Certified skipper at the helm of a bareboat sailing yacht on open water

Bareboat Charter: Rent a Yacht and Sail It Yourself

Take the helm on your own terms. A bareboat charter gives you the yacht, the route, and the keys, no crew aboard, with certified skippers welcome across Greece, Croatia, the British Virgin Islands, and beyond.

4.7 · 8,529 verified customer reviews

Filters

Exclusive Deals

Take your boat holidays to the next level with exclusive boat deals featuring free and exciting add-ons!

See exclusive dealsbackground
Boat holiday experience

Piqued Your Interest?

Contact us today for your perfect boating experience.

+1 727 258 5406

Bareboat Charter FAQs

Do I need a license or certification to book a bareboat charter?
Yes. A bareboat charter requires a qualified skipper, so you need an ICC, a US Sailing or ASA certification such as ASA 104 Bareboat, or a recognized national qualification, plus a VHF radio operator certificate. Bring the physical documents, because the base checks them before handing over the boat.
What is the difference between a bareboat charter and a skippered charter?
On a bareboat charter you skipper the yacht yourself with no crew aboard, which is why certification is required. On a skippered charter a professional captain runs the boat for you, and on a fully crewed charter you also get additional crew such as a host or cook. All three modes are available on the same boats.
What kinds of boats can I rent on a bareboat charter?
Bareboat charters are offered on sailboats and catamarans. Catamarans give you more deck space and stability at anchor, while monohull sailboats tend to cost less and sail closer to the wind, so the right pick depends on your crew and budget.
Does everyone in my group need sailing experience for a bareboat charter?
Not everyone, but the skipper must be certified. Greece is stricter: a second crew member has to show some sailing experience and sign on as co-skipper. Elsewhere the rest of your group can be guests, though extra experienced hands always make the week easier.
What deposit do I pay when I book a bareboat charter?
You pay a low deposit to hold your dates when you book. At the base on check-in day you also leave a refundable security deposit against damage, or you can take a damage waiver instead to reduce the amount held.
Where are the best places for a bareboat charter as a US sailor?
Popular bareboat grounds include the British Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, and the wider Caribbean, along with Greece and Croatia in the Mediterranean. Greek options range from the sheltered Ionian Islands to the breezier Cyclades, with bases in Lefkas, Corfu, and Kos.
How far in advance should I book a bareboat charter?
For peak summer weeks in Greece, Croatia, and the Caribbean, the best boats go months ahead, so booking early gives you the widest choice. Off-peak dates open up closer in. Either way, our Best Price Guarantee means you can secure your boat without worrying you left a better rate on the table.
What is included in the price of a bareboat charter?
The price covers the yacht ready to sail from its base. Costs such as fuel, harbor and mooring fees, and final cleaning are usually paid locally, and extras like paddleboards, an outboard, or a one-way delivery depend on the boat and base.

What a Bareboat Charter Actually Means

A bareboat charter hands you the whole boat and none of the crew. You are the skipper, you plan the passage, you pick the anchorage, and you answer to nobody but the weather. That freedom comes with one condition: you need to prove you can handle the yacht, so a valid sailing certification is part of the deal. If you would rather someone else stood the watches, you can book the same boats skippered or fully crewed instead.

What you getThe full yacht, no crew aboard
Who steersYou, as the qualified skipper
CertificationRequired (ICC, US Sailing, or ASA)
Boat typesSailboats and catamarans
Fleet20,000+ boats across 70+ countries
Locations1,200+ bases worldwide
Guest rating4.8 out of 5 from 500+ Trustpilot reviews

Why Book Bareboat

  • Set your own schedule instead of following a crew's routine.
  • Keep costs down: no skipper fee to cover on top of the charter.
  • Choose the coves and harbors that suit your group, day by day.
  • Sail as privately as you like, with only your own people on board.
  • Lock in the rate with our Best Price Guarantee.
Captain's tip: Before you commit to a bareboat week, ask the base whether they offer a skippered check-out for the first morning. An hour with a local skipper on your specific hull, showing you the anchorage holding and the tricky harbor approaches, is the cheapest insurance you will buy all trip.

Where to Sail Bareboat

Certification and Experience You Need

To take a boat bareboat you have to show the base you can skipper it. In most of the world that means an ICC, a US Sailing or ASA certification such as ASA 104 Bareboat, or a recognized national qualification, backed by a VHF radio operator certificate. Rules tighten in some regions: in Greece, a second crew member must also show some sailing experience and sign on as co-skipper. Bring the physical certificates with you, since the base checks them at check-in before they release the boat.

How to Book Your Bareboat Charter

  1. Pick your cruising ground and dates, then filter for bareboat sailboats or catamarans.
  2. Compare boats on layout, year, and equipment, and check what the base includes.
  3. Pay a low deposit to hold your dates.
  4. Send over your certification and crew details so the base can confirm you as skipper.
  5. Settle the refundable security deposit (or take the damage waiver) at the base on check-in day.

Your charter covers the yacht itself, ready to sail from its home base. Expenses like fuel, harbor and mooring fees, and end cleaning are usually settled locally, and extras such as an outboard, paddleboards, or a one-way route vary by boat. Start by browsing Greece charters to see how a typical bareboat listing is laid out.