If you imagine Croatia as long days on deck, the smell of wood and sea, and a crew that simply takes care of everything, then a gulet or motorsailer is probably what you are looking for. These traditional-style wooden ships offer wide decks, comfortable cabins and a fully crewed experience – more like a boutique hotel on the water than a classic bareboat charter.
What Is a Gulet & Motorsailer Charter in Croatia?
A gulet is a traditional-style wooden motorsailer, usually with two or three masts and strong engines. In practice, most of the movement is done under power, with sails raised occasionally when conditions and schedule allow. Gulets are designed for comfort and socialising rather than high-performance sailing – big decks, shaded dining areas and generous cabins are the focus.
Motorsailers and mini-cruisers in Croatia follow the same philosophy, but can be built from steel or modern materials and sometimes carry more cabins. All of them are fully crewed boats: captain, deckhand, cook and often additional staff. Instead of shopping, cooking and dealing with moorings yourself, you simply agree the route with the captain and enjoy your time on board.
How a Gulet Differs from a Classic Charter Yacht
Compared with a private catamaran or motor yacht, a gulet feels more like a small ship. Cabins are usually not huge, but they are comfortable, air-conditioned and all have private bathrooms. The main living area is outside – large tables under awnings, sun mattresses on deck and plenty of space for everyone to spread out.
Most gulets are booked on a half-board or full-board basis, which means that breakfast and lunch are cooked on board – usually an obligatory extra per person on top of the charter fee. You can still go ashore for some meals, but the best food of the trip is often cooked by the onboard chef.
Gulet vs Classic Yacht vs Small-Ship Cruise
When people compare options, gulets usually sit somewhere between a private yacht charter and an organised small-ship cruise. You have your own boat just for your group, with a crew that adapts the route to you, but you also enjoy the structure of set menus, housekeeping and a clear weekly package price.
If you prefer more independence and want to be active in handling the boat, a sailboat or catamaran may fit better. If you want higher speeds and a very modern feel, consider a power catamaran or luxury motor yacht. But if your dream is long, lazy meals, swimming stops and evenings at anchor with good wine, a gulet is hard to beat.
Best Regions in Croatia for Gulet Cruises
Gulets and motorsailers usually operate along the Dalmatian coast, where islands sit in long chains and distances suit the comfortable cruising speeds of these vessels. The exact route is always adapted to weather, harbour availability and your preferences.
Central Dalmatia – Split, Trogir & the Islands
Nearly every gulet in the search starts its week from Split or a harbour beside it — Kaštela, Stobreč, Omiš or Trogir. From here you can sail a relaxed loop that includes Šolta, Brač, Hvar, Vis and the Pakleni islands. Distances are short enough for two or three swim stops per day, and there is always a sheltered bay nearby if the afternoon wind picks up.
Southern Dalmatia – Dubrovnik & Mljet
Only the odd gulet lies near Dubrovnik; a week in the south usually starts in Split. The Elafiti islands, Mljet National Park and the southern side of Korčula all offer quiet bays, small ports and plenty of green scenery. Here, gulets often combine scenic anchorages with evenings in historic towns.
Northern Routes – Šibenik & Kornati
A few gulets lie further north, around Šibenik, within reach of the Kornati archipelago and Krka. If you have a specific idea in mind, say so when you reply to the boats email and we will tell you which gulet fits.
Types of Gulets & Motorsailers You Can Charter
The Croatian gulet and motorsailer fleet ranges from simple, authentic wooden boats to fully refitted luxury vessels with high-end cabins and rich water-toy collections. The right choice depends on your expectations around comfort, budget and group size.
Classic Wooden Gulets
Traditional gulets are built from wood, often with a warm, slightly rustic interior. Cabins tend to be compact but cosy, with double or twin beds, private bathrooms and air-conditioning for a certain number of hours each day. These boats are perfect for families or groups of friends who value atmosphere and time together over polished designer details.
Modern Motorsailers & Mini-Cruisers
Larger motorsailers and mini-cruisers offer more cabins, bigger saloons and multiple deck levels. They may host 12–20 guests in comfort and feel close to a small private cruise ship. They suit multi-generational families, corporate groups or celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries.
Luxury Gulets
At the top end of the market you will find luxury gulets with spacious cabins, stylish lounges, jacuzzis on deck and a full set of water toys: SUPs, kayaks, seabobs and more. Service level is similar to a boutique hotel – attentive but relaxed – and menus can be tailored to your preferences well before departure.
