If you want more space, comfort and stability than a classic monohull can offer, a catamaran is usually the best answer.
This page is your practical, skipper-written guide to catamaran charter in Croatia – how it feels on board, what it costs, where to sail and how to choose the right boat for your crew.
Use this guide together with our main yacht charter Croatia page and the search to compare different yacht types and dates. When you are ready, open the boat search and filter for catamarans only.
See every catamaran in CroatiaIntroduction to catamaran charter in Croatia
Croatia is one of the easiest places in the world to fall in love with catamarans. Distances between islands are short, the coast is packed with sheltered bays, and marinas are never too far away. That combination makes a wide, stable two-hull boat feel almost purpose-built for the Adriatic.
On this page we’ll walk through what a modern charter catamaran actually looks like, who it suits best, how much you can expect to pay in different seasons, and which Croatian regions are ideal for this kind of holiday. You will also find links to detailed itineraries, destination pages and brand overviews so you can keep exploring once you have the basics.
Treat this page as your hub – a place to come back to while you compare other options such as sailboat charter Croatia or motor yacht charter Croatia.
Why choose a catamaran in Croatia?
The most common reason people choose a catamaran over a monohull is comfort. Two hulls mean a wider platform, so a catamaran rocks less at anchor and feels more like a floating apartment than a traditional sailing yacht.
Stability and comfort
Catamarans are far less “rolly” than most monohulls. On a calm night in a bay, the difference can be huge – especially for families with kids or grandparents. Wide sugar-scoop sterns, a big cockpit and generous side decks make it easy to move around without feeling cramped.
Space for everyone
Even a 40-foot catamaran usually has an enormous salon and cockpit, plus a big forward lounge on the bow. When you put eight people on board there is still space for everyone to read, sunbathe, work remotely or simply watch the sunset in peace.
Shallow draft
Catamarans draw less water than comparable monohulls, which means you can sneak further into shallow coves, closer to beaches and onto moorings that might be too tight for deeper-keeled yachts. In Croatia – where turquoise coves and pebble beaches are everywhere – this is a real advantage.
Easy access to the water
Swim platforms, ladders and wide stern steps make getting in and out of the sea simple. For families with children, this is often the moment when they say, “Okay, now I understand why people love cats so much.”
Where a catamaran wins
- Almost no heel under sail — the reason most families and mixed-ability crews book one.
- Two hulls means two separated sleeping wings: couples sharing a boat get real privacy.
- Shallow draft (typically 1.1–1.4 m) opens bays a 2 m-draft monohull has to skip.
- A cockpit and saloon on one level, so meals, shade and the swim platform are all a step apart.
- Twin engines make Mediterranean mooring far less stressful for a crew that does not do it often.
Where a monohull is the better buy
- Croatian marinas charge a catamaran roughly 1.5–2× what a monohull of the same length pays for a berth.
- The weekly charter rate is typically 60–80 % higher than a four-cabin monohull's, and double or more with three or five cabins.
- In July and August the popular 40–45 ft cats are booked out months ahead, so late deals are rare.
- Upwind in a fresh Maestral a monohull of the same length will point higher and feel more alive.
- Some small town quays keep only a handful of catamaran-width places, so plan arrivals earlier.
Who are catamarans perfect for?
Catamarans are not only for luxury-seeking Instagram crews. In real life they work brilliantly for several types of guests:
Families with children
There is enough space for kids to play with toys or read inside while adults enjoy a quiet drink outside.
Guard rails, wide side decks and stable movement make life easier for parents and skippers alike.
Mixed-age groups
If you are travelling with parents, in-laws or friends who are not used to sailing, the catamaran’s lack of heeling and extra privacy in the cabins can make the difference between “nice trip” and “let’s do this every year”.
Groups of friends
Two or three couples get cabins in separate hulls, a cockpit table for long dinners and a bow lounge for the sunset drink — room a monohull of the same length does not have.
Long-stay guests
With solar panels, inverters and good planning, many charter catamarans can support a laptop lifestyle for a week or more.
If staying connected is important, we will advise you on 4G/5G coverage, data SIMs and Wi‑Fi options along your chosen route.
