A bareboat yacht charter in Greece gives you the boat and nothing else: no skipper, no crew, just you and your group deciding where to sail each day. It suits people who are comfortable at the helm and want full control of the route. This guide covers how it works, what shapes the price, and how to plan a route, including the Dodecanese.
What a bareboat charter means
In a bareboat charter you rent the yacht without a professional crew, and you take responsibility for navigation, mooring and the safety of everyone aboard. The idea is the same as in any yacht charter, but you do the skippering yourself.
Compared with the other formats:
- Bareboat: you skipper the yacht yourself.
- Skippered: a professional skipper sails the yacht and you take part as much as you like.
- Crewed: a full crew looks after sailing and service on board.
- Cabin charter: you book a private cabin on a shared sailing experience.
If you are unsure which suits you, compare them on our bareboat yacht charters in Greece page and the related charter pages.
Is bareboat right for you?
Bareboat works best when most of the following are true:
- You or someone in your group has real sailing experience and the qualifications the charter requires.
- You are happy to plan daily legs, check the weather and pick anchorages.
- You want privacy and a flexible schedule rather than a fixed programme.
If you would rather relax, a skippered charter keeps the same freedom of route with an experienced person on board.
Bareboat charter Greece prices: what affects the cost
People often search for bareboat charter Greece prices before anything else. There is no single price, because the final cost depends on several things:
- The yacht: type (sailing yacht, catamaran or motor yacht), size and age.
- The dates: the sailing season runs from April to October, and demand changes across that period.
- The length of the charter: the number of days you need the boat.
- Extras: fuel, provisioning, mooring and port fees, and any optional services are usually separate from the base charter fee.
- Insurance and deposit terms: these vary by booking. See our insurance options and booking terms pages for how we handle them.
The most reliable way to get a real number is to send your dates, group size and preferred yacht type and request availability. A quote will then show what is included and what is extra.
Choosing a region: Dodecanese yacht charter
Greece offers several sailing areas: the Cyclades, the Ionian Islands, the Saronic Gulf, the Dodecanese, the Sporades and Crete. For a first bareboat trip, many people choose a region by distance between harbours and how exposed the sailing is.
A Dodecanese yacht charter takes you through the island group in the south-eastern Aegean, with a mix of larger islands and quiet bays. It is a good choice if you prefer a less crowded itinerary and enjoy longer passages between stops. Read more on our Dodecanese sailing page.
Whichever region you choose, keep the first days simple. Short legs let you get used to the yacht before longer crossings.
Weather and the best time to sail
The season for yacht charters in Greece runs from April to October. In summer the Aegean is affected by the Meltemi, a seasonal northerly wind that can make some crossings livelier. Check the forecast every day, leave margin in your schedule, and be ready to change plans.
How to plan your bareboat trip
- Choose the region that matches your experience and the time you have.
- Choose the yacht type: a sailing yacht, a catamaran or a motor yacht.
- Send your dates and group size and request availability.
- Confirm the booking once you have checked what is included and what is extra.
- Prepare the route with short first legs, and plan provisioning before departure.
Frequently asked questions
What is a bareboat yacht charter in Greece?
It is a yacht rental without a skipper or crew. You sail the boat yourself and plan the route.
Do I need sailing experience?
Yes. You are responsible for the yacht, so you should have the experience and the qualifications required for the charter. If you do not, consider a skippered charter.
How much does a bareboat charter cost in Greece?
The price depends on the yacht, the dates, the length of the charter and the extras. Request availability with your dates for a quote that shows what is included.
When is the best time for a Dodecanese yacht charter?
The charter season runs from April to October. Summer winds can be strong, so build flexibility into your plan.
