The complete guide for yacht charter in Croatia

With over 6,000 charter vessels, Croatia boasts one of the world’s largest charter fleets. With so many boats on offer, sailing has become more accessible, so more and more people are choosing this type of vacation. In this blog, we aim to assist newcomers and those without prior experience in navigating the vast sea of options provided by agents and charter companies. From selecting the right charter boat to understanding the inclusions in your pricing, choosing the ideal sailing area in Croatia, when is the best time for sailing in Croatia and other important decisions which you need to consider when planing a sailing vacation in Croatia and searching for a charter boat.

Our primary focus will be on sailboats and catamarans, as they represent the majority of charter vessels in the Adriatic. Motor boats, although a distinct category, will be set aside as we delve into what we are well-acquainted with – the experience of vacationing under the sails.

Croatia has consistently ranked as one of the top holiday destinations for decades. Cities such as Pula, Zadar, Split, and Dubrovnik have long been recognized as “must-visit destinations” and continue to attract a growing number of tourists from around the world each year.

With its 1,800 kilometers of coastline and over 1,200 islands and islets, Croatia truly qualifies as a sailing paradise. Nautical enthusiasts value the independence the sea offers, the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic, and the abundance of coves and beaches. Additionally, Croatia boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage. Therefore, a sailing vacation in Croatia is a must for everyone, whether or not you have experience with sailing.

Getting the crew together

This is a factor beyond our control, but we’d like to mention it for your consideration, as it marks the first and pivotal step when planning your charter adventure. Assembling a harmonious and enjoyable group is of utmost importance. Prioritize sailing with people you already know, as many undesirable traits tend to surface after the second or third day of your cruise. Ideally, having a competent skipper among your crew can significantly enhance the experience. However, it’s not just anyone with a certificate but someone with practical knowledge and experience to ensure smooth navigation. This is essential because an incompetent skipper could introduce additional stress when navigating an unfamiliar sailing area.

If you don’t have a skipper within your group, there’s no need to worry. You can choose to hire one along with the boat and inform us about your crew preferences. We’ll allocate the right skipper for your needs. More comprehensive information about chartering and boat rental with a skipper can be found further down in this blog, enabling you to make well-informed decisions for a memorable and hassle-free sailing vacation!

Which is the best sailing area in Croatia?

The second step involves selecting the ideal sailing area for your one-week (or longer) sailing adventure. It all begins with the question: Which sailing area is best suited for your Croatian sailing trip? As previously mentioned, Croatia’s extensive 1800-kilometer coastline offers a diverse range of choices, so your decision should be guided by your desires and preferences. When it comes to yacht charter, we categorize the sailing areas into Istria, Kvarner Bay, North Dalmatia, Central Dalmatia, and South Dalmatia. Each of these sailing areas boasts a high-quality nautical infrastructure, including well-equipped ports, marinas, and buoy fields, while also being rich in tradition, culture, historic old towns, local gastronomy, and much more.

Some of our clients, especially those who have been chartering in Croatia for an extended period, may perceive that Croatian marinas and harbors have become relatively expensive as destinations. This may hold some truth, but it ultimately depends on whether you opt for a marina, harbor or a mooring buoy. One of the notable distinctions between these sailing areas lies in the mooring and anchorage fees. In the digital age, several smartphone apps have emerged in the nautical world, offering the convenience of pre-checking the prices of individual marinas, harbors, or buoys to prevent any unexpected surprises on-site. These apps are free and provide not only berth costs but also contact information for buoy fields and marinas and recent reviews from other charterers, ensuring a smooth planning experience.

Sailing in Istria and Kvarner area

At the northernmost point of Croatia’s coastline lies the Istrian peninsula. Stretching southeast of the Istrian peninsula is the Kvarner Area, with its stunning islands and beaches.

If you’re traveling by car, it’s easier and more convenient to start your journey in Istria and the Kvarner area. It is very popular among our road traveler clients from Germany, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland.

