Croatia Yacht Charter Frequently Asked Questions
Boatbookings' Most Frequently Asked Questions on Croatian Charters
We have compiled the following information to help you plan your Croatia Boat Rental Holiday, helping to understand the terminology, costs, and general guidelines for Greece chartering and sailing vacations.
What are the top reasons for chartering a Yacht in Croatia?
Croatia offers a true yachting paradise. The glorious Dalmatian Islands are only reachable by boat or ferry, and offer an unbeatable Mediterranean experience that includes history (from Greek times through all the major European empires), excellent summer weather and sailing conditions, secluded beaches, historic towns, and fresh local food with an emphasis on fish and seafood. If any of these interests you, Croatia delivers everything simply and effortlessly.
Some of the top attractions of Croatia include the UNESCO ancient walled city of Dubrovnik, seaside towns including Trogir and Split, and extraordinary islands including Hvar (history by day, clubs by night), Vis (secluded beaches, local food), Korcula (birthplace of Marco Polo and an extraordinary old town), and Mljet (miles of pine forest and lakes in a National Park).
How do I learn about Croatia's attractions and best itinerary options?
You'll find a complete guide to chartering in Croatia on our site, including information about the cuisine, favorite charter islands, history, customers, geography, key itineraries. and hop top-rated yachts for charter. This insider guide is constantly updated and offers insight into the cuisine, places to see, all of the key islands, customs, weather, and other tips to help make your charter in Croatia extraordinary.
We also offer numerous, continually updated, sailing and yachting itineraries, including our 7-day Crewed Motor Yacht Itinerary and our 7-day Crewed Catamaran Itinerary.
Can the costs of flights or ferries be included in your offer?
No, prices do not include flights or ferry tickets. Convenient, inexpensive flights are readily available from many destinations throughout Europe to Croatia.
How do I get from the airport to base?
Transfer can be organized on request. We'll provide you with the price in advance.
Do I have to spend the first night in the base port?
Yes, this is due to the fact that check-in is usually between the hours of 3.30pm-5.30pm so you need to spend the first night aboard the charter to set sail early morning the next day.
Are there any hidden costs?
No, our offer shows clearly all extras and options. Obviously, your holiday budget needs to allow for food, drink etc which is not included. You will need to pay mooring fees in ports, between €30 and €120/night, depending on port, season and size of the yacht. You will pay nothing for anchorage in one of the many secluded bays with easy access to restaurants and bars ashore with your dinghy.
What happens in case of damage or if I am involved in an accident?
The boats are fully insured, and you are responsible for the amount of the security deposit only. Sometimes, there is an optional non-refundable damage deposit insurance (damage waiver) offered instead of a regular security deposit.
Do I need special licenses to charter a yacht even if I am experienced?
Yes, a recognized boating license (such as an ICC or RYA Day Skipper plus VHF radio certification) is required for all bareboat charters. If you have any questions, you can send us a copy of yours and we will review it for you.
What provisions do the boats come with?
Bareboat Charters: Food and beverages are not included in bareboat charters unless you request them. You will normally fill out a preference sheet and pay for this service at base in local currency, or shop for yourselves when you arrive. Fuel and water tanks are full when you embark (make sure you check them), you´ll pay for consumption and need to refill the tanks upon your return.
Crewed Charters: For crewed charters, your Boatbookings charter expert will send you detailed reference sheets ahead of your charter so that the crew can provision your yacht to your exact preferences and requirements. These are best completed 4-6 weeks before your trip. These will be paid for by your Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) and receipts of all expenses will be kept by the captain.
Do I have to bring life jackets, especially for the kids?
Life jackets are provided for all persons on board, including children's sizes. If you have ones that the children are more comfortable wearing, you're welcome to bring them.
Are my little children safe on board?
Many of our clients have brought their children aboard their charters, with great success. That said, in all cases, children are your responsibility, and adherence to maritime laws and general safety rules, such as wearing life jackets, is important for a safe journey as well as peace of mind. On many boats, a safety net is available on request.
On a crewed yacht, the crew are not babysitters and should not be counted on for the safety of your children.
Is a dinghy included?
On bareboat charters, the dinghy is usually included depending on the yacht you choose. We will be happy to provide the specifications and any costs for the dinghy.
Crewed charters always include a tender large enough to ferry the entire party to shore, and it's often powerful enough for water sports such as waterskiing.
What are my options when I have technical problems or other difficulties miles away from base?
At embarkation, you will receive a mobile emergency number that you call in case of trouble. Depending on the distance to base, your charter company will either send a specialist or will direct you to someone at the nearest port.
What maps and navigation tools are included in Croatia bareboat charters?
Nautical charts of the local waters are always included and are a part of the basic equipment of any charter yacht. You, of course, can bring portable GPS equipment/smartphones, to assist you. We've included a number of excellent apps, including navigation charts, on our iPhone sailing and yachting app page.
Do I have to bring special sailing gear?
Bring a wind and water-resistant sailing jacket/pants and boat shoes for the months of April and September/October. Throughout the high season, a windbreaker will normally be sufficient.
Is watersports equipment provided on board?
On request, subject to availability and additional charges, watersports equipment can be provided.
What happens if we cannot be back at base on time due to weather conditions?
You are fully responsible for being back before 5 pm. It is in your benefit to arrive promptly so you can check out, refuel, and then enjoy your final evening onboard or in the local town. If you are late returning, you will have to pay a penalty equal to your security deposit plus a fee equal to the daily rate (approx. 20% of the weekly rate). Plan your cruise with an ample margin for delays and after checking weather forecasts carefully.
I am an advanced sailor but not familiar with the Med.
The Med normally offers pleasant sailing and fairly reliable weather during the high season (June - September). You will always be provided with a full briefing at embarkation. In case you don't feel confident, you can hire a skipper for a couple of days.
Can you send me an itinerary and a list of nice restaurants and nightlife options?
We have several excellent itineraries for Croatia, such as our Dubrovnik to Split Sailing Itinerary and are happy to help out at any time. You will also have the option of discussing your itinerary at the base, as they will have suggestions depending on wind and weather conditions. We always recommend flexibility on the itinerary when sailing.
I want to embark/disembark at a different port. Is this possible?
Most charters embark and disembark at the same base. However many of the charter companies have several bases and allow for a one-way cruise. In this case, you can be charged with fees and you might have to disembark one day earlier to provide for the transfer of the yacht back to base.
Do I have to charter weekly or is a long weekend possible as well?
No, Saturday-to-Saturday charters are the only option during high season. You may find some flexibility in low season for shorter or 1-way charters. Please enquire if you have specific questions.
Are moorings hard to find at Croatian marinas?
Moorings cannot be booked in advance. The port of Hvar is usually extremely busy during the summer months, so be sure to arrive in plenty of time to avoid disappointment. The charter company provides you with phone numbers on the boat or you can use the VHF radio.
How do I find what boats are available for the times I need?
Once you have selected your preferred charter yacht, send us an enquiry and one of our expert brokers will get back to you with a bespoke proposal.
