Types of charter
There are four common charter formats. Bareboat means you sail the vessel yourself — you'll need a sailing résumé and, in some regions, an ICC or RYA qualification. Skippered charters add a professional captain to a bareboat, ideal if you want to learn or unwind. Crewed charters include captain, chef, and often a deck or interior crew — common on motor yachts. Cabin charters sell single cabins on a larger vessel, like a cruise: lower cost per person, less privacy.
Choosing the right vessel
Match the boat to the trip. Sailing monohulls deliver the most authentic sailing experience and the best value per berth. Catamarans offer space, stability, and shallow draft — perfect for families and snorkeling itineraries. Motor yachts trade fuel cost for speed and range, and make sense for cruisers who want to cover more ground in a week. Always check guest-to-cabin ratio (don't overload), recent refit dates, and the operator's safety record.
What's included
Bareboat fees usually include the vessel, dinghy, basic galley and linens, and a starting tank of fuel and water. Expect to pay separately for fuel beyond that, dockage outside the base, cruising permits, end-of-charter cleaning, and a security deposit. Crewed charters typically quote a base fee plus an APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) of 25–35% covering fuel, provisioning, and port fees, with the unspent balance refunded at the end.
Destinations
The British Virgin Islands and Bahamas are the easiest first-charter destinations: short hops, calm waters, and a strong charter ecosystem. The Mediterranean (Croatia, Greece, Italy, Balearics) is the world's largest crewed-charter market, best from May to October. The Pacific Northwest, French Polynesia, and Seychelles offer more remote, advanced cruising for experienced charterers. Always check hurricane and monsoon seasons before booking.
How to book
Decide on dates, region, vessel type, and budget first. Get quotes from at least two reputable brokers or operators and compare the all-in cost (base fee, APA, taxes, gratuity). Read the contract carefully — cancellation terms, force-majeure clauses, and security deposit rules vary widely. Pay by credit card or wire to a documented broker escrow account, and take out charter cancellation and liability insurance. Confirm the boarding briefing time and provisioning preferences a week before departure.