For Istria, your sailing adventure typically commences in the city of Pula, offering three marina options: ACI Marina Pula, ACI Marina Pomer, and Marina Veruda, which boast the largest charter fleets in this area. Heading south to Kvarner Bay, the first captivating destinations, including Cres, Osor, Susak, and Mali Lošinj, are approximately 30 miles away. This translates to a challenging journey of about 6 to 7 hours of non-stop sailing. Among these options, Pomer stands out as the closest starting point if you are heading south.

If you prefer to start in Kvarner Bay, we recommend Marina Punat on the island of Krk, renowned as one of Croatia’s oldest and largest marinas.

Whether you’ve booked a 7-day or longer sailing trip in Istria and Kvarner, you have various exciting destinations to explore. Heading north, you can visit the cities of Rovinj, Porec, Novigrad, Umag, and even sail to Venice, Italy. All our charter boats available from ACI Marina Pomer are permitted to sail to Italy. Simply inform us during the booking process so that we can prepare the necessary documents. To the south, as mentioned, you’ll discover the islands of Cres and Krk (Croatia’s two largest islands), Unije, Susak, Mali and Veli Lošinj, Rab, Premuda, Silba, and a few smaller islands. Here’s a fantastic 7-day sailing trip suggestion for exploring Istria and Kvarner.

Sailing in North Dalmatia

When it comes to boaters, the Kornati Islands hold the distinction of being the most visited national park in Croatia, and it’s easy to see why. With convenient access by car or plane (via Zadar airport), these islands offer a prime location, beautiful bays, and stunning natural surroundings just „around the corner“. This region is not only a sailor’s paradise but also a nature lover’s dream.

When exploring the North Dalmatian Islands, your best starting points are Marina Zadar, Sukosan, or Biograd na Moru (Marina Kornati). All three cities host a substantial fleet of charter boats and are well-organized for sailing expeditions. The charm of these coastal towns adds to the allure of your sailing adventure.

Regardless of which marina you choose to embark from, you’ll find the distances between these destinations quite manageable. The region includes the islands of Pasman, Ugljan, Iz, Vrgada, Zut, Dugi Otok, Kornat, and several smaller ones. Each island has its unique character, making every stop an exploration of its own. Many boaters include a visit to Telascica National Park in their itinerary. Telašćica Bay is situated in the southern part of Dugi Otok, separated from the Kornati Islands by the Mala and Vela Proversa passages.

To enter and stay overnight in Kornati National Park with a charter boat, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee, which is applicable for the day of your stay and based on the size of your vessel. We recommend purchasing your ticket before entering the national park, as they tend to be twice as expensive when obtained within the park itself. This ensures a smoother experience and allows you to spend more time marveling at the breathtaking landscapes that await.

Sailing in Central Dalmatia

If you choose to embark on your sailing adventure in central Dalmatia, you’ll have the opportunity to explore some of the most famous islands in the Croatian Adriatic, such as Hvar and Vis. The largest charter boat fleet in Croatia is based in the cities of Trogir, Kastela, and Split.

Split is the hub of Central Dalmatia and marks the last pleasant accessible point on the coast by car, making it a convenient starting point for many. However, numerous clients arrive via plane, as Split Airport is strategically located. From there, you can reach all three ports within a short 15 to 30-minute taxi ride. The marinas in Trogir and Split not only offer excellent access to your charter boat but also provide a chance to explore the historic old towns while you await for the handover of the boat.

Both marinas are within easy walking distance of the old towns. In central Dalmatia, most charter guests focus their adventures on the islands of Drvenik Veliki and Mali, Solta, Brac, Hvar, Vis, and Korcula, with a few smaller gems like Scedro also worth exploring. However, it’s essential to plan your route according to weather conditions. For your convenience, we’ve put together a 7-day Central Dalmatia trip suggestion here.

Sailing in southern Dalmatia

Deep in the south, you’ll discover the gem of the Adriatic – the renowned city of Dubrovnik. If you opt to charter from Dubrovnik, you have two options: ACI Marina Dubrovnik, conveniently located near the old town, or ACI Marina Slano, situated a bit to the north 35 km of Dubrovnik. Most charter guests traveling from Europe prefer flying to Dubrovnik, as it’s quite a distance from many European countries like Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. However, the journey’s length shouldn’t deter you from exploring this beautiful city and the surrounding islands.

