Šibenik has emerged as a hidden gem for yacht charters in Croatia. It’s less crowded than the more famous Split or Dubrovnik, yet provides equally spectacular sailing grounds. The city’s Marina Mandalina is one of the best places to begin a charter, putting you just a couple of hours’ sail from the breathtaking Kornati National Par. In fact, Šibenik is widely known as a gateway to the Kornati Islands and offers easy access to other coastal attractions. Additionally, Šibenik’s location between Zadar and Split means you can flexibly plan routes north or south along the Adriatic.

On land, Šibenik itself is worth exploring. The medieval old town boasts the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of St. James and the 16th-century St. Nicholas Fortress guarding the harbour entrance. But the real appeal for sailors is offshore – hundreds of islands, crystal-clear waters, and well-equipped marinas make this region a top choice for a yacht charter Croatia holiday.

Types of Boats Available in Šibenik

When it comes to boat rental Šibenik offerings, there’s a wide variety of vessels to choose from. Charter fleets in the area include everything from small day boats to large luxury yachts:

• Sailing Yachts Šibenik: Classic single-hull sailboats ranging from about 30 to 50+ feet. These are ideal for those who love the art of sailing. They come in bareboat or skippered options, and their agility makes them perfect for exploring tight coves and traditional harbours. Sailing yachts are popular for week-long charters around the Dalmatian islands.
   
• Catamarans Šibenik: Twin-hulled sailboats known for stability and spaciousness. Catamarans offer a wide deck and comfortable cabins, making them great for families or groups seeking extra comfort. They have shallow drafts (useful for anchoring closer to beaches) and plenty of space for lounging. Many catamarans are available for both bareboat and crewed charters in Šibenik.
   
• Motorboats Šibenik: A range of motor vessels can be hired, from small speedboats and RIBs (rigid inflatable boats) for day trips to larger motor yachts for extended cruising. Motorboats are ideal if you want to rent a boat Sibenik for island hopping when time is limited – their speed lets you cover distances quickly. For instance, you might take a speedboat to visit coastal attractions like the nearby islands of Zlarin or Prvić in a single day.
   
• Luxury Yachts and Gulets Šibenik: If you’re looking for a more lavish experience, Šibenik charter companies also offer high-end motor yachts and traditional gulets (wooden motor-sailers). These usually come with a crew and all the amenities for a luxury yacht charter Croatia experience. A crewed luxury yacht provides private cabins, onboard chefs or hostesses, and a premium level of comfort – perfect for those who want a full-service holiday on the Adriatic.

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Charter Options: Bareboat, Skippered & Crewed

Choosing the right charter style is just as important as picking the boat. In Šibenik you’ll find all charter options available, depending on your experience and preference.

Bareboat Charter Šibenik

A bareboat charter in Šibenik means you rent the boat without any crew. It’s a popular choice for qualified sailors who want total freedom on their voyage. On a bareboat charter Croatia style holiday, you are the captain – planning the itinerary, navigating, and sailing entirely on your own terms. This option gives you unmatched privacy and flexibility. Keep in mind that to charter bareboat in Croatia, the skipper must hold a valid sailing license recognized by the Croatian authorities (as well as a VHF radio license in most cases). Once that’s sorted, you can enjoy the Adriatic at your own pace – whether it’s a lazy afternoon anchored in a hidden bay or an ambitious route covering many islands. Bareboat charters from Šibenik typically use sailing yachts or catamarans, and they allow experienced sailors to fully immerse themselves in the joys of navigation and discovery.

Yacht Charter with Skipper in Šibenik

If you don’t have the required license or would simply prefer a helping hand, a Šibenik yacht charter with skipper is an ideal solution. In this arrangement, a professional skipper (captain) joins you on board to handle the technical aspects of the voyage. You still enjoy a private rental with your group, but the skipper takes care of sailing, navigating, and mooring the boat. This option is great for newcomers to sailing or those who want a more relaxed trip without worrying about the winds and charts. A local skipper also doubles as a guide – their knowledge of the area means they can show you hidden coves, recommend the best anchorage spots, and adapt the itinerary based on weather or your interests. Skippered charters give you the best of both worlds: the freedom of a private yacht plus the comfort of having an expert at the helm. You can charter any type of boat (sailboat, catamaran, or motor yacht) with a skipper in Šibenik. It’s a popular choice for one-way trips or more complex routes, as the skipper will handle returning the boat if needed. And for those worried about privacy, note that skippers are professionals – they’ll stay out of your way when you’re enjoying time with your family or friends, and you’ll still have the boat to yourselves apart from the small cabin or berth the skipper occupies.

Popular Sailing Routes from Šibenik

One of the highlights of chartering from Šibenik is the variety of sailing routes at your doorstep. Whether you head north, south, or inland (yes, you can sail inland here!), you’ll encounter diverse landscapes and attractions. Here are some popular routes and destinations:

Kornati Islands National Park

The Kornati archipelago is often described as a sailor’s paradise. This national park is made up of nearly 100 islands and islets, most of them uninhabited. From Marina Mandalina in Šibenik, you’re only a few hours away from the Kornati’s lunar-like landscapes. The islands feature stark, rocky hills and secluded bays with unbelievably clear water. Sailing through Kornati feels like navigating a maze of isles – each turn reveals new coves or dramatic cliffs. There are only a handful of simple restaurants (konobas) in the Kornati, often accessible by boat, where you can taste freshly caught seafood under the stars. Keep in mind that to enter Kornati National Park, you’ll need to purchase an entrance permit for your boat, usually available at the park’s entrances or in advance. Popular anchorages in Kornati include bays around the island of Levrnaka or Piškera, where there’s also a small marina. Many one-week charters from Šibenik include a loop through Kornati, allowing 2–3 days to soak in this untouched beauty before returning. It’s truly a must-see when sailing from Šibenik.

