Bareboat
Yacht Charters
in Greece

Founded in 1992, Istion Yachting has grown from a single base on the island of Kos into the highest-rated yacht charter company in Greece, with an outstanding reputation built over more than three decades. Today, we proudly manage one of the Mediterranean’s largest and most diverse fleets, operating from 12 charter bases across Greece and Croatia.

At the heart of Istion is a complete range of yachting experiences designed to match every style of travel:

• Istion Yachting - Our core service, offering bareboat and skippered charters on sailing yachts and catamarans. Whether you are an experienced sailor seeking independence or prefer the ease of a skipper-led holiday, Istion combines seamless service with local expertise to create unforgettable journeys.

• Istion Luxury Yachts - A dedicated division for fully crewed luxury charters on sailing yachts, catamarans, and exclusive motor yachts. With professional crews, world-class hospitality, and the comfort of a floating five-star hotel, our crewed charters are perfect for milestone celebrations, multi-generational holidays, and exclusive escapes at sea.

• Yachthop by Istion – Flexible private and small group day cruises and short island-hopping tours from Athens and many of Greece’s most popular islands. Ideal for travellers who want to experience the Greek islands by sea, even with limited time, Yachthop makes sailing accessible to all.
  

What sets Istion apart is not only the breadth of our services, but also our dedication to excellence. Our fleet is maintained to the highest standards, our suggested itineraries are shaped with deep local insight, and our hospitality reflects our Greek roots - warm, authentic, and personal. With thousands of five-star reviews, Istion Yachting is by far the top-rated yacht charter company in Greece, and we take pride in turning every journey into a lasting memory.

From the freedom of bareboat sailing to the refinement of a fully crewed motor yacht, and from extended voyages to carefree day cruises, Istion is your trusted partner for bespoke journeys across Greece, Croatia, and beyond.

A bareboat charter means you rent the yacht without a skipper or crew, taking full responsibility for the navigation and handling yourself. To do so, at least one person in your party must hold the appropriate sailing qualifications.

Most sailing yachts and catamarans in our fleet are available as bareboats, and the right choice depends on your group and preferences. Each yacht is registered for a maximum number of people on board, and we offer a wide selection of options suitable for both smaller and larger groups. Factors such as the number of guests, whether couples are traveling together, or if single guests require private cabins will help determine the best yacht for your holiday.

Maximum capacity varies by yacht. Many monohulls are certified for 6–8 guests, while larger monohulls and catamarans may allow 8–12. Your group size must never exceed the yacht’s registered maximum, and in all cases pleasure craft in Greece may not carry more than 12 passengers; vessels above this limit are classified as passenger ships with different safety requirements. The same applies in Croatia, where yachts carrying more than 12 people are also subject to separate safety regulations.

You can view all our yachts on our fleet pages, where you can filter by number of cabins or passengers to help you find the best option for your group. If in doubt, our team is always happy to recommend the most suitable options.

In Greece, at least one person must hold a valid sailing license or certification in order to charter a bareboat. It is also strongly recommended to have an experienced crew member act as co-skipper. ASA and RYA certificates are usually accepted, but certain Day Skipper qualifications or those with mileage restrictions may be rejected by the Port Authorities. To be on the safe side, if this is your first time chartering with Istion, please contact us so we can evaluate your license and answer any questions you may have.

In Croatia, the skipper of a bareboat charter must hold both a valid sailing license (from the list recognized by the Croatian Authorities) and a valid VHF radio license. If you’re unsure whether your license will be accepted, simply share it with us and we’ll review it for you.

Please note that the original sailing license must be presented at the charter base upon embarkation for inspection by the Port Authorities, and a copy should also be provided for our records. This helps ensure there are no problems if the license is misplaced during your holiday.

Finally, remember that safe navigation depends on sound seamanship. All yachts are equipped with GPS plotters as aids, but these do not replace official nautical charts or pilots. Visual navigation, proper seamanship and consultation of official paper maps must always accompany any electronic tools on board.

