Croatia, a land of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, boundless adventures, beckons travellers from around the globe and is a stunning location for a motor yacht charter.
This gem on the Adriatic Sea has earned its reputation as a fantastic destination for a motor yacht charter, and for good reason. It has everything from ancient cities with storied pasts to pristine islands boasting azure waters and over 2,500 miles (4,500kms) of stunning and varied coastline.
Croatia's history is complex and stunningly rich, a tapestry of various civilisations, empires, and cultures. From the Romans to the Austrian-Hungarian Habsburgs, Ottomans, and Venetians, all have left their mark on this incredible country.
With over 1,200 islands, Croatia offers endless opportunities for exploration. From the historic city of Dubrovnik in the south, the central hotspots of Split and Hvar, to the tranquil Kornati National Park and the undiscovered Istrian islands, each destination has its own distinct charm.
Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, cultural exploration, or a serene sea escape, Croatia's myriad offerings and beautiful coastline make it an exceptional motor yacht charter destination in the Mediterranean.
Croatia boasts one of the most breathtaking coastlines in Europe, with over 1,000 islands scattered along the Adriatic Sea. The crystal-clear waters, hidden coves, and picturesque villages provide a stunning backdrop for your motor yacht charter.
With so many islands to explore, each with its own charm and character, Croatia offers unparalleled opportunities for island hopping. From bustling Hvar to tranquil Vis, there's something for every taste.
Steeped in history with ancient cities, medieval towns, and Roman ruins, Croatia is there to be explored. From Dubrovnik's well-preserved city walls to Split's impressive Diocletian Palace, there's no shortage of cultural experiences.
Croatian cuisine is a delightful fusion of Mediterranean and Eastern European flavours, emphasising fresh seafood, olive oil, and locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy mouthwatering seafood dishes, hearty stews, and delectable desserts as you sample the local delicacies.
Croatia offers a vibrant nightlife scene along with its natural beauty and cultural attractions. From beachfront clubs to chic cocktail bars, there are plenty of options for those looking to dance the night away or relax with a drink in hand.
Croatia and the Dalmatian coast are among the world's premier yachting destinations. Boasting stunning landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and numerous picturesque islands, its the perfect backdrop for a memorable motor yacht charter.
Experience the vibrant nightlife, visit the medieval fortress atop the hill, and relax on the beautiful beaches of Hvar Island.
Discover the charming medieval streets of Korcula Town, believed to be the birthplace of Marco Polo, and enjoy wine tasting at local vineyards.
Explore the UNESCO-listed Diocletian's Palace, wander through the Old Town's narrow streets, and hike up Marjan Hill for panoramic views of the city and surrounding islands.
Visit the secluded island of Vis, known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and untouched nature.
If you're looking for a day ashore, explore the lush landscapes and tranquil lakes of Mljet National Park, home to dense forests, hiking and biking trails, and the picturesque St. Mary's Monastery on an islet in the middle of a lake.
Explore Krka National Park's cascading waterfalls and emerald pools, swim beneath the waterfalls and hike scenic trails.
Navigate through this archipelago of 89 islands, known for dramatic cliffs and clear waters.
Explore the UNESCO-listed historic Old Town, walk along the ancient city walls, and visit landmarks like the Dubrovnik Cathedral and Rector's Palace. Feel connected to history even when looking down - the stunning marble paving slabs of the old town are polished to a smooth high shine by the countless feet that have walked them over the years.
The season in Croatia runs from April to October, with July and August being the peak months with the highest temperatures and most visitors.
April to June and September to October are less busy, and the temperatures are lower, but they are perfect for those looking to get away for a quieter experience.
