What Types of Yacht Charters Does Navigare Yachting Offer?

Updated

Navigare Yachting offers three main charter formats — bareboat, crewed, and cabin charters — across a fleet it describes as 350 yachts in 12 destinations. The right choice depends on how much sailing autonomy you want, whether you need staff on board, and whether you're booking an entire yacht or just a berth. In short: choose bareboat if you can skipper the boat yourself, crewed if you want a captain and service included, and cabin if you're a solo traveler or couple willing to share a yacht with others.

Bareboat Charters: You Are the Crew

A bareboat charter means you rent the yacht itself and take full responsibility for sailing and operating it. Navigare lists bareboat as one of its core charter types, and it is the format to pick when you hold the required sailing qualifications and want maximum independence.

What it typically involves:

  • You (or a qualified skipper in your group) command the yacht.
  • You plan the route, anchorages, and daily schedule.
  • Provisioning, cooking, and onboard duties are yours.

Best suited for: experienced sailors, sailing-certificate holders, and groups who want a self-directed vacation. Before booking, confirm the license and sailing-resume requirements for your chosen destination — these vary by country and are set by the operator and local regulations.

Crewed Charters: Captain and Service Included

A crewed charter adds professional staff to the yacht. Navigare's site positions crewed charters alongside bareboat and cabin options, and the format is designed for travelers who want the sailing experience without handling the boat.

What it typically involves:

  • A professional captain handles navigation and operation.
  • Crew may include a chef or steward depending on the yacht and package.
  • Meals and service are often part of the arrangement, though the exact inclusions depend on the specific yacht and booking.

Best suited for: groups and families new to sailing, travelers who want a hands-off luxury experience, or anyone chartering in unfamiliar waters where local knowledge matters. Because inclusions vary by yacht, ask for the specific crew and service list for the boat you're considering rather than assuming a standard package.

Cabin Charters: Book a Berth, Not a Boat

A cabin charter lets you reserve an individual cabin on a shared yacht rather than the whole vessel. Navigare lists cabin charters as a distinct option, which makes it the entry point for travelers who don't have a full group.

What it typically involves:

  • You book one cabin; other cabins are occupied by other guests.
  • The yacht is operated by crew, so no sailing experience is needed.
  • The itinerary is fixed by the operator rather than chosen by you.

Best suited for: solo travelers, couples, and small parties who want a lower-commitment way to try a sailing vacation and are comfortable sharing common spaces with strangers.

How the Three Compare

Dimension Bareboat Crewed Cabin
Who sails the yacht You / your qualified skipper Professional captain Professional crew
Who books the whole yacht Your group Your group No — you book one cabin
Route flexibility High — you plan it Usually set with the captain Fixed itinerary
Sailing experience needed Yes No No
Relative cost Lowest per person for a full group, since you supply the labor Highest, as crew and service are included Lowest entry cost for an individual, since you pay per berth
Privacy Full yacht to yourselves Full yacht, plus crew on board Shared with other guests

The cost column reflects the general structure of these charter types rather than specific Navigare prices — the site does not publish rates in the material available, so request a quote for your dates and destination.

How to Decide

  1. Check your qualifications first. If you don't hold a sailing license, bareboat is off the table unless someone in your group does.
  2. Count your party. A full group that wants privacy points to bareboat or crewed; one or two people without a group points to cabin.
  3. Decide how much you want to operate the boat. Willing and able to sail → bareboat. Want to be a passenger → crewed or cabin.
  4. Confirm destination and dates. Navigare highlights destinations including the Bahamas, BVI, and Seychelles for the 2026/2027 season, alongside special charter offers — check which charter types are available for your specific destination before committing.

The most common pitfall is assuming a crewed charter includes everything: crew composition, meals, and extras differ by yacht, so get the inclusions in writing for the exact boat before you book.