Bareboat Charter Croatia: Planning Your Dream Sailing Holiday

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A thoughtful sailor crouches aboard a yacht on a cloudy day.
Credit: pexels.com, A thoughtful sailor crouches aboard a yacht on a cloudy day.

Croatia's stunning coastline is a sailor's paradise, with over 1,000 islands to explore. The country's rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes make it an ideal destination for a bareboat charter holiday.

To plan your dream sailing holiday in Croatia, it's essential to choose the right time of year. The peak sailing season typically runs from May to September, with July and August being the warmest months.

A bareboat charter allows you to captain your own vessel, giving you the freedom to create your own itinerary and explore the islands at your own pace. Many charter companies offer a range of vessels to suit different needs and budgets.

With so many islands to choose from, it's worth considering the most popular sailing routes, such as the Dalmatian Islands and the Elaphiti Islands. These routes offer a mix of stunning scenery, charming towns, and secluded beaches.

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What to Expect

You'll have complete control over your sailing journey with a bareboat yacht charter in Croatia. With over 1,000 islands to explore, you can choose your destinations and pace.

Credit: youtube.com, YACHT Charter Croatia: Things You MUST Know

A bareboat charter means you won't have a hired skipper on board, so you're the captain. This freedom allows you to experience Croatia's hidden bays and historic towns in a truly personalized way.

You can expect to set sail along the stunning Adriatic coast, taking in the breathtaking scenery and making memories that will last a lifetime.

Boats & Catamarans

If you're looking for a sailing experience that's more about freedom and adventure than absolute comfort, chartering a sailboat is the way to go. You'll get to explore the natural beauty of the Adriatic Sea and taste the thrill of being out at sea.

We have a wide selection of modern yachts from renowned makers like Beneteau, Bavaria, Jeanneau, and Hanse, as well as catamarans from top brands like Lagoon, Fountaine Pajot, and Bali.

For families with kids or those who prioritize space and stability, a catamaran charter in Croatia is the perfect choice. Catamarans offer plenty of room, speed, and buoyancy, making them ideal for cruising and relaxing on board.

Catamaran rental in Croatia is especially recommended for sailing families with kids, as the stability and space provide a safe and indulging atmosphere. You can find a private spot to sunbathe, relax, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea.

Requirements

Credit: youtube.com, Epic 7-Day Bareboat Charter in Croatia and the Dalmatian Islands

To charter a bareboat yacht in Croatia, you'll need a valid skipper's license recognized by Croatian authorities, as well as a VHF radio operator's license for marine communication.

You'll also need basic sailing knowledge to handle navigation, docking, and anchoring. This includes knowing how to navigate safely and communicate with others at sea.

A government-issued sailing permit from your home country is also required, which must be recognized by Croatian authorities. This ensures that you're qualified to navigate the vessel safely and communicate with others at sea.

Some charter companies may offer insurance policies to protect the yacht, but it's still a good idea to obtain additional travel or liability insurance for peace of mind.

To determine if your license is valid, you can find sources or guides on sailing licenses in Croatia or consult with the charter company.

Here are the minimum requirements for a bareboat charter in Croatia:

You'll also need to provide a crew list with the following information for each crew member: name, date and place of birth, passport numbers, nationality, and place of residence. This is usually required at least one week prior to arrival.

Planning Your Trip

Credit: youtube.com, BEST Weekly Itinerary for LUXURY Yacht Charters in Croatia: Uncover the Ultimate ADRIATIC Journey!

The Island Sailing team offers a first-class, personalised service to help you plan every detail of your bareboat charter in Croatia. They provide support and advice before you travel and have local yacht charter operator base teams on hand throughout your charter.

You can rely on them to plan all the details of your charter, from the yacht to travel and more, making your charter hassle-free. Their expertise in every area of yachting ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience.

The most popular season for bare boat sailing in Croatia is summer, but be aware that the best boats get booked earlier, so it's essential to book in advance. The weather is warm during these months, but it can be too hot for some, and the sun is almost always shining from April until September.

Plan Your Trip

The Island Sailing team combines unrivalled experience with specialist expertise in every area of yachting to provide a first-class, personalised service. They offer support and advice to all their bareboat clients before they travel.

Aerial view of Poreč's picturesque coastline in Croatia during a summer day.
Credit: pexels.com, Aerial view of Poreč's picturesque coastline in Croatia during a summer day.

You can plan all the details of your charter with their help, from the yacht, destination, sailing area, route planning, travel and more, so your charter is hassle-free. They'll take care of everything, making your charter a breeze.

