Singapore Guide: Luxury Yacht Charter in Singapore

Singapore sits at the crossroads of Southeast Asia’s busiest shipping lanes, a gleaming city-state where futuristic architecture rises alongside centuries-old shophouse districts, hawker stalls serve some of the world’s finest food for a few dollars, and a cluster of pristine tropical islands lies barely 15 minutes by yacht from the downtown skyline. For charter guests, Singapore offers something no other destination in the region can match: world-class marina infrastructure with private customs and immigration clearance, 44 Michelin-starred restaurants within easy reach of the waterfront, and a compact cruising ground that connects the iconic Marina Bay Sands skyline to the untouched beaches of the Southern Islands in a single morning.

The city’s position at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula makes it a natural gateway to the wider region. Bintan and Batam in Indonesia’s Riau Islands are under two hours by yacht; Malaysia’s Desaru coast sits just across the strait; and Tioman Island’s legendary dive sites are within reach on a longer voyage. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape anchored off Lazarus Island with the Singapore skyline shimmering on the horizon, or a week-long odyssey through the Riau archipelago with world-class diving and remote tropical anchorages, Singapore is the launch pad that combines five-star provisioning, seamless logistics, and a cruising ground that surprises even seasoned charterers with its beauty. Start planning your Singapore charter with Boatcrowd and let our team design the perfect itinerary.

From the award-winning ONE°15 Marina at Sentosa Cove – the only private marina in Singapore with its own customs facility – to the 85-metre-capable berths at Marina at Keppel Bay, Singapore’s yachting infrastructure rivals anything in the Mediterranean. This guide covers the cruising grounds, seasons, signature experiences, yacht types, and practical details you need to plan your charter with confidence.

Why Charter a Yacht in Singapore

World-Class Marina Infrastructure

Singapore’s marinas rank among Asia’s finest. ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove holds 272 berths including 32 dedicated megayacht berths accommodating vessels up to 200 feet, and is the only marina in Singapore with an on-site CIQ (Customs, Immigration, Quarantine) facility – meaning your crew clears formalities dockside, and you step aboard without delay. The marina has earned International Marina of the Year recognition in both 2022 and 2023, plus seven Best Asian Marina awards since opening in 2007. Marina at Keppel Bay adds 168 berths with individual pontoon systems and capacity for superyachts up to 280 feet – the largest in Singapore. Between them, you have dedicated fuel docks, 24-hour security, vacuum pump-out, and provisioning services minutes from your gangway.

The Southern Islands: A Hidden Tropical Escape

Barely 3.5 nautical miles from Sentosa Cove, Singapore’s Southern Islands feel like a different world. Lazarus Island offers a crescent-shaped beach with calm, turquoise water and virtually no development – one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful beaches, yet barely 15 minutes by yacht from a city of six million. Sisters’ Islands Marine Park, Singapore’s first marine protected area, covers 40 hectares of coral reef habitat supporting over 100 species of reef fish, seahorses, and blacktip reef sharks. Kusu Island adds cultural colour with its Chinese temple and Malay shrine. Your crew can have you floating in gin-clear water over healthy coral before your mid-morning coffee has gone cold.

A Culinary Capital on the Water

Singapore holds 44 Michelin stars across its restaurant scene – the highest concentration in Southeast Asia. Three-starred Odette and Les Amis headline the fine-dining tier, while hawker centres like Maxwell Food Centre and Lau Pa Sat serve legendary chicken rice, laksa, and char kway teow for a few dollars per dish. For charter guests, the waterfront dining at Quayside Isle in Sentosa Cove puts international cuisine steps from your berth – Spanish tapas at Sabio by the Sea, rooftop cocktails at Fireside, and fresh seafood overlooking the marina. Your chef can also provision from the city’s exceptional markets and gourmet suppliers, bringing Michelin-level ingredients aboard for bespoke meals on deck.

Gateway to Indonesia and Malaysia

Singapore’s strategic position opens cruising grounds that stretch far beyond the city-state. Batam in Indonesia’s Riau Islands lies just 12 nautical miles south – roughly 45 minutes at cruising speed. Bintan, with its pristine beaches and luxury resorts, is 28 nautical miles away (under two hours). The crossing to Desaru on Malaysia’s east coast takes barely 45 minutes. For longer voyages, Tioman Island – one of Southeast Asia’s premier dive destinations – sits within a multi-day itinerary’s reach. Your captain handles all immigration and customs formalities at each border, and ONE°15’s private CIQ facility makes departures and returns frictionless.

