Beginner’s guide to yachting Croatia
The combination of Croatia's stunning coastline, island exploration opportunities, well-developed infrastructure, cultural heritage, natural beauty, and favorable weather conditions make it a top choice for yacht charterers. Over the years, Croatia emerged as the most popular yachting destination in the Mediterranean, especially because of the value-for-money yachts you can charter there.
Discover Croatia's exclusive charter yachts
This unique type of yacht is available to charter only in Croatia. They are 4-6 cabin motor sailing yachts similar to gulets, but they are built out of steel. We can say that they are an upgraded version of gulets. To meet the high demand for yacht charters for larger groups in Croatia, the builders and owners of these yachts, built even more high-end versions. They have 10 to 20 cabins, and luxury amenities such as a jacuzzi, a gym, a media room, a spa room, and a wide selection of water toys.
Indulge in unmatched luxury
Due to their high level of service, professional crew, luxury amenities, and overall great value for money, they are almost instantly fully booked. If you want to experience a unique type of yacht charter onboard these yachts, fill out this form and we will find a yacht that best fits your preferences.
To have a lifetime yachting holiday in Croatia, you will need to know what kind of yacht is best for you. Also, when is the best time to go to Croatia, and where. In this post you will learn:
- How to find the perfect yacht for you
- How much does it cost to charter a yacht?
- Where to go (airports to fly to, places to see, main ports and harbors…)
- When is the best time to go yachting in Croatia?
Chartering a yacht in Croatia allows guests to experience the luxury of yachting without owning a yacht. The unique motor sailing yachts can accommodate larger groups and feature all the luxury amenities of a super yacht, for a fraction of the cost. As experts for fully crewed yacht charters in Croatia, in this post, we will focus on these types of yachts but also present the other options.
There are over 1.000 boats available for private charters in Croatia
How to find the perfect yacht?
The best way to find the perfect yacht to rent in Croatia, we need to learn what type of yachts are available for charter and pick the right one.
The main types of boats are gulets, motor yachts, motor sailors, sailing yachts, and catamarans.
Type 1: Croatian superyachts
Croatian superyachts are usually larger motor cruisers and can accommodate larger groups. There are different categories when it comes to motor sailors in Croatia. They have more cabins and can fit up to 38 guests. The charter prices are between € 50,000 and € 150,000,00 / week. We recommend considering the more luxurious ones since they offer great value for money.
Here are some of the best superyachts to consider for a private charter in Croatia:
Bella
- 47,9 meters
- 18 cabins
- 36 guests
- From € 65,000 per week for 2023
- From € 90,000 per week for 2024
Type 2: Luxury motor sailing yachts
These types of yachts were built in Dalmatia, Croatia. They are crewed luxury vessels that can accommodate up to 12 guests. They are ideal for a more intimate charter experience in the beautiful Croatia sea. Here are some of the luxury motor sailing yachts we recommend:
Type 3: Motor Yachts
These are the most high-end types of yachts. They can accommodate up to 12 guests and besides Croatia, they are available for charters in France, Italy, and Greece. They are the most popular and go for the highest price.
Here is a selection of luxury motor yachts in Croatia:
Type 4: Gulets
One of the most popular types of wooden yachts - a combination of sailing and cruising. They were built in Turkey and brought to Croatia where they got upgraded. We can easily say that Croatia is the second biggest destination for gulet cruises after Turkey when it comes to the number of gulets available for private charters.
Here are some of the most popular gulets to charter in Croatia:
Type 5: Motor sailing yachts
Motor sailing yachts are also wooden vessels like gulets, but they were built in Croatia and are much bigger.
Here are some of the most popular motor sailing yachts available to charter in Croatia:
How much does it cost to charter a yacht in Croatia?
The charter price in Croatia varies from € 10.000 up to € 500.00 per week and it depends on:
- The category of the boat: There are Deluxe, luxury, and standard yachts
- The seasons: High season is in July & August low season is: May, June, September, and October
- The size of the boat: they can accommodate from 6 up to 36 people
Here is what is included and excluded from the charter price:
Included in the price:
- The crew service
- the fuel for cruising 4 hours per day
- the air conditioning
- the bedsheets and towels
Excluded from the price:
- Food (usually you can get half-board or full-board).
- Drinks
- Port taxes
- VAT
- Excursions
- Transfers
- Marinas
All the extras are usually paid with the A.P.A system.
