Boat Rental in Corfu Without a Licence: What Is Possible
Can you charter a boat in Corfu without a skipper licence? The honest answer: yes with a professional skipper, and what to check if you want to sail it yourself.
The question we hear most about chartering in Corfu is whether you need a licence. The short answer is that you can have a boat without holding a licence yourself by chartering with a skipper, and that sailing it yourself needs a licence valid for that boat.
Chartering with a skipper
With a professional skipper on board, the skipper is responsible for the boat, so nobody in your group needs a licence. The skipper plans the route with you, handles the boat in the harbour and at anchor, and you swim, eat and enjoy the trip. In the catalogue we list, 241 of 259 boats can be chartered either way and 16 more are always chartered with a skipper. Each boat page says which applies; confirm the cost of the skipper with the operator before you pay.
Chartering without a skipper (bareboat)
A bareboat charter means your own crew sails the boat. The skipper of your crew must hold a licence that is valid for a boat of that size, and the operator checks it when you take over the boat. Rules on which boats may be skippered by whom depend on the length of the boat and its engine power and can change, so we do not repeat figures here. The official source is the Hellenic Coast Guard. If you hold a licence from another country, ask the operator in writing, before you book, whether it is accepted for the boat you want.
How to decide
- No sailing experience: choose a skipper. It also makes the first morning easy, because the skipper knows the weather and the harbours.
- Experienced sailor, familiar boat size: bareboat can be cheaper, but check the licence rule first.
- Experienced sailor, unfamiliar waters: some groups take a skipper for the first day or two. Where a skipper is optional, ask the operator what one adds for your dates.
Weather and the Ionian wind
In summer the Ionian gets a steady afternoon north-westerly wind. Mornings are usually calmer, and a good skipper plans the longer crossings before midday. If you are new to the area, this is one more reason to take a skipper for the first charter.
What else to ask the operator
- Whether the price includes fuel, the skipper and end cleaning, or whether they are paid on the day.
- The security deposit and when it is returned.
- Whether you may cross to the Greek mainland or to Albania. Crossing a border brings passport and port formalities, which we describe in our Albania day-trip guide.
- The cancellation terms, which differ by operator and are shown on every boat page.
When you are ready, see all boat rentals in Corfu or go back to our overview of prices and boat types.
Frequently asked questions
Can I rent a boat in Corfu without a licence?
Yes, if you charter with a professional skipper. Then nobody in your group needs a licence. Sailing the boat yourself needs a licence valid for a boat of that size.
Is a foreign sailing licence accepted in Corfu?
It depends on the licence and on the boat. Ask the operator in writing before you book, and check the current rules with the Hellenic Coast Guard.
Is chartering with a skipper much more expensive?
It adds the cost of the skipper, which varies by boat and dates. Confirm it with the operator before you pay.
Who is responsible for the boat if I charter with a skipper?
The skipper handles the boat and its safety. The operator's terms, shown on the booking page, set out the rest, including the deposit.
