If you are one of those who love the sea and you are a bit of an adventurous spirit, then you have undoubtedly considered sailing as an option to spend your vacation. Sailing is one of those activities that provide a deep sense of relaxation and connection with nature. In Croatia, as a country with over 1000 islands, sailing is a unique experience. Therefore, if you doubt whether you should spend your vacation on a sailing boat in Croatia, read this blog post and do not think about it anymore; you will surely enjoy this kind of vacation.

What means bareboat?

Bareboat means you can rent a sailboat or motorboat and operate it yourself. You don't need a skipper, and you decide where you sail and adjust your sailing route to your wishes. Bareboating provides the utmost freedom and privacy – do whatever you want, whenever you want to!

This statement, of course, means that you have the appropriate sailing experience. You do not need to know the area where you will be sailing. You are yet to discover and explore it. You shall have basic sailing skills, know how to read and use navigation equipment, and how to operate a boat in different weather conditions.

If you do not have much experience in sailing, but you know the basics, do not worry; the Adriatic Sea is ideal for beginners, of course, with a dose of caution. In that case, you will choose a less demanding route and select the time of year when the weather conditions are stable and when the weather forecast is no big surprise. We suggest you choose June or September. Then there is no big crowd in the marinas, and the weather is perfect for beginners in sailing.

What is sailing like in Croatia?

We like to say that sailing is the best way to discover the hidden beauties of Croatia. Croatia is a country with a very indented coast and a warm Mediterranean climate. With a large offer of sailing boats, Croatia has everything you need for a complete sailing experience. Numerous bays and islands create breath-taking images.
Thanks to its diversity, you always have the opportunity to anchor safely or stay in one of the many marinas that provide quality services.
Depending on your previous sailing experience, you can choose between several hours of sailing or just resting and relaxing in one of the many coves that may be just for you. Guaranteed privacy and peace depend on the time of season you choose, so if it's important to you that you're not in a big crowd and surrounded by dozens of other boats in a bay, then avoid the high season, July and August.
But if you like the idea of sailing during the day and having fun at night in one of the vivid clubs or restaurants, then these months are ideal for that.

What license do you need to charter a boat in Croatia?

To rent a bareboat, at least one person on board should have a valid nautical license and a VHF license. International licenses are accepted. A complete list of proper permissions can be found here. In Croatia, permits are issued by port authorities.

You will also need a crew list to rent a bareboat. It is a document that charter companies are obliged to send to the authorities in electronic form and give you, as the captain of the ship, a printout that you must present to the authorities in case of control at sea.
The Crew list contains information (name, date of birth, place of birth, passport number, citizenship, and residence) of all crew members. It can be prepared before your arrival to expedite the boarding process.

For how long can you charter a yacht?

It is most common to rent a boat for a week. This is how prices are formed, and this is how charter seasons are shaped. But it is possible to rent a boat for several weeks or just for a few days. Usually, charter companies offer boats for a shorter period at the last minute if the boat is left without reservation.
Also, sailing weekends from Thursday to Sunday can be booked in the pre-season (April, May) and post-season (October).

How much does it cost to charter a sailboat in Croatia?

In the end, you are probably interested in the cost of renting a bareboat. Boat rental prices depend on the boat type, size, and age, and finally, on the date, you want to sail.

Charter companies have price lists that are published at the beginning of the season and, over time, approve various benefits and discounts. But the price you see in the price list is usually just the price for a bareboat. There are also mandatory and optional costs. For each boat rental, you have to pay the obligatory final cleaning and the tourist tax.

A security deposit is also required. The deposit amount is determined according to the price list. It serves to cover any damages that may occur and not enter the comprehensive insurance policy. If there is no damage on board, then the deposit is refunded in full.
All other costs: fuel, food, a berth in other marinas and anchorages, and costs that you shall include in the total rental price.

Bareboat is a great way to explore not only the natural beauties of Croatia, but also to enjoy great Croatian food, the best wines, and to experience memories to last a lifetime.