Question 1

Which days can a charter start?

Accepted Answer

Croatian charter weeks almost always run Saturday to Saturday, boarding from around 17:00 and disembarking by 09:00. A handful of operators offer Sunday-to-Sunday or short mid-week breaks outside July and August — ask us and we'll check.

Question 2

Can we book two or three weeks together?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our calendar lets you select consecutive weeks and only shows combinations the operator actually has free, so a two-week selection is genuinely bookable on the same boat.

Question 3

How up to date is the availability you show?

Accepted Answer

Weeks and prices are synced directly from the operators' systems several times a day, including late-release discounts. Because charter stock moves quickly, the final week is always re-confirmed with the operator before you pay anything.

Question 4

What if we can only arrive on a Sunday or Monday?

Accepted Answer

That's usually fine — you can join the boat late, and the week is still charged in full. Tell us your flights and we'll suggest a base that works with your arrival time.

Question 5

When should we book for the best choice?

Accepted Answer

For July and August, the best catamarans go 6–9 months ahead. For late May, June and September you can often book 2–3 months out and pick up a discount.

Question 6

Do we need a skipper's licence?

Accepted Answer

For bareboat charter Croatia requires a recognised skipper's licence plus a VHF radio certificate from someone on board. If nobody holds one, we quote the identical boat with a professional skipper — typically €180–220 per day plus their food.

Question 7

What's the difference between a sailboat, catamaran and motor yacht?

Accepted Answer

A monohull sailboat is the cheapest way to get on the water and sails beautifully. A catamaran gives you far more living space, shallow draft and much less heel — ideal for families and mixed-ability groups. A motor yacht buys speed and range, at a much higher fuel cost.

Question 8

Do we need a hostess as well as a skipper?

Accepted Answer

On boats over about 50ft, or with more than eight guests, a hostess makes a big difference — provisioning, breakfasts, tidying and drinks while you're on deck. On a 45ft boat with six adults, most groups skip it.

Question 9

How many people can realistically sleep on board?

Accepted Answer

Use cabins, not berths. A four-cabin catamaran is comfortable for eight; adding two saloon berths works for a week only if the extra guests are children or very relaxed adults.

Question 10

Can we bring children? Are pets allowed?

Accepted Answer

Children are welcome, and we can add child-size lifejackets to the booking. Pets are allowed by some operators, usually with a cleaning surcharge — tell us at enquiry stage and we'll only show boats that accept them.

Question 11

What isn't included in the weekly price?

Accepted Answer

Expect a transit log (roughly €250–500 depending on boat size, covering tourist tax and paperwork), end cleaning, fuel, marina fees away from your home base, and optional extras such as SUPs, a skipper or a hostess.

Question 12

Why are prices in euros?

Accepted Answer

Croatian charter contracts are written in euros and you pay the operator in euros. We show an indicative sterling figure so you can budget, rather than marking up an exchange rate.

Question 13

How do we pay, and when?

Accepted Answer

The operator issues the contract and takes payment directly — typically 50% to confirm the boat and the balance around 30 days before boarding. Plus a refundable security deposit or damage waiver on arrival.

Question 14

What's the cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

It's set by each operator and stated in your contract. Most follow a sliding scale by how far out you cancel, so we strongly recommend charter cancellation insurance — it's inexpensive relative to the boat.

Question 15

Will you hold the boat while we decide?

Accepted Answer

Usually yes — most operators will place a short option (24–72 hours) on a specific week at no cost. Just ask when you enquire.

Question 16

Split or Dubrovnik — which base is better?

Accepted Answer

Split is the most flexible: excellent flights, and Brač, Hvar, Vis and Šolta are all within easy reach. Dubrovnik is more dramatic but the good cruising grounds (Mljet, Korčula, the Elaphiti) are further apart. First-timers usually prefer Split.

Question 17

How far can we realistically sail in a week?

Accepted Answer

Plan for 20–30 nautical miles a day, four to five hours of sailing, and one full day at anchor. That is a comfortable 120–180 mile round trip — enough for Split, Hvar, Vis, Korčula and back.

Question 18

Do we sleep in marinas or at anchor?

Accepted Answer

A typical week mixes both: marinas or town quays for showers, dinner and water (€70–200 a night in season), and quiet bays for swimming and the best evenings.

Question 19

What's the wind and sea like?

Accepted Answer

Summer afternoons bring the reliable maestral, a 10–18 knot north-westerly that makes for lovely sailing. The bura (strong, gusty, from the north-east) and jugo (southerly, wet) are the two systems to watch — your skipper or briefing team will advise.

Question 20

What should we pack?

Accepted Answer

Soft bags only — there is nowhere to store hard suitcases. Non-marking deck shoes, a light waterproof, sun protection, a hat and a reusable water bottle. Bedding and towels are provided.

Question 21

Is there Wi-Fi and power on board?

Accepted Answer

Most modern boats include an on-board Wi-Fi router with a data allowance, plus USB and 12V sockets. Household 220V sockets normally work only in a marina or when the generator is running.

Question 22

Can we bring our own food and drink?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, and it saves a lot. We can arrange a provisioning delivery to the boat for your arrival so the fridges are full before you board.

Question 23

Is a charter suitable if we've never sailed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with a skipper. You get a local expert who handles the boat and the route while you swim, help out as much or as little as you like, and learn as you go.

Question 24

How do we get there?

Accepted Answer

Fly into Split, Dubrovnik, Zadar or Pula — all a short transfer from the marinas. We can arrange airport transfers with your booking.

Croatia charter questions, answered properly

Dates & availability

Boats & crew

Prices, extras & payment

Routes & sailing

Practical questions

Something we haven't covered?