Crewed vs. Bareboat Charter in Croatia: What’s Right for You?

Croatia’s coastline is a sailor’s paradise—crystal-clear waters, over 1,000 islands, charming old towns, and unforgettable sunsets. But before you can set sail, there’s one important decision to make: Should you book a crewed yacht or go bareboat?

Whether you're dreaming of lounging on a luxury catamaran with a personal chef or steering your own sailboat into a hidden cove, this guide will help you choose the right experience for your travel style, budget, and level of experience.

What is a Bareboat Charter?

A bareboat charter means you rent the yacht without a crew. You are the skipper—or you bring someone in your group who has a valid license to sail in Croatia.

Ideal For:

• Experienced sailors with the proper certification (like an ICC or RYA Day Skipper)
• Adventure-seekers who want full freedom
• Smaller groups on a tighter budget

Pros:

✅ Full control over your itinerary

✅ More affordable than a crewed charter

✅ Great for experienced sailors who love hands-on sailing

Things to Consider:

• You’ll need a valid skipper’s license and VHF certificate
• You’re responsible for navigation, anchoring, safety, and planning
• It’s best for people comfortable with being “in charge” of the yacht

Tip: If you’re confident with sailing but want some local guidance, you can hire a skipper only—a nice middle ground!

What is a Crewed Charter?

A crewed yacht charter includes a professional skipper (and often a hostess, chef, or even full crew) who takes care of sailing, cooking, cleaning, and everything in between. You just sit back and enjoy.

Ideal For:

• First-time sailors or people who want a relaxed, all-inclusive vacation
• Families with kids, couples, or groups celebrating something special
• Luxury travelers

Pros:

✅ Stress-free experience—no need to plan routes or dock the boat

✅ Local crew = insider knowledge and hidden gems

✅ Personalized service (meals, activities, even massages on luxury yachts!)

Things to Consider:

• Crewed charters cost more due to service and crew salaries
• Less hands-on sailing (unless you ask to help!)
• Crew needs their own space onboard (usually a separate cabin)

Tip: Crewed catamarans are especially popular in Croatia—offering space, comfort, and hotel-style amenities.

Budget Breakdown (Example for 2025 Week in Croatia)

Charter Type	Price Range (7 days)	Inclusions
Bareboat Sailing Yacht	€2,000–€4,500	Boat rental only (add fuel, mooring, food)
Bareboat Catamaran	€3,500–€7,000	Same as above
Crewed Catamaran	€9,000–€25,000+	Boat + skipper + hostess/chef + APA

There’s no “wrong” way to explore Croatia by sea—both options offer an unforgettable experience. It all comes down to your comfort level, travel goals, and how much you want to be involved in the sailing itself.

Still not sure what’s right for you?

We're happy to help you find the perfect match. Reach out to our team for a personalized recommendation based on your travel dates, group size, and preferences.