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Yacht charter in Croatia

The Adriatic’s favourite charter coast: more than a thousand islands, short distances and a dependable afternoon breeze. Most weeks start on a Saturday in Split, Zadar, Šibenik, Pula or Dubrovnik.

Yachts
18
Marinas
1
From / week
€1,537
The walled old town of Dubrovnik above the Adriatic
Dubrovnik42°39′N 18°06′E

Areas and marinas in Croatia

An area covers several marinas; a marina is where your charter starts and ends.

Sailing in Croatia

Updated Nov 7, 2026

Where to sail

Central Dalmatia is the busiest charter coast in the Adriatic and the easiest place for a first week. From Split, Trogir and Kaštela it is a short sail to Šolta, Brač and Hvar, with Vis a little further out. A classic loop runs Split – Šolta – Vis – Hvar – Brač and back, with a different harbour or bay every night.

North Dalmatia starts around Zadar, Biograd and Šibenik. This is the way into the Kornati National Park: bare white islands, clear water and very few villages. Telašćica bay on Dugi Otok and the Krka river up to Skradin are both within an easy day.

South Dalmatia is sailed from Dubrovnik: the Elaphiti islands, Mljet with its national park and inland lakes, Korčula's walled town and remote Lastovo.

Istria and Kvarner in the north are greener and quieter. Pula is the base for the Brijuni islands, Cres, Lošinj, Krk and Rab.

When to go

June and September are the sweet spot: the sea is warm, the afternoon breeze is reliable and the popular anchorages are calmer. July and August are the peak, with the highest prices and the fullest harbours. May and October are cooler and quieter, and some island restaurants are not open yet.

Wind and weather

On most summer afternoons the maestral fills in from the north-west and dies away at sunset: comfortable sailing, typically force 3 to 4. Two other winds are worth knowing. The bura is a cold, gusty north-easterly that can arrive quickly and blow hard, especially under the mountains and in the Kvarner. The jugo is a south-easterly that builds over a day or two and brings swell and cloud. Marine forecasts are broadcast on VHF by the Croatian coastal radio stations; check them every morning.

Getting there

Split airport is closest to the central Dalmatian bases. Zadar, Dubrovnik and Pula serve the other regions, and Zagreb is three to four hours by road from the coast.

Good to know

  • Charters normally run Saturday to Saturday, with check-in in the afternoon and check-out in the morning. Exact times are in your booking.
  • For a bareboat charter the skipper needs a recognised boating licence and someone on board needs a VHF radio certificate. No licence? Charter with a skipper.
  • Tourist tax, national park entry and berths outside your base are usually paid locally. Croatia uses the euro.
  • Town quays and mooring buoys fill up early in July and August; aim to arrive by mid-afternoon.

Yacht charter in Croatia: questions and answers

When is the best time to charter a yacht in Croatia?

The charter season in Croatia runs May – October. July and August are the busiest and most expensive weeks; June and September usually bring warm water, quieter anchorages and lower prices.

What is the wind like in Croatia in summer?

Maestral: A steady north-westerly breeze on most summer afternoons.

How many yachts can I charter in Croatia?

18 yachts in 1 marina, from €1,537 per week. Yachts, availability and prices come from NauSYS, the reservation system the charter companies run their fleets on.

Which airports are closest to the charter bases in Croatia?

Most charter bases in Croatia are reached via the airports of Split, Zadar, Dubrovnik, Pula and Zagreb.

Which day of the week do yacht charters start?

Most sailing yachts and catamarans are chartered Saturday to Saturday, with check-in in the afternoon and check-out in the morning. Some yachts, mostly motor boats, can start on other days; every yacht page shows its own check-in days and minimum stay.

Do I need a sailing licence to charter a yacht in Croatia?

Only if you sail bareboat, without a skipper. The skipper then needs a recognised sailing licence, and usually someone on board needs a VHF radio certificate. The exact requirements depend on the country, and the charter company checks the documents at check-in. Without a licence, charter the yacht with a skipper.

What is included in the weekly charter price?

The weekly price covers the yacht with its standard equipment. Mandatory extras set by the charter company, such as final cleaning or a transit log, are listed in the price breakdown before you book, and a refundable security deposit is usually paid at check-in. Fuel, food and berths in marinas other than your base are paid during the week.

How do I book a yacht?

Choose a yacht and send an inquiry with your dates. We confirm availability with the charter company and send you a written offer with the payment plan.