What to consider when chartering a sailboat in Croatia

On the third day of our sail in Croatia, we discovered amazing things. Sailing is fantastic, you can find everything you need on the Riva in Split, and gelato is a must. It marked our first family trip post-COVID, eagerly bringing our team back. After a long year ashore, we were ready to voyage anywhere. Yet, Croatia beckoned with its many islands, history, great seafood, and azure sea. Plus, practical perks like warm but not scorching weather, steady winds for sailing, and being outside the Hurricane Belt made it ideal.

Key Takeaways

• Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast offers exceptional sailing conditions with over 3,000 vessels available for charter
• Diverse boat options including sailing yachts, catamarans, motor and mega yachts, and gulets
• Ideal summer weather with warm temperatures and reliable winds
• Proximity to historical sites and abundance of islands make for a unique sailing experience
• Practical considerations like licensing, crew, and provisioning are important to plan for

Introduction

By the third day of sailing along the Croatian coast, we already knew three key things. Sailing itself is amazing, with crisp winds and lovely views. Everything you need is found at the ports, making life on the boat easier. Also, there’s never a bad time for gelato. This was our first family trip post-COVID. We were eager to be back on the water together. After being on land for over a year, any place would have been appealing. But Croatia, with its many islands and clear waters, stood out.

Sublime Sailing Experience

Sailing in Croatia is something special. The Adriatic Sea’s reliable winds are perfect for sailboats. Being outside the Hurricane Belt, conditions are excellent for sailing.

Abundance of Islands and Historical Sites

Croatia has more than 1,200 islands and a 350km coastline to explore. It is also rich with historical sites. This allows sailors to dive into the area’s deep cultural history.

Ideal Weather Conditions

The weather in Croatia is perfect for sailing. The warmest months, July and August, sees air between 25-35°C. The months of June and September are also lovely. They offer less crowd and temperatures in the 20s °C.

Choosing the Right Boat

Boats in Croatia come in many types, each with unique benefits. You can pick from classic sailing yachts, sleek catamarans, to luxury motor yachts.

Sailing Yachts (Monohulls)

Sailing yachts give you a true sailing adventure. They’re usually 30 to 75 feet long and can hold 12 people. They’re great for those new to sailing, especially for family trips.

Sailing yachts, also known as monohulls, offer a pure sailing feel. They’re between 30 and 75 feet long and fit 12 people at most. They’re a perfect choice for beginners, families, and those who love an active holiday.

Catamarans

Catamarans provide a stable and spacious sailing option. They come in sizes from 38 to 77 feet. Ideal for family or group trips, they balance comfort and cost well.

With a wide beam, catamarans offer stability and space. Their size ranges from 38 to 77 feet long. They typically have 3 to 6 cabins. Catamarans are great for family trips or traveling with friends, offering a good value for comfort.

Motor and Mega Yachts

Motor yachts and mega yachts are best for a lavish, laid-back holiday. They have 2 to 5 cabins and can hold up to 10 guests. Often, they come with a crew for a carefree trip filled with luxury.

For a more luxurious journey, there are motor and mega yachts. They can hold up to 10 people in 2 to 5 cabins. These yachts come with a crew and offer longer trips. They combine the joy of sailing with high comfort and easy cruising.

Gulets

Gulets offer a special sailing experience in Croatia. They’re perfect for big groups, with 5 to 12 cabins. A mix of traditional charm and modern comfort, gulets provide all-inclusive luxury on the sea.

Known for their traditional look, gulets have 5 to 12 cabins. They’re ideal for large groups, like family gatherings. Gulets combine old-world charm with modern comforts, offering a luxurious all-in-one sailing trip.

To choose the best boat, consider your group size, budget, and desired luxury. With many options, you can find the ideal boat for an unforgettable Croatian coast holiday.

Booking and Licensing Requirements

Planning to sail a boat in Croatia is a big step. You need to book everything right and get the needed papers. Our group was diverse, with ages from 19 to 82. Everyone had sailed before near Washington and British Columbia. Even though sailing in Croatia was sometimes easier, it brought new problems we had to solve.

Booking Process

Finding a boat to charter in Croatia means you usually pay half the cost soon after you book. The other half is due a month before you sail. You can start using the boat on a Saturday afternoon, and you need to be done by the next Saturday morning. It all happens at the same place.

Licensing and Certifications

To sail in Croatia, you must be 18, have a skipper’s and VHF license, and pass a sailing test. This is the law. You can’t get out of having these papers.

A navigator and someone with a VHF license must be on board, according to Croatian rules. These licenses need to be okayed for use in Croatia. To be a skipper, you have to learn and pass an exam.

