SPLIT
1. Finding Your Yacht Charter
With personalized itineraries a skippered sailboat rental is the ultimate cruising experience in Croatia. Before falling in love with the sighs and sounds of Adriatic finding a sailing boat to best suit your group's size is essential. It is also important to understand that private Croatia yacht charters in high season run in 7-day itineraries starting/ending Saturdays. What kind of a vessel to choose generally depends on your holiday expectations and of course - the budget. But you need to keep in mind that sailing trip is after all a 7-day-living-on board experience, so that everyone should feel comfortable and relaxed aboard.
It is recommended to contact a reliable Croatia yacht charter company. They will be happy to find a boat to best suit your preferences. In Croatia catamarans and sailboats are most beloved yacht charter options that work for most groups. Catamarans, though more spacious in layouts, bring overall higher cost over the week, while traditional sailboats ensure more authentic feel and are considered more environment-friendly. You can find detailed information on both in following article Sailboat vs. Catamaran Charters in Croatia.
2. Where to sail in Croatia?
3000 miles of coastline and a maze of near 1.300 islands is probably too much to discover on a 7-day sailing trip. That is why focus on exploring the location that resonates best to your traveling style, sailing experiences and transport connections. There are over 50 marinas along Croatian coast you can hire yachts from like sailing yachts in Split ACI marina. Most of them closer to international airoports. Just keep in mind - whatever you do, don't hurry, since this is the only way to also embrace the heartbeat of the places you are about to visit.
There are 4 main destinations from where you can rent a sailboat in Croatia:
- Pula northern Adriatic is the ultimate getaway from busy tourist areas
- Zadar & Kornati national park best family sailing itinerary ensuring easy island hopping
- Split most beloved sailing itinerary in Croatia for beginners
- Dubrovnik best kept secret with tranquil locations
3. When to sail Croatia?
Sailing season on eastern Adriatic runs between April and October. That is when the weather at the Croatian coast is dry, sunny and winds are low. If you are a beginner best time for a carefree Croatia sailing holiday would be during summer months July and August. Sailing Croatia in June or September is probably best kept secret with lower sea traffic, more affordable yacht rental prices and delightful sailing opportunities. Sailing in May or October might be more challenging but a pure delight for experienced sailors.
If you wish to truly discover Croatia, hiring a local is recommended.Skippered charter is considered best-balanced yacht vacation in Croatia for most guests that want a carefree cruise supported with local expertise, knowledge on weather patterns and route recommendations. Sailing with skipper in Croatia will ensure you personalized and flexible itineraries that can be adjusted to your preferences. During the week there will be lots of stops in lonely bays and island towns where you will be able to explore Croatian culture and taste local food delicacies.
Best Sailboat Charter Destinations
Pula Sailboat Charters
Northern Adriatic and western part of Istria is highly concentrated with well-preserved Venetian towns and historic sites. Italian influence can be sensed everywhere. Even local language incudes lots of Italian words. But the true beauty of heart-shaped Istrian peninsula lies in its diversity. A complete contrast to the busy streets of stylish coastal towns Pula and Poreč is secluded Kvarner bay, uncovering stunning natural scenery and untouched landscapes. Lonely bays and anchorages with crystal-clear water, peaceful villages and superb gastronomy are a true paradise for sailors in search for serenity and tranquil nautical atmosphere. Chartering a yacht in Pula provides excellent opportunities for outdoor activites. Island Mali Lošinj has numerous bike trails and is ideal location to wander and explore. Make sure to enjoy in astonishing sunsets of Rovinj village while tasting best truffle dishes while having a glass of top Malvazija wine. Hire yacht charter in Istria or a crewed catamaran in Pula and experience north Croatian coast.
Sail to Lubenice village and remote island Unije
Zadar Sailboat Charters
Starting your sailing odyssey in Zadar city is a unique opportunity to discover iconic Kornati national park. This charter route is best kept secret of Croatia sailing itineraries and one of the most rewarding for sailors that prefer less-crowded islands. With magnificent wildlife resorts, lonely bays, crystal-clear seas and authentic maritime atmosphere. Zadar archipelago is among less-known sailing destinations in Croatia waiting to be discovered. Hundreds of scattered islands and small distances between them create ideal conditions for family yacht charters or a honeymoon yacht trip.
Islands of northern Dalmatia surrounded by intact landscapes and idyllic villages are top location for sailors that don't want to cover too much of a sailing distance per day and prefer safe line-of-sight navigation.
Buzzing towns Vodice or Primošten is where you will get to feel the true heartbeat of Dalmatia a genuine small-town atmosphere. Sail up river passing Šibenik town and discover one of the Croatian wonders - the majestic Krka waterfalls. For the night stop in charming Skradin town and take a water shuttle to the waterfalls.
