Catamaran charter in Croatia

Why choose a catamaran charter in Croatia?

A catamaran charter in Croatia offers a comfortable and safe way to explore the Adriatic, making travellers feel confident and cared for during their holiday.

Compared with a classic monohull, a catamaran offers:

• More living space and privacy
• A flatter, more stable ride (less heeling)
• Shallow draft to access bays and coves that other boats can't reach

Below you'll find an overview of the main advantages, typical costs, best time to sail and answers to common questions – so you can decide if a catamaran is the right choice for your next Croatian sailing holiday.

Is a catamaran suitable for beginners or those with limited sailing experience? Our detailed safety briefings and stable design help first-time sailors feel confident and secure, making Croatia an ideal destination for families, groups of friends, and novice sailors. A catamaran is usually the best option if:

• You're travelling as a family with children or older relatives
• You're a group of 6–10 friends sharing the cost
• Comfort and privacy on board are more important than pure sailing performance
• Some guests are worried about seasickness or are not used to boats

If you're a very performance-oriented sailor who enjoys heavy heel and "sporty" sailing in all conditions, a monohull may still be more fun. For everyone else, especially mixed-experience crews, a catamaran is often the easiest and most enjoyable way to sail Croatia.

Key advantages of catamaran charters in Croatia

1. Comfort & living space

Modern cruising catamarans are often described as "floating villas" – and for good reason:

• Two hulls usually mean four double cabins (two in each hull), each with good privacy
• Most boats in the 40–45 ft range have four cabins with en-suite bathrooms
• The salon is raised above the hulls with windows on all sides, so you get great views from inside
• A large cockpit and wide side decks create plenty of outdoor seating and lounging space
• Many models also have a forward lounge or trampoline area that's perfect for relaxing at anchor

For groups of 8+ people, this extra space makes a huge difference. Everyone can find their own corner to relax without feeling cramped.

2. Stability & relaxed sailing

Catamarans are much more stable underway and at anchor than monohulls:

• Thanks to their twin hulls and wide beam, they barely heel compared to monohulls
• On a cruising catamaran, the heel is usually limited to just a few degrees
• Moving around the boat feels more like walking on a terrace than on a sloping deck

This has several practical benefits:

• Guests who are new to sailing are less likely to feel seasick
• Drinks, food and children's toys stay where you put them
• It's easier for older guests and kids to move around safely

If you want to relax, sunbathe, read, or work while sailing along the Croatian coast, the stability of a catamaran makes it even more comfortable.

3. Performance & easy handling

Modern cruising catamarans combine good comfort with solid performance:

• In many conditions, a catamaran of the same length can be faster downwind than a similar monohull.
• Two engines give you excellent manoeuvrability in marinas – you can pivot the boat on the spot by using ahead on one engine and astern on the other.
• With proper planning, passages between Croatian islands are short and straightforward, which suits a catamaran's strengths very well.

The trade-off: because of their width, catamarans can be more challenging to berth in tight marinas and may pay slightly higher berth fees than monohulls. If you're not confident with close-quarters manoeuvres in a wide boat, booking a professional skipper is a brilliant choice.

Thanks to their shallow draft, catamarans can access shallow bays and beaches, sparking a sense of adventure and discovery for travellers eager to explore Croatia's secret coves. One of the most significant technical advantages of a catamaran is its shallow draft.

• Draft is the distance between the waterline and the bottom of the boat.
• Catamarans get most of their buoyancy from two parallel hulls, so they don't need a deep keel for stability.
• A typical cruising catamaran in Croatia often draws around 1.1–1.5 m, while a similar-sized monohull might draw around 2.0 m

What this means for your holiday:

• Easier access to shallow bays, sandy beaches and coves
• More anchorage options, especially in lagoon-like bays and around sandbars
• You can usually get closer to the shore for swimming and snorkelling

In coastal areas where the depth changes quickly or where there are sandbars and reefs, that shallow draft gives you more flexibility – as long as you still navigate with care and respect local charts.

5. Safety & redundancy

Cruising catamarans are designed with safety in mind:

• Two hulls provide redundancy – if one hull or engine has an issue, you still have the other
• The wide platform offers a stable working area in most normal conditions
• The design reduces the need for heavy ballast, and the boat tends to stay upright rather than heeling deeply

However, it's essential to keep safety claims realistic:

• Catamarans are very difficult to capsize or sink in everyday cruising use, but good seamanship, regular maintenance and responsible route planning are always essential.
• Weather in the Adriatic can change, especially with local winds, so always follow your skipper's or our base staff's advice.

Before departure, you'll receive a full safety briefing on board, including the location and use of lifejackets, fire extinguishers, the first aid kit, the VHF radio, and other equipment.

How do I book a catamaran in Croatia, and what are the deposit, cancellation, and documentation requirements? Our platform provides clear instructions and flexible policies to ensure a smooth booking process for your sailing holiday. Prices for a catamaran charter in Croatia depend on several factors:

What affects the price of a Catamaran?

