Croatia Sailing Yacht Charter
Our most popular yacht charter destination, Croatia is the up-and-coming spot for a bareboat, skippered or crewed yacht charter, blending gorgeous Venetian towns with sumptuous deserted islands.
Croatia's lush and plentiful sailing area can broadly be split into three zones: Pula, Zadar and the Kornati Islands to the north, Central Dalmatia (Split and the surrounding islands), and Southern Dalmatia, including Dubrovnik. The towns are a charming mix of old-world architecture, superb restaurants and buzzing bars, while remote anchorages speckled with olive groves and spectacular waterfalls lie within easy reach.
With thousands of yachts available, covering bareboat, crewed catamaran and skippered yacht charter options of every size, Croatia offers a perfect blend of boat, mood and island backdrop to suit every yacht charter group.
The sailing holiday season runs from May to October, with the best weather usually from June to September. If you're looking for a really special yacht charter Croatia is the place to go!
Find your private charter yacht below, whether motor yacht, sailing boat, or catamaran.
Charter Yachts in Croatia
Luxury yacht charter in Croatia
Is there anything better than a crewed yacht charter, or anywhere better than Croatia to enjoy one?
The Adriatic is home to some of the most stylish and refined yachts on the charter market. Have a browse, find your perfect crewed yacht, and start dreaming of long afternoons swimming and lounging in the summer sun, with your dedicated crew of chefs, deckhands, and stewards looking after your every need.
Croatia's rich maritime history has created a diverse and unique culture, with delectable cuisine that draws inspiration from the many nations that battled over this beautiful land. As a result, Croatia is home to some of the best crewed yacht charter chefs in the world, who travel from all corners to create sumptuous feasts using the freshest local ingredients.
When you book a crewed yacht charter in Croatia, you can expect exceptional service on your luxury sailing yacht, gulet, or mega yacht, alongside world-class seafood and local delicacies like dry-cured pršut and hand-harvested olives.
The summertime weather is incredibly consistent across the region, and there is a wonderful blend of fortress towns, party islands and peaceful anchorages. And your captain will know the best spots in each of them, tailoring your itinerary to suit your preferences.
Essential Information
- Currency: Euro
- Language: Croatian - English widely spoken
- Pilot Guide: Imray Adriatic Pilot
- Marina fees: In high season it's roughly 2 Euros per foot of yacht in an ACI marina
- Normal Starting day: Saturday
- When to visit: May to October - The best weather is from June to September
- Tipping etiquette: round up the bill or tip 10% for excellent service
Sailing Conditions in Croatia
During the peak yacht charter season, conditions in Croatia are usually mild, with warm air temperatures tempered by a gentle, cooling breeze. In the height of summer, the ambient temperature can get up to 35°C but usually averages a very pleasant 24°C in July and August.
Like much of the Mediterranean, the tidal range is very small and barely worth worrying about, while the sea can reach temperatures of 20°C in spring and 27°C in the summer. Great for a relaxing swim while at anchor!
Waves are rarely an issue, with each scatted Dalmatian island and Kornati island acting as natural buffers, protecting the sailing areas and ensuring it's smooth sailing all along the Croatian coast.
The most frequent winds in the area are the cool katabatic Maestral (NW) and Bura (NE), and the warming, southerly Jugo (SE).
When to visit Croatia
Early Season
The Mediterranean's rising star, this part of the Adriatic is at its glorious best in June, when it is less busy than peak times, and there are a wealth of places that are easier to visit. There are always some great discounts on yachts in the Split/ Trogir region at this time.
Peak Season
Croatia is absolutely buzzing in the hottest months, with town quays blanketed by yachts and the bars and restaurants filled to the brim. The settled weather and scorching temperatures make regular swim stops a must!
Late Season
A much quieter time to visit the Adriatic Coast, September and October can nonetheless be very pleasant in Croatia. The crowds have largely faded away, and although it is still warm, it's no longer the stifling heat of mid-summer. We recommend going in September, as the weather can be less predictable in October
Where to sail in Croatia
Central Dalmatia: Split, Hvar, Trogir, Sibenik
The sailing route around one of Croatia’s most popular destinations features charming anchorages, magnificent fortress towns, hidden coves, and lively party islands. Set sail from large marinas or smaller bases in Kremik, Kastela, or Agana.
