Boat Charter Options in Split
Split is the largest charter hub in Croatia, with more operators, more boat types, and more departure options than any other port on the Dalmatian coast. The range spans from a shared excursion boat to Hvar for €30 per person to a luxury crewed catamaran at €9,000 per week. Understanding which category fits your trip saves time and money.
- Day trips (shared): Organised excursions to Hvar, Brac, Vis, or the Blue Cave on Bisevo. No licence required. Depart from Split waterfront or ferry terminal area.
- Private day charter: A boat with skipper, just for your group, for a half or full day. More flexibility on route and timing than a shared tour.
- Speedboat/RIB rental: Self-drive (licence required) or skippered rental by the day. Popular for independent trips to Brac beaches or across to Hvar.
- Weekly bareboat: Catamaran or sailing yacht, no crew included. Requires ICC or equivalent licence. The standard format for most charter holidays.
- Weekly crewed: Catamaran with skipper and/or hostess, or full gulet with captain and cook. No licence required from guests.
Day Trips by Boat from Split
Split's central position means day trips can reach multiple islands without a very long passage. The most popular routes:
| Destination | Distance | Typical Price (pp) | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hvar Town + Pakleni Islands | 22 nm | €50–90 | Full day; swimming at Pakleni; lunch stop; Hvar Town evening option |
| Brac — Zlatni Rat Beach | 20 nm | €40–70 | Half or full day; Croatia's most photographed beach; good for families |
| Blue Cave, Bisevo + Vis | 45 nm | €80–130 | Full day speedboat; cave visit 10:00–12:00 for best light; Vis Town lunch |
| Three Islands (Solta, Brac, Hvar) | Various | €45–80 | Popular shared tour; covering multiple islands; swimming stops |
| Private charter (6 hours) | Custom | €400–800 total | Customisable; best for groups of 6–10; choose your own islands |
Weekly Charter from Split: What's Available
Split's weekly charter fleet is the most diverse in Croatia. The main categories:
Catamaran charter: The most popular weekly format. Modern catamarans from 12–15 m, 3–5 cabins. Major operators (Sunsail, Moorings, Neilson, Navigare) and hundreds of independent owners. Bareboat or with skipper/hostess. Prices from €1,800 in low season to €9,500+ in peak.
Sailing yacht: Monohull sailing yachts from 35–55 feet. Better upwind performance than catamarans; less living space. Good for experienced sailors who prioritise sailing over comfort. Prices typically 30–40% less than comparable catamarans.
Gulet charter: Crewed wooden motor-sailor for 8–20 guests. The fully inclusive holiday option — crew cooks, navigates, and handles everything. No sailing experience needed. Prices from €4,500/week for small gulets to €35,000 for luxury vessels.
For help choosing between these options, our catamaran vs gulet comparison covers the key differences in detail.
Speedboat and RIB Rental from Split
Self-drive speedboat and RIB rental is widely available in Split for day use. Most operators require a Class B or equivalent boating licence for self-drive vessels over a certain engine size; the rules are enforced. Skippered rental requires no licence at all.
A half-day speedboat rental (4 hours, 150–200 hp RIB, capacity 8 people) typically costs €150–250. A full day is €250–400. Fuel is charged separately — budget €50–80 for a day of coastal cruising around the islands. The boats are well-maintained and come with standard safety equipment. The most popular route for a self-drive day is across the Brac channel to Milna or Bol — both are straightforward in calm conditions.
Price Overview: Boat Charter in Split
For weekly charters, add APA, end cleaning, and security deposit — typically 20–30% on top of the base fee. Full breakdown in the Croatia charter cost guide.
Logistics: Airport, Marina, and Provisioning
Split Airport (SPU) is 25 km from ACI Marina Split (Baluni). Taxi takes 35–40 minutes and costs €35–45. From the airport to Marina Kastela: 10 minutes (€15). Most weekly charters embark Saturday; plan to arrive Friday to avoid rush day chaos and get a quiet overnight on board before departure.
Provisioning for a week: the Konzum supermarket near ACI Baluni covers all basics. The green market (Pazar) by the old city is better for fresh produce. Fishermen sell direct at the old harbour in the early morning — worth the detour if you want fresh catch for the first night.
Need a sailing licence to charter? See our sailing licence guide. Booking the whole process for the first time? The how to charter a boat in Croatia guide walks through every step.
Other Charter Locations
Chartering from a different base? All location guides below.