Sailboat charter in Croatia with or without a skipper

Types of sailing boats available for charter in Croatia

Depending on your budget, the size of your crew and your sailing experience, several types of sailing boats are available in Croatia:

• The 2-cabin monohull sailing boat: ideal for a couple or a small crew of 4 people. Compact and easy to handle, it will allow you to access the wildest anchorages and narrowest coves on the Dalmatian coast.
• The 3-cabin monohull sailing boat: the most common configuration in Croatia. It suits a crew of 6 perfectly and offers a great balance between comfort, maneuverability and budget.
• The 4-cabin monohull sailing boat: for a crew of 8 seeking more space and comfort on board. This configuration is ideal for a family cruise or a trip with friends with a more generous budget.
• The luxury large-format sailing boat: for those who wish to sail on a high-end boat with premium finishes. These sailing boats of over 50 feet generally have a professional crew and offer a standard of service close to yachting.

Services available for your sailing boat charter in Croatia

Here are the different options we offer for chartering a sailing boat in Croatia: 

• Bareboat sailing boat charter: if a member of your crew has sufficient 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, at your own pace and according to your wishes.
• Skippered sailing boat charter: this is the ideal option if no one in your crew can handle the navigation, or if you simply want to relax and enjoy the scenery. The professional skipper takes care of handling the boat and shares with you their in-depth knowledge of the Croatian coast, the best anchorages and the must-visit restaurants.
• Fully crewed sailing boat charter: on luxury sailing boats of over 65 feet, a crew consisting of a captain, a chef and a hostess will be at your service to guarantee you an unforgettable cruise. An option that can also be offered on certain mid-sized sailing boats.
• Cabin cruise on a sailing boat: you book a cabin on board a high-end, human-sized sailing boat that you share with other travelers and a professional crew responsible for navigation, cooking and hospitality services on board. This is the ideal option if you wish to travel as a couple or if you do not have the budget to charter an entire sailing boat.

What is the price for a sailing boat charter in Croatia?

The table below gives an indication of average prices for a sailing boat charter for a week in Croatia. These prices may vary depending on the season, availability, model and age of the sailing boat.

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

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

If you wish to charter a luxury sailing boat in Croatia, we invite you to contact us directly to obtain the rate schedule. 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 charter in Croatia. It covers all crew members, whereas individual cancellation insurance or insurance through your credit card only covers its holder.

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

Where to sail by sailing boat in Croatia?

Four main sailing areas are accessible by sailing boat in Croatia:

• Istria and the Gulf of Kvarner in the north. This is the least frequented area and boasts very lush vegetation. You can depart from Pula and visit the Brijuni archipelago as well as the islands of Cres, Losinj and Rab.
• The Kornati islands in the center. This archipelago of over 140 wild limestone islands is a paradise for sailing boats. In this area you will find Telašćica park, the islands of Dugi and Žut as well as the Krka waterfalls near Skradin.
• Dalmatia south of the Kornati. This is the most frequented area, and for good reason! From Split, you can sail towards Vis, Hvar, Brač, Šolta and the Pakleni islands.
• The Dubrovnik region in the south. Probably the most beautiful city in Croatia with its medieval style. It hosted the filming of many scenes from Game of Thrones. Don't forget to visit Korčula and Mlijet park, which is home to the greenest islands in Croatia.

When to go sailing in Croatia?

The dry and sunny climate of Croatia makes it an excellent destination for sailing from April to October. In summer, temperatures range between 68°F and 86°F. Water temperature is around 75°F.

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

Winds rarely exceed 14 mph (12 knots), making sailing particularly enjoyable for all levels.

Sailing conditions by sailing boat in Croatia

Croatia is renowned for the mildness of its sailing conditions, with very little wind in summer, rarely beyond force 3 (<14 mph / 12 knots). It is a perfect destination for sailing boats, whether for beginner or experienced sailors.

The prevailing winds are the afternoon thermal breeze from the northwest, and the Jugo or Sirocco, a warm wind from the south blowing from North Africa towards the low-pressure systems formed over central Europe. Occasionally, the Bora can blow for short periods; it is a cold wind coming from the Alps in the north, similar to a strong northerly in the US Midwest.

The climate is warm and dry in May, June, July, August and September. Air temperature ranges between 68°F and 81°F, while water temperature is generally above 68°F. Passages between the islands are short and within sight of land, which is ideal for a crew discovering sailing or Croatia.

Documents required to charter a sailing boat without a skipper in Croatia

You will need a coastal skipper license as well as a VHF certificate if you opt for a bareboat charter in Croatia. To charter a monohull sailing boat of 62 feet (19 meters) or more without a skipper, you will need an offshore skipper license or equivalent.

Useful information for your sailing boat charter in Croatia

What language is spoken in Croatia?

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

What currency is used in Croatia?

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

How to get to Croatia?

Several airlines offer connecting flights from major US cities. Each sailing area has an airport near the departure marina: Pula airport (PUY) in the north, Zadar airport (ZAD) near the Kornati, Split airport (SPU) in Dalmatia and Dubrovnik airport (DBV) in the south.

How do I finalize my sailing boat booking in Croatia?

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

Why are there ACI Marinas in Croatia?

Some marinas in Croatia are grouped within the ACI (Adriatic Croatia International Club) company, founded in 1983, whose primary goal is to develop and modernize nautical tourism in the country. They are therefore modern and well-equipped marinas.

If I charter a sailing boat in Croatia, am I allowed to sail to Montenegro?

This is possible, subject to two conditions:

• The chartered sailing boat must be approved for sailing in Montenegrin waters. This is often the case for boats based in Dubrovnik, near the border, but please note this is not always guaranteed.
• Pay a customs clearance fee of a few dozen dollars upon arrival in Montenegro.

Good to know