In Hvar, wander amidst lavender and rosemary, explore abandoned hamlets and watch the world go by from your yacht moored in the glamorous harbour. Sail Croatia on a private yacht charter from Sibenik and wind your way upriver to Skradin, from where you can explore the glorious waterfalls at the Krka National Park
Visit the remote and mysterious island of Vis where sandy beaches, gorgeous coves and beautiful towns remain untouched by tourism, and admire the Renaissance and Baroque architecture which flourished within the medieval walls of tiny, exquisite Trogir.
South Dalmatia: Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is an enchanting medieval city with distinctive architecture, fascinating history and numerous cafes, shops and restaurants, making it the ideal base from which to sail the southern Dalmatian coast.
Head to the pretty Elafiti Islands for shallow anchorages perfect for snorkelling. Or tender into Šipan to wander round the remains of a Roman villa and enjoy a hearty bowl of fish stew at Kod Marka restaurant.
Hike the verdant pine forests, take a moment at the Benedictine monastery and dive into one of the warm, saltwater lakes of the enchanting Mljet National Park - an oasis of tranquillity that, according to the legend, so captivated Odysseus so much that the itinerant hero stayed for seven years.
North Dalmatia and Kornatis: Zadar, Sukosan, Biograd
The stark natural beauty of the Kornati archipelago, with its crystal blue waters and startling rock formations, truly warrants its National Park status, and makes it one of Croatia’s most idyllic destinations for a crewed or bareboat yacht charter .
Consisting of over 147 largely uninhabited islands, islets and reefs, every Kornati island is full of karstic terrain with sheer cliffs, mysterious caves and secret grottoes waiting to be explored.
The rich underwater ecosystem makes Biograd and the Kornati region a favourite for every diving and snorkelling guest.
Enjoy magical nights in deserted bays, pitch up to tiny fishing villages for excellent fresh seafood, and visit the vibrant and historic mainland town of Zadar to enjoy its lively nightlife.
Istria: Pula, Pomer
The Istrian Coast and Kvarner Gulf were favourite holiday spots of European royalty and aristocracy for centuries. Spending your holiday here may feel like you’re in a remote corner of Tuscany, and with good reason - the region was part of Italy until 1947, and Italian influences are clear in everything from the ancient architecture to the food (the truffles are world-famous) and the general atmosphere of the place. Istria is very much a wine region, producing excellent local wines, and there is some sensational seafood to be had, too.
The hub of Istrian sailing, Pula is the main city on the tip of the protruding headland. The charter yachts are based in Pula and nearby Pomer, excellent launchpads for more sedate Croatia yacht charters into the untouched Kvarner Islands or along the rugged Istrian Coast.
Set sail from cosmopolitan Pula and head north via the gorgeous Brijuni National Park (once General Tito’s private islands and full of unusual wildlife) to explore Rovinj, a lovely compact little town on the west of the peninsula, before cruising south towards the islands of the Kvarner Gulf. If you’re starting from Pula, you should check out the amazing Roman ruins, including the Arch of the Sergii and Pula Ampitheatre, close to the marina.
Why you'll love Croatia
Yacht charters are all about visiting some wonderful places, exploring them to the fullest before setting off under sail to your next destination.
Nothing beats mooring a sailing yacht stern-to a town quay and watching the world go by, before stepping ashore to experience the best of local culture, cuisine and nightlife.
While we adore the southern Adriatic and every Kornati island, the central Dalmatian Coast is probably HELM'S favourite place to spend a summer week, idling short distances between beautiful bays and fascinating towns on a bareboat charter.
Whether chilling out in Brac island, sailing to Solta or partying in Hvar, this region has something for everyone.
