Boat with or without a skipper? Licences, costs and what a skipper really brings

«Do we need a skipper?» is one of the most common questions before booking. The answer depends on three things: what the country requires, what the provider requires – and what you want. This guide goes through all three.

On every boat page you can see how the provider handles the skipper:

• Without a skipper (bareboat): you drive the boat yourself. The provider asks for documents.
• Skipper optional: you can add a skipper. Where the provider gives a price, it is in the final price; where not, it says «plus skipper».
• Skipper included or mandatory: the boat only goes out with a skipper – usual for large motor yachts and many catamarans. If the skipper is mandatory and costs extra, it is already in the final price.

On crewed boats, other staff such as a host often come with the skipper; this is shown on the boat too.

Rules differ from country to country, and they change. What we can say for sure:

• Italy: above a certain engine power or distance from the coast you need a boat licence; small boats with less powerful engines can often be driven near the coast without one.
• France: motorboats with more than 6 hp (4.5 kW) require a boat licence (permis plaisance).
• Spain: the rules for boats without a licence changed recently – check with the provider what applies to your boat.
• Croatia and Greece: for boats without a skipper, providers usually ask for a recognised boat licence and a radio certificate, in Greece often also a second experienced person.

For sailboats most providers ask for a licence or proof of your experience, even where the law asks for less. What your provider requires always counts; if in doubt, ask before booking. If the documents are missing at check-in, the provider may refuse to hand over the boat without a skipper.

A skipper is not just someone who steers. They know the area: which bay is calm in which wind, where there is still a berth in high summer, which rules apply in protected areas. They handle mooring, anchoring and the responsibility for the boat. For you that means holiday instead of planning.

A skipper is especially worth it if

• nobody in the group has experience with this type of boat,
• the area is demanding (strong wind like the meltemi, open anchorages like the Aeolian Islands),
• you are travelling with small children and want your hands free.

• Do they sleep on board? Then they need a cabin or berth – which reduces the places for your group.
• How are meals handled? With many providers the skipper eats on board with the guests; the terms or the provider will tell you what applies.
• How many hours do they sail per day, and where does the boat spend the night?