Croatia Yacht Charter

Croatia yacht charters have skyrocketed in popularity, becoming a top choice for Mediterranean yacht vacations. With a rapidly growing fleet of motor yachts and a well-established catamaran charter scene, Croatia is no longer just a haven for bareboat enthusiasts—it’s now a premier destination for fully crewed yacht charters.

What makes Croatia so good? With over 1000 islands in close proximity, you can see a lot in a shorter time. (An attractive alternative to Greece’s very weather-dependent Cyclades) It’s home to incredible UNESCO World Heritage towns like Dubrovnik, Split, Hvar, and Korčula. The natural beauty is just as impressive, with national parks, waterfalls, and crystal-clear waters everywhere.

On top of that, Croatia has friendlier yacht charter legislation, lower cruising taxes, and far more flexibility. If you’re traveling with more than 12 guests, this is hands down the best place to go, with options that simply aren’t available elsewhere.

Types of Crewed Yacht Charters in Croatia

The Croatian yacht charter fleet consists of a long-established catamaran fleet, the traditional gulet charter fleet, a rapidly growing luxury motor yacht charter fleet with an increasing number of 50+ meter superyachts, and a unique motorsailer fleet, derived from the gulet but larger, newer and more luxurious.

On any crewed yacht charter in Croatia, you will have a minimum of a captain and a chef on board. For high-end charters, the crew can outnumber the guests and include specialized staff such as spa therapists, masseuses, and sports instructors

Catamaran Charters in Croatia

Motor Yacht Charters in Croatia

Why is a motor yacht ideal for a Croatian yacht charter vacation? The short answer is: The efficiency of a Croatia motor yacht grants you the ultimate freedom. It lets you explore further and faster. Not only can you fit more into your itinerary, but if you find yourself in a port you don’t particularly like, you can simply pull up anchor and get somewhere better in a short time.

The Croatian motor yacht fleet is diverse, ranging from 15 to over 50 meters and from four to more than 12 crew. They are typically locally owned and are often captained by the owner himself or the owner’s son. This is a huge benefit, guaranteeing a top charter vacation based on extensive experience and true local knowledge.

Luxury Motorsailers in Croatia

Luxury motorsailers in Croatia are a unique and growing segment of the charter market. These vessels are newly built specifically for the Croatian charter market, meaning every detail—from the design to the amenities—has been tailored to meet the exact needs of guests and the unique conditions of the Adriatic. Typically two-masted and ranging between 30 to 50+ meters, these yachts combine modern luxury with a traditional ship charm. Most feature amenities like Jacuzzis, spa rooms, and super expansive sun decks, with a highly attentive crew to deliver an unmatched charter experience.

Gulet Charters in Croatia

A Croatia Gulet Charter is hands down one of the coolest, most authentic ways to experience cruising in Croatia. It is also one of the most affordable ways to have a luxurious charter vacation.

Gulets, originally used for shipping cargo around the Mediterranean, have broad, beamy hulls, which provide spacious decks and large, comfortable cabins. They are generally able to accommodate very large groups (12+), which makes them a good option for people on a budget, as they can rent a larger vessel with a split bill.

Small Ship Cruises in Croatia (12+ Guests)

Most charter yachts are limited to 12 guests, excluding crew, due to strict safety regulations similar to those for cruise ships. Meeting these standards is often not practical for most yachts, leading to the rise of a new category: the small-ship cruise fleet. These vessels combine the freedom of a yacht with the space and capacity of a mini cruise ship, accommodating 12 to 50+ guests. These large group charters are ideal for multi-family trips, corporate retreats, or celebrations.

How Much Does a Croatia Yacht Charter Cost?

Yacht charters in Croatia include a base fee for the yacht and crew, with additional costs covered by an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA), typically 25-30% of the base fee. The APA handles expenses like food, drinks, fuel, and docking fees. There is also a Croatian charter tax (VAT), usually 13% of the base fee. Gratuities for the crew are customary and range from 10-20% of the base fee, depending on the level of service. Costs vary based on yacht type, size, and season, with summer being the peak.

