CROATIA SAILING HOLIDAYS

Private catamaran holiday in Croatia will cost you between 8.000€ and 10.000€ per week in high summer period. Sailing in September or June about 7.000 euros. The final price mostly depends on catamaran's size and age.

What is included in the above price?

• standard catamaran with skipper
• Fuel, Port & marina fees on route (on average 800€ per week)
• Tourist tax (75€ for fully occupied catamaran)

Food is not included in private yacht charters and has to be provided by guests.

7-day yacht charter itinerary is the perfect sailing trip duration and brings best experience for most guests that wish to explore Croatian islands at their own pace. Private yacht charters in Croatia start and end Saturdays with charter turn-round.

The estimated cost for a sailing vacation in Croatia within the main charter season for 4-6 persons lies between 4.500 and 6.000 euros weekly. Price includes: standard sailing yacht rental, skipper, fuel, marina fees, end cleaning, dinghy, outboard engine and Wi-Fi connection on board. You can sail for about 30% cheaper in the shoulder season.

Here's the example of a standard 7-day route itinerary that works best for most sailing charters and clients that wish to experience the very best of a yachting holiday in Croatia.

• Day 1 Saturday (Embarkation after 16 PM, check in at the office 1 hour earlier). Recommended to shop for provisions earlier.
• Day 2 - Day 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 on board.
• Day 8 Saturday - Check out by 9 AM

With low winds, calm and dry weather and numerous densely scattered islands preventing the waves from getting too choppy, Croatia is one of the safest sailing destinations in the world. Easy island hopping and short crossings between picturesque harbours, stunning islands and hidden bays, make this small European country best sailing destination in the Mediterranean for a laid-back holiday cruise. Sometimes navigating between hundreds of islands also demands more focus and nautical knowledge. If you feel unskilled or wish your sailing trip with no stress, rather hire a Croatian skipper to sail the boat for you.

With abundance of sunshine, low winds and warm sea temperatures June, July and August are the perfect months for a relaxing family sailing trip. 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 attractions like Dubrovnik, Split and Rovinj. When it comes to a yacht vacation cost, Croatia is still considered 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 - North Dalmatia
3. Split - Central Dalmatia
4. Dubrovnik - South Dalmatia

These are 4 top Croatia yacht charter itineraries that make best balance for most guests. Exprienced sailors or beginners.

1. Split Sailing itinerary
2. Pula family itineraries
3. Zadar Sailing itinerary
4. Dubrovnik charter route

According to our clinet's feedback these ere the top 10 yachts for charter in Croatia in 2024 season.

• DUFOUR 530
• SUN ODYSSEY 440
• BALI 4.6 CATAMARAN
• BAVARIA 46 CRUISER
• OCEANIS 46.1
• BAVARIA C42 
• DUFOUR 460
• LAGOON 42 CATAMARAN
• ASTREA 42 CATAMARAN
• OCEANIS 40.1

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.

Renting a catamaran is generally more expensive then a sailing boat vacation. Not only bareboat catamaran rental, but also the cost for fuel and marina fees are on average higher when it comes to a multi-hull.

Skipper fee on private charters generally depends on yacht's size and lies between 170 and 250 euros per day.

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.

Croatian coast with pleasant Mediterranean climate, low winds and dry weather is truly a sailing paradise. Hundreds of densely scattered islands and small distances between them place this European country among safest sailing destinations in the world. Breathtaking nature scenes, crystal-clear waters, historic island villages, superb gastronomy and authentic maritime atmosphere make Croatian coast best yacht charter location for a relaxing holiday cruise.

• Split Sailing Charter - Standard Croatia yacht charter itinerary including world-known spots Hvar, Vis and Korčula is recommended for beginners or 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 more tranquil Adriatic locations usually forgotten from standard charter routes.
• Dubrovnik sailing itinerary - Sail less crowded routes of Croatia and discover historic Korčula, green lakes of Mljet and 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, sailing , swimming and snorkelling. 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)

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