What is A.P.A?
Advance Provisioning Allowance is calculated as 30% of the charter price.
This amount will be used to cover expenses during the cruise such as food and beverages, port and marina fees, fuel for the tender and water toys, transfers to/from the yacht, national park entrances, and all other costs not specified as included.
You can read more about yacht charter prices on this blog.
We can help you find your dream yacht in Croatia
We know that organizing a yacht charter holiday can be tiresome. There are just so many different vessels to choose from. But if you plan the right way, you are a bit adventurous, and if classic hotel holidays are not your “cup of tea”, then we can be of great assistance.
Now it is time to get to know Croatia more
Where to go?
After choosing the right yacht for you, it is time to know more about Croatia and what this beautiful country has to offer.
Before you book your flight ticket, check all the international airports in Croatia and their distances from the main harbors. We can also organize a transfer from the airport to your yacht and vice versa, so you don't have to stress about this.
Split Airport
- Approximate transfer times from Split Airport to:
- Trogir Harbor: around 30 minutes (in case of traffic around 45 minutes or even more)
- Split Harbor: around 45 minutes (in case of traffic around 1 hour or even more)
- Dubrovnik: around 4 hours (in case of traffic around 1 hour or even more)
Zadar Airport
Approximate transfer times from Zadar Airport to:
- Šibenik Harbor: around 1 hour
- Zadar Harbor: around 20 minutes
- Split: around 2,5 hours
- Dubrovnik: around 5 hours
Zagreb Airport
Approximate transfer times from Zagreb Airport to:
- Zadar Harbor: around 3 hours
- Šibenik Harbor: around 3,5 hours
- Trogir Harbor: around 4 hours
- Split Harbor: around 4,5 hours
- Dubrovnik: around 6,5 hours
Dubrovnik Airport
Approximate transfer times from Dubrovnik Airport to:
- Dubrovnik: around 30 minutes
- Gruž Harbor: around 30 minutes
- Zaton Veliki: around 45 minutes
- Tivat (MNE): around 1,5 hours
- Kotor (MNE): around 2 hours
Where to start from?
Most of the yacht charters in Croatia start from Split or from Dubrovnik, while some prefer to start from Šibenik, Trogir, or Zadar.
Here are all harbors, ports, and marinas you can visit during your yacht charter in Croatia.
Northern Dalmatia
Yacht charters usually don't start in this region, but if the guests would like to, we can arrange it.
- BIOGRAD NA MORU - Marina Kornati and Marina Šangulin
- KRK - Marina Punat
- LOŠINJ - Marina Mali Lošinj
- MURTER - ACI Marina Jezera, Marina Betina, Marina Hramina, Pirovac
- MAKARSKA - Lučica Baška Voda, Marina Ramova
- NOVI VINODOLSKI - Marina Novi
- NOVIGRAD - Marina Nautica
- OPATIJA - ACI Marina Opatija, Marina Admiral
- POREČ - Marina Poreč
- PULA - ACI Marina Pomer, ACI Marina Pula, Lucica Valbandon, Marina Bunarina, Marina Medulin, Marina Veruda
- RIJEKA - Rijeka
- ROVINJ - ACI Marina Rovinj
- ŠIBENIK - ACI Marina Skradin, Marina Mandalina, Marina Tribunj, Šibenik, Zaton
- SUKOŠAN - Marina Dalmacija
- UGLJAN - Olive Island Marina
- ROVINJ - ACI Marina Rovinj
- VODICE - ACI Marina Vodice, Vodice
- VRSAR - Marina Funtana, Marina Vrsar
- ZADAR - Marina Borik, Marina Tankerkomerc, Zadar Marina
Central Dalmatia
- KAŠTELA - Marina Kaštela
- MARINA - Marina Vinisce
- PRIMOŠTEN - Marina Kremi
- ROGOZNICA - Marina Frapa
- ŠOLTA - Marina Rogac
- SPLIT - ACI Marina Split, Marina Zenta, Spinut Marina, Split, Stobreč Port, Zenta Marina
- TROGIR - ACI Marina Trogir, Marina Baotič – Seget Donji, Trogir
Southern Dalmatia
- DUBROVNIK - ACI Marina Dubrovnik, Marina Frapa, Port Dubrovnik
- SLANO - ACI Marina Slano
Which are the top places to see?
