Planning · Charters
How to Choose a Boat Charter in Croatia (Skipper, Size, Price)
By Paradise Charter · 8 June 2026 · 8 min read
Charter prices in Croatia look opaque from the outside — same-looking boats can be quoted at €600 or €1,600 for the same day. The difference is almost always in three places: who's driving, what's included, and how new the boat is. Here's how to read a quote.
Bareboat vs skippered
Bareboat means you drive. It's legal in Croatia only with a recognised skipper licence and VHF certificate. Skippered means a captain comes with the boat — for day charters this is almost always the right choice.
Boat size, by group
- 2–4 guests: a 6–8 m speedboat. Fast, agile, fits any cove.
- 5–8 guests: a 9–11 m flybridge speedboat. Shade on top, sun pad on the bow.
- 8–12 guests: a small yacht. Indoor saloon, proper bathroom, cabin if you need a nap.
What 'all-inclusive' should mean
- Fuel for the day's published route.
- Skipper and fuel for the tender.
- Drinks (water, soft drinks) and fruit.
- Snorkel gear, towels, a Bluetooth speaker.
- VAT and harbour fees on the published stops.
Common hidden extras
- Lunch and drinks ashore — almost never included.
- Mooring fees in Hvar town and Komiža — sometimes excluded.
- Significant detours off the published route — billed by extra fuel.
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