Krka River and National Park (Skradin)

Unique among sailing destinations, from Šibenik you can actually sail inland up the Krka River to visit Krka National Park. The journey starts by navigating the Šibenik Channel (passing the impressive St. Nicholas Fortress) into the mouth of the Krka. You’ll sail through the scenic “Sea of Murter” and St. Anthony Channel, eventually reaching the small town of Skradin upriver. Skradin has a marina and is the gateway to Krka National Park, which is famous for its waterfalls. In fact, any Šibenik yacht charter should include Krka on the itinerary – you can swim in crystal-clear river water and admire seven stunning waterfalls like Skradinski Buk. From Skradin’s marina, park-operated boats ferry visitors further up to the largest falls. The combination of river sailing and waterfall hiking makes this route special. Because you’re inland, it’s a very sheltered trip (no waves), and the river scenery – with steep banks and lush greenery – is a pleasant contrast to the open sea. With a marina in Skradin, Krka National Park is easily accessible by yacht. Just remember to check the daytime operating hours for the canal/river (large motor yachts may have some restrictions), but ordinary sailing yachts and catamarans make this trip regularly. An overnight stop in Skradin is highly recommended so you can enjoy the park in the morning and perhaps dine in Skradin’s charming village in the evening.

Šibenik Archipelago and Nearby Islands

Right off the coast of Šibenik lies an archipelago of smaller islands perfect for short hops. Even if you don’t venture as far as Kornati or Krka, these local islands offer great day sails and anchoring spots. Zlarin, just a few miles from Šibenik’s port, is known for its red coral and has no cars – it’s a peaceful place to bike or walk through olive groves and enjoy a quiet bay. Prvić is another close island with two quaint villages (Prvić Luka and Šepurine) that retain a traditional Dalmatian vibe; it’s a lovely stop for a coffee or a meal of local cuisine. Further out, Kaprije and Žirje are part of the Šibenik archipelago that attract those looking to get off the beaten path – you can find sheltered coves to anchor and perhaps only a single family-run tavern serving grilled fish. Sailing among these islands is relaxed, as distances are short. For example, you can easily rent a boat Sibenik (with or without a skipper) for a day and visit Zlarin and Prvić, returning by evening. Longer charters will often include one of these islands as a first or last night stop. The beauty of Šibenik’s local islands is their authenticity and serenity – they’re less touristy than the famous islands further south, giving you a taste of small-island life in Dalmatia.

Marinas and Charter Bases in Šibenik

Šibenik’s boating infrastructure is excellent, with several marinas and harbours serving as charter bases:

• D-Marin Marina Mandalina: This is Šibenik’s main marina and a hub for yacht charters. Marina Mandalina is a modern, full-service facility with 400+ berths, including the ability to accommodate superyachts up to 60–70 metres. In fact, it’s Croatia’s only marina designed for mega yachts, boasting comprehensive services. For charter guests, the marina offers secure parking, fuel, water, electricity, showers, restaurants, and even an adjacent upscale resort (D-Resort Šibenik). Charter check-ins for many fleets (sailboats, catamarans, motor yachts) happen here. The marina’s strategic position is superb – adjacent to both Krka National Park and the Kornati Islands, making it an ideal launch point. If you charter a yacht from Mandalina, you can stock up at the on-site supermarket and be sailing out to the islands in no time. This marina has earned a reputation for quality and is a comfortable place to start or end your voyage.
   
• Marina Zaton: Located a short distance up the bay from Šibenik (in a village called Zaton), this marina is used by some charter companies (for example, it’s a base for one of the larger charter operators). It offers a quieter environment compared to the city marina. From Marina Zaton, you still have easy access to the Šibenik archipelago and Kornati beyond. The facilities include basic amenities like water, power, and Wi-Fi, and it’s known for a friendly, laid-back atmosphere.
  
   
• Skradin (ACI Marina Skradin): Worth a mention as it’s technically a marina accessible from Šibenik via the Krka river. ACI Marina Skradin is where you’d dock if you sail to visit Krka National Park. It has ~180 berths and is well-sheltered (freshwater marina). While you wouldn’t start a charter here (since it’s inland and small), many itineraries include Skradin as a mid-trip marina for the night to enjoy the waterfalls. Facilities are good, and the town of Skradin is delightful for an evening out.

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Booking Your Šibenik Yacht Charter

For a hassle-free booking process, we recommend using a trusted platform like Boataround to find and reserve your boat. Boataround allows you to compare hundreds of yachts and boat rental Šibenik deals in one place, ensuring you get a competitive price and a boat that fits your needs. The website is user-friendly – you can filter by boat type (sailboat, catamaran, motorboat, etc.), size, number of cabins, and whether you need a skipper. Secure online payment and customer support are part of the service. In short, Boataround simplifies the process of finding the perfect charter yacht.

When you’re ready to turn your Croatian sailing dreams into reality, book via Boataround for convenience and peace of mind. With Šibenik’s incredible scenery and boating opportunities, all that’s left is to set sail and enjoy an unforgettable journey along the Dalmatian coast. Happy cruising!

Yacht charter and Boat rental in Šibenik

Charter a yacht and explore Šibenik! Prices start from 97 € per day. Choose from the largest selection of sailboats, catamarans, motor yachts, motor boats, gulets and power catamarans.

Popular marinas are D-Marin Marina Mandalina, Solaris Marina, Sibenik City Port, Komunalna lučica Vrnaža and Jadrija pier.