Bareboat Charter in the Ionian: Complete Guide

What is Bareboat Charter?

Bareboat charter means you rent a yacht without crew — you’re the skipper. You have complete freedom to plan your route, choose your anchorages, and sail at your own pace. It’s the most popular way to explore the Ionian Islands.

License Requirements

You need:

  • A valid sailing license recognized in Greece (RYA Day Skipper, ASA 104, IYT Bareboat Skipper, or equivalent)
  • Proven sailing experience (typically a sailing CV or logbook)
  • At least one crew member with some sailing knowledge

Greek-recognized licenses include:

  • RYA Day Skipper or higher (UK)
  • ASA 104 or higher (USA)
  • Sportbootführerschein See (Germany)
  • Patente Nautica (Italy)
  • Patrón de Embarcaciones de Recreo (Spain)
  • National licenses from EU member states

No VHF radio license is required in Greece, though it’s recommended.

Choosing Your Yacht

Size considerations:

  • 30-34ft: Perfect for couples or small families, easier handling, lower cost
  • 37-42ft: Most popular size, ideal for 2 couples or family of 4-6
  • 44-49ft: Spacious for larger groups, more comfort, higher performance
  • 50ft+: Luxury cruising, multiple cabins, excellent for longer charters

Monohull or catamaran?

  • Monohulls are more affordable, better sailing performance, easier docking
  • Catamarans offer more space, stability, and shallow draft for close-in anchoring

Charter Week Structure

Saturday-Saturday is the standard charter period in Greece:

  • 16:00: Check-in at Lefkada Marina (Saturday)
  • 16:00: Yacht must be returned (following Saturday)
  • Effectively gives you 6 full sailing days

Check-in process (allow 2-3 hours):

  1. Boat briefing with charter company
  2. Inventory check
  3. Systems walkthrough (engine, water, electrical, navigation)
  4. Safety equipment inspection
  5. Sail a short test run (if first-time with this charter company)

Provisioning

Water: 150-200 liters per person per week (drinking, cooking, washing)

Fuel: Budget €150-300 depending on size and how much you motor vs. sail

Food & drink: Supermarkets near the marina (Lidl, AB Vassilopoulos). Many sailors provision before check-in to save time.

Restaurant budget: €15-30 per person for taverna dinner. Most anchorages have waterside tavernas.

Costs Overview

Charter prices (7 days, high season):

  • 30-34ft monohull: €1,500-2,200
  • 37-42ft monohull: €2,500-3,800
  • 44-51ft monohull: €4,000-6,000
  • 42ft catamaran: €4,500-8,800

Additional costs:

  • End cleaning: €125-300 (depending on yacht size)
  • Fuel: €150-300
  • Provisions: €300-600 (for 4 people, including restaurant meals)
  • Airport transfer: €50-80 return per group

See our detailed sailing costs guide for full breakdown.

Typical Week

A relaxed 7-day Ionian charter covers approximately 60-80 nautical miles:

Example: Lefkada → Meganisi → Kalamos → Kastos → Ithaca → Kefalonia → return to Lefkada

You’ll sail 2-4 hours per day, swim, explore villages, and enjoy taverna dinners. No need to rush — the Ionian rewards slow sailing.

Safety & Support

  • Mobile phone coverage is good throughout the Ionian
  • VHF coverage on Channel 16 is reliable
  • Charter companies provide 24/7 emergency phone support
  • Coastguard monitors VHF Channel 16

When to Book

  • January-February: Best prices due to early bird discounts (up to 15%)
  • March-May: Good availability, moderate pricing
  • June onwards: Limited availability for popular yachts and weeks

Popular yachts (40-45ft) often book out by April for July-August slots.