Inside the 2026 CROYA Yacht Charter Show: Boatbookings’ Experience and Top 5 Favorite Yachts

Split harbor with yachts and view of old town in background

Croatia has long made a name for itself as one of the world’s standout yachting destinations, and it’s not hard to see why. There’s the beautiful coastline, historic towns and charming islands, not to mention excellent seafood, local wines, and plenty of secluded spots to discover by boat. We got an actual feel for some of that for ourselves at the 2026 CROYA Yacht Charter Show in Split, where the Boatbookings team spent 4 days getting a closer look at some of the yachts available for charter around the Adriatic, which will take you to iconic yachting gems like Hvar, Dubrovnik, and Trogir, to name a few.


Boatbookings’ 2026 CROYA Yacht Show Experience, Up Close

The Boatbookings charter team and experts got up close with the biggest local and international fleet’s best yachts and saw firsthand what guests can expect on board. Over the course of the show, we toured a wide range of catamarans, motor yachts, sailing yachts, and superyachts, from around 20 meters to more than 30 meters, exploring everything from guest areas and deck spaces to onboard facilities and lifestyle features. We also enjoyed lunch aboard several yachts, giving us the chance to experience the service, atmosphere, and dining firsthand rather than simply viewing each yacht from the dock.

superyacht docked in Split harbor
Just one of the many superyachts docked at Split harbour that we were able to visit.
boatbookings charter director ben sutton during croya yacht show 2026 onboard a yacht posing for a photo with an expert on board crew
Our Charter Director Ben Sutton with one of the amazing crew members on board one of the yachts in the show.

A Taste of Croatia During the 2026 CROYA Yacht Show

Food was an absolute highlight on board the many yachts. We tried various dishes specially crafted for the show as a preview of the many more creative bites they serve during their charters.

Plate of risotto with grilled octopus
The chef of the Sanlorenzo SL96A motor yacht ZATARA II showcased their heartwarming (and belly-filling) style of cooking with a large plate of excellent shrimp risotto and perfectly grilled octopus.
Plate of tenderloin
The Heysea 60 catamaran ZORA NUA’s chef blew us away with perfectly tender pork tenderloin on a bed of celeriac and potato, complemented by crisp Dalmatian prosciutto.
Plate of food
On board the Sunreef 60 catamaran SEA DREAMS, we were impressed by the starter “Beef & Marrow”: Beef tartare atop crisp fresh-baked bread with marrow emulsion and pickled Granny Smith.
Salad plate with figs and walnuts
The Sunseeker 75 motor yacht OPAL ADRIATIC gave us a taste of autumn with this gorgeous salad, which had arugula, figs, prosciutto, goat cheese, and walnuts.
pool in yacht deck
pool in yacht deck
pool in yacht deck
pool in yacht deck

We also had the chance to visit other stunning yachts at the show, and the top-deck jacuzzi pools were easily among the features that made us want to stop, dip in, and relax for a while. Seeing them in person instantly had us imagining the scene: warm water, open views, your favorite drink in hand, and the sky slowly changing color as the sun sets over the horizon. It is the kind of moment that makes yacht life feel especially tempting.


Boatbookings’ Top 5 Picks: Our CROYA Yacht Show 2026 Favorite Yachts

Of course, we all came away with our favorites. Some impressed us with their design, others with their food, and a few simply had that something that made us want to stay on board a little longer. Here are the yachts that caught our attention and why we think they’d make for incredible cruising adventures in Croatia.

Favorite Catamaran Under 20m in Croatia | FARBEN

Best for Discovery, Adventure, Island Exploration and Hiking

Aerial shot of the FARBEN yacht on blue waters

Yacht Facts

  • Bali 5.8 luxury crewed catamaran
  • 4 cabins for up to 8 guests

For travelers who want to see a little more of Croatia than the usual island-hopping itinerary, FARBEN is a lovely place to start. The captain knows the Croatian coast inside out, and chatting with him quickly made one thing clear: he really loves showing people around his home country. He told us about Croatia’s history, the local dishes worth trying, and some of the quieter coastal spots he thinks are worth seeking out. He’ll even join guests on hikes ashore, so you can spend one day swimming in a secluded cove and the next exploring the landscape beyond it.

