What do "boarding time" and "disembarkation time" mean?
Updated on: 26/05/2025Our quotes always specify a boarding time (check-in) and a disembarkation time (check-out). These times may vary depending on the boats we offer and the local rental companies.
The check-in time is the time at which you can board the boat and begin the inventory on the first day. This is not the time you leave the port, as you must first complete the inventory (allow 2 hours for a thorough inventory). If you’re renting with a professional skipper, this part goes very quickly. If you arrive early at the departure base, that’s no problem—you can leave your belongings with the rental company and go for a walk or start shopping for the week.
If you plan to arrive more than 2 hours after the scheduled check-in time, please note that you must ask the rental company if they can accommodate a late arrival. Additional fees may apply if someone needs to stay later than planned. In particular, if your boarding is scheduled for late Saturday afternoon, be aware that the rental company’s staff will generally not be available to conduct the inventory on Sunday.
Check-out time is the time by which you must have completely vacated the boat.
If your check-out time is early in the morning (8:00 or 9:00, for example), it is essential to return to the port the previous day in the late afternoon (usually around 5:00 or 6:00 PM) to conduct the final inventory with the rental company, before spending your last night peacefully on board at the port.
There are 3 possible scenarios:
- With most rental companies: Boarding on Saturday* in the late afternoon (usually 5:00 PM) and disembarking the following Saturday morning (usually 9:00 AM). In this case, you must return to the port the day before your disembarkation for the boat inventory. Most of the time, a diver will inspect the hull of all boats returning to the port at that time.
- Another, less common scenario: Boarding on Saturday* morning (9:00 AM, for example) or early afternoon, and disembarkation the following Friday in the late afternoon (5:00 PM). Even if you do not return the boat the following Saturday, it amounts to the same thing, and you sail for 7 days.
- Exception: boarding at noon and disembarking at noon, if you rent a luxury yacht with a crew.
*We mention Saturday here, as it is the usual departure day in the Mediterranean or for river destinations. However, with certain charter companies and in certain destinations—particularly exotic ones—it is possible to check in and check out on any day of the week.
