Boat hire in Istria with or without skipper

The types of boats to hire in Istria

Istria has over 3,300 boats available to hire, from 2-cabin monohulls to luxury 50-foot catamarans. Depending on your budget and your sailing plan, several types of boat are available to you:

• Monohull sailing yacht hire is the most economical option, ideal for experienced sailors! The size of this boat makes it easy to enter coves and anchorages. What's more, the sensations of sailing a monohull, particularly the heel, are unique.
• Catamaran hire is perfect for those who value comfort and living space. Thanks to its great stability and spacious cabins, the catamaran is the ideal option for a relaxing holiday, provided your budget allows it.
• Motorboat hire: often more affordable, this is the best choice for a daily boat hire or to explore the Istrian coast up close.

The services offered for your boat hire in Istria

Here are the different services we offer for boat hire in Istria:

• Bareboat hire (without a skipper): to hire a sailing yacht in Croatia without a skipper, one crew member simply needs to prove sufficient sailing experience. You'll have the boat all to yourselves, allowing you to fully enjoy your cruise with friends or family.
• Boat hire with a skipper: this is the ideal solution if no one in your group is able to handle the boat or if you want a worry-free holiday. The professional skipper will take charge of the sailing and, thanks to his knowledge of the region, will guide you to the best spots to anchor.
• Crewed boat hire: this service is generally included for luxury boats over 20 metres. For a catamaran hire in Croatia between 10 and 20 metres, it is offered as an option. A typical crew includes a captain, a cook and a hostess. They will be entirely dedicated to your comfort and will ensure your cruise is memorable!
• The individual cabin cruise: you hire a cabin on a boat of 10 to 20 metres carrying 6 to 12 passengers maximum, shared with other travellers. A professional crew handles the sailing, the preparation of meals and the service on board. It's an excellent option for experiencing a cruise in Croatia if you're travelling as a couple or if you don't have the budget to hire the whole boat.

How much does boat hire in Istria cost?

The following table gives you an estimate of the average prices for a sailing yacht hire in Croatia. Note that these rates can vary according to the season, availability, the type of model, the age of the boat, among other factors.

How much does it cost to hire a sailing yacht in Istria? Expect to pay between €950 and €3,500 per week on average depending on the type of yacht and the season.

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

The price does not include: insurance, harbour and mooring fees, the skipper, the hostess, cleaning which is often included in a compulsory pack, extras (kayak, paddle sup…), provisioning and the tourist tax. In Croatia, a specific tax called the Transit Log is also payable. It depends on the size of the boat and the number of passengers on board, and is generally between €100 and €160 for the duration of the boat hire, usually one week.

If you're interested in a crewed yacht charter in Croatia, we encourage you to contact us directly to access our price list. Prices can vary greatly depending on the yacht model. Lina, our crew and luxury boat expert, will be delighted to offer you the best deals.

We recommend opting for our cancellation insurance for your boat hire in Istria. This insurance protects all crew members, unlike an individual cancellation insurance or the one offered by your bank card, which only covers the holder.

We also encourage our clients to opt for the deposit waiver insurance. Even the most experienced sailors can run into damage at sea. Thanks to this insurance, you'll be able to recover a large part of your deposit in the event of damage related to sailing.

Where to sail in Istria?

Rovinj, the Brijuni Islands, the island of Krk: each stop has its own character. Istria proper occupies the western coast of the peninsula, around Rovinj, Poreč and Pula, while the islands of Krk, Cres and Lošinj belong to the Kvarner Gulf, just to the south. As an example, you can reach the Brijuni archipelago from Rovinj in less than 20 nautical miles.

Several sailing areas are accessible by boat departing from Istria:

• The western coast of Istria. This is the heart of Istrian sailing, dotted with charming little ports: Umag, Novigrad, Poreč, Vrsar and Rovinj. The latter, one of the most beautiful towns on the Adriatic coast, makes an excellent departure port for a week of sailing.
• The Brijuni archipelago. This national park made up of fourteen islands and islets offers protected waters and exceptional nature, just a few miles from Pula.
• Pula and the south of Istria. Departing from Pula and its famous Roman arena, our sailing yacht hire in Pula allows you to reach Medulin and Cape Kamenjak, renowned for its wild coves.
• The Kvarner Gulf. By rounding the southern tip of the peninsula, this vast gulf opens the way to the islands of Krk (with the village of Punat), Cres, Lošinj and Rab, with their varied landscapes.
• The Opatija Riviera. Heading up towards the north-east of the gulf, you'll discover Opatija, an elegant seaside resort, and the major port of Rijeka.

