Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Croatian Charter: Commonly Asked Questions
Some of the most common queries about Croatian yacht charter are included below. If you have any questions or are looking for a yacht, the following information can be useful. To see the answers, scroll down. If you need any extra information or have any comments, don't hesitate to contact us; we would be happy to help.
The type of boat you choose is entirely up to you and your preferences. Sailing boats, catamarans, motor yachts, gulets, motor sailers, mini cruisers, and cabin charters are all part of our wide range of offerings. While catamarans provide greater comfort and stability on board, sailing boats are a great option for carefree holidays with a group of friends or for family vacations. Motor boats are the best choice if you enjoy speed and adventure, while gulets offer a more authentic experience and come with crew. For individuals and couples who do not wish to charter an entire boat, a cabin charter is ideal. A mini cruiser is a smaller type of cruise ship, typically accommodating between 20 and 40 guests. They are designed for intimate cruising experiences, allowing you to explore the Croatian coast and islands in a more personalized way. Consider the number of guests, whether you prefer greater luxury on board, and whether you require the services of a skipper (in which case it is recommended that the skipper has a separate sleeping cabin) to ensure your yacht suits your needs.
A bareboat charter is when a yacht is rented without a crew or skipper. This means that you or a member of your group will be responsible for all navigation and boat handling throughout your vacation, giving you complete freedom and flexibility at sea. Therefore, a valid sailing license, a VHF certificate, and prior sailing experience are absolutely necessary. Please click here to learn more about Bareboat Chartering.
Renting a yacht with a permanent crew on board to handle navigation and take care of the guests is called a crewed charter. This option allows you to fully relax and enjoy your vacation while the professional crew manages all sailing, safety, and onboard services. The crew often consists of a captain, a steward, deckhands, and other crew members, all dedicated to ensuring your comfort and a smooth cruising experience.
Once you select a yacht that meets your needs, we can arrange a short-term reservation, giving you time to make your final decision and plan your trip (book flights and other travel arrangements). The yacht is considered reserved once we receive a signed copy of the charter agreement and confirmation of your deposit payment (50% of the total amount, unless otherwise specified). The remaining balance is due 30 to 60 days before your charter. If you book less than 30 days before departure, the full charter amount must be paid at once. All payments should be made by bank transfer.
For a bareboat charter, the price includes the yacht with complete equipment, as well as all safety and navigational gear, bed linen, and towels. Additional costs, such as final cleaning, the transit log or charter pack, tourist tax, and optional equipment like a safety net, outboard engine, spinnaker, or gennaker, are paid separately. The availability of extra services and equipment may vary depending on the yacht type and current offers. The price does not include fuel and port or marina fees, which are charged according to actual consumption and local marina rates. A refundable security deposit or damage waiver is required for bareboat charters.
For a skippered charter, the conditions are similar to a bareboat charter, but with the addition of a professional skipper. The skipper’s fee is usually paid separately unless it is specifically noted as included in the price. Please note that the skipper requires a separate cabin and that their food and beverages are the responsibility of the client. Other costs remain the same as in a bareboat arrangement.
For luxury crewed yachts, mini cruisers, and gulets, the price includes a fully equipped yacht, a professional crew, full crew service, daily yacht and cabin cleaning, and Wi-Fi. The price does not include food and drinks, port fees and marina charges, national park entrance fees, transfers, motorized water sports, or crew gratuities. On some vessels, food and beverage packages are available at a fixed price, while on others these expenses are covered through an APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance), which is used to cover costs during the charter. The APA is calculated based on the net charter price, excluding VAT.
VAT inclusion depends on the vessel and applicable regulations, and VAT may be added separately. When it comes to fuel consumption, policies may vary by vessel. Some yachts include up to 4 hours of cruising per day in the charter price, while on others fuel is calculated based on actual consumption and covered through the APA.
For bareboat charters, at least one crew member must hold a valid skipper’s licence and a VHF certificate, as well as the required Certificate of Competence to operate the yacht. Copies of these documents must be provided upon confirmation of the charter reservation. A list of valid licences issued by the Croatian Ministry of the Sea is available for download. In case of uncertainty regarding the validity of any licence, the documentation may be submitted for verification. Guests without the appropriate qualifications may still enjoy the charter experience by booking a professional skipper.
If you do not have a current Certificate of Competence and no prior sailing experience, you will be required to hire a captain. Hiring a skipper is strongly advised if you have really sailed before but are not entirely confident in your ability to navigate. Hiring a professional skipper has several advantages; he can show you hidden beaches and bays, offer sailing advice, recommend the best local eateries, and, most importantly, take the burden of being the only person in charge of the yacht's safety off your shoulders. In this manner, you may unwind and savor every second of your vacation.
