Yacht charter and Boat rental in Croatia

With more than a thousand islands, numerous marinas and sailing routes for different experience levels, Croatia is one of the Mediterranean's main yacht charter destinations.

Rent a sailing yacht for a week exploring the Dalmatian islands, book a catamaran for a family holiday or choose a motor yacht to cover longer distances. Boats are available with or without a professional skipper.

Most weekly charters depart from Split, Trogir, Zadar, Šibenik or Dubrovnik. The right starting point depends on which islands you want to visit, how much time you have and your sailing experience.

How much does a yacht charter in Croatia cost?

The cost of renting a yacht in Croatia depends mainly on the type of boat, travel dates and departure marina. July and August are generally the most expensive months, while May, June, September and October offer lower rates.

Typical weekly base prices:

These are indicative ranges based on 2026 prices. Individual boats may cost less or more.

The advertised charter price may not include fuel, marina fees, final cleaning, tourist tax or a professional skipper. A refundable security deposit may also be required.

For a more detailed breakdown, read our guide to yacht charter prices in Croatia.

Money-saving tip: If your dates are flexible, compare the same yacht in June and September against July and August. A change of travel dates can make a substantial difference to the total cost.

Where to charter a yacht in Croatia

Split and Trogir: For island hopping

Split Region has one of Croatia's largest concentrations of charter yachts. Popular departure marinas include ACI Marina Split, Marina Kaštela and several marinas around Trogir.

From here, you can explore Brač, Hvar, Šolta, Vis and the Pakleni Islands during a one-week sailing holiday.

Choose this area if you want a combination of island towns, swimming stops, restaurants and relatively short passages.

For inspiration, see our 7-day sailing itinerary from Split.

Zadar: For national parks and quieter islands

A yacht charter in Zadar provides access to the Kornati archipelago, Dugi Otok, Telašćica Nature Park and numerous smaller islands.

Zadar, Sukošan and Biograd na Moru are popular charter bases. The region offers a mixture of short island passages, sheltered bays and more remote anchorages.

The Kornati Islands are particularly suitable for crews interested in swimming, walking and spending time away from larger towns.

Read our Kornati sailing itinerary from Pirovac for a practical route through the area.

Dubrovnik: For southern Dalmatia

Renting a yacht in Dubrovnik allows you to explore the Elaphiti Islands, Mljet, Korčula and Lastovo.

This area combines historic coastal towns with longer passages and less densely developed islands. It is particularly interesting for crews planning a week around southern Dalmatia rather than attempting to cover the entire Croatian coastline.

Explore our 7-day sailing itinerary around Dubrovnik.

Istria and Kvarner: For the northern Adriatic

Istria is a practical starting point for travellers arriving by car from Central Europe. Pula is a major charter base, with routes towards Rovinj, the Brijuni Islands and Kvarner.

The Kvarner area includes Cres, Lošinj, Krk and Rab. Some passages are more exposed to wind, particularly during periods of strong bora.

For a route along the western Istrian coast, see our 7-day sailing itinerary from Pula.

Which type of boat should you rent?

Sailing yachts

A sailing yacht charter in Croatia is generally the most economical option for a traditional sailing holiday.

Models from Bavaria, Beneteau, Jeanneau and Dufour are widely available, typically with two to five cabins. Sailing yachts are a practical choice for couples, families and groups who want to spend more time under sail.

Catamarans

A catamaran charter in Croatia offers more living space, separate cabin areas and a relatively stable platform at anchor.

Catamarans are particularly popular with larger groups and families. However, they generally cost more to rent and may incur higher marina fees because of their width.

Motor yachts

A motor yacht charter in Croatia is suitable for travellers who want to visit several destinations without depending on sailing winds.

Motor yachts can cover longer distances in less time, although fuel consumption can significantly increase the holiday budget.

Gulets

A gulet charter in Croatia is an option for larger groups looking for a holiday with a professional crew.

These traditional motor-sailing vessels typically provide spacious decks, multiple guest cabins and onboard services. They are often rented for a full week.

When is the best time to sail in Croatia?

The main yacht charter season runs from May to October.

May and June generally offer lower charter prices, fewer boats in popular harbours and comfortable conditions for sailing. Sea temperatures may still be relatively cool early in the season.

July and August bring the warmest swimming conditions, the greatest demand for boats and higher marina fees. Popular harbours and buoy fields can fill quickly.

September and October are often attractive for travellers seeking lower prices and fewer crowds. Weather can be less predictable later in the season.

The prevailing summer maestral usually provides afternoon sailing winds. Stronger bora and jugo winds can occur throughout the season and require adjustments to your route.

Bareboat or skippered yacht charter?

With a bareboat charter, you operate the yacht yourself. The skipper must hold qualifications accepted by the Croatian authorities for the specific vessel and operating area. Appropriate VHF radio certification may also be required.

Before booking, confirm that your certificates are accepted by both the charter company and the relevant Croatian authorities. A certificate accepted in another country is not automatically sufficient in Croatia.

With a skippered charter, a professional captain handles navigation, mooring and operation of the yacht. This is suitable for travellers without the required qualifications or those who prefer not to take responsibility for the boat.

A skipper normally requires accommodation on board. Check whether their fee is included in the rental price.

For further details on maritime regulations, anchoring restrictions and safety requirements, consult our Croatian Sailing Guide 2026.

Planning your sailing route

A seven-day charter is enough to explore one Croatian sailing region without spending the entire holiday travelling between distant destinations.

For example, a week from Split could include Šolta, Brač, Hvar, the Pakleni Islands and Vis. A northern Dalmatian route could focus on Dugi Otok, Kornati and Telašćica.

When planning your route, consider the daily sailing distance, weather forecast, available overnight berths and the time needed to return to your departure marina.

Anchoring is restricted in certain coastal areas, including designated bathing areas and protected zones. National and nature parks may also require permits or have their own mooring arrangements.

Yacht charter and Boat rental in Croatia

Charter a yacht and explore Croatia! Prices start from 696 kr per day. Choose from the largest selection of sailboats, motor boats, catamarans, motor yachts, gulets and power catamarans.

Popular regions are Adriatic Sea, Mediterranean Sea, Split Region, Zadar Region, Sibenik Region, Kvarner, Istria, Krk, Dubrovnik Region, Murter, Kvarner, Hvar, Rab, Brac, Korcula, Mali Lošinj, Pag, Ugljan, Vis island, Solta, Cres and Dugi Otok.