Boat hire in Split with or without skipper

Types of boats available for hire in Split

Depending on your budget and sailing plans, several types of boats are available departing from Split:

• Monohull sailing boat hire: this is the most affordable and most common option departing from Split. The size of this type of boat will make it easier to access the coves and anchorages of central Dalmatia. The sailing sensations are also unique to the monohull with its heel.
• Catamaran hire: for those seeking comfort and space. The catamaran offers greater stability as well as more living space on board. It is the ideal option if your budget allows and if you want to enjoy a relaxing holiday among the Dalmatian islands.
• Motor boat hire: more accessible and less expensive, this option is ideal for a day hire around the islands close to Split such as Brač or Šolta.

Services available for your boat hire in Split

Here are the different services we offer for hiring a boat departing from Split: 

• Bareboat hire: if a member of your crew has sailing experience, they will be able to handle the sailing boat. The boat will be entirely private and you will be able to enjoy your cruise in Croatia as a family or with friends.
• Skippered boat hire: this is the ideal option if no one in the group can skipper the boat, or if you want to enjoy a relaxing holiday. The professional skipper will take care of handling the boat and you will benefit from their knowledge of Dalmatia to guide you to the best anchorages and restaurants. 
• Crewed boat hire: this type of service is included on luxury boats over 20 metres. It is optional for a catamaran hire in Croatia between 10 and 20 metres. A crew generally consists of a captain, a chef and a hostess. The crew will take care of your every need and ensure you have an unforgettable cruise!
• Cabin cruise: you book a cabin on board a high-end, human-sized boat that you share with other travellers and a professional crew responsible for navigation, cooking and hospitality services on board. This option is best suited if you wish to travel as a couple or if you do not have the budget to charter the entire boat.

What is the price for a boat hire in Split?

The table below gives an indication of average prices for a week's hire departing from Split. These prices may vary depending on the season, availability, model and age of the boat...

The price includes: the boat hire and the main equipment on board (sails, crockery, wifi, dinghy, bedding and outboard engine).

The price does not include: insurance, port and anchorage fees, skipper, hostess, cleaning which is often included in a mandatory pack, extras (kayak, paddle sup…) and provisioning.

If you wish to hire a yacht in Croatia, we invite you to contact us directly to obtain the rate schedule. The price range for this type of vessel is indeed very wide. Lina, our specialist in the crewed and luxury boat segment, will be able to send you the best offers.

We recommend taking out our cancellation insurance for your boat hire in Split. It covers all crew members, whereas individual cancellation insurance or insurance through your bank card only covers its holder.

We also encourage our clients to take out damage waiver insurance. On a boat, breakdowns happen even to the best sailors. This insurance will allow you to recover a significant portion of your deposit in the event of a navigation-related breakdown.

Where to sail from Split?

Split is the ideal starting point for exploring central Dalmatia, one of the most sought-after sailing areas in Croatia. Several itineraries are available:

• The island of Brač, the largest island close to Split. You will find the famous Zlatni Rat beach, one of the most beautiful in Croatia, as well as the town of Bol with its many restaurants and bars.
• The island of Šolta, just a few miles south-west of Split. It is a quiet and unspoilt island, ideal for a first stop. Do not miss the village of Stomorska and its wild coves.
• The island of Vis, the furthest from the mainland and therefore the most unspoilt. It is home to the famous blue cave of Biševo and the island of Ravnik with its green cave. The town of Vis and that of Komiža are also well worth a visit.
• The islands of Hvar and Korčula to the south. Hvar is renowned for its lively nightlife and blooming lavender fields. Korčula, nicknamed the little Dubrovnik, is a medieval town perched on a peninsula. These two islands are among the most beautiful islands in Dalmatia.
• The Pakleni islands (Pakleni otoci), located just opposite the town of Hvar. This archipelago of small pine-covered islands is home to turquoise coves of exceptional beauty, ideal for anchoring and swimming.

When to sail from Split?

The dry and sunny climate of Dalmatia makes it an excellent sailing area from April to October. In summer, temperatures range between 20°C and 30°C. Water temperature is around 24°C.

Here is an average of temperatures recorded in Split in recent years:

Winds rarely exceed 12 knots (20 km/h) in summer, making sailing conditions very favourable throughout the summer season.

Sailing conditions departing from Split

Sailing in central Dalmatia is easy, with very little wind in summer, rarely beyond force 3 (<12 knots, 20 km/h).

The prevailing winds are the afternoon thermal breeze from the north-west, and the Jugo or Sirocco, a warm wind from the south blowing in from North Africa. Occasionally, the Bora can blow for short periods; it is a cold wind coming from the Alps in the north, similar to the Mistral in the south of France. In central Dalmatia, the Bora can be particularly strong in the Split channel and between the islands.

The climate is warm and dry in May, June, July, August and September. Air temperature ranges between 22ºC and 33ºC in the height of summer, making Split one of the hottest areas on the Croatian coast. Passages between the islands are short and within sight of land.

Documents required to hire a boat without a skipper in Split

You will need a coastal skipper licence as well as a VHF certificate if you opt for a bareboat hire departing from Split. This is the equivalent of the CRR (Restricted Certificate of Radiotelephony) in France, which you can obtain for €78. To hire a catamaran of 45 feet (14 metres) or more, or a monohull sailing boat of 62 feet (19 metres) or more without a skipper, you will need an offshore skipper licence or equivalent.

Useful information for your boat hire in Split

What language is spoken in Split?

The official language is Croatian, but a large part of the population, particularly in the tourist sector and in marinas, speaks English.

What currency is used in Split?

The currency used in Croatia is the Euro (€) since 1st January 2023.

How to get to Split?

Many direct flights are available from Paris, Lyon and Marseille to Split airport (SPU), located just 25 km from the port. In high season, several low-cost airlines offer direct flights from many French cities. It is also possible to reach Split by ferry from Ancona in Italy.

Which departure port should I choose in Split?

The ACI marina in Split is the main departure base. Well equipped and ideally located, it allows you to reach the first islands quickly. The marina in Trogir, about twenty kilometres to the north, is a popular alternative, particularly for its old town listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

How do I finalise my boat booking in Split?

Once we have received your hire request, an adviser will contact you by telephone to understand your sailing plans. They will then send you boat proposals by email. Once the boat has been found, you can pay a deposit in your client area to confirm the hire and secure the boat.

Why are there ACI Marinas in Split?

Some marinas in Croatia are grouped within the ACI (Adriatic Croatia International Club) company, founded in 1983, whose primary goal is to develop and modernise nautical tourism in the country. The ACI marina in Split is one of the best-equipped in the network, with all the expected services: fuel, water, electricity, showers and restaurants.