Intro
It’s one of the most talked-about reality shows on the water. From high-drama guests to picture-perfect destinations, Below Deck has introduced millions to the world of yacht charters. But how close is it to the real thing?
After 25+ years in the yachting industry, we’ve seen it all — the good, the glamorous, and the downright chaotic. And while the show gets some things right, there’s a lot the cameras don’t show. If you’re curious about how Below Deck stacks up to a real charter experience, you’re in the right place.
Here’s our insider take.
The yachts from Below Deck: some truth, some adjustments or selections for the show
True: the yachts featured in Below Deck are real yachts that are indeed usually available for charter
The yachts featured in Below Deck are real yachts that are indeed usually available for charter. They’re not props or stage sets — these are genuine vessels, often operating in high-end charter markets before, during, and after their time on the show.
Less true: Many of the yachts featured in Below Deck have been refitted and/or renamed for the show
Many of the yachts featured in Below Deck have been refitted and/or renamed for the show. Production teams often request modifications to better suit filming, and names are changed to protect the privacy of the yacht owner and past charter clients. So while the boat itself is real, what you see isn’t always exactly how it looks or functions during a typical charter week.
Keep in mind for a real charter: not all yachts for charter are superyachts with big crew
Not all yachts for charter are superyachts with big crew. Below Deck showcases the upper end of the market — typically yachts 45 meters and up, with full teams of deckhands, stews, chefs, and engineers. In reality, the majority of yachts available for charter are smaller and may come with just a captain and chef — or even be self-catered, depending on your budget and preferences.
Read also: Below Deck : The main yachts of the reality show
The crew: Below Deck and real crew life onboard are… quite different
True
The crew is there to attend to customers’ needs — even the most odd, last-minute, or over-the-top requests. Like in real life, their job is to make the guests’ experience seamless and memorable, no matter how demanding the client may be.
Less true
A normal charter company hires crew for personality fit, skills, and discretion — not to ensure drama like a TV show would. Below Deck needs entertaining television, so crew members are often selected not just for their qualifications, but for how well they’ll perform on camera and create “good TV.”
Our expert view
In real life, charter companies try to hire crew that they can trust with their guests and work with long term. Reputation matters. Clients expect professionalism, consistency, and privacy — which means most crews are discreet, adaptable, and drama-free. The best ones stay with the same yacht for years.
Read also: 6 THINGS ABOUT ST DAVID BELOW DECK SUPERYACHT (PRICE, LOCATION, OWNER)
Are guests from Below Deck the standard in the yacht charter world?
What’s true:
Many guests do have very luxurious — and sometimes “unique” — expectations. From specific flower arrangements to last-minute theme parties or rare wines, high-end charter clients often have detailed requests. That’s part of delivering a tailored, luxury experience.
What’s less true:
Very few guests are as extreme in their behaviour as what’s displayed on the TV show. The dramatic outbursts, tantrums, or intentionally provocative behavior? That’s the exception, not the rule — and often encouraged (or edited) to keep viewers hooked.
From our experience:
Guests simply try to relax from day one and are very respectful to the crew in the vast majority of charters. Most clients are families, couples, or groups of friends just looking to disconnect and enjoy quality time on the water. The relationship with the crew is typically warm, friendly, and built on mutual respect.
Are the sailing destinations picked in Below Deck true yachties destinations ?
True:
Most destinations featured in Below Deck are true staple sailing destinations. The show films in iconic charter hubs like the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and more recently, places like Norway and Australia — all very popular with real charter clients and yacht owners alike.
Less true:
You can’t always jump from one destination to the next without proper planning and weather routing. On the show, it sometimes looks like you can spontaneously decide to cruise to the next island or port — but in real life, routing depends on weather, permits, distance, and local regulations.
In real life:
A broker, along with the captain, will help you pick a destination and an itinerary that truly matches your expectations. Whether you’re after secluded bays, cultural stops, water sports, or nightlife, a well-planned itinerary balances guest preferences, safe cruising conditions, and local knowledge — not just what looks best on TV.
Read also: WHO OWNS THE SUPERYACHTS IN BELOW DECK
What Below Deck doesn’t show well that are inherently a part of a successful yacht charter
Refit cycles:
Yachts of this size often undergo extensive refits — sometimes lasting months — to stay up to standard. It’s part of the lifecycle of any vessel, but not something viewers ever see.
Safety checks:
A yacht might look like a floating hotel, but it’s still a vessel at sea. Fire drills, life-saving equipment, engine checks, and compliance with maritime safety codes are critical before any departure. Yes, even superyachts can sink — so safety isn’t optional.
Provisioning:
Not exactly thrilling TV, but provisioning is a massive part of pre-charter planning. Food, wine, flowers, custom-requested items — your broker and crew coordinate everything, often weeks in advance, to ensure a seamless experience once you’re onboard.
Paperwork:
Chartering a yacht involves contracts, insurance, flag regulations, port permits, visa requirements, tax obligations, and mooring bookings — all the behind-the-scenes admin that ensures the trip is smooth and legal. It’s invisible to guests, but absolutely essential.
Crew logistics:
From travel arrangements to crew rotations, training, and certifications, crew management is an ongoing job. The team you see onboard is just the tip of the iceberg — there’s a whole system behind them making sure everything runs efficiently.
What our clients and people in the sailing industry usually think of the Below Deck serie
Most clients are glad that a normal charter is never as chaotic as Below Deck
Most clients are glad to find that a normal charter is nothing like the chaos on Below Deck. Real charters run smoothly and professionally, with crews focused on making guests feel relaxed and cared for — not caught up in drama or conflict. The experience is all about comfort and enjoyment, far from the stressful scenes you see on TV.
The crew is happy to never really experience the level of drama Below Deck crew seem to have
The crew is usually relieved that real yacht life isn’t as dramatic as it looks on Below Deck. Most professionals value teamwork, respect, and smooth operations over conflict — and prefer a calm, efficient work environment rather than the constant tension the show portrays.
The industry is split: some appreciate the light and the exposure of yachting.
The industry is pretty split on Below Deck. Some appreciate the exposure it gives yachting and how it brings new interest to the lifestyle. Others feel the show’s drama paints a misleading picture that’s far from the everyday reality of charter life.
Final words as a broker since 1999 if you intend to charter a yacht for the first time after seeing Below Deck
If you’re considering chartering a yacht for the first time after watching Below Deck, remember that not all available yachts are superyachts. There are yachts of all sizes and budgets in almost every destination, so there’s something for everyone. We’re here to help you navigate your options and find the perfect yacht and itinerary that fit your needs and make your first charter experience truly unforgettable.
