Catamaran Hire in Split with or without a Skipper

Why charter a catamaran in Split?

Set in the heart of Dalmatia, Split is the essential gateway to the most iconic islands of the Adriatic. In less than two hours' sailing, your catamaran reaches Brač, Šolta or the turquoise waters of the Pakleni Islands. It is also one of Croatia's best air hubs, with direct flights from most major European cities.

The catamaran is particularly well suited to this area: its stability removes any heel and lets families and groups of friends alike make the most of the cruise. Its generous living spaces (saloon, cockpit, trampolines) make it a genuine floating lounge, perfect for spending several days at anchor. Lastly, Split itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to Diocletian's Palace: a major cultural stop at the start or end of your cruise.

Where to sail by catamaran from Split?

From Split, you can reach the finest islands of central Dalmatia within a few hours. Here are the stops not to be missed:

• The island of Brač: the closest to Split, famous for the horn-shaped Zlatni Rat beach at Bol. Perfect for a first stop.
• The island of Hvar and the Pakleni Islands: a lively, glamorous destination, with the town of Hvar and its Pakleni archipelago offering numerous anchoring coves just minutes from the centre.
• The island of Vis: the wildest and most unspoilt, the starting point for the Blue Cave of Biševo and the spectacular cove of Stiniva.
• The island of Šolta: right opposite Split, perfect for a peaceful first or last night in turquoise waters.
• The island of Korčula: for cruises of 10 days or more, with its fortified town often nicknamed "little Dubrovnik".
• The island of Mljet: reachable on longer cruises, home to one of Croatia's most beautiful national parks with its inland saltwater lakes.

Anchorages and bays not to be missed departing from Split:

• Stiniva (Vis): a cove enclosed between two cliffs, voted the most spectacular beach in Europe. Anchor in front of the bay, with final access by tender.
• Palmižana (Pakleni): a sheltered bay facing Hvar, with a lounge atmosphere in summer and crystal-clear waters.
• Lovrečina (Brač): a long sandy beach, rare in Croatia, with a sandy seabed perfect for anchoring a catamaran.
• Zlatni Rat (Brač): the iconic beach of Bol, worth seeing at least from a distance from the anchorage off Bol.

Water sports to plan along the way: Vis is renowned for wreck diving from the Second World War (B-17 Flying Fortress, the Italian cargo ship Teti), accessible with the local dive clubs; Biševo is ideal for snorkelling around the Blue Cave; most catamarans carry a paddleboard, kayak or water toys as an optional extra. Remember to book them as early as the quotation request.

Recommended itineraries departing from Split

Here are the most popular itineraries for a cruise in Dalmatia departing from Split.

1-week itinerary: the tour of the Dalmatian islands

The classic itinerary departing from Split, combining the must-sees of central Dalmatia:

• Day 1: Split → Šolta (Maslinica)
• Day 2: Šolta → Vis (town of Vis or Komiža)
• Day 3: Vis → Biševo (Blue Cave) → Hvar
• Day 4: Hvar → Pakleni Islands (Palmižana)
• Day 5: Pakleni → Brač (Bol and Zlatni Rat)
• Day 6: Brač → Milna
• Day 7: Milna → return to Split

In 1 week, this itinerary covers the must-sees without any time pressure.

10-day itinerary: extension towards Korčula

With 10 days, you gain the time to continue south and discover Korčula and the Pelješac peninsula, one of Croatia's finest wine regions:

• Days 1-2: Split → Šolta → Vis
• Day 3: Vis → Biševo (Blue Cave) → Lastovo (the most unspoilt island in Croatia)
• Day 4: Lastovo → Korčula (fortified town and reputed birthplace of Marco Polo)
• Day 5: Korčula → Pelješac peninsula (wine tasting in Orebić or Trstenik)
• Day 6: Pelješac → Hvar (Pakleni)
• Days 7-9: Hvar → Brač (Bol, Milna) → Šolta
• Day 10: return to Split

2-week itinerary: heading down to Dubrovnik

Beyond 10 days, the run down to Dubrovnik becomes the obvious choice. You then cross the whole of southern Dalmatia:

• Day 1: Split → Šolta (Maslinica)
• Day 2: Šolta → Vis
• Day 3: Vis → Biševo (Blue Cave) → Lastovo
• Day 4: Lastovo → Mljet (national park and saltwater lakes)
• Day 5: Mljet → Šipan (Elaphiti Islands) → approaches to Dubrovnik
• Day 6: a day in Dubrovnik (UNESCO old town)
• Day 7: Dubrovnik → Korčula
• Day 8: Korčula → Pelješac peninsula
• Day 9: Pelješac → Hvar (Pakleni)
• Day 10: Hvar → Vis (wild south side)
• Days 11-13: Vis → Brač (Lovrečina, Bol, Milna) → Šolta
• Day 14: return to Split

For 2-week cruises, our consultants can also arrange a one-way charter from Split to Dubrovnik (subject to availability), for a supplement generally between €800 and €1,500. This option avoids the return leg and lets you take in even more anchorages.