From either of these marinas, you can easily explore the stunning destinations of Korcula, Lastovo, Mljet, the Peljesac Peninsula, and the Elaphite archipelago. The area on the southern Adriatic is said to be calmer and not as crowded as in the middle Adriatic, making it much more ideal for families.

Additionally, many of our guests embark on a sailing trip to Montenegro. All our boats are registered and insured for sailing to Montenegro. If you plan to include Montenegro in your itinerary, kindly inform us during booking, so we can guide you through the necessary paperwork and procedures for entering and leaving Montenegro by a charter boat.

For those seeking a unique adventure, you can consider a one-way sailing trip. In this case, we offer guests the opportunity to begin their sailboat or catamaran journey at our charter base in Split or Trogir and conclude it in Dubrovnik. If you’re interested in learning more about one-way sailing trips from Split to Dubrovnik or vice versa, feel free to reach out to our booking department. They’ll provide you with all the essential information you need.

When is the best time to sail in Croatia?

The best time for a sailing trip in Croatia depends on your preferences. If you’re seeking vibrant nightlife, July and August are undeniably the most appealing months, while spring charters are ideal for sailing enthusiasts. September and October offer a more serene experience. The charter season extends from April to the end of October, with prices fluctuating significantly throughout this period.

Prices peak during the high season when the islands come alive with numerous events and lively nightlife. During these months, the bays are bustling with visitors, resulting in higher berth costs and a necessity to reserve berths well in advance at some ports. It’s also an excellent time to have a local skipper, allowing you to enjoy the party scene while they handle berthing and boat-related responsibilities.

The early season primarily caters to sailing enthusiasts. With long daylight hours and excellent wind conditions, this is the perfect time for those who appreciate a more relaxed island ambiance. However, swimming may be reserved for the more daring, as the sea hasn’t yet reached its ideal “bathing temperature.” Berth costs are lower, and finding available berths in ports is relatively stress-free.

The off-season, especially in September and October, offers a quieter experience, although September has seen increased bookings in recent years. Charter and berth prices begin to decrease during this time, and the sea remains pleasantly warm for swimming. However, the days grow shorter, affecting the overall sailing experience.

The search for a sailboat or catamaran

Before you begin your search for the perfect vessel for you and your crew, it’s essential to have a clear idea of your preferred sailing area and the timing of your sailing adventure. These details are crucial when making an inquiry. Similarly, agreeing on the budget with your crew for booking the boat and determining the additional fees should be done in advance. While there should be some room for minor adjustments, overspending on boat rentals, potentially twice as much as planned, may not be appealing to everyone.

Typically, charter boats are booked for summer during the winter or early spring, with companies often offering discounts for early bookings. This advanced planning provides ample time to select the desired area and sailing route, making preparations an integral part of the whole sailing vacation. Early planning also allows for a thorough study and comparison of prices. There are various methods for renting your charter boat in Croatia. Many people start their search on the internet and are quickly overwhelmed by the numerous results from charter companies and agencies. Price is understandably a significant consideration, so we recommend delving deeper by researching individual charter companies through online reviews. It’s also important to understand any potential additional costs, such as towels, bed linen, water toys, outboard motors, WiFi, berth fees in the starting port, and more. Comparing prices from different charter companies is a wise approach since the wide selection of charter boats demands a focus on the price and quality ratio.

Seeking recommendations from people you know can also be valuable. If someone of your friends, family or colleagues has recently sailed in Croatia and had a positive experience with a charter company, mentioning their recommendation in your inquiry can be beneficial. Charter companies often value word-of-mouth referrals and positive impressions from past guests.

We try to consider your preferences

Most charters typically operate from Saturday to Saturday, although some companies also offer Wednesday-to-Wednesday yacht charters.

