FAQs
Straight answers before you book.
Price
- Is the price on the site the price I pay?
It is a guide for comparing boats, not a complete invoice. Your written offer states the currency, the charter dates, what is included and any extra costs you must pay. Prices shown in another currency are only a viewing aid; the offer states the amount and currency you actually pay.
- Where do your prices come from?
Straight from the operators’ booking systems, so a discount the operator offers reaches you as it is.
- How long does a quoted price hold?
Until the date shown on your offer. After that date the boat may no longer be free.
- What should I check is in the price?
Fuel, marina fees, crew, provisioning, taxes, the security deposit and optional extras. Your offer lists each one that applies.
Payment
- Does sending an enquiry reserve the boat?
No. Saving a boat, picking dates or sending the form does not hold anything. The boat is yours once you have a written offer and the booking is confirmed.
- When is my booking confirmed?
When we hold your signed agreement and your deposit has cleared.
- How much is the deposit, and when is the balance due?
Both are on your offer and in the payment schedule of your agreement. They depend on the boat and the operator, so we do not promise one figure for every trip.
- Who do I pay, and how do I know the bank details are real?
Your agreement names who supplies the boat and who receives each payment. If payment details ever change, check them with us through a contact you already know before you send money.
Extras and insurance
- What do the extras cost?
Fuel, the security deposit and local taxes are listed on each offer where they apply. Ask us about anything else, such as a skipper, provisioning or transfers, and it goes on the offer in writing.
- Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. We ask everyone in your party to travel with insurance that covers cancellation, medical treatment and repatriation.
- What insurance covers the boat?
Ask us for the operator’s cover for the boat and the charter; it goes in your offer. Your own travel insurance is separate, and we cannot confirm that a particular policy covers your party.
Cancelling and changes
- What if I need to cancel?
The operator’s own cancellation terms apply. They are in your agreement in full before you sign.
- Can I change dates, party size or extras?
Yes, while the boat is free. A change can change the price, and we confirm every change in writing.
- What if bad weather or something outside anyone’s control stops the trip?
Neither we nor the operator are liable for events such as severe weather, strikes or government action. The operator’s terms decide any refund or new dates, and we help you through it.
- Something went wrong on board. Who do I tell?
Tell us at the desk’s email as soon as it happens, so it can be put right while you are there. After you get back, write to us within 28 days.
Skipper and licence
- Which licence do I need to charter a boat?
For a bareboat charter, the person in charge needs a recognised licence and the sailing experience the operator asks for. With a skipper or full crew, the skipper is in charge of the boat, so you don’t need a licence.
- Can I add a skipper?
Yes. Ask for one on your enquiry and the skipper goes on your offer as an extra.
- What else should we check before we go?
Everyone needs valid travel documents. Check the departure arrangements and the passenger limit for the boat, and keep to the cruising area agreed with the operator.
Booking with your AI
- Can I find a boat and get a quote through my AI assistant?
Yes. Connect your assistant to thecharterdesk.com/mcp: one address, no key, and it costs nothing. Ask in your own words, and our desk sends you a written quote.
- Which AI assistants work?
Any AI assistant that can connect to an MCP address, such as the one on our For AI page.
- Can my AI book or pay without me?
No. It searches and asks for a quote. You confirm the booking with our desk.
- Why does it ask for my email or phone?
So our desk can send your quote. It asks once, on your first request.