Croatia is an ideal destination for a boating adventure. With a stunning coastline and numerous islands to explore, you can experience everything from tranquil anchorages to sensational national parks and vibrant party islands.
Choose from motorboats, sailboats and catamarans or opt for a yacht for the ultimate luxury experience. You can rent a yacht with or without a skipper and plan your own excursions or opt for a full crewed charter.
Bareboat Charter
A bareboat charter is a boat rental arrangement that does not include the cost of a skipper or crew. It is also sometimes referred to as “time charter”, “charter for hire” or a ‘vessel for rent’. The difference with a regular timed charter is that the vessel owner (or their agent) remains in control and responsibility for the operation of the yacht at all times.
Bareboats are typically rented by groups of friends for cruising holidays and are usually smaller than vessels requiring a professional crew. A bareboat charter can be a more economical way of chartering than hiring a full crew. However, it also comes with more responsibilities for the charterer. As a result, it is recommended that charterers only consider bareboats when they have sufficient experience in captaining vessels of the same size.
In addition, it is important to carefully design your itinerary and select a destination that best suits your group’s sailing skills and preferences. Having adequate navigation and safety equipment on board is also important for a safe cruise. Lastly, it is recommended that charterers read and sign the bareboat charter agreement thoroughly to understand their responsibilities and liability.
Chartering a bareboat can be fun and rewarding. It allows you to explore at your own pace and stop for longer in places that you fall in love with. It also gives you the freedom to create a holiday that is truly your own. However, a bareboat charter can be more complicated than a skippered charter and may require additional insurance coverage for the yacht.
Generally, a bareboat charter is governed by the Baltic and International Maritime Conference’s standard bareboat charter contract (BARECON). In 1994 BIMCO revised the contract to remove the distinction between hirings of ships in use and those under construction financed through ship mortgage and to provide for the leasing of ships that have not yet been delivered to their owners, thereby making the agreement closer to a service contract for carriage. In addition to the standard clauses, it also includes provisions dealing with drydocking and surveys.
Sailing Flotilla
A sailing flotilla is a great option for those who want to enjoy the thrill of boating but prefer a structured trip. This type of rental includes an itinerary crafted by the yachts’ skipper to visit the best places in Croatia. The advantage of this charter is that you can leave the planning to the expert and focus on enjoying the experience with your loved ones.
If you don’t have a sailing license but still want to sail to Dubrovnik, Split, or Zadar, consider renting with a skipper. Click&Boat has a large fleet of luxury vessels that offer skippers for an additional cost. These professionals can tailor your sailing adventure to ensure that it matches the needs and desires of you and your party. They can also introduce you to hidden gems that you might not have found on your own, such as the Kornati archipelago.
During the high season, the best time for Croatia yacht charters is from June to mid-September. This period offers warm water temperatures, ideal for swimming and relaxing on the beach. It’s also a great time to explore the many islands and enjoy Croatia’s vibrant cultural scene, including festivals and events in coastal towns. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the peak season can attract a lot of tourists, so expect crowds on the water and at popular beaches.
The shoulder seasons of May to June and September offer similar conditions to the high season but with fewer tourists. These months are also a great choice for those looking to avoid the high prices and crowded marinas of the peak season.
Sailing yachts and catamarans are the most common boats for rent in Croatia. However, you can also find speedboats and RIBs for a day trip or to explore a particular coastal hotspot. When choosing a vessel, consider how long you want to cruise and your preferences. For a short cruise, a speedboat or RIB will be the fastest option and allow you to cover a lot of ground. For a longer journey, a catamaran or sailing yacht will offer more space and comfort on board.
Skippered Charter
With a skipper on board, you have the chance to leave all the boat management and sailing details to a proven professional while you enjoy your holiday. This option is perfect for those who want to focus fully on relaxation while having an expert on hand in case of any unexpected problems or emergencies. Skippers are also able to plan the daily itineraries according to the weather conditions, which is very important if you want to make the most of your holiday on the sea and explore the beautiful islands of Croatia.
The cost of hiring a skipper varies depending on the boat size and type and the destination, but the average price per day ranges from 160 to 250 euros. When choosing a skipper, it is always worth considering their experience, language skills, and previous work as a yacht captain.
A skipper can offer many benefits to your holiday, including their intimate knowledge of the area, allowing you to discover hidden coves and picturesque anchorages that you may not have found otherwise. Their expertise means you can expect a stress-free and enriching journey along the Croatian coast.
Generally, the skipper will ask for an additional amount of money (APA) in order to cover incidental expenses during your stay on board. This money is used to pay for things like mooring fees, fuel and food. The skipper will usually provide a full breakdown of this expense and will return any unspent APA at the end of your charter.
Another advantage of having a skipper on board is that they can advise you on which restaurants to visit and how much time should be spent sailing versus motoring. However, their main concern will be your safety and they will not be responsible if the weather conditions change the route you originally planned.
A skipper is a great option for those who have limited sailing experience or who are looking for a more private experience on the water. However, it is important to remember that the skipper will not be able to guarantee that your trip will be exactly as you planned it, as they will rely on their judgement and experience to navigate the boat safely.
Full Crew
Full crew boat rentals come with a captain and a yacht chef aboard to cater to your every need on the water. Choose from our thoughtfully curated selection of crewed yachts to discover a premium cruising experience in Croatia. Our luxury fleet comprises a variety of elegant motor yachts, motor sailers, and comfortable catamarans – perfect for island-hopping and exploring the magnificent Adriatic coast. Enjoy a personalized and tailor-made cruising itinerary as your crew will assist you in finding the best spots to explore, dine, swim, and dance under the stars.
A week-long yachting adventure in Croatia is the perfect amount of time to truly immerse yourself in this beautiful European country’s enchanting coastline, historic cities, and cosmopolitan culture. With four perfectly-located main airports sprinkled along its coastline, your options for embarkation are limitless.
Whether you prefer to start your sailing trip in Sibenik, the oldest town founded by Croatians, or in the musically inspired city of Zadar, a yachting vacation in Croatia is sure to leave you with a treasure trove of cherished memories.
With a remarkably diverse cultural heritage that stems from Illyrian, Roman, Venetian, and Christian influences, Croatia is home to an astounding array of stunning natural spots. From the pristine secluded islands, lush fjords, and vibrant turquoise waters to the UNESCO-listed walled cities with Italian infused architecture, Croatia’s captivating landscape is an ideal yachting destination for every type of explorer.
Sailing with a local skipper is the most exciting way to discover hidden corners of Croatia at your own leisurely pace. With flexible route itineraries and a skipper to guide you through the scenic highlights, this type of yacht charter is also considered the most affordable option for travelers on a budget. With a fully-equipped sailing yacht and onboard accommodations for up to 12 people, you can comfortably enjoy the pristine waters of the Adriatic while relaxing with family and friends in a laid back fun-loving Mediterranean beat.