Yacht and boat charter deals

Bareboat or skippered: choosing your charter

The first decision is who is at the helm. On a bareboat charter you skipper the boat yourself, so you need a recognised skipper licence or sailing certificate. Which qualifications are accepted varies by country and by charter company, so check before you book whether your Israeli licence covers the destination and the boat you have in mind.

No licence, or simply want a holiday? A skippered charter, or a fully crewed yacht, takes care of it. A local skipper knows the anchorages, the weather patterns and the quiet bays, and you get to relax on deck. The skipper's fee, and sometimes their food, is usually added on top of the boat price, so confirm what is included.

• Monohull sailboat: usually the cheaper option and a classic sailing feel
• Catamaran: more space, more stability and less heeling, which suits families and groups
• Motor yacht: faster and easy for day trips, but fuel use can be high

Day charter or a full week

A day charter works well if you are already on holiday and want a taste of the sea: head out in the morning, stop for a swim in a cove and return to port in the evening. A weekly charter is a different kind of trip. You sleep on board, move between islands and wake up to a new view every day. Week-long charters often run Saturday to Saturday, so it is worth planning your flights around the base's changeover day.

What to check in the quote before you book

The price shown on a deal is usually the boat rental itself, which is not always the full cost of the trip. Prices are set by the partner and can change until you book, so read the quote to the end and look for these items:

• Fuel, marina and mooring fees, often paid separately
• Final cleaning, bed linen and towels
• Provisioning (food and drinks on board)
• Security deposit or a damage waiver that reduces it
• Tourist or charter taxes charged in some countries

Where and when to sail

Popular regions for travellers from Israel include the Greek islands (the Cyclades, the Dodecanese and the Ionian), Croatia's Dalmatian coast, Turkey's southwest coast around Bodrum and Marmaris, the Balearics, Sardinia and the Amalfi coast. Summer is peak season in Greece, Croatia and Turkey, and demand is at its highest then.

Keep in mind that the meltemi, a strong northerly wind, blows across the Aegean in summer and can keep boats in port on some days. For families or less experienced crews, the Ionian islands or the shoulder months (May to June, September to October) can be a calmer choice.

Tips for travellers flying from Tel Aviv

Look for a flight from Ben Gurion to the airport nearest the base marina, not just the capital. Flying straight to an island can save a long ferry and transfer. If you are sailing as a group of couples or friends, splitting the cost of the boat and the skipper can make a week on a yacht comparable to a hotel stay. And when a deal matches your dates, do not wait too long: our deals vanish when the timer runs out.