How much does a Croatia yacht charter vacation cost

1. YACHT CHARTER PRICE

Deciding what type of a yacht suits your holiday expectations is the most essential and presents the largest cost of your cruising vacation. Croatia yacht charter prices also vary on your sailing destination. Most of the marinas from where you can rent yachts in Croatia are located between largest Dalmatian cities Zadar and Split. Charters based at the northern and central Adriatic sea (near national parks Krka and Kornati) are considered cheaper then for example yacht charters located in marina ACI Split or ACI Dubrovnik.

3 types of vessels you can rent along the Adriatic coast

• Sailing Yachts (cheaper, faster under sails, economic on fuel consumption, but slower when there is no wind)
• Cruising Catamarans (more stable and spacious from a sailing yacht, requires extra space in the harbour therefore is more expensive to moor)
• Motor Boats (more fuel consumption, engine noise but you move faster and is easier to hop from one island to another)

Catamarans and sailing boats present over 90% of the entire Croatia yacht charter fleet. They are also considered affordable for most guests and popular with smaller groups that wish more adventurous, fun yet still relaxed island hopping. Luxury motor yachts present the most expensive option, but you can expect full service on a highest level. 

Average price for renting a modern 50 foot sailing boat or a smaller catamaran in Croatia mostly ranges between 5.000 and 10.000€ per week. On luxury yachts this amount goes per day and can go up to 100.000€ weekly for all inclusive service. Renting a smaller boat (around 35 foot) is much cheaper and starts at 2.000€ per week in high season whilst motor yacht prices range between 5.000 and 15.000€. You will probably need to add extra 2.000€ just for wekly fuel consumption.

If you want to discover Croatian coast in most authentic way, my advice is to rather book a catamaran holiday or even better a sailboat trip instead of a luxury motor yacht.  You can still expect s unique charter experience and explore best Croatian islands at your own pace. 

Catamaran or Sailing boat?

Choosing a mono hull or a multi hull generally depends on the level of on board commodity you wish, your travelling syle and of course your cruising expectations. If you sail with kids, catamaran might be a better choice assuring your children safer and faster around deck movement. The impressive volume of catamarans also provide more space and privacy for guests. Larger sailing yacht like Oceanis 51.1 yacht is a great compromise between the price value, performance and commodity.

If you don't mind motoring over sailing and if your pockets are deeper, then luxurious catamaran is an excellent choice. Especially if you prefer more privacy and more intimacy on board. Sailing boats are more effective under the sails, with less fuel consumption then a catamaran. That is why a sailboat is considered more natural and environmental-friendly option. When chartering a Catamaran in Croatia also expect larger cost (50-100%) on charter fee, marina and harbour berths.

My advice is to first contact a reliable Croatia yacht charter agency to help you plan your cruising holiday. Active Sailing is one of them. Their experienced team of maritime experts will be happy to provide best internal tips, recommend a perfect yacht, guide you through the booking procedure and help you plan a unforgettable adventure.

IMPORTANT: Croatia yacht charter itinerary runs in minimum 7-day periods staring/ending on Saturday.

2. YACHT CHARTER PERIOD

Croatia Yacht charter prices also very much depend on the season and in what month you plan to sail around Adriatic coast. For example - In the off season, you can rent a yacht in Croatia for less then 1.000€ per week. The same 40-foot sailboat will cost you around 3.000 euros in July or August.

The Weather In Croatia

Croatia yacht charter season stretches from April till late October. That is when air pressure over the eastern Mediterranean is stable with more dry periods and warm air temperatures. High summer season months July and August is when the boat rental prices are highest but it is holiday season and everything is in full swing. The weather in high summer is simply glorious with long sunny days and warm seas ideal for swimming and snorkeling. In May, June, September, and October yacht rental costs are lower and the weather is still nice and warm. Most accurate weather report for Adriatic seas you can find on the official Croatia Meteorological web site

What Period To Sail?

In shoulder season months June and September expect less maritime traffic and lower crowds in more popular Croatian islands and locations like UNESCO world heritage site Dubrovnik. Or world-known old town Split. October and May weather conditions are more challenging, ideal for experienced sailors and crews that don't like summer heat. You will be surprised, that even within the Autumn months, you can still enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear seas.

