We have improved our ‘contact us ‘ section so that you can get an answer to your questions in the shortest time possible.
We’re always by your side — whether onshore or out on the islands.
FAQ about yacht charter, what boat to charter, when to sail, Info’s in relation to sailing in Croatia
The term “Charterer” refers to all individuals purchasing or traveling under the Lease Contract, including any accompanying minors, as well as each individual’s heirs and personal representatives. Read more.
Your use of the Site is subject to these Terms of Use. By using the Site, you will be deemed to have accepted and agreed to be bound by these Terms of Use. We may make changes to these Terms of Use from time to time. Read more.
OCEAN SAILING HOUSE is obliged not to misuse your personal information contained in the orderly form. Personal information is considered to be all the data used for determining Buyer’s identity (such as first and last name, email address, home address etc.).
OCEAN SAILING HOUSE will not deliver nor reveal Buyer’s personal information to third parties, apart from cases in which such actions are strictly mandated by the law in force and in cases when such actions are needed for the fulfillment of obligations. Read more.
What qualifications do I need for bareboat charter?
According to Croatian Maritime Law, you should be in possession of the license for operating of the pleasure craft that is issued by the state authority of the country that you are coming from. The VHF license is required as well. Licenses from almost all European countries are accepted in Croatia. To check if you have the valid license, please download the list of valid licenses issued by Croatian Ministry of Sea.
When chartering can I leave Croatian territorial waters?
Charter companies generally do not allow charter outside Croatian territorial waters but if you still would like to visit Italy, Montenegro or even Greece then you should highlight this special request when setting the inquiry. Not all the boats have the international permit, and the charter company needs to know that you will leave the country to prepare all the necessary documents for you. Please note that international permit is usually extra charged. When crossing the border please remember that you are obliged to report to the Croatian custom office and to the customs office of the country that you are entering. The customs office is usually placed in harbour master`s office and you should choose the one the nearest to the border. Get more information via email at office@oceansailinghouse.com.
What is the cost of marinas and habours?
The mooring fee varies from the marina to marina. It also depends on the size of the boat. The mooring fee for a catamaran is usually charged double than the mooring fee for the monohull of the same size. The average price is around 70-100 EUR per day for the boat 43 ft long. If you have already settled your sailing route you can check the prices on the websites of marinas on your route. On the other hand, most of the anchorages are free.
Apart from the marinas in Croatia mentioned below, there are other moorings on small island places and ports. The mooring prices in some places are significantly lower than the price of berths in a marina, and the prices range from 5 EUR to 10 EUR per meter of the sailing boat. Some places offer only water and electricity; the others only mooring on buoys in order to minimize the traffic jam in their small ports. The price of buoy mooring or on the shore of the place usually includes the collection of garbage. In Croatian national parks such as, for instance on the island of Mljet, the berth price usually includes a ticket for the national park.
| Marina | Place | Contact |
| ACI marina Dubrovnik | Dubrovnik | 00 385(0)20 455 020 |
| ACI marina Slano | Slano | 00 385(0)20 441 721 |
| Marina Lumbarda | Island Korčula | 00 385(0)20 712 489 |
| ACI marina Korčula | Island Korčula | 00 385(0)20 711 661 |
| ACI marina Vrbovska | Island Hvar | 00 385(0)21 774 144 |
| Nautical center Komiža | Island Vis | 00 385(0)21 713 849 |
| ACI marina Palmižana | Island Hvar-Pakleni islands | 00 385(0)21 744 995 |
| ACI marina Vrbovska | Island Hvar | 00 385(0)21 774 144 |
| ACI marina Milna | Island Brač | 00 385(0)21 636 306 |
| Marina Martinis Marchi | Island Šolta | 00 385(0)21 659 093 |
| ACI marina Split | Split | 00 385(0)21 398 548 |
| Marina Kaštela | Kaštel Gomilica | 00 385(0)21 204 010 |
| ACI marina Trogir | Trogir | 00 385(0)21 881 544 |
| Marina Zirona | Island Drvenik Veli | 00 385(0)99 810 7801 |
