Last minute yacht charter Croatia

Location of Croatia

The 5, 000 kilometre-long shore is divided into 700 islands with several anchorages and ports, abandoned and romantic bays. The country is located in the northwest part of the Balkan Peninsula. Its overall territory is 56 594 km2. It is bounded by Slovenia from the northwest, Hungary from the north, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina from the east, and it also shares a borderline with Montenegro. It is bounded by the Adriatic Sea from the southwest. The country joined the European Union in 2013. The official currency is the Croatian Euro. The capital is Zagreb. With its clear sea, pleasant summer climate, historic towns, fishing villages and uninhabited creeks, the Croatian shores of the Adriatic Sea have a prominent place in the hearts of water sports enthusiasts.

Geographical features

The Croatian shores are often referred to as the Croatian Adriatic. The Croatian shores of the Adriatic Sea lie across a coastline of 1778 kilometres. Together with the perimeter of the islands, this number is 5835 kilometres. The archipelago consists of 1185 islands altogether and is the largest group of islands in the Adriatic and the second-largest in the Mediterranean Sea 698 of these islands are inhabited, the largest ones are KRK, Korcula, Brac, Hvar and Rab. There are two peninsulas in the region: Istria in the north, and Peljesac between Split and Dubrovnik. There are more than 2600 ports in Croatia.

Can you rent a yacht in Croatia – do I need a license?

Small boats (under a certain horsepower or length), electric boats, crewed yacht charters, gulet charters may not require a license. Larger boats or those with more powerful engines need a skipper’s license. Before you confirm your sailing trip to Croatia, please send us a copy and we will check it for you. You need to have the original copies on board, so don’t forget to take them.
To sail from Croatia, one of the following qualifications is necessary: ICC (International Certificate of Competence), Int. IPC (International Proficiency Certificate, USA), NauticEd SLC (International Sailing License and Credentials), RYA Day Skipper Course, valid Navigational and VHF licenses
Alternatively: ICC (International Certificate of Competence), Int. IPC (International Proficiency Certificate, USA), NauticEd SLC (International Sailing License and Credentials, Int.)
OR: [UK] RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Certificate or higher, [USA] Sailing ‘Basic Keelboat’ or higher, [DE] ‘Sportbootführerschein See’ or higher, [FR] le Permis Plaisance
Additionally, the following documents are necessary: Valid travel documents: USA citizens: EU regulations mandate USA passport holders to have at least three months of validity beyond the planned departure date from Croatia., European Union (EU) citizens: No visa required. Canadian citizens: No visa is required for stays up to 90 days.
If you do not have a skipper license, it is also possible to rent a boat with a skipper

Yacht charter in Croatia last-minute – the main ports

Croatia and the Adriatic Sea are famous yacht charter destinations. If we decide to go on sailing tours, we can visit the different rocky shores and sandy beaches and islands as well. The Split-Makarska-Mijet-Dubrovnik-Trstenik-Korcula-Hvar-Split route is amongst the most popular choices, and the Rijeka-Cres-Losinj-Molat-Zadar-Pag-Rab-Krka-Rijeka route, which passes by several islands, is also well-known. Croatia is a versatile travel destination. Young travelers can even find themselves on “party islands”. Nature enthusiasts may enjoy the glorious scenery, those interested in culture can visit the old city and couples can take a walk on the romantic beaches. You can read about the best marinas offering high-quality services.

The most popular ports for last-minute yacht charters in Istria

Istria has a fascinating mix of rocky coasts, pebble beaches and emerald-green bays, making it a beautiful sight to explore by boat. Along the coast, you can discover hidden coves and charming seaside villages. Located in the northern part of the Adriatic Sea, Istria is ideal for sailing trips from Venice. Perfect for both shorter, calm sailing and longer adventures, including sailing to the Kvarner Gulf and exploring the beautiful islands.

