Can we have a skipper for our boat charter?
Yes, you can—and for many charterers, choosing a skippered charter makes the whole experience more enjoyable. You don’t need to be a sailor to enjoy the sailing holiday of a lifetime. With a carefully selected professional skipper on board, you can set sail in confidence and comfort.
A skippered bareboat means you still have the boat to yourselves, but with an expert at the helm. Your skipper will take care of the navigation and boat handling, so you can focus on the fun, the scenery, and the adventure. They also bring invaluable local knowledge—pointing out hidden gems, the best anchorages, and places to eat ashore. And as experienced tourism professionals, they’re often great company too.
Hiring a skipper is a smart option not just for beginners or those with limited experience, but also for seasoned sailors who want to fully relax without the responsibilities of command. You can be as involved in the sailing as you like—or not at all.
A paid skipper offers:
- Peace of mind with expert navigation and safe boat handling
- Local insights and recommendations for a richer experience
- A stress-free holiday—even for experienced sailors
- An opportunity to learn sailing basics in a relaxed, hands-on way
- Whether you're new to sailing or just keen to unwind, adding a skipper is a great way to enhance your yacht charter.
"The highlights of the trip were, for sure, the knowledge of the skipper who shared special harbour destinations and information with us. His knowledge was impeccable and we got to see destinations that we would not have seen without him." Trudie, South Africa, who chartered in the Bay Of Naples, June 2024
"Our guide Carlos was extremely knowledgeable -- we learned so much about aquaculture. He pointed out whales and turtles, and gave us a lot of info on flora and fauna. He made our trip phenomenal!!!" Kerrie, USA, who sailed in La Paz, Mexico, August 2024."
Related FAQs
Can Sail Connections help plan our Mediterranean sailing itinerary?
Yes. We can help you develop a realistic Mediterranean itinerary based on your destination, available time, sailing experience and what your group wants from the holiday.
What do you recommend about boat chartering in the Caribbean?
Chartering a boat in the Caribbean - including The Bahamas - is one of the most rewarding sailing experiences you can have. We recommend the region for its warm climate, steady trade winds, short sailing distances, and abundance of beautiful anchorages.
When should I book a charter boat in the Caribbean and Bahamas?
The best time to charter in the Caribbean and Bahamas is from December through July, with peak season running mid-December to March. That’s when you’ll find the most settled weather and lively island atmospheres that are perfect for escaping southern hemisphere winters or northern chills.
What sailing qualifications are required to bareboat charter in the Caribbean?
Unlike some other regions, most Caribbean destinations do not require a formal sailing licence to charter a bareboat. However, you must demonstrate sufficient experience and competence to safely operate the vessel.
Do I need a sailing qualifications to bareboat charter in the Caribbean?
In most of the Caribbean, you do not need a formal sailing qualification such as an ICC (International Certificate of Competence) or RYA certificate in order to take a bareboat charter. What you do need is to demonstrate sufficient sailing experience and practical knowledge to the charter operator
What’s the best time of year to charter a yacht in the Caribbean?
The Caribbean enjoys reliable trade winds and a warm climate year-round, making it one of the most consistent sailing destinations on the planet.
Which Caribbean destinations are best for yacht charters?
The Caribbean offers a wide range of charter environments, each with its own character:
Can I do a one-way charter in the Caribbean?
Yes, one-way charters are particularly popular in the Caribbean, where they open up possibilities a round trip of the same duration may not.
Which Mediterranean sailing destination should I choose?
The best Mediterranean sailing destination depends on your experience, travel dates, crew, budget and whether you prefer relaxed island hopping, stronger sailing conditions, historic towns, beaches or a mixture of everything.
Are marina and mooring fees included in the charter price?
Usually no. Marina, harbour, mooring buoy and other overnight berthing charges are generally paid locally during a Mediterranean charter.