Yes, Croatia is one of the safest sailing destinations. The waters are generally calm, and the weather is predictable during the sailing season. Always follow safety instructions from your skipper or the charter company and keep an eye on weather updates.
Determine Your Group Size and Preferences
Know how many people will join and their preferences (e.g., relaxing vs. adventurous, family-friendly vs. party vibe).
Select the Right Type of Yacht
Choose between a sailboat, catamaran, or motor yacht. Consider your group size, comfort level, and budget.
Decide on Crewed or Bareboat Charter
Decide whether you need a skipper, hostess, or a bareboat option.If you lack sailing experience or want a hassle-free holiday, opt for a skippered charter (and optionally a hostess). Experienced and licensed sailors can go for a bareboat charter.
Set Your Budget
Factor in the yacht cost, crew fees, fuel, marina fees, food, and activities.
Before making a decision on the boat size, consider the following factors:
For bareboat charters, ensure you have the necessary licenses. Check our website for a list of required licenses here.
In addition to direct fees (boat rent, charter pack, extras), budget for the following:
A bareboat charter is when you rent a yacht without a professional skipper, meaning you or someone in your group must have the necessary sailing licenses to skipper the boat. It offers complete freedom to plan your route, set your pace, and enjoy a more independent sailing experience.
For a bareboat charter, you need a certificate of competence and at least one person onboard should be qualified for VHF station operation. Ensure your license is valid for bareboat charters in Croatia by checking the list here.
For a bareboat charter, you need a certificate of competence and at least one person onboard should be qualified for VHF station operation. Ensure your license is valid for bareboat charters in Croatia by checking the list here.
If you lack formal qualifications but have experience, you can book a boat in advance with the agreement that you’ll obtain the necessary certificates before check-in. If you don’t fulfill this agreement, the deposit won’t be refunded.
A skippered charter is a yacht rental that includes a professional skipper who handles the navigation, sailing, and safety of the boat. It’s perfect for those without sailing experience or anyone wanting a stress-free holiday while exploring Croatia’s stunning coastline.
the skipper costs 1.540 € + meals per week and you are responsible to provide his meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner. When planning your provisions on board you you need to include the skipper in all meal plans, while when going out in a restaurant, you can either take the skipper with you or he can go by himself and you can cover the bill afterwards; or you can simply give him an upfront stipend in the amount of 40€/day.
When choosing a boat you need to ensure that your party plus the skipper fits in the max number of berths onboard (and max number of the persons allowed onboard). Please bear in mind that you cannot expect the skipper to share a cabin with someone from your party. It is highly recommended that you charter a larger boat and provide the skipper with his own cabin, but in case your budget doesn’t allow it you can have the skipper sleeping in the saloon provided that it can be transformed into the sleeping area. In this case, consider the saloon his private area and ensure that he has enough time to sleep and to rest.
A crewed charter includes a skipper, who navigates and sails the yacht, and a hostess, who buys groceries, prepares breakfast and lunch, cleanses, and guest services.
The hostess’s daily fee is 1.400€ + meals. Her responsibilities include cleaning, preparing breakfast and light lunch, and grocery shopping.
Children are welcome onboard, but close supervision is crucial. Life jackets are provided for them. Plan shorter routes for safety and comfort.
Once you have confirmed the boat and the period you want to book the charter company will send you the contract. To fix your booking you need to sign the yacht charter contract and make the initial deposit payment as per the contract.
The cost of cancellation is actually the amount you have paid to us till the cancellation. By booking confirmation, you pay 30% of the boat charter price, while the other 70% you need to pay 4 weeks before the start of your charter. That is to say, if you cancel before having paid 70%, the cost equals 30% already paid by booking confirmation. However, if you cancel after you have done the second payment: 70%, the cost of cancellation equals the entire boat charter price. We, therefore, suggest you to buy a cancellation insurance policy in your country to cover your cancellation costs, in case of justified cancellation reasons. The reason for the strict cancellation policy is dictated by the high cost involved in charter industry (boat price, maintenance costs, marina fees…), where each booked week is important to us. In case of cancellation, it is not easy for us to find the substitute in the last minute and we lose many potential clients while having the boat reserved for you.
Yes, travel insurance is highly recommended. It should cover medical emergencies, cancellations, and any unforeseen issues during your trip. Some insurance providers even offer specific sailing policies.
Yes, you can! Whether you opt for a bareboat or skippered charter, you can plan your own itinerary based on your interests. If you hire a skipper, they can recommend the best routes and hidden gems based on local knowledge. Keep in mind that weather conditions and your boat’s speed (sailing yachts are slower than motor yachts) can influence the distances you can comfortably cover in a day. A good plan balances exploring and relaxation.
A typical 7-day sailing trip allows you to explore 3–5 islands, depending on your pace and the distances between stops. Croatia’s islands are conveniently close, making it easy to customize your journey.
Here are some top destinations to include in your sailing itinerary:
This list offers a mix of vibrant towns, tranquil islands, and natural wonders for every sailor to enjoy.
Absolutely! Flexibility is one of the benefits of yacht charters. Weather conditions or group preferences may influence changes, and your skipper can adapt the route accordingly.
Some areas, like marine parks or specific protected zones, may require permits or have restrictions. If you are going bareboat you can check this information in the pilot book provided onboard while if you are going with the professional skipper he will inform you about these and help arrange permits if needed.
Yes! Many marinas and anchorages are close to charming coastal towns, so you can explore historical sites, enjoy local cuisine, or go biking or hiking onshore before continuing your journey.
For families, consider shorter sailing distances, and stops at secluded bays to enjoy activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, paddle-boarding or exploring quiet villages. Your charter company can help you design a family-friendly route.
