You’ve seen it. That massive, shimmering silhouette sitting off the coast of Del Perro Pier, looking like a literal mountain of money floating on the Pacific. The Galaxy Super Yacht is, without a doubt, the most aggressive "flex" in the history of Grand Theft Auto Online. It’s a six-million-dollar paperweight. Or is it? Honestly, after spending years in the Los Santos grind, I’ve realized that people treat the GTA yacht like a bad marriage—they rush into it for the looks and then spend the rest of their lives complaining about the cost of maintenance.
But here’s the thing. Most players buy it wrong. They grind Cayo Perico until their eyes bleed, buy the most expensive model, and then realize they can’t even drive the thing. Yeah, you read that right. If you’re looking for a boat you can actually pilot like a Tug or a Marquis, you’re going to be disappointed. The yacht is a "property," not a vehicle. It’s a floating apartment with guns.
The Brutal Reality of the Galaxy Super Yacht
Let’s talk numbers because the game doesn't make it clear until you’ve already clicked "buy." The cheapest entry point is the Orion. It starts around $6,000,000. But nobody stays at $6 million. By the time you add the gold railings, the chrome fittings, and the custom lighting that makes your boat look like a Vegas strip club, you’re pushing $10 million.
It’s expensive. Stupidly so.
The GTA yacht serves as a specialized hub for the Superyacht Life missions, which were added back in the Los Santos Summer Special update. Captain Darcy calls you, you do some jobs, and you get a mediocre outfit. That’s basically the gameplay loop. If you’re buying this to "make money," stop. Just don’t. You will never, ever make your money back from the yacht. It is a sinkhole. It’s where your profits go to die. However, if you understand that it’s a defensive fortress and a social hub, the perspective shifts.
Which GTA Yacht Model Should You Actually Buy?
There are three options. The Orion, the Pisces, and the Aquarius. Most people naturally assume the Aquarius is the "best" because it costs the most.
They’re wrong.
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The Pisces is arguably the superior choice for a few very specific reasons. First, it’s faster—or rather, the vehicles it comes with are more practical. You get a Buckingham Swift Deluxe (the gold helicopter) and a Pegassi Speeder. More importantly, the deck layout on the Pisces is actually more "playable." On the Aquarius, the top deck is cluttered with sun loungers and a canopy that actually gets in the way if you’re trying to defend the ship during a Piracy Prevention VIP work session. The Pisces has a clearer line of sight for snipers.
- The Orion: The "budget" choice. It has no hot tub. No helicopter pad. It’s basically a big boat for people who want to say they have a boat but can’t afford the lifestyle. Skip it.
- The Pisces: The sweet spot. Great vehicles, better deck layout for combat, and it feels just as luxurious.
- The Aquarius: The ultimate flex. Two helipads, a hot tub, and a fleet of four jet skis (Seasharks). It’s the most prestigious, but the canopy over the bridge is a tactical nightmare.
Defenses and the "No-Fly Zone"
The coolest feature of the GTA yacht—and the only reason it’s survived in the age of the Oppressor Mk II—is the air defenses. When you’re on your yacht, you can pull up the Interaction Menu and toggle your yacht defenses to "On."
Suddenly, you are invincible.
Any plane, helicopter, or flying bike that gets too close will be blasted out of the sky by automated flak cannons. It’s hilarious. You can sit in your hot tub, drinking a MacBeth whiskey shot, while a frustrated griefer tries to dive-bomb you only to explode in a ball of fire half a mile away. You can even set who the defenses target—everyone, or just people who aren't your friends. It’s the only place in Los Santos where you can truly feel "safe" from the chaos of a public lobby.
The Hidden Costs Nobody Mentions
Buying the boat is just the start. Every single day you’re logged into GTA Online, you’re paying staff fees. The Captain and the Bartender don’t work for free. You’re looking at about $1,000 a day in utility charges. It’s not much for a billionaire, but for a new player? It adds up.
And then there’s the relocation fee. Want to move your yacht from Paleto Bay to Vespucci Beach? That’ll be $25,000. Every. Single. Time. Even if you just want to move it one "slot" over because someone else is in your favorite spot, you have to pay the Captain to haul anchor.
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Honestly, the GTA yacht is a luxury tax. It’s a way for Rockstar to drain the bank accounts of players who have nothing left to buy. But there is a specific kind of peace you get from it. Standing on the bow at sunset, watching the lights of the city flicker while the ocean waves rock the hull... it’s a vibe.
How to Use Your Yacht Without Feeling Like a Sucker
If you’ve already bought one, or you’re hovering over the "purchase" button on the DockTease website, here is how you make it worth your while.
First, start Piracy Prevention. This is a VIP Work mission that lasts 10 minutes. You stand on the top deck and prevent other players from capturing a zone. If you win, you get $30,000. It’s a great way to bait people into a fight where you have the high ground. If you have the Pisces or Aquarius, use your snipers. The height advantage is massive.
Second, use it as a spawn point. You can set your spawn to the yacht. This means every time you log in, you’re away from the "war zone" of the city. You can take your luxury helicopter (which spawns on the deck) and fly into the city on your own terms. It’s a much more dignified way to start a session than waking up in a cramped apartment in Pillbox Hill.
Third, the "Superyacht Life" missions. Look, they aren't the best-paying jobs in the game. But they are unique. They give you a reason to actually interact with the Captain and use the interior of the boat, which is surprisingly detailed. The interiors have a kitchen, a lounge, several bedrooms, and a bar where you can get hammered for free.
Acknowledging the Critics
There are plenty of veteran players who will tell you the GTA yacht is the worst investment in the game. They’ll point to the Kosatka submarine or the Agency as "better" uses of money. And they’re right—from a purely financial standpoint. The Kosatka unlocks the Cayo Perico heist, which is the gold standard for solo grinding. The yacht unlocks... a sense of superiority.
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But GTA Online isn't just a spreadsheet. It’s a simulator of excess. Once you own the fastest cars, the biggest hangar, and an underground bunker, what else is there? The yacht is the endgame. It’s the trophy that says you’ve "won" the grind.
Actionable Next Steps for Aspiring Yacht Owners
Stop thinking of the yacht as a tool. It’s furniture.
If you are currently sitting on less than $20 million, do not buy the yacht. You will regret the loss of liquidity. You need that money for business upgrades, the Master Control Terminal, or specialized vehicles like the Toreador.
If you have money to burn, wait for a sale. Rockstar frequently discounts yachts by 30% to 50% during event weeks. Saving $4 million is worth waiting a month. When you do buy, pick the Pisces model. It offers the best balance of aesthetics and utility.
Once you’re an owner, head to the bridge and talk to the Captain. Not only can he move the ship, but he can also deliver vehicles to the shore for you. It’s a concierge service that makes the transition from sea to land much smoother. Finally, turn on your "Yacht Defenses" immediately upon boarding. There is nothing more embarrassing than being sniped off your own $8 million deck because you forgot to turn on the automated guns.
Go to the DockTease website in-game, look at the options, but don't pull the trigger until your "essential" businesses are fully upgraded. The ocean isn't going anywhere, and that gold-plated railing looks a lot better when you aren't worried about your daily utility fees.