Recently, we have observed a growing number of last-minute options, allowing you to secure a short charter, for example, from Tuesday to Saturday. These short charters are often available during the off-season (April and October) without requiring last-minute bookings. The best approach is to inquire to check the possibilities and we’ll give our best to find the best solution for you. We recommend confirming with the charter company in advance the exact handover and check-out times, especially if the boat is scheduled for another charter afterward.

Required boat licenses for yacht charter in Croatia

If you possess a boating license, you can, of course, charter and operate a boat yourself. It’s also advisable to have prior experience, particularly if you’re considering chartering a larger sailing yacht or catamaran. As a precaution, before confirming the booking, it’s a good idea to check with the charter company whether your boat license is valid to avoid any misunderstandings. Additionally, if the boat is equipped with a radio station (SRC), which incidentally most charter boats are, it’s recommended that the skipper or at least one crew member holds a radio license. No special radio license is required, it can be any kind of SRC.

Sailing with or without a skipper

If you don’t know how to operate a boat, don’t have a boating license, and don’t have a friend who does, you can opt to hire a sailing yacht or catamaran with a skipper. Some guests do possess a license, have boating experience, and even own a boat, yet they still choose to hire a skipper. Their motivation often lies in not wanting the responsibility during their vacation. They prefer a relaxed sailing experience, allowing a local skipper to navigate and guide them while they enjoy quality time with family and friends.

A skipper is more than just a sailboat or catamaran “driver.” They serve as hosts and are at the guests’ service throughout their vacation. In our industry, we distinguish between two primary types: the skipper and the „taxi driver“. The former insists on a pre-departure meeting with the guests to understand their preferences, interests, and route, considering the weather forecast. Communication is vital, especially when some guests expect miracles in a limited time.

The skipper typically has their own insurance and is responsible for the charter yacht. They oversee the boat’s handover (check-in procedure) with the charter company and address any defects on the boat during the week. If they are responsible for causing any damage, they are liable for it. However, a certain deposit is still required on-site, which serves as a guarantee against potential damages caused by you or your crew, such as clogging the holding tank (black water tank) or accidental damage to the boat’s equipment. In most cases, following the skipper’s introduction to the onboard equipment, guests usually receive a full deposit refund.

One of the benefits of a skippered charter is the relief from worrying about berths, especially during the high season (July and August) when bays and harbors are crowded. A professional skipper, with their local knowledge and contacts, can secure berths in advance. They should also be familiar with the restaurant scene and provide guests with food recommendations and price information in advance.

About 20 days before the charter begins, the charter company or agency you booked through should provide you with the skipper’s contact details. This allows you to communicate with the skipper to discuss the sailing route, notify them of any children on board, and other important things. The sailing route is primarily influenced by weather conditions, and the skipper will adjust the route accordingly. In case of emergencies or unfavorable weather, they will offer alternative options. Given their responsibility for the boat and local expertise, it’s wise to heed their advice.

Sailing without a skipper, as we call it „bareboat charter“ or with an unprofessional skipper can lead to dissatisfaction during your sailing vacation due to the reasons mentioned above.

Sailing with a skipper – things to consider

We recommend that all our guests book an additional cabin for the skipper. This means that if you are traveling with 6 people, you should book a boat with 4 cabins instead of 3. The skipper should have their own cabin to avoid anyone (whether a crew member or the skipper) having to spend the night in the saloon and share their private space with you. You should keep in mind that you will be on the boat for seven days or more, which means you’ll have limited space. The price for the skipper varies from 170€ to 300€ per day. While you may find cheaper options, they may compromise on quality.

In addition, you are responsible for providing meals for the skipper during the charter week. This can be done by preparing meals on board, dining with the skipper, or going to a restaurant. Alternatively, you can choose to book a hostess, who would then be responsible for food preparation and maintaining cleanliness on board.

Yacht charter confirmation

Now that you have already chosen the preferred sailing area and your ideal charter boat, and decided whether you want to charter with or without a professional skipper, it’s time for the official booking confirmation. For most charter companies, prior to Covid-19, the general rule was a 50% deposit within 10 days of the boat being confirmed as a reservation, and the remaining 50% around 30 days before the start of the charter. Since 2020, with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, payment terms have become more flexible, but they can vary. Some companies offer a 10% deposit upon booking, 40% within the next 2-3 months, and the remaining amount around 30 days before the start of the charter.

