Yachts in Croatia Everyone Wants to Charter For The Most Luxurious & Romantic Way to See The Adriatic
- Mar 9, 2025
- 7 min read
Updated: Jan 30
If budget isn’t your main concern and you’re ready to discover Europe’s most magical coastline aboard a spacious, luxurious yacht — Croatia has a hidden gem for you. Motor sailers, built by local craftsmen, combine the size, elegance, and comfort of super yachts with the soul of traditional sailing. These vessels boast large en suite cabins, expansive decks with Jacuzzis, cinema rooms, water toys, and a full professional crew — all at 2–3 times less than what you’d pay for a super yacht of the same caliber elsewhere.
ABOUT: Croatian yacht builders and craftsmen have been using this formula of success already for awhile. Local marine professionals have improved the concept of a motor sailer and created a new kind of private yachts that offer the space and comfort of a super yacht — but without the super yacht price tag. By blending elegance, tradition, smart design, dedication & focus on hospitality, they’ve built quite a few and keep building more 35+ meter motor sailers that feel like a huge floating private villa.
CROATIA & THE MOTOR SAILERS: Croatia’s breathtaking coastline, dotted with over 1,200 islands, is best explored by yacht. Among the many options available, motor sailers stand out as the perfect combination of traditional charm and modern luxury. These large, elegant vessels blend the aesthetics of a sailing yacht with the power and comfort of a motor yacht, ensuring a smooth, stable, and spacious onboard experience. Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a romantic honeymoon, or an adventure with friends, a motor sailer provides ample space, luxury amenities, and a professional crew to cater to your every need.
A CHARTER WITH A MOTOR SAILING YACHT IN CROATIA IS IDEAL FOR:
Families – spacious cabins and plenty of water toys for kids & teens, and beautiful romantic space for parents
Couples & honeymooners – romantic settings, private dining, and sunset views
Groups of friends – large decks, luxurious lounges, and a social atmosphere
Luxury travelers – high-end service, gourmet dining, and top-tier amenities
Gastronomy & wine lovers – explore Croatia’s best wineries & Michelin-starred restaurants with your own private chef onboard
WHAT TO DO DURING SUCH CHARTER IN CROATIA - ACTIVITIES TO ENJOY:
Explore Dubrovnik’s Old Town – walk the ancient city walls & dine in a historic setting
Swim in the blue cave of Vis – a natural wonder with glowing blue waters
Visit Hvar’s vineyards – enjoy a private wine-tasting experience
Island-hop in the Kornati archipelago – discover uninhabited islands & crystal-clear lagoons
Try water sports – enjoy jet skis, paddleboards, seabobs & more onboard
Experience Michelin-starred dining – taste exquisite seafood with sea views
Discover Mljet national park – hike, bike, or kayak in this lush paradise
Relax in secluded bays – enjoy private moments in untouched nature
Explore Montenegro from Dubrovnik – extend your trip to the stunning Bay of Kotor
Sail from Zadar to Venice – a cross-border adventure with customs clearance fees
(Between these destinations, your captain will take you to secret anchorages for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports)
WHEN TO BOOK: It's best to book your yacht at least 10 to 12 months in advance, especially if you're planning your trip in high season or have specific preferences for yacht type, size, or itinerary — Croatia is one of Europe’s most in-demand charter destinations, and the best yachts get reserved quickly, even a year ahead.
The best time to book a luxury motor sailer in Croatia is between late spring and early autumn, with the most popular months being June, July, and August. These summer months offer the warmest weather, perfect for swimming and enjoying long days under the sun.
If you prefer fewer crowds and a more peaceful cruising experience, May, early June, and September are ideal. During these shoulder months, the Adriatic Sea is still pleasant, the landscapes are lush, and the ports are quieter.
SAMPLE ITINERARIES FOR A CROATIA YACHT CHARTER:
Itinerary 1: Dubrovnik – Montenegro – Dubrovnik
(7 days of pure luxury & savoring the tastes of two countries)
Day 1: Dubrovnik – Cavtat
Embark in Dubrovnik and enjoy a short scenic cruise to the charming town of Cavtat.
Day 2: Cavtat – Herceg Novi – Tivat (Montenegro)
Clear into Montenegro and cruise through the Bay of Kotor to glamorous Porto Montenegro in Tivat.
Day 3: Tivat – Perast – Kotor
Explore the baroque town of Perast and anchor near Kotor for the night under medieval walls.
Day 4: Kotor – Budva
Cruise to vibrant Budva for beach clubs, Old Town walks, and nightlife.
Day 5: Budva – Sveti Stefan – Rose
Admire iconic Sveti Stefan and head to peaceful Rose village for a swim and sunset dinner.
Day 6: Rose – Zanjice Bay – Cavtat (Croatia)
Swim in crystal-clear Zanjice Bay, then return to Croatia and anchor in Cavtat.