Catamaran sizes and layouts
Most charter catamarans in Croatia fall into four broad size brackets. Choosing the right one is about more than just “how many beds” – it affects comfort, price, marina fees and which harbours will feel practical.
Up to 40 feet – compact and efficient
Smaller cats are ideal for four to six guests who want the benefits of twin hulls but still keep marina costs down.
They manoeuvre more easily in tight spaces, sip less fuel and can usually fit into the most popular marinas without stress.
40–45 feet – the sweet spot for most crews
This is the commonest size in the Croatian charter fleet. You’ll get four cabins, two to four bathrooms, a generous salon and a cockpit that comfortably hosts eight people for dinner.
For most families and friend groups, this feels like a floating villa.
45–50 feet – more space, more privacy
Here you move into serious-comfort territory: separate lounging zones, bigger fridges, more storage and often a dedicated skipper cabin.
If you’re planning a special trip, travelling as two families or simply want more breathing space, this size range is ideal.
50 feet and above – luxury catamarans
These yachts often feature flybridges, separate crew quarters and amenities such as generators, air-conditioning and water-makers.
Many of them come with the charter company's crew; the rest are chartered bareboat or with our skipper. The crewed ones sit close to luxury yacht charter Croatia.
Layout choices
Most modern charter cats have either four or five guest cabins, with additional crew cabins in the bows. When you take our skipper or cook, each needs a bed of their own – the skipper a real cabin.
Our search does this for you: set the number of persons and choose With skipper, and it lists only boats with a real cabin to spare for the skipper.
Popular catamaran brands and models in Croatia
In Croatian marinas you will see familiar silhouettes from leading shipyards: Lagoon, Bali, Fountaine Pajot, Excess, Dufour, Nautitech and a few others. Each brand has its own philosophy – some favour maximum comfort and volume, others lean more towards sailing performance.
For example, Lagoon and Bali dominate the family-holiday segment with models such as Lagoon 40, Lagoon 42, Lagoon 46 and the Bali Catspace, 4.2 or 4.6 – all of which you’ll regularly find in our yacht brands Croatia catalogue. Fountaine Pajot and Nautitech offer slightly sportier lines, while still keeping plenty of comfort for long weeks on board.
You don’t need to become a naval architect overnight. Tell us how you like to travel – quiet bays vs lively towns, lazy afternoons vs active sailing – and say so when you reply to the boats email, and one of us will tell you which models suit your style and budget.
How much does it cost to rent a catamaran in Croatia?
Prices vary by size, age, season and location, but you can use these ranges as a realistic starting point for a one‑week charter:
Low season (mid-April to May, and October)
A 40–42 ft cat runs roughly 3.200–4.600 € a week from mid-April to the end of May and 3.000–4.400 € in October; 45–50 ft boats about 4.200–6.800 €. Brand-new boats sit higher, but availability is good and marinas are quiet.
Shoulder season (June and September)
Expect roughly 5.900–9.000 € a week for a 40–42 ft cat and 8.800–14.000 € for 45–50 ft, with brand-new yachts going beyond this range. This is often the best balance of price, weather and crowd levels.
High season (July and August)
This is when demand peaks. A 40–42 ft cat that costs 3.200–4.600 € in May runs 7.600–11.500 € here, and 45–50 ft boats 10.500–17.000 €. If you are fixed to school holidays, booking early is strongly recommended.
Remember that charter price usually does not include fuel, marinas, tourist tax, refundable security deposit or optional extras such as Wi‑Fi, stand‑up paddle boards or early check‑in.
Each boat’s page lists them with exact amounts and shows what you pay when, before you book — no surprises at the marina.
Catamaran charter prices in Croatia, per week (boat only)
| Season | 40–42 ft · 4 cabins | 45–50 ft · 4–5 cabins |
|---|---|---|
| Early season · mid-April to end of May | 3.200 – 4.600 € | 4.400 – 6.800 € |
| Shoulder · June and September | 5.900 – 9.000 € | 8.800 – 14.000 € |
| Peak · July and August | 7.600 – 11.500 € | 10.500 – 17.000 € |
| Late season · October | 3.000 – 4.400 € | 4.200 – 6.500 € |
Indicative ranges for boats lying in Croatian marinas, based on the list rates our catalogue carries across the major fleets. They are a planning guide, not a quote — the search prices a specific boat and week with any discount already applied.