Marina Nautica port of Novigrad

There are berths for 365 boats overall with a maximum length of 50 metres. The port in Novigrad is world-class, and there is also a 4-star hotel here where we can require maintenance for our boat and charge our batteries in the form of relaxing wellness. rent a boat Novigrad

ACI Marina Umag

The depth of water here is around 5 metres, and they offer the app. 480 berths for ships of all sizes. They can even accept 40-metre-long mega yachts. The port is clean, the staff is friendly and the restaurant is excellent. There is also free Wi-Fi, a charging station and a currency exchanger. rent a boat Umag

Marina of Vrsar

Vrsar is located in a bay perfectly protected by the surrounding islands. It is among the ports in the best condition on the northern shores of Istria. The port, which has 14-metre-deep waters, can accept 200 boats with a length of up to 40 metres. rent a boat Vrsar

ACI Marina Pula

The port of Pula can be found in a giant natural bay. They have 200 berths for mega yachts as long as 40 metres. It is perfectly equipped. They have laundry, ATM and currency exchange. There is also a petrol station nearby, and we can rent a car, too. sailing in Pula ,boat rental Pula

ACI Marina Pomer

Marina Pomer can be found in Medulin bay. It has a capacity for over 300 ships. It is fairly modern, and clean and there is free WiFi access. Moreover, you can book a table in an exclusive spacious restaurant on the shore. Boatmen can find all the facilities here. There is also a warehouse for storing equipment like a bicycle or a surfboard. Medulin sailing, rent a boat Medulin

ACI Marina Rovinj

It is a modern and cosy port with a wonderful view. Thanks to a 20-million-euro investment, it is among the largest ports in Croatia. Everything is clean and in very good condition. They have excellent healthcare services. The port is divided into two parts. One of them is reserved for transit vessels, and the other was established for yachts stationing there during the whole year. 416 ships with a maximum length of 50 metres are allowed altogether. Rovinj sailing, yacht charter Rovinj

Port of Rabac

It is located in a natural bay on the eastern shores of Istria. The port is perfectly protected from the northern and eastern winds. It was rebuilt and developed further recently. Rabac sailing, boat rental Rabac

Last-minute yacht charter in Kvarner bay – the main ports

Kvarner Bay has a beautiful archipelago and each island has its character. Discover the lush Crest and Lošinj with their fragrant pine forests, the historic towns and beaches of Krk, the charming Rab, known for its sandy beaches, or the stunning beauty of Pag. Kvarner Bay offers relatively calm waters, making it great for experienced and beginner sailors. The area is easily accessible, several nearby airports (Rijeka, Pula, Zadar) and well-developed harbors offer services to boaters.

ACI Cres

The giant bay can accept 458 boats and they offer 120 dry docks here as well. It is perfectly equipped and has everything you may need.

Marina Mali Losinj

The bay is protected from northern and eastern winds. There are 80 berths here for transit boats with a length of up to 18 metres. They provide water and electricity, and there are many local restaurants and bars. Mali Losinj sailing, yacht charter Mali Losinj

Novi Marina

Marina Novi is a well-equipped small port. The maximum length of the boats anchored here is 60 metres, and the depth is 5 metres. You can reach Vinodol Riviera by boat and plane as well. The closest airport is only 30 kilometres away from the island of Krk. sailing in Novi Vinodolski, yacht charter in Novi Vinodolski

Port of Lopar

Lopar is located at the northern tip of the island of Rab. The port is small, but it has the essential equipment you might need. The port is protected from winds. The depth of the seabed is 5 metres, the maximum length is 60 metres.

Marina Admiral of Opatija

The Marina Admiral on the North of the Adriatic Sea is one of the best starting points for an unforgettable sailing tour. The Marina Admiral is, actually, a part of the Admiral hotel complex; therefore, all equipment and facilities of the hotel are available for boatmen. There are 160 berths in the marina with a maximum length of 20 m and 40 dry docks. Smaller yachts should go to the Abbazia Port. The hotel received four anchors which by this means is a five-star hotel. Every berth has its own electricity and water supply. Other services are healthcare, 24-hour surveillance and safety, rent a warehouse, welcome service, ecological waste management, and laundry. The marina is also accessible to handicapped people. Opatija sailing, yacht charter Opatija

Port of Rijeka

During the Austrian-Hungarian Monarchy, it was Hungary’s after it became Croatia’s largest port. Any type of watercraft and cargo are allowed to enter the port. Today it also plays a significant role in the Far East and Middle European markets. The number of available berths is 58 plus 2 oil ports. Of course, it is fully equipped with diverse services; not to mention its outstanding safety. boat rental Rijeka

Port of Crikvenica

However, the Port of Crikvenica is not too large; you can find all the important facilities. It has three parts accepting transit ships up to 24. There is a gas station as well near the port. It provides electricity and water.

