Yacht charter in Croatia with or without a skipper
Last updated on 8 April 2025
Types of boats to rent in Croatia
Depending on your budget and your sailing plans, there are different types of boats available to you:
- Monohull sailboat charter: this is the most affordable option and best suited to experienced sailors! The size of this type of boat will make it easier for you to access coves and anchorages. The sensations of sailing are also unique to monohulls with heeling over.
- Catamaran charter: for those looking for 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 spend a relaxing vacation.
- Motor yacht charter: more accessible and cheaper, this option is ideal for a day charter.
Services offered for your yacht charter in Croatia
Here are the different services we offer for renting a boat in Croatia:
- Bareboat yacht charter: if a member of your crew has sailing experience, they will be able to manoeuvre the sailboat. The boat will be entirely private and you can enjoy your cruise in Croatia with family or friends.
- Yacht charter with skipper: this is the ideal option if no one can skipper the boat or if you want to enjoy a relaxing vacation. The professional skipper will take care of maneuvering the boat and you will benefit from his knowledge of the area to take you to the best anchorages and restaurants.
- Crewed yacht charter: this type of service will be included on luxury yachts over 20 meters. It will be optional for catamaran charters in Croatia between 10 and 20 meters. A crew generally consists of a captain, a cook and a hostess. The crew will take great care of you and make sure you have an unforgettable cruise!
- Cabin cruise: you book a cabin on board a high-end, people-sized boat that you share with other travelers and a professional crew responsible for navigation, cooking and hotel service on board. This option is preferable if you want to go as a couple or if you don't have the budget to privatize the boat.
How much does a yacht charter in Croatia cost?
The table below gives you an idea of the average prices for aone-week charterin Croatia. These prices may vary depending on the season, availability, model and age of the boat, etc.
| Type of boat | High season July and August | Mid-season May, June and September | Low season April and October |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monohull (2 cabins) | 2,000 USD | 1,500 USD | 1,000 USD |
| Monohull (3 cabins) | 3,500 USD | 2,500 USD | 1,500 USD |
| Monohull (4 cabins) | 4,500 USD | 3,000 USD | 2,000 USD |
| Catamaran (between 30 and 40 feet) | 7,000 USD | 4,000 USD | 2,500 USD |
| Catamaran (between 40 and 50 feet) | 11,000 USD | 6,000 USD | 3,500 USD |
The price includes: the yacht charter and the main equipment on board (sails, crockery, Wi-Fi, dinghy, bedding and outboard engine).
The price does not include: insurance, port and anchorage fees, the services of the skipper and hostess, cleaning (which is often included in a compulsory package), extras (kayak, paddle sup, etc.) and provisions taken on board.
If you would like to rent a yacht in Croatia, please contact us directly for a price list. The price range for this type of model is very wide. Lina, our specialist in the crewed & luxury boats segment, will be able to send you the best offers.
We recommend that you take out our cancellation insurance for your yacht charter in Croatia. It will cover all crew members, whereas individual cancellation insurance or insurance via your bank card will only cover the policyholder.
We also encourage our customers to take out damage waiver insurance. On a boat, even the best sailors can suffer damage. This insurance will allow you to recover a significant portion of your deposit in the event of navigation-related damage.
Where to sail in Croatia?
There are four sailing areas accessible by boat in Croatia:
- Istria and the Gulf of Kvarner in the north. This is the least frequented area and has very lush vegetation. You can leave from Pula and visit the Brijuni archipelago as well as the islands of Cres, Losinj and Rab.
- The Kornati islands in the center. These islands are among the most beautiful in Croatia. This archipelago is made up of many wild and dry islands. In this area you will find Telašćica Park, the islands of Dugi and Žut, as well as the Krka Falls near Skradin.
- Dalmatia, south of the Kornati. This is the most visited area, and for good reason! You can visit many islands such as Vis, Šolta, and the Hells islands.
- The Dubrovnik region to the south. Probably the most beautiful city in Croatia with its medieval style. It has hosted the filming of many scenes from Game of Thrones. Don't forget to visit Korčula and Mlijet Park, home to the greenest islands in Croatia!
When to sail in Croatia?
Croatia's dry and sunny climate makes it an excellent area for sailing from April to October. In summer, the temperature is between 20°C and 30°C. The water temperature is around 24°C.
Here is an average of the temperatures recorded in recent years in Croatia:
| Temperatures | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | July | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air min (°C) | 4° | 4° | 6° | 9° | 13° | 16° | 20° | 20° | 15° | 12° | 8° | 5° |
| Air max (°C) | 11° | 12° | 15° | 18°C | 22°C | 27° | 31° | 30° | 25° | 22° | 16° | 12° |
| Sea water (°C) | 14° | 14° | 14° | 15° | 18° | 22° | 25° | 25° | 23° | 20° | 17° | 16° |
Winds rarely exceed 12 knots (20 km/h), so sailing conditions are very favorable throughout the year.
Sailing conditions in Croatia
Sailing is easy, with very little wind, rarely exceeding force 3 (<12 knots, 20 km/h).
The prevailing winds are the afternoon thermal breeze, coming from the northwest, and the Jugo or Sirocco, a warm wind coming from the south, blowing from North Africa towards the low pressure areas formed in Central Europe. Sometimes, 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.
The climate is warm and dry in May, June, July, August and September. The air temperature varies between 20ºC and 27ºC, while the water temperature is generally above 20ºC. Navigation between the islands is short and by sight. There are few live fish in the Adriatic Sea, so don't go there for fishing!
The documents required to rent a boat without a skipper in Croatia
You will need a coastal boat license and a very high frequency (VHF) certificate if you opt for a bareboat yacht charter in Croatia. This is the equivalent of the CRR (Certificat Restreint de Radiotéléphoniste) in France, which you can take for USD78. To rent a catamaran of 45 feet (14 meters) or more or a monohull of 62 feet (19 meters) or more without a skipper, you will need a license for the high seas or equivalent.
Useful information for your yacht charter in Croatia
What language is spoken in Croatia?
The official language is Croatian, but a large part of the population, especially in the big cities, speak English.
Which currency is used in Croatia?
The currency used in Croatia is the Euro (EUR) since January 1, 2023.
How do I get to Croatia?
Numerous direct flights are available from Paris. Each navigation zone has an airport close to the departure base: Pula airport (PUY) in the north, Zadar airport (ZAD) close to the Kornati islands, Split airport (SPU) in Dalmatia and Dubrovnik airport (DBV) in the south.
How do I finalize the booking of my boat in Croatia?
Once we have received your charter request, an advisor will contact you by telephone to discuss your sailing plans. They will then send you a list of suggested boats by email. Once you have found a boat, you can pay a deposit via your customer account to confirm the charter and reserve the boat.
Why are there ACI Marinas in Croatia?
Some marinas in Croatia are grouped together within the ACI (Adriatic Croatia International Club) company, founded in 1983, whose primary goal is to develop and modernize nautical tourism in the country. These are therefore modern and well-equipped marinas.
If I rent a boat in Croatia, do I have the right to sail in Montenegro?
It is possible, under two conditions:
- The rented boat must be approved for navigation in Montenegrin waters. This is often the case for boats based in Dubrovnik, close to the border, but beware, it is not systematic.
- Pay a customs clearance fee of a few dozen USD on arrival in Montenegro.
Good to know
| Number of boats available | 16 |
|---|---|
| Average price per week | $5,256 |
| Minimum weekly price | $2,906 |
| Maximum price per week | $8,132 |