Where Mythical Seas Meet True Freedom
Greece is the world’s premier yacht charter destination and we are on hand to get the very best and unforgettable experience for you. Discover all you need to know on this page.
We get the best yacht for you
Greece has one of the largest and most modern charter fleets in the world. Yachts are well maintained, subject to strict national regulations, and supported by a strong network of trained technicians.
If you value space, stability, and minimal heeling (the sideways tilt of a sailboat), a catamaran may be the best fit. That said, heeling on a monohull can be exhilarating—you truly feel the power of the wind. There are many aspects to take into account when choosing a yacht. Since we own our own yachts and skipper on many, we are best placed to really help you think through every aspect of what each yacht can offer you.
Do you want to be the captain?
In Greece, many charter yachts are client-skippered. If you hold a Day Skipper or equivalent certification and would like to captain the yacht yourself, we will help you plan every aspect of the trip. If you prefer a professional skipper, we can often provide one—we’ll skipper ourselves, if we can. A skilled, kind skipper will truly elevate your holiday experience.
Dine in or Out?
All yachts include fully equipped kitchens with gas stoves, ovens, refrigerators, small freezers and often espresso machines. You are welcome to prepare meals on board.
Most guests enjoy breakfast and a light lunch on the yacht and dine ashore in the evenings at local tavernas. Fast food can cost as little as € 7 – 10 per person and an average restaurant will cost € 30 per person.
How a Charter Week Works
Charters typically run Saturday to Saturday throughout Greece. Standard check-in is at 5:00 PM. Return to the base marina is required by Friday evening (before 6:00 PM). You spend the final night on board and disembark by 9:00 AM on Saturday, allowing crews time to prepare the yacht for the next guests.
On a typical charter day, you will sail and/or motor 2–3 hours, enjoy one or two swim stops, and spend the night either docked in a port or anchored in a bay in nature. Port space is limited, so arriving early is helpful if you wish to dock. Often you will need to use the yacht’s tender to get ashore.
Your Group Matters More than the Yacht
Most charters consist of one or two families or close friends—and for good reason. Living together on a yacht is intimate. Sailing with people you feel relaxed and comfortable with is the single most important factor in having a magical week—more important even than the yacht itself.
What are the Costs Involved?
Charter sailing typically costs €6,000 – €20,000 per group, excluding food and dining ashore. If your budget is larger, do contact us regarding our luxury crewed yachting service on larger yachts with all the comforts and experiences you can imagine.
Charter sailing has five primary costs
- Weekly yacht rental: This is the main expense. You can find a smaller, older (but perfectly fine) yacht for 6-8 people as low as €2000 in low season and a large catamaran with all the whistles and bells for €18,000, in high season
- Skipper: €1,400–€1,500/week plus food
- Cleaning, bedding, and towels: Approx. €300
- Fuel: Approx. €250 (monohull) or €300–€500 (catamaran) depending on how much a/c you use.
- Refundable security deposit: Yachts are really well insured for any eventuality, however, you typically pay €2000–4000 to cover any damage that may occur, which is returned to you on check out. Usually you can purchase a damage waiver insurance which covers this too for typically €400.
Your major optional extras are hiring a hostess or cook, a stand up paddle board (SUP), extra towels/linen, internet data packages, fishing equipment and provisions shopping services.
Sail into the Story
Watch our new video to discover what you can explore with us in Greece, your choice of yachts, destinations and experiences! The vast majority we filmed ourselves.
Set Sail Today!
Take advantage of early booking discounts and availability. Most people actually book 6+ months in advance precisely to get the best deal for their available time slots.
We are a friendly bunch who love what we do, so you can always pick up the phone for free and speak with us.
What kind of yacht should I charter?
Do you want a budget deal or luxury? If you want luxury and comfort you are probably going to want a catamaran, which are designed for space and comfort. Newer catamarans sail well too. If you want a budget option and you organise your crew before you go, you can pay as little as a €300 each per week for yacht rental, in high season, maybe less.
Do think about whether you and your company would benefit from hiring a yacht that has air conditioning and a water maker on board. In the hot months air conditioning can make all the difference and a watermaker means that you don’t have to make stops to fill up or take short showers! These don’t cost extra, but the yacht that they are on may cost more to hire than similar yachts without them.
What are all the expenses I can expect to pay?
There are 4 basic expenses that you will pay:
1 – Yacht rental
2 – Fuel (usually diesel)
3 – Cleaning
4 – Skipper (if you need one!)
There is one more returnable fee you must pay and this is a security deposit. In case you cause any damage to the yacht, it comes out of your security deposit, which will be anything between €1500 – €3000. Most people pay this with a credit card, and the amount isn’t withdrawn, but put on hold. Useful tip! It usually takes 2-3 weeks before the bank release these funds even though the yacht managers release your card as soon as they have checked your yacht. So if you don’t want to wait that long, email them before and ask if they accept cash!
On a sailing holiday, typically you’ll get through most of your 300 litre fuel tank (especially if you have a generator on board for air conditioning). This would typically cost €500 max.
Cleaning typically costs €200 – 250.
Skipper’s fees are usually between €150 – 200 per day, so €1050 – 1400 per week,
If you want a hostess, you will usually pay about the same as for a skipper.
Food is not included. Yachts typically have all cooking and food preparation facilities on board, powered by gas rings and a small over/grill. They are quite adequate for most meals you may wish to prepare.
You will also pay for extra toys like SUPs and WiFi, but book them early because each base has limited supplies!
How can I rent a yacht by myself without hiring a skipper?
You typically need the equivilent of an RYA off shore license before you can be the captain and if you have taken the course you will know very well why this is so! The course can be done over a week, but doing it over a longer period of time because there is a lot of inormation to take in and skills to learn.
If you have just got your license we recommend you hire a skipper, because it takes considerable practice to confidently manage any yacht, not necessarily at sea, but in when maneuvering in port, especially with unfavourable winds! Your crew may prefer this option too! We have skippers and crew available for hire should you want one.
When is a good time to make the booking?
Sailing holidays have become very popular, so the earlier the better, especially if you want to book a catamaran with air conditioning, a water maker and generator. Early means at least 6 months before your holiday. You will also benefit from an earlybird booking and get your yacht at the previous year’s price before they increase. In Greece, yacht hire prices increased 10% from 2022 to 2023, so get in early!
Why do I have to rent from Saturday to Saturday?
To maximise bookings and make yacht servicing and cleaning efficient, there is a worldwide standard regarding when charters start and end. Pretty much all over the world you will be able to board your yacht at around 5pm on Saturday and you will have to return it to port by Friday evening and spend the last night on board in the port. This is so that the yacht can be inspected (and also by a diver who will inspect the hull) and any issues can be fixed before the next charter starts the following day. You will probably asked to leave by 9am Saturday so that the cleaning crews can clean your yacht and all the others in time for the next charterers.
The three exceptions for this standard are:
1 – You want to book 2 or 3 weeks exactly on board.
2 – You are booking a luxury yacht and are paying perhaps over €30,000 a week for it and there may be some flexibility.
3 – You are renting in low season and there may be some flexibility regarding your start and end day. You may still be required to rent for 1 whole week though.
What if I need to cancel?
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Do I need to take out insurance?
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