At Ultra Sailing, we have also adapted our booking conditions and offer the following payment terms: 35% due 7 days after booking confirmation, and the final payment of 65% is due 30 days before the actual start of the charter.

Charter documents, Crew list and basic information

The boat is confirmed, and you’ve made the advance payment. In the meantime, you can still clarify with your charter company what you would like to pay on-site or in advance. Perhaps it also depends on their policy regarding what should be paid in advance and what can be paid on the spot. There are differences between individual charter providers.

Any additional requests, such as arranging airport transfers to the charter base, ordering water toys like paddle-boards or sea scooters, having provisions delivered to your boat or similar, should be confirmed at least 10 days before the charter begins.

Once you have transferred the final payment, you should receive the charter base documents and boarding pass from your charter company. These should state the name of the boat, where the boat is located, the contact number of the base manager, and what else needs to be paid on-site or what you have already paid so far.

Regarding the crew list, it is advisable to send it to the charter company in advance. This saves you time during check-in at the office, changes or similar things in the crew list can be made at any time on-site. It is also beneficial if you provide an approximate arrival time at the charter base. This allows employees to better adapt to the organization of individual tasks. The best way is to stay in touch with our booking department to check the possibilities for your request or any additional services; we’re always ready to help or provide advice to ensure your carefree sailing vacation.

Welcome to Croatia

Upon your arrival at the marina, it is advisable to visit the charter office first. There, you can handle the paperwork, such as confirming the crew list, settling any outstanding payments (tourist tax, additional extras), and leaving the deposit. Regarding the deposit, you have the option to leave it in cash, or the specific amount will be reserved/blocked on your credit card and released if there is no damage identified after your charter week.

Additionally, you will receive the weather report and an estimated time when the boat should be ready for handover. During this time, you can do your shopping, take a break from your journey, and enjoy a coffee or lunch. If you haven’t booked and paid for an early check-in, the standard boat handover usually begins on Saturday at 5 p.m. However, depending on the workload that day, the process may start a bit earlier. It’s recommended to stay in touch with the on-site staff, and they will provide you with the latest information about when the boat should be ready for you to proceed with the handover and start loading your luggage and provisions on board.

Boat handover and Check-in procedure

Upon receiving information from the charter company that the boat is ready for check-in, we recommend that only 1-2 people, such as the skipper and co-skipper, be present at the handover. It can become crowded with the whole crew unpacking and settling in while going through the boat with the employee to have the equipment explained.

Meanwhile, there are Charter Apps with equipment introductions and videos by some yacht charter companies on individual boat models in their fleet are available. These Charter Apps and videos allow guests to familiarize themselves with the boat and equipment in advance or while waiting for the boat, expediting the check-in process on-site.

The technical check-in procedure varies based on your experience, but it typically takes 15-40 minutes to cover the most essential aspects. During check-in, you should verify if the diesel and water tanks are full, the refrigerator, winches, and anchor windlass are in working order, inquire about the length of the anchor chain, and check the condition of the sails. Familiarize yourself with the location of fuses for electricity and gas connections, test the water valves, and examine the bow thruster. The entire checklist is divided into categories: interior, deck & cockpit, safety equipment, sails, and engine. You can find a comprehensive blog about the complete check-in procedure for boat handover.

Once everything is checked, promptly report any defects you notice while signing the checklist, of which you should receive a signed copy. Or if you have done the technical check-in through the Application, notice the defects in the App. Keep the base manager’s support number during the week on hand as a precaution. They are available 24 hours a day for emergencies; otherwise, send a message if you encounter issues with the boat or equipment during your charter week. Most problems are resolved immediately over the phone or via video call. If the issue is more complex, the best course of action is to select a bay where you are or plan to be, and someone will be sent to examine and address the problem on-site, allowing you to continue your sailing trip. Note that if technical issues result from incorrect handling of the vessel, you will be responsible for covering the cost of the intervention.