The skipper’s fee is additional and must be paid separately from the charter price.
For skippered charters, guests are responsible for the skipper’s meals and drinks, whether on board or ashore. Alternatively, a daily meal allowance can be arranged. For gulets, luxury crewed yachts and larger fully crewed vessels, crew meals and related expenses are usually included in the charter price.
Since the skipper is responsible for the safe operation of the yacht and the well-being of everyone on board, a separate cabin is strongly recommended to ensure proper rest. Choosing a yacht with enough cabins for both guests and crew is therefore the most comfortable solution.
Most yachts operate on a Saturday to Saturday schedule and can be booked for one week or longer. A limited number of yachts are also available from Sunday to Sunday. This is especially common during the high season (June to mid-September), when most charters are reserved well in advance.
Check-in takes place on Saturdays between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. Before departure, the yacht is prepared, cleaned and handed over, followed by a short technical and safety briefing. Return to base is scheduled for Friday afternoon, with overnight stay on board. Check-out and disembarkation take place on Saturday between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m.
Standard check-in takes place in the afternoon. Some yachts may offer an early check-in for an additional fee; however, this service is not available on all boats and must be confirmed in advance, subject to the yacht’s schedule and preparation. If arriving earlier than the scheduled check-in time, please contact us beforehand so we can advise on the available options.
Mooring fees depend on the size and type of the yacht and vary between marinas. Catamarans generally incur higher fees than monohull yachts of the same length. Up-to-date prices can be found on the official websites of the marinas along the planned itinerary. In many areas, free anchoring may be available in natural bays and designated anchorages. However, organised mooring fields and protected areas usually charge a fee.
If you choose a skippered or crewed charter, the captain will know many hidden bays and quiet spots where you can safely anchor and enjoy more privacy. However, with a bareboat charter, staying in a marina is often the safer and more practical option, especially if you are not familiar with the sailing area.
When anchoring in bays, make sure you have sufficient food, water and power supplies on board. Marinas also provide better protection from wind and bad weather, making them a safer and more comfortable choice.
In Croatia, many marinas offer the option to reserve a berth in advance. During the shoulder and low season, finding a berth is usually easy. However, in the high season – especially in July and August – availability can be limited, and arriving earlier in the day is recommended to secure a spot.
When arriving at the marina, designated parking areas are usually available for guests. In most cases, advance reservations are not required, as sufficient space is provided. Parking fees may vary depending on the marina. Marina staff and security personnel regularly monitor both the boats and the parking areas for safety.
It is recommended to pack light and bring only practical essentials. Comfortable clothing, swimwear and non-slip boat shoes or trainers with rubber soles are ideal for life on board during the summer. Personal medications, basic first-aid supplies, sunscreen and insect repellent are also advisable. Guests prone to seasickness should consider bringing appropriate medication. A light waterproof jacket or warmer layers are recommended as well, in case of wind, rain or cooler evenings.
Routes and itineraries can be suggested based on your preferences and sailing plans. Tips on cultural highlights, beaches, restaurants and natural attractions are also available to help you make the most of your charter.
All yachts include bed linen, typically consisting of pillows, blankets and sheets.
Towels are usually not provided on bareboat and smaller yachts, although they may be available for an additional fee. Beach towels are generally not included, so bringing your own is recommended.
On larger crewed yachts, luxury yachts and gulets, both bathroom towels and, in many cases, beach towels are normally included as part of the service on board.
The galley is fully equipped with a stove, oven, refrigerator, sink, cookware and cutlery. Dishcloths and cleaning products are generally not supplied but can easily be purchased at marina stores or local shops.
Supermarkets are usually located close to the marina, making it easy to stock up before departure. Smaller convenience stores can also be found within or near most marinas for last-minute essentials.
Yes, provisions can be ordered online in advance. The supplies will be delivered directly to the yacht and ready on board before check-in.
Children are welcome on board, and many of our charters are ideal for families. However, extra care and supervision are always recommended for their safety. Catamarans are often a popular choice for families, as they offer more space, stability and a greater sense of security. For motor yachts, models with a flybridge are generally more suitable than open designs.
Safety equipment such as protective nets and children’s life jackets can be arranged on request. These items should be ordered in advance and may involve an additional charge, as installation requires preparation time. Please inform us of the children’s ages so that suitable life jackets can be provided. Choosing a safe cabin location and ensuring children are always supervised by an adult is strongly advised.