To plan a party sailing week, choose vibrant destinations known for nightlife, like Hvar, Split, and the Pakleni Islands. Start your evenings in lively towns with beach clubs and bars. Opt for shorter sailing distances to maximize time for socializing and relaxing. Consider hiring a skipper to handle navigation, so you can focus on the fun. Make sure to book your yacht and marina berths in advance, especially during the high season, as these party hotspots are popular.
If bad weather is expected, consult your skipper or charter company for advice on safe routes and harbors. Avoid sailing during storms, and always prioritize safety by staying updated on local weather forecasts.
You’ll need a valid passport or ID, your charter booking confirmation, and any necessary sailing licenses if you’re opting for a bareboat charter. If hiring a skipper, you won’t need a sailing license.
Pack light and bring essentials like swimwear, lightweight clothing, non-slip deck shoes, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle. Don’t forget personal items like travel documents, toiletries, and any needed medications.
All yachts come equipped with safety gear, including life jackets, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and navigation equipment. With bareboat charter we will brief you on their location and use before departure, while in case of skippered or crewed charters this is done by the skipper.
Arrive at the marina on time with all required documents, and have a list of questions ready for the charter company. Use the check-in process to inspect the yacht and familiarize yourself with its safety features and operations.
Wi-Fi is an extra option, you can hire with us a small portable router with unlimited data at cost of 5€ for the whole week.
There are medical facilities, pharmacies, and emergency services on most islands. In case of serious emergencies, the Croatian Coast Guard and maritime rescue services are highly efficient.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on our boats due to cleaning constraints within short turnover periods.
The Dalmatian coast experiences Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 34°C to 38°C in peak months. Spring and fall offer more temperate conditions, making May, June, September, and October ideal for sailing.
The Adriatic Sea’s temperature varies throughout the year, from 7°C in winter to 22-27°C in summer. Check the current sea temperature clicking here, while below you can find monthly means of the sea temperature in Split area from April till October (the months of the charter season in Croatia):
APRIL – 15°C
MAY – 18°C
JUNE – 21°C
JULY – 24°C
AUGUST – 25°C
SEPTEMBER – 23°C
OCTOBER – 20°C
Croatia experiences various winds:
Diving is subject to set rules and regulations and the Statute of the Croatian Nowadays, laws prescribe that diving in Croatia may be done independently or organized through registered diving centres (irrespective of the base). Appropriate permits [annual diving passes (100 HRK) and annual individual permits for independent diving activities (2400 HRK)] need to be obtained. You also need to be in possession of avalid diver`s card issued by Croatian Diving Federation. This license can be obtained if you have valid diver`s brevet that was issued by an international diving association (IDD, UDI, CMAS, MDEA, PADI…). For recreational diving purposes at registered diving centres, it is sufficient to obtain a pass and avalid brevet. Diving in Adriatic is forbidden without a valid license.
Dives at certain zones are prohibited unless organised through registered diving centres with diving guides as they are sites protected by the Ministry of Culture.
For legal recreational fishing, a valid fishing license is required. The license can be obtained online at the following link https://ribarstvo.mps.hr/default.aspx?id=5010 . Please note that fishing is forbidden in National Parks – when obtaining the license, you will receive the list of the no-fishing zones as well as the list of allowed fishing tools.
Croatia uses standard European 2-point plugs with 220 V electricity. Use mobile chargers with 220 V plugs or use an inverter for 12 V devices while sailing. Marinas offer shore power connections.
On all boats there are:
– Italian Moka pot – click here to see the photo
– French press – click here to see the photo
– Turkish coffee pot – click here to see the photo
– Pot, plastic and paper filters for filtered coffee – click here, here and here to see the photos
For the above coffee makers, you need to buy corresponding ground coffee.
On the catamaran, there is also
–Dolce Gusto coffee machine – click here to see the photo
For the Dolce Gusto machine, you need to buy the corresponding capsules.
Make sure to bring seasickness tablets, ginger candies, or acupressure wristbands as preventive measures just in case especially if you already know that you suffer from motion sickness. Most people adjust to the motion within a day or two. To avoid seasickness, take precautions such as taking medication before sailing, staying outside, looking at the horizon, avoiding reading, and consuming non-irritating food and drinks.
n case of damage, defect or any other need there is an organized sea rescue service that helps you.
The Republic of Croatia is a signatory of the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue, and as such is part of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System- GMDSS.
The National Maritime Rescue Coordination Center Rijeka (MRCC RIJEKA) provides a 24 hour watch service, and in terms of jurisdiction of the Center, this includes the region of internal marine waters, territorial waters of the Republic of Croatia (marine belt wide 12 nautical miles from the shoreline towards the open sea) and the region of international waters as confirmed in treaties with neighbouring states and as reported to the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Internal maritime waters and territorial marine waters are divided into sub-regions, for which are responsible the sub-centers, alongside the MRCC RIJEKA. Besides the Maritime Centre, another eight harbour headquarters are availableon a 24-hour duty: their branch offices, coastal radio-stations, lighthouses and a rescue unit.
The24-hour duty is established on VHF canals 10 and 16, while, at the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, the phone number 9115 is available for all theneeds at thesea(calls from abroad +385 51 9115). A phone operator also answers the GMDSS calls.
In Croatia there is also a single emergency number 112.
In case you need help on yours or somebody other’s boat, it is necessary to inform one of these services as soon as possible.
OUT OF SEASON
Mon.-Fri.: 08.00 to 15.00
IN THE SEASON
Mon.-Thu.: 08.00 to 15.00
Fri.-Sat.: 08.00 to 20.00
upon individual arrangement