| Marina Agana | Marina | 00 385(0)21 889 411 |
| Marina Frapa | Rogoznica | 00 385(0) 22 559 900 |
| Marina Kremik | Primošten | 00 385(0)22 570 068 |
| ACI marina Skradin | Skradin | 00 385(0)22 771 365 |
| Marina Mandalina | Šibenik | 00 385(0)22 312 975 |
| Marina Zaton | Zaton (Šibenik) | 00 385(0)22 485 018 |
| ACI marina Vodice | Vodice | 00 385(0)22 443 086 |
| ACI marina Jezera | Jezera | 00 385(0)22 439 295 |
| Marina Tribunj | Tribunj | 00 385(0)22 447 140 |
| ACI marina Piškera | Kornati islands | 00 385(0)91 470 0091 |
| ACI marina Žut | Kornati islands | 00 385(0)22 786 0278 |
| Marina Hramina | Island Murter | 00 385(0)22 434 411 |
| Marina Betina | Island Murter | 00 385(0)22 434 497 |
| Marina Šangulin | Biograd na moru | 00 385(0)23 383 738 |
| Marina Kornati | Biograd na moru | 00 385(0)23 383 800 |
| Marina Dalmacija Zadar | Sukošan | 00 385(0)23 200 300 |
| Tankerkomerc marina Veli Iž | island Iž | 00 385(0)23 277 006 |
| Marina Sutomišćica | Island Ugljan | 00 385(0)23 335 808 |
| Marina Preko | Island Ugljan | 00 385(0)23 286 433 |
| Tankerkomerc Marina Zadar | Zadar | 00 385(0)23 204 730 |
| Marina Vitrenjak | Zadar | 00 385(0)23 331 076 |
| Marina Borik | Zadar | 00 385(0)23 333 036 |
| ACI marina Rab | Island Rab | 00 385(0)51 724 023 |
| ACI marina Supetarska Draga | Island Rab | 00 385(0)51 776 268 |
| ACI marina Šimuni | Island Pag | 00 385(0)23 697 462 |
| ACI marina Pula | Pula | 00 385(0)52 211 850 |
| ACI marina Rovinj | Rovinj | 00 385(0)52 813 133 |
| ACI marina Umag | Umag | 00 385(0)52 741 066 |
| ACI marina Opatija | Opatija | 00 385(0)51 704 004 |
Please check the current prices at www.aci-club.hr for most Croatian marinas, or for private marinas, please check their web sites.
About Croatia?
We are located in the heart of Europe on the beautiful Adriatic coast. Croatia became a member of the European Union in 2013. It is a country of 1,185 islands, islets and reefs, mostly uninhabited and preserved, perfect for sailing holidays. Some of the best-known resort towns along the Dalmatian coast are Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar, Sibenik, Poreč and Trogir. All of them are listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Over the past few years, Croatia has become more interesting to tourists and sailors worldwide, mostly due to more than 1000 islands and islets which make this area an ideal sailing destination with all its cultural and natural diversity – UNESCO-protected sites such as Dubrovnik, Trogir or Split, the Renaissance architecture of Hvar or Korcula, typical unspoiled Dalmatian villages on islands Vis or Brac, natural park on Mljet island…these sites make only a few highlights of your sailing itinerary.
Ideal position on the east coast of the Adriatic makes Croatia a country easy to reach by boat, plane, train or car (within driving distance from most European countries such as Austria, Italy, Germany or France).
Currency
The official currency in Croatia is the Euro [EUR]**.
Foreign currencies can be exchanged in exchange offices, banks, post offices, most marinas, tourist agencies and hotels.
Check for the official exchange rate: www.hnb.hr
All major credit cards (VISA, Master Card & Diners) are accepted in shops and most restaurants. Please note that in small villages and in bays credit cards can be denied. So please sure you have cash on you, just in case.
** Official currency in Croatia from 01.01.2023.
Weather in Croatia?
The weather across Croatia doesn’t vary dramatically from north to south through it is generally warmer towards the south. The climate does change from continental to the Mediterranean as you move toward the Adriatic Sea and the equator. The sea has a moderating influence that keeps winters warmer and summers cooler than might be expected.
THE DALMATIAN COAST
The Dalmatian coast and the offshore islands of the Adriatic are Croatia’s most well known, and most visited, tourist destinations. Whether you choose to start your journey in Split, at the top of the Dalmatian coast, and sample a few islands before ending in the amazing walled city of Dubrovnik, or pick one spot and relax for a week or two, you are bound to be astounded by the beauty of Croatia’s landscape. The Dalmatian Coast is home to a Mediterranean climate that boasts long hot summers and mild winters. A typical of a Mediterranean climate, rainfall is generally moderate year round towards the north but towards the south, it follows the Mediterranean dry summer wet winter pattern to a greater extent.