Visit fisherman's house on secluded Kaprije island and taste superb local delicacies in a traditional fisherman's house. Grilled bream, sea mussels, octopus or veal under the bell are a must try. Renting yacht in Zadar with Croatian skipper will allow you to discover this stunning region at a relaxing pace.
Krka Waterfalls and fishing village Kaprije
Split Sailboat Charters
If you sail from Split you will have the ultimate opportuinity to explore the classic Croatia sailing itinerary including world-known islands Brač, Vis and Hvar.
Hvar is best-known as one of the busiest and most exclusive island locations in Croatia and definitively worth a visit. Perhaps just to satisfy your curiosity, explore its nightlife and feel the pulse of this jet-set town.
The diversity of Hvar is amazing: On one site you have buzzing coastal promenades on the other peaceful coves and quaint anchorages embedded with intact nature and lavender-perfumed scent. However, if you are looking for more serene locations with fewer crowds make a stop on largest Dalmatian island Brač and drop anchor in bays of Šolta.
Croatia's most intriguing island Vis is a must-visit during Split sailing holidays. Discover its turbulent history, spectacular cavity and moor your boat in a charismatic village of Komiža. Don't forget to taste local gastronomy and best-known wines of Hvar.
The famous Hvar below and the bay of Vis
Sailboat Charter Dubrovnik
World-famous Dubrovnik city is so much more than just a "Game of thrones" setting. Town's extraordinary citadel is beset with impressive fortified walls from the 15. century while narrow paved streets and houses, all made of shiny white marble, reflect a unique charm of this Dalmatian jewel.
Green forested hilltops and sandy beaches of Elafiti islands at a doorstep of Dubrovnik are a perfect getaway from busy city promenades. Renting a sailboat in Dubrovnik will allow you to visit neighbouring islands Šipan or Lopud and relax in a tranquil atmosphere surrounded with crystal-clear seas.
Beyond horizont you can already spot Mljet national park and remote Lastovo best-known of its untouched nature. Mljet's saltwater lakes and fabulous lush-green landscapes of Lastovo should definitively make it on your Dubrovnik sailing itinerary.
Korčula town is the birthplace of world-known merchant Marco Polo and a ideal location to explore amazing cultural monuments of Dalmatia. Influenced by Venetian Renaissance, the town's rich historical and cultural heritage is astonishing.
The "green" Mljet island and Korcula town
Best Sailboats For Charter In Croatia
FAQs
Chartering a small sailing boat in Croatia will cost you on average 3.000€ during the high summer period and about 2.000€ in the off season.
On average a skippered sailboat vacation in Croatia costs 5.000€ during the summer season depending also on yacht's size and age.
Skippered sailboat charter is most authentic yacht vacation experience in Croatia allowing you to independently explore world-known Croatian islands from a comfort of a private boat.
Best locations to charter a sailboat in Croatia are in modern marinas between largest Dalmatian cities Zadar and Split.
Chartering a bareboat yacht in Croatia requires a valid skipper's certificate of competence (ICC) and a VHF radio station license.
Hiring Croatian skipper brings numerous benefits:
- Safe navigation though unfamiliar waters
- Carefree sailing holiday for your group
- Secures more time for you to explore towns and unwind in lonely bays
- Internal skipper's knowledge ensures you to visit hidden gems
- In case of bad weather skipper can arrange and reserve safe berth
Dalmatian region between two largest coastal cities Split and Zadar provides best cruising locations and guarantee scenic sailing and safe passages between the islands.
The sailing season in Croatia runs between April and late October. However, the summer months June, July and August is the perfect time for Croatia yacht charter vacations if you are a beginner.
Active Sailing agency offers skippered or bareboat charters with personalized sailing itineraries and authentic island experiences.
You can expect most affordable bareboat yacht charter prices in Croatia at the central and northern Adriatic. When you Rent a sailing boat in Zadar or Šibenik expect best balance between the rental cost and the overall expenses during your cruise (restaurant prices, port fees and moorings).
The average berth cost for 45- foot yachts in island ports is 100€ including mooring fee, shore power, water refuel and the usage of bathroom facilities for your crew.
The average skipper's fee for private yacht charters in Croatia is 1.400€ per week depending on yacht's size and the sailing season.
The usual tip for services aboard skippered charters in the Mediterranean is 15-20 percent from the weekly skipper's fee. Gratuities are discretionary, but it's customary to acknowledge the crew effort. We also believe, that the outstanding performances should be rewarded.
Blog by Janez Rupnik, Active Sailing
