License free boat rentals

Why charter a yacht without a license?

If you love to be out on the open water, feel the sea breeze on your face and the sway of the tide, a yacht is the best way to experience everything the sea has to offer. Although most charters require a license to operate a vessel, at Nautal you have many yacht charters without a license, making sailing accessible to everyone! Since these vessels are usually smaller in size, they are quite easy to navigate, so that you can discover the maritime world even if you don’t have a license to sail.

How can I charter a license-free boat?

If you’re looking for a boat and you do not have a license to sail, you can filter for “license-free boat” in the drop-down menu under “Type of boat”. Some of them allow you to reserve immediately, while others require you to contact the owner and request a quote.

What types of boats can I charter without a license?

The type of yacht you can charter without a license will depend on where you are sailing since nautical laws vary from country to country. If you find a yacht that you would like to charter in a particular destination, it’s always a good idea to verify with the boat owner that you are able to charter the boat without a license. Typically the types of yachts you can get license-free are smaller in size with a less powerful engine. Because of this, keep in mind that you’ll need to sail very close to the coastline because if you go too far out, the motor might not be able to handle the distance!

How much does a license-free yacht charter cost?

The cost of a yacht charter without a license depends on a number of factors such as destination, time of year and the type of vessel you choose. In general, you can find charters without a nautical license starting from €96 per day in the low season, and €150 per day in the high season.

In some cases, there might even be an option for a half-day charter which of course, is even cheaper! For example, a yacht charter without a license in Florida is $626 for a full day and only $477 for a half day.

How many people can I have onboard my boat charter without a license?

The amount of people you can have onboard a license-free boat depends on which yacht you choose to charter. With Nautal, options range from two to ten people. In order to sail safely and comfortably, we recommend groups of no more than five people onboard.

Where can I charter a yacht without a license?

There are many destinations that allow license-free sailing. In Europe, the most popular destinations to sail without a license are Greece, France and Italy. Other popular places include Spanish islands like the Balearics (Mallorca, Ibiza, Formentera and Menorca), as well as other areas like Costa Brava and Barcelona.

What are the requirements for a yacht charter without a license?

No nautical training, certification or previous experience is required for a yacht charter without a license, however, the person navigating the boat should be of legal age which in most cases, means 18 years or older. Other requirements might be specific to the boat and its owner, so it’s always best to speak with the owner about any special requirements they might have for a license-free yacht charter.

What activities can I do on board a license-free yacht charter?

With a yacht charter without a license, you have complete autonomy to explore the water; go beach hopping by boat, sail to great spots for snorkelling or discover underwater coves which can only be accessed from the water. Anchor your yacht and go for a swim. Dive into the depths of the sea to unearth the treasure trove of flora and fauna below, as well as the colourful marine life surrounding you. There’s so much to see and do on a boat, and the best part? You don’t need a license to do it!

FAQs

What are the best destinations for a yacht charter without a license?

There are many beautiful places to explore on a license-free boat charter but in Europe, one of the most popular sailing destinations is Croatia and other places on the Mediterranean which include many sheltered bays such as Pollensa. The Caribbean is also a very popular destination for a sailing holiday with The Bahamas being a tourist favourite!

What does a license-free yacht charter include and what extra expenses can I expect?

A boat with 15 H.P consumes about two litres of fuel per hour and in order to fill the tank, it normally costs about €20. Typically, one full tank of fuel will be enough to last a full day, allowing you to sail worry-free! Our advice: check to see if the owner of your yacht requires you to return the charter with a full tank!

Is prior sailing experience required to sail a yacht charter without a license?

In the majority of cases no, there is no experience necessary to charter a license-free yacht. These boats are typically very easy to navigate and the owner will give you basic navigation instructions and tips to ensure you have a pleasant day out on the water!