the latest trends in yacht design to in-depth reviews of top yacht builders, we cover it all. Learn about the advanced features, luxurious amenities, and unique customization options that set luxury yachts apart. This guide is designed for both seasoned yachting enthusiasts and newcomers, offering expert insights and practical advice to help you make informed decisions when buying a megayacht—or planning a luxury yacht charter tailored to your lifestyle.
Explorer yachts continue to gain popularity as they combine rugged seaworthiness with high-end comfort, making them ideal for long-range travel and off-the-grid exploration. These vessels are redefining what it means to venture beyond the typical cruising grounds in style.
Dive into our comprehensive guide and start your journey towards owning or chartering the superyacht of your dreams. Discover the pinnacle of luxury and performance in the yachting world with YATCO today, whether you’re searching for a custom build, an adventurous explorer yacht, or the perfect luxury yacht charter experience.
Table of contents
- What is a Megayacht?
- Is there a Difference Between a Megayacht and a Superyacht?
- How Much are Yachts?
- How Long Does It Take to Build a Yacht?
- How Much Fuel Does a Yacht Use?
- Can Large Yachts Cross the Atlantic?
- How Far Can A Megayacht Travel?
- How Fast Can a Megayacht Go?
- How Much Does It Cost to Maintain a Megayacht?
- How to Charter a Superyacht?
- How Many Luxury Yachts Exist?
- Who Owns the Biggest Megayacht?
- Why are Yachts Limited to 12 guests?
What is a Megayacht?
A megayacht or a superyacht is a large, luxury vessel with private crew, usually ranging from 24m (79ft) to more than 180m (590ft). These types of yachts usually include, several decks, opulent interiors, many water toys, can travel long distances, and are often chartered out to guests.
Is there a Difference Between a Megayacht and a Superyacht?
No, these terms are used interchangeably within the industry to describe luxury yachts greater than 24m (79ft). Both yacht types will have a full-service crew, including a captain and a personal chef, to cater to the needs of everyone onboard.
How Much are Yachts?
Yachts range in price based on various factors:
- Year of the vessel: How old is it? When did it last have a refit? How well has it been maintained? A well-maintained yacht with modern upgrades will generally hold more value than an older vessel requiring extensive work.
- Yacht size: Larger yachts will cost considerably more than smaller vessels. This is due to building materials and the amenities on board. Larger yachts also require more crew, which increases ongoing expenses. Additionally, more spacious yachts offer luxury features such as pools, helipads, and custom interiors, further driving up costs.
- Yacht builder: Who the yacht builder is that completed your megayacht will have a lot to do with the price. Many names carry high prestige in the yacht world, and the price will be reflected in that (like a Ferrari vs. a Toyota, for example). Custom-built yachts from elite shipyards often fetch a premium.
- Running costs: While not included in the upfront price, it’s important to keep in mind that you will have running costs for the yacht. These include fuel, crew wages, management fees, as well as marketing and broker fees if you plan to charter. Dockage, maintenance, and insurance must also be factored in, as they contribute significantly to the overall cost of ownership.
How Long Does It Take to Build a Yacht?
On average, it takes roughly three to four years to build a fully custom luxury yacht. A fully-custom yacht takes the longest time as it is completely unique to the owner, while semi-custom-built boats take roughly a quarter to half that time, as elements of the yacht are already designed.
For a custom-built superyacht, this timeline includes the various phases of the project before it becomes the yacht that is delivered to you:
- Yacht design: Every dream starts with a vision and building a megayacht is no different. You’ll work with an experienced team to discuss what you’d like your dream yacht to look like and work with your designer to help it come to life.
- Engineering: Upon completing the design, engineers will work with your naval architect and surveyors to ensure everything meets the safety requirements.
- Construction: Now it’s the building process! The hull and superstructure are laid first and this alone can take months of work by hundreds of employees at the shipyard.
- Yacht Interiors: The yacht interior phase isn’t just the furniture and soft coverings, but the insulation, bulkheads, railings, painting, refrigeration, and everything else that needs to be installed.
- Sea trials: It’s time to make sure the yacht meets all safety standards by passing a sea trial. This is when the shipyard team will make sure everything works as it should before handing it over to you, the new owner.
- Delivery: Congratulations! Your new megayacht is now ready to be enjoyed!
