Lokrum Island

Croatia Yacht Charter

Over a thousand stunning islands, crystal-clear waters, and a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Best time to visit

May - October

Currency

Euro

Language

Croatia - English widely spoken

Cruising style

Over 1400 islands to explore

Charter types

Bareboat, Skippered, and Crewed

Adventure Awaits on a Croatian Yacht Charter

The scents of lavender, pine and orange waft across the bay as you sip your morning coffee, gently bobbing on a calm, clear Adriatic Sea.

This is how you start a day at anchor on a Croatia yacht charter.

Croatia's Adriatic coastline offers yacht charters that seamlessly blend ancient history with modern adventure. Ownership of Croatia changed hands frequently over time, leaving behind a cultural heritage that is scarred, but so rich that it includes 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites.

That history creates the backdrop for some of Europe's most spectacular sailing.

With over 5,000 boats available for charter (we only work with the top 10%), Croatia is rightly one of the most popular places in the world for exploring from the water. The Adriatic coastline runs from italianate Rovinj and Pula to the dramatic Kornati archipelago, cosmopolitan Split and fortified Dubrovnik. These are just holidays, they’re cultural odysseys.

Venetian palaces overlook protected bays, Byzantine ruins crown hilltops, and crystal-clear waters reveal underwater worlds that make snorkeling addictive.

The Anchor team are all experts in Croatia yacht charters, and your personal broker will listen to your wants and needs before picking the perfect yacht to suit your group.

Croatia is good for:

Island Hopping

Roman Ruins

Krka National Park

Blue Cave

Wine Tasting

Historic Remains

Start planning your Croatian Charter

Find your ideal yacht to charter in Croatia

Why Sail Croatia on a Yacht Charter?

Discover Croatia’s stunning beaches and hidden coves, ancient historic cities, and incredible sceneries onboard a private yacht charter.

Visit the ancient Roman ruins and medieval architecture.

Indulge in Croatia’s delicious cuisine or sample the local wines with over 130 indigenous grape varieties.

Iconic towns like Hvar, Split, Dubrovnik, and Pula are all very close together which means you can enjoy more with less travel time. On a yacht charter, you can see more and beat the crowds.

Croatia offers a diverse experience for every sailor.

When to Visit

The Croatian sailing season runs from April to October, with the majority of charters taking places between June and September.

Peak Season (July-August): Croatian summer delivers the warmest temperatures and longest days, with the mercury topping 88°F and 14+ hours of daylight for extended sailing. Expect bustling harbors, premium restaurant service, and the full energy of Mediterranean summer culture.

Shoulder Seasons (May-June, September-October): We consistently recommend Croatia's shoulder seasons for the optimal balance of weather, crowds, and costs. September offers particularly excellent conditions, with the warmest sea temperatures and settled weather patterns. Ideal for swimming!

Early Season (April-May): Spring sailing reveals Croatia at its most authentic; wildflowers covering hillsides, local restaurants serving seasonal specialties, and anchorages that feel undiscovered. Water temperatures start cool but improve, and sailing conditions are often perfect.

Late Season (October): October extends the Croatian sailing season with surprisingly stable weather, warm sea temperatures, and the kind of golden light that makes every photograph look professional. There may be the odd storm, though!

Knowledge hub

Essential information
Sailing Conditions
Travel tips
Key Phrases

Where to Charter in Croatia

Filled with incredible beaches and stunning coastlines, Croatia has many areas to charter.

Central and South Dalmatia are two of the most popular areas as they are home to Split, Trogir, Hvar, and Dubrovnik.

The Kornati Islands have over 147 largely uninhabited islands. Istria, home to Pula and Pomer is the perfect place to sail and discover Croatia’s hidden gems along the Kvarner Gulf and Istrian Peninsula.

The Dalmatian Islands (Split, Trogir or Šibenik)

Central Dalmatia represents Croatian sailing at its most accessible and spectacular. Based from Split, Trogir, or Šibenik, sailors access islands that define Mediterranean yacht chartering—crystal-clear bays, medieval towns, and sailing conditions that flatter every skill level.

Key Destinations:

  • Hvar: Lavender fields, glamorous harbor, sophisticated nightlife
  • Brač: Zlatni Rat beach, authentic fishing villages, excellent local wine
  • Vis: Remote island recently opened to tourism, pristine coves
  • Korčula: Medieval walled town, claimed birthplace of Marco Polo

Sailing Conditions: Consistent breezes with line-of-sight navigation between islands. Morning maestral winds build to 10-15 knots by afternoon, creating perfect sailing weather for families and experienced crews alike.

Charter Bases:

  • Split: Largest yacht selection, UNESCO World Heritage Diocletian's Palace
  • Trogir: Charming medieval base, ACI Marina facilities
  • Šibenik: Gateway to Krka National Park waterfalls

Fly to: Split Airport (20 minutes to marinas) Best for: First-time Croatian charterers, families, culture vultures Sailing: Easy conditions, short passages between islands, reliable wind patterns Highlights: Diocletian's Palace, Krka waterfalls, Hvar nightlife, authentic fishing villages

South Dalmatia (Dubrovnik)

Dubrovnik's medieval magnificence provides the dramatic backdrop for exploring Croatia's southern islands.