Which catamarans can you charter in Split?

The choice of catamaran depends on the size of the crew and the budget.

• The 3-cabin catamaran (between 38 and 42 feet): suited to crews of 6, it is the size most often chartered in Split for families or small groups. A good compromise between comfort, performance and budget.
• The 4-cabin catamaran (between 42 and 46 feet): the most versatile configuration, suited to groups of 8. More space in the saloon and cabins, usually with 2 heads.
• The 5- to 6-cabin catamaran (between 46 and 50 feet): for groups of 10 to 12 looking for more space and upmarket amenities.
• The luxury catamaran (over 50 feet): the high-end segment, often chartered with a professional crew. Exclusive amenities: powerful air conditioning, jacuzzi, motorised water toys, flybridge.
• The power catamaran: an alternative to sailing catamarans, prioritising comfort and speed. Ideal for short cruises or for sailors who would rather not hoist the sails.

Catamaran or monohull: which to choose for Split?

The catamaran is the preferred choice for family cruises, with children or with a non-sailing crew: no heel, plenty of space, stable anchoring. In Split it also benefits from moderate wind conditions that suit it perfectly.

The monohull remains more economical (20 to 35% cheaper for an equivalent size), better performing under sail and easier to manoeuvre in small marinas. It will be the preferred choice for seasoned sailors looking for the thrill of sailing. If you have not yet made up your mind, feel free to consult our sailboat rental in Croatia page.

With or without a skipper: which services to choose?

Here are the different options offered for your catamaran charter in Split: 

• The bareboat catamaran charter: if a member of your crew holds the required licences and has sailing experience, you have the boat entirely to yourselves and enjoy a cruise in complete independence in Croatia as a family or with friends.
• The skippered catamaran charter: the ideal option if no one can skipper or if you want a 100% relaxing holiday. The professional skipper handles the manoeuvres and shares his detailed knowledge of the area. 
• The fully crewed catamaran charter: included on catamarans over 50 feet, optional between 40 and 50 feet. A captain, a cook and a hostess take care of everything on board.
• The cabin cruise on a catamaran: you book a cabin aboard an upmarket catamaran shared with other travellers (generally 4 to 6 cabins, i.e. 8 to 12 passengers). Departure is on Saturday for a one-week cruise on a full-board basis, with a captain and a cook-host on board. The itinerary is set in advance. Allow around €1,500 to €2,500 per person depending on the season. This option is recommended for travelling as a couple or for discovering cruising without having to charter a whole boat for yourselves.

How much does a catamaran charter in Split cost?

The table below gives you a rough idea of the average prices for a one-week catamaran charter departing from Split. These prices can vary according to the season, availability, model and age of the boat.

The price includes: the catamaran charter and the main equipment on board (sails, crockery, Wi-Fi, tender, bedding, outboard engine).

The price does not include: insurance, harbour and mooring fees, the skipper, the hostess, cleaning (often included in a compulsory pack), extras (kayak, SUP paddleboard, etc.) and provisioning.

Taxes and fees specific to Croatia

In addition to the charter price, several local taxes should be budgeted for when sailing by catamaran in Croatia:

• The sailing vignette (Vinjeta): compulsory for all foreign boats or boats chartered locally. Its amount depends on the size of the boat and is usually already included in the packs offered by Croatian charter companies.
• The sojourn tax: charged per person and per night on board; allow between €1.00 and €1.35 per day per adult depending on the season.
• The tourist tax: an annual flat fee added to the vignette for boats above a certain size.

These amounts are always set out in the quotation sent by your Filovent consultant.

We advise you to take out our cancellation insurance for your catamaran charter in Split. It will cover all the crew members, whereas individual insurance or cover through your bank card will only cover the holder. We also encourage our clients to take out the deposit waiver insurance, which allows a significant part of the deposit to be recovered in the event of damage related to sailing.

If you would like to charter a yacht in Croatia or a luxury catamaran with a crew, contact us directly. A consultant dedicated to the crewed and luxury boat segment will send you the best available offers.

When to go: climate, temperatures and winds in Split

The dry, sunny Dalmatian climate makes Split an excellent sailing base from April to October. In high season, temperatures range between 25°C and 31°C, and the water reaches 25°C: perfect conditions for swimming and for extended anchorages.

The prevailing winds in Split

Three main winds shape sailing in central Dalmatia:

• The Maestral: a north-westerly thermal breeze that picks up in the middle of the day and drops at sunset. It is the dominant summer wind, perfectly suited to sailing, with strengths of 10 to 15 knots.
• The Jugo (or Sirocco): a warm, humid south-easterly wind blowing up from North Africa. It can persist for several days and build up a fairly heavy sea.
• The Bora: a cold, violent wind coming down from the Alps to the north-east, similar to the Mistral in Provence. Rare in summer and more frequent in autumn and winter, it commonly blows in gusts of 40 to 60 knots, with record peaks exceeding 100 knots in the Velebit channel in winter. To be monitored systematically on the weather forecasts.

