Croatia Yacht Charter

Croatia yacht charters have skyrocketed in popularity, becoming a top choice for Mediterranean yacht vacations. With a rapidly growing fleet of Croatia luxury yacht charters, 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, and the stunning Kornati Islands.

Croatia also has friendlier yacht charter legislation. 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

Croatia Yacht Charter Highlights

We don’t pull highlights from travel blogs—we get them from captains, crew, and personal experience on the water. These are places where a yacht charter makes a true difference: stunning anchorages in national parks, historic ports best approached by sea, and remote islands that are inaccessible without a boat.

Our Top Croatia Yacht Charter Recommendations

How do we find our recommended Croatian yachts? We attend several annual yacht shows in the Mediterranean and beyond, such as CRO.Y.A. Yacht Charter Show in Split. At these shows, we tour hundreds of yachts and meet the crew. This is also when we make our walk-through videos of our favorite yachts, allowing our clients to get a proper look onboard before booking.

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

Southern Dalmatia: Dubrovnik, Elafiti, Korčula & Mljet

This is Croatia’s southernmost charter region and home to some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery. If you charter a motor yacht, the distance can be managed starting in Split on the central coast.

Highlights include:

• Dubrovnik – UNESCO city and Game of Thrones hotspot

• Mljet National Park – serene, forested, and perfect for anchoring

• Elafiti Islands – relaxed, low-key island hopping

Distances are manageable, making this region ideal for both motor yachts, catamarans, and sailing yachts.

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

Central Dalmatia: Split, Hvar, Brač & Vis

This is the beating heart of Croatian yacht charters. The islands are close together, so you spend more time exploring and less time cruising. It is the best region for Croatia catamaran charters and first-time charters.

• Split – Historic center with Diocletian’s Palace

• Hvar – Stylish nightlife and seaside dining

• Vis & Biševo – Remote charm + the Blue Cave

• Brač – Home to Zlatni Rat, Croatia’s most iconic beach

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

Northern Dalmatia: Zadar, Kornati & Šibenik

This area is wilder and less developed, with raw natural beauty and one of the most iconic national parks in the Adriatic: the Kornati Islands. We recommend chartering a motor yacht or motorsailer for the ultimate exploration of the remote islands of the Kornati National Park.

• Kornati Archipelago – 140+ uninhabited islands

• Krka Waterfalls – inland wonder, accessible via Skradin

• Zadar & Šibenik – Ancient towns, less touristy

Consider adding a few extra days to fully explore.

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

Istria: Pula, Brijuni, Lošinj & Rab

Up north near Italy and Slovenia, Istria offers a different vibe—Venetian towns, Roman ruins, and culinary highlights.

• Pula – Roman amphitheater still in use

• Brijuni National Park – Quiet, green, and exclusive

• Lošinj – Wellness-focused island

• Rab & Krk – Sandy beaches, rare in Croatia

Distances between stops are longer here, so speed matters—motor yachts are ideal.

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

How Much Does a Croatia Yacht Charter Cost?

A Croatia yacht charter includes the base price of the yacht and crew, with additional costs (APA) for food, fuel, and other running expenses.

Here’s a breakdown of the fees:

• Base Charter Rate
  Starts around €15,000 per week for a smaller catamaran or gulet
  Luxury motor yachts and superyachts can range from €40,000 to over €250,000/week
• APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance)
  Typically 25–40% of the base fee (lower for catamarans, higher for motor yachts)
  Covers food, drinks, fuel, marina fees, and other onboard expenses
• VAT (Croatia Tax)
  13% of the base fee
  Applied to all charters operating in Croatian waters
• Gratuities
  Standard range is 10–20%, based on quality of service
  Paid at the end of the charter, directly to the crew

Our advice: Budget at least €30,000+ for a fully crewed charter with a solid yacht and professional crew.

ALSO READ: Full Guide to Croatia Yacht Charter Costs

Croatia Yacht Charter Price Categories

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:

• Split to Split
• Split to Dubrovnik / Dubrovnik to Split
• Sibenik to the Kornati Islands
• Pula to Pula (Northern Croatia)

Motor Yacht Charters in Croatia

We recommend Croatia motor yacht charters for guests who want to cover more distance, enjoy complete privacy, and minimize reliance on sailing conditions. A Croatia motor yacht charter is ideal if you’re planning a longer itinerary—like Split to Dubrovnik or an extended tour of the Kornati Islands.

• Best for: Flexible routing, luxury service, weather independence

• High cruising speeds let you explore more in a single week

• Greater onboard privacy with crew quarters and separated living spaces

• Often equipped with water toys, jacuzzis, and large sun decks

• Ideal for both families and couples looking for a hotel-level onboard experience

Learn more about Croatian motor yacht charters

Catamaran Charters in Croatia

We recommend Croatia catamaran charters for families, first-time charterers, and anyone looking for comfort, stability, and great value. Catamarans offer generous space for their size, stay steady at anchor, and are far more fuel-efficient than motor yachts.

• Best for: Families, relaxed itineraries, groups of 8–10

• Most models have 4–5 cabins with private en-suite bathrooms

• Ideal for Central Dalmatia, where the islands are close together

• Lower fuel use = lower APA

Learn more about Croatian catamaran charters

Sailing yacht and Gulet charters in Croatia

You can book a Croatia sailing yacht charter on a traditional sailboat, a gulet, or a luxury motorsailer. All three offer a connection to traditional yachting, but with very different onboard experiences.

• Sailing yachts – Best for small groups or couples who want an active, hands-on sailing experience. Often sleek, performance-focused, and ideal for lighter packing and island-hopping.

• Gulets – Larger, traditionally built wooden yachts with wide decks and full crews. Perfect for big families or friend groups. Typically motor-powered most of the time, even if they have sails.

• Luxury motorsailers – A hybrid between the two. They offer the elegance of a sailing vessel, but with powerful engines and high-end interiors. More modern than gulets, and more spacious than standard sailing yachts.

Learn more about Croatian sailing yacht charters

Small Ship Cruises in Croatia (12+ Guests)

We recommend Croatia small ship cruises when your group exceeds 12 guests and you want a private experience with hotel-level amenities. These vessels are custom-built for larger charters and combine the feel of a boutique cruise with the privacy of a private yacht.

• Best for: Weddings, celebrations, multi-generational families, corporate events

• Certified for 12–70 guests, with crew and staff onboard

• Often feature jacuzzis, spas, cinemas, game rooms, and event-ready layouts

Learn more about Croatian small ship cruises

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

Dubrovnik

UNESCO World Heritage Site Dubrovnik, known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” this stunning city is packed with history, culture and jaw-dropping views. As soon as you sail in, the sight of its massive stone walls rising from the sea feels like stepping into a different era. –You know it from Game of Thrones. You have arrived at King’s Landing!

A walk along those city walls is a must—it’s the best way to get panoramic views of the old town, the shimmering Adriatic, and the nearby islands. Inside the walls, the city is all about winding marble streets, centuries-old churches, and lively squares filled with cafés. Be sure to check out the Rector’s Palace, the Franciscan Monastery, and Stradun, the main street where you can soak up the city’s energy.