What Is a Bareboat Yacht Charter and Is It Right for You?

Ever wondered what a bareboat charter really means? In simple terms, it’s a yacht rental without a professional skipper or crew. You’re in charge—from steering the helm to mooring at sunset. If you’re a licensed sailor and crave full freedom on the water, a bareboat charter could be your dream sailing experience.

What Does “Bareboat” Actually Mean?

Unlike crewed or skippered charters, a bareboat yacht charter gives you full control of the vessel. You’ll navigate, anchor, plan the route, and handle everything onboard. It’s the ultimate form of sailing independence, but also comes with responsibility.

Who Can Book a Bareboat Yacht Charter?

To book a yacht charter, you’ll need a valid sailing licence accepted in the country of departure—such as an RYA Day Skipper, ICC, or national equivalent. In Greece and Croatia, at least one person on board must hold a skipper certificate, and another may need to show basic sailing experience.

Pros of Bareboat Charters

• 🧭 Total itinerary freedom
• 💰 Lower cost than crewed charters
• 🛥️ Choose your own pace and anchorages
• 🌅 Great for experienced sailors seeking privacy

Things to Consider Before Booking

If you’re new to sailing or prefer a more relaxed holiday, you may want to consider a skippered charter instead. Bareboat trips require confidence with navigation, local conditions, and handling the boat in marinas.

Where Are the Best Places for Bareboat Yacht Charters?

Popular destinations for bareboat yacht charter trips include Lefkada, Split, Zadar, and the Balearics. These areas offer protected waters, frequent ports, and short distances between anchorages—ideal for managing your own route.

⚓ Want to browse available yachts for bareboat charters? Visit our Yacht Search page to find your perfect match.

Not sure if bareboat is for you? Check out our Yacht Types category for more comparisons.

For license requirements by country, visit the NauticEd Global Sailing License Guide.