Hire a boat in Croatia with or without a licence

Discover Croatia by Boat

With its sandy beaches, mediaeval towns, national parks, and stunning coastlines, discovering Croatia by boat is an experience like no other. The country boasts over 700 islands, just waiting to be explored from the deck. Whether you are visiting with your friends, your family or your other half, the Croatian coast is the perfect destination for your sailing experience. 

When considering hiring a boat in Croatia, it's worth noting that many travellers choose boat rental in Split, or Dubrovnik, two of the country's coastal gems, for their Adriatic adventures. Book your best-value boat hire in Croatia with Click&Boat now for an unforgettable adventure!

What types of boats are available in Croatia?

The best type of boat for hire in Croatia depends on your preferences, budget, and planned activities. Here is a quick overview of boats available on Click&Boat:

These capacity ranges provide flexibility for individuals, couples, families, and larger groups to choose the right boat for their sailing holiday in Croatia. It's essential to consider the number of passengers and desired comfort level when selecting a boat rental. For more detailed information, use the Click&Boat website or contact the boat owner.

Please note that sailboats and catamarans are mainly chartered from Saturday to Saturday. You can inquire about available extras and pricing details directly with the boat owner or on the website.

How much does it cost to hire a boat in Croatia?

There are many factors that dictate the overall price of your Croatian adventure. This includes the type of boat you choose, its size, the duration of your trip, and the season. On top of this, any extras that you may require such as a skipper and/or crew will increase the final price.

The average price of boat rental in Croatia is £350 per day. Below are a list of starting prices of different boat types:

• Sailboat: Prices start at £114 per day / £798 per week
• Motorboat: Prices start at £97 per day / £679 per week
• RIB: Prices start at £89 per day / £623 per week
• Catamaran: Prices start at £133 per day / £931 per week
• Gulet: Prices start at £759 per day / £5,313 per week
• Jet ski: Prices start at £266 per day / £1,862 per week
• Yacht: Prices start at £1,600 per day / £11,200 per week

What is included in the cost?

The cost typically covers the use of the vessel for the duration of your sailing holiday. The essential safety equipment is included to ensure a stress-free journey!

Additional costs may apply for extras such as food or beverages, skipper/and or crew and equipment for water sports. The average cost of a skipper in Croatia is £140. However, a skipper is included with some boat rentals.

A separate payment will be required for fuel and the final cost will vary according to the type of boat that you choose.

This information will be displayed on the boat page, and the boat owners are at your disposal to answer any questions you may have concerning the price!

What season is best to charter a boat in Croatia?

Depending on the region and its season, Croatia offers its visitors a range of climatic conditions. For example, the centre and north such as Mount Sljeme and Platak can be very cold during the winter, with strong winds and heavy snow.

In contrast, the Dalmatian coast, the most popular location for a sailing holiday, offers a typical Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. The peak season, particularly July and August, can be crowded, so if you prefer a quieter experience, consider booking during the shoulder season of May-June or September.

Where to hire a boat in Croatia?

Located in the heart of the Adriatic Sea, there are many marinas and ports you can sail from in Croatia and most are reachable from the airport. Most of the ports and marinas come equipped with basic facilities and places to eat. Below is a list of the most popular marinas.

• ACI Marina Split: Situated 25km from Split Airport (SPU) and 148km from Zadar Airport (ZAD). It offers 364 berths and accommodates vessels up to 90 metres long.
• ACI Marina Dubrovnik: Located 22km from Dubrovnik Airport (DBV). It offers 380 berths and modern facilities, as well as views of Dubrovnik Old Town.
• Bol port: Approximately 14km from Brač Airport (BWK), offering 180 berths.
• Marina Vrsar: Around 54km from Pula Airport (PUY). It features 220 berths with easy access to nearby towns and islands.
• ACI Marina Pula: Positioned in a natural bay, just 9km from Pula Airport (PUY), it provides 213 berths and is known for its proximity to historic attractions like the Roman amphitheater.

Where to sail on your yacht charter in Croatia?

No matter who you’re travelling with, a boat charter in Croatia will leave a lasting impression. Follow the blog for the best sailing routes, especially pay close attention to the Croatia sailing routes for some inspiration. You can cruise along the mainland coastal regions or head to surrounding Dalmatian islands such as Vis and Hvar.

Going from spot to spot is the best way to get to know the wonderful country and the unique flavour that every city has to offer. Here are some popular options:

Split

If you don’t know where to go on your trip to Croatia, we recommend starting in Split, the country’s second-largest city. This is a perfect location to begin your journey because it is scattered with beaches that are only accessible by sea. Moreover, you can go beyond the shore and head to stunning nearby islands such as Brac. The collection of natural beauty that surrounds each of these destinations is well worth a visit.

Dubrovnik

Known as the “pearl of the Adriatic” for its beauty and proximity to other beautiful locations, Dubrovnik is an excellent choice of destination for your sailing holiday. Thanks to its old town, the city of Dubrovnik itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can soak up the Croatian sun on the beaches during the day and walk the historic streets of the town at night. If the shores get too crowded, you can escape to the surrounding small islands.

Zadar

Our third recommendation is the fortified peninsula of Zadar. Situated in northern Dalmatia, Zadar is a great starting point for exploring the region's islands and secluded coves. This city is surrounded by history and culture like no other as it's the oldest continuously inhabited city in Croatia. As soon as you disembark from your boat hire, you will witness the combination of mediaeval Roman architecture with a renovated modern twist.

You can also go to the beautiful national parks such as Plitvice and Krka national park. Some of our favourite islands to visit which are accessible from Zadar are Krk, Cres, and Pag! Kornati National Park is just south of Zadar and is an archipelago that comprises dozens of islands and islets to explore.

Sibenik

With its strategic location in central Dalmatia, Sibenik provides easy access to numerous islands and is known as the gateway to the Kornati Islands.

Pula

Located in Istria, Pula is a popular destination for yacht charters, with its stunning coastline and proximity to the Brijuni Islands National Park.

Trogir

Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Split, is another convenient base for boat rentals.

Hire a boat with or without a skipper?

It is possible to charter a yacht in Croatia without a skipper, as long as you meet the legal requirements and the boat owner allows you to. This being said, many people choose to book a skippered yacht charter, even if they can navigate on their own. When deciding whether to rent with or without a skipper on your sailing holiday in Croatia, consider the following:

With Skipper:

• Experience the voyage without navigation concerns.
• Benefit from local expertise and insider recommendations.
• Relax and soak in the scenery while your skipper handles the helm.

Without Skipper:

• Explore at your own pace, charting your course.
• Enhance sailing skills and take on the challenge.
• Potentially lower overall cost by excluding skipper fees.

However, when you sail in Croatia without a skipper, you will need a valid licence, which includes a valid VHF radio licence. The licence is required for all types of boats. Whether you book a catamaran in Croatia or a smaller-sized vessel, a licence will ensure that you are competent enough to operate the vessel safely and in accordance with Croatian maritime law.