4 factors that affect yacht vacation 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 yacht charter vacation, set the overall budget you are prepared to spend for such a unique holiday. In the following article I will present basic factors that could affect on overall yacht charter expense in Croatia (Boat Price, Sailing Period, Charter Types and the Extras).

Croatia yacht vacation

BOAT PRICE

Hiring a yacht in Croatia to best suit your group size is essential. How many people are coming and the comfort you wish aboard is most important. Renting a sailboat or a catamaran in Croatia brings best-balanced experience for most groups.

YACHT RENTAL PRICE
Croatia yacht charter

THE PERIOD

Charter season at the Croatian coast stretches from April till late October. Since the rental price will mostly depend on the period you wish to sail it is very important to know that Croatia yacht charters run in weekly periods starting and ending Saturdays.

CHARTER PERIOD
best catamaran charter Croatia

CHARTER TYPE

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

YACHT CHARTER TYPE
Croatia yacht vacation

THE EXTRAS

Although the yacht rental presents largest part of a sailing holiday cost, there are also expenses that are mandatory on private charters in Croatia: Crew, fuel, taxes, marina fess and food during the week.

ADDITONAL FEES & EXTRAS

1. YACHT CHARTER PRICE

Deciding what type of a yacht suits your holiday expectations is essential since it presents largest cost of your sailing trip in Croatia. Yacht charter prices mainly vary depending on location and the period. Most of the marinas from where you can hire 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 charters located in prestigious city marinas ACI Split or Dubrovnik yacht charters.

3 types of yachts for charter in Croatia

  • Sailing Yachts (budget-friendly, faster under sails, economic on fuel consumption, but slower when there is no wind)
  • Cruising Catamarans (more stable and spacious from sailing yachts require extra space in the harbour therefore are more expensive to moor)
  • Motor Boats (more fuel consumption, engine noise but you move faster and easier hop between the islands)

Crewed catamarans in Croatia and sailing boats present over 90% of the entire Croatian yacht charter fleet. These types of boats are considered affordable for most nautical guests. Sailboats are most popular with smaller groups that wish more adventurous, fun, and authentic island hopping experience in Croatia. High-end luxury motor yachts are the most expensive option, but you can expect a exquisite onboard service and a feel of extravagance.

Charter in Croatia

Sailing yacht or catamaran charter in Croatia with skipper will cost you between 4.000 and 8.000 euros per week not including the fuel and mooring fees. For luxury yachts this amount usually goes per day reaching 100.000€ weekly for all inclusive service.

Renting sailboat charter in Croatia is most affordable starting at about 2.000€ per week, whilst catamaran and motor yacht prices range between 5.000€ and 15.000€.

If you wish to truly experience Croatian coast in the most authentic way catamaran holiday or a skippered sailboat charter over a luxury motor yacht is absolutely recommended. You can expect traditionally-oriented experience with flexible itineraries that will allow you to explore best Croatian islands with an internal advice from Croatian skippers.

 

Do I hire a Catamaran or a Sailing boat?

Choosing the type of vessel for a holiday cruise basically depends on the level of commodity needed, cruising expectations and of course your budget span. If you sail with kids, ideally is to rent catamaran in Split. The impressive volumes of catamarans secure limitless space and full privacy aboard. Not only it will provide children safer and faster movement around the deck but also secure well-balanced itinerary with short cruising distances including most popular islands of Croatia. Larger sailing yacht like the new Oceanis 52 mono makes best compromise between the rental price value and cruising comfort. Choosing to rent a sailboat in Croatia also reduces overall holiday expenses ensuring more genuine sailing experience.

If you don't mind motoring over sailing and if your pockets are deeper, luxury catamaran charter is an excellent choice.  For groups that prefer intimate onboard atmosphere, enjoy a feel of exclusivity and full catered services renting crewed catamaran in Croatia is highly adviced. Small sailing boats are more effective under sails, with less fuel consumption then catamarans. That is why sailboat rental in Croatia is considered more traditional and environment-friendly option. Catamaran vacation will probably bring higher cost on marina fees, moorings and weekly fuel consumption.

Whatever charter style you prefer, my advice is to first contact a reliable Croatia yacht charter agency. They will help you plan your holiday and tailor the itinerary to your needs. Family-owned Active Sailing company is where you will find all information needed. Their experienced team of maritime experts will be happy to provide best internal tips, recommend suitable yacht charter option, guide you through the booking procedure and help you plan a unforgettable sailing trip in Croatia.

IMPORTANT: Best-balanced Croatia yacht charter itinerary runs in weekly periods staring/ending Saturdays.

2. YACHT CHARTER PERIOD

Yacht charter prices in Croatia 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 small sail yacht in Croatia for less then 1.000€ per week. The same 40-foot sailboat will cost you around €3.000 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 holding 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, though you can still expect dry summer weather down the coast of Dalmatia. Most accurate and updated weather reports for Adriatic sea are issued at 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 popular Croatian islands Hvar and Korčula and world-known locations like UNESCO world heritage sites Dubrovnik or Split. October and May weather conditions are more challenging, and a pure delight for experienced sailors. 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 a sailing trip in summer period. And don't worry, if you sail Croatia in September you will still catch most of the summer vibe down 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 yacht rental in more installments.