What you pay on top of the charter fee
| Cost | Typical amount | When you pay it |
|---|---|---|
| Transit log (mandatory) | 250 – 450 € | Before arrival or at the base, as the charter company sets it |
| Final cleaning | 150 – 300 € | At the base, usually in the transit log |
| Tourist tax | 8 – 12 € per person / week | At the base |
| Marina berths, 6 nights | 480 – 900 € | As you go — see the berthing note below |
| Fuel, a normal island-hopping week | 120 – 300 € | Refuel before returning the boat |
| Security deposit (refundable) | 2.500 – 5.000 € | Blocked on a card at check-in, released after check-out |
| Skipper, if you take one | from 2.100 € a week | Our skipper, by the whole week — plus their food, or a daily food allowance |
Croatian marinas charge a catamaran more than a monohull of the same length, so a 40 ft cat pays roughly what a 55–60 ft monohull pays. In high season an ACI berth for a 12 m catamaran runs about 110–180 € a night; town quays and buoy fields are cheaper, and a night at anchor is free.
Bareboat, skippered or crewed catamaran?
You can enjoy a catamaran in three main ways, depending on your experience and how relaxed you want the week to feel.
Bareboat charter
If someone in your group holds a skipper licence Croatia accepts and a VHF certificate, you may be able to charter bareboat.
This gives you full control over the route and the boat, but also full responsibility.
For many experienced sailors who are used to monohulls, a first catamaran charter in Croatia is an exciting upgrade.
Skippered charter
You can add our skipper for the week, from 2.100 €. They know the local winds, marinas and anchorages, handle the docking and keep an eye on the weather so you can focus on enjoying the trip.
When you choose a skippered catamaran, remember that the skipper needs their own cabin.
Crewed catamarans
Some larger and more premium catamarans come with the charter company's crew in the price – a skipper, often a cook or a hostess, sometimes a deckhand.
This is perfect when you want a true hotel‑style experience on the water. Fully crewed cats sit in the space between standard boats and pure luxury yacht charter.
In the background, our boat search engine always groups results correctly: if you choose With skipper, it includes bareboat, skippered and crewed catamarans alike — once you set the number of persons, only those with room for a skipper beside your party.
Best regions and routes for catamarans in Croatia
Catamarans can sail almost anywhere along the Croatian coast, but a few areas work especially well.
Central Dalmatia – Split and the islands
Starting from the main Split yacht charter bases, you can combine Brač, Hvar, Vis and Šolta into a relaxed loop with short hops between islands and plenty of protected anchorages.
Towns such as Hvar and Komiža offer great nightlife, while quiet bays around Šolta or Pakleni Otoci are perfect for lazy evenings at anchor.
Southern Dalmatia – Dubrovnik and Mljet
From a Dubrovnik yacht charter base you can explore the Elaphiti islands, Mljet National Park and the southern Pelješac peninsula.
Catamarans are ideal here because they let you anchor in wider, shallow bays where the views of the old town walls and monasteries are unforgettable.
Northern Dalmatia – Zadar and the Kornati
Starting from a Zadar yacht charter you can weave through countless islets in the Kornati and Telašćica area.
Here the shallow draft and stability of a catamaran shine – you’ll spend nights anchored in quiet coves under an enormous sky.
For more detailed day‑by‑day route ideas, explore our itineraries in Croatia and dedicated Itinerary Library.
How far the islands really are from Split
| Leg from Split / Trogir | Distance | Under sail |
|---|---|---|
| Trogir → Split (base to base) | 10 nm | 1 h 30 m |
| Split → Maslinica, Šolta | 12 nm | 2 h |
| Split → Milna, Brač | 11 nm | 1 h 45 m |
| Split → Hvar Town | 22 nm | 3 h 30 m |
| Hvar → Vis Town | 14 nm | 2 h 15 m |
| Vis → Korčula Town | 42 nm | 6 h 40 m |
| Split → Korčula Town (direct) | 45 nm | 7 h |
Distances are rounded rhumb-line miles; times assume 6–6.5 knots, which is what a 40–45 ft charter catamaran averages over a day with a reef in and the engines off. Add time for a headwind, and plan a long leg for the morning — the Maestral builds through the afternoon.