The most popular time to visit the region, and when the most suitable weather occurs, is during the summer months from June to September. Summers along the coast and in the islands see about 10 to 12 hours of sunshine per day and temperatures in the mid to high 20’s, occasionally reaching into the 30’s in the very height of summer. Croatia boasts very low humidity, sitting at about 60%, so even in the scorching sun the heat is bearable; you are also never far from the crystal waters of the Adriatic which you can dive into to cool off.
The Dalmatian coast and islands have a Mediterranean type of climate with mild winters and hot, sunny summers, sometimes disturbed by thundery rain showers. During July and August, it can be very hot (up to 38 degrees C). June and September are best months for sailing if you prefer to avoid excessive heat, and also in May and October on the Dalmatian Coast. Additional information on the weather in Croatia can be found at www.meteo.hr and weather forecast for the Adriatic.
Croatian winds can be characterized http://meteo.hr/ as being light to moderate from September to June, while July and August are generally calm. During periods of high pressure, the Adriatic displays the classic rhythms of winds from the sea during the day and breeze from land at night.
What is the temperature of Adriatic Sea?
Croatia is a part of Central Europe and the East Mediterranean sailing region. Croatia’s Adriatic Sea mainland coast is 1,777 km (1,104 mi)long. 2600 sunshine hours per year make Croatia one of the sunniest regions on the Mediterranean basin.
Sea surface temperature is measured by a network of sensors located at the coast and the islands. The average Adriatic sea temperature from June to late September is 22 – 26 °C / 72-80 °F.
You can check current measurements at www.meteo.hr/en Sea Temperatures
Winds on Adriatic?
With 1,246 islands dotting the Croatian coast and a rich seafaring history, Croatia is one of the most popular sailing destinations; and for good reason. Sailing enthusiasts from across the globe opt for the azure Adriatic as their preferred spot to set sail due to its desirable winds, charming ports of call, and where a sailor can surely find a secluded bay to lay anchor for a private dip. Sailing brings you the closest to the elements as you can get, without compromising on the luxuries. Before releasing your mooring in the safe marina, get familiar with the many Adriatic winds so you are prepared out on the spectacular waters.
This is probably the most famous of the winds, and certainly the coldest and powerful. When this high-pressure wind comes tumbling down towards the sea from the mountains, it gains momentum, often reaching gusts of 80 knots. Bura is an air cleaner so those with allergies will appreciate the work it does; housewives are fans too, as the clear skies and cold wind-provide speedy drying of laundry. Bura blows a cold wind under sunny skies often lasting for several days but the last Buras of the winter season should blow in March, and it is believed that if three days of Bura occur in this month, the summer will be warm, without interruption. When Bura sails, you don’t!
When the northern Tramuntana wind blows, it is usually an indicator that extreme weather conditions will follow, most commonly Bura. The Tramuntana itself usually lasts for a day and can be quite unpredictable and shifty, generating large waves…so beware on the waters.
Levanat is a moderate traditional wind that, in wintertime, occurs when Jugo (Sirocco) turns to Bura and in the summertime, it is a breeze in the morning that turns into the favourable Maestral. Levanat is most prone to blow for a couple of days in a row from February to March bringing clouds and rainfall. Levanat brings good sailing conditions although it is not so popular as it is usually a very cold wind.
The Jugo is a low pressure, warm wind, not as strong as the Bura, that blows onto the Adriatic the African Sahara. It causes high and choppy waves, with showers in between; quite depressing really, especially as it can last for more than two weeks!…. Actually, Jugo is usually to blame for bad moods and bad behaviour in Croatia. If someone notices you are having a bad day, they’ll as “Južina?” referring to the wind. All you need to do is a nod and you are forgiven for your sins that day. The Jugo wind is blamed for everything from low work productivity, headaches, mental breakdowns, and a broken leg. Previously, in the old Republic of Dubrovnik in southern Croatia, no laws were passed on a day of Jugo, and criminals who had murdered would be pardoned if they had committed their crime on a day of Jugo.