The most popular season for bare boat sailing in Croatia is during summer, but if you plan to book a bareboat in Croatia in July and August, make it sooner rather than later as the best boats get booked earlier. By March there is only a week here or there still available in high season.

You can explore Croatia's 1,000+ islands, hidden bays, and historic towns with a bareboat yacht charter, giving you complete control of your sailing journey. With no hired skipper on board, you're the captain, free to choose your destinations, pace, and experiences.

The off-season sailing conditions are much better for sailing aficionados, and bare boat yacht charter in Croatia or catamaran hire is also more affordable outside peak season. So, consider May, June and September and April and October for a quieter cruise in Croatia.

Located at the heart of each of the sailing regions of Croatia the yacht bases are ideal for exploring the islands and coastline of Croatia. They are in the heart of the best sailing areas, close to local airports for short transfers and offer the best facilities and amenities.

Arrival

Breathtaking drone view of coastal town with traditional red roofed buildings and harbor with moored boats in Croatia
Credit: pexels.com, Breathtaking drone view of coastal town with traditional red roofed buildings and harbor with moored boats in Croatia

To make the most of your trip, it's essential to book your flights well in advance to secure good prices and seats.

Split, Dubrovnik, Rogoznica, and Pula airports are well-connected to major European cities through airlines like Smartwings, Eurowings, SAS, and many others.

If you're planning to arrive by car, be prepared for long queues and delays, especially during high season.

Expect several kilometer-long queues on the roads, so plan your route carefully and factor in time for potential traffic jams.

For parking guidelines, check with each base for costs to expect or recommendations.

Provisioning

Provisioning is a crucial aspect of planning your trip, and Croatia can be a bit pricey when it comes to groceries. You'll probably spend around 150 to 250 € per person per week on food.

Eating on board can be a challenge, especially when everyone gets hungry at the same time. You have two options: preparing your own meals or eating in restaurants.

Credit: youtube.com, The ULTIMATE GUIDE to PROVISIONING for Offshore Passages and Charters

Groceries can be more expensive in Croatia, especially on the islands. Be prepared for higher prices than you'd find on the mainland.

The designated skipper should be careful with alcohol, as it's best to avoid it while sailing. But when you're anchored for the night, a glass or two of Croatia's excellent wine is a must-try.

Learning where to supply your boat is essential, and you can find this information in our main base in Split and second base in Rogoznica.

Renting a Boat

If you want to experience the thrill of sailing in Croatia, bareboat chartering is a great way to go. You can choose from sailboats, motorboats, or catamarans, each offering a unique sailing experience.

The Adriatic Sea is a stunning backdrop for your sailing adventure, with its crystal-clear waters and picturesque islands. Chartering a sailboat allows you to explore the coast at your own pace, revealing the secrets of this enchanting country.

For families with kids, catamaran rental in Croatia is a great option. These multi-hull boats offer uncompromising comfort and space, making them ideal for a family yacht vacation.

Motorboats for Rent

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Renting a motorboat in Croatia is a fantastic way to explore the Adriatic coast. It's become incredibly popular in recent years.

The private charter of a motorboat or motoryacht is a unique way of experiencing the beauty of Croatia's coastline. You can enjoy the stunning views of the azure-blue Adriatic seas from the comfort of your own vessel.

Croatia has a large fleet of motorboats available for charter, making it an excellent opportunity to discover the secrets of this incredible country. The country's vibrant harbours and charming Dalmatian villages are just waiting to be explored.

Renting a motorboat in Croatia is a great option for those who want to navigate the vessel themselves, but don't have the experience or skills to sail a sailboat. The motorboat is a more straightforward option, allowing you to focus on enjoying the journey.

You can find a wide range of motorboats for rent in Croatia, from economy to luxury options. This means you can choose a motorboat that suits your budget and preferences.

Renting a Boat

Credit: youtube.com, GUIDE TO RENTING A BOAT

If you're looking for a genuine yacht charter experience, consider chartering a private sailing yacht in Croatia.

Croatia has a largest fleet of active yachts for chartering in the world, making it an excellent opportunity to truly reveal the secrets of this stunning European country.

You can choose from hundreds of tiny islands and small distances between them, making Croatia one of the world's safest and most intriguing sailing playgrounds.

Renting a sailboat in Croatia is a great way to explore the Adriatic islands at your own pace, and you can find a private place to sunbathe, relax, and enjoy spectacular views across the azure-blue Adriatic seas.