The most popular ports for last-minute yacht charter in Dalmatia

Dalmatia is one of the world’s most popular sailing destinations. With a breathtaking archipelago of more than a thousand islands, which offers endless opportunities for exploration. Explore islands such as Hvar, known for its lively nightlife and lavender fields; Brač, the iconic Zlatni Rat. Visit it famous for its beach; Vis, with its secluded coves and charm; or the Kornati Islands, a haven for nature lovers. Dalmatia’s many islands and sheltered bays provide calm waters, especially during the peak summer season. This makes it an excellent destination for boaters of all levels of experience. The Dalmatian coast is well-equipped with marinas and a wide range of sailing services, which makes it easy to organize your trip.

Marina Zadar

You will find the town’s port in the central part of the shores of the Adriatic, in the centre of Zadar. They have 200 berths and 100 on-land facilities. They offer access to water and electricity, and they have shower cabins, laundry service, groceries, and restaurants as well. The port – which has a certificate – also has a fuel station. Zadar sailing, bareboat yacht charter Zadar

Marina Kornati (Biograd na Moru)

The marina of Biograd, which also has a certificate, can accommodate 705 boats with a length of up to 23 metres. The entrance is 40 metres wide, and the maximum depth is 6.5 metres. They have a 24-hour security service, boat maintenance and a fuel station. There is also a restaurant with a capacity of 370 guests. sailing in Biograd na Moru ,boat rental Biograd na Moru

Marina Frapa, Rogoznica

The port of Marina Frapa is in the picturesque Gulf of Solina. With nearly 400 places it’s suitable for docking or renting sailing and motor yachts. Its centre is an artificial island, on the land, there’s a sports centre, a nightclub, and even a pool complex. This 136 thousand m2 port is considered to be the most beautiful in the Adriatic region. The port is a full-service marina. yacht charter Rogoznica

Port of Split

The ACI Marina Split offers 348 berths for yachts of a maximum of 90 m. The breakwater provides outstanding protection from the raging sea and the southern winds. The water depth is 8 m. There are restaurants, bars, laundries and a fuelling station. Split sailing, bareboat charter Split

Marina Kaštela (Kaštel Gomilica)

The marina is in the southwestern part of Kaštela Bay. It has 420 sea berths and 200 land berths. The depth of the seabed is 2, 5-8 m. There is a reception desk, a self-service laundry, a yacht club, a refuelling station and a café on site. If you get hungry, there are pizzerias and restaurants. Kastel Gomilica sailing, yacht charter Kastel Gomilica

D-Marin Mandalina (Šibenik)

The marina is only a few km away from the historic centre of Šibenik. It boasts a Golden Anchor Award and a Blue Flag Certification. There are 429 sea berths and 50 land berths for boats. Of these, 79 are specifically for superyachts. D-Marin Mandalina is the only marina in Croatia that can accommodate superyachts up to 140 m. There is a grocery store, a bar and a restaurant. The marina is protected against winds and waves. Sibenik sailing, rent a boat Sibenik

Port of Trogir

This significant port offers 256 permanent berths for ships up to 70 metres long. The depth of the water is 20 metres. They provide several services such as laundry, fuel and maintenance. They also have drinking water, electricity and free Wi-Fi. Trogir sailing,bareboat yacht charter Trogir

D-Marin Dalmacija (Sukošan)

It is the largest marina in Croatia, offering 1200 sea and 300 land berths. It can accommodate boats up to 40 m in length, and superyachts in transit up to a length of 80 m. The marina has all the necessary services like boat maintenance and refuelling. sailing in Sukosan, yacht charter Sukosan

Makarska Harbour

The Makarska Harbour has a 225 metres long breakwater that provides excellent protection against winds and waves. The maximum depth of the seabed is 4, 8 metres. The harbour offers quality services, and there is even a refuelling station. Makarska sailing, rent a boat Makarska

Port of Dubrovnik

The port is located only 3 kilometres away from the old city of Dubrovnik. They don’t have any limits in terms of yacht size; the depth of water is 42 metres. You can find everything that you may need in the near vicinity including cosy cafés and restaurants. Dubrovnik sailing, rent a boat Dubrovnik

Gastronomy of Croatia

Croatian cuisine is much more diverse than you might think, thanks to the fact that it has been influenced by the different nations’ gastronomy: Italy, Hungary, Austria and Turkey. You can even find the same dishes prepared differently within the country. The specialities that we should definitely taste are brodet, crni rizot, riba sa zara, fuzi, manestra, pasticada, strukli, soparnik and fritule.