Croatian Highlights
Here are some of our absolute musts for a Dalmatian island yacht charter
- Visit the Kornati National Park and waterfalls
- Swim the Blue Lagoon off Trogir
- Anchor in a quiet bay off the gorgeous Pakleni Islands
- Swim in the salt lakes on Mljet
- Explore Venetian towns like Split, Hvar, and Trogir
- Sunbathe on Zlatni Rat beach, Brac
- Sail to Marco Polo's birthplace in Korcula
- Tour the blue caves of Bisovo
- A great mix of quiet islands and cosmopolitan towns
- Take a stroll around Dubrovnik Old Town
- Sample the varied and delicious Croatian cuisine
Suggested Croatia itinerary
- Day 1 Arrive Trogir
- Day 2 Trogir to Vis - 27nm
- Day 3 Vis to Lastovo - 33nm
- Day 4 Lastovo to Korcula - 22nm
- Day 5 Korcula to Hvar - 34nm
- Day 6 Hvar to Bol - 17nm
- Day 7 Bol to Trogir - 27nm
Total = 160nm
Do I need a licence to charter in Croatia?
Bareboat: Yes, in order to bareboat charter a yacht in Croatia and any other Mediterranean destination, you will need to hold a sailing licence. The minimum requirement for Croatia is an RYA Powerboat level 2 certificate, but we recommend you hold at least an RYA Day Skipper licence, ASA 104 license, International Certificate of Competence (ICC) or equivalent qualification. We can even help you take your RYA Day Skipper course in Croatia and combine a holiday with a course that allows you to bareboat charter anywhere in the world!
At least one member of crew will need to hold a VHF licence, too.
Skippered or Crewed charters: No, the beauty of a skippered charter is that you don't need a licence to take to the water, as you will have a professional skipper on board who will take care of all of the sailing, whisking your private yacht around the sumptuous Adriatic.
If you have any doubts at all about your experience and ability to handle a charter yacht, talk to your broker. It may be a good idea to hire a skipper for your trip, or to enroll onto a course before your charter.
How much does it cost?
The cost of a yacht charter can vary enormously, from a small bareboat yacht in shoulder season, to a peak season August superyacht charter in Croatia. There's no definitive answer to how much a [Croatia] yacht charter costs - as it all depends on the yacht you charter and what you do once you're there.
There are yachts of various shapes and sizes around to fit every taste and budget, from cozy monohulls to spacious catamarans, and from stripped-out racing yachts to lavish fully-crewed superyachts.
And it's not even as simple as just picking the right boat - the cost can vary enormously depending on a number of factors, from where you go, to when, and what you get up to.
The size of your group will influence the per-person cost, but also the type of boat you should charter - if you're a small family, then a small bareboat may be perfect. Larger groups may prefer the added space of a catamaran charter
As a (very) rough guide, you can expect to budget as follows for the yacht and crew per week:
- Bareboat charter - £600 to £2,000 per person
- Skippered yacht charter - £800 to £2,500 per person
- Crewed charter - £1,500 to £10,000 per person, plus Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA) - food, drink, fuel and mooring expenses
Additionally, you will need to think about your food and drink for the week (which may be covered in your APA for crewed charters), and things like the transit log and yacht handling and cleaning fees. Here's an example of the probable extra costs you'll need to budget for in Croatia:
- Final cleaning: can range from €80 to €250
- Outboard engine: €80-120 per week
- Bedsheets: roughly €15 per set
- Towels: roughly €5 per person
- 10GB Wifi: roughly €30 per week
- National Parks fees - €5 - 30
- Croatia Tourist Tax - €1.40 per person per day
Get Started
If that's whetted your appetite for a bareboat, skippered, or crewed yacht charter in Croatia, get in touch with us today!
Crewed Yacht Charter Croatia
Is there anything better than a crewed yacht charter, or anywhere better than Croatia to enjoy one?
From 30m San Lorenzo motor yachts to lavishly-equipped sailing yachts and exquisite catamarans, the Adriatic is home to some of the most stylish and refined boats on the charter market.
Have a browse, find your perfect crewed yacht, and start dreaming of long afternoons swimming and lounging in the summer sun, with your dedicated crew looking after your every need.
Croatia's rich history has created a diverse and unique culture, with delectable cuisine that draws inspiration from the many nations that battled over this beautiful land.
The summertime weather is incredibly consistent across the region, and there is a wonderful blend of fortress towns, party islands and peaceful anchorages.