Year-Round Tropical Climate

Singapore’s equatorial position delivers consistent warmth throughout the year: air temperatures hover between 25°C and 32°C (77–90°F), and water temperatures sit at a comfortable 27–30°C, making swimming and snorkelling pleasant in any month. The inter-monsoon periods of March–May and October are the calmest windows for yacht charter, with lighter winds, less rainfall, and stable seas. Even during the northeast monsoon (November–March), showers are typically short afternoon bursts that clear within the hour, and the sheltered Southern Islands remain comfortably calm. There is no cyclone or typhoon risk.

Top Destinations Near Singapore

• Lazarus Island – Connected to St John’s Island by a causeway, Lazarus is Singapore’s best-kept secret: a pristine crescent beach with calm turquoise water, virtually no crowds, and a tropical atmosphere that belies its proximity to the city. Anchor in 5–8 metres over sand just offshore and tender in for a morning of swimming, paddleboarding, and beachside relaxation. The beach faces south, catching gentle breezes and offering views across the strait toward Indonesia.

• Sisters’ Islands Marine Park – Singapore’s first and only marine park protects 40 hectares of coral reef across Big Sister’s Island, Little Sister’s Island, and the western reefs of St John’s Island. Over 100 species of reef fish inhabit these waters, alongside seahorses, clownfish, and blacktip reef sharks. Snorkelling is best at high tide when visibility peaks. The park’s Marine Life Centre on Big Sister’s Island offers guided eco-tours for guests interested in conservation.

• Kusu Island – A small, beautifully maintained island roughly 3 nautical miles from Sentosa, Kusu combines cultural interest with calm swimming waters. The island hosts a Chinese temple (Tua Pek Kong) and a Malay keramat (shrine) at the hilltop, connected by a pleasant walking path. Your crew anchors nearby while you explore the temples and swim from the lagoon.

• St John’s Island – The largest of the Southern Islands, St John’s features shaded walking trails, a small lagoon, and access to Lazarus Island via the connecting causeway. It’s a favourite stop for a morning walk followed by lunch on deck. The island’s marine laboratory (part of the National University of Singapore) contributes to ongoing coral research.

• Sentosa Island – Singapore’s resort island sits adjacent to the marina at Sentosa Cove and offers beach clubs, waterfront dining at Quayside Isle, and attractions ranging from Universal Studios to the S.E.A. Aquarium. Charter guests can walk from their yacht to world-class restaurants, or tender to Sentosa’s beaches for a lively contrast to the quiet Southern Islands.

• Bintan, Indonesia – Roughly 28 nautical miles south (under two hours at cruising speed), Bintan offers white-sand beaches, luxury resorts, mangrove kayaking, and a more remote tropical atmosphere. The island’s eastern coast features calm, sheltered bays ideal for overnight anchoring, and the diving around its reefs improves year by year.

• Batam, Indonesia – Just 12 nautical miles from Singapore (45 minutes), Batam provides a quick international escape with seafood restaurants, golf courses, and quieter anchorages. It pairs well with a longer Bintan itinerary on multi-day charters.

Best Time to Charter a Yacht in Singapore

Peak Season: March to May (Inter-Monsoon)

The first inter-monsoon period brings Singapore’s most settled weather: lighter winds, minimal rainfall, increased sunshine, and calm seas ideal for island-hopping and water sports. Air temperatures range from 25°C to 32°C, water sits at a balmy 28–30°C, and visibility for snorkelling is at its best. This is the optimal window for multi-day voyages to Bintan or Batam, when the strait crossings are at their smoothest. Marina availability is good, and provisioning from Singapore’s world-class markets ensures your galley is stocked with the freshest ingredients.

Shoulder Season: October and November

October’s second inter-monsoon window offers similar calm conditions to March–May, with warm water and pleasant air temperatures before the northeast monsoon arrives. November marks the monsoon’s onset, but early November often provides excellent charter days with occasional afternoon showers. Yacht availability improves and rates may soften slightly compared to the drier months.

Monsoon Months: June to September and December to February

The southwest monsoon (June–September) brings periodic afternoon thunderstorms and occasional Sumatra squalls, though mornings are typically sunny and the Southern Islands remain sheltered. The northeast monsoon (December–March) delivers heavier rainfall, particularly in December and January. Despite the rain, Singapore’s equatorial position means conditions remain warm, swimming is comfortable year-round, and the sheltered waters south of Sentosa rarely see rough seas. Many experienced charter guests find the monsoon months perfectly enjoyable – the showers are brief and dramatic, clearing to blue sky within the hour. Festive season charters (Christmas and New Year) are popular and should be booked well in advance.

