Not All Skippered Charters Are the Same—Here’s What Sets Them Apart

21 May 2025 3 min

Imagine your everyday worries fading away as you lounge on deck, watching a skilled Moorings skipper guide your yacht through turquoise Caribbean waters. With The Moorings, you can unwind completely on a Skippered Charter Package or enjoy ultimate flexibility on a Bareboat Charter with a Skipper. Each promises stunning destinations, premium yachts, and memorable experiences—but which is right for you? Let’s explore the differences, so you can set sail exactly the way you want.

Destinations: Exclusive Caribbean Gems or Worldwide Adventure?

The first consideration is your dream destination. The Moorings’ Skippered Charter Package is exclusively available in the beautiful British Virgin Islands and select Bahamas locations (Abacos and Exumas). In these paradise locations, your skipper, the provisioning allowance for their meals, and Wi-Fi are all effortlessly included.

On the other hand, Bareboat Charters with a Skipper let you sail virtually anywhere The Moorings has a base worldwide. From the Mediterranean’s historic coasts to Tahiti’s turquoise lagoons, you choose your destination and simply add a skipper as needed. Perfect for those who crave exploring with the guidance of someone who knows all the secret spots.

Flexibility and Customization

The Skippered Charter Package delivers a carefree vacation, with your Moorings skipper on board for the entire journey. Simply select your yacht, dates, and preferred skipper profile—then sit back and enjoy. It’s ideal if your priority is relaxation over decision-making.

Alternatively, a Bareboat Charter with a Skipper offers a more flexible setup, guided by your needs and preferences. Your Moorings vacation planner will help you include a skipper and any add-ons you need, based on your chosen destination. In some regions, like the Mediterranean, a skipper is typically required for the full duration of the charter, while in others you may choose to have a skipper for just part of the trip—perhaps to gain local insight before taking the helm yourself. You’ll also be able to select which cabin you’d like the skipper to use, ensuring everyone is comfortable on board.

Skipper Selection: Handpick Your Captain or Trust The Moorings’ Expertise

One unique advantage of the Skippered Charter Package is that you can personally choose your skipper ahead of your trip. Browse detailed skipper profiles online and select the captain whose sailing style and personality resonate with your vacation vision. These skippers live aboard and care for their yachts full-time, with a dedicated interior cabin, which means they know the vessel—and the cruising grounds—like the back of their hand.

With a Bareboat Charter, a highly qualified Moorings skipper will be assigned to you based on availability. While you won’t personally select your skipper in advance, rest assured each Moorings skipper is carefully chosen for their local knowledge, sailing expertise, and professionalism.

What’s Included: Convenience vs. Tailored Add-ons

The nature of the Skippered Charter Package means your skipper’s provisioning (meals and beverages) and onboard Wi-Fi are already covered in the cost, ensuring absolute ease from booking to disembarking.

When hiring a skipper on a Bareboat Charter, provisioning for the skipper and extras like Wi-Fi are not always included by default. You can add them to your booking as optional extras during the reservation process. This setup gives you more control over what’s included in your charter—and how you plan it.

Quick Comparison Overview:

	Destinations:	Flexibility:	Skipper Selection:	Inclusions:
Skippered Charter Package	BVI & Bahamas (Abacos, Exumas) only	Dedicated skipper onboard throughout	Choose skipper profile	Skipper’s provisioning & Wi-Fi included
Bareboat with Skipper	All Moorings destinations worldwide	Flexible skipper days, adjust as needed	Skipper assigned by Moorings	Provisioning and Wi-Fi optional extras

Your Perfect Charter Awaits

If relaxation and convenience in stunning Caribbean destinations are your top priorities, the Skippered Charter Package is truly exceptional. Perfect for families, couples, and anyone looking to fully unwind—let your skipper handle navigation as you snorkel, sunbathe, and savor each stress-free moment.

If flexibility, adventure, and global exploration excite you, the Bareboat Charter with a skipper allows you to fully personalize your vacation experience. Ideal for seasoned sailors or travelers looking to balance skipper-led days with independent sailing.

Either way, an extraordinary experience awaits. Whether cruising through the tranquil bays of the BVI or exploring secluded beaches in the Bahamas and beyond, your Moorings charter promises unforgettable moments at sea.

Ready to Set Sail?

Discover more about these incredible sailing options on The Moorings’ BVI and Bahamas destination pages. Connect with a Moorings vacation planner today, and soon you’ll be experiencing nothing less than extraordinary.