Travel

Croatia has several airports. This makes the country a good choice in terms of accessibility and internal infrastructure. The busiest airport is in Zagreb, but smaller national airports can be found in the following cities: Split, Dubrovnik, Zadar, Pula, Rijeka, Osijek, Boi, and Mali Losinj. As the country is rich in ports, travelling between the cities can be easy if we rent a boat or a yacht.

Find another last minute yacht charter Mediterranean

The best month to sail is June to September due to warm weather, calm seas and predictable winds.
Spring (April-May):
The air temperature is mild and pleasant, 15-25°C, and the sea temperature is around 16-18°C. The wind is often stronger than in summer, especially the “Bura” (northeast wind) and “Jugo” (southeast wind). This may appeal to experienced sailors, but less so to beginners. Precipitation is moderate, there is no mass, as in the high season.
Summer (June-August):
The air temperature is on average 25-30°C, the sea around 22-25°C. The wind is mostly weak and predictable, the “Maestral” (northwest wind) dominates in the afternoons. This is ideal for calm sailing. You can expect more boats and higher prices on the waters.
Autumn (September-October):
The air temperature is 20-25°C, and the sea is around 20-22°C. The wind can be unpredictable but enjoyable, with a mix of “Bura”, “Jugo” and “Maestral”. Chances of precipitation increase, especially in October. There are no crowds and lower prices than in summer.
Winter (November-March):
The average air temperature is 10-15°C, the sea around 12-14°C. The dominant wind is the “Bura”, strong and often unpredictable. Sailing is not recommended.

The pre-and post-seasons, April-May and September–October, provide a good balance between favourable weather and fewer crowds.

Dalmatia yacht charter itineraries

Day 1. Split (ACI Marina) – Kaštel Gomilica 9, 73 km (6, 04 nm), Day 2. Kaštel Gomilica – Trogir (ACI Marina) 15.47 km (9.62 nm), Day 3. Trogir (ACI Marina) – Primosten 38, 16 (23, 71 nm), Day 4. Primosten -Vis (Vis-island) 65, 08 (40, 44 nm), Day 5. Vis (Vis-island) – Stari Grad (Hvar-island) 40, 14 km (24, 94 nm), Day 6. Stari Grad (Hvar-island) – Sumartin (Brač-island) 37, 74 km (23, 45 nm), Day 7. Sumartin (Brač-island) – Supetar (Brač-island) – Split (ACI Marina) 52, 90 km (32, 87 nm).

More about sailing from Split, Split to Dubrovnik sailing itinerary

Day 1 . Trogir (ACI Marina) – Drvenik Veli 13, 59 km (8, 44 nm), Day 2. Drvenik Veli-island – Rogač (Šolta-island) 18, 35 km (11, 40 nm), Day 3. Rogač (Šolta-island) – Sutivan (Brač-island) 15, 38 km (9, 56 nm), Day 4. Sutivan (Brač-island) – Supetar (Brač-island) 6, 30 km (3, 91 nm), Day 5. Supetar (Brač-island) – Omiš 13, 10 km (8, 14 nm), Day 6. Omiš – Podstrana (Marina Lav) 15, 02 km (9, 33 nm), Day 7. Podstrana (Marina Lav) – Split (ACI Marina) – Trogir (ACI Marina) 36, 03 km (22, 39 nm).

More Trogir itinerary

Day 1. Zadar (Marina Tankerkomerc) – Sukošan (Marina Dalmacija) 11.17 km (6.94 nm), Day 2. Sukošan – Biograd na Moru (Marina Kornati – south) 17.68 km (10.99 nm), Day 3. Biograd na Moru – Kornati National Park 27.86 km (17.31 nm), Day 4. Kornati National Park – Sali (Dugi Otok) 10.32 km (6.41 nm), Day 5. Sali – what to do in Brbinj (Dugi Otok) 23.54 km (14.63 nm), Day 6. Brbinj – Nin (Seaport Ninski 2) 31.76 km (19.74 nm), Day 7. Nin – Sutomišćica (Olive Island Marina) – Zadar (Marina Tankerkomerc) 34.79 km (21.61 nm).