Hiring a Skipper

If you don’t want to sail yourself, hiring a skipper costs about 150 euros. The skipper needs a place to sleep on the boat, too.

There’s a special kind of license that lets you handle many boats for fun or work for five years. It costs 1290 EUR, but there’s a cheaper deal for groups. This license lets you work with boats all over the world. Another license, which is less advanced, is good just for Croatian waters. It’s cheaper and easier to get. Make sure the type of boat you rent fits the license you have by checking with the renting agency.

Provisioning and Supplies

When we got our boat, we quickly called an Uber. Our goal was to load up on food and supplies from a big store near Trogir. Many other sailors had the same idea, so the store was packed. People were grabbing food, not always sure what they were getting. Often, they had to guess by just looking at the pictures. Google Translate would have saved us from a few funny food mistakes.

Grocery Shopping

New supermarkets are popping up near boat marinas in Croatia. This is because more people are chartering boats and yachts. It’s smart to ask your taxi or transfer to stop for shopping before you get to the charter base. They say you should have about 4 litres of water daily per person when sailing in Croatia. Snacks are also a must, don’t forget crisps, sweets, and fruits. The guide advises bringing a mix of drinks and essential items like toilet paper and sunscreen.

Local Cuisine and Bakeries

For morning and midday meals, think about easy-to-make dishes and snacks. This could be stuff like cereal, salad, or pasta. Fresh bread and fruits are also key for healthy meals on the boat. They suggest checking out local markets in Croatia. It’s a great way to discover new foods and make your food experience richer.

Cash and Currency

When shopping for your trip, try to reduce waste. Use reusable containers, buy in bulk, and plan your meals well. This helps cut down on trash and is better for the planet.

Sailing the Dalmatian Coast

The Dalmatian Coast has many islands and is perfect for sailors. It has few reefs or rocks, and the wind is steady. Winds are usually between 8 and 20 knots, with small tides of 1 to 2 feet.

You can anchor in most places, except some. We anchored in quiet coves, busy inlets, and close to interesting spots like a submarine tunnel. The water is a beautiful peacock blue, so clear you can see the anchor. In some places like Vis town, you need to pay for a mooring ball.

Anchoring and Mooring

The Dalmatian Coast with many islands is perfect for sailors. It has few reefs or rocks, and the wind is steady. You can anchor in most places, except some. We anchored in quiet coves, busy inlets, and close to interesting spots like a submarine tunnel. The water is a beautiful peacock blue, so clear you can see the anchor. In some places like Vis town, you need to pay for a mooring ball.

Prevailing Winds and Weather

The wind was between 8 and 20 knots, and tides were small, like 1 to 2 feet. Croatia is known for being the sunniest spot in Europe, great for yacht charters. The sailing is usually calm, but sometimes, strong winds offer a challenge for experts.

Exploring the Islands

The towns along the Dalmatian Coast are ready for visiting yachts. They provide everything yachters might need, from groceries and warm showers to local bakeries and fun bars. Places like Vis and Korcula are small and perfect for walking around. But, be ready for lots of stairs and cobblestone streets. And yes, it’s all uphill from the port!

Transportation and Getting Around

Chartering a sailboat from Pula can take you to Unije island in just 3 hours. Silba island is around 30 miles from Zadar. You can get there in about 4 hours by sail. To reach Kornati National Park, with its 140 isles and rocks, you need 2-3 hours from Zadar, Murter, or Biograd. Chartering a boat from Zadar or Šibenik can get you to Kaprije island in 2-3 hours. Renting a sailing yacht in Dubrovnik allows a visit to Mljet island in 3 hours or so. Vis island lies in the heart of the Adriatic Sea and is about a 6-hour sail from Split. Hvar island, with its famous jet-set town, is about a 6-hour sail from Split.

Historical Sites and Attractions

Croatia is home to over 1200 islands, making it a dream for island hopping. Ten UNESCO World Heritage sites are here, and seven are easy to reach by boat. The Dalmatian Coast has many national parks with beautiful scenery and rich wildlife. This area also has historic forts, castles, and ancient cities waiting to be explored. The Dalmatian Islands are protected as national parks, perfect for a yacht vacation.

Chartering a sailboat in Croatia

Types of Charters

Chartering a sailboat in Croatia means you have many options. You can choose a classic monohull sailboat, a catamaran, or a luxurious motor yacht. The Adriatic Sea has the perfect vessel for your sailing dreams. The price you pay depends on your choices. These include the starting base, the type of charter, how long you’ll sail, the boat type, your route, and any extra services.