Signature Experiences

• Sunrise Snorkel at Sisters’ Islands Marine Park – Have your captain position the yacht off Big Sister’s Island before dawn. Slip into the water as the first light hits the coral, and snorkel over a reef teeming with clownfish, parrotfish, and occasional blacktip reef sharks in just 3–5 metres of depth. Your chef has fresh tropical fruit, kaya toast, and kopi waiting on the aft deck when you surface. The marine park is uncrowded at this hour – you’ll likely have the reef to yourself.
• Sunset Cocktails with the Marina Bay Skyline – As evening approaches, your captain positions the yacht in the strait with a clear sightline to Marina Bay Sands, the Singapore Flyer, and the glittering downtown skyline. The sun drops behind Sentosa, the buildings illuminate in sequence, and you sip champagne on the sundeck watching one of Asia’s most spectacular urban panoramas unfold. This is Singapore’s signature charter moment – a city of six million framed perfectly from your private floating terrace.
• Private Beach Day on Lazarus Island – Your crew anchors offshore and sets up a shaded cabana on the crescent beach with gourmet lunch, chilled rosé, paddleboards, and snorkelling gear. You spend the entire afternoon on pristine sand that most Singapore residents have never visited, swimming in calm turquoise water with the city skyline just visible on the northern horizon. It’s the contrast that makes it magical: world-class urban dining 15 minutes away, yet the beach feels like a private island.
• Hawker Heritage Tour by Tender – Tender from Keppel Bay to the Singapore River and walk to Maxwell Food Centre or Lau Pa Sat for a guided tasting of Singapore’s legendary hawker cuisine: Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, char kway teow, and ice-cold sugar cane juice. These UNESCO-recognised food traditions are best experienced at their source, and your crew can arrange a local food guide to navigate the best stalls.
• Quayside Isle Waterfront Dinner – Step off your yacht at ONE°15 Marina and walk to Quayside Isle’s collection of waterfront restaurants. Spanish tapas at Sabio by the Sea, rooftop cocktails at Fireside overlooking the marina, or fresh seafood at one of several international concepts – all within steps of your berth. Return to the yacht at your leisure, the marina lights reflecting on the water.
• Cross-Border Escape to Bintan – Depart Singapore after breakfast and cruise 28 nautical miles south to Bintan’s eastern shore, arriving in under two hours. Anchor in a sheltered bay, snorkel over coral gardens, and enjoy a beach lunch before exploring the island’s mangrove rivers by kayak. Overnight at anchor, return to Singapore the next morning – a mini-adventure that feels like a different country (because it is).

• Yacht Types Available

Singapore’s marinas accommodate the full spectrum of luxury charter vessels, from nimble 55-foot catamarans to 280-foot superyachts. The city’s proximity to major Southeast Asian yachting hubs means seasonal availability is strong, and Boatcrowd can source vessels from regional fleets when local options are limited.

• Motor Yachts (55’–99’) – The most versatile choice for Singapore charters. Crewed motor yachts in this range accommodate 6–10 guests in 3–4 en-suite cabins, with crews of 3–5 (captain, chef, steward/ess). Speeds of 18–25 knots make island-hopping efficient – the Southern Islands are under 15 minutes from Sentosa Cove, and Bintan is a comfortable two-hour passage. Modern motor yachts offer air conditioning, stabilisers, sun decks, and full water-toy arsenals (jet skis, paddleboards, snorkelling gear). Many operate all-inclusive, bundling meals, beverages, and fuel. Weekly rates for 65’–85’ motor yachts in Singapore waters typically start from $45,000–$75,000 depending on season and vessel.

• Superyachts (100’+) – Marina at Keppel Bay and ONE°15 Marina both accommodate superyachts, with Keppel Bay accepting vessels up to 280 feet. Superyachts deliver the ultimate floating five-star experience: crews of 8–15+, lavish staterooms with marble ensuites, multiple entertainment areas, and extensive water-sports platforms. Weekly rates start from approximately $90,000–$200,000+ depending on size and specification, plus an APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) of around 30% for fuel, provisions, and operational costs. Superyacht charters in Singapore are ideal for milestone celebrations, corporate entertainment, and multi-generational family voyages.

• Luxury Catamarans (55’+) – Premium power catamarans from builders like Sunreef and Lagoon offer exceptional stability in the occasional swells of the Singapore Strait, generous deck space, and shallow drafts perfect for nosing into the Southern Islands’ sheltered lagoons. The twin-hull design virtually eliminates rolling, making catamarans the most comfortable option for families and guests prone to seasickness. Fully crewed with captain, chef, and steward/ess, these vessels typically sleep 6–10 guests. Weekly rates start from approximately $35,000–$55,000 depending on season and vessel.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a yacht charter in Singapore cost?