Day 7: Cavtat – Dubrovnik
Enjoy breakfast onboard before cruising back to Dubrovnik for disembarkation
Itinerary 2: Zadar – Kornati – Venice
(A unique cross-border voyage)
Day 1: Board in Zadar, sail to the stunning beaches of Dugi Otok
Day 2: Explore Kornati National Park, a true sailing paradise
Day 3: Snorkel in the blue waters of Telašćica Bay
Day 4: Stop in Rovinj, a charming Venetian-style coastal town
Day 5: Cross the Adriatic to Venice, enjoy an exclusive canal-side dinner
Day 6: Spend a day in Venice, then sail back to Croatia
Day 7: Sail to Rovinj, explore one of the most beautiful Adriatic towns - truly iconic and don't miss the sunset from the old town's pier
(Note: Crossing into Montenegro or Italy requires customs clearance and additional fees.)
Join me onboard LADY GITA - one of the nicest motor sailers in Croatia with fantastic crew and the captain. I took this video when we had lunch onboard this yacht near Split.
VARIETY OF MOTOR SAILERS AVAILABLE FOR RENT IN CROATIA: Please, visit Contact Yachts- the website of MYBA member company where I work to explore the selection of available yachts. This website where you're now serves as my personal yacht and travel blog to inspire you for different experiences and share some useful information.
(Each motor sailer features luxurious cabins, a professional crew, fine dining, and excellent water toys!)
EXAMPLES OF VARIOUS MOTOR SAILERS YOU CAN FIND ON CONTACT YACHTS WEBSITE:
Names below are clickable - they are of the motor sailing yachts displayed above
LOVE STORY: 43.2m long, 6 cabins for 12 guests, price per week from €80,000 per week plus expenses & VAT
LADY GITA: 49.2m long, 6 cabins for 12 guests, price per week from €99,000 per week plus expenses & VAT
DALMATINO: 43.5m long, 6 cabins for 12 guests, price per week from €80,000 per week plus expenses & VAT
MAXITA: 39.1m long, 6 cabins for 12 guests, price per week from €75,000 per week plus expenses & VAT
NOCTURNO: 48.3m long, 6 cabins for 12 guests, price per week from €85,000 per week plus expenses & VAT
MARALLURE: 41.7m long, 6 cabins for 12 guests, price per week from €79,000 per week plus expenses & VAT
WHAT'S USUALLY INCLUDED IN THE PRICE TO CHARTER A MOTOR SAILER IN CROATIA:
Some motor sailers in Croatia operate on Gulet Terms basis: a fixed charter rate plus a separate food & beverage package (usually half board or full board), and some fuel for the cruising may be included in the price. Others use the APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) system, more common for luxury yachts, where guests prepay a deposit approx. 30-40% of the charter fee, and all expenses like food, drinks, fuel, port fees, and special requests are covered from that budget.
WHAT'S USUALLY NOT INCLUDED:
Food and beverages (charged separately via APA or pre-arranged packages)
Fuel beyond the agreed cruising hours - this is in case a yacht uses "gulet terms" when fuel for certain hours of cruising per day is included in the charter fee; otherwise all the fuel is paid by the guests from APA deposit;
Fuel for the tender usage
Port and marina fees
National park entrance fees
Crew gratuity (customarily 10–15% of the charter fee, given at the client’s discretion)
Land excursions, transfers, and special activities arranged on request
Personal expenses (spa treatments, special wines/champagnes, etc.)
In 2024, I had the pleasure of attending two yacht charter shows in Croatia with my director Cem Boz— CROY.A. Charter Show in Split and Croatia Yacht Charter Show in Zadar— where I personally stepped on board some of the country’s most sought-after motor sailers. I was genuinely impressed by the level of quality these yachts offer: spacious interiors, stylish design, impressive deck areas, and a warm, professional crew who welcomed us with open arms. Every crew member spoke excellent English and made sure we felt right at home. These yachts deliver the kind of service, comfort, and attention to detail you’d expect from a much more expensive superyacht — but in this case with significantly more attractive pricing. I can sincerely recommend them for an unforgettable luxury experience in the Adriatic.
ALTERNATIVE YACHT CHARTER OPTIONS IN CROATIA
Motor Yachts – speed, luxury & island-hopping freedom: for those who prefer a modern experience, Croatia offers a variety of motor yachts, ranging from 20m sleek vessels to 50m+ super yachts. These yachts allow you to explore more destinations in less time while enjoying high-end interiors, onboard Jacuzzis, and premium service.
Catamarans – stability & comfort for families & friends: for a more relaxed yet private experience, catamarans offer stability, space, and an affordable way to island-hop. Their wide decks and shallow drafts make them perfect for exploring secluded bays.
Gulet charter in Croatia: if you’re interested in a traditional wooden yacht with a relaxed, charming atmosphere, consider a gulet charter in Croatia. Gulets offer a unique blend of comfort and authenticity at lower prices.
If you're ready to plan a yacht charter for 2026 or 2027 you may reach out via email kateryna@contactyachts.com or check the yacht fleet at Contact Yachts official website
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