This UNESCO World Heritage city anchors sailing adventures to the Elaphiti Islands and pristine Mljet National Park.

Key Destinations:

  • Elaphiti Islands: Shallow anchorages perfect for families and snorkeling
  • Šipan: Roman villa ruins, traditional fish restaurants
  • Mljet National Park: Saltwater lakes, Benedictine monastery, hiking trails
  • Korčula: Renaissance architecture, excellent local wines, marble streets

Sailing Advantages: Protected waters with steady winds averaging 8-12 knots. The surrounding islands create natural wind shadows, making conditions manageable for nervous charterers while still providing enough breeze for satisfying sailing.

Fly to: Dubrovnik Airport (30 minutes to marina) Best for: Cultural immersion, national park exploration, romantic charters Sailing: Gentle conditions, spectacular scenery, easy navigation Highlights: Dubrovnik city walls, Mljet lakes, Game of Thrones filming locations

Kornati Islands (Zadar, Sukošan or Biograd)

The Kornati archipelago represents Croatian sailing at its most dramatic and pristine. This national park consists of 147 largely uninhabited islands creating a lunar landscape of karst rock formations and impossibly clear water.

Unique Features:

  • Stark natural beauty: Barren limestone islands rising from deep blue water
  • Underwater richness: Incredible diving and snorkeling despite barren landscapes
  • Absolute tranquility: Deserted anchorages where silence is broken only by water lapping hulls
  • Traditional fishing culture: Tiny villages serving the freshest seafood in the Adriatic

Sailing Conditions: Open water sailing with excellent visibility and consistent winds. The archipelago's layout creates natural wind channels that can strengthen conditions, making this area ideal for confident sailors.

Fly to: Zadar Airport (30 minutes to marinas) Best for: Experienced sailors, nature lovers, photographers, diving enthusiasts Sailing: More challenging conditions, longer passages, spectacular scenery Highlights: Kornati National Park, traditional fishing villages, underwater caves

Istria (Pula and Pomer)

Istria offers Croatian sailing with distinct Italian influences—a legacy of centuries under Venetian and Italian rule.

This northern peninsula combines excellent sailing with world-class cuisine, premium wines, and Roman archaeological sites.

Cultural Highlights:

  • Pula Arena: Remarkably preserved Roman amphitheater
  • Rovinj: Venetian coastal town with artistic community
  • Brijuni National Park: Former presidential retreat with exotic wildlife
  • Truffle region: World-famous local gastronomy

Sailing Characteristics: More challenging conditions due to the bora wind effect from nearby mountains. Kvarner Gulf islands offer protection, but open coastal sailing can be demanding. Perfect for sailors wanting to test skills while exploring untouched territories.

Fly to: Pula Airport (15 minutes to marina) Best for: Foodies, history buffs, adventurous sailors Sailing: Variable conditions, Italian-influenced culture, fewer crowds Highlights: Roman ruins, truffle dining, untouched islands, wine regions

How much does a Croatia yacht charter cost?

The cost of a Croatia Yacht Charter can vary as there are yachts to fit every budget and style of holiday.

Bareboat yacht charters typically cost between €2,000 and €15,000 depending on the size of the yacht.

Skippered yachts range from €5,000 to €30,000.

The cost is influenced by the size and type of yacht, the time of year you charter, the length of the charter, the number of guests, and the level of service you require.

Popular yachts in Croatia

Create your ideal Croatian Charter

Create yours

Popular charter types in Croatia

skipper-anchor

Skippered

Relax and let a pro take the helm

x-46 man laughing at helm

Bareboat

Go your own way

Not sure which charter type suits you?

Learn more

We’re here for you

If you are unsure about charter or boat selection, contact us at Anchor to help you decide. We only choose boats that are in excellent condition, and we are here to help you every step of the way and to make sure the whole process is as easy as possible.

Use our Experience Builder and we will be able to suggest the yacht holiday most suited for you. There are three main categories of yacht charter vacation:

  • Bareboat (Your have experience and a licence)
  • Skippered (bareboat with a professional captain)
  • Fully crewed (Just hop on board, the crew will take care of everything. You can see further explanation on each of these options below. If you don’t have sailing experience, then a skippered or crewed option is for you.
To bareboat in Croatia you will need a license from an offical body such as the RYA or ASA, there is an official list of licenses accepted in Croatia, so if you are in doubt simply send us a copy of your license and we will be able to advise if it is accepted. In addition to the license somebody in the crew list will also need a VHF certificate of competency (This can be the same or different person to the skipper)
A skipper can be added to most bareboat yachts for charter in Croatia, a hired skipper will require a cabin (can be a crew cabin), there is a huge variance between skippers in Croatia, to see yachts where we are confident you can get a great skipper, please browse here
The Dalmatia islands are full of great restaurants, with the larger town offering lots of options, while some of the smaller islands have amazing beach clubs by the sea. Also worth experiencing a traditional Croatian farm offering wine and food grown and made on site.

Similar Destinations

See all destinations