FAQ

• Charter period

Charters are typically scheduled on a Saturday to Saturday basis. However, guests may choose to embark or disembark at any time within the confirmed charter period, provided that the final check-out does not exceed the agreed end date. Early disembarkation is, of course, possible upon request.

During off-season periods, alternative embarkation and disembarkation days may be available, subject to prior arrangement and confirmation of availability.

• Choosing Your Yacht

Selecting the right yacht is a key element in creating a truly memorable charter experience, and our team is always at your disposal to guide you through this process.

Your choice will depend on the type of experience you wish to enjoy. For those seeking an authentic sailing adventure, a sailing yacht offers a more traditional and engaging experience. If comfort and space are a priority, a sailing catamaran provides the feel of a “floating villa,” with enhanced stability and generous living areas. For guests who value speed, luxury, and the ability to explore multiple destinations within a shorter time, a motor yacht or motor catamaran is often the ideal choice.

With access to a wide and carefully selected fleet, our experts will assist you in identifying the yacht that best matches your preferences, ensuring a perfectly tailored charter experience.

The cost of a yacht charter is influenced by several key factors, allowing each experience to be tailored to your preferences and expectations:

• Type of yacht (sailing yacht, motor yacht, sailing or motor catamaran, etc.)
• Type of charter (bareboat, skippered, or fully crewed)
• Size of yacht
• Year of build or refit (newer yachts typically command higher rates)
• Charter period (peak season dates are generally at a premium)
• Base port and cruising area
• Additional services and extras, depending on the yacht selected (such as end cleaning, damage waiver, optional equipment, or APA for crewed charters, and others)
• Seasonal offers or special promotions, which may provide advantageous pricing during selected periods

You are welcome to indicate your preferred budget when submitting your inquiry. Our team will carefully curate options that best align with your requirements. Should the initial proposals exceed your expectations, we will be pleased to explore alternative solutions to better suit your preferences.

• Included in charter price

A typical charter includes linen and towels set (one set/person), Taxes, Yacht’s insurance, Port- marina fees at Base port embarkation/disembarkation, Dinghy, GPS plotter, VHF, Electric windlass, Autopilot, 12V/220V Inverter, cooking gas, water filling in base port, Fuel for the dinghy’s outboard engine, Weather forecast via sms, Welcome package, Support Line 24/7, Support at sea in the unfortunate event of a breakdown. Included amenities are subject to change depending on yacht selection and type of charter. Any possible change will be clarified in our offer and booking confirmation.

• Not included in charter price

A typical charter does not include fuel (Diesel) consumption, Water consumption, Port fees except from base port embarkation/disembarkation, second linen and towels set per person, transfers, provisions, Flight tickets, Ferry tickets, Hotel accommodation. Not included amenities are subject to change depending on yacht selection and type of charter. Any possible change will be clarified in our offer and booking confirmation.

• Bareboat

A bareboat charter refers to a charter where the client, or a designated member of the group, acts as the skipper of the yacht. In order to assume this role, the individual must meet the requirements outlined in the “Sailing Requirements & Licenses” section.

Under a bareboat arrangement, the skipper and the client assume full responsibility for the safe navigation, operation, and overall management of the yacht, including its equipment, in accordance with the terms specified in the charter agreement.

• Skippered

A skippered charter is arranged when the client requests a professional skipper to be assigned for the duration of the charter. The skipper is a qualified and experienced professional, familiar with both the yacht and the cruising area, and is responsible for the safe navigation and overall operation of the vessel.

The skipper’s responsibilities include monitoring weather conditions, ensuring proper connection to shore power when required, managing water and fuel levels, maintaining the yacht in good working order, coordinating with the base for any technical support, and selecting safe mooring locations. Above all, the skipper prioritizes the safety and comfort of all guests on board.

This option is particularly well-suited for clients with limited or no sailing experience, or for those who simply wish to enjoy a more relaxed holiday. While this is not a formal training experience, guests are welcome to participate in sailing activities and may benefit from the skipper’s knowledge and practical guidance.