Life On Board a Crewed Gulet
A typical gulet day starts with breakfast on deck while the crew prepares the boat for departure. After an easy cruise to the next bay you swim, snorkel, read or nap while the cook works on lunch. Afternoons can be active – exploring ashore, using water toys – or completely slow. Evenings are usually spent moored in a quiet bay or tied to a small town quay, with dinner on board or in a local konoba.
Cabins, Deck Space & Comfort
Cabins are not as large as hotel rooms, but they are comfortable and private. Most gulets in Croatia have en-suite bathrooms, plenty of storage and air-conditioning during agreed hours. The real luxury is on deck: wide beam means huge outdoor living areas, and everyone in the group can always find a favourite corner – sun or shade, front or back of the boat.
Crew & Service
The crew is a big part of the gulet experience. A good captain knows the coast intimately and will suggest bays and timing that avoid the worst crowds. The cook and deckhands keep the boat tidy, serve meals, mix drinks and help with water toys. You quickly fall into a relaxed rhythm where all the practical details are taken care of for you.
Example 7-Day Gulet Itinerary in Dalmatia
Routes vary from boat to boat, but this sample route from Split / Trogir shows what a comfortable week might look like. Distances are modest so there is always time for swimming and long meals.
Day 1 – Split / Trogir → Šolta
Arrival, welcome drink and safety briefing. Short cruise to a quiet bay on Šolta for your first swim. Dinner on board and a calm first night at anchor.
Day 2 – Šolta → Brač
Morning cruise towards Brač with a swim stop in a secluded cove. Afternoon arrival near Bol or one of the quieter bays on the northern side. Sunset walk ashore or a relaxed evening on deck.
Day 3 – Brač → Hvar
Easy run to the Pakleni islands and Hvar. Lunch at anchor, then choose between a quiet night on a buoy or an evening visit to Hvar town. Your captain times arrivals to avoid the busiest periods as much as possible.
Day 4 – Hvar → Vis
Longer leg to Vis, with options to visit the Blue Cave or simply enjoy bays on the south side of the island. Gulets often anchor in peaceful coves where you can dine under the stars with little light pollution.
Day 5 – Around Vis
Short hops around the island – maybe Stončica in the morning, then a late afternoon mooring in Vis town. Guests can explore the old streets, enjoy a drink ashore and return to the boat for dessert.
Day 6 – Vis → Šolta / Čiovo
Start the return leg towards Split, with a relaxed day on the water and one or two favourite swim stops along the way. Final festive dinner on board.
Day 7 – Šolta / Čiovo → Split / Trogir
Short cruise back to base, breakfast underway and final coffee in town before checking out. Split and Trogir are both worth a night after disembarkation.
Gulet Charter Prices in Croatia
Gulet charter prices are usually quoted for the whole boat per week, including crew and basic operations. Smaller classic gulets start around 13.000–17.000 € per week in low season, while in July and August a superior gulet runs about 20.000–30.000 € and a deluxe one 30.000–50.000 €. Luxury gulets and mini-cruisers can go significantly higher, especially when offering all-inclusive service and a large crew.
Food, drinks and port fees can be organised as a separate advance provisioning allowance (APA), a fixed package per person or a mix of the two. Before you book, ask us and we will check that boat's terms so you know exactly what is included and what remains flexible.
Gulet charter in Croatia, per week (whole boat, high season)
| Category | Whole boat | Guests |
|---|---|---|
| Standard gulet | 14.000 – 20.000 € | 10–12 in 5–6 cabins |
| Superior gulet | 20.000 – 30.000 € | 10–14 in 6–7 cabins |
| Deluxe gulet | 30.000 – 50.000 € | 10–16 in 6–8 cabins |
| Large motorsailer, 115–160 ft | 40.000 – 150.000 € | Larger groups, 5–18 cabins |
July and August list rates; June runs close to them, and May, September and October typically about 20–25 % below. Crew wages are always included — a gulet is never bareboat.
What’s Included: Half-Board, Drinks & Extras
Most Croatian gulets are offered on a half-board basis – breakfast and lunch, sold as an obligatory extra on most boats at typically 450–650 € a person for the week – with water and sometimes basic soft drinks included during meals. Some yachts also offer full-board or all-inclusive beverage packages. Details vary from boat to boat; the boat’s page and its offer list what is included.
Port fees, marina stays and fuel for longer routes are usually covered from the APA or paid directly along the way. Additional services such as water toys with engines, national park tickets or one-off special dinners are agreed with the captain and settled transparently.
