Yacht charter Croatia

Istria and the Kvarner Gulf are top destinations for anyone chartering a yacht in the north Adriatic. This large triangular peninsula is the part closest to Italy, so it’s within easy reach. The main ports for renting a boat are Izola and Portoroz, just over the Italian border. Then there are Pola and Punat in the southern part of Istria. Pola is the regional capital, with traces of its Roman origins including a beautiful amphitheatre. It is an excellent base for sailing northwards and touring around small bays, villages and towns (including Porec-Parenzo and Umag, Vrsar, Rovinj-Rovigno). Punat is on the island of Krk, and is ideal for a sheltered cruise close to the coastline, taking in the islands of Cres and Lošinj; from there you could continue as far as Rijeka (formerly called Fiume), where Gabriele d’Annunzio famously established his “free state” in 1919.

The archipelago of the Kornati Islands make the ideal vacation, not just for sailing enthusiasts but those keen on hiking and naturism too. A Kornati sailing itinerary is also ideal for those who appreciate the freedom to cruise between tens of islands situated very close to each other: some 89 islands, islets and rocks are set among a national park, making it a sailng paradise. The main islands in Kornati National Park are the islands of Ugljan, Molat, Silba, Olib and Dugi Otok. On Dugi Otok you can drop anchor in the bay on the south-east side; it’s one of the most sheltered anchorages along the coast. Then, a short hike takes you up to the Mir salt lake in the Telascica nature reserve, a solitary, unspoilt beauty spot: a day trip in heavenly surroundings.

Continuing along the archipelago you’ll encounter islands with tranquil villages scattered across a lunar landscape; a yacht charter in the Kornati Islands is an unforgettable experience. As for anchorages, the Kornati Islands have plenty of options from marinas to little bays with mooring facilities provided by small local restaurants; a buoy mooring is often included free of charge if the crew eats at the restaurant. The main marinas offering boat rental for the Kornati islands are Zadar and Split; these major cities also have their own airport, so there are plenty of marinas along this stretch of coast where you can rent a boat. If your Croatia charter starts around Zadar, don’t miss a trip to the city itself: the ancient capital of Dalmatia bears traces of Roman and Venetian architecture in its old town centre. If you prefer to rent a boat in Sibenik, you’ll be able to make another fantastic boat tour: you can sail up the river, cruise opposite Sibenik, and moor in Skradin before setting off on an easy 30 minute hike around the Krka National Park, and take a dip in its stunning waterfalls.

The central part of the Dalmatian coast has the richest selection of picturesque, famous spots, and so a yacht charter in Croatia offers you a wealth of options. Rent a boat in Split, Croatia and you can admire a myriad of tiny long, flat islands, lush with Mediterranean vegetation. Drystone walls and herds of cows out to pasture surround picturesque fishing villages. Solta, Vis, Brac: the last of these three islands boasts the famous Zlatni Rat (Golden horn), a spit of sand that runs around the tip of the island and changes shape with the currents. You can drop anchor in the clear, tranquil sea and reach the beach very easily. Then there are the region’s “pearls”: the Island of Hvar with its old town of the same name, and an impressive marina with a wide choice of restaurants offering breathtaking views overlooking the Pakeni Islands and Korčula, which is possibly the most beautiful of all of Croatia’s islands: a Croatia boat charter in this area is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Let’s not forget Trogir, not far from Split: this historic city is a Unesco world heritage site and has its own unique atmosphere.

Heading southwards, the weight of history and myths is palpable in a landscape of lush vegetation and transparent water: Lastovo, and Mljet – the verdant island of Calypso the nymph, where Ulysses stayed for seven years. Ploce, Slano and Dubrovnik are the main harbours; Dubrovnik in particular is a must-see on your yachting holiday. This city, founded by the Greeks, became an important Venetian port in the Middle Ages, and is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world – naturally, it is on the Unesco world heritage list. Moreover, Dubrovnik can be chosen for a one way Croatia boat charter between there and Split, as the departure or arrival harbour.

When it comes to a bareboat yacht charter, Croatia legally requires at least one person on board to possess a boating licence and VHF/SRC operator certificate. To rent a boat you are obliged to send your documentation to ItalyCharter and then on to the Croatian Charter company, which will make checks before granting an authorisation. The link below will provide you with further information on all licences accepted for bareboat charter in Croatia, divided by nationality.

