A Martha’s Vineyard private sailing charter with Martha’s Vineyard Charter Company costs $2,200 for a full day of 8 hours, $1,375 for five hours, $1,100 for a 4-hour half day, and $825 for a 3-hour charter. That price is for the whole boat, not per person, and covers up to six guests.
Martha’s Vineyard private sailing charter rates at a glance
| Charter | Whole boat | Per person (6 guests) | Per person, per hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Day (8 Hours) | $2,200 | $366.67 | $45.83 |
| 5 Hours | $1,375 | $229.17 | $45.83 |
| 4 Hours (Half Day) | $1,100 | $183.33 | $45.83 |
| 3 Hours* | $825 | $137.50 | $45.83 |
2026 rates. Every charter is private; the price covers your whole group of up to six.
Split six ways, a 3-hour charter works out to about $138 per person, and every charter comes to about $46 per person per hour. That is less than many other group activities on the island, but with us you get two captains and a 42-foot sailboat all to yourselves.
What’s included
- The whole boat. Our Passion is a 42-foot ketch, and every charter is private. You are never grouped with strangers.
- Two USCG-licensed captains. Capt. Mason and Capt. Lynne have been sailing together for ten years. Both hold 100-Ton Master licenses, both are certified lifeguards, and they lead every charter together.
- A trip built around you. Lighthouses, beaches, a swim stop off our swim platform, a harbor visit, or simply a quiet sail. Tell us what you want and we plan the route.
- Swim stops done right. We are the only sailing charter on Martha’s Vineyard with a swim platform and ladder, so getting in and out of the water is easy. Afterward, rinse off with the hot and cold fresh water shower on the stern platform. Two lifeguard-certified captains watch over you the whole time.
- Bring your own food and drinks. Pack a picnic or a celebration spread. Well-behaved dogs are welcome too.
What’s not included
Food and drinks are not provided, since most guests prefer to bring exactly what they like. A 15 to 20% gratuity for the crew is the industry standard and customary, but it is at your discretion.
Private charter vs. a shared boat tour
Shared sightseeing boats sell tickets per person and seat you alongside other groups on a fixed route and schedule. A private charter costs more in total, but for a group of four to six the per-person price often lands closer than people expect, and you get:
- Your own schedule, timed to sunset or to your ferry
- Your own route, with stops where you want them
- An opportunity to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, proposal, or bachelorette party without an audience
- Captains who only focus on your group
Which charter should you choose?
Any length charter can be structured to include sunset. Tell us you want to be on the water when the sun goes down and we will time your departure around it.
- Full Day Charter (8 hours) for multiple ports of call or a longer passage, such as a midsummer Cuttyhunk trip that comes home at sunset.
- 5-Hour Charter, our sweet spot. Enough time for a swim and lunch stop, a sail to Edgartown, or a relaxed sunset without watching the clock.
- 4-Hour Charter (Half Day) for a relaxed sail with time for a swim stop.
- 3-Hour Charter for a relaxed sail. Three hours is our minimum charter length.
Booking and cancellations
Charter dates in July and August book up quickly, as do June and September weekends, so reach out early. You can find our full cancellation and weather policy on our FAQ page.
Ready to plan your sail? See our charters and rates or check availability.
Frequently asked questions (selected from our full FAQ)
How much is a private sailing charter on Martha’s Vineyard?
With Martha’s Vineyard Charter Company, a private full day charter is $2,200 for 8 hours, a 5-hour charter is $1,375, a 4-hour half day is $1,100, and a 3-hour charter is $825. Prices are for the whole boat and up to six guests.
Is the price per person or for the whole boat?
The price is for the whole boat. Your group of up to six has the boat and both captains to yourselves.
What is included in the charter price?
A private 42-foot sailboat, two USCG-licensed captains who are also certified lifeguards, a route planned around your group, and a swim stop when conditions allow. You are welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Do I need to tip the captains?
A 15 to 20% gratuity for the crew is the industry standard and customary, but it is at your discretion.
Have another question? See our full FAQ for weather, cancellations, what to bring, and more.