Upon reaching the first clear bay and anchoring, take the opportunity to dive underwater and inspect the keel, rudder, and other underwater parts of the boat to avoid surprises during the week or at check-out. If you notice any damage, promptly notify the charter company.

Sailing vacation Croatia can start

You have probably already discussed with your crew the direction you should take and agreed on an approximate sailing route; we mentioned the various sailing areas at the beginning. Each island has something unique to offer, from tranquility and seclusion in quiet bays to beautiful old towns with museums, galleries, and well-preserved architecture, as well as adventurous landscapes or even opportunities for partying. While sailing, aim to relax and live in an environmentally conscious manner, treating nature and the underwater world with respect. It’s crucial to pay daily attention to weather reports, regardless of your planned sailing route. Ultimately, everything depends on weather conditions. Compare information from different sources such as Windy.com, Windfinder, Windguru, or the Croatian DHMZ. You can find more information about winds in Croatia here.

Bays and berth costs in Croatia

The prices in individual ports and bays depend on the season, boat length, and the services provided in each port or marina. In marinas and ports, the price typically ranges between 4€ and 14€ per meter of boat length. This usually includes electricity and water consumption, but some ports may charge extra for water usage, especially in areas where water is scarce. It’s important to note that nearly all marinas impose a 100% surcharge for catamarans, and even short stops in marinas, particularly during the high season, may incur half the daily fee. Planning an approximate sailing route in advance and having alternative berths in mind is advisable.

For mooring buoys in bays, the cost is usually between 2€ and 7€ per meter of boat length. Concessions for individual buoys apply to the sea area rather than specific buoys. Therefore, you might be asked to pay, even if you’re anchoring without using any buoys, in which case, anchor outside the designated concessionaire area.

In some bays with restaurants, the concessionaire is often the restaurant owner. In such cases, there’s usually no charge for the mooring buoy, but it’s understood that you’ll visit the restaurant and eat there. Anchoring is generally free everywhere unless explicitly marked as forbidden (e.g., in nature or national parks). If you suspect that anchorage isn’t under concession, you can request a document from the person asking for payment, issued by the port authority and in the name of the concessionaire.

Most guests prefer anchoring during the day for swimming and sunbathing, opting for overnight berths in marinas or ports. Recently, there are berth apps such as Navily, providing objective descriptions of specific bays, marinas, restaurants, and more. These apps also include reviews from other nautical clients, offering valuable tips on arrival times and berth costs. We recommend guests unfamiliar with the sailing areas in Croatia download an app like Navily or a similar one to become acquainted with the sailing area and know what to expect when embarking on a sailing vacation in Croatia.

Return of the boat and check-out procedure

The standard practice for all charter companies is to return to the marina late on Friday afternoon (around 6 p.m.) for check-out with a full fuel tank. This means spending the night in the marina from Friday to Saturday. While some may see it as losing a few hours of fun, it’s a necessary organizational step to properly maintain the ships and equipment, preparing them for the new crew.

Upon returning to the port of departure on Friday, some charter companies may initiate the check-out process immediately, reviewing the boat’s inventory and equipment with you. A diver will later inspect the underwater part. If you arrive a bit later on Friday evening, inform the charter company and arrange for check-out on Saturday morning.

The check-out process typically takes around 30 minutes. If everything is in order with no damage to the boat, your deposit will be refunded. In case of damage, the deposit will be reduced by the amount of the damage or, if substantial, the full deposit will be retained; the remainder will then be addressed with the insurance company.

Sailing vacation in Croatia – The conclusion

A sailing experience can be both an adventure and a relaxing holiday; it depends on how you envision and plan it. The only condition is that you are not overly nervous or sensitive person, since you’ll be spending a considerable amount of time in a limited space. Once you synchronize your biorhythms with your crew, actively engage in daily tasks without constant reminders, and set sail, it transforms into the best active vacation you can imagine.

If you have any further questions about yacht charter and sailing in Croatia, feel free to contact Ultra Sailing!