Why Charter a Catamaran in Croatia?
Croatia's Dalmatian coast was made for catamaran sailing. The islands are close together — most passages are 15 to 30 nautical miles — the summer wind is consistent, and there are enough sheltered anchorages to keep a wide-beamed boat comfortable even in a westerly swell. But the main reason catamarans have taken over the Croatian charter market in the past decade is simpler: the space.
A 42-foot catamaran gives you the equivalent deck and living area of a 52-foot monohull. Four double cabins, a vast cockpit table for ten, and a shaded deck platform that doubles as the world's best sunbathing spot once you drop anchor. For groups of 8 to 10 sharing costs, the per-person economics are genuinely hard to beat.
Key advantage over monohulls: No heel. A catamaran stays level underway, which matters considerably if anyone in your group is prone to seasickness, if you have children, or if you want to cook a proper meal while moving.
Bareboat, Crewed, and Skippered: What's the Difference?
Bareboat Catamaran Charter
You take the helm. No skipper provided. Bareboat requires a valid sailing licence (ICC or equivalent) and is the most affordable option. You set your own schedule, anchor where you choose, and stay as long as you want at each location. The catch: you are responsible for the vessel and everyone on board.
Most charter companies also ask for catamaran-specific experience. A strong monohull background is usually enough, but bring your logbook and expect questions at handover about docking wide-beam vessels in marinas.
Skippered Catamaran Charter
A professional skipper joins the boat and handles all navigation. You participate in sailing, help with lines, and enjoy the experience without any licensing or navigational responsibilities. Skippers cost 150 to 200 euros per day on top of the boat hire. For groups without the right qualifications, this is the most practical and still affordable solution.
Crewed Catamaran Charter
Skipper plus a hostess who handles provisioning, cooking, and cleaning. A step up from skippered in terms of service — your week becomes genuinely all-inclusive. Crewed catamarans are popular for milestone events and multi-family groups where no one wants to think about logistics.
Catamaran Charter Costs in Croatia
All prices are indicative weekly bareboat rates. Crewed and skippered charters add daily crew costs on top.
| Catamaran Size | Cabins / Guests | Shoulder Season | Peak Season (Jul/Aug) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38–40 ft (entry) | 4 cabins / 8 guests | from €2,500/wk | from €4,000/wk |
| 42–45 ft (standard) | 4 cabins / 8–10 guests | from €3,200/wk | from €5,500/wk |
| 45–48 ft (large) | 5 cabins / 10 guests | from €4,000/wk | from €7,000/wk |
| 50 ft+ (luxury) | 6 cabins / 12 guests | from €5,500/wk | from €9,500/wk |
On top of the weekly boat rate, budget for:
- Skipper (if not bareboat): 150–200 euros/day
- Fuel: 100–250 euros/week (sailing most of the time)
- Marina fees: 40–150 euros/night depending on boat size and marina
- Provisioning: 60–100 euros/person/week for groceries
- Security deposit: 2,000–3,500 euros held on credit card
- Croatian transit log: 150–300 euros (usually arranged by charter company)
Best Bases for Catamaran Charter in Croatia
Split and Trogir
The largest charter hub in Croatia and the right starting point for most groups. Trogir is 20 minutes from Split airport and hosts several large charter fleets including ACI Marina Trogir. The central Dalmatian position gives easy access to Hvar (2 hours), Vis (4 hours), and Brac (1.5 hours). The widest boat selection and generally the most competitive pricing in Croatia.
Dubrovnik
Base for the southern island circuit: Elaphiti Islands, Korcula, Mljet, and the quieter anchorages of Lastovo. Fewer charter boats than the Split corridor, which shows in the quality of anchorages in peak season. Dubrovnik is a higher-cost base overall, but the sailing grounds reward the extra investment.
Šibenik
The right base for the Kornati National Park — a protected archipelago of 140+ uninhabited islands with some of the most dramatic anchoring in the Mediterranean. The approach into Šibenik itself, through the narrow St. Anthony's Channel, is one of the most memorable harbour entrances on the Adriatic.
Best Catamaran Routes in Croatia
The Hvar–Vis–Korcula Loop (from Split)
The classic route. Split to Hvar town (social base, good marina, nightlife), across to Vis island (quieter, excellent wine, best fish restaurants on the coast), south to Korcula (medieval town, quieter than Dubrovnik), back via Brac and Solta. Covers 200+ nautical miles in a week at a comfortable pace. Suitable for all experience levels.