3. YACHT CHARTER TYPE

3 basic options of yachts for charter in Croatia

Bareboat yacht charters 

Skippered sailing yachts

Crewed catamarans in Croatia

Bareboat Charter

Bareboat charter is most price-efficient, since you don't need a professional skipper to navigate and operate the vessel. That means not only that someone on board takes the full responsibility of navigation, but also for route planning and provisioning. You receive the privilege to enjoy in full privacy, independently sail your yacht and explore Adriatic sea at your own pace. To charter a bareboat in Croatia you will need a adequate boat license and a VHF radio station license. 

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 prices vary between 4.000€ and 6.000€.

Skippered yacht charter

Sailing Croatia with skipper is definitively the ultimate yachting experience you can expect when hiring 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 unwind and enjoy a stress-free island hopping, soaking up everything Dalmatian coast has to offer.

Choosing a reliable yacht charter agency in Croatia to advice on best option considering your holiday expectations is most essential. They will find a comfortable sailboat to best suit your needs and a knowledgeable skipper to safely navigate between the islands. You can always upgrade your skippered package with a hostess service to cater, clean and supply the yacht with provisions.

The overall cost for skippered sailing vacation in summer season is between 4.500€ and 6.500€ per week.

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 in Croatia 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 price basically includes:

  • Bareboat Yacht 7-day rental
  • Base Charter Fee (Includes: end cleaning, check in/out procedure, bedding, bathing towels, dinghy with outboard motor)

What are the extras?

Yacht rental cost and charter fee are usually paid in advance. Food, fuel consumption, transfers, national park entrances and island tours are excluded from charter price since they mainly depend on individuals wishes & traveling habits.

These are the expected costs calculated for a budget-friendly Croatia yacht vacation during summer season:

  • Fully equipped sailing boat with 4 cabins 3.500€ per week
  • Base fee 350€
  • Skipper fee 1.260€ Per week 
  • Marinas, port fees & national parks (average price per week 500€)
  • Tourist tax 1.35€ per day, per person
  • Fuel for the yacht (average price per week 100€)
  • Food for you and skipper (average price per day on lower end is 40€ per person)
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Various water toys like Stand Up paddle Boards, Donuts,...)

Estimated all inclusive Croatia yacht charter cost during the summer period is about 5.500€ per week, not including food.

Yacht Charters In Croatia

Below you can find most frequent yacht charter types with different price range and on board services. It is up to you to decide which one should best suit your needs, holiday expectations and probably the most essential - the budget.

Luxury Catamaran Charter Croatia
CREWED YACHT CHARTERS

All inclusive luxury crewed charters in Croatia prices range from €25.000 to €80.000.

Luxury catamarans in Croatia
Lagoon 46
CREWED CATAMARANS

The average weekly cost for standard catamaran charter with crew in Croatia is €10.000.

Croatia crewed catamaran charters
Dufour 41
BOATS WITH SKIPPER

Budget-friendly skippered sailing holidays in Croatia begin at €4.000 weekly in main charter season.

Skippered yachts in Croatia

Best yachts for charter in Croatia

 

All inclusive Croatia yacht charter holidays will cost you between 8.000 and 12.000 euros weekly depending on sailing season and amenities on board.

 

Skippered sailing holiday is considered best balanced yacht charter option in Croatia for guests that prefer a carefree cruise and a private on board atmosphere.

 

Renting a sailing yacht in Croatia for a week will cost you on average 4.500€ during the main charter season and about 2.500€ in the off season.

 

The average cost to charter a fully crewed catamaran in Croatia is 10.000€ per week not including food, fuel and mooring fees during your cruise.

 

Private yacht charter in Split is most beloved sailing itinerary in Croatia for beginners that wish to explore popular Croatian islands Hvar Brač and Vis.

 

  • 7-day yacht rental
  • check in and check out procedure
  • base charter fee with end cleaning
  • bedding, and bathing towels
  • Wi-Fi aboard
  • dingy with outboard motor
  • 24h technical support during your charter week

 

  • land transfers and taxis
  • fuel for the yacht (sailboats average is 100€ weekly)
  • tourist tax 1.35€/day/person
  • port fees & marinas during your charter
  • national parks & land tours
  • food and provisioning on board

 

With dry summer weather, low winds, unique maritime atmosphere and hundreds tiny islands ensuring safe and calm seas, Croatian coast is the ultimate sailing destination in the world for a beginner.

 

The average cost for a skippered sailing holidays in Croatia within the summer months lies between 5.000€ and 6.000€ whilst catamaran charter  prices peak 10.000€ for the week.

 

Hiring a skipper in Croatia will cost you between 1.260€ and 1.750€ per week, depending on the yacht size and the charter season.

 

On private Croatia yacht charters, skipper's service is not included in a yacht rental fee and needs to be paid separately to skipper at embarkation.

 

Tipping on Croatia skippered charter ranges between 20 and 40 percent of their weekly fee and embodies the spirit of gratitude and acknowledgment for the dedicated skipper's service.

 

Mooring fee in modern Croatian marinas is about 100€ per night for a 4-cabin sailing yacht. Town quays and local harbors are usually cheaper.

Blog by Janez Rupnik, Active Sailing

skippered charter Croatia