Split is widely regarded as the yacht charter capital of the Adriatic, with hundreds of modern marinas and boats lining its harbour. Its coastal promenade (“Riva”) leads to ACI Marina Split, a year-round facility with hundreds of berths that serves as the main departure point for charters. Split’s annual Croatia Boat Show, held in the city harbour each spring, underlines its role as a national boating hub. This central location in Dalmatia – with a nearby airport and ferry links to many islands – makes Split an ideal base for exploring Croatia’s sailing waters.

Boat Types and Charter Options in Split

Croatia offers a wide range of charter vessels, and Split’s charter fleet reflects this variety. Common rental boats include:

• Sailboat charter Split: Monohull cruising yachts of various sizes (from 30–50 feet). These are traditional sailboats suitable for two or more people, and are often rented on a weekly basis. Sailboat charters out of Split remain very popular.
   
• Catamaran charter Split : Twin-hulled vessels that provide extra deck and cabin space, ideal for groups or families. Catamarans are noted for stability and roomy accommodation, making them popular for family sailing holidays in Croatia. Many families choose a catamaran charter from Split for the comfort and safety it offers.
   
• Motorboat charter Split : These range from small licence-free speedboats to large motor yachts. Speedboats (often under 30–40 horsepower) can be rented without a formal licence, subject to Croatia’s regulations. In fact, Split is one of Croatia’s top ports for license-free boat rentals. Small boat hire (often listed as “boat rental Split no license”) is widely available for day trips, while larger motor yachts offer overnight cruising or luxury charter options.
   
• Luxury and Crewed Yachts: For those seeking a high-end experience, fully crewed motor yachts and sailing yachts can be chartered from Split. These luxury yacht charters often include a professional captain and crew. Charter companies in Split even advertise “opulent motorboats” and superyachts in their fleets. Whether you want a sporty race boat or a pampered cruise on a 50+ foot yacht, Split’s marinas host vessels for every budget.

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Sailing Itineraries from Split

From Split, the natural sailing routes lead to the nearby Dalmatian islands and coast. A typical Split sailing itinerary or week-long route might include:

• Brač (Milna, Bol): The large island of Brač lies just south of Split. Ports like Milna or Bol are common first stops. Bol is famous for the Zlatni Rat beach, one of Croatia’s most photographed spots. (Many charter routes begin by sailing to Brač’s charming villages or beaches)
   
• Hvar (Stari Grad, Hvar Town, Pakleni Islands): South of Brač is Hvar, the sunniest Dalmatian island. Boats often call at Stari Grad (ancient Greek-founded town) or Hvar Town, both with historic harbours. Just offshore are the picturesque Pakleni Islands, a cluster of tiny islets with swim stops and beach clubs. Hvar offers nightlife and dining, while Stari Grad has a UNESCO-listed plain and quiet coves.
   
• Vis & Biševo (Komiža / Blue Cave): Further south is the island of Vis, once a military zone and now prized for its clear waters. Komiža on Vis is a fishing village with a busy marina. From here, charters can take small boats to the Blue Cave on nearby Biševo Island – a spectacular sea grotto famous for its glowing blue light. Komiža is described as a perfect starting point to visit the Blue Cave. Other Vis stops include the main town Vis or secluded coves on the west coast.
   
• Šolta (Maslinica, Rogač, Šešula): On the return toward Split, the island of Šolta often appears on itineraries. The village of Maslinica, on Šolta’s southwest, has a small modern marina and a 5-star castle-hotel. Šešula Bay or Rogač are additional sheltered bays on Šolta. These stops are quieter and show local island life. Maslinica is noted for its clear turquoise water and pine-clad shoreline.
   
• Others: Longer charters may continue to Korčula (with its medieval town) or even Mljet and the Kornati archipelago. Many week-long routes aim to cover at least Hvar and Vis. As one sailing guide notes, a balanced 7-day Split itinerary allows you to “explore well-known Croatian islands Hvar, Brač, Vis and Korčula”.
   

These island stops offer historic towns, beaches and sheltered anchorages. Crew members often advise visiting a mix of busy ports (for supplies and nightlife) and quiet coves for swimming. For example, on Brač you can moor near Milna or Bol and walk into town, while Šolta’s Maslinica has protected mooring at Marina Martinis Marchi. Each day you sail only a few nautical miles, enjoying the scenery en route.

Local Marinas and Departure Points

Split itself hosts one of the largest marinas in Croatia. ACI Marina Split, located on Split Harbour’s west side, offers about 355 berths and full services. It lies just southwest of the old town and is protected by a long breakwater. Almost every charter company in Split uses this marina for departures and returns.

Just a few nautical miles west of Split is the town of Trogir (a UNESCO site), accessible by bridge. On the small island of Čiovo, ACI Marina Trogir is another popular charter base. The marina is separated from Trogir by a 100m-wide canal and has full facilities. Like Split, Marina Trogir is open year-round. Trogir’s old town is within walking distance, so charters sometimes board in Trogir rather than Split. 

Other nearby marinas include Marina Agana (on Čiovo near Trogir) and private berths in Slatine or Seget. However, most English-language listings list Split or Trogir as the starting location. For those flying in, Split Airport (SPU) is 20–30 minutes by taxi from either marina. In practice, travellers will see charter bases advertised as “ACI Marina Split” or “Marina Trogir – Čiovo”. The town ports themselves (Split’s harbor and Trogir port) have few spots for charter yachts, so virtually all charters use the main marinas.

Booking and Recommendations for Yacht charter Split

All in all, Split is an ideal jumping-off point for Croatia yacht charter. The broad range of boats (from small speedboats to luxury motor yachts) and charter styles means there is something for every group. Travellers searching online for “boat hire Split”, “yacht charter Split” or “rent a boat Split” will find hundreds of listings. Many of these charters can be compared and booked through dedicated platforms like Boataround, which aggregates boats from multiple companies. Using Boataround (for example) makes it easy to filter by boat type, crew requirements and price.

In summary, Split’s strategic location and infrastructure make it the heart of Croatia’s sailing scene. Whether you plan a bareboat itinerary among Hvar and Vis or a crewed luxury cruise, Split’s marinas have the vessels you need. For a straightforward booking experience, it is sensible to use an online charter service such as Boataround. This way, you can quickly secure the right boat in Split and focus on enjoying your Croatian sailing holiday.

Yacht charter and Boat rental in Split

Charter a yacht and explore Split! Prices start from 2191 Kč per day. Choose from the largest selection of sailboats, motor yachts, catamarans, gulets, motor boats and power catamarans.

Popular marinas are ACI Marina Split, Marina Split, Marina Zenta, Marina Nava, MCI Marine Club International Split, Marina Spinut, Ina Boat Refueling and Pier Mimice.