That sense of discovery carries through to the yacht itself. This Bali 5.8 catamaran has 4 comfortable cabins for up to 8 guests, along with plenty of space outside to relax between excursions. And then there’s the food. The onboard chef took first place in CROYA’s 2026 Chefs’ Competition, so guests can expect just as much thought to go into what’s served on board as where they’re taken.

Favorite Catamaran Over 20m in Croatia | AMBER ONE

Best for Food and Drink

Rear view of AMBER ONE cruising across Adriatic waters at sunset.

Yacht Facts

  • Sunreef Power 70 luxury crewed catamaran
  • 4 cabins for up to 8 guests

The AMBER ONE has an energy that’s hard to ignore. Her dark exterior immediately caught our attention as we approached her in the harbor, but once we stepped aboard, it was the food and drink that really stood out. She is a luxury crewed catamaran for people who enjoy the finer details of a meal. The chef combines their experience as a professional chef and food stylist to create beautifully presented dishes, while the stewardess has professional mixology training and can create cocktails tailored to guests’ tastes. There’s even a dedicated bar area on the flybridge, which feels like exactly where you’d want to be as the sun starts to set.

And then there’s the yacht itself. It’s been named our team’s favorite boat of the week for a reason. With generous outdoor spaces and 4 stylish cabins for up to 8 guests, there’s plenty of room to enjoy a leisurely breakfast outside, come back from a swim for a freshly prepared lunch, or simply settle in with a drink and watch the Croatian coastline pass by.

Favorite Motor Sailer in Croatia | MARALLURE

Best for Activities and Themed Nights

Lounge chairs on the MarAllure's expansive flybridge deck

Yacht Facts

  • Custom 41m luxury sailing yacht
  • 6 cabins for up to 12 guests

MARALLURE was built to bring people together, and that was one of the first things we noticed about her. At 41 meters, this luxury sailing yacht offers plenty of room for a group to spread out, but just as many reasons to come back together at the end of the day. There are 6 cabins for up to 12 guests, multiple outdoor lounging areas and a spacious flybridge with a jacuzzi, already enough to make a very good case for settling in here for a week. But the crew takes the social side of things a step further with themed evenings, karaoke and a projector on the flybridge for movie nights under the Dubrovnik sky.

Then, of course, there are MARRALURE’s impressive water toys, from wakeboards to water skis. Whether your group wants to spend the afternoon racing across the water or doing absolutely nothing at all, there’s plenty of room for both.

Favorite Motor Yacht Under 30m in Croatia | ZATARA II

Best for Socializing and Sunbathing

Aerial shot of the ZATARA II anchored near shore

Yacht Facts

  • Sanlorenzo SL90A luxury crewed motor yacht
  • 4 cabins for up to 8 guests

Some yachts make you want to explore every corner of them. ZATARA II made us want to find a comfortable spot, order a drink, and stay there for a while. This Sanlorenzo SL90A luxury motor yacht has 4 cabins for up to 8 guests, including a full-beam master suite on the main deck. Outside, there are spacious sunbathing areas on the bow and aft, as well as an open-air flybridge where you can gather with your group. ZATARA II is the kind of yacht that will make you want to put your phones away, chat with loved ones, and live in the moment.

We could easily picture a day here starting slowly with breakfast outside, followed by a swim in one of the Adriatic’s clear coves, then an afternoon stretched out on the sunbeds. Come evening, you can head back up to the flybridge and watch the coastline change color as the sun goes down.