In a skippered charter, the client is not responsible for the navigation of the yacht (unless operating it without authorization, which is not permitted). However, responsibility for general onboard use remains with the client, including any incidents resulting from misuse or negligence (e.g. equipment handling or onboard facilities).

Upon booking a skippered charter, a detailed guide will be provided outlining the skipper’s role, onboard protocols, and useful recommendations to enhance your experience.

• Crewed

A crewed charter offers an elevated level of service and comfort, building upon the skippered experience with the addition of professional crew members such as a hostess, cook, or chef.

This option allows guests to fully relax and enjoy their time onboard, with all operational and hospitality aspects taken care of by the crew. From meal preparation and service to assistance during mooring and daily routines, the crew ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience throughout the charter. A crewed charter is the ideal choice for those seeking a truly effortless and indulgent sailing holiday.

• Information to be provided

When submitting a request for a charter offer, you will be asked to provide certain details to help us recommend the most suitable options tailored to your needs. Please include the following information:

• Contact details (email)
• Type of charter (bareboat, skippered, crewed)
• Type of yacht (sailing yacht, motor yacht, catamaran, etc)
• Number of guests
• Number of cabins/WC required (optional)
• Preferred base port or sailing area
• Charter dates (fixed or flexible)
• Charter duration
• Any special inquiries or any additional comments regarding yacht (e.g. yacht model, year of build, specific features, etc.)

• Ways to request an offer

There are several ways to submit your charter request and receive a tailored proposal from our team:

1. Email:You may contact us directly at info@discoveryyachting.com, providing the details of your request, and our team will respond with a personalized offer.
2. Inquiry/Contact form:By completing the contact form on our website with the relevant information, you enable us to prepare and send you a detailed proposal promptly.
3. Live Chat:You may also reach us through our chat support. Kindly include the key details of your request along with your email address, so we can forward a comprehensive offer directly to your inbox.
4. Telephone:Our team is available by phone using the contact details listed on our website. However, we recommend submitting your request in written form whenever possible, as this ensures accuracy and allows us to provide you with the most precise and tailored proposal.

• Booking confirmation

Once you have selected your preferred yacht and are ready to proceed, you may confirm your reservation by contacting us via email. While initial communication by phone is welcome, a written confirmation is required to finalize the booking process.

Upon receiving your confirmation, our team will proceed with securing the reservation and, where applicable, request the skipper’s sailing license (for bareboat charters) to ensure compliance with port authority regulations.

You will then receive a comprehensive documentation package, including:

• Charter agreement with full pricing details
• Terms and conditions (charter party agreement)
• Crew list form (to be completed digitally)
• Yacht specifications and photos
• Additional useful information for your charter

We kindly ask that you review the documentation carefully, sign the contract, and return it to us at your earliest convenience. Our team remains at your disposal for any questions or clarifications.

To maintain the validity of your reservation, payments must be completed in accordance with the agreed schedule, as outlined in the relevant section.

• Payment plan
  • A 50% advance payment is required to confirm a booking and should be settled within 7 days of confirmation.
  • The remaining 50% balance is due no later than 30 days prior to the charter commencement date.
  • Alternatively, a full 100% non-refundable prepayment option is available upon booking confirmation (within 7 days), subject to special terms and conditions.

1. If the advance payment is not received within the specified timeframe, a courteous reminder will be sent. As international bank transfers may occasionally require additional processing time, clients are kindly encouraged to provide a proof of payment (POP) to secure the reservation. Should no response be received within 3 days of the initial reminder, a final notice will be issued. If no update is provided within 14 days of the booking confirmation and payment remains outstanding, the reservation will be released and the yacht made available to other clients.
2. In the event that the balance payment is not received at least 30 days prior to embarkation, our team will follow up via email and telephone. Providing a proof of payment is highly recommended, and confirmation will be sent upon receipt of funds. Please note that embarkation cannot take place unless the charter has been fully settled; therefore, adherence to the payment schedule is essential.
3. Payments cannot be accepted, in whole or in part, after the commencement of the charter under any circumstances.

