What is a bareboat charter?
A bareboat charter is a yacht rental without a professional crew—giving you full responsibility for sailing, navigating, and provisioning the boat. It’s the ideal option for experienced sailors who want the freedom to plan their own itinerary and enjoy the adventure of skippering their own yacht.
To charter bareboat, you or someone in your group must hold the appropriate sailing qualifications (such as an ICC) and have recent experience handling a vessel of similar size.
That said, bareboat doesn’t mean you’re on your own entirely. Many charterers choose to add a professional skipper, cook, or other crew as part of a skippered bareboat charter. This gives you flexibility—letting you sail independently or enjoy support where needed.
Bareboat charters are available in most major cruising destinations and offer the ultimate in independence, privacy, and adventure on the water.
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.