Favorite Motor Yacht Over 30m in Croatia | MIRAGE IV

Best for Water Sports and Wellness

Aerial shot of MIRAGE IV superyacht with water slide, sea pool, and several other water toys set up

Yacht Facts

  • Princess 40m luxury crewed motor yacht
  • 6 cabins for up to 12 guests

MIRAGE IV had us feeling a little like kids in a sweet shop once again. Except the sweet shop was a 40-meter Princess luxury motor yacht, and instead of sweets, it was packed with water toys. There’s a slide from the sundeck, a climbing wall, an Air Blob, a sea pool, a jet ski, SeaBobs, and an electric surfboard, alongside plenty of other equipment for getting out on the water. You could easily spend an entire day trying something different without ever needing to leave the yacht. And when you’ve had enough adventure for one day, there’s plenty of space to switch gears. The expansive sundeck has a jacuzzi and room to stretch out in the sunshine, while the yacht’s comfortable interiors and 6 en-suite cabins give everyone somewhere to retreat when they want a little downtime.

With a professional crew and an impressive selection of activities, MIRAGE IV is particularly well suited to families or groups who want a cruise where the yacht itself is part of the adventure and not just the way you get from one Croatian island to the next.

Get Ready for Your Next Croatia Yachting Escape with Us!

Ready to plan your own Adriatic escape? Get in touch with one of our charter experts to create a bespoke Croatian itinerary aboard one of these standout yachts.

The 2026 Croatia Yacht Show with Boatbookings

This years Croatia Yacht Show has announced itself as an exceptional edition, and we are thrilled to be present for it!

With the Adriatic sea becoming a dream destination for charters, Croatia is presenting a new range of luxurious yachts, all ideal for a holiday charter along the coasts of Split or Dubrovnik. With a refined selection of world-class shipyards such as Benetti, Sanlorenzo, Azimut Yachts, Riva, Feadship, and Sunreef all showcasing extraordinary yachts, our expert team is discovering every aspect first hand to promise you an exceptional crewed charter in Croatia.

The MARALLURE

This stunning Luxury Crewed Motor Sailer is a Boatbookings favorite. Built in 2023, MARALLURE welcomes up to 12 guests in six beautifully appointed cabins, including a Master Suite. Each cabin features its own ensuite bathroom, contemporary styling and generous natural light, creating a peaceful retreat after a day exploring the Adriatic. The yacht’s expansive outdoor spaces are made for enjoying the Mediterranean lifestyle. Stretch out on the sunbathing areas, relax in the shade beneath the hardtop, or head up to the spacious flybridge for panoramic views of Croatia’s islands and coastline. Aboard the MARALLURE, we promise that you will be in good hands with Captain Antonio and his seven crew members, including Chef Josip, with whom you will discover the refined flavours of Croatia.

REBECCA V

Our team is thrilled to step aboard Rebecca V and experience its luxury amenities first hand. This beautifully crafted yacht offers Italian elegance and savoir-faire that only Benetti could deliver so perfectly. With four spacious cabins, Rebecca V can accommodate up to ten guests comfortably promising a wonderful trip with family or friends. The numerous outdoor spaces allow guests to experience the Adriatic sea with a sophistication that adapts to all. Whether you want to enjoy a refreshing cocktail on the sun-deck, or sun-bathe on the foredeck whilst sailing, Rebecca V has everything to offer the luxury motor-crewed charter of your dreams in Croatia.

Escape the Crowds: Why May and June Are Ideal for a Peaceful Yacht Charter

Picturesque village of Manarola, Cinque Terre, Italy

While July and August remain the traditional peak months for a Mediterranean yacht charter, May and June offer a quieter and often more relaxing alternative. With warm weather, beautiful sailing conditions and fewer crowds, the early summer months provide an opportunity to experience some of Europe’s most sought-after destinations at a slower pace.

Promenade des Anglais in Nice, France

A Quieter Mediterranean

From the turquoise bays of the Balearic Islands to the secluded coves of Croatia, May and June bring a more peaceful atmosphere to the coast. In Greece, islands such as Mykonos, Paros and Corfu are already enjoying long sunny days, while the busiest summer crowds have yet to arrive. In Croatia, destinations including Hvar, Split and Dubrovnik offer a chance to explore historic towns and beautiful anchorages with more space and tranquillity. Further west, the French Riviera and Amalfi Coast combine warm spring sunshine with a more relaxed atmosphere in Saint-Tropez, Capri and Positano.