If you prefer warm seas, swimming in secluded coves, discovering sandy beaches and enjoying buzzing island atmosphere don't think twice and take your trip in summer months. And don't worry, if you sail Croatia in September you will still catch most of the summer vibe at the stunning Dalmatian coast.

INTERNAL TIP:

Take the advantages of early booking discounts and reserve desired yacht charter in Croatia first minute. You can get a better deal,  best sailing boats in Croatia are still available and you can pay for the yacht in more installments.

3. YACHT CHARTER TYPE

There are 3 versions of yachs you can charter in Croatia

1. Bareboat sailing boats
2. Skippered sailing yachts
3. Crewed yachts

Bareboat Charter

This option is considered the most affordable since you will be the skipper in charge to run and operate the vessel. That also means you will take the full responsibility of the yacht's navigation, route itinerary, planning and provisioning. You receive the privilege to enjoy in full privacy and independently sail your yacht and explore Adriatic sea at your own pace. You will need a adequate boat license and a VHF radio station license when you charter a bareboat in Croatia.

The expected cost for a bareboat yacht rental in summer season starts at 2.000€ per week. This is an average price for a small 3-cabin sailing yacht. For larger yachts with 4-5 cabins rental prices vary between 4.000 and 6.000€.

Skippered yacht charter

Sailing Croatia with skipper is definitively the ultimate yachting experience you can expect from a private yacht charter in Croatia. Still affordable sailing vacation for most groups it is the best balance between the chartered yacht value, itinerary flexibility and the overall experience. The benefit is that you can completely relax and enjoy a stress-free island hopping, soaking up everything Dalmatian coast has to offer.

It is important that you first choose a reliable charter agency in Croatia to advice best option considering your holiday expectations and itinerary preferences. They will find a comfortable sailboat to best suit your needs and a knowledgeable skipper to safely navigate between numerous islands. You can always upgrade your skippered package with a hostess service to cater, clean and supply the yacht with provisions for you.

Overall expected cost for skippered vacation in summer season start at 4.000€ per week for a smaller boats with 3 cabins.

Crewed Yacht Charter

The most indulgent and care-free cruise is an all-inclusive luxury yacht charter with Crew. Fully catered services with superb cuisine and selectively prepared food aboard a luxury yacht is usually included in crewed charters. It may be the most expensive option, but you may expect a exquisite holiday experience in the presence of a professional yacht staff. Carefully selected crew members of minimum 3 - the captain, the stewardess and chef, are there to provide unforgettable cruising moments with standard of personalized onboard service beyond any compare.

The expected cost on all-inclusive luxury yacht charters starts at 25.000€ per week.

4. ADDITONAL FEES & EXTRAS

Largest part of a sailing holiday costs are, as mentioned above, yacht rental fee and skipper/crew. There are also variable costs and fees that you need to consider during your charter period. Croatia yacht charter prices usually includes:

• Bareboat Yacht 7-day rental
• Base or Charter Fee (includes: check in/out procedure, bedding, bathing towels, diver's inspection, dinghy with outboard motor)

What are the extras?

Yacht rental cost and charter fee you pay before the departure. Some costs like food, fuel consumption, transfers, national park entrances and island tours vary and are impossible to include in charter price since they basically depend on your expectations and the itinerary.

These are expected costs calculated for a one-week charter in high season:

• Fully equipped sailing boat with 4 cabins 3.500€ per week
• Base fee 300€
• Skipper fee 1.260€ Per week 
• Marinas, port fees & national parks (average price per week 350€)
• Tourist tax 1.35€ per day, per person
• Fuel for the yacht(average price per week 70€)
• Food for you and skipper (average price per day between 30 and 40€ per person)
• Tips and gratuities (The usual tip for services aboard skippered yacht charters in the Mediterranean is 15-25% of weekly skipper fee)
• Various water toys like Stand Up paddle Boards, Donuts,...)

Overall estimated Croatia sailing yacht vacation cost (food excluded) is beetween 5.500 and 5.900€ per week.

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