The Short Version
A yacht charter is renting a yacht for a holiday. You pick a boat, a destination, and a week. You sail between islands, anchor in bays, swim, eat, explore coastal towns, and sleep on board. Think of it as a floating holiday home that moves to a new location every day.
You do not need to own a yacht. You do not need to know how to sail (you can hire a captain). You do not need to be wealthy, though it helps. A week on a bareboat yacht in Greece, split between six people, can cost less per person than a decent hotel.
How It Works
Step 1: Choose your type. There are two main options:
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Bareboat charter. You rent the yacht and sail it yourself. You need a sailing licence (ICC or equivalent) and some experience. This is the most affordable option and gives you complete freedom. More on bareboat vs crewed.
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Crewed charter. The yacht comes with a professional captain (and often a chef). You show up, and everything is handled for you. More expensive, but zero stress. This is what we recommend for first-timers.
There is also a skippered charter, which is a bareboat with just a captain. You handle food and provisioning, but someone else sails the boat. A good middle ground.
Step 2: Choose your boat. The main types are:
- Monohull sailboats. The classic choice. They tilt when sailing. More affordable, better sailing feel. Best for couples or experienced sailors.
- Catamarans. Two hulls, stays flat, more space. Higher price but more comfortable. Best for groups and families. Full comparison here.
- Motor yachts. No sails, faster, air-conditioned. Almost always crewed. Best for those who want comfort above all else.
How to choose the right yacht covers this in detail.
Step 3: Choose your destination. The most popular charter grounds are:
- Greece (Ionian for calm water, Cyclades for scenery)
- Croatia (Dalmatian coast island-hopping)
- Turkey (turquoise coast, best value in the Med)
- Caribbean (BVI, Grenadines, trade wind sailing)
Step 4: Book and go. A typical charter runs Saturday to Saturday. You board in the afternoon, get a briefing, and set off the next morning. At the end of the week, you return to the base.
What Does It Cost?
A bareboat monohull in Greece starts around 1,500 euros per week. A catamaran for six to eight people runs 3,500 to 7,000 euros per week. A crewed charter with captain and chef starts at 10,000 to 15,000 euros per week.
On top of the base fee, budget for fuel, marina fees, food, and (on crewed charters) APA and crew tips. These extras typically add 25 to 40% to the base price.
Split between a group, the per-person cost often competes with a hotel. For a full cost breakdown, see our pricing guide.
Who Is It For?
- First-timers who want to try something different. Book crewed and let someone else handle the boat.
- Sailors who want a week on the water without owning a yacht.
- Groups of friends looking for a shared holiday that is not a resort.
- Families with children who want adventure with flexibility.
- Couples celebrating an anniversary or honeymoon.
You do not need to be a sailor. On a crewed charter, you are a guest. The captain and crew do everything. You swim, eat, explore, and enjoy the scenery.
What a Typical Day Looks Like
Morning: Wake up at anchor in a quiet bay. Swim off the back of the boat. Breakfast in the cockpit.
Mid-morning: Sail to the next destination. Usually 2 to 4 hours. On a crewed charter, the captain handles everything. On a bareboat, you are at the helm.
Afternoon: Arrive at a new bay or harbour. Anchor or moor. Swim, snorkel, take the dinghy to shore. Explore a village, find a beach, get ice cream.
Evening: Dinner on board (the chef cooks on crewed charters) or at a waterfront restaurant in town. Watch the sunset from the cockpit.
It is unhurried, flexible, and nothing like a cruise ship.
Common Concerns
"I will get seasick." Most charter sailing happens in sheltered waters with short passages. On a catamaran in calm seas, seasickness is rare. If you are worried, read our seasickness guide.
"I do not know how to sail." Book a crewed or skippered charter. No sailing knowledge needed.
"It is too expensive." A week on a bareboat in Greece, split six ways, can cost 600 to 1,000 euros per person. That includes accommodation, transport between islands, and a private swimming platform.
"What about scams?" Use a verified broker with a MYBA contract. We can help with that.
Ready to Try It?
If you have never chartered before, our first-time charter checklist covers everything you need to know before booking.
Or just tell us where you want to go and when. We will find the right boat, check the contract, and handle the details.
Message us on WhatsApp or Telegram to start planning your first charter.