At a glance
The difference is simply how much you do yourself versus how much is done for you — with cost rising as you add crew. Here's the comparison.
| Factor | Bareboat | Skippered | Crewed |
|---|---|---|---|
| You sail it | Yes | No (pro skipper) | No |
| Qualification needed | Yes | No | No |
| Cooking & chores | You | You | Crew/chef |
| Cost | Lowest | Moderate | Highest |
| Privacy | Total | High | Shared with crew |
| Best for | Qualified sailors | Local knowledge, relaxing | Luxury, zero effort |
Bareboat: total freedom
Bareboat means you charter the yacht and run it yourself — you're the skipper. It's the cheapest option and offers total privacy and freedom, but requires a recognized qualification and experience. Ideal for competent sailors who want independence. See our license requirements.
Skippered: expertise without the work
A skippered charter adds a professional skipper to handle navigation, docking, and local knowledge, while you enjoy the trip. No qualification needed. It's the sweet spot for those who want to relax, learn, or sail unfamiliar waters — and for a group, the per-person cost is modest.
Crewed: be a guest
A crewed charter adds a full crew — captain, chef, and often stewardesses — so you do nothing but enjoy. It's the most expensive but also the most effortless, effectively a private floating hotel. Read about the crewed experience or the crewed charter guide.
The verdict
Bareboat for qualified sailors who want independence and the lowest cost. Skippered for those who want to relax or lack qualifications but still want privacy and value. Crewed for a milestone trip or anyone who wants total luxury and zero effort. Compare bareboat and crewed in more depth in our dedicated guide.