The powerful Lebić usually brings high-tide, abundant rain, and wild waves and is known to destroy many south-facing beaches and coastlines. Lebić sometimes comes after Jugo or after the passing of a cyclone and tends to last a few hours only.
The Punenat is a rare and unfriendly wind, more popular in the northern Adriatic, and you can foresee it coming is it takes form in very unusual phases. Firstly, the sea and wind with being almost at a stand-still, then clouds form from the west, followed by gusts, and then once again there is the “quiet before the storm” before Punenat pays a visit with high waves and extremely dangerous conditions, particularly in longitudinal channels. A powerful Punenat tends to create havoc on the west facing beaches and promenades.
Maestral is the favourite summer wind for all leisurely sailors meandering down the Adriatic. This refreshing breezy wind kicks off around noon (allowing you to sleep in before starting your daily sailing adventures) and backs off before sunset, just in time to berth at a quay prepare for dinnertime. Maestral blows during the summertime and can at times reach up to 30 knots.
Burin is another favourite during the summer months; a thermal wind that usually blows during the evenings and night hours. Burin blows in the almost the same direction as the infamous Bura but at a much more pleasant force.
With a variety of winds blowing along the Adriatic, Croatia is an all-year sailing destination for sailing enthusiasts but the leisurely sailing season kicks off in Easter and by May, the Maestral starts attracting the crowds.
Where is MARINA KASTELA?
Our home base is situated in Marina Kaštela, 20 km north of the centre of Split, and 7 km south from the Split International Airport. Within fifteen minutes of leaving the airport, you are in the middle of the Adriatic coast, boarding the yacht of your choice.
If you are arriving by car, please use highway A1, called DALMATINA, which will lead you to us. There are two exits from the highway: PRGOMET or DUGOPOLJE and from there You need 20 minutes or approximately 20 km to our home base in Marina Kastela.
ADDRESS FOR YOUR GPS DEVICE: 43°32’07” N 16°24’04” E
MARINA KASTELA
CROATIA
KAŠTEL GOMILICA 21213
Cesta Franje Tuđmana 213
Check-in officially begins at 5 p.m. However we start check-ins on bare boats at 2 pm.
Ocean Sailing House staff will wait for you until sunset. If your arrival is later than that you will find the boat open, keys on the chart table, and check-in will be on the following morning from 9 a.m.
Can I change periods or cancel at any time?
After you have confirmed a reservation by e-mail or in person, we issue the booking contract and a general charter terms contract that must be signed within 7 days. Next, you must make the advance payment in the amount of 50% of the charter price. The deadline for payment is 10 days from the day when the Lease Contract and the General Charter Terms contract are signed. If advance payment is not paid within 10 days, the reservation is considered cancelled with no monetary obligations. You are, of course, welcome to book again at any time without any consequences.
When the advance payment is paid, the reservation is completed. If you change your mind, but with no objective reason (such as a death in the family) and decide to cancel the booking, advance payment is kept. If the reason is objective, then the advance payment is kept as a credit for future bookings.
The balance payment, or the second payment of 50%, is due four weeks before the charter begins. If you cancel the reservation within four weeks of the beginning of the charter with no objective reasons, we will keep the entire payment (advance and balance payment). Of course, in case of the more objective reason for the cancellation, we are flexible about the refund or keeping the money for the future bookings. Each case is discussed individually.
Can I change yacht or period?
Changes for a chartered yacht or the rental period within 10 days after signing the lease contract and general charter terms contract is possible with no extra fee. Changing a chartered yacht or the rental period after the advance payment has already been made is possible only in specific situations approved by our booking staff.
What is Croatian Tourist Tax?
In Croatia, the tourist accommodation tax is known as Sojourn Tax. Amounting 1,33 EUR per person per day for visitors. Payable in local currency (EUR) at check-in.
What about Refunds?
After you have confirmed a reservation by e-mail or in person, we issue the booking contract and a general charter terms contract that must be signed within 7 days. Next, you must make the advance payment in the amount of 50% of the charter price. The deadline for payment is 10 days from the day when the Lease Contract and the General Charter Terms contract are signed. If advance payment is not paid within 10 days, the reservation is considered cancelled with no monetary obligations. You are, of course, welcome to book again at any time without any consequences.
