Yacht Charters for 12+ Guests

Why is it so hard to find yacht charters for more than 12 guests?

It comes down to strict EU safety regulations. Any yacht carrying more than 12 passengers must be certified as a commercial passenger vessel. That means lifeboats, SOLAS compliance, emergency drills, structural stability—the kind of requirements built for ocean liners, not private yachts.

Most yacht owners won’t go through the expense or red tape. That’s why even large superyachts with 10+ cabins are still capped at 12 guests.

But let’s look at the yachts that can accommodate more than 12 guests:

Tandem Charters – The Smart Way to Scale Up

When one yacht isn’t enough, charter two.

Tandem charters involve booking two (or more) yachts that cruise together—ideal for large groups who want to stay connected while respecting legal limits. Each yacht still carries no more than 12 guests, but together they can accommodate 24, 36, or more, with coordinated itineraries and crews.

We handle all logistics—berthing, provisioning, crew coordination—so your charter runs as one seamless experience across multiple yachts. Ideal for corporate retreats, weddings, or extended families who want space and style.

Chase Boats – Expanding Capacity Without Compromise

Another creative solution: adding a certified chase boat.

If your main yacht is limited to 12 guests, a licensed support vessel can carry additional guests and operate under commercial rules. This keeps your core charter experience intact, while meeting legal safety standards for larger groups.

Chase boats can also transport guests to shore, carry luggage or water toys, and provide privacy or flexibility across your itinerary.

We’ll advise on which chase boats are compatible with your chosen yacht, and how they integrate with crew, meals, and activities.

Best Destinations for Yacht Charters for 12+ Guests

Greece isn’t your only option. If you’re planning a charter for a larger group and want more flexibility, these destinations offer yachts that are legally certified to host 12, 20, even 50+ guests—without the red tape.

Croatia has the biggest fleet of yachts certified for 12+ guests

If you’re struggling to find yachts for more than 12 guests in Greece, Croatia is your best alternative. While it technically follows the same EU regulations, the difference is in the fleet.

Croatia has a large and growing category of small ship cruises and luxury gullets, specifically certified to carry 15, 30, even 50+ guests legally. These vessels are purpose-built or commercially upgraded to handle bigger groups—no loopholes, just licensed capacity.

These yachts book out early, especially for summer events—ask us early if Croatia is on your radar.

See croatian yachts for 12+ guests →

Turkey has much friendlier yacht charter legislation

Turkey is another smart option for large charters. It allows more than 12 guests without the same level of bureaucracy, and the fleet reflects that flexibility.

From deluxe gullets with 8–10+ cabins to motor sailers and custom yachts, Turkey has an excellent range for:

• Family gatherings

• Corporate charters

• Onboard events and celebrations

And you get the added bonus: fantastic value, strong crew hospitality, and gorgeous cruising routes along the Turkish Riviera.

See Turkish yachts for 12+ guests →