A catamaran charter in Croatia is ideal for those who need plenty of space, stability, and speed for their perfect sailing holiday.

Catamarans also have the advantage of not having long keels, giving you more space to maneuver, anchor, and sail between shallower passages.

Senior man enjoying a sunny day sailing on a yacht by the city waterfront.
Credit: pexels.com, Senior man enjoying a sunny day sailing on a yacht by the city waterfront.

If you're new to chartering, sailing in Croatia's waters for the first time, or have been on a flotilla sailing holiday, consider Bareboat Plus, which offers extra support and confidence to sail Croatia's coastline and its islands.

You can choose from a wide range of catamarans for rental in Croatia, from economy to luxury line, available in top locations and modern marinas along the Croatian coast.

Renting a motorboat or a motoryacht is also a unique way of exploring the Adriatic coast, and has become exceptionally popular in Croatia.

Bareboat sailboat rental in Croatia allows you to reveal the true secrets of this enchanting country in the company of your favourite crew, and you can find contemporary yachts available for charter from best yachting locations in Croatia.

Mooring Fees

Mooring fees are a significant expense to consider when renting a boat.

The cost of mooring depends on the location, with prices ranging from 55 to 120 euros per day for a small to average boat.

Credit: youtube.com, HOW MUCH?!!! (Mooring Fees) | ⛵ Sailing Britaly ⛵

During peak season (June to September), you can expect to pay around 65 euros per day, but prices are lower during the rest of the year.

Catamarans tend to be more expensive, with prices 50% or even 80% higher than for mono-hulls.

Mooring in small coves is often much cheaper or even free, especially if you're willing to dine at the local restaurant that tends to the buoys or mooring lines.

Discovering Croatia

Croatia is an amazing sailing destination, with its vast coastline and numerous islands offering endless opportunities for exploration. The country's unique geography creates a perfect sailing environment, with low winds and a dry climate making it ideal for both beginners and experienced sailors.

The Dalmatian islands, such as Hvar, Brač, Korčula, and Vis, are a must-visit for any sailor. Split and Trogir old town are perfect locations for a beginner to set sail, with a balanced charter itinerary that allows for a day sailor experience.

Credit: youtube.com, Exploring the City of Hvar :: Bareboat Charter in Croatia :: Part 4

Zadar is another great location for sailors who prefer shorter sailing distances. The surrounding islands and marine national parks are less populated, offering an authentic maritime atmosphere and quiet getaways.

Dubrovnik, a world-famous town, is a great place to start your bareboat holiday. It offers a unique blend of culture, history, and stunning scenery, and is close to the serene Mljet National Park and the peaceful bays of Korčula.

The North Adriatic region is often overlooked, but it's a hidden gem for yacht charter itineraries in Croatia. Colourful coastal villages and isolated islands in Kvarner Bay make Pula an excellent choice for renting a yacht.

Croatia's yacht bases are conveniently located at the heart of each sailing region, making it easy to explore the islands and coastline. They offer short transfers to local airports and the best facilities and amenities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which month is best to do sail in Croatia?

May and September are the best months to sail in Croatia, offering pleasant weather, warm seas, and ideal winds for a perfect sailing experience

Is sailing in Croatia worth it?

Yes, sailing in Croatia is a wonderful experience, offering a mix of relaxation, outdoor activities, and cultural exploration. With a great tour guide and excellent service, you can expect an unforgettable week-long adventure along the stunning Croatian coast.

Do you need a license to sail a boat in Croatia?

To sail a boat in Croatia, you'll need at least one person on board with a valid Navigational and VHF license. Check our guide for more information on obtaining the necessary licenses and sailing in Croatia.

Do you need an ICC in Croatia?

To bareboat in Croatia, you need a certification like ICC, PCOC, or IYT, which allows you to operate in internal waters and territorial sea. A valid radio station operation certificate is also required for vessels with VHF or GMDSS-VHF stations.

What is the difference between bareboat charter and skipper charter?

The main difference between bareboat and skipper charters is that bareboats save you money by eliminating daily skipper fees and meal costs, offering complete privacy for you and your crew. Bareboat charters are ideal for experienced sailors who want to take control of their sailing experience.

Felicia Larson

Writer

Felicia Larson is a seasoned writer with a keen eye for detail and a passion for logistics. Her work focuses on the intricate world of shipping companies, where she delves into the complexities of global logistics and supply chain management. Through her articles, she aims to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the industry, from the latest technological advancements to the challenges faced by shipping companies.

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