More Zadar sailing trips

Day 1. Sibenik – Zlarin 6.83 km (4.25 nm), Day 2. Zlarin – Drvenik Veli 43.78 km (27.21 nm), Day 3. Drvenik Veli – Split 27.04 km (16.80 nm), Day 4. Split – Supetar 16.46 km (10.23 nm), Day 5. Supetar – Makarska 39.47 km (24.52 nm), Day 6. Makarska – Brac island (Port of Bol) 29.52 km (18.35 nm), Day 7. Bol – Rogoznica – Sibenik 95.44 km (59.30 nm)

More sailing holidays Sibenik

Day 1. Dubrovnik – Lopud 13.65 km (8.48 nm), Day 2. Lopud – Sobra (Mljet) 28.79 km (17.89 nm), Day 3. Sobra – Vela Luka (Korcula island) 94.69 km (58.84 nm), Day 4. Korcula – Vis (Vis island) 45.80 km (28.46 nm), Day 5. Vis – Rogoznica 58.47 km (36.33 nm), Day 6. Rogoznica – Zirje 31.36 km (19.48 nm), Day 7. Zirje – Murter 23.44 km (14.57 nm), Day 8. Murter – Pirovac 7.87 km (4.89 nm), Day 9. Pirovac – Tribunj 19.25 km (11.96 nm), Day 10. Tribunj – Krka waterfall 28.77 km (17.88 nm), Day 11. Krka – Primošten 36.04 km (22.39 nm), Day 12. Primošten – Stari Grad 72.01 km (44.75 nm), Day 13. Stari Grad – Lastovo 86.28 km (53.61 nm), Day 14. Lastovo – Saplunara (Mljet) – Dubrovnik 107.53 km (66.81 nm)

More Dubrovnik sailing itinerary, Dalmatia sailing routes

Kvarner Bay yacht charter itineraries

Day 1. Mali Losinj – Susak 15, 20 km (9, 44 nm), Day 2. Susak – Unije, Day 3. Unije – Cres town 44, 76 km (27, 81 nm), Day 4. Cres – Rabac 24, 54 km (15, 25 nm), Day 5. Rabac – Trget 32, 92 km (20, 46 nm), Day 6. Trget – Medulin 34, 83 km (21, 64 nm), Day 7. Medulin – Vele Srakane – Mali Losinj 55, 99 km (34, 79 nm).

Day 1. Punat – Malinska 31.42 km (19.52 nm), Day 2. Malinska – Opatija 29.15 km (18.11 nm), Day 3. Opatija – Rijeka 10.25 km (6.37 nm), Day 4. Rijeka – Crikvenica 29.77 km (18.50 nm), Day 5. Crikvenica – Senj 26.64 km (16.55 nm), Day 6. Senj – Baska 12.09 km (7.51 nm), Day 7. Baska – Lopar – Punat 38.29 km (23.79 nm).

More Kvarner Bay sailing destinations

Istria yacht charter itineraries

Day 1. Medulin – Rabac 45.59 km (28.33 nm) , Day 2. Rabac – Fiume 37.04 km (23.02 nm) , Day 3. Fiume – Omisalj 14.99 km (9.31 nm), Day 4. Omisalj – Krk 38.47 km (23.90 nm), Day 5. Krk – Lopar 24.39 km (15.15 nm), Day 6. Lopar – Ilovik 47.98 km (29.82 nm), Day 7. Ilovik – Susak – Medulin 19.77 km (12.28 nm) – 46.19 km (28.70 nm)

Day 1. Pula – Medulin 32.41 km (20.14 nm), Day 2. Medulin – Unije 33.34 km (20.72 nm), Day 3. Unije- Vele Srakane 11.65 km (7.24 nm), Day 4. Vele Srakane – Martinscica 27.22 km (16.91 nm), Day 5. Martinscica – Cres 27.05 km (16.81 nm), Day 6. Cres – Rabac 24, 28 km (15, 09 nm), Day 7. Rabac – Trget – Pula 90.16 km (56.02 nm)

More Pula sailing itinerary , Istria sailing routes

Itinerary from Venice to Croatia

Day 1. Venice(Marina di Lio Grando) – Cortellazzo 30, 10 km (18, 71 nm), Day 2. Cortellazzo – Grado 54, 50 km (33, 87 nm), Day 3. Grado – Trieste 31, 22 km (19, 40 nm), Day 4. Trieste Izola – Umag 38, 72 km (24, 06 nm), Day 5. Umag – Porec 25, 15 km (15, 63 nm), Day 6. Porec – Rovinj 17, 97 km (11, 16 nm), Day 7. Rovinj – Venice 105, 90 km (65, 80 nm)