Croatia is one of the most popular destinations for nautical tourism, attracting sea and adventure lovers from all over the world. If you decide on a skippered yacht charter, you will get security, flexibility and a customized itinerary. However, the price of a skippered yacht charter may vary depending on the type of vessel, the season and other factors. In this article, we'll break down all the basic costs so you can better understand what to expect and plan your budget.
1. Cost of Renting a Yacht
The largest part of the costs falls on the rental of the vessel itself. The price varies greatly depending on the type of boat and the season:
Sailboats: Popular due to their more favourable price and authentic sailing experience. The weekly price for a sailboat range from 1,200 to 4,500 euros, depending on the size and season.
Catamarans: More spacious and stable than sailboats, ideal for families or larger groups. The weekly rental of a catamaran is usually between 2,500 and 9,000 euros.
Luxury motor yachts: For those looking for the highest standard of luxury and fast sailing, the weekly rental price of a motor yacht ranges from 8,000 to even 30,000 euros, depending on the size and equipment.
Gulets: Traditional wooden vessels that provide space and comfort for larger groups. Weekly gulet rental costs from 7,000 to 20,000 euros.
The rental price can increase significantly during the high season (June-August) when demand is highest.
2. Skipper's Fee
The skipper's service is an additional item, but it is necessary if you do not have your own license or experience in driving a vessel. Professional skippers provide safety and knowledge of local destinations. The average fee for a skipper range between 150 and 250 euros per day, which means that the weekly cost will be between 1,050 and 1,750 euros.
Some luxury charters include a skipper in the total price, while for other types of vessels a skipper must be hired separately.
Relaxing and swimming on the yacht in Croatia
3. Fuel cost
Fuel is a variable cost that depends on the type of vessel, sailing speed and the route you are planning. Sailboats consume a minimal amount of fuel because they mostly move using sails, while motor yachts have significantly higher fuel consumption, especially at higher speeds.
For a sailboat with an average itinerary, the weekly cost of fuel can be around 100 to 300 euros. Motor yachts can spend between 1,000 and 10,000 euros per week, while catamarans usually spend between 300 and 500 euros. The cost of fuel also depends on how long you stay at certain destinations or cruise along the coast.
4. Food and Drinks
Food and drinks are an important part of any trip. On skippered yachts, you can decide for yourself whether you want to prepare meals yourself, hire a chef or have lunch at local restaurants on the shore.
Prepare your own meals: Shopping for groceries and preparing meals can cut costs. The average daily cost of food for a family of four can be around 50-100 euros.
Hiring a chef: Luxury charters often include the option of a chef to prepare your meals on board. The cost of a cook is usually from 150 to 300 euros per day, plus the cost of groceries.
If you plan to dine at local restaurants, expect prices from 10 to 60 euros per person per meal, depending on the restaurant and location.
Serving food on skippered charter in Croatia
5. Cost of Connection and Marina
During sailing, it is important to plan overnight stays in ports or marinas, which represents an additional cost. The costs of the connections depend on the size of the vessel, the season and the location:
Sailboats and smaller catamarans: On average from 50 to 150 euros per night.
Larger catamarans and luxury yachts: The price can be from 100 to 500 euros per night, especially in popular marinas such as those in Hvar, Dubrovnik and Split.
6. Final Cleaning Fee
Most rentals include a final cleaning fee, which is charged at the end of the trip. This fee covers the cost of cleaning the cabins, kitchen and common areas. The cost of final cleaning depends on the type and size of the boat, usually between 100 and 300 euros.
Comparison of Prices by Type of Vessel and Itinerary
1. Sailing boat – A week in central Dalmatia
- Yacht rental: 3,500 euros
- Skipper: 1,050 - 1,400 euros
- Fuel: 100-300 euros
- Food and drinks: 500 euros
- Connection and marinas: 350 euros
- Total: about 5,500 euros
Luxury Sailing yacht in Croatia
2. Catamaran – A week in the Kornati and Zadar region
- Catamaran rental: 6,000 euros
- Skipper: 1,200-1,400 euros
- Fuel: 300 euros
- Food and drinks: 600 euros
- Connection and marina: 600 euros
- Total: about 8,700 euros
3. Luxury motor yacht – A week in southern Dalmatia
- Motor yacht rental: 20,000 euros
- Skipper: On
- APA: 6,000 euros (APA are funds for fuel, harbour fees, food and drinks on board)
- Total: about 26,200 euros
Tips for Saving on a Skippered Yacht Charter
1. Book in Low Season – Rental prices are significantly lower in May, June and September compared to peak season (July and August). Also, there are fewer crowds, which allows for a quieter enjoyment of natural beauty.
2. Plan a Trip with Friends or Family – Splitting costs with a larger group can significantly reduce individual costs, especially on larger vessels like catamarans or gulets.
3. Choose a More Economical Type of Vessel - Sailboats and smaller catamarans are more affordable than luxury motor yachts and provide an authentic sailing experience.
Skippered yacht charter in Croatia offers a unique way to explore the Adriatic, but costs may vary depending on the type of vessel, season and itinerary. Taking into account the costs of charter, skipper, fuel, food, moorings and other extras, budgeting can help you get the best experience. Through a customized itinerary, flexibility and top-notch service, a skippered rental offers the opportunity for an unforgettable family or friend vacation on the Croatian coast.