FAQ’s

A gulet is a traditional style wooden motor-sailing yacht, typically with two masts and a broad, spacious hull. Gulets usually originate from Turkey but are also used in Croatia, offering a charming classic design with plenty of deck space for lounging and dining. They are always chartered with a professional crew (captain, chef, and sailors), so you can fully relax and let the crew handle navigation and hospitality. Advantages: Gulets are very stable and comfortable at sea, have large outdoor areas perfect for sunbathing and socializing, and feature multiple cabins, making them great for families or groups looking for a leisurely cruising experience with a touch of cultural charm.

A motor yacht is a power-driven yacht that relies on engines for propulsion instead of sails. Motor yachts in Croatia range from smaller sport cruisers to large luxury superyachts, all designed for cruising quickly between destinations. The main advantage of a motor yacht is its speed, which allows you to cover more islands and coastline in a given time compared to sailing boats. They often feature luxurious accommodations and modern amenities (like spacious cabins with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, and high-end entertainment systems), providing a very comfortable experience on board.

A motorsailer (or motor-sailor) is a yacht that combines both sailing and engine power capabilities. These yachts have sails like a traditional sailing yacht but also powerful engines, allowing them to cruise even when there’s little wind. Advantages: Motorsailers offer the charm and quieter experience of sailing when conditions permit, plus the reliability of motor power to maintain schedules or navigate on calm days. They tend to be spacious and comfortable (similar to gulets in layout and comfort), and are usually chartered with an experienced crew. For guests, a motorsailer provides a nice balance – you can enjoy the romance of traveling under sail when the breeze is right, but you won’t be stuck if there’s no wind, ensuring a smooth journey throughout your trip.

The yacht charter season in Croatia typically runs from late April or May through October. During this period, the weather is warm and the Adriatic Sea is generally calm and pleasant for sailing. The peak season is in the summer months of July and August, while the shoulder seasons (June and September) still offer very nice weather but with fewer crowds. Outside of May–October, many yachts are out of the water or undergoing maintenance, and weather conditions in winter are less suitable for cruising, so charters are uncommon in the off-season.

The best time to charter in Croatia depends on your preferences for weather and crowds. July and August have the hottest weather, warmest sea, and a lively atmosphere — ideal if you enjoy a vibrant scene and long sunny days — but they are also the busiest and most expensive months. June and September are often considered the sweet spots: you’ll get warm summer temperatures and good sailing winds, but with fewer tourists around and often slightly lower prices than peak summer. May and October can be great for those looking for a quieter, more budget-friendly trip; the weather is milder (not as hot, with cooler evenings and a chance of rain), and while you might not swim as much, you’ll enjoy peaceful ports and beautiful spring or autumn scenery.

To reserve a yacht charter, you typically start by selecting the type of yacht (Gulet, Motor Yacht, or Motorsailer) and your preferred travel dates, then contacting a charter broker or the yacht charter company. Once you confirm the yacht’s availability and agree on the details, you will usually need to sign a charter agreement (contract) and pay a deposit to secure the booking. The deposit is often around 30-50% of the charter fee and confirms your reservation. After that, the balance of the payment is due closer to your departure (commonly 4-6 weeks before the trip). You’ll also provide the charter company with a passenger list (names and passport details of everyone in your group) and any special requests or requirements so they can prepare for your cruise.

Most charter companies will ask for payments via bank wire transfer, and some may accept credit cards for the deposit or balance (sometimes with a surcharge). The typical payment schedule is a two-part payment: a deposit (about 30-50% of the total price) at the time of booking, and the remaining balance due about 4 to 6 weeks before your embarkation date. In some cases (for example, last-minute bookings made close to the departure), the full amount might be required upfront. Always ensure you receive a formal invoice or payment schedule in writing from the charter company, and don’t hesitate to ask for confirmation once payments are made. (If you’re booking through a reputable charter broker or agency, they will usually hold your deposit in escrow until the contract is finalized for added security.)

Cancellation policies can vary by provider, but generally, the closer you cancel to the departure date, the more of the charter fee you stand to lose. For example, if you cancel several months in advance, you might forfeit your deposit but not owe the rest of the balance. However, if you cancel last-minute (say within 4-6 weeks of the trip, when the final payment is due or already paid), you could lose up to 100% of the charter fee, especially if the yacht cannot be rebooked for those dates. Some charter companies try to be flexible – if they manage to re-book the yacht to another client, they might refund a portion of what you paid (minus any costs or a rebooking fee). Travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage is highly recommended, so that if you must cancel for an unforeseen reason (like illness or emergency), you can recover some or all of your money through the insurance.

