Beginner’s guide to yachting Croatia
To have a lifetime yachting holiday in Croatia, you will need to know what kind of yacht is the best for you. Also when the best to go to Croatia and where. And this is why in this guide 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?
There are over 1.000 boats available for private charter 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 available for charter and pick the right one.
The main types of boats are gulet, motor yacht, motor sailor, and sailing yacht.
Type 1: Gulet boats
One of the most popular types of wooden yachts. A combination of sailing and cruising. 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 charter.
Here are some of the most popular gulets to charter in Croatia:
Gulet Nautilus
This 31-meter gulet can accommodate up to 16 people in her 8 cabins.
She has a larger deck and we can say that Nautilus is one of the best value for money gulets in Croatia.
Gulet Dolce Vita
Gulet Dolce Vita is one of the most luxurious gulets in Croatia.
She features many amenities like a jacuzzi on the deck and water sports toys.
She can accommodate up to 10 people on her 5 double cabins.
Gulet Alessandro I
Deluxe gulet Alessandro I is a 40-meter yacht with 5 comfortable cabins.
She is a great option for those who look for a mixture of modern and stylish design.
Gulet Anđeo
Gulet Anđeo is definitely one of the best-maintained gulets in Croatia.
She can accommodate up to 10 people on her nice 5 double cabins.
Gulet Maske
Maske stands out with her extra luminous and scenic white salon.
Her 5 cabins (master and 4 double cabins) accommodate 10 passengers in a cozy luxury setting.
Type 2: Motor Yacht
These are the most high-end types of yacht. They are the most popular and for the highest price.
Here is a selection of luxury motor yachts in Croatia:
Mustique
A deluxe 55-meter modern yacht. She has 6 elegant cabins for 12 people.
She features a spacious and luxurious interior, a full-beam sky lounge, and on the top deck a Jacuzzi and deck areas with massive spaces for seating, dining, and lounging.
Cassiopeia
Sunseeker 34M is a breathtaking yacht with the open plan living areas including a large saloon and dining area adjacent to a fully equipped galley and servery.
Princess Lona
Princess Lona (Tecnomar Nadara 35 Fly) is a spacious Motoryacht with 5 huge staterooms and additional Cinema that can be converted to 6 cabins.
Larimar II
25 meter Larimar II, Princess 82 Motor Yacht has a full-beam master cabin with a large en suite and a walk-in wardrobe and three beautifully appointed ensuite cabins.
The vast flybridge spoils guests with soft sun pads, a hot tub, a teak dining table, intimate seating, and a dedicated wet bar.
Type 3: Motor sailor
Motor sailors in Croatia are usually larger motor cruisers for larger groups. There are different categories when it comes to motor sailors in Croatia. And we recommend considering the more luxurious ones since they have great value for money.
Here are some the best motor sailors to consider for private charter in Croatia:
Type 4: Sailing yacht
In Croatia, you can find as well sailing yachts crewed and available for private charter. Here are some of the luxury sailing yachts we recommend:
How much does it cost to charter a yacht in Croatia?
After picking the right yacht, you need to define your budget
The charter price in Croatia varies from € 10.000 up to € 500.00 per week: The price depends on:
- The category of the boat: There are Deluxe, luxury and standard yachts
- The season: 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 on 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: It 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 tender and wave runner, transfers to/from the yacht, National Park entrances, and all other costs not specified as included.
We can help you find your dream yacht in Croatia
We know that organizing yacht charter holidays can be tiresome. There are just so many different vessels to choose from! But if you plan the right way if you are a bit adventurous and if classic hotel holidays are not any more 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 you.
First, before you book the flight ticket here are all international airports in Croatia and the distance to the main harbors. It is always recommended that you book transfers from the airport to the harbor where you will start the holiday.
Split Airport
Approximate transfers 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 transfers 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 transfers 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 transfers 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
From where I can start?
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 and marinas you can visit during your yacht charter in Croatia.
