Croatia Sailing Holidays

Yacht charter is the most authentic holiday experience in Croatia allowing you to discover numerous islands from a comfort of a private sailing boat or a catamaran. With personalized itineraries and indulging onboard accommodation this is the ultimate cruising vacation for active explorers, adventurous families or a relaxing honeymoon journey

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

The average cost for sailing vacations in Croatia during the summer period lies between 5.000€ and 6.000€. Private catamaran cruise about 8.000€ weekly.

Here's the example of a standard 7-day sailing itinerary that brings best balance for most guests:

• Day 1 Saturday (Embarkation after 16 pm, check in at the office 1-2 hours earlier). Recommended to shop for yacht's provisions in advance.
• Days 2 -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, Croatian coast ensures safe sailing grounds and easy island hopping ideal for beginners or a family yacht trip.

For sailing families or couples that prefer a laid-back cruising experience, summer months June July and August are definitively best months to sail Croatia. Whilst 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 holiday expectations. If you wish to truly experience Croatian coast and enjoy in authentic Dalmatian atmosphere surrounded with peaceful natural environment and dotted small villages Zadar & Kornati sailing itinerary fuses the very best of a yacht charter vacation in Croatia.

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 overall more expensive from chartering a sailboat. Not only bareboat catamarans cost more, but also the fuel and marina fees are on average higher.

Skipper fee on private charters generally varies between 170 and 250 euros per day depending on yacht's size and type.

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 towns, authentic food delicacies 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 epic Korčula island, green lakes of Mljet and tranquil 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 & just relax)

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