It’s wise to book your yacht charter several months in advance, especially for popular periods. Many repeat charterers reserve their boats as early as a year ahead to get their first choice of yacht and dates (this is common for July and August charters). For June or September charters, booking 6-8 months in advance is a good rule of thumb to ensure a wide selection of yachts and optimal pricing. You can certainly find options closer to the date as well — sometimes even a few weeks out — particularly in May or October or if someone else cancels. However, last-minute availability in peak summer can be very limited or higher priced. In summary, the earlier you book, the more choices and peace of mind you will have. If you’re planning for the high season, aim for the winter or fall of the previous year to start making your arrangements.

The cost of a yacht charter in Croatia can vary widely depending on the yacht type, its size, luxury level, and the time of year. As a rough guideline, a smaller sailing yacht or motor boat (bareboat, without crew) might start around €3,000–€5,000 per week in low season. A mid-sized gulet or motorsailer with crew could range roughly €10,000–€20,000 per week, depending on the boat’s class and amenities. More premium or larger yachts — for example, a deluxe motorsailer or a luxury motor yacht — can be €20,000 to €50,000+ per week in high season. Superyachts or very high-end charters can go even above that. Keep in mind these are ballpark figures; actual prices will depend on the exact yacht and charter details. It’s best to request a quote for the specific yacht and dates you’re interested in.

Charter prices in Croatia are higher in the high season (July and August) and relatively lower in the low or shoulder seasons (May, early June, late September, October). In high season, demand is at its peak, so many yachts charge premium rates — often 20-30% more than they would in the off-season for the same boat. For example, a yacht that costs €10,000 per week in May might cost €13,000 or more per week in August. In shoulder months like June and September, you can often enjoy a slight discount or special offer compared to August, while still getting very good weather. Besides the base rate, some costs like marina fees can also be higher in peak months (since marinas have high season rates too). By contrast, charters in May or October (weather permitting) can be a great value, with much lower prices and plenty of availability, though you trade off peak summer heat and some services (a few restaurants or shops may be closed in early/late season). Overall, if you’re looking to save money, consider the shoulder season; if you want the absolute prime summer experience and don’t mind the premium, go for July or August.

The base charter fee covers the yacht (and crew, if it’s a crewed yacht), but there are additional running costs and extras that you should budget for. These typically include:

• Fuel: The yacht’s fuel for engines and generators is usually charged separately based on usage. Motor yachts consume more fuel (especially if you cruise long distances or at high speeds), whereas sailing yachts and motorsailers use less if you sail or stay anchored often. Fuel costs can range from a few hundred euros on a sailing yacht using mostly wind, to a few thousand euros on a large motor yacht doing extensive cruising.

• Food and Drinks: Provisioning for your meals and beverages is an extra cost. You have options – you can shop for groceries and drinks yourself (especially if on a bareboat charter), or on crewed charters you can have the crew purchase provisions based on your preferences. Some crewed charters offer a half-board or full-board meal plan at a set price per person, or use an APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) system for provisioning (more on APA below). Dining ashore at restaurants is also paid out of pocket by you.

• Port Fees and Marina Charges: Each time you dock at a marina or use a town quay, there will be mooring fees. These vary by location (a popular marina with full facilities might charge a significant nightly fee, whereas a simple town pier might be cheaper). If you spend nights at anchor in a bay, there’s no cost, but if you use mooring buoys or marinas, you’ll pay the local fees. It’s wise to allocate a few hundred euros for port fees over a week, depending on your itinerary and choice of stops.

• Tourist Tax: Croatia imposes a small daily tourist tax (visitor fee) per person, usually on the order of a couple of euros per person per day. This is typically paid at the start of the charter or included in your bill as a separate line item. It’s a minor cost but good to be aware of.

• Crew Gratuity: Although not an “expense” in the planning sense (because it’s discretionary), tipping the crew at the end of a crewed charter is customary if you’re happy with the service. The guideline is around 5-15% of the base charter fee, given in cash to the captain to be shared among the crew. This is not included in your charter price.

• Special Equipment or Activities: If you plan any special activities like hiring a dive instructor for a day, renting jetskis (if not already on board), or going on guided tours inland, these will be extra costs. Some yachts come with a jetski or seabob included, but use of them may require a fee or a license (for example, you need a valid license to operate a jetski in Croatia). Also, entry fees for national parks (such as Mljet or Kornati islands) are extra if you visit those areas.

Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA): Many luxury crewed charters use an APA system to manage the above extra expenses. The APA is an upfront allowance (typically 20–30% of the charter price, paid with your final payment) that the captain uses to pay for fuel, food, drinks, port fees, etc. during your trip. He/She keeps a record of all expenses. At the end of the charter, any unused APA money is refunded to you, and if the costs exceeded the APA, you would settle the difference. This system ensures you don’t have to pay each expense as you go; instead, it’s managed in a lump sum. If your charter is not using APA, then you will either pay these expenses as they occur or as agreed (for example, a set menu fee for food, or just settle fuel and marina bills at the end). Always clarify with the charter company how extras are handled so you can budget accordingly.