What Is APA?
APA stands for Advance Provisioning Allowance. It is a cash fund paid to the captain before a gulet or crewed yacht charter begins, used to cover all running costs during the week: fuel, port fees, provisioning, national park fees, and any other operational expenses. At the end of the charter, the captain provides a full itemised account and returns any unspent balance.
APA covers:
- Fuel (main engine and dinghy outboard)
- Port and marina fees each night
- All food and drinks consumed on board
- National park entrance fees (Kornati, Mljet, etc.)
- Harbour taxes and other maritime authority fees
- Miscellaneous incidentals
How Much Is APA?
Standard APA on a Croatian gulet or crewed yacht is 25–30% of the weekly charter fee.
| Charter Rate | APA (25%) | APA (30%) | Total Charter Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| €6,000/week | €1,500 | €1,800 | €7,500–7,800 |
| €9,000/week | €2,250 | €2,700 | €11,250–11,700 |
| €12,000/week | €3,000 | €3,600 | €15,000–15,600 |
| €18,000/week | €4,500 | €5,400 | €22,500–23,400 |
Key point when comparing gulet prices: Always ask whether the quoted rate is boat-only or boat-plus-APA. A headline rate of €9,000 becomes €11,250–11,700 all-in once APA is added. Compare on the same basis.
Overspent or Underspent?
Underspent
The captain returns the balance in cash at the end of the charter. Common when groups anchor several nights instead of paying marina fees, or eat ashore more than expected.
Overspent
You settle the difference at the end of the week. The captain will show you the itemised account and explain any significant variances. Overspend is most common when provisioning preferences were not clearly communicated before departure.
APA vs Half Board vs All-Inclusive
| Model | What It Covers | Typical Add-On Cost |
|---|---|---|
| APA (standard) | Everything (food, fuel, ports) — cash fund, return balance | 25–30% of charter fee |
| Half Board (HB) | Breakfast and lunch on board; dinner ashore | €50–80/person/day added |
| Full Board (FB) | All meals on board all day | €70–120/person/day added |
| All-Inclusive (AI) | Meals, drinks, fuel, ports — flat rate | Negotiated as part of charter rate |
APA is the most common model for Croatia gulet charters because it is transparent (you see every expense) and flexible (the cook provisions to your exact preferences).
Getting the Most from Your APA
- Discuss provisioning preferences before departure in detail — tell the captain how many meals you want on board per day, dietary requirements, preferred drinks
- Ask the cook for a provisional menu for the week — helps the captain provision accurately
- Agree in advance which nights you plan to eat ashore — reduces provisioning costs
- Ask to see interim accounts mid-week if you are concerned about pace of spend
- Carry enough cash in euros — port fees and some restaurants are cash only
FAQ
Is APA included in the charter price?
No. APA is always quoted separately. When comparing gulet charter prices, always ask whether the quoted rate is boat-only or boat-plus-APA.
Can I pay APA by card?
Most captains prefer cash (euros). Some accept bank transfer before departure. Card payment for APA is uncommon — confirm in advance.
What if I disagree with the APA account?
Review the account carefully before settling any overspend. A professional captain will have every receipt. Disputes about APA are rare with well-run vessels.
Does APA apply to catamaran charters?
APA applies to crewed charters (gulets and fully crewed catamarans). For skippered-only charters (skipper but no hostess), provisioning is typically the charterer's responsibility — you buy groceries, you pay your own port fees.