A yacht charter in May or June offers many of the highlights of peak summer, but with a distinctly calmer pace. Whether cruising between the Greek Islands, exploring Croatia’s Adriatic coastline or discovering the Balearics, early summer provides an appealing combination of sunshine, freedom and tranquillity. For those looking to escape the crowds and embrace a more peaceful side of the Mediterranean, May and June may be the ideal time to set sail.

Malia beach, Crete Greece

May and June strike a comfortable balance between sunshine and summer heat. The days are ideal for sailing, swimming and exploring ashore, while evenings remain perfect for relaxed dinners overlooking the water. Fewer boats in popular anchorages also mean more opportunities to enjoy secluded bays and peaceful evenings on board, an important consideration for those seeking a restful escape rather than a busy summer holiday.

The Cannes Yacht Show: Where Luxury Yachting meets the French Riviera

This year’s Cannes Yachting Festival promises for an exceptional event along the iconic Croisette, with luxury yacht companies from around the world all coming to showcase incredible and innovative new catamarans, tenders and superyachts.

Every year our expert brokers attend the festival, keeping up to date with every novelty to ensure the best for our clients. The Cannes Yacht Show is a crucial yearly event for the industry, allowing the world to inquire about the technological advances made to improve every single chartering experience. This year specifically will allow us to discover Fountaine Pajot’s brand new FPY-70S.

Fountaine Pajot Yacht: 70S

The new Fountaine Pajot FPY70S is making its debut as a yacht designed to change the way we think about life at sea. At 22 metres, this striking sailing catamaran combines generous proportions with a relaxed and welcoming layout. Its expansive cockpit, panoramic flybridge, spacious salon and spa area create a natural flow between indoor and outdoor living spaces, while the elegant master suite offers a quieter space to retreat. With room for up to 12 guests and five crew, the FPY70S is built for extended cruising, bringing together the freedom of sailing and the comfort of a yacht that feels like home.

What makes the FPY70S especially interesting is the freedom to shape it to completely accommodate your needs. Rather than offering a single fixed layout, Fountaine Pajot offers up to eight configurations, from different living space arrangements to a choice of three to six guest cabins and up to five crew cabins. More than 180 combinations of woods, flooring, fabrics and finishes add another layer of personalisation, allowing each yacht to develop its own character. The result is a sailing yacht that feels like a home on the water, one designed for long days under sail, relaxed evenings at anchor and the kind of cruising where the journey becomes just as important as the destination.

Exploring The Iconic Amalfi Coast This Summer 2027

Start planning your crewed charter for the upcoming summer in one of the most beautiful and chic destinations of Europe.

The Amalfi Coast not only offers stunning landscapes and refined gastronomy but also an opportunity to discover southern Italian culture. Aboard your Crewed Motor Yacht or Catamaran explore the coastal cities of Salerno, Positano and Sorrento and their middle age villages and churches before cruising through turquoise waters and reaching Ischia. Swim in the hidden bays of the island and enjoy a luxurious lunch of fresh seafood at the refined Giardino Eden, where we highly recommend the homemade Pasta Alla Vongole and Tiramisu. Allow your crew to whisk you away to Capri for an evening of shopping high end boutiques and their limited collections. Settling down at sunset with a chilled Aperol Spritz facing the views of the Bay. Finally, indulge in Italian gastronomy at one of Capri’s refined restaurants selected by our experts.

Faraglioni rocks, Capri, Italy

Booking your dream holiday in advance promises you get a selection of extraordinary yachts and catamarans, allowing you a week of comfort and extravagance in the truly iconic Amalfi Coast. Planning your holiday for May or June, is ideal if you’re looking to avoid crowds of tourists and still want to enjoy all that summer has to offer.