Do you want to have an independent boat holiday without a skipper, but don’t have a nautical licence? No fear, in Croatia you can rent a small pleasure craft (vessels of up to 10 metres in length) and cruise within 6 miles of the coast. With this kind of rental, you must send your sailing resumé to the Croatian charter firm, which will check your experience in order to offer you the most suitable option.

Renting a boat in Croatia is remarkably competitive when compared with other Mediterranean destinations. The price varies according to the type of boat (or catamaran), the season, and from year to year. There are also certain periods when you can get special offers by booking early. Furthermore, certain conditions will reduce the overall price: if the rental is for more than one week; last minute discounts; two or more vessels booked together. This last formula is particularly cost-effective; have you ever considered going on a sailing holiday with two separate groups, or even as a flotilla? You can cruise together, drop anchor next to each other, perhaps even have a race! And all with the freedom of being able to choose your own itinerary, perhaps with slightly different routes, before getting together at the end for a giant fish barbecue! You can have a look at the various offers in greater detail under the Istria Yacht Charter and Dalmatia Yacht Charter sections.

Still undecided about where to spend your vacation, and running out of time? Are you hoping to rent a boat in Croatia but have left it a bit late? Not to worry, our Croatian partners offer you the chance to access a last minute charter in Croatia at ultra-competitive prices, with departures from the top marinas along the Dalmatian and Istrian coast, to make your Croatia charter holiday an unforgettable experience.

If you’ve got a pet, you’d be forgiven for thinking that a sailing vacation is out of the question, or that you have to leave your four-legged friend at home. Far from it! Our operators offer a range of solutions for pet owners: small to medium-sized dogs and cats are welcome on board, but you can make a special request for other types of animal. Choose from a sailing boat, motor yacht or catamaran to give you the most freedom and comfort. If you want a dog friendly boat hire in Croatia, you’ll have to let us know before you start searching, so that our team can check which charters accept animals on board before sending you a list of available vessels to choose from. The charter company might request a photograph of the pet to check its size. A small additional fee is always required, to allow for an extra-thorough clean at the end of your trip. Feel free to contact us for further details!

Looking for a truly unforgettable way to spend your honeymoon on a yacht? We organise Croatia sailing charters especially for couples who have just tied the knot. Whether you’d prefer to be alone on board (honeymoon yacht charter) or in the company of other couples (cabin charter), our team will work with you to put together your ideal sailing honeymoon package. The Croatian coast is ideal for a honeymoon cruise; you’ll visit islands that are off the mass tourism route, to admire breathtakingly romantic bays, fishing villages, and towns with a richly storied past. Then you can sail freely in safe waters, surrounded by beautiful, sun kissed Mediterranean landscapes. Our bespoke formula lets you choose the honeymoon charter yacht that suits you, at all price points and all levels of luxury. You can define the type of vessel (a sailing boat, catamaran, or luxury yacht), the route, and the option of having a skipper, stewardess and cook on board.

Croatia is the ideal destination for a sailing holiday with children. Its many close together islands makes cruising safe. The sea is almost always calm, and there is always enough of a breeze or wind for sailing. The sailing legs are never very long and you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to anchorages. Once on dry land you can enjoy all the facilities you need, given that the marinas are modern and well-equipped. A particularly beautiful area is the Kornati islands: they’re so sheltered from wind and waves that sailing here is smoother than a lake. Choose a boat or catamaran in the price category that fits your budget.

This is an increasingly popular solution: if you’re a group of friends or family and want to have as much fun as you can together, but on different boats, you can rent several vessels and sail as a flotilla. It’s an exciting experience: cruising around together, perhaps challenging each other to friendly regattas, before mooring in a bay or near a village to venture onto dry land. In Croatia you can charter several boats of the same model, making for a more exciting sailing experience that’s more like a real competition. That’s not all: this type of boat charter is suitable for corporate groups seeking team building experiences aboard sailboats. The vessels can be chosen with the help of our experts so that they meet your requirements and budget, with departures from a number of different marinas along the Dalmatian and Istrian coast.