Half board: what that actually means on a Croatian gulet
| Item | Included? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Captain, cook and deckhands | Yes | Always — a gulet is a crewed charter |
| Breakfast and lunch, prepared on board | Usually an obligatory extra | About 450–650 € a person a week — this is what "half board" means here |
| Dinner | No | Ashore, at your own cost — budget 25 – 45 € a head |
| Drinks | No | From the on-board bar list, or bring your own with a corkage |
| Fuel | Often up to a daily limit | Many gulets include about four to five hours' cruising a day and charge fuel beyond it; on the largest boats it comes out of the APA — each boat's page lists its rule |
| Marina berths and port fees | Usually an extra | On most gulets an obligatory extra, paid in cash along the way at actual cost — often listed at about 1.000–2.000 € a week for the boat; on some it comes out of the APA |
| Tourist tax | No | 8 – 12 € per person per week |
| Crew gratuity | At your discretion | Customarily 5–15 % of the charter fee |
Full board (dinner on board as well) usually costs about 200–300 € a person a week more than half board. The comparison worth making before you book is total cost per person per week, not the headline weekly rate — a cheaper gulet that quotes berths and fuel separately can end up dearer than an all-in one.
Who Is a Gulet Charter Ideal For?
Gulets and motorsailers are perfect for groups who want maximum relaxation and shared time together. Multi-generational families, groups of friends celebrating an anniversary, or small corporate teams often find that a gulet gives them the right balance of privacy and easy social spaces.
If you prefer not to worry about provisioning, cooking or operating the boat, but still want a private atmosphere instead of sharing a larger cruise ship, a gulet charter is an excellent choice.
A gulet week in numbers
- Guests
- 8 – 16 in en-suite cabins
- Crew
- 3 – 7, always included
- Typical day
- 2 – 4 hours under way
- Speed
- 8 – 10 knots, engines
- Sailing involved
- None required of guests
- Book by
- Autumn, for the following July
Why Book Your Gulet with SkipperCity
SkipperCity is a charter agency with its team in Split and Trogir that works across all main yacht types – from catamarans and sailboats to motor yachts and luxury yachts. That means we can give you honest advice on when a gulet is the right answer – and when another option might suit you better.
We know the local fleets, captains and typical standards on different vessels. Reply to the email of boats we send and we will tell you how the gulets compare in terms of comfort, food style, crew language skills and value. The wider fleet overview on the Fleet We Charter page makes it easier to see how gulets fit into the full Yacht Charter Croatia picture.
How to Book Your Gulet or Motorsailer
Because gulets and motorsailers are more specialised than standard charter yachts, the best way to start is with the enquiry form. Tell us your dates, number of guests, preferred departure area (nearly every gulet leaves from Split or a harbour beside it) and whether you prefer a more traditional or more modern style of boat. Within minutes you get the gulets free for your dates, each checked live with its charter company.
If you want to explore other boat types in parallel, you can also use our online boat search tool to see catamarans, sailboats and motor yachts for the same dates, and compare ideas side by side.
FAQ – Gulet Charter Croatia
Do gulets actually sail or do they mostly motor?
Most Croatian gulets and motorsailers travel mainly under power, with sails raised when conditions, timing and route allow. If you are looking for active sailing every day, a classic sailboat or performance yacht might be better – but if comfort and easy movement between bays are the priority, gulets work beautifully.
How many people can we bring on a gulet?
Typical private gulets in Croatia host 8–12 guests in 4–6 cabins, while larger motorsailers and mini-cruisers can take 16–20 guests or more. Safety rules, cabin layout and comfort level all influence the final capacity – each boat’s page gives its maximum.
Is a gulet charter suitable for children?
Yes. Wide decks, shaded areas and easy access to the water make them very family-friendly. As with any boat, parents should supervise young children, and the charter company can provide life jackets in children’s sizes – ask for them when you book.
When is the best time of year for a gulet cruise?
The gulet season in Croatia runs from mid-April to the end of October. July and August are warmest and have the liveliest atmosphere in towns, while June and September often offer calmer bays and slightly milder temperatures – very comfortable for long meals on deck.
Can we adapt the route during the week?
Within reason, yes. Weather, port reservations and fuel range set some boundaries, but captains are usually flexible. If you discover that your group loves quiet bays more than towns, or wants to focus on certain islands, the crew will adjust the plan as conditions allow.