Our bareboat charters usually run Saturday to Saturday, though in some cases we may be able to accommodate different embarkation or disembarkation dates depending on yacht availability. Standard check-in begins at 17:00 on Saturday. A fast-track option, allowing check-in from 14:00, may be available at an additional fee - please ask us in advance if you would like this option.

During check-in, you will meet your base team, review the yacht’s systems and safety equipment, and complete the yacht delivery papers. This is also when any charter extras (including kayaks, SUPs, fishing gear and more) can be settled, and our staff will brief you on your planned route and weather conditions.

Charters end on Saturday at 09:00, with final disembarkation from the yacht. To allow sufficient time for yacht turnaround you need to please reach your finishing base by Friday at 18:00. During check-out, our staff will inspect the yacht, settle fuel costs, and help you complete the online yacht handover documentation. This is also the time to share feedback on your yacht and sailing experience and any comments or suggestions you may have for the team.

Our technical team operates on a 24/7 basis throughout Greece in order to provide you with quick and professional assistance whenever and wherever needed. Should you face any issue on board, you may simply call your Base Manager (contact details provided prior to your embarkation) and he will immediately provide any support you may require.

All of our charter bases in Greece, as well as our base in Croatia, are located in main marinas or ports with nearby shops where you can find everything you need. Upon arrival, our base staff will direct you to the nearest supermarket for provisioning.

If you prefer, you can also request our provisioning list in advance, note the supplies and quantities you require, and we will arrange delivery to your yacht so you are ready to set sail as soon as possible. Please be aware that while we always do our best to match your requests exactly, occasional shop shortages or other factors beyond our control may mean some items are substituted or unavailable.

Packing for a sailing holiday is all about simplicity and practicality. Space on board is limited, so soft-sided luggage is strongly recommended for easy stowage.

During the day, casual beachwear and lightweight clothing are best. Evenings ashore may call for slacks, a sundress, or something a little smarter. On board, rubber-soled shoes (such as boat shoes or tennis shoes) are essential to avoid marking the deck. A light windbreaker or sweater is useful for cooler evenings, and depending on the season, a long-sleeved shirt or two can come in handy.

Sun protection is critical. Bring plenty of sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat or sailing cap, UV-protection sunglasses with a strap, and light cotton cover-ups for extra comfort. 

Practical extras include a small backpack or dry bag for trips ashore, personal toiletries, medications, and device chargers. Above all, think light, compact, and essential. Most things you might need can be purchased locally, but a little preparation ensures a comfortable and carefree holiday.

When you charter a yacht with us, you can relax knowing that every yacht is fully insured with: 

• Third Party Liability Insurance: covering accidental damage or injury caused to other people or boats during your trip. 

• Hull & Machinery Insurance: covering accidental damage to the yacht itself. 

Just like car rentals, yacht insurance comes with a deductible (an amount not covered by insurance). To cover this, a refundable security deposit is normally required. 

• The deposit amount depends on the size and type of yacht. 

• The deposit is only used if there’s damage or loss not fully covered by insurance. 

• If everything is fine, you’ll get your full deposit back after the yacht is inspected at the end of your trip. 

If damage does occur, any costs not covered by insurance will be deducted from your deposit, and you will get back the unused balance. In most cases, your liability is limited to the deposit amount - even if repairs cost more. The only exceptions are certain items such as the outboard motor or dinghy, where replacement costs may apply if they’re not covered by insurance. 

Replenishing your deposit: If an incident happens during your trip that uses a significant part of your deposit (for example, more than 20%), you will need to top up the deposit so that you remain covered for the rest of your charter. 

Refund of your deposit: the unused balance of your deposit is refunded on the first working day after your check-out (or after any damage claim is settled). Depending on your bank, it may take a little longer for the funds to show back on your card. 

Important to know: 

• Insurance does not cover deliberate or reckless damage,  illegal acts or any fines from local authorities. In these rare cases, the charterer may be responsible for the full cost of damage. 

• Yacht insurance is not the same as travel, medical, or personal accident insurance. 