• Season – high season (July–August) is the most expensive, low season (April–May, October) is the most affordable
• Size and model of the catamaran – larger, newer and more luxurious boats cost more
• Charter type – bareboat (you or a friend is the skipper), skippered, or fully crewed (skipper + hostess/chef)
• Departure base – some marinas and regions are more in demand than others
• Extras – water toys, Wi-Fi, safety nets, early check-in, etc.

Example weekly price ranges

• Low season (April–May, October): from around €1,500 per week for a 40–42 ft bareboat catamaran
• Shoulder season (June, September):  from around €3,500 per week
• High season (July–August): from around €5,800 per week for the same size, with larger/luxury models significantly higher

What additional costs should I expect beyond the weekly charter fee? Be aware of skipper and crew charges, provisioning, optional extras such as water toys and Wi-Fi, and potential marina fees to plan your budget accurately.

What's included and what's extra?

Typically included in the charter fee:

• The catamaran for 7 days
• Standard equipment (dinghy, basic navigation electronics, safety gear)
• Bed linen and basic galley equipment

Common additional costs:

• Fuel (depends on your route and engine usage)
• Marina and mooring fees
• Tourist tax and final cleaning or transit log
• Refundable security deposit or damage waiver
• Skipper and crew salaries + food
• Optional extras (SUP boards, kayaks, Wi-Fi, outboard upgrades, safety net, etc.)

To see current prices for your dates and group size, use our Quick Search on this page and filter for your preferred catamaran length and departure base.

Best time for a catamaran charter in Croatia

You can charter a catamaran in Croatia from April to October, but each part of the season has its own character.

Low season – April, May & October

• Lower prices and good availability
• Quieter marinas and towns
• Cooler water and air temperatures, especially in April
• Great if you prefer peace and don't mind wearing a light jacket in the evenings

If you want to maximise value and avoid crowds, the low season is often the best choice. For more details, see our separate guide on planning your sailing holiday in Croatia in autumn.

High season – July & August

• Hottest air and sea temperatures
• The most lively nightlife and atmosphere in popular towns like Hvar and Vis
• Highest prices and busiest marinas – advance berth reservations are recommended
• Perfect for families with school-age children and sun-seekers

Shoulder season – June & September

• An outstanding balance of good weather, warm sea and fewer crowds than peak season
• Popular with couples and groups of friends looking for a relaxed yet lively atmosphere

Skippered vs bareboat catamaran charter in Croatia

When to choose a skippered catamaran

A skippered catamaran charter is ideal if:

• You don't have a recognised sailing licence
• You have limited experience with larger boats or catamarans
• You want to relax and let a local professional handle navigation and moorings

Your skipper will:

• Recommend routes based on weather and your preferences
• Handle docking, anchoring and safety checks
• Share local knowledge about bays, towns, restaurants and things to see

You are still in control of the type of holiday you want – quiet anchorages, nightlife, family-friendly stops – but the skipper takes care of the technical side.

When a bareboat catamaran makes sense

A bareboat charter suits you if:

• You hold a valid licence and VHF certificate recognised in Croatia
• You are confident manoeuvring a larger multihull in marinas and tight spaces
• You enjoy planning routes and handling the boat yourself

Even on bareboat charters, our team is always available from the base to help you with route suggestions, weather updates and any technical questions.

Example 7-day catamaran route in Croatia (from Split)

Here's a classic one-week catamaran itinerary from the Split area – you can adapt it to your crew and preferences:

• Day 1: Split or Trogir → Milna (island of Brač)
• Day 2: Milna → Hvar Town (Hvar)
• Day 3: Hvar → Pakleni Islands → Vis
• Day 4: Explore Vis (Vis town, Komiža, Blue Cave on Biševo – weather permitting)
• Day 5: Vis → Stari Grad (Hvar)
• Day 6: Stari Grad → Zlatni Rat (Brač) → return towards Split/Trogir
• Day 7: Check-out and disembarkation

This route is well suited to catamarans: mostly short legs, plenty of safe anchorages and bays, and a mix of lively towns and quiet coves.

Top Catamaran Sailing Routes in Croatia

1. Dubrovnik and the Elaphiti Islands:
Dubrovnik, known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” is a must-visit destination for any sailing itinerary in Croatia. From here, you can explore the nearby Elaphiti Islands, a serene cluster of islands offering crystal-clear waters, charming beaches, and lush Mediterranean vegetation.

The Elaphiti Islands are perfect for catamaran charters, providing sheltered coves for anchoring and calm waters for smooth sailing.

2. Split and the Central Dalmatian Islands:
Split is a major sailing hub in Croatia, and its proximity to numerous islands makes it an ideal base for a catamaran charter. From Split, you can easily reach the central Dalmatian islands, including Hvar, Brac, and Vis.

These islands are famous for their vibrant nightlife, pristine beaches, and historical landmarks. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient ruins, hiking up hills for stunning views, or soaking up the sun on a secluded beach, the central Dalmatian islands have something for everyone.

3. Zadar and the Kornati National Park:
The Kornati National Park is a unique destination for nature lovers, offering 89 islands, islets, and reefs to explore. With a catamaran, you can easily navigate through