Monthly weather for the area *
| Avg. High Temp | Avg. Low Temp | Avg. Daily Rain (mm) | Avg. Wind Direction | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JAN | 7.0°C (45°F) | 2.4°C (36°F) | 4.4mm |  SE |
| FEB | 7.6°C (46°F) | 0.5°C (33°F) | 1.5mm | SE |
| MAR | 13.2°C (56°F) | 4.9°C (41°F) | 2.4mm | S |
| APR | 13.7°C (57°F) | 6.2°C (43°F) | 2.2mm | E |
| MAY | 19.1°C (66°F) | 12.0°C (54°F) | 2.5mm | NE |
| JUN | 25.0°C (77°F) | 16.1°C (61°F) | 1.7mm | ESE |
| JUL | 28.3°C (83°F) | 18.5°C (65°F) | 3.2mm | S |
| AUG | 26.9°C (80°F) | 18.2°C (65°F) | 1.3mm | E |
| SEP | 24.9°C (77°F) | 16.5°C (62°F) | 0.9mm | ESE |
| OCT | 20.7°C (69°F) | 12.5°C (54°F) | 2.2mm | SSE |
| NOV | 11.1°C (52°F) | 5.4°C (42°F) | 4.8mm | S |
| DEC | 8.2°C (47°F) | 2.8°C (37°F) | 2.7mm | SSE |
For UK visitors, there are regular direct flights to all of the main charter areas.
For US and non-European visitors, direct flights to Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) are starting to become more common. However, they have often limited availability, so it’s worthwhile checking details. Otherwise, it's much more common to go via a European hub, where flights are frequent.
Central Dalmatia: For towns like Split, Hvar and Trogir you fly to Split Airport (SPU) which has direct flights from the UK and European airports.
South Dalmatia: For Dubrovnik and the surrounding areas, you can fly directly from Europe to Dubrovnik Airport (DBV).
Kornati Islands and Northern Dalmatia: To reach the Kornati Islands, you can fly to either Split Airport (SPU) or Zadar Airport (ZAD), with Zadar Airport being closer to Zadar town and surrounding locations like Sibenik and Biograd.
The travel time from Zadar town to the airport is around 15 minutes, and from Split Airport to Zadar is around 70 minutes.
Istria and The Kvarner Gulf: If your charter starts in Pula or Pomer, Pula Airport (PUY) will be the closest. You can also fly to Rijeka Airport (RJK) for locations around the Kvarner Gulf. There are direct flights from the UK to Pula (PUY), though it's worth booking in advance as they do get booked up.
For US and non-European visitors, it’s more common to fly to Zagreb (ZAG) and fly or travel from there, which is about a 40-minute internal flight.
The official language of Croatia is Croatian, and English is widely understood in tourist areas.
Croatia's official currency is the Croatian Kuna, abbreviated as HRK. ATMs are readily available, and major credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted.
Tipping is a common practice in Croatia and is appreciated for good service; typically, you leave 10%.
For luxury and comfort on the water, a motor yacht charter from Croatia is hard to beat with many offering a range of activities from water sports to spa treatments to enhance your experience.
Depending on the individual yacht's amenities, you can try out jet skis, paddleboards, kayaks and more. The power of most motor yachts also means you can cover more ground and explore a greater variety of locations. This combination of luxury, freedom and relaxation is what motor yacht charters are all about.
A luxury motor yacht charter from Croatia offers custom-designed vessels boasting cutting-edge technology and lavish amenities.
With a wide array of water toys available, the yachts powerful engines and advanced stabilisation systems ensure smooth, swift travel to your chosen destinations.
While onboard, a highly skilled crew, including trained chefs and wellness experts, provide impeccable, personalised service.
A luxury motor yacht charter isn't just a vacation; it's an immersive journey and a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation and tailored luxury.
Motor yachts have powerful engines, so typically offer higher speeds and can cover greater distances than sailing yachts.
Motor yachts generally provide a more stable platform than the average sailing yacht, both while cruising and at anchor.
Motor yachts rely exclusively on engine power, whereas a sailing yacht typically uses wind and sail as their primary source.
While they can cover more range in shorter times than sailing yachts, this means motor yachts consume more fuel which can affect your final costs for the charter.
Motor yachts are less dependent on wind conditions, allowing for more predictable and potentially wide-ranging itineraries and schedules.
The experience on a motor yacht is often more akin to a luxury hotel, with the emphasis on comfort and amenities.
Many motor yachts have a relatively shallow draft or hull depth, allowing them to access areas that deeper-keeled sailing yachts cannot.
Motor yachts often feature more expansive interior spaces and amenities as the design isn't constrained by sailing requirements.
