General tips about sailing in Croatia

After you set the date and preferred destination (Split, Dubrovnik, Zadar or Pula), it is time to book a reliable sailing charter to fit your budget and travelling style.. But before you hire a suitable yacht for your holiday adventure, there are 4 things that you should keep in mind:

• What type of a yacht do I rent - a catamaran a sailboat or a motor boat
•  How many people are coming  - is very important, so that you book the yacht of suitable size and capacity for the whole group
•  Your estimated budget - probably the most important before renting a boat. You can choose from economy to luxury line yachts
•  Your expectations and habits - do you need a full board crewed yacht charter, or only a private skippered tour

Please consider, that you will be on a sailing yacht for one week. There will be other people aboard and everybody should be comfortable and have a great time. This is why is advisable to take a comfortable vessel with enough space for all the guests and a cabin for skipper. If you are not sure about the yacht type and size, we can recommend best possible option for your group.

That basically depends on your travelling style, budget and how much space and comfort you need on board. To help your decision, find some facts about sailboats and catamarans below:

RENTING A SAILING BOAT

• renting a sailboat in Croatia is much cheaper than chartering a catamaran
• lower cost on fuel and marina fees
• sailing experience is more exciting, fun and genuine
• easier to find place to moor or dock
• sailing yachts perform much better upwind and generally assure more sailing pleasures
• more opportunities if you wish to learn sailing
• newer sailboats are wider and provide enough space even for larger crews

RENTING A CATAMARAN

• multi hull's volumes guarantee extra space and on board privacy
• catamarans have more buoyancy and are practically unsinkable
• more stability on water means more cruising comfort
• double hulls assure easier and safer movement around the yacht
• constant 360^o view from inside areas are great if your are sea sickness inclined
• cushioned flybridge the bow and the stern also mean extra lounging areas and better views
• average fuel consumption is still lower than on a motor boat

If you wish to secure your sailing trip in Croatia, there is always a certain deposit that you need to pay in advance. For all Croatia yacht charters it is mandatory to pay the sailing yacht cost and base fee beforehand. 50% of down payment should be transferred within 2-3 days after you confirmed the booking, the balance payment 4 weeks before your departure.

How do I pay the deposit?

In Croatia yacht charters, the most common payment method is wiring the money through the bank account. Lots of our clients also use REVOLUT and WISE apps to send the money. These are the safest, fastest and also cheapest options to pay for your charter.

What are the additional costs I need to pay at spot?

• Skipper service from 980€-1.330€ weekly (depends on yacht's length)
• Local tax 1.35€ per person daily
• Safety deposit for your vessel 
• Fuel per consumption (varies from 50-150€ per week)
• Food for you and skipper 
• Port and marina fees (vary and depend on the stops and the marina services; usually 70€ per night for a 45 foot sailboat)

The sailing season in Mediterranean runs from April till late October. Prices between preseason and high summer can fluctuate considerably. This will not only have an effect on your travel plans, but your overall holiday budget too.

1. The Budget 

Croatia is still considered one of the most affordable sailing destinations in Europe offering yacht charters suitable for every pocket. Yachting holidays are price wise comparable to renting a 5-star room in a  hotel for a week. Yacht prices and skippered packages, can be considerably cheaper during the off season in April or May, even mid. June. In peak season months July, August and September expect higher rental prices, but the weather down the Croatian coast is simply glorious. The overall coast for a Family sailing holiday in July starts lies between 4.000 & 6.000€ depending on the vessel size and age.

2. Your Expectations

Your tastes and vacation preferences can substantially influence your budget. For travelers that wish to explore buzzing island towns and enjoy summer promenades and summer vibes, then sailing Croatia in June July and August is recommended. If you wish to avoid the crowded areas and relax in your very own private bay, we have local skippers that are happy to show you a different side of Dalmatia. Even in high summer. There are wonderful spots, peaceful bays and idyllic locations behind every corner. Among 1.000 islands there is no doubt you will find best spots and hidden cornes to suit your traveling style. Our dedicated team is here to recommend suitable itineraries considering your holiday expectations and the budget and make your vacation unforgettable.

If you sail with kids, we recommend summer months August and July. Plenty of hours of daylight and dry summer weather is ideal for various outdoor activities like snorkeling. May or October with more challenging sailing conditions are excellent months for experienced sailors to enjoy in stronger winds.

3. The Weather

The weather conditions in Croatia during the summer are ideal for a relaxing Cruising vacation. However, when you wish to sail, is entirely your decision. If you like warm sunny weather, book your sailing trip during the summer.  But if you are sensitive to heat, then consider taking  your trip in April, May, September or even October. The air temperature in April and May can reach  25 degrees, however the sea is still a bit cold 15-20. The peak season from middle June until September, the mercury is at consistent +30 degrees, with often peaking well into the 40's. Pushing towards Autumn, temperatures drop to the mild 25, however the sea until the end of October can still hold the temperatures above 20.

For the first-time visitors/sailors we highly recommend the summer season in July or August. Generally because the weather on Adriatic is hot, the water is warm, cool soothing breeze comes from the seas and no precipitation or temperature extremes are expected.

For citizens of the EU, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, USA or Canada VIZA is not required. Citizens from South Africa require visas, including a Schengen visa since Croatia joined the EU in July 2013.

It is highly recommended to arrange the traveller's insurance policy in your country. Every person is sailing at their own risk. Your skipper will give you basic safety instructions before setting sail. And if you follow them, everything will be fine. Most of the guidelines are for your own safety! Please bear in mind that a vessel is a moving object affected by the waves, current and the winds. ACTIVE SAILING charter agency does not carry any further responsibilities for injuries or accidents of clients during the sailing period, before & after your embarkation.

From January 1st. 2023, the official currency in Croatia is EURO. Credit cards are always accepted in marinas and mainland restaurants, while some remote restaurants only take cash. ATMs are installed in almsost every island marina and town port in Croatia. It is recommended to have some CASH with you on board. Don't leave you money and valuable things outside the yacht, it can attract unwanted attention.

How much you want to spend depends upon your budget and travelling style. We recommend a budget of 30€/day per person for food and extra 10-20€ for transfers, bars and harbour fees.

You will receive all the details in your boarding pass at least 4 week before your charter starts. The boarding pass is issued when the booking is payed in full. If you travel by car, you can always find a free space in marina. For guests flying to Croatia, there is always enough transfers and taxis at the airport to take you to the boat on time.

With low winds in summer season and densely scattered islands preventing the waves from getting too choppy, Adriatic is definitively the calmest sea in the whole Mediterranean and a ideal location for a relaxing cruising holiday.

Croatia is blessed with warm Mediterranean climate. The weather during the main season between June and September is with one word glorious. The air temperature often peaks 30 degrees (86F) and the sea is at constant 25 (77F). 

Generally, the temperatures on Adriatic also vary from north to south. In the northern parts (Istria, Kvarner) it can be extremely hot during summer months with almost no winds. Though the thunderstorms can be mor frequent in Istria. More to the south in Split or Zadar region, a passing storm is less likely. A constant light westerly wind in Dalamtia during July and August also cools the air down a bit.

Yes. Although the official check in and check out charter days in Croatia are Sturdays, we've launched a special Wednesday - Wednesday charter program! You get plenty more by coming on Wednesday such as:

• less crowd at the airports and marinas
• more space to park your car in the marina
• a full weekend at sea
• no queues on gas stations
• faster check in and check out