Sample route
A relaxed catamaran week from Split or Trogir
SaturdayBase → Šolta12 nm
Check-in runs from late afternoon, so take the short hop to Maslinica or Šešula bay and have the first dinner at anchor rather than racing anywhere.
SundayŠolta → Vis22 nm
The longest open-water leg of the week, done early. Vis Town's quay takes catamarans on the outer section; book ahead in August.
MondayVis → Biševo → Komiža14 nm
Morning at the Blue Cave by tender or local boat, then round to Komiža. A cat's shallow draft is worth real money in Stiniva and Srebrna.
TuesdayVis → Hvar14 nm
Anchor off the Pakleni islands rather than in Hvar Town itself — Palmižana has catamaran-width berths and a tender ride into town.
WednesdayHvar → Bol, Brač18 nm
Zlatni Rat and a marina night with laundry and provisioning. Wednesday is a good day to be in a marina: it splits the week's swimming in two.
ThursdayBol → Milna16 nm
A slow coastal day along the south of Brač, with lunch at anchor in Lučice or Osibova.
FridayMilna → base11 nm
Back within reach of the base and fuelled up. Charters check out on Saturday morning, and a Friday night an hour away is the difference between a calm departure and a 6 a.m. delivery.
About 105 nm over six sailing days — a comfortable week that leaves room to sit out a windy day. Every leg has a sheltered alternative within an hour if the forecast turns.
When is the best time to charter a catamaran?
You can sail catamarans in Croatia from April until late October, but each month has its own character.
May and June
Longer days, comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. Sea temperature is cooler in May and very pleasant by late June.
Winds are usually moderate, with the classic afternoon Maestral thermal breeze building after lunch.
July and August
This is high summer: warm seas, busy marinas and lively coastal towns. It’s a fantastic time for swimming and nightlife, but you need to book well in advance.
Expect occasional stronger winds such as Bora or Jugo – your skipper and base staff will brief you how to plan around them.
September and October
For many skippers, this is the sweet spot. The sea is still warm, anchorages are quieter and prices begin to drop again.
Days are shorter but still comfortably long for relaxed passages between islands.
What life on board a catamaran actually feels like
On a typical day you’ll wake up to the sound of water lapping gently on the hulls, make coffee in the spacious galley and slide open the large cockpit doors so the entire living area becomes one big indoor‑outdoor space.
Breakfast happens in the shade, with kids jumping straight off the stern for a morning swim.
During the day, some guests relax on the bow nets or flybridge while others read in the salon. There is always a quiet corner to retreat to. In the evening you can either anchor in a bay and cook on board, head to a local konoba with a mooring buoy, or move into a marina for hot showers and a walk ashore.
If you work remotely, a catamaran gives you comfortable seating, good light and a reasonably flat surface, even while underway.
With a local data SIM and a decent router, many stretches of the Croatian coast now have very solid 4G/5G coverage.
How to choose the right catamaran for your crew
When you use our search or talk to our advisors, think about these points:
- How many people are coming – and will you take our skipper or cook?
Remember every professional crew member needs their own cabin or dedicated berth.
- What level of comfort do you expect?
Older boats are cheaper but more basic; newer models bring better light, ventilation and energy systems.
- How important is sailing performance?
If you care more about relaxed island‑hopping and comfort at anchor, most mainstream models are perfect.
If you want a livelier feel under sail, tell us and we’ll suggest the right brands and rigs.
- Do you prefer marinas every night or more nights at anchor?
This affects generator, water‑maker and battery needs. Each boat’s page lists its generator, watermaker and solar panels, so check them against your plan before you book.
If you’re still unsure, start by browsing a few options in our boat search Croatia and then fill in the enquiry form. Within minutes you get up to 40 boats that fit, each checked live with its charter company.
The numbers that actually decide the boat
- Cabins you need
- One per couple, plus one for a skipper
- Comfortable crew size
- 8 guests on a 4-cabin 42 ft
- Draft
- 1.1 – 1.4 m
- Average day under sail
- 6 – 6.5 knots
- Sensible daily distance
- 15 – 25 nm
- Berth vs a monohull
- 1.5 – 2× the price
How booking and availability work
Behind the scenes we use the professional booking system most Croatian charter companies run their fleets on.