Our Favorite Croatia Yacht Charters  in 2025

Our brokers participate in several crewed yacht shows each year, like the recent CROYA in Split, to inspect yachts and meet the crew; these are our favorites in 2025

Croatia Yacht Charter Regions

We can divide Croatia’s coast into four sub-regions: Istria in the north, northern Dalmatia, Central Dalmatia, and Southern Dalmatia. Each of these areas can be explored on a one-week charter. Be aware that not all regions are equally suitable for catamaran charters, as the distances between hotspots vary.

Top 3 Croatia Yacht Charter Itineraries – Ultimate Guide

Istria

Istria is located in the northern Adriatic near Italy and Slovenia. This region is known for its beautiful old villages, Venetian architecture, and great food like truffles and wine. The hotspots are a little further apart here, and we recommend you explore this area with a motor yacht charter that can get you from A to B quickly. Highlights are Brijuni National Park, Pula Arena (ancient Roman amphitheater), Lošinj (the “island of vitality”), sandy beaches on Rab, and the historic town of Rijeka.

7-Day Pula Northern Croatia Yacht Charter Itinerary: Pula – Brijuni National Park – Krk – Rab

Northern Dalmatia

The northern Dalmatian coast stretches from Zadar to Šibenik, including the Kornati archipelago. This region is known for its wild and rugged nature and is one of the most famous sailing areas in Croatia. Highlights are the Kornati National Park (dozens of uninhabited islands), Krka Waterfalls, and the historic cities of Zadar and Šibenik. There is so much to explore in the Kornati Islands, and we recommend you either charter a motor yacht or a faster motorsailer or add a couple of extra days to your charter if you go for a catamaran charter.

 Discover the Kornati Islands with this 7-Day Sibenik Yacht Charter Itinerary

Central Dalmatia

Central Dalmatia covers the area from Split to Hvar, Brač, and Vis. It is no doubt the most popular yacht charter area in Croatia as it has most of the iconic islands. It gives you a great mix of UNESCO Heritage Listed towns, well-developed luxury marinas and a great nightlife. Highlights are Split (Diocletian’s Palace), glamorous Hvar, the Blue Cave on Biševo near Vis, and Zlatni Rat beach on Brač. If you wish to charter a catamaran, this is the number one region to do it. The islands are close together and you won’t waste much time getting from place to place.

 The Most Popular 7-Day Croatia Yacht Charter Itinerary: Split to Split

Southern Dalmatia

The Southern Dalmatian coast extends from Dubrovnik to the Elafiti Islands, Korčula, and Mljet. This area is known for its stunning scenery, historic charm, and more remote destinations. Highlights are Dubrovnik (King’s Landing for Game of Thrones fans), Mljet National Park, and the relaxed vibe of the Elafiti Islands. This area is suitable for all types of yacht charters, starting in Dubrovnik.

 The Ultimate 7-Day Croatia Yacht Charter Itinerary: Split to Dubrovnik (Best for Motor Yachts)

Croatia Yacht Charter Itineraries

These Croatia yacht charter itineraries are based on insights from local captains who have sailed the Adriatic Sea their whole lives.

Hvar

Hvar – the island everyone wants to visit—so yes, you’ll encounter some crowds, but it’s all part of the vibe. Start with a hike up to the impressive Fortica fortress towering above the town, where you can take in panoramic views before enjoying a coffee in Dalmatia’s largest square.

If you’re up for more adventure, don’t stop there. Keep climbing to the second fort, Napoleon Fortress, tucked way up the hill. Not many tourists make it up here, but the views are even more spectacular, and it’s home to a quiet observatory. With the right captain, you can even arrange a private stargazing session under the pristine night sky.

Read more about Hvar

Pula

The Northern Croatian Yacht Charter Itinerary begins and ends in Pula, where most yachts in the region are based at the Pula ACI Marina.

Pula is a city rich in history, known for its remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheater, the Pula Arena, which dates back to the 1st century and is still in use today. In the summer, the amphitheater transforms into a vibrant concert venue, hosting major international artists like Dua Lipa and Lenny Kravitz earlier this year.

Beyond its Roman history, Pula also offers lively streets, great restaurants, and a laid-back coastal vibe, making it the perfect starting point for your northern Croatian yacht adventure.