Marinas, harbors and ports in Croatia
- Charter place: BIOGRAD NA MORU
Marina Kornati
Marina Šangulin
- Charter place: DUBROVNIK
ACI Marina Dubrovnik
Marina Frapa
Port Dubrovnik
- Charter place: KAŠTELA
Marina Kaštela
- Charter place: KRK
Marina Punat
- Charter place: LOŠINJ
Marina Mali Lošinj
- Charter place: MAKARSKA
Lučica Baška Voda
Marina Ramova
- Charter place: MARINA
Marina Vinisce
- Charter place: MURTER
ACI Marina Jezera
Marina Betina
Marina Hramina
Pirovac
- Charter place: NOVI VINODOLSKI
Marina Novi
- Charter place: NOVIGRAD
Marina Nautica
- Charter place: OPATIJA
ACI Marina Opatija
Marina Admiral
- Charter place: POREČ
Marina Poreč
- Charter place: PRIMOŠTEN
Marina Kremik
- Charter place: PULA
ACI Marina Pomer
ACI Marina Pula
Lucica Valbandon
Marina Bunarina
Marina Medulin
Marina Veruda
- Charter place: RIJEKA
Rijeka
- Charter place: ROGOZNICA
Marina Frapa
- Charter place: ROVINJ
ACI Marina Rovinj
- Charter place: ŠIBENIK
ACI Marina Skradin
Marina Mandalina
Marina Tribunj
Šibenik
Zaton
- Charter place: SLANO
ACI Marina Slano
- Charter place: ŠOLTA
Marina Rogac
- Charter place: SPLIT
ACI Marina Split
Marina Zenta
Spinut Marina
Split
Stobreč Port
Zenta Marina
- Charter place: SUKOŠAN
Marina Dalmacija
- Charter place: TROGIR
ACI Marina Trogir
Marina Baotič – Seget Donji
Trogir
- Charter place: UGLJAN
Olive Island Marina
- Charter place: VODICE
ACI Marina Vodice
Vodice
- Charter place: VRSAR
Marina Funtana
Marina Vrsar
- Charter place: ZADAR
Marina Borik
Marina Tankerkomerc
Zadar Marina
Top places to see
Hvar, Dubrovnik, and Split are probably the most known places and the main destinations everyone aims to visit when they are on a yachting vacation in Croatia.
Here are other less known places to consider:
Badija island
Amazing monastery shines in the sun while you enjoy one of the clearest seas in the World.
Bobovišta
Small villages preserved from mass tourism, ideal for a getaway.
Dugi otok (the long island)
Picturesque scenery where you can completely escape and enjoy nature. It is an ideal place for unwinding but also kayaking and snorkeling.
Lovrečina
One of the nicest sandy hidden beaches in Croatia.
Sveta Nedjelja
His picturesque place is famous for the production of the best red wines.
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 can’t last more than 6 months per year. Here is everything that you need to know about when is the best weather in Croatia so you know when you can go yachting there and also when is the high and low seasons:
Weather in Croatia
The weather in 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
The weather in 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
The weather in July: This can be the most ideal month of the year where 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
The weather in August: This can be the hottest month of the year. It is great to enjoy swimming, water sports, snorkeling.
- Temperature air: average 26-30°C falls up to 17°C at night
- Humidity: 74%
- Wind: 4 Mph
- Sea temperature: 25°C
The weather in September:
- Temperature air: average 20°C falls up to 14°C at night
- Humidity: 82%
- Wind: 5 Mph
- Sea temperature: 23°C
The weather in October:
- Temperature air: average 16°C falls up to 10°C at night
- Humidity: 87%
- Wind: 5 Mph
- Sea temperature: 20-23°C
High & low seasons in Croatia
Knowing when is the high and low season is very important when planning a yacht charter holiday in Croatia. Some places are extremely crowded in the high season while other places 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 & August. These two months are ideal for swimming, enjoying water sports, snorkeling in succeeded bays. But are not that good for exploring cities such as Dubrovnik because is it is so crowded. The charter price usually is the highest for this period due to the big demand. And most of the yachts are fully booked very fast.
Low season
We can divide the low season to two periods:
- June and September: what so-called mid-season the weather is great it can be sometimes too hot or colder. And it is perfect for exploring cities and swimming.
- May and October
