CROATIA SAILING HOLIDAYS

Private catamaran holiday in Croatia will cost you between 8.000€ and 10.000€ per week in high summer season. Sailing in September or June prices vary from 6.000 to 8.000 euros. The final price mostly depends on catamaran size, age and equipment quality.

What is included in the above price?

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

7-day yacht charter itinerary is a standard sailing trip duration and brings best experience for most guests that wish to explore Croatian islands at a relaxing holiday 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.
• 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 09 AM

With low winds, calm and dry weather and countless 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, lower winds and warm sea temperatures June, July and August are the perfect months for a relaxing family sailing trip around the Croatian islands. Experienced sailors prefer more challenging conditions in September and May when air temperatures are slightly lower, bur 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. 

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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 routes that make best balance for most sailing guests. Exprienced or beginners.

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

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

For sailing in Croatian territorial waters, you need a valid nautical international certificate of competence (ICC) and a VHF radio. If you are not sure that your permit is adequate, please check here if the certificates you own are competent to charter boats in Croatia.

Renting a catamaran is overall more expensive from hiring a sailing boat. Not only bareboat yacht price, but also the cost for fuel and marina fees are on average higher when it comes to a multi-hull.

Skipper fee on Mediterranean generally depends on yacht's size, type and lies between 180 and 250 euros per day.

The usual tip for crew's on board services is 5-10 percent from the full charter cost. Gratuities should be handed to your skipper in cash at the end of your journey.

The infinite Croatian coast with its pleasant Mediterranean climate and warm summer weather is truly a sailing paradise for beginners or experienced sailors. 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 sites and island villages, unique gastronomy and authentic maritime atmosphere make this Mediterranean gem best yacht charter location for a relaxing holiday cruise.

1. Split sailing itinerary - Standard Croatia yacht charter itinerary including world-popular islands Hvar Vis and Korčula is recommended for beginners or fist-time visitors
2. Kornati cruising adventure - Including 3 magnificent Croatian national parks. These densely scattered islands assure easy island hopping ideal for family sailing holiday 
3. Istria sailing - Set sail from historic Pula city and relax in quiet maritime ambience of remote islands and hidden Adriatic locations usually forgotten from standard charter routes
4. Dubrovnik sailing itinerary - Start your adventure from world-known Dubrovnik, visit green lakes of Mljet national park and discover enchanting Lastovo island.

Dalmatian islands between Zadar and Split region are the ultimate locations for a laid-back Croatia sailing holiday experience. These are the most beautiful islands to visit:

• Silba Croatian island of love, surrounded by green forrests and romantic emerald bays
• Dugi Otok at a doorstep of Zadar city, this lush-green island is the place where crystal-clear blue waters give way to white-sand beaches and secluded coves
• Kornati national park is the perfect getaway from busy coastal towns into a serene and tranquil natural environment
• Kaprije small fishing village where sailors stop just to taste fresh, local and tasty Dalmatian cuisine
• Šolta is a cradle of sustainable tourism,raditional production and lush-green forests
• Brač a "stone kingdom of Croatia" and attractive pebbled beaches
• Vis mystical island is a cradle of epic legends, myths and natural wonders
• Hvar every Split sailing itinerary will lead you to this bohemian Croatian island
• Korčula - a home of world travellers, impressive history and best Dalmatian wines

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 which are 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 on a sailing cruise:

•  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.