That means when you search from our Find a Yacht page or send an enquiry, you see their boats, prices and calendars, refreshed from that system on a schedule – and the boats we email after an enquiry are checked live with each charter company.
Key points:
– The dates stay the ones you chose: a boat whose charter company does not accept them is left out, and so is one its calendar shows as booked.
– With the number of persons set and With skipper chosen, the search lists only boats with a real cabin to spare for the skipper.
– If you select catamarans, the system only returns matching boat types – while still letting you compare with other options such as Power catamaran charter Croatia or gulet charter Croatia if you wish.
Each boat’s page carries everything – with photos, layout, price breakdown and all mandatory/optional costs. Hold the boat online with a free option; once you book, the charter company’s payment plan applies, typically 50 % at booking and the rest before the charter, and you can start planning routes, restaurants and anchorages.
Why book your catamaran with SkipperCity?
There are many places online where you can book a catamaran. What we add is simple: we combine the reach of a large platform with the mindset of a skipper-run agency.
- Local expertise
We sail these waters ourselves. That means our replies are not guesswork: we know which bases are well-organised, which marinas are easy with a catamaran, and which routes make sense in real weather.
- Honest advice
If a catamaran looks great on paper but we know it tends to feel cramped with eight adults, we’ll tell you. The goal is not just to “fill a week” but to send you home genuinely rested and excited to return.
- Recommended partners
The search sells every catamaran in a Croatian marina and lists first the charter companies we recommend. In practice this means faster communication, clearer paperwork and fewer surprises on check‑in day.
- Ongoing support
From first enquiry to final mooring line, you can reach us with questions about provisioning, transfers, parking, restaurants and more. If something unexpected happens, you will not be left alone to figure it out.
Local yacht-charter experts in Croatia
Personal support before and during your charter.
Every boat in Croatia, recommended fleets first
Prices from the charter companies, refreshed on a schedule.
Fair prices, free advice & no hidden fees
Never above the charter company’s own price—plus expert guidance.
Secure payments & protected bookings
Your charter reservation and personal data are safe.
Personalized customer service
Friendly support teams ready to help before and during your charter.
Frequently asked questions about catamaran charter in Croatia
Is a catamaran suitable for first-time sailors?
Yes – especially if you sail with a professional skipper. The boat feels stable, movement is gentle and there is plenty of space to move around safely. If you want to skipper yourself, we recommend previous experience on smaller yachts before jumping straight into a big cat.
Do I need a licence to charter a catamaran?
For bareboat charter in Croatia you need a recognised skipper licence plus a VHF certificate. If you do not have these, choose a skippered or crewed catamaran and let a professional handle the formalities and manoeuvres.
What is the difference between a catamaran and a classic sailing yacht?
Catamarans have two hulls and a much wider deck, so they offer more living space and stay flatter under sail. A classic monohull is more compact and heels more when sailing, which some purists love. If you are unsure, read our comparison on sailboat charter Croatia or ask us directly for advice.
How early should I book?
For July–August departures, booking 9–12 months ahead gives you the best choice of boats and prices. For June and September, six months in advance is usually fine. Last‑minute deals do exist, but they are unpredictable – especially for larger or newer cats.
Are catamarans safe for children?
Yes, provided normal common-sense safety rules are followed. Wide side decks, strong guard rails and stable movement are very helpful.
Children's life jackets and safety netting can be ordered from the charter company.
Can we charter for less than a week?
Standard charters are Saturday–Saturday, but in early and late season some fleets allow shorter bookings or flexible start days.
Search with your dates: the results show only boats whose charter company accepts them.
How much should we budget for fuel and marinas?
Fuel costs depend on how much you motor versus sail, but for a typical 40–45 ft catamaran you might expect roughly 120–300 € per week.
Marina and mooring fees vary by region and time of year; the berth prices in the table above are a realistic guide.
What is included in the charter price?
Usually the bare charter fee includes the yacht itself and standard equipment. On top of that you can expect a mandatory transit log or final cleaning fee, tourist tax, refundable security deposit or damage waiver, and any optional extras you choose. Each boat’s page lists these clearly so you can compare apples with apples.