Please note that the above payment and booking terms may be subject to adjustment in the event of force majeure. For any questions or clarifications, we encourage clients and partners to contact our team directly.

• Cancellation policy
  • Cancellations made 90 days or more prior to embarkation will incur an administrative fee of €350.
  • For cancellations made between 89 and 60 days prior to embarkation, 30% of the total charter fee will be retained.
  • Cancellations made 59 days or less prior to embarkation will result in 100% of the charter fee being retained.

In the event that the cancelled charter is subsequently rebooked by another client for the same period, under identical terms and conditions, all cancellation fees will be refunded, with only the administrative fee retained.

Please note that this cancellation policy does not apply to bookings made under the full prepayment option, which remains strictly non-refundable. 

• Force Majeure Events

In the event that a charter must be cancelled due to force majeure or other unforeseen circumstances beyond the Owner’s control, Owner is not liable to pay compensation to Charterer. In such cases, the Charterer will have the option to reschedule the charter once, within a period of up to 18 months from the original embarkation date, for any Yacht provided by Owner, subject to yacht availability and mutual agreement.

Each force majeure case will be assessed individually, taking into account the specific circumstances at the time.

*Force Majeure refers to any event including but not limited to acts of God, war or terrorist activities (threatened or actual), civil unrest, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, floods, unavoidable technical problems with transport, closure or congestion of airports, unforeseen alterations to public schedules, action of the elements, epidemics, pandemics, insurrection, piracy, strikes, acts of the public enemy, federal or state laws, industrial dispute and any other cause beyond the reasonable control of Owner which makes continuance of operations impossible.

• Mandatory and optional extras

In a standard bareboat charter, mandatory extras typically include end cleaning and the security deposit (please refer to the security deposit options below). End cleaning is payable upon embarkation at the base and covers the professional preparation of the yacht following your disembarkation.

For skippered or fully crewed charters, additional mandatory costs may apply, including the Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA*), as well as crew fees (such as skipper, hostess, deckhand, or chef), along with their daily provisioning expenses (food and beverages).

A range of optional extras can be arranged in advance to enhance your experience, including early embarkation, safety net, transfer and provisioning services. Additional equipment—such as outboard engines, stand-up paddleboards (SUP), BBQ units, and more—may also be requested upon arrival, subject to availability and priority.

* The Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) is a standard arrangement designed to manage onboard expenses in a transparent and organized manner. The charter fee covers the hire of the yacht and crew, while all operational expenses (fuel, provisions, marina fees, etc.) are covered through the APA. Any unused balance is refunded at the end of the charter, while any additional expenses exceeding the APA will be settled accordingly.

• Security deposit options

The following options are available regarding security deposits and insurance coverage:

• Refundable Security Deposit (€3,000): Payable prior to embarkation by card or cash. The deposit is fully refunded after check-out, subject to a satisfactory inspection of the yacht. An independent authorized diver’s report is available if required.
• Deposit with External Insurance Coverage: The €3,000 deposit is paid via credit card and insured through a third-party provider (such as Hamburg Yacht-Insurance Schomacker, Sealogy, Pantaenius or other). In the event of damage, reimbursement is handled directly by the insurance provider. Clients may arrange coverage independently or through links provided on our website.
• Non-Refundable Damage Waiver Option: A reduced liability option consisting of a €500 non-refundable fee (damage waiver), plus a €1,000 refundable deposit. Under this arrangement, the €500 is retained regardless of claims.

For all refundable deposit options, the yacht is fully insured for hull, equipment, and third-party liability. Additional skipper liability insurance may also be arranged separately.

