4 factors that affect sailing holiday cost

When it comes to chartering a sailing yacht in Croatia, the cost of your trip will depend on a variety of factors. Before committing to a yacht charter vacation start with setting the overall budget you are willing to spend for a sailing trip. In the following article I will present the basic factors (Boat price, Season, Holiday type and Extras) that will affect your yacht vacation cost so that you can easier plan your getaway.

BOAT PRICE

The most essential is selecting the perfect yacht for your cruising holiday. This basically depends on how many people will be on board and what level of comfort you desire. Also the type of vessel you wish to hire largely affects the final cost.

YACHT CHARTER PRICES

THE PERIOD

The sailing season at the Croatian coast stretches from April till late October, when Croatia yacht charters run in weekly periods starting and ending on Saturday. The period when you wish to sail also affects the final price.

YACHT CHARTER PERIOD
lagoon 42 catamaran Croatia

CHARTER TYPE

There are 3 different types of  yacht charters in Croatia: Bareboat, Crewed and Skippered yacht charter. Which one suits you most basically depends on your travelling style, holiday expectations and the budget.

YACHT CHARTER TYPE
Best Croatia sailing vacation

THE EXTRAS

Although that the yacht charter price presents largest part of an overall vacation cost, there are also expenses that are mandatory for every private charter holiday: Fuel, port and marina fess & food during your sailing week.

ADDITONAL FEES & EXTRAS

1. YACHT CHARTER PRICE

Deciding what type of a yacht suits your holiday expectations is the most essential, since it presents the largest cost of your cruising vacation. Croatia yacht charter prices also vary on destination from where you wish to sail. 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 marinas 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. 

Charter in Croatia

Average price for renting a modern 50 foot sailing boat or a smaller catamaran in Croatia mostly stays 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. Smaller 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 will still get to visit best Croatian islands and you can do it 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 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.

Yacht Charters In Croatia

Below you can find some of most frequent yacht charter types and options within a different price range an level of on board service. Now it is up to you to decide which one should best suit your needs and holiday expectations.

Crewed Luxury Catamaran Charter
LUXURY YACHT CHARTERS
Lagoon 46
SKIPPERED CATAMARANS
Dufour 41
SAILING YACHTS

TOP 6 YACHTS FOR CHARTER IN CROATIA

 

Croatia yacht charter vacation cost vary significantly with the yacht's size, season, included amenities, and charter extras. The average price for a catamaran holiday in Croatia within the high season will cost you between 8.000 and 10.000€ per week.

 

The average price for renting a newer 45-foot sailing yacht in Croatia will cost you between 4.000 and 5.000 euros per week during high summer period.

What does that price include?

What are the extras?

  • fuel per consumption (average 100€)
  • tourist tax 1.35€/day/person
  • port fees average 80€ per night
  • national parks entrance (average 50€/park)
  • food and provisioning on board
  • damage safety deposit 2.000€ refundable (can be insured)

What are the optional extras?

  • skipper from 1.260€ per week
  • hostess service from 150€-190€ per day 
  • SUP (stand up paddle) 100€ -150€ weekly

 

That mostly depends on a sailing period, but 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: sailing boat with 4 cabins, 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.

 

You will find best rental deals and affordable bareboat yacht charters in Croatia at the central Dalmatian coast. The marinas located near Kornati national park is where the concentration of yacht charters is largest. If you rent a yacht in Zadar old town expect competitive prices, high-quality marine services and top technical support before and during your charter.

 

Skipper's fee on a private Croatia charter lies between 160 and 220€ per day and varies depending on yacht's size and type. Gratuities are not included in the above fee.

 

Tipping on a yacht charter embodies the spirit of gratitude and acknowledgment for the dedicated skipper's service during yaour sailing week. The usual tip on skippered charter is between 15 and 25 percent of the weekly captain's fee.

 

Mooring fee in modern ACI marinas in Croatia would cost you around 100€ per night for a 4-cabin sailing yacht. Harbors and ports on some Croatian islands are about 25% cheaper but the service still includes AC power, fresh water charge, bathroom and shower facilities.