Changes to the crew list are possible during the charter, but must be reported in advance so the necessary documentation can be updated. At check-in, a crew list will be provided and must be kept on board at all times for port authority inspections. If any changes occur during the charter, the charter base should be informed immediately. An updated crew list will then be issued.
Yes, all yachts are fully insured in accordance with maritime regulations, and the crew is covered by appropriate insurance.
A refundable security deposit is required for all bareboat and skippered charters. Crewed charters do not require a security deposit. It acts as a guarantee in case of accidental damage, loss of equipment or other incidents during the charter. The deposit amount depends on the size and type of the yacht and is typically paid by credit card or cash before departure. It is fully refunded after check-out, provided the yacht and its equipment are returned in good condition. In the event of damage or loss, costs are covered up to the amount of the deposit, while any remaining expenses are covered by the yacht’s insurance. If preferred, a damage waiver can be purchased during the booking process. This additional coverage reduces or eliminates your financial responsibility and provides extra peace of mind.
The Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA) is a prepaid fund used to cover additional charter expenses not included in the base charter price. These typically include fuel, port and marina fees, food and beverages, and other onboard costs. The APA is paid before the charter and is usually calculated as a percentage of the charter price. The captain manages these expenses during the trip and keeps a detailed record of all spending. If the actual expenses exceed the APA amount, the difference is settled at the end of the charter. Any unused funds are fully refunded.
The official currency in Croatia is the euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in shops, restaurants and supermarkets. However, in smaller towns and local businesses, card payments may not always be available, so carrying some cash is recommended.
Yes. A valid diving certification is required for diving in the Adriatic Sea. Diving without a proper license is not permitted. Divers must hold a recognized certification card issued by an international diving organization such as PADI, CMAS, SSI, UDI or similar. Based on this certification, a Croatian diving permit can be obtained if required.
Yes, a valid fishing license is required to fish legally in Croatia. Licenses can be obtained through authorized fishing clubs or local offices, and are available to foreign visitors. A passport or ID is usually sufficient to apply. If you are a member of a fishing club in your home country, bringing your membership card may entitle you to a discounted fee. When the license is issued, you will receive information about permitted fishing areas, allowed equipment and local regulations. Please note that fishing is not allowed in national parks and protected areas.
Weather forecasts are available at marina receptions and charter bases. Updates can also be obtained via VHF radio, where regular weather reports are broadcast, especially during the summer season. Online forecasts and mobile weather apps are widely used and provide additional real-time information.
Yes, personal electrical devices can be used on board. When connected to shore power in the marina, yachts have a standard 220V electricity supply. At sea, power availability may be limited and depends on the yacht’s batteries or generator. Only yachts equipped with a generator can provide continuous electricity while cruising. Please note that Croatia uses 220V power and standard European two-pin plugs, so an adapter may be required.
When connected to shore power in the marina, you can charge your devices using standard 220V sockets. At sea, charging is possible through the yacht’s 12V outlets using a car-style adapter. Power availability may be limited unless the yacht is equipped with a generator.
Most sailing areas along the Croatian coast have good mobile phone coverage, especially near towns, islands and marinas. However, signal strength may be weaker in remote bays or more isolated locations.
Tipping the crew is customary and appreciated, especially if you are satisfied with the service provided during your charter. The amount is entirely at your discretion, but it typically ranges around 5–20 % of the charter price, depending on your experience and the level of service. Tips are usually given at the end of the charter, either handed directly to the captain to distribute among the crew or left in an envelope on board.
Under international maritime regulations, any vessel carrying more than 12 guests is classified as a passenger ship and must comply with the SOLAS Convention (Safety of Life at Sea). These rules involve significantly stricter safety standards, equipment and certification requirements. As a result, operating yachts with more than 12 guests becomes considerably more complex and expensive, which is why most charter yachts are limited to 12 passengers. However, larger crewed yachts and mini cruisers designed and certified for more guests are also available for bigger groups.
Visitors to Croatia must carry a valid passport or ID card. Entry requirements and visa rules may vary depending on nationality. Up-to-date information about customs regulations, registration procedures and travel requirements can be found on the official website of the Croatian National Tourist Board at www.croatia.hr where you will also find useful contacts, travel tips and additional guidance.
Up-to-date information about flights to and within Croatia is available directly from airlines and airport websites. The national airline Croatia Airlines provides schedules, routes and booking options on its official website. For ferry connections between the mainland and the islands, timetables and tickets can be found on the websites of major operators such as Jadrolinija and SNAV.
Please do not hesitate to contact us at any time if you have any further questions or issues.