Under the damage waiver scheme, most damages are covered; however, exclusions apply. The Charterer remains fully liable (up to €3,000) in cases including but not limited to:

• Damage, total loss or seizure of the Yacht due to operating vessel in restricted/out of bounds/red zone areas.
• Damage incurred while operating Yacht under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Damage occurring while the Yacht is being operated by anyone who is not owner of skipper’s license and declared as skipper/co-skipper of the yacht.
• Damages or personal injury caused by gross negligence or negligence towards terms of agreement/breach of the charter agreement
• Damages on hull, keel, and steering system (rudder), total loss of the yacht, anchor and chain, dinghy and outboard engine.
• Damage resulting from illegal transportation of contraband or of any other illegal trade or purpose.

Full terms and conditions are outlined in the charter agreement and associated insurance documentation.

For bareboat charters, the designated skipper must hold a valid and recognized sailing license, ideally specifying sailing competency. The license must remain valid throughout the charter period and be presented upon request.

Licenses commonly accepted by Greek port authorities include:

• ICC (International Certificate of Competence – Sail)
• RYA Coastal Skipper Practical Certificate
• ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising Certification

A co-skipper is not required to hold a formal license but must be over 18 years of age and possess sufficient sailing experience to assist when necessary.

For larger yachts, or where sailing experience is limited, a sailing résumé may be requested. In some cases, a practical assessment at the marina may be required prior to departure. Please note that certain options, such as the damage waiver, may not be available under these circumstances.

• Crew lists and ETA

Following your booking confirmation, you will receive a crew list form in editable format. We kindly ask that this document be completed digitally (typed) and returned no later than two weeks prior to embarkation, to ensure timely preparation.

All required fields should be accurately completed to avoid delays. Providing your estimated time of arrival (ETA) as early as possible is also highly recommended, allowing our team to ensure that everything is prepared for a smooth and seamless check-in experience.

• Special requirements

To ensure a fully personalized experience, we kindly ask that any special requirements be communicated at least 7 days prior to embarkation.

These may include, but are not limited to:

• Dietary preferences or restrictions
• Allergies (food or materials)
• Transfer arrangements
• Restaurant or marina reservations
• Special occasions or onboard celebrations

Our team will make every effort to accommodate your requests and enhance your charter experience.

• Luggage

We recommend traveling light and bringing soft-sided luggage, such as duffel bags or high-quality backpacks. These are easier to store onboard and better suited to the limited storage space available on yachts.

Large, rigid suitcases—particularly those with hard shells—are not recommended, as they are difficult to accommodate and may cause damage to the yacht’s interior surfaces.

Charters typically commence at 17:00, with disembarkation scheduled at 09:00 on the final day. To ensure the highest standards of preparation, we kindly request that all yachts return to their base on the evening prior to disembarkation.

Should you arrive earlier on the day of embarkation, you are most welcome to leave your luggage at our base and enjoy the surrounding area while our team completes the necessary preparations. Administrative formalities may also be finalized in advance, allowing for a smoother and more efficient check-in process. As soon as your yacht is ready, you will be promptly informed to proceed with embarkation.

Please note that luggage, provisions, or personal belongings cannot be placed onboard prior to the completion of the check-in procedure, and access to the yacht is not permitted before this stage.

We recommend that guests arrange provisioning during the check-in process to optimize time and ensure freshness of supplies. Alternatively, if provisioning has been pre-arranged, all items will be delivered and stored onboard prior to your arrival.

While we always strive to have your yacht ready earlier whenever possible, early delivery cannot be guaranteed, as we are committed to maintaining the highest standards in yacht preparation for every charter.

• What to bring along

Guests are advised to bring personal belongings such as clothing, footwear, and beachwear. (Beach towels are typically available as an optional extra and do not need to be included in your luggage.)

Our yachts are fully equipped to a sail-away standard; however, as previously recommended, soft luggage is strongly preferred, as it is easier to store onboard compared to hard-shell suitcases.