For complete peace of mind, we strongly recommend that all guests arrange independent travel insurance before their trip. This should ideally include cover for: 

• Trip cancellation or curtailment 

• Medical or personal accident expenses 

• Personal belongings and valuables 

Insurance Policy Details: Insurance policy exceptions may vary depending on the yacht. You are always entitled to request and receive the full details of the exact insurance coverage for the yacht you have chosen to charter. 

Yes! For all yacht charters in Greece, the Security Deposit Waiver applies instead. 

Rather than paying a large upfront sum, you pay a much smaller one-time fee and enjoy: 

• Same full insurance coverage for accidental damage 

• Zero deposit required 

• A smoother, faster check-out at the end of your trip 

• A No-Damage Reward Credit Voucher* for your next booking if you return the yacht without any damage 

*The Reward Credit Voucher can be used towards another charter booked before December 31st of the same year. Your new trip can take place either that year or the following year. This credit can only be applied only toward a new booking and cannot be exchanged for cash, refunded, or combined with other promotions, discounts, or credits unless explicitly stated otherwise by Istion. 

Waiver fees and reward credits: 

• Sailing Yachts up to 39 ft: €300 waiver > Earn a €150 Reward Credit Voucher 

• Sailing Yachts 40–43 ft: €350 waiver > Earn a €150 Reward Credit Voucher 

• Sailing Yachts 44–48 ft: €400 waiver > Earn a €200 Reward Credit Voucher 

• Sailing Yachts 49–52 ft: €450 waiver > Earn a €200 Reward Credit Voucher 

• Sailing Yachts 53 ft+: €500 waiver > Earn a €250 Reward Credit Voucher 

• Catamarans up to 39 ft: €400 waiver > Earn a €200 Reward Credit Voucher 

• Catamarans 40–42 ft: €500 waiver > Earn a €250 Reward Credit Voucher 

• Catamarans 43–45 ft: €570 waiver > Earn a €250 Reward Credit Voucher 

• Catamarans 46 ft+: €620 waiver > Earn a €300 Reward Credit Voucher 

• All Skippered charters: €400 waiver 

Important: The waiver removes the need for a large upfront deposit, but it doesn’t remove your responsibility to return the yacht in good condition. It covers normal wear and accidental damage, but not losses not covered by the yacht insurance policy as in the case of reckless behaviour, intentional harm, or illegal actions. 

For charters in Greece, the Security Deposit Waiver is the standard policy.  

The reason is simple: the vast majority of our guests prefer the waiver over a traditional refundable deposit, and their feedback helped us make it the norm for all charters. Here’s why: 

Refundable Security Deposit: 

• While your liability may be limited to the deposit amount, deposits usually range from €2,000 to €5,000 depending on the yacht. That’s a big amount of money tied up on your card for the duration of your holiday.  

• Deposit refund timing: Your bank may take some time to process the refund, which could keep the funds tied up longer than the duration of your holiday. 

• Additional downside: Because the deposit is applied per insurable event, you may be asked to top up the deposit if more than one incident occurs during your trip.
  

Security Deposit Waiver: 
For just a small one-time fee - only a fraction of a normal deposit - you enjoy: 

• Zero deposit required 

• Full insurance coverage for accidental damage 

• A No-Damage Reward Credit Voucher towards your next trip if the yacht is returned damage-free 

• A smoother and faster check-out process, even if there is damage or loss 

In short: the waiver gives you peace of mind, convenience, and extra value, which is why it has become the standard for yacht charters in Greece. 

Please note that we still recommend arranging independent travel insurance to cover trip cancellations, medical needs, or personal belongings, so you’re fully protected. 

That’s good news for you! If you already have valid skipper liability insurance that protects your refundable deposit, you don’t need to pay for extra protection twice. In this case, you’re welcome to choose the refundable deposit option (normally €2,000 - €5,000 depending on yacht size). 

All you need to do is forward a copy of your insurance confirmation, and we’ll handle the rest. This way, you can still sail with peace of mind - knowing you’re fully covered - while avoiding unnecessary costs.