How Much Fuel Does a Yacht Use?
Mega or super yachts use a lot of fuel, but just how much will depend on a few things. How big is the yacht? How fuel-efficient are the engines? How far is the yacht traveling between destinations? Is the yacht using a lot of water toys that also take up fuel?
Fuel is one of the biggest running costs to consider when owning a mega yacht. As an example, a 70m yacht will use around 500 liters of fuel an hour.
Can Large Yachts Cross the Atlantic?
Many mega or superyachts follow a seasonal migration pattern, spending summers in the Mediterranean and winters in the Caribbean to take advantage of the best weather conditions and high-demand charter seasons. This transatlantic journey, covering approximately 3,000 nautical miles, is a significant undertaking that requires meticulous planning and preparation.
The crossing typically takes anywhere from 10 days to three weeks, depending on the yacht’s cruising speed, weather conditions, and whether it stops for refueling or provisioning along the way. Some yachts choose to refuel in the Canary Islands or Bermuda to break up the journey, while others, particularly those with long-range capabilities, make the crossing nonstop.
Before setting off, ensuring the yacht is fully stocked with food, water, and fuel is essential, as unexpected delays due to weather or mechanical issues can extend the trip. A thorough check of all systems—including engines, generators, navigation equipment, and safety gear—is critical to confirm that the yacht is seaworthy for such a demanding voyage. Additionally, having an experienced crew, including a seasoned captain and engineer, is vital to handling any challenges that may arise during the journey.
How Far Can A Megayacht Travel?
The distance a yacht can travel will depend on a few factors and is usually defined by the “range” it can go. The size of the vessel and the yacht’s fuel tank will be the biggest indicator of how far it can travel on one tank. However, the weather conditions and type of cruising will also be a factor. As yachts get more and more efficient, they will be able to go further for longer. Most mega or super yachts will have a range of 1,000 – 3,000 nautical miles before needing to refuel.
How Fast Can a Megayacht Go?
Mega or super yachts will usually have two different speeds listed when you look at their specifications. A maximum speed shows the fastest speed the yacht is capable of, while the cruising speed is how the yacht travels on a daily basis. The world’s fastest megayacht is 41.5m (136ft) FONERS, which can reach a top speed of 70 knots, and has held this position since 2000.
How Much Does It Cost to Maintain a Megayacht?
As a general guideline, mega or super yachts will cost roughly 10-20% of the original price of the yacht to maintain annually. These running costs include fuel, insurance, maintenance, and yacht crew wages.
How to Charter a Superyacht?
With nearly 3,000 superyachts available around the world to charter, there are many options to choose from. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in yacht charter inquiries, thanks to the privacy and exceptional service they provide.
As with most things related to this yacht type, your best point of entry is to speak with a reputable charter broker. They will be able to advise you on the best yachts available to charter based on your needs and requirements. They usually have great insight into the yacht crew, locations they cruise, and their charter history. Chartering a megayacht is unlike any vacation you’ve taken before, so you want to ensure you have the best advisor working with you.
How Many Luxury Yachts Exist?
The global fleet of luxury yachts is always changing and evolving. Most searches will tell you there are approximately 10,000 superyachts afloat today, although that number is likely closer to 9,000 when speaking specifically of these yachts over 24m (79ft).
Who Owns the Biggest Megayacht?
The world’s largest yacht is AZZAM, which measures 180m (592ft) and can accommodate 36 guests and 80 yacht crew members. She was previously owned by the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nayhan before his death in May 2022 and remains with his family today.
Why are Yachts Limited to 12 guests?
Regardless of the size of the yacht, there is a maximum allowance of 12 charter guests plus crew due to the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention, as regulated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Megayachts that wish to carry more than 12 guests have to be classified as commercial vessels, which are licensed for up to 36 guests. The process to qualify as a commercial yacht is very stringent and expensive, and it can affect the overall design as certain safety features must be implemented, which is why most of the mega or superyachts on the water are limited to 12 guests.
Before you start your search for a luxury yacht, it’s always a good idea to work with a reputable broker. If you’re new to the yachting industry, have a look at YATCO’s extensive database to peruse the current megayachts for sale. To stay up to date with the latest megayacht news, please sign up to the YATCO newsletter.
