Croatia Sailing Holidays

Private catamaran holiday in Croatia will cost you between 7.000€ and 8.000€ per week in high summer period. Sailing in September or June about 6.000 euros. 

What is included in the above price?

• standard catamaran
• skipper fee
• fuel & marina fees on route (estimated)

Food is not included in private yacht charters and has to be provided by guests or a hostess service .

7-day itinerary is ideal sailing trip duration ensuring best yacht charter experience for people that wish to explore Croatian islands at a relaxing holiday pace. Private yacht charters in Croatia start and end Saturdays with charter turnaround.

The estimated cost for a sailing vacation in Croatia within the main charter season for 4-6 persons lies between 5.000 and 6.000 euros weekly. Price includes: standard sailing yacht rental, skipper, fuel, marina fees, end cleaning, dinghy, outboard engine and Wi-Fi connection on board. You can sail for about 30% cheaper in off season.

Here's the example of a standard 7-day sailing itinerary that works for most sailing charters in Croatia and clients that wish to experience the very best of a yacht charter holiday.

• Day 1 Saturday (Embarkation after 16 pm, check in at the office 1 hour earlier). Recommended to shop for provisions earlier.
• Day 2 - Day 6  Free sailing with flexible and adjustable itineraries in arrangement with your skipper/crew.
• Day 7 - Mandatory return to base port by Friday 18 pm for diver's inspection. You have plenty of time to explore local attractions and restaurants in the evening. Overnight onboard.
• Day 8 Saturday - Check out by 9 am

With low winds, dry climate and numerous densely scattered islands preventing the waves from getting choppy, Adriatic sea provides safe sailing grounds and easy island hopping ideal for beginners or a family yacht vacation.

With abundance of sunshine, light winds and warm sea temperatures June, July and August are best months for couples or a relaxing family sailing trip. Experienced sailors prefer more challenging conditions in September and May when air temperatures are slightly lower and you can still catch some summer vibe down the Croatian coast.

Compared to other Balkan countries, Croatia is slightly more expensive, especially near popular tourist aractions and islands. However, it is still cheaper then most of the western Europe. You can expect higher prices in popular tourist spots like Dubrovnik, Split and Rovinj. When it comes to a yacht vacation cost, Croatia is still considered a affordable sailing destination compared to other nautical locations in the world.

You can book sailing yachts and catamarans in Croatia from 4 major yacht charter locations

1. Pula, Istria
2. Zadar & Kornati Islands
3. Split, Central Dalmatia
4. Dubrovnik, Southern Dalmatia

That basically depends on your traveling style and the holiday expectations. If you wish to truly experience Croatian coast and enjoy in authentic Dalmatian atmosphere surrounded with peaceful natural environment and small villages, Zadar & Kornati sailing itinerary fuses the very best of a yacht charter vacation in Croatia.

These are top Croatia yacht charter itineraries that make best balance for most guests that wish to disocover the sunnig Adriatic locations at a relaxing holiday pace.

1. Split Sailing Charters
2. Family Yacht Trip In Pula
3. Dubrovnik Charter Itinerary

These are by client's choice top 10 yachts for charter in Croatia

• DUFOUR 530
• SUN ODYSSEY 440
• BALI 4.2 CATAMARAN
• BAVARIA 46 CRUISER
• OCEANIS 46.1
• BAVARIA C42 
• LAGOON 42 CATAMARAN
• ASTREA 42 CATAMARAN
• OCEANIS 40.1
• HANSE 460

For sailing in Croatian territorial waters you will need a valid nautical international certificate of competence (ICC) and a VHF radio license. If you are not sure your permit is adequate, check here if the certificates you own are competent to charter boats in Croatia.

Catamaran rental in Croatia is generally more expensive from a sailing yacht vacation. Not only bareboat catamaran rental costs more, but also the fuel and marina fees are on average higher on multi-hulls.

Skipper fee on private charters generally depends on yacht's size / type and lies between 170 and 250 euros per day.

The usual tip for crew's on board services is 20-30 percent from his weekly fee. Gratuities are discretionary and should be handed to your skipper at the end of your journey.

Sunny and dry Mediterranean climate, low winds, numerous densely scattered islands and small distances between them place Croatian coast among safest and most interesting sailing destinations in the world. Breathtaking landscape scenery, crystal-clear waters, historic island villages, authentic gastronomy and welcoming atmosphere are excellent reasons for cruising getaways.

• Split Sailing Charter - Standard Croatia yacht charter itinerary including world-known islands Hvar, Vis, Brač and Korčula is recommended for fist-time visitors.
• Zadar & Kornati Charters - Densely scattered islands of Kornati national park are unique location for a relaxing family sailing holiday.
• Pula Yacht Charter - Explore less-known northern Croatia and experience peaceful Adriatic locations that are usually missed out in classic Croatia sailing itineraries
• Dubrovnik sailing itinerary - Sail less crowded routes of Croatia and discover historic Korčula, green lakes of Mljet and unique atmposphere of Lastovo national park.

Croatia's sea is the clearest in Europe according to the European Statistical Office data. The excellent quality of the water is ideal for various water sports and activities like snorkelling, diving and swimming. Regions with best underwater visibility are Kvarner islands and northern Dalmatia.

Prevailing wind on Adriatic during summer is Maestral (NW) rarely reaching 20 knots creating waves up to 2 feet and creating ideal sailing conditions for a relaxing cruising vacation. Particular off-season winds in Croatia (Bora wind especially) sometimes reach gale forces, that is when you need to be extra careful and protect yourself in time from choppy waves. It is highly recommended to avoid going out at sea when Bora winds is forecasted: Especially these areas: Kvarner Gulf, Velebit Channel and Makarska region.

8 essential things, you don't want to forget to bring:

•   boarding pass/voucher
•   sun protection items (sun lotion, sunglasses for UV protection, hat)
•   bathing suit or a swimsuit
•   your passport, or personal ID, enough cash, health insurance
•   swimming towels
•   your personal items (prescription pills, medicine for allergy...)
•   a wind stopper or a wind breaker in summer a long-sleeved cardigan would do
•   positive vibes (leave your worries at home)

Before departure please read about the Sail Croatia Packing List for newbies and remember to pack light.