Sailing from Split remains very accessible: the passages between the islands are short (10 to 25 nautical miles), within sight of land, and the Adriatic Sea has very few currents. These conditions are perfectly suited to the catamaran, which thrives in moderate winds and flat seas.

What to know before booking in August

August is the most sought-after period but also the busiest. The marinas are fully booked several weeks in advance, some iconic anchorages (Pakleni, Stiniva, Hvar bay) can be crowded in the middle of the day and prices reach their peak. To avoid these constraints, we recommend favouring late May to mid-July or September, which offer water that is still warm, far less crowded islands and rates up to 40% lower. If August remains your only option, ideally book 6 to 9 months in advance.

Documents and licences required to charter a catamaran in Split

To charter a catamaran without a skipper in Split, you will need to present:

• A coastal boat licence (or international equivalent)
• A VHF certificate, the equivalent of the French CRR (Certificat Restreint de Radiotéléphoniste), which can be taken online for a few dozen euros
• An offshore licence (or equivalent) for catamarans over 15 metres, depending on the requirements of the partner charter company. The threshold can vary from one company to another; your Filovent consultant will confirm the licence required for the boat you choose.

If you do not hold these documents, opt for a skippered charter: Filovent offers professional, English-speaking skippers who know the area inside out.

Departure marinas in Split and the surrounding area

Three main marinas welcome catamarans departing from Split. All are located near SPU airport and suited to large multihulls.

• ACI Marina Split: the most central, a 10-minute walk from Diocletian's Palace. Ideal for enjoying a night in Split before boarding. Distance from the airport: around 20 km.
• Marina Kaštela: the largest marina in the bay, located between Split and Trogir, just 6 km from the airport. It is home to a large fleet of catamarans and offers all technical services (fuel, water, electricity, supermarket).
• Marina Trogir (ACI Trogir and Marina Baotić): 7 km from the airport, at the foot of the medieval old town of Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A popular departure point for quickly reaching Šolta and the west of Brač.

Some marinas belong to the ACI (Adriatic Croatia International Club) network, a guarantee of service quality and modern facilities.

How to get to Split?

Split Airport (SPU) is located around 20 km from the centre of Split and just 6 km from the Kaštela and Trogir marinas. It is served by numerous direct flights from the United Kingdom and Europe.

• From the United Kingdom: direct flights from London (Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted), Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Bristol during the summer season.
• From Europe: direct connections from Brussels, Geneva, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Munich and most European capitals.
• Operating airlines: British Airways, easyJet, Jet2, Croatia Airlines, Lufthansa, KLM, among others.

Airport → marina transfers: taxis (€20-30 to the Kaštela and Trogir marinas, €35-45 to ACI Marina Split), private shuttles or car hire. The journey from the airport to the marina never takes more than 30 minutes.

Why book your catamaran with Filovent?

Since 1995, Filovent has been helping cruising enthusiasts choose and book their boat. Our concrete commitments:

• A demanding selection: we work only with partner charter companies recognised for the quality of their fleet and its upkeep.
• Personalised support: a dedicated consultant guides you from the first enquiry through to boarding, according to your sailing plans and your crew.
• An English-speaking team: all our exchanges take place in English, both in writing and by phone, which makes coordination with the Croatian bases easier.
• On-the-spot assistance: should any issue arise during your cruise, our customer service remains reachable and steps in with the charter company on your behalf.
• Whole-crew cancellation insurance: unlike individual insurance or bank cards, our cover protects all the passengers, not just the person making the booking.

FAQ: your questions about catamaran charter in Split

Do you need a skipper to charter a catamaran in Split?

No, you can charter a catamaran without a skipper if a member of your crew holds the coastal licence, the VHF certificate and has sufficient experience. For large catamarans (over 15 metres), an offshore licence may be required depending on the charter company. If no one on board holds these qualifications, opt for the option with a professional skipper.

What is the minimum charter duration for a catamaran in Split?

The minimum duration is generally one week (Saturday to Saturday in high season). In low and mid season, some short charters of 3 or 4 days may be offered subject to availability.

Can you sail to Montenegro from Split by catamaran?

It is possible, but on two conditions: the catamaran must be approved to sail in Montenegrin waters (rare from Split owing to the distance), and you will have to pay a customs clearance fee on arrival. State this intention as early as the quotation request.

Can you take a pet on board a catamaran in Split?

Yes, some charter companies allow pets on board, generally for a cleaning supplement. This request must be made at the time of booking to ensure that the boat you choose accepts pets.

What language is spoken in Split?

The official language is Croatian, but a large part of the population, particularly in the tourism sector and the marinas, speaks fluent English and often Italian as well.

What currency is used in Split?

The currency used in Croatia is the euro (€), since 1 January 2023.

How do I finalise the booking of my catamaran in Split?

Once we have received your charter request, a consultant will contact you by phone to understand your sailing plans. They will then send you catamaran proposals by email. Once the boat has been chosen, you can pay a deposit in your client area to confirm the charter and secure the catamaran.

Good to know