Superyachts featured on Below Deck & how to charter one
A closer look at the superyachts, costs and experience behind the show
For many people, their first glimpse into the world of superyachts does not come from a marina or a Mediterranean anchorage - it comes from the television series Below Deck.
The show has, without question, introduced a wider audience to yacht charter. Between the polished interiors, the extraordinary destinations and the occasional onboard drama, it has made the idea of chartering a superyacht feel both glamorous and, perhaps for the first time, accessible.
Which naturally leads to the question: Can you actually charter the yachts you see on Below Deck?
Yes, you can. The yachts featured on the series are genuine charter vessels, operating in destinations such as the Mediterranean and Caribbean. But as with most things in yachting, the reality is a little more refined - and far more considered - than television suggests!
The yachts behind the show
While Below Deck is designed for entertainment, the yachts themselves are very real, and several have long-standing reputations within the charter market.
Yachts such as My Seanna, The Wellington and St David represent the upper end of the charter fleet; all large, professionally run vessels designed to host up to twelve guests with complete comfort. Meanwhile, Parsifal III offers a different perspective entirely: a sailing yacht where the journey itself becomes part of the experience.
It is worth noting that yachts are occasionally renamed for television and availability changes from season to season. However, the more important takeaway is not the individual yacht, but what they represent: the standard of charter available across the global fleet.
What the show gets right - and what it doesn't
There is a reason Below Deck resonates. It captures elements of charter life that are entirely accurate.
The level of service is exceptional. Crews are highly trained and work incredibly hard. And yes, manoeuvring a large yacht in a tight harbour can occasionally be… tense! But beyond that, the real charter experience is far more refined than the format of a television programme allows.
In practice, charters are carefully orchestrated well before guests step on board. Preferences are discussed in detail, itineraries are thoughtfully planned, and the crew’s role is to ensure everything runs smoothly and discreetly. The emphasis is not on drama, but on ease, most definitely the sense that everything has been anticipated before it is even asked for. In other words, the luxury you see on screen is real. The chaos is not!
What it actually means to charter a "Below Deck" style yacht
For those searching “Below Deck yachts charter” or wondering how to recreate that experience, the key point is this: you do not need to charter the exact yacht from the show to enjoy the same level of experience.
The global charter fleet includes hundreds of yachts offering comparable - and often even more tailored - experiences.
What matters far more than the name found on the stern is:
- The quality and reputation of the crew
- How the yacht is set up for guests
- The itinerary and destination
- How well the charter is planned from the outset
This is where working with an experienced brokerage becomes essential. At SNS Yacht Charter, the focus is not on replicating a television programme, but on understanding what the client actually wants from their time on the water and matching them to the right yacht accordingly.
For some, that might be a large motor yacht designed for entertaining. For others, it may be a quieter sailing yacht with a more relaxed pace. The experience is always tailored, never generic.
How much does it cost to charter a superyacht?
Another common question - often prompted by the show - is cost.
For yachts of the size typically seen on Below Deck, weekly charter rates generally start from around € 150,000 and can exceed € 300,000 or more, depending on the yacht, season and location. This covers the yacht and crew, with additional expenses such as fuel, food, moorings & VAT usually calculated separately.
See more information HERE.
While the figures are significant, they reflect what is being offered: a fully crewed private yacht, operating as a floating luxury villa, with a team dedicated entirely to the guest experience.
The experience beyond the screen
What television cannot fully capture is the rhythm of a real charter. It is the quiet moments as much as the spectacular ones - waking in a calm anchorage, moving between destinations at your own speed, spending an afternoon swimming off the stern before dinner is served on deck.
It is also the flexibility. Plans can shift with the weather, with mood, or simply because something unexpected catches your attention. For many clients, that freedom becomes the defining part of the experience.
Finding the right yacht for you
For anyone inspired by Below Deck, the next step is not to focus on a specific yacht, but to consider the kind of charter experience that would suit you best.
That might mean a sleek motor yacht for long lunches, lively anchorages and effortless island-hopping, or a sailing yacht where the pace is slower and the journey feels just as rewarding as the destination. What matters most is finding a yacht, crew and itinerary that feel well matched to you.
The best charters are rarely about recreating something seen on screen. They are about creating an experience that feels personal, seamless and entirely your own.
The real experience is quieter, more personal and considerably more enjoyable. And while you are unlikely to encounter quite as many dramatic crew meetings, you will find something far more valuable in their place: time, space and the freedom to experience the sea to your own beat.