Skippered vs bareboat charter in Mallorca
We explain who needs a licence, who travels with a skipper, and which setup suits your group before you book.
- Default mode
- skippered on every booking unless bareboat is requested
- Licence check
- verified against the yacht's size and copied before handover
Skippered by default
In Mallorca, the skippered charter is the standard arrangement: every booking includes a professional skipper unless the charterer requests bareboat and qualifies for it. Bareboat charter, where you take the helm yourself, is available only to charterers holding a boating licence valid for the yacht's length and engine power. Most private groups chartering for the first time choose skippered, since it removes the licence question entirely and lets a local skipper handle navigation, mooring and knowledge of the anchorages.
Before any bareboat handover, our office reviews the licence presented and keeps a copy on file with the booking. We check that its category matches the length and power rating stated on the yacht's charter sheet, and we confirm this in writing ahead of departure. If the licence does not cover the vessel requested, we switch the booking to skippered rather than cancel it, so the trip still goes ahead.
Crewed charter, defined
Skipper included yacht rental in Mallorca means a qualified skipper comes aboard for the full charter and handles the boat so guests can focus on the trip. Crewed yacht charter describes the same arrangement; the two terms are used interchangeably along this coast.
Who actually needs a licence
A boating licence is required only for bareboat charter, and only for the person who will be at the helm. Guests on a skippered charter, including corporate parties and day groups, need no licence at all.
Skippered vs bareboat at a glance
The two modes differ in who operates the boat, what you need to bring, and what you pay for.
| Feature | Skippered | Bareboat |
|---|---|---|
| Skipper included | Yes, aboard for the whole charter | No, the charterer takes the helm |
| Licence required | No licence needed for guests | Valid boating licence matching the yacht's length and engine power |
| Typical cost difference | Skipper fee is included in the charter rate | No skipper fee, but liability for handling the yacht stays with the charterer |
| Best suited to | First-time charterers, corporate groups, anyone without a licence | Experienced sailors with a valid licence who want to run the yacht themselves |
Skippered and bareboat questions
Do I need a licence to charter a yacht in Mallorca?
A licence is only required if you want to charter bareboat and take the helm yourself. On a skippered charter, the skipper operates the boat, so no licence is needed for anyone aboard.
What are the bareboat charter requirements in Mallorca?
You need a boating licence valid for the yacht's length and engine power, issued before the charter date. Send a copy at the time of booking so we can confirm it matches the vessel's charter sheet.
What happens if my licence isn't valid for the boat's size?
If the licence you present does not cover the length or power of the yacht requested, we cannot release it to you as bareboat. We switch the booking to skippered charter at no extra administration, so the trip proceeds as planned.
Does a skippered charter have any licence requirement?
No. A skippered charter includes a professional skipper for the full booking, so none of the guests need a boating licence.
How far ahead do I need to send my licence details?
Send a copy of your licence when you book, and in any case no later than 7 days before a weekly charter or 48 hours before a day charter, matching our standard lead times. This gives us time to confirm it before you arrive at Moll Vell marina.
Choose your next step
Whichever mode suits you, these pages take you further.