CHARTER MARKET REPORT
JANUARY - JUNE (H1) 2025
OVERVIEW
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
LATEST GLOBAL CHARTER MARKET TRENDS
GLOBAL CHARTER BOOKINGS 2025 YTD BY LOCATION
SUMMER SEASON 2025 YTD CHARTER BOOKINGS BY LOCATION
WINTER SEASON 2024 - 2025 CHARTER BOOKINGS BY LOCATION
GLOBAL CHARTER FLEET OUTLOOK
DISCLAIMER
The IYC team has worked hard to ensure that all facts and information printed in this report at the time of publication are correct. IYC cannot accept responsibility for any errors, omission or inaccuracies and is not responsible for or owes any duty of care to any party seeking to rely on the content of the report. Any such reliance shall be taken at the persons’ own responsibility. No part of this report may be reproduced without the permission of IYC.
Executive summary
The 2025 charter market opened on a strong footing, with solid performance during the winter season and high demand carrying through the first quarter. However, as macroeconomic uncertainty intensified, momentum softened over the course of H1. While overall demand moderated in the second quarter, the market remains on track to deliver a healthy summer season, with charter activity showing signs of strengthening as the peak months approach.
This report aims to present a comprehensive overview of the charter market in 2025, with a particular emphasis on global booking patterns and reservation trends for the summer and winter seasons. IYC continues to closely track market dynamics and evolving client preferences, both of which are significantly influencing industry trends.
The
IYC Intelligence Team
Latest Charter Market Trends & Outlook
Early Bookings in Q1 Give Way to LateSeason Surge
The start of 2025 saw strong booking momentum, signaling a promising season ahead. However, macroeconomic factors tempered this early activity, leading to softer demand during Q2. As the summer progressed, demand shifted increasingly toward last-minute bookings, with a noticeable uptick in requests during June. Overall, the summer charter season remains healthy, though with a more compressed booking window compared to previous years.
Last-Minute Bookings and Special Offers
With clients adopting a more cautious approach during Q2 amid ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty, the market saw an increase in lastminute charter bookings. In response to shifting demand patterns, there was also a noticeable rise in special offers as the market adjusted to evolving client behavior.
East Mediterranean Leadership
The East Mediterranean region with the accounting for 53% date in 2025. This charter activity in Greece remains destination, while trajectory, steadily
Mediterranean Maintains Market
Mediterranean continues to be the the highest charter demand, 53% of total bookings year-toThis strength is driven by robust in both Greece and Croatia. the world’s leading charter Croatia continues its positive steadily increasing its market share.
Expanding Charter Fleet Increases Competition
The global charter fleet continues to expand, with more yachts available for charter. As the fleet grows, competition among yachts is intensifying, making it increasingly important for each vessel to differentiate itself in the marketplace. Additionally, although overall charter activity remains healthy, the expanding fleet, particularly in certain regions, is leading to a lower average number of weeks booked per yacht.
Healthy 2025 Winter Charter Season Drives Early Bookings for 2026
Following a healthy 2025 winter charter season, during which the Caribbean and Bahamas accounted for a dominant 88% market share, momentum is building for the 2026 season. Early enquiries are translating into confirmed bookings, with brokerage firms actively securing prime dates and top yachts for clients eager to lock in their winter plans.
Global Bookings By Location 2025
% Charter Bookings by location - Full year (2024
VS 2025 YTD)
2024 - % OF BOOKINGS BY LOCATION YACHTS 66’ (20 m)+
ITS POSITION #1 CHARTER DESTINATION GLOBALLY WITH A MARKET
IN 2025
2025 YTD -
%
OF BOOKINGS BY LOCATION YACHTS 66’ (20 m)+
RETAINED POSITION AS THE CHARTER DESTINATION GLOBALLY MARKET SHARE OF
Summer Season 2025 YTD Bookings By Location
Charter bookings for the summer season (May to October) opened on a positive note. While early Q1 demand was strong, momentum eased in Q2 amid broader macroeconomic caution. Activity picked up closer to the peak summer months, following typical seasonal trends.
The EAST MEDITERRANEAN remains the dominant charter region, accounting for 53% of bookings.
• GREECE: Continues to lead globally, with market share at 31%, versus 30% in 2024.
• CROATIA: Has grown to hold a 16% share, confirming a growing trend.
• TURKEY: Maintained a stable market share of 6%.
The West Mediterranean holds a 45% share, in line with 2024.
• FRANCE: Remains the second most booked destination at 21%, showing steady demand.
• ITALY: Holds 18% of bookings, mirroring last year’s levels.
• THE BALEARICS (SPAIN) : Saw a marginal decline to 6%, compared to 7% in 2024.
