Charter Pricing in 2026: What Captains Are Actually Charging
What should you charge for a half-day trip? An offshore overnight? A specialty tarpon trip?
Pricing is one of the most common questions charter operators wrestle with. Here's a framework for thinking about your rates based on regional patterns and industry norms.
Regional Pricing Patterns
Charter pricing varies significantly by:
- Region — Northeast commands premium prices, Gulf Coast tends lower
- Species — Specialty trips (tarpon, fly fishing) price higher
- Boat size — Larger boats with more capacity price higher
- Season — Peak season commands 20-50% premiums
The figures below represent typical ranges observed across major charter markets. Your specific rate depends on your boat, experience, and local competition.
Use These as Benchmarks
Inshore Half-Day (4 hours)
The most common trip type. Here's what captains charge:
| Region | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida (Gulf) | $400 | $525 | $750 |
| Florida (Atlantic) | $450 | $575 | $850 |
| Texas | $350 | $450 | $600 |
| Louisiana | $400 | $500 | $700 |
| Carolinas | $400 | $475 | $650 |
| Northeast | $500 | $650 | $900 |
Key insight: Many operators who raise rates report no decrease in bookings. Some find they attract better customers—people who value quality over bargain-hunting.
Inshore Full-Day (8 hours)
| Region | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida (Gulf) | $700 | $875 | $1,200 |
| Florida (Atlantic) | $750 | $950 | $1,400 |
| Texas | $600 | $750 | $1,000 |
| Louisiana | $700 | $850 | $1,100 |
| Carolinas | $650 | $800 | $1,100 |
| Northeast | $850 | $1,100 | $1,500 |
The math: Full-day trips aren't just 2x half-day pricing. Most operators price at 1.6-1.8x their half-day rate. Why? Full days are more exhausting, you can only do one per day, and the value to the customer is higher.
Nearshore / Bay Trips (4-6 hours)
Nearshore trips that target reef fish, snapper, or bottom species typically run $50-100 more than pure inshore trips due to increased fuel costs and different target species.
Offshore / Deep Sea
This is where pricing varies most dramatically.
| Trip Length | Gulf Average | Atlantic Average | Northeast Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half-day (4-5 hrs) | $800 | $900 | $1,100 |
| 3/4 day (6-7 hrs) | $1,100 | $1,200 | $1,400 |
| Full-day (8-10 hrs) | $1,400 | $1,600 | $1,900 |
| Overnight | $2,500 | $2,800 | $3,200 |
Fuel Considerations
Specialty Trips
Tarpon (Florida):
- Half-day: $650-850 average
- Full-day: $1,100-1,400 average
- Premium operators (May-July): Up to $2,000/day
Shark Fishing:
- Half-day: $550-750 average
- Night trips: $700-900 average
Fly Fishing / Sight Casting:
- Half-day: $600-800 average
- Full-day: $1,000-1,300 average
- Premium guides (Keys, Montana, etc.): $800-1,200+ half-day
Peak season is when many operators make their year. Premium pricing during high-demand periods (tarpon season in Florida, salmon runs in Alaska) is standard—and expected by customers.
The Deposit Question
Most professional charter operations require deposits. Common approaches:
- 50% at booking — The most common approach, balances commitment with accessibility
- Flat amount ($100-200) — Simple but doesn't scale well with high-priced trips
- Full payment upfront — Maximum security, common for peak season and specialty trips
What Works Best
How Often Should You Raise Rates?
Many operators go years without adjusting prices—often leaving money on the table.
A reasonable approach:
- Review rates annually — at minimum, adjust for inflation
- 5-10% increases per year are typical and rarely impact bookings
- Watch your booking velocity — if you're fully booked months out, you're underpriced
The operators who regularly adjust pricing tend to report higher revenue even with the same trip count. A modest price increase that doesn't affect bookings is pure profit.
The Pricing Psychology
Several captains shared pricing insights that go beyond the numbers:
1. Price Signals Quality
Charging $350 for a half-day says something about your service. Charging $550 says something different. Higher prices attract customers who expect (and pay for) quality.
2. You Can't Raise Rates Enough with Volume
If you're booked solid at $400, raising to $500 means you could lose 20% of your bookings and still make more money while working less.
3. Know Your Break-Even
Calculate your actual costs per trip: fuel, bait, maintenance, insurance, your time. Many captains are surprised to learn they're making less profit than they thought—because they never did the math.
Setting Your Rate: A Framework
Research Your Market
Calculate Your Costs
Factor Your Experience
Test and Adjust
The Bottom Line
Most captains are undercharging.
Not dramatically—but consistently. They set a rate years ago and haven't adjusted for inflation, increased costs, or their own growing expertise.
The data is clear: captains who regularly review and adjust pricing make more money, often with fewer headaches.
Know your worth. Price accordingly.
Looking for tools to manage your pricing, deposits, and bookings? See how Guidewinds works or start free.