A bareboat motor yacht charter with Pure Yachting gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary and explore Croatia and beyond at your own pace. Tailor your trip to match your preferences, and if you need advice or inspiration our charter experts will always be on hand to suggest areas to explore.
We select our motor yacht fleet from trusted operators, chosen by us for the quality of their boats and the fact they offer a high level of service. To charter a motor yacht you'll typically need a qualification such as the RYA Day Skipper, the AS104 Bareboat Cruising, ICC certification or be able to demonstrate relevant experience.
With a professional skipper at the helm to confidently navigate around Croatia and beyond, you’re free to relax and enjoy every moment. The skipper's expertise ensures smooth sailing, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings.
However, if you fancy getting more involved, our fully qualified skippers will be more than happy to show you the basics, or help you brush up your sailing skills.
On skippered charters, there's also the opportunity to add a host or hostess who can prepare meals and help with tasks such as childcare, concierge services and housekeeping.
Crewed yacht charters from Croatia come in many shapes and sizes, ranging from sleek superyachts to luxury catamarans, contemporary motor yachts to classic yachts and more, all with crews who are committed to ensuring your comfort, safety and enjoyment.
Each trip offers the opportunity to create a unique journey and our charter experts will guide you through choosing the perfect boat and customising the itinerary to your specification. Whatever your preferences, we take care of all the details, ensuring you and your party have a unique and unforgettable holiday.
Croatia is one of the most popular charter destinations in the Mediterranean. Therefore, booking your dream boat in advance (typically six months ahead) is best to secure your preferred dates in this perfect destination.
You can search for your dream motor yacht via the link below, or if you want one of our charter experts to do the searching for you, click the link below to get them working on creating the perfect trip.
The long Croatian coastline and over 1,000 islands and islets mean there is something here for everyone.
The Dalmatian Islands, including Split, Hvar and Trogir, offer a heady mix of ancient historical heritage, charming Venitian architecture, powdery white-sand beaches, secluded coves, and vibrant nightlife. In South Dalmatia, you can visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Dubrovnik and cruise the tranquil Elafiti islands and Mljet National Park.
Further to the north, you can sail the mostly uninhabited Kornati Islands and immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of this archipelago. Finally, sample incredible cuisine and natural beauty as you cruise the Istrian coast and the Kvarner Gulf, including the Brijuni National Park, the summer residence of Tito, Yugoslavia's former leader.
The country boasts a rich gastronomic tradition, with a wide variety of fresh seafood, locally sourced ingredients, and delicious local wines. The food scene in Croatia is diverse and rich, offering a blend of traditional dishes influenced by Mediterranean, Central European, and Balkan cuisine, which changes depending on which region you are visiting.
Croatia is an exceptional destination for a motor yacht charter due to its unparalleled beauty, rich history, favourable climate, delicious cuisine, and welcoming locals. Exploring the stunning coastline and picturesque islands on a motor yacht allows for an exceptional and unforgettable experience in this charming Mediterranean country.
If you are doing a bareboat charter, you need to consider if you have the relevant sailing licences. If you are on a skippered or crewed charter, it's good to understand the weather conditions for the trip so you can bring the appropriate clothing and think about which locations you would like to visit so as you can let the skipper know.
When chartering a motor yacht from Croatia, consider factors such as budget, motor yacht size and type, along with the crew when relevant to make sure they're a good fit for you and your party.
The good news is we spend a lot of time vetting who we work with, so this rarely happens, but if there is a problem, you can contact your charter company or ourselves who will be available to sort out any issues.
For the ultimate sailing experience, May, June, and September are genuinely the golden months, but the summer months are also popular, though the anchorages are busier.
There are typically five main types of boats and yachts you can hire in Greece, which are Sailing Yachts, Catamarans, Motorboats, Gulets and Luxury Yachts (including Superyachts)
Once you've found your perfect yacht, you will typically pay an upfront deposit fee for holding the boat (these vary from 20% to 50% of the charter fee), and then you will pay the rest one month before departure.
The typical times for a motor yacht charter are either 7 or 14 days, but you can charter boats longer if you wish. Most charters, particularly in high season, start on Saturdays and finish seven days later.