A beginner’s guide for sailing in Croatia
At Alitis Yachting you can rent sailboats in Croatia, catamarans, yachts, motorboats and dinghies. We are a charter agency that offers the largest fleet of vessels for rent with or without a skipper.
If you do not find what you are looking for, contact us with a query. Click on “book now, fill in all the fields and send the questionnaire or send us an e-mail and we will choose several options and send you to choose the one that suits you.
Croatia and its over 1,000 islands, some of which are inhabited, began to be a popular sailing destination in the 1980s, and since then its popularity has only grown. It is an understatement to say that it is one of the most beautiful destinations in the Mediterranean.
While sailing in Croatia, you will surely find the beach of your dreams and you will be able to explore endlessly and sail in a pleasant climate. Croatia is the pearl of the Adriatic and offers many beautiful landscapes. Halfway between Central Europe and the Mediterranean, it offers thousands of islands and more than 6,000 kilometers of coastline.
If you decided to sail Croatian islands you have countless choices for the port of departure: Pula, Zadar, Sukošan, Biograd, Murter and Šibenik, Trogir, Split, Dubrovnik, just to name a few of the places where charter companies are located.
If you started your vacation in Croatia from the north, with a beautiful rented sailboat from Pula, don’t forget that Pula is one of the safest ports in Croatia. Do not miss the opportunity to visit ancient places in Pula, especially the Roman amphitheater.
Two other must-see destinations
Two other must-see destinations are Poreč, surrounded by green bays, and Rovinj, with its spectacular indented coastline characterized by rocks, a fishing harbor and small beaches that are always different from each other. Recommendation: don’t leave Rovinj without trying fuži, typical regional pasta with clam sauce, Istrian prosciutto and sugar cookies, crispy biscuits sprinkled with sugar.
Biograd, on the other hand, is in central Croatian coast and enables navigation to Kornati. The islands are limestone and sparsely populated, ideal for peaceful and pleasant exploration by sailboat or catamaran. Kornati with its many islands, is a top destination for sailing and boaters.
If you sail towards one of the destinations, such as the fascinating Kornati archipelago with its 147 islands and islets on an area of only 15 kilometers, you won’t go wrong, you will be delighted. Many islands are scattered in a small area and make an ideal place for sailors in search of hidden coves. Be sure to sail to the steep cliffs on the Lower Kornati and those on the island of Klobučar (the highest is 80 meters). The islands are mostly uninhabited, so there are no hotels, and fishermen can offer you their freshly caught fish. When you sail to Žut bay, which is a paradise with a calm sea, you have reached Kornati, the largest hinterland of the archipelago.
When you spot the buoys floating in the turquoise water, you’ll know you’ve reached a tavern serving fresh fish, shellfish, lobster, lamb and other local specialties.
What do I need to know before renting a boat in Croatia?
Croatia has been a member of the European Union since July 1, 2013. The remaining validity of the requested passport is ninety (90) days from the expected end date of the stay.
If you are coming by your own foreign ship, you are obliged to report to the harbor master’s office of the first and nearest port to complete the formalities of entering the country, including the payment of the residence and maritime tax. In exchange for this fee, the harbor authorities issue a one-year license sticker, the price of which is determined in proportion to the type of vessel and engine power.
Certificate for navigation
Passenger list/crew list – Crew list
Certificate confirming the ability of the vessel driver to perform work on the vessel, according to the regulations in force in the country of the vessel’s registration or corresponding regulations in force in the Republic of Croatia
Insurance against damage caused by third parties
Certificate of ownership or authorization to use the vessel issued by the owner
Permit disk/sticker, which can be purchased from the harbor master at the port of call (see next paragraph)
All types of rowing boats, shorter than 2.5 meters and less than 5 kW propulsion power, are exempt from paying the license sticker.
To use motorboats, including dinghies, regardless of engine power, possession of a nautical license is mandatory.
How much does it cost to rent a boat in Croatia?
The prices are highest in July and August, and depend on the type of ship (whether it is a sailboat, catamaran, motor ship, yacht), size and age of the ship.
Average prices are lowest between November and December, when the main season ends and temperatures drop.
Renting a sailing boat in Croatia for a week starts from €1,500, while the price of a catamaran is €4,500.
The price of renting a motorboat can start from €100 per day, and for an inflatable boat, the price can start from €60, again depending on the season, size, type, age, etc.
Availability of boats for rent in Croatia:
If you want to rent a yacht in Croatia, you must book early. In March, 53% of ships were already full.
In the middle of July and August, that number is up to 90%. November records the lowest percentage of reserved ships.
What types of boats can be rented in Croatia?
As a very popular destination, at Alitis Yachting you can take advantage of the wide range of sailboats, catamarans, motor boats, dinghies and yachts for rent. The choice is yours! You’ll also have the option to add extras, including a skipper, hostess or chef. Don’t wait long? The ship of your dreams is waiting for you!