Outside of the Mediterranean, THE BAHAMAS and NEW ENGLAND together account for 4% of summer bookings, a modest improvement compared to last year.
NUMBER OF WEEKS BOOKED
NUMBER OF WEEKS BOOKED BY REGION YACHTS 66’ (20 m)+ (SUMMER SEASON 2019 - 2025 YTD)
% Charter Bookings By Location
Summer Season 2025 YTD
% OF BOOKINGS BY LOCATION 2024 YACHTS 66’ (20 m)+
MEDITERRANEAN CROATIA, TURKEY) REMAINSX TO DATE OF BOOKINGS, MARKET SHARE AT
% OF BOOKINGS BY LOCATION 2025 YTD
YACHTS 66’ (20 m)+
Winter Season 2024 - 2025 - 2026 YTD
Bookings By Location
The 2025 winter charter season (November 2024 to April 2025) recorded healthy performance, with bookings up 44% compared to the slower 2024 season. Growth was primarily driven by increased demand in the Caribbean, while The Bahamas saw a reduced share. Bookings for the 2026 winter season are already underway, mainly for the Caribbean, The Bahamas, and Southeast Asia.
THE BAHAMAS: Activity improved from 2024 levels but remains below the peaks seen during the pandemic years. Market share declined to 28%, down from 36% in 2024.
CARIBBEAN: The Caribbean continues to dominate as the leading winter yachting destination, accounting for 60% of bookings, an increase over the previous year.
SOUTHEAST ASIA: Market share increased compared to the 2024 season, reflecting growing interest in the region.
INDIAN OCEAN: Booking activity remained notably low compared to previous seasons, resulting in a reduced market share.
SOUTH PACIFIC: Charter activity was stable and in line with last season.
NUMBER OF WEEKS BOOKED
NUMBER OF WEEKS BOOKED BY REGION YACHTS 66’ (20 m)+ (2020 - 2026 YTD)
% Charter Bookings By Location Winter Seasons 2024 - 2025
% OF BOOKINGS BY LOCATION 2024 YACHTS 66’ (20 m)+
RECORDED MOST BOOKINGS AT
CARIBBEAN BAHAMAS RECORDED WINTER BOOKINGS AT AN 88% MARKET SHARE
%
OF BOOKINGS BY LOCATION 2025 YACHTS 66’ (20 m)+
Global Charter Fleet Outlook
The global charter fleet continues to grow at a steady pace, now exceeding 2,300 yachts over 66 feet (20 meters) available for charter. This expansion is driven by strong demand and a rising number of owners opting to charter their vessels to help offset operational costs. As the fleet grows, competition among yachts is intensifying, making it increasingly important for each vessel to differentiate itself in the marketplace. At the same time, charter-ready yachts are becoming appealing investment opportunities for prospective buyers. This upward trend is expected to continue through 2025.
IYC Strengthens Its Leadership Position In The Charter Market
IYC is a leading company in the charter market, managing the largest superyacht fleet worldwide. We are proud to represent some of the best yachts on the market globally.
Performance Driven Results
IYC manages the largest charter fleet across key cruising grounds 25% In-House Bookings Booked by IYC’s retail charter brokers
4650+ Days of charter booked +285% Fleet Growth Since 2015
600+ Contracts Booked In 2025 YTD
+165 Yachts In the IYC Charter fleet Largest fleet worldwide
Total value of Charter Fees booked in 2025 YTD $135+M of Charters through IYC.COM in 2025 YTD 30% in 2025 YTD
The IYC Charter Fleet Evolution
IYC manages a meticulously curated portfolio of exceptional charter yachts, positioned in some of the world’s top yachting destinations, including Greece, Croatia, France, Italy, Spain, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, New England, the Maldives, and Australia. Thanks to our deep expertise, our fleet has experienced significant growth — expanding by +285% in recent years — to now encompass over 165 superyachts. Our proven success in maximizing charter bookings and efficiently managing yachts has earned the trust of owners worldwide. With offices strategically located across all major cruising grounds, IYC combines the reach and resources of a global company with the personalized service and local expertise that set us apart.
IYC CHARTER FLEET CONFIGURATION
SIZE RANGE (%) 2025 YTD
66’-99’ (20-30m) 24%
99’-131’ (30-40m) 32%
131’-164’ (40-50m) 27%
164’-197’ (50-60m) 14%
197’+ (60m+) 3%
INCREASE IN THE IYC CHARTER FLEET WITH 122 YACHTS ADDED SINCE 2015
IYC GLOBAL CHARTER FLEET EVOLUTION 2019 - 2025 YTD