The Elaphiti Islands Circuit (from Dubrovnik)
Sipan, Lopud, and Kolocep are within easy reach of Dubrovnik and significantly less visited than the central Dalmatian islands. Day sails between 8 and 18 nautical miles. Better for groups who want sailing holidays over social sailing — quiet anchorages, local restaurants, no charter boat flotillas.
The Kornati Traverse (from Šibenik or Zadar)
National park entrance fee applies (around 150–200 kuna equivalent per day), but the anchoring grounds inside are free once you hold the permit. Narrow channels, dramatic limestone cliffs, crystal water, and almost no development. A wide-beam catamaran needs careful navigation in the tighter channels; take your time and use the paper chart alongside the chartplotter.
When to Go: Catamaran Charter Season
| Month | Wind | Sea Temp | Crowds | Price Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May | Variable, some mistral | 18–20°C | Low | ★★☆☆☆ |
| June | Consistent mistral (NW) | 21–23°C | Moderate | ★★★☆☆ |
| July | Strong mistral, afternoon gusts | 24–26°C | Very high | ★★★★★ |
| August | Reliable mistral, hot | 26–28°C | Highest | ★★★★★ |
| September | Lighter, more settled | 24–26°C | Low–Moderate | ★★★☆☆ |
| October | Variable, storm risk | 20–22°C | Low | ★★☆☆☆ |
September is the standout month for experienced charterers. Sea temperature peaks in late August and stays warm through September. Anchorages that were impossible to enter in August are suddenly accessible. Prices drop 20–30% from the first week of September. The consistent summer mistral fades to more variable conditions, but settled periods give light-wind sailing in flat water.
Licence Requirements for Catamaran Charter
For bareboat catamaran charter in Croatia, you need:
- ICC (International Certificate of Competence) with sailing endorsement, or equivalent national licence
- VHF Short Range Certificate (SRC) or higher
- Logbook showing offshore miles (most companies require this for catamarans specifically)
Accepted qualifications include RYA Day Skipper Practical (UK), ASA 104 (US), German SKS, French Permis Plaisance offshore, and equivalent national certificates from most EU countries. If you hold only a theory certificate or a powerboat licence, you need to charter with a skipper.
No licence? Hiring a skipper is the most common solution. At 150–200 euros/day, a skipper adds roughly 1,000–1,400 euros to a week's charter. For groups of 8 sharing, that is 125–175 euros per person — a reasonable cost for full sailing freedom without the paperwork.
How to Book a Catamaran Charter in Croatia
Through an Aggregator Platform
Sailogy, Click&Boat, and GetMySailboat list hundreds of catamarans across all Croatian bases. Filter by size, base, cabin count, and budget. Useful for comparing options side-by-side and finding last-minute availability in shoulder season. Commission is paid by the charter company, so prices should match direct booking.
Through a Specialist Broker
For larger or more complex charters — crewed catamarans, luxury yacht charters, or groups with specific requirements — a broker searches multiple fleets and handles the contract. No extra cost to you. Worth doing if you are flexible on base and vessel and want an experienced opinion on which boat suits your group.
Direct with a Charter Fleet
If you know exactly what you want, booking direct with the fleet (Cosmos Yachting, The Moorings, Sunsail, or Croatian-owned operators) allows direct negotiation on price, dates, and extras. Early booking discounts of 10–15% are standard for peak season weeks booked before January.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can two people sail a catamaran?
A 40–44ft catamaran is manageable with two experienced sailors but is easier with three or four. Handling dock lines on a wide-beam boat in a busy marina is where extra hands make the biggest difference. If you are two people, consider a smaller cat or hire a skipper for the marina approach legs.
What catamaran models are common in Croatia?
Leopard 42 and 45, Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40 and Astrea 42, Lagoon 42, 46, and 50, Nautitech 46 Open, and Bali 4.3. The Leopard and Lagoon are the most common. All are well-suited to Adriatic sailing conditions.
Is a catamaran more expensive than a gulet?
At equivalent guest capacity, a crewed catamaran and a mid-range gulet are often within 20% of each other in weekly cost once provisioning is factored in. A gulet includes full crew and meals; a catamaran usually does not unless crewed. For 10 guests, a crewed catamaran week (boat + skipper + hostess + provisioning) can total 8,000–13,000 euros — comparable to a mid-market gulet.
How much is the security deposit for a catamaran?
Typically 2,000 to 3,500 euros, held by credit card authorisation at handover. Released within 7–14 days of safe return. Optional deposit insurance (1–2% of the deposit amount per week) is available from marine insurance providers including Pantaenius and Markel.