Charter Companies and Websites

Along the Dalmatian Coast, you’ll find many trusted charter companies. They offer various sailboats, catamarans, and yachts for your trip. We chose a 43-foot sailboat from Black Pearl Charter. They are one of the many charter firms in Marina Baotic, located 10 miles from Split. Their websites make it simple to find the right boat through detailed photos and info.

Choosing the Right Charter

Choosing the right charter is critical for a great sailing holidays in Croatia. Think about how many people will be on the boat, what facilities you need, and your sailing skill. For us, the sailboat we picked had enough beds for our eight friends. It also had two bathrooms and a kitchen. Croatia’s Dalmatian Islands are protected national parks, offering diverse sailing scenery. The coastal towns of Croatia are also full of culture and history, making your trip unique.

 Crew and Services

If you are a sailor, having certain U.S. captain certifications lets you charter a boat in Croatia too. You’ll need an FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator License to use the VHS radio on deck legally. To get this, just fill an online form, pay, and you’re set. Some companies might ask for your sailing history or other papers.

Skipper and Crew Responsibilities

Choosing a skippered yacht in Croatia means you get to cruise with a local expert who knows all the ins and outs. The skipper takes care of guiding the boat, parking, and keeping everyone safe. They also serve as your personal tour guide, giving you the scoop on the area and its culture.

Crew Accommodations

Opting for a luxury catamaran with crew means everything is taken care of. A team of 3 or more looks after cooking, cleaning, and making sure you’re comfortable the whole trip.

Additional Costs and Tips

In Croatia, expect to pay 150 to 200 euros a day for a skipper. Tipping is acceptable, with 5-10% of your charter’s cost being the norm. Your charter price covers a clean boat, linens, towels, Wi-Fi, and a skipper.

The price for a catamaran holiday in Croatia changes by the month, but usually, it’s about 7,000€ in June or September. For a fully catered private yacht trip, including everything, you’ll spend between 5,500€ and 7,500€ during the busy season. Sailing yachts with a full crew go for about 6,500€ to 7,500€ a week when it’s busiest. Off-season private yacht charters can be found at about 5,000 euros a week.

Children and Pets on Board

Chartering a sailboat in Croatia lets you take children and pets. But, it’s crucial to prepare and keep them safe. In 2022, there are many safety options for pets on sailboats. Motion sickness affects dogs more than adults, especially the young ones. It’s hard to find a vet on the Adriatic islands. And, vets can’t be called like doctors. The temperature on the Adriatic Coast can reach over 35 degrees Celsius in summer.

When kids come on board, safety is a must. We advise getting safety equipment like nets, life vests, and harnesses. In Croatia, kids are welcome on sailboats, but strict supervision is needed.Nets on the railing add extra protection for children and pets. Pets need harnesses and life vests too, to move around safely.

Bringing pets may cost you more. Some charters might ask for extra cleaning and pet fees. Pets need an European passport, a recent rabies shot, and a microchip. Tattoos don’t count. Cats handle the bathroom better than dogs onboard. Talk to a vet about Cerenia for pet motion sickness.

Amenities and Extras

When you rent a sailboat in Croatia, think about what can make your trip better. Wi-Fi is a big deal, but it might have limits on how much you can use it

Wi-Fi and Internet Access

In Croatia, you’ll find a lot of places with Wi-Fi, and most boats have it, too. Talk to the charter company early about how much data you might use. This makes sure you don’t run out during your trip.

Security Deposit and Insurance

Usually, you have to leave a security deposit when you charter a yacht in Croatia. This is to cover any damages or losses. The deposit can be given back if the boat looks like it did when you got it. There’s also insurance to keep you worry-free.

Optional Extras and Add-Ons

You might want to add more to your sailing, like special sails. There are also people you can hire, like a skipper or a cook. Their costs can be 1,000-1,400€ a week in Croatia.

Knowing about these extras can make your trip great. While sailing in Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, you’ll have a fantastic time.

Weather and Sailing Conditions

Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast is perfect for sailing from April to October. The best months are June, July, and August. This is when it’s warm, between 73°F and 86°F. People love to dive, swim, and snorkel then.But, from mid-November to March, it’s too cold for sailing in Croatia.

After the high season, the Dalmatian Coast still offers great weather for sailing. In May, it’s cooler but still nice, between 63°F and 75°F. Plus, the central Adriatic islands are sunny 2,600 hours a year. The sea is warm enough from June to September, between 12°C and 25°C.

The Adriatic Sea is usually not too rough, with small tides of 1 to 2 feet. But, there can be strong winds, like the Jugo, that make waves go as high as 10.8 meters. Also, the cost of staying at marinas might change, being lower outside the peak season. This can help your budget.