Question 1

Does Babalu come with a crew, or is it bareboat?

Accepted Answer

The operator lists Babalu as available with crew, though we have not independently confirmed the exact arrangement for this specific yacht. Get in touch and we will check the crew and skipper details with the operator before you book.

Question 2

What experience or licence do we need to charter Babalu?

Accepted Answer

That depends on the exact crew arrangement, which we have not confirmed for this specific yacht yet. Tell us your experience level when you enquire and we will check with the operator what, if anything, is required.

Question 3

What's included in the charter price?

Accepted Answer

The charter fee covers the yacht, standard equipment, and insurance for the dates booked. Tourist tax, transit log (final cleaning + bed linen), fuel, food, marina fees during the trip, and any optional extras (skipper, paddle board, etc.) are normally extra and paid at the base.

Question 4

What additional costs should I expect at the base?

Accepted Answer

Typical mandatory extras are the transit log (often €200–€350), tourist tax (a small per-person-per-day fee), and a refundable security deposit (often €1,500–€5,000 depending on the yacht). Optional extras like a skipper, hostess, paddle board, or early check-in are listed on the quote.

Question 5

How does the security deposit work?

Accepted Answer

The deposit is held by the operator at check-in (usually card pre-authorisation) and refunded after check-out if the yacht is returned without damage. Many operators offer a deposit-waiver insurance product that reduces the held amount in exchange for a smaller non-refundable premium.

Question 6

Can I cancel my charter booking?

Accepted Answer

Cancellation terms vary by operator. Most allow cancellation with a full refund if requested more than 60–90 days before the start date, with progressive penalties closer to departure. Some operators offer a flexible-cancellation insurance product when you book.

Question 7

Is the yacht insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes: every yacht is insured by the operator against damage and third-party liability. The insurance covers the yacht itself; personal effects and trip cancellation are not covered and are worth insuring separately.

Question 8

What documents do I need to bring?

Accepted Answer

You'll need your passport and proof of payment. We will confirm the exact crew arrangement and any licence requirements with the operator ahead of your charter.

Question 9

What payment methods are accepted?

Accepted Answer

Charter fees are normally paid by bank transfer in advance (often a 50% deposit at booking, balance 30 days before charter). On-base extras are usually paid by card or in cash.

Question 10

What's included, and do we need a skipper?

Accepted Answer

The operator lists this yacht as crewed, though we have not independently confirmed the exact crew and licence details for this specific hull. Get in touch and we will verify exactly what is included, and whether any sailing experience is needed, with the operator before you book.

Question 11

Can we sail to a neighbouring country during the charter?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes, with the operator's written consent and the right paperwork. Common cross-borders: Croatia → Montenegro, Greece → Turkey, BVI → USVI. Most operators charge a one-off cruising-permit fee (typically €100–€300) and need 4–8 weeks' notice. Tell us at quote time and we'll arrange it: spontaneous border-crossing during the trip usually isn't allowed.

Question 12

Do I need travel insurance on top of the charter insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The yacht is insured by the operator for damage and third-party liability, but that doesn't cover you. Charter cancellation insurance (typically 4–5% of the charter fee) covers you if you have to cancel last-minute; standard travel insurance covers medical, flight, and personal-effects loss. We can recommend a UK broker that bundles both.

Question 13

What happens if there's bad weather on the day?

Accepted Answer

For day-to-day weather you'll plan the week to avoid the worst: the Adriatic and Aegean have very predictable wind patterns. If a serious storm makes the start-day handover impossible, the operator delays check-in until conditions improve and refunds any lost days. The yacht itself is insured against weather damage, so you're not exposed.

Question 14

Can I hold this yacht while I decide?

Accepted Answer

Yes: an option holds the yacht in your name for typically 48–72 hours at no cost. Useful if you're waiting on the rest of the crew to confirm, comparing it against another yacht, or sorting flights. Ask us when you enquire and we'll arrange the option with the operator.

Babalu (Lagoon 51)

Three yachts to weigh against this one

Pearl

ALMA

Ermis