Sailing conditions in Istria

Istria is one of the most accessible sailing destinations in the Mediterranean, with legs of under 20 miles and moderate summer winds. Three main winds nonetheless shape sailing in the Adriatic Sea.

The Bora (Bura) is a cold, dry, gusty north-easterly wind. It strengthens mainly in spring and autumn, and can blow hard in the Kvarner Gulf. It generally brings clear skies.

The Jugo (sirocco) is a warm, humid south-easterly wind. It settles in over several days, builds up a heavy sea and is often accompanied by clouds and rain.

The Maestral is the north-westerly thermal breeze that picks up in the afternoon in fine weather in summer. Moderate, blowing most often between force 3 and 4 (7 to 16 knots), it's the ideal wind for sailing, with mornings usually calm.

The climate is Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers. Temperatures range between 20 and 30°C from June to September. The water temperature is above 20°C from June to October.

Sailing legs are short in Istria and the Kvarner Gulf (often less than 20 nautical miles a day), which allows you to enjoy each stop without overly long legs. It's an area suited to families or crews looking for a leisurely pace.

When to sail in Istria?

In Istria, the dominant climate is Mediterranean, with its hot, dry summers and mild winters; it's an ideal climate for setting off on a cruise from April to October. In summer in Istria, the temperature is between 20°C and 30°C. The water temperature, meanwhile, is around 25°C.

Here is an average of the temperatures recorded in recent years in Istria:

The best month to sail in Istria is June or September: there are fewer crowds, the sea reaches 22 to 23°C and the Maestral breeze is regular. July and August remain the hottest and busiest months, while April, May and October suit sailors seeking peace and quiet, with a cooler sea.

The documents required for a boat hire without a skipper in Istria

What licence do you need to sail in Croatia? A European boat licence is enough to skipper both a sailing yacht and a motorboat. An English translation may be requested.

Croatian regulations additionally require the skipper to hold a restricted radiotelephone operator's certificate (VHF) to use the on-board radio.

Many charter companies also require the presence of a co-skipper on board, a second crew member able to assist the skipper. This condition is imposed by charter companies rather than by law, and this co-skipper does not need to hold a boat licence.

Useful information for your boat hire in Istria

What language is spoken in Istria?

The official language is Croatian. In Istria, Italian is also very widespread and enjoys co-official language status in several municipalities. English and German are moreover widely understood in tourist areas.

What currency to use in Croatia?

Since 1 January 2023, Croatia has adopted the euro (€), which replaced the former national currency, the kuna.

How to get to Istria?

Pula Airport (PUY) is the closest and most convenient for reaching the Istrian departure ports. Rijeka Airport (RJK), located on the island of Krk, serves the Kvarner Gulf. Depending on the season, the Italian airports of Trieste (TRS) and Venice (VCE) make a good alternative, with a coastal route into Istria. Zagreb Airport (ZAG) also remains an option, with a road transfer of two to three hours.

How do I finalise the booking of my boat in Istria?

As soon as we receive your boat hire request, one of our advisers will call you to discuss your cruise plans. They will then send you boat suggestions by email. Once you have chosen the boat that suits you, you can pay a deposit via your customer account to confirm the boat hire and reserve the boat.

Does a cruise in Istria require long sailing legs?

No, Istria is a compact sailing area. The stops are close to one another, generally less than 20 nautical miles apart, which allows for short legs and a relaxed pace. It's a destination particularly suited to family cruises or to sailors who want to take their time between the western coast, the Brijuni Islands and the Kvarner Gulf.

What is the best departure port in Istria?

The three main departure ports are Pula, Rovinj and Poreč. Pula and the south of the peninsula are suitable for reaching the Brijuni Islands and the Kvarner Gulf, while Rovinj and Poreč are perfect for exploring the western coast. The choice depends above all on your itinerary and your arrival airport.

Can you sail in Istria without experience?

Yes. If you don't hold a boat licence or if you lack experience, you can hire a sailing yacht with a skipper: a professional then takes charge of the sailing. For a bareboat hire, however, a boat licence and a VHF certificate remain essential.

What is the difference between Istria and Dalmatia for a cruise?

Istria offers a compact area, short legs (often less than 20 miles) and a heritage of Venetian influence, ideal for a first cruise or a leisurely pace. Dalmatia, further south, has more islands and offers more varied itineraries, but with sometimes longer sailing legs.

Good to know