Charter pricing depends on yacht size, type, season, and duration. As a broad guide, crewed motor yachts in the 65’–85’ range start from approximately $45,000–$75,000 per week, with day-charter rates from $5,000–$12,000 for 6–8 hours depending on vessel. Luxury catamarans (55’–80’) range from $35,000–$55,000 per week. Superyachts (100’+) typically command $90,000–$200,000+ per week plus an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) of around 30%. Most charters include crew, accommodation, meals, standard beverages, fuel, insurance, and water toys. Shorter charters (3–5 days) are widely available and popular in Singapore. Enquire with Boatcrowd for a personalised quote based on your dates, group size, and preferred yacht type.

Are luxury catamarans available for charter in Singapore?

Yes, and they are an excellent choice for Singapore’s waters. Boatcrowd offers premium power catamarans from Sunreef and Lagoon, typically in the 55’–80’ range, fully crewed with captain, chef, and steward/ess. Their shallow draft allows access to the Southern Islands’ calm lagoons, while the twin-hull design provides exceptional stability – particularly appreciated by families with young children and guests who prefer minimal motion. Catamarans offer generous deck space for entertaining, spacious cabins, and efficient fuel consumption for multi-day voyages to Bintan or Batam. Weekly rates start from approximately $35,000–$55,000.

Can I charter a yacht in Singapore for a film or production shoot?

Singapore’s modern skyline, diverse waterfront locations, and world-class marina facilities make it a compelling backdrop for film, television, and commercial production. The contrast between the futuristic Marina Bay skyline and the tropical Southern Islands offers versatile visual settings within a compact cruising area. Boatcrowd can arrange production-friendly charters with yachts that accommodate camera rigs, lighting equipment, and crew. Our team coordinates with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore for filming permits, drone authorisations, and logistical support. Singapore’s efficient infrastructure, English-speaking crews, and reliable weather make production schedules more predictable than many regional alternatives. Contact our team with your production timeline and requirements.

Is Singapore a good destination for a proposal, honeymoon, or milestone celebration?

Few destinations match Singapore’s ability to blend urban glamour with tropical romance. Your crew can orchestrate a sunset proposal anchored off Lazarus Island with champagne and the city skyline glittering in the background; a honeymoon itinerary combining private beach days with Michelin-starred dining ashore; or a milestone birthday celebration with a themed dinner on deck, fireworks views over Marina Bay, and a morning snorkel on a pristine coral reef. The intimacy of a yacht ensures celebrations remain entirely private, and Singapore’s exceptional provisioning means your chef can source virtually any ingredient, from wagyu beef to high-end patisserie. Provide details of your occasion when enquiring, and our team will design a bespoke experience.

Can I bring the whole family, including grandparents and young children?

Multi-generational family charters are among the most popular bookings in Singapore. The sheltered Southern Islands offer calm, shallow water ideal for young swimmers, and the short cruising distances (15 minutes to Lazarus Island) mean children and older guests aren’t fatigued by long passages. Modern charter yachts provide air conditioning, stabilisers, and spacious deck areas. Your crew adapts the experience for all ages: treasure hunts and supervised snorkelling for children, water sports for teenagers, gentle island walks for grandparents, and gourmet meals tailored to every dietary need. Catamarans are particularly popular for multi-generational groups thanks to their stability and generous cabin layouts.

Can I combine Singapore with other destinations in one charter?

Absolutely, and the combinations are excellent. A 3-day charter covers Singapore’s Southern Islands and a crossing to Batam (12 nautical miles, 45 minutes). A 4–5 day voyage adds Bintan (28 nautical miles) with its pristine beaches and mangrove rivers. Extended charters of 7+ days can reach Malaysia’s Tioman Island, one of Southeast Asia’s legendary dive destinations. Your captain handles all border crossings and customs formalities, and ONE°15 Marina’s private CIQ facility makes departures and re-entries seamless. Discuss your ideal combination with your Boatcrowd charter specialist – the possibilities from Singapore are remarkably diverse.

What is the best time to charter a yacht in Singapore?

The inter-monsoon periods of March–May and October offer the calmest seas, lightest winds, and most consistent sunshine. These months are ideal for multi-day voyages and extended water-sports days. The southwest monsoon (June–September) brings occasional afternoon thunderstorms but mornings are typically clear, and the Southern Islands remain sheltered. The northeast monsoon (December–March) delivers more frequent showers, though Christmas and New Year weeks are popular and festive. Singapore’s year-round warmth (27–32°C water) means swimming and snorkelling are comfortable in every month. For the smoothest passages to Bintan or Batam, book March–May.