For comfort and safety, non-slip, soft-soled shoes are highly recommended to ensure good grip and to protect the yacht’s surfaces. Sun protection, including hats and sunscreen, is also essential.

Lightweight clothing is ideal for summer charters, while a light jacket or windbreaker is advisable for cooler evenings during spring and autumn. Heavier clothing or wet-weather gear is generally only necessary for winter sailing or more demanding weather conditions.

• Pets onboard

We understand that pets are cherished members of the family, and in many cases, clients wish to include them in their holiday experience. Subject to prior approval, pets may be accommodated onboard under specific conditions.

Upon request, a dedicated guide will be provided outlining all necessary preparations, documentation, and recommendations to ensure a comfortable and safe experience for both guests and their pets.

Please note that an additional end-cleaning fee will apply for charters including pets.

For safety reasons, we also recommend the installation of a protective net.

All arrangements are handled with care to ensure a smooth and enjoyable charter for both guests and their companions.

Charters conclude at 09:00 on the final day. Guests are kindly requested to return to the base on the evening prior to disembarkation, no later than 17:00.

This procedure allows our team sufficient time to carry out a thorough inspection of the yacht, complete any necessary maintenance or repairs, arrange refueling, and ensure that the vessel is prepared to the highest standards for the next guests. This same level of care is applied before every embarkation and after every charter.

Guests are welcome to remain onboard for their final night and disembark by 09:00 the following morning.

Following a satisfactory inspection, the check-out process will be completed and the security deposit will be released accordingly. Deposits paid by card are typically released by the POS provider within 5–10 working days. Should the release not be completed within this timeframe, our team will be pleased to assist in resolving the matter directly.

For deposits paid in cash, the amount will be returned immediately upon completion of the check-out procedure.

• Are Children Allowed Onboard?

Children are most welcome onboard, and we will gladly assist in accommodating any specific requirements where possible.

For skippered or crewed charters, please note that crew members are fully dedicated to their professional duties and are not responsible for childcare. Parents or guardians therefore retain full responsibility for the supervision, safety, and well-being of children at all times.

For families traveling with young children, particularly those under the age of 10, we highly recommend the installation of a safety net for added peace of mind.

• Seasickness & Medical Considerations

All yachts are equipped with basic first-aid kits in accordance with Greek regulations. However, we strongly recommend that guests bring any personal medications they may require, ensuring they are best suited to individual needs.

In the case of skippered or crewed charters, guests are encouraged to inform the crew of any relevant medical conditions or sensitivities. Where possible, the skipper may adjust the route or sailing conditions to enhance comfort and minimize the effects of seasickness.

• Smoking Policy

For safety reasons and to preserve the condition of the yacht, smoking is strictly prohibited inside the vessel under all circumstances.

On certain yachts, smoking may be permitted in designated exterior areas, provided it is done with care. Guests are kindly asked to exercise caution with ashes and avoid any damage to cushions, upholstery, or deck surfaces.

As a general guideline, smoking is best limited to outdoor areas and conducted with the utmost care and consideration.

• Weather conditions and planning

Upon your arrival at the base, our team will provide a comprehensive weather briefing and recommend reliable sources through which you can monitor conditions throughout your charter. In addition, we offer continuous 24/7 support and will promptly inform you should any adverse weather conditions arise, ensuring your safety at all times.

We are pleased to suggest itinerary ideas either prior to your arrival or during your check-in. These proposals are designed to help you make the most of your time on the water; however, flexibility is essential, as routes may need to be adjusted depending on weather conditions.

Should you wish, we can provide detailed itinerary suggestions tailored to your chosen destination, including estimated nautical distances and general guidance for each route.

Our team is also happy to share local insights, practical tips, and lesser-known highlights to enrich your journey.

As a general guide, temperatures during the peak summer months of July and August typically range between 30–40°C, while in May–June and September–October, conditions are milder, with temperatures averaging between 20–30°C.