Check in/check out time?
Check-in times vary depending on the type of yacht booked, so we kindly ask that you let us know your estimated time of arrival or any pre-boarding accommodation plans when sending your crew list.
For crewed catamarans such as the Sunreef 70 Power, Sunreef 70 Sail, Sunreef 60s, and Lagoon 60, embarkation is scheduled for 12:00 PM (noon), with disembarkation also at noon.
If you have booked a Sunreef 50 or another crewed charter vessel, check-in is available at 5:00 PM, with check-out at 9:00 AM on Saturdays.
For bareboat charters, standard check-in begins at 5:00 PM as per the contract, but early embarkation from 2:00 PM can be arranged for an additional fee of €200.
Check-out for bareboats is typically in the morning, depending on the vessel and location.
While official check-in times apply, we aim to be as flexible as possible and can offer luggage storage, organize excursions or city tours, or provide other forms of entertainment to make your wait more comfortable. Please share your arrival details with us so we can best accommodate your needs.
Are there additional costs?
If you are wondering about additional charges besides the price for charter (yacht rent), this is F&Q for you. Besides the charter fee, there are obligatory expenses that are added:
COMFORT PACK & CROATIAN TOURIST TAX
Comfort pack is the term used for the obligatory payment for the preparation of yachts. The comfort package can be paid with the charter price or at check-in, in our office. Preparation of a yacht includes final cleaning, bed sheets, towels, beach towels, gas & snorkeling equipment for 2pax (two pairs of flippers, masks & snorkels).
Croatian Tourist Tax is charged at check-in 1,33 EUR per day per person.
For crewed charters, obligatory extra cost is the APA:
APA Advance Provisioning Allowance: on board found serving to cover the costs of Croatian Tourist Tax (1,33 EUR per person/per day- approx.: 1.33 € or 1.50 USD per person/day), requested supplies, port, mooring, other legal charges and fees, diesel, fuel, communications and other extras depending on guest particular request for services, itinerary, food, beverages etc. The Captain will keep an accurate record of spending and at the end of the charter guest will be refunded or asked to pay the difference if additional operating costs are incurred.
The APA amount varies depending on the vessel booked. The exact amount for each vessel is clearly stated in the price list, on our website, and in the offers we send via email.
Not included in the charter fee are:
personal traveling expenses, diesel, gas, mooring fees (except the mooring in our home port MARINA KASTELA), food & beverages.
Can I book professional skipper?
If you have decided to book a professional skipper, here is some information on what you can expect:
Most of the skippers are fluent in English. To book a skipper who speaks German, French, Italian, Spanish or another language, you specify your request when booking.
The price for a skipper is 250 euros (vat included) /day + meals, depending on the size of the yacht. You will be responsible for providing the skipper’s daily meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you are interested to book a skipper, please note that you need to count one cabin extra for the skipper. We also have in our fleet yachts that already have skipper cabin.
The skipper is responsible for the yacht and for your safety. She/he will do everything to satisfy your holiday plans without causing any harm to you or the boat by monitoring the current weather conditions. Upon boarding your yacht, the skipper will sit with you to acquaint you with the yacht, equipment, the safety protocols and your destinations.
Together you will confirm the itinerary and off you go! The beauty of spending your holiday aboard one of our yachts is that no itinerary is fixed, you can change your itinerary, or spend each night in a different port, bay or island. A yacht charter is a true freedom.
If this is your first time chartering a yacht with the skipper please check our blog entry on YACHT ETIQUETTE
Can I book Chef or Stewardess?
You have a skipper’s license and you would like to book a bareboat charter. However, you and your crew would like a bit of extra help aboard. Why not make your holiday even more carefree:
Book a hostess/deck help for 215 EUR/DAY (vat included) + meals.
She/he will help you and your crew to maintain the boat, keep the cabins nice and tidy, help you with mooring at marinas, do the provisioning, and prepare a delicious breakfast or light lunch or dinner.
Book a chef aboard for 250 EUR/DAY (vat included) + meals.
If you would like to experience a Mediterranean way of life aboard your yacht through your taste buds, book a chef to cook delicious meals on board.
Meals means that you will cover their daily meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.
If this is your first time chartering a yacht with the crew please check our blog entry on YACHT ETIQUETTE