Hvar, Dubrovnik, and Split are probably the most popular places and the main destinations everyone aims to visit during a yacht charter in Croatia.
Here are other less-known stunning places to consider:
Lopud island
Around the Dubrovnik area, there is Lopud Island. Among the several sandy beaches, we recommend visiting one of the most outstanding sandy beaches, Šunj. This beautiful bay can be reached by boat or on foot from Lopud, and it is truly a favorite gathering place for the people of Dubrovnik and their guests.
Mljet Island
Mljet Island is home to a National park. A must-visit for all nature and outdoors lovers. Here, you can go hiking, cycling, and kayaking between the two famous saltwater lakes. The rich protected marine life found in this area is perfect for a memorable snorkeling and diving adventure.
Pakleni Islands
Nearby Hvar Island, a stunning archipelago of Pakleni Islands is spread on the Adriatic Sea. Here, you can relax on the endless beaches, swim in the crystal-clear water, and unwind in the pristine nature. A perfect getaway from the crowded Hvar Island nearby.
Korčula Island
Korčula Island embodies rich history and culture, natural beauty, and tradition. It is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Mediterranean, and also the birthplace of the world's greatest traveler, Marco Polo. If you want to get a taste of the true Croatia, Korčula island is a must-stop.
Slano
Close to the popular Dubrovnik is a small coastal town called Slano. Here, you can stroll around the medieval streets or go for a swim on the small hidden beaches, in a tranquil way. While here, you should definitely taste some of the local delicacies in one of the taverns.
Stiniva bay
One of the most preserved beaches in Croatia because it is reachable only by boat. One of the best places for snorkeling, swimming, and exploring.
When is the best time to go yachting in Croatia?
Like most of the Mediterranean countries, Croatia’s warm weather lasts about 6 months. The yachting season starts in May and ends in October. The weather varies through this period, as well as the charter prices and availability. Here is everything you need to know:
Weather in Croatia
May: May is ideal weather for biking, sightseeing, and cultural cruises:
- Temperature air: average 19-21°C, falls up to 12°C at night
- Humidity: 81%
- Wind: 8 Mph
- Sea temperature: 17ºC
June: June is ideal for a mixture of sightseeing and swimming as well. The weather is not that humid and hot and the water is warm:
- Temperature air: average 25°C, falls up to 15°C at night
- Humidity: 79%
- Wind: 5 Mph
- Sea temperature: 21°C
July: This can be the most ideal month of the year when you can enjoy the sea during the day and go out and explore islands and cities in the afternoon when it is less hot:
- Temperature air: average 26-28°C falls up to 17°C at night
- Humidity: 76%
- Wind: 4 Mph
- Sea temperature: 24°C
August: This can be the hottest month of the year, perfect for swimming, water sports, and snorkeling.
- Temperature air: average 26-30°C falls up to 17°C at night
- Humidity: 74%
- Wind: 4 Mph
- Sea temperature: 25°C
September:
- Temperature air: average 20°C falls up to 14°C at night
- Humidity: 82%
- Wind: 5 Mph
- Sea temperature: 23°C
October:
- Temperature air: average 16°C falls up to 10°C at night
- Humidity: 87%
- Wind: 5 Mph
- Sea temperature: 20-23°C
Yachting seasons in Croatia
There are three yachting seasons in Croatia. May and October are "off-season", June and September are "mid-season" and July and August are "high-season". Knowing the characteristics of each season can help you decide when to go. Some places are extremely crowded in the high season while others are a bit colder in the low season. Here is what you need to know about the seasonality in Croatia:
High season
The high season in Croatia is usually in July and August. These two months are ideal for swimming, enjoying water sports, and snorkeling in the hidden bays. These months are the hottest and most crowded, so not the best for exploring cities such as Dubrovnik. Due to high demand, the charter prices are usually the highest, and most of the yachts are instantly fully booked. The best way to secure your yacht charter during this period is to book it a year in advance.
Mid season
June and September are the best times for a yacht charter. The weather conditions are perfect and the water is warm enough to go swimming. The crowds are not as big, and the charter prices are not as high as during the high season.
Low season
May and October are considered low seasons. The days are warm, but it can get a bit chilly during the night. During these months, the charter prices are the cheapest and there is lots of availability. If you want to avoid crowds and explore Croatia in a peaceful way, this is the ideal time to go.
