Types of Yacht Charters Explained: Bareboat vs Crewed vs Cabin

When planning a yacht charter, one of the first decisions you’ll face is what type of charter to book. The choice you make will shape your entire experience at sea — from how much independence you’ll have, to the level of luxury and service included.

The three main types of yacht charters are bareboat, crewed, and cabin charters. Each offers something unique, and the best choice depends on your travel style, budget, and sailing confidence. Let’s break them down.

1. Bareboat Charter

A bareboat charter means you rent the yacht without a skipper or crew. You’re fully responsible for sailing, navigation, and provisioning.

Best for: Experienced sailors who want total freedom and privacy.

Pros:

• Maximum independence
• Flexibility to explore at your own pace
• Often the most budget-friendly option if you can sail

Cons:

• You need sailing qualifications or proven experience
• No onboard staff to handle cooking, cleaning, or navigation

Example experience: Dropping anchor in a secluded cove and enjoying a completely private evening under the stars.

2. Crewed Charter

A crewed charter includes a professional skipper (and often additional crew like a chef, steward, or deckhand). The crew handles sailing, safety, and hospitality so you can relax.

Best for: Couples, families, or groups who want a stress-free vacation.

Pros:

• Everything is taken care of
• Crew often knows hidden gems and local highlights
• Luxury experience with top-tier service

Cons:

• More expensive than bareboat
• Less privacy since crew members are onboard

Example experience: Sipping cocktails prepared by your steward while your skipper navigates you to a hidden beach.

3. Cabin Charter

A cabin charter means you book a single cabin on a yacht rather than the entire boat. You’ll share the yacht with other travelers and usually have a crew onboard.

Best for: Solo travelers or couples looking for a social, affordable option.

Pros:

• Lower cost since you only book one cabin
• Meet other like-minded travelers
• Professional crew handles everything

Cons:

• Less privacy compared to full-boat charters
• Fixed itinerary with less flexibility

Example experience: Making new friends while island-hopping on a weeklong cruise.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right yacht charter comes down to your budget, experience level, and travel goals. Whether you’re steering your own bareboat, enjoying luxury service on a crewed charter, or joining a cabin cruise for the social vibe, there’s an option that fits your dream trip.

👉 Platforms like Sailo (affiliate link) let you filter by bareboat, crewed, or cabin charters so you can quickly find the style of yacht adventure that suits you best.

Ready to choose an itinerary? See our top 5 romantic destinations for couples.