Yes, you need to hold a sailing license to rent a boat to most of our destinations. This is what is called a “bareboat charter”. However, you may book a skipper through Navigare if you don’t have a sailing license or prefer a hands-off approach during your holiday. Some of our larger yachts over 50 feet require a dedicated crew. This experience is called a “crewed charter”.
The British Virgin Islands does not require a sailing certification; however, a strong sailing resume is preferred.
If you want to verify the eligibility of your sailing credentials and license eligibility, feel free to contact us. Please note that the NauticEd SLC and ASA are recognized and accepted throughout Europe. For ASA, to charter a boat up to 30 tons, you need to have a Bareboat Chartering level (ASA 104). For above 30 tons (i.e. Lagoon 450 and more extensive) Advanced Coastal Cruising (ASA 106) is required. The NauticEd SLC is sufficient for all boats provided it lists the correct type, tonnage, and length.
Greece
The skipper must possess a valid sailing license for the size and tonnage of the boat you intend to charter, in compliance with Greece Maritime Law. The co-skipper must sign a formal Navigare statement attesting to their sailing experience. A VHF license is recommended but not mandatory.
The following sailing licenses and permits issued by approved organizations are valid in Greece:
Croatia
The skipper must possess a valid sailing license for the size and tonnage of the boat you intend to charter, as required by Croatia Maritime Law. A VHF license is required, and you may apply for one with the FCC, or we can provide further guidance in this process. The following sailing licenses and permits issued by approved organizations are valid in Croatia:
For the full list of licenses issued by different countries refer to the pdf document.
Turkey
The skipper must possess a valid sailing license for the size and tonnage of the boat you intend to charter, as required by Turkey Maritime Law. A VHF license is recommended but not mandatory.
Spain
The skipper must possess a valid sailing license for the size and tonnage of the boat, required by Spain Maritime Law for the yacht in question. A VHF license is required, and you may apply for one with the FCC, or we can provide further guidance in this process. The following sailing licenses or permits issued by approved organizations are valid in Spain:
Sweden
The skipper must possess a valid sailing license for the size and tonnage of the boat you intend to charter, as required by Sweden Maritime Law. A VHF license is recommended but not mandatory.
The British Virgin Islands
No formal sailing certification is required however you will be asked to provide a sailing resume outlining your experience and skills with docking, mooring, and anchoring. Our catamarans 50 ft and above may require a dedicated crew, depending upon your level of experience and certification.
Thailand
The skipper will need to show proof of sailing certification and experience. Feel free to contact Navigare to verify the eligibility of your credentials.
Mediterranean (Croatia, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Spain)
The sailing season in the Mediterranean lasts from April to mid-November, with the peak season stretching from June to August. Prices vary depending on your desired sailing dates and rates go up as you draw closer to the peak season.
The months of May and September are ideal for those of our clients who prefer to enjoy some peace and quiet at the harbor, while the air and water temperatures remain enjoyable and the bays and secluded creeks aren’t as crowded.
The usual charter length is 1 to 3 weeks, but the duration of your charter trip is up to you!
Our standard charter period in Europe is from Saturday to Saturday. We strive for flexibility for our guests and can also accommodate other durations by request.
Sweden
The peak season for sailing in Sweden is from June until the end of August. A particularity of Sweden is that the days are very long in June and July with only a few hours of darkness, thus you can maximize your sailing fun during the extended period of daylight.
The usual charter length is 1 to 3 weeks, but the duration of your charter trip is up to you!
Our standard charter period in Sweden is from Saturday to Saturday. We strive for flexibility for our guests and can also accommodate other durations by request.
BVI & Thailand
The most popular time to go sailing in the British Virgin Islands and Thailand perfectly supplements our Mediterranean destinations, from mid-November to March. The weather is the most favorable then, but it is also the most crowded time.
In Thailand, you can expect fewer crowds and more attractive rates in the monsoon season from May to the end of October. The British Virgin Islands are a great sailing destination year-round outside of the hurricane season which officially lasts from June to November, with September being the most likely month for heavy storms, rain, and possibly hurricanes.
Yes! You can sign up to join one of our charter getaways in Croatia by renting “by the cabin” for 1 or 2 weeks. Our experienced skipper and hostess will be on board and you will enjoy a scheduled route. The advantage is that you do not need to have any previous sailing experience. This is a wonderful way to meet new friends and have an amazing time!
