Yacht Charter Types, Explained
All across the world, from the Greek islands to the South Pacfic, there are three main types of yacht charter:
- Bareboat
- Skippered (with a professional captain)
- Fully crewed
But what does each one mean, what are the differences, and how much should you budget for each?
We'll give a brief overview of them all below, and our advisors will be able to help you find the perfect fit.
Still a bit stumped? Simply answer the questions on our Experience Builder and your personal broker will be able to tailor your charter to your preferences.
Note: If you don’t have sailing experience, then a skippered or crewed option is for you.
Bareboat charter
This is sailing at its purest—just you, your crew, and the open water. No schedules except your own, no compromise on destinations, and the deep satisfaction that comes from navigating to paradise under your own skill and judgment.
What you get:
- Complete yacht with all sailing and safety equipment
- Total freedom to explore at your own pace
- Privacy and independence for your group
- The authentic sailing experience that creates lifelong sailors
What you need:
- Solid sailing qualifications (RYA Coastal Skipper, ASA 104/114, or ICC)
- Recent experience in similar conditions
- Confidence handling weather decisions and navigation
- At least one crew member who knows their way around a yacht
Perfect for: Experienced sailors who thrive on independence, groups wanting complete privacy, sailors looking to build skills in new waters.
Skippered (with captain)
The sweet spot between independence and guidance. You hire a professional skipper, who handles the serious sailing while you soak up local knowledge, learn new skills, or simply relax knowing someone with intimate area expertise is making the navigation decisions.
What you get:
- Professional captain with deep local knowledge
- Safety and seamanship expertise in all conditions
- Cultural insights and access to authentic experiences
- Sailing instruction tailored to your interest level
- Flexibility to be as involved or hands-off as you choose
Your skipper provides:
- Navigation and weather routing expertise
- Local connections for the best restaurants and hidden anchorages
- Safety management and emergency procedures
- Sailing lessons from basic to advanced techniques
Perfect for: First-time charterers wanting confidence, experienced sailors exploring new waters, groups with mixed sailing abilities, families wanting education with relaxation, anyone seeking authentic local cultural access.
Fully Crewed
Absolute luxury. Your professional captain, chef and crew handle every detail, while you enjoy spectacular destinations, gourmet cuisine, and personalized service.
Our sister company, HELM, are experts in this type of charter.
What you get:
- Professional captain and hospitality crew
- Gourmet meals prepared by qualified chef
- Personalized service tailored to your preferences
- All logistics handled seamlessly
- Access to premium destinations and experiences
Your crew typically includes:
- Captain: Navigation, safety, and yacht operations
- Chef: Gourmet cuisine using local ingredients
- Hostess/Steward: Interior service, hospitality, trip coordination
- Deckhand: Water sports, maintenance, guest assistance (on larger yachts)
Perfect for: Special celebrations, restaurant-quality dining, ultimate relaxation, exclusive access to premium experiences.
Choosing Your Charter Style
In deciding which charter is the right fit for you, there are several questions you may want to ask of yourself/ your group.
Ask yourself:
- Do you want to learn sailing skills or focus purely on relaxation?
- How important is having local cultural access and insider knowledge?
- Does your group have consistent sailing experience levels?
- Are you celebrating a special occasion that deserves luxury treatment?
- How comfortable are you making weather and safety decisions?
Budget considerations beyond base costs:
- Bareboat: Add fuel, provisioning, marina fees
- Skippered: Include skipper in meal plans, remember gratuities (discretionary, often 10-15% of skipper fee)
- Crewed: Factor in crew gratuities (5-15% of charter fee), premium provisioning
