Dodecanese Islands Yacht Charter Guide
When it comes to selecting a destination for your luxury private yacht charter, Greece is the top choice for many discerning travelers looking for a memorable blend of culture, stunning scenery, and incredible food. The Dodecanese (which translates as ‘twelve islands’) belong to Greece, but many of these isles lie but a short cruise away from the southwestern coast of Turkey – most notably the islands Kos and Rhodes. In fact, the western coast of Asia is only one hundred miles from this scattering of islands, so here you will find lands fought over for centuries by the Crusaders and the Ottomans - each island revealing the footprints of its previous settlers in the flavours of their cuisine and the style of their architecture.
The Dodecanese islands seem unchanged since the times of Odysseus, immersing you in the feel of ancient Greece. The marks of those that have travelled through the region are found, from the Romans and ancient Greeks, through to medieval knights; the rich heritage is also infused with hints of the Byzantine and more recent Italian occupation.The striking island of Rhodes is perhaps the largest and most well-known of the Dodecanese islands.
Some of the prettiest and most unspoiled islands can be found if you venture along the archipelago and explore the smaller islands from your luxury yacht. With limestone cliffs to climb in Kalymnos, beautiful mansions and a picturesque harbor to admire in Symi, and numerous beaches and historical sites, there really is something for every taste. Nisyros is something a little different – built on an active volcano with suitably dramatic landscapes best viewed from the sea. Leros and Tilos are small and charming, and historical Patmos is where St. John wrote his Book of Revelation.
A Greek yacht charter holiday would not be complete without a swim in the crystal blue sea. On your luxury vacation, you will find yourself surrounded by stunning blue water at every turn, contrasting against the white rocks to create the most magical views. The winds can be spectacular for those who dream of sailing the Greek islands, with the Meltemi winds providing an exhilarating ride across the Mediterranean Sea.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The APA, or Advance Provisioning Allowance, is a key component of the yacht charter process. It is a fund paid in advance of your charter, typically equal to 25–40% of the base charter fee, and is used to cover all operational expenses incurred during your trip. This includes fuel, food and beverages, marina fees, port taxes, transfers, and any special arrangements made to tailor your experience.
The APA is held onboard and managed by the yacht’s Captain, who ensures all provisioning and logistics are carried out efficiently and in line with your preferences. Prior to boarding, guests complete a preference sheet, noting dietary requests, beverage selections, activity interests, and more, which guides how the APA is allocated. Every expenditure is documented, and at the end of the charter, a full accounting is provided. Any unspent funds are refunded, while any overages are settled directly with the client.
As an example: if your weekly charter fee is $100,000, an APA of approximately $25,000 to $40,000 would be requested in advance. These funds might be used for cruising fuel, provisioning of meals and drinks, berthing fees, and third-party services such as private transfers or curated onshore excursions.
This system allows for complete flexibility, ensuring that the charter experience can be adjusted in real time, whether you decide to cruise further than originally planned or make spontaneous arrangements along the way. APA funds must be received before embarkation, typically via bank transfer alongside the final balance payment.