For more information about our routes and services, please read more here.
See our packing tips on our blog post: Packing tips for a sailing vacation
Our fleet includes monohulls from 36 to 64 feet, and sailing catamarans from 38 to 56 feet. The brands we offer for charter include Bavaria, Beneteau, Jeanneau, Hanse, Lagoon, Nautitech, Fountaine Pajot, and Sunreef. The yachts are custom-made for the charter market so they are very conveniently appointed and ultra-comfortable. Our smallest boats can accommodate up to 6 people and the largest ones can accommodate up to 12 people.
Standard equipment on our boats includes a GPS with chart plotter, tridata, a guide to the local ports and marinas, current paper charts, a bimini, and spray hood for better protection, outboard engine & dinghy, bow thruster, CD player with speakers and safety equipment.
All of our boats are booked with the Weather Comfort or Carefree Package depending on the destination. Packages include bed linen & towels, dish towels, wi-fi, cooking gas, and fuel for the outboard engine. Any additional extras can be booked online.
Every boat has at least one toilet coupled with a holding tank, one or more showers, and a fully-equipped kitchen with a refrigerator and gas oven.
The detailed equipment of each yacht can be found on the individual boat page.
All boats have at least one toilet coupled with a holding tank, one or more showers, a fully equipped kitchen for the crew, a refrigerator, gas oven, etc.
All our boats are booked with weather Comfort or an All-inclusive Package depending on the destination. Packages include bed linen & towels, tea towels, a dinghy with an outboard engine, wi-fi, cooking gas, and fuel for the outboard engine. All the additional extras can be booked online.
Yes. You may use the 12V charger (car charger) while sailing or plug into the power outlets of the yacht while connected to shore power.
You can order a transfer to the marina while making your booking online or by writing to booking@navigare-yachting.com. If picked up at the airport, we will take you directly from the arrival terminal to your boat. Upon arrival, please contact the office and staff on-site for assistance. Except in Thailand and the BVIs, should you arrive after 19:00 (7 pm), we will leave the boat unlocked and ready for you, with a note to your attention on the office door. The check-in will take place the following morning.
One-way sailing routes are only permitted in Croatia. Currently, our popular one-way sailing routes include Trogir (Split) to Dubrovnik and Dubrovnik to Trogir (Split). When booking online, just select the corresponding “One-way fee” in optional extras.
Standard check-in time for all European destinations (Mediterranean and Sweden) starts at 17:00 (5 pm).
If you would like an earlier check-in, we recommend ordering the Navigare VIP Pack (only available in Croatia, Greece & Spain). When booking online, simply select the corresponding optional extra. It includes priority check-in guaranteed from 13:00 / 1 pm, exclusive reception, and drinks onboard. This option gives you an extra half day of sailing. Book early as the number of VIP packs is limited!
In the British Virgin Islands, USVI, and Bahamas embarkation is at 16:00 (4:00 pm) & disembarkation is at 10:00 am every day.
In Thailand, embarkation & disembarkation is at 12:00 (Noon) every day.
In Croatia, upon arrival at the marina, proceed to the Navigare office to finalize your paperwork. Once your boat is cleaned, prepared technically, and checked, it’s ready for you to embark! You will be accompanied by a technician and a video check-in will take place. After the inspection of the boat, you are ready to sail away!
For all other destinations, check-in is performed by the skipper and one crew member together with someone from our base staff. They inspect the boat from stem to stern and check that all the equipment is in place and functioning properly.
During check-in, you will also receive instructions on the operation of the specific yacht model you’ll be chartering. You and your crew will be given instructions regarding the use of the toilet, septic tank, and propane for cooking. Should you have any questions or concerns, please ask our staff! If you detect any malfunctions, just call our service team! When you sign the takeover, ensure that any existing damage has already been written down. At check-out, you will go through the boat again and be given the chance to rate our service.
The skipper always has full responsibility for the boat, therefore contracting skipper insurance is highly recommended. If you hire a professional skipper through Navigare Yachting, he will be responsible for any and all damages onboard.
In destinations where the Carefree Pack is available, any loss or damage will be covered at no extra cost – and with no security deposit, no deductible from you!
Should loss or damage occur as a consequence of your gross negligence, damage costs may apply at the discretion of our base manager and will be discussed with you during check-out.
In our European destinations, the boat should return to the base the night before check-out, usually on Friday by 18:00 (6 pm). Check-out can take place on Friday as long as there is daylight, or on Saturday morning. You will have full access to the boat until 09:00 (9 am) the next morning, usually on Saturday.
In the British Virgin Islands, USVI, and Bahamas embarkation is at 16:00 (4:00 pm) & disembarkation is at 10:00 am every day.
In Thailand, embarkation & disembarkation is at 12:00 (Noon) every day.
No, you do not have to clean the boat before you leave! However, the boat should be left in the same condition as you found it, i.e. dishes clean and put away, kitchen equipment in its original place, sheets & towels folded, and any garbage taken off the boat. Make sure to double-check the lockers so as not to leave any personal items behind!
The Navigare Experience application is available for iOS devices. It was designed to improve your vacation planning and to help you maximize your time on the water. Online check-in with the Navigare Yachting Experience app means no more standing in line at the base! You will enter the crew list through the app ahead of your charter trip, and receive accurate information on the check-in time of your boat. The Navigare staff will wait for you on the boat with all the necessary documentation. While sipping your favorite drink, you can start to browse the app for interesting sailing route ideas, and preview the best restaurants in town and other sweet spots in the area.
Please note: The Navigare App is currently only available in Croatia, but we expect to roll it out to our other destinations soon!
You can download the Navigare Experience app from the App store by searching "Navigare Experience" or you can follow the link:
You will need your Navigare reservation ID (booking number) in order to log into the app. It is recommended you fill in the crew list before your arrival. If you don’t have your Navigare reservation ID, please ask your agent before arrival or our staff when you are on location.
After login, the first step is to fill in the crew list, taking care to fill in all the mandatory fields accurately. Once your crew list is entered, look it over once more before you as no changes are permitted after your original submission. If you are already at the base waiting to check in, a notice about the approximate check-in time will be sent to you promptly. You will first receive an approximate time window, followed by a set time and the exact boat location, and the contact person who will take care of you.
When you receive the approximate check-in time, please return to the office or our docks. Once the check-in time is set, the skipper must go immediately to the boat. Turnaround days are often very busy and our staff must keep a tight schedule to serve all our clients on time. Please keep that in mind and follow the schedule accordingly.
While you wait, browse the app and start thinking about the suggested routes and sweet spots you might want to explore.
Tap the Navigare logo to access our contact details, and to read some important instructions as you prepare for your trip.
A Sailing certification is not necessary but sailing experience shown on a resume is much appreciated. If you are skilled with docking, mooring, and anchoring, we are happy to have you sail the seas on one of our many beauties. Catamarans of 50+ ft require significant experience, and certification is a welcome experience backup.
The minimum charter length is 4 days with the exception of peak periods (New Year, Spring break, etc) when you can charter for 7 or more days.
The Navigare Carefree Pack includes security deposit/full coverage, welcome package, final cleaning, bed sheets & towels, dinghy, outboard engine, propane gas, full water tanks, snorkeling equipment, prepaid BVI mobile phone, National parks permits, and VISAR.
The Navigare Carefree Pack is payable in advance. The Navigare Carefree Pack means:
Fuel, cruising tax, moorings in all marinas other than the home base, and all other personal expenses not mentioned in the Carefree package.
The charter fee includes the services of a Captain and the Crew, meals, standard ship’s bar, fuel, and all expenses related to running the vessel and use of onboard sports equipment.
The charter fee does not include (optional) crew gratuities, scuba diving, scuba equipment, premium beverages and fine wines, excessive alcohol consumption, off yacht excursions, dockage, cruising taxes, telephone, airport transfers, or similar expenses incurred by the charterer.
December through April is the high season. However, if you want to avoid the crowd, save, and still have good weather, then October, November, and June are your months.
The operation of the Vessel is restricted to the hours of 7:00 am to 5:00 pm for the British Virgin Islands, with the exception of the areas lying within 3 nautical miles of Herman Reef, The White Horse, Horseshoe reef, and reefs surrounding Anegada Island as shown on British Admiralty Chart 2008. If the Charterer receives special permission from NY to visit Anegada, or the US Virgin Islands (excluding St Croix), the Charterer must be aware that chase calls are not possible to these areas should a breakdown occur.
You may take a taxi from the airport. The price is $8 per person, with a minimum of $30 per ride. We will be happy to organize one for you when you provide your flight number as well as the size of your group.
It is very important that we receive an accurate and complete crew list, arrival information and group leader's contact number. You can enter the crew list in our login members area, or you can contact us at booking@navigare-yachting.com.
You may find the base address, contact names, and relevant phone numbers on our BVI destination page.
We recommend Bobby's Marketplace and you may contact your booking agent to obtain the order forms. Bobby's requests that orders be submitted at least 1 week prior to delivery to the boat but the earlier the better to allow sufficient processing time.
Bobby's also offers a complimentary shuttle to and from their grocery store for clients who are interested in doing their own provisions.
Another good alternative is RiteWay Food Markets.
Per our Terms and Conditions, if the Charterer makes a cancellation more than 120 days prior to embarkation, a cancellation fee of 15% of the charter fee or 750 EUR applies, whichever is greater.
If the cancellation is between 119 and 60 days prior to embarkation, you are responsible for 50% of the charter fee. If the cancellation is 59 days or less before embarkation, Navigare may retain the entire charter fee and the guest is not eligible for a refund.
We strongly recommend purchasing third-party travel insurance to cover losses caused by unforeseen events.
Or consider booking with Navigare Flexi for more flexibility!
Our office hours are from 8 am – 5 pm. If you arrive after hours, you will find a note on our office door with the location of your boat. Your boat will be left unlocked with the lights and refrigeration turned on.
Both Sailing certification and experience are needed.
The minimum charter length is 3 days with the exception of peak periods when it is 7 or more days.
You may sleep aboard your boat on the night before your charter (upon availability). Embarkment is at 5 pm and the check-in is the next morning at 9 am. The price of this option is 65% of the daily charter rate.
Transfer from/to the airport, generator (5 EUR / running hour), fuel, moorings in all marinas other than the home base, and all other personal expenses.
Prices include current local taxes, fees, and charges, as well as a weekly berth in the home port.
A refundable deposit is charged in the amount of 2300 – 3000 EUR/boat. This is guaranteed with a cash deposit, or a pre-authorized Visa or MasterCard. Your card will not be charged unless the boat or dinghy is damaged. We strongly recommend purchasing skipper insurance, if you are chartering a bareboat.
From the beginning of November to the end of April. During this period you can expect stable winds from the Northeast, at a force of 2 to 4 knots, with the temperature at about 30 °C.
We can organize an air-conditioned minibus that costs 40 EUR for up to 8 people. All we need is your flight details and we will take care of the rest.
We must receive an accurate and complete crew list, arrival information, and the group leader's contact number. If you are chartering a bareboat, a scan of your sailing license is required.
You may find the base address, and contact persons with relevant phone numbers HERE!
We are happy to do the provisioning for you. All you need to do is to fill out the list we provide you with and we will do the rest. This service comes at a 90 EUR charge.
Our office hours are from 8 am – 5 pm. If you arrive after hours, you will find a note on our office door with the location of your boat. Your boat will be left unlocked with the lights and refrigeration turned on.
See here for Visa requirements.
Yes, you do need a passport.
If you are leaving from New Providence (Nassau) or Grand Bahama (Freeport) to the United States, you will clear customs before landing. If you are departing from any other island you will have to go through customs when you land in the United States.
The weather is typically sunny year-round.
Ensure that you pack sunblock, flip-flops, and your favorite swimsuit! The Bahamas is a subtropical region; dress for the islands.
Yes, there are two golf courses in The Abacos and one in The Exumas.
If you are visiting from North America, you will not need an adapter. In The Bahamas, power plugs and sockets are of types a and b. The standard voltage is 120 v and the standard frequency is 60 Hz.
Water in the Out Islands is about 75°f-78°f (24°c) in December.
There is no precise rainy season but there is an increased chance of precipitation during hurricane season, and our base closes during its peak every year from August 15 to October 15.
Yes, you can. Please note, that you’ll ride on the left side of the road in the Bahamas!
Car rentals, taxis, and buses are the modes of transportation on the island. There is no Uber in The Bahamas.
BSD and USD are used.
There are places where you can use a credit card but if you’re exploring always carry a bit of cash.
Yes, the Islands of The Bahamas are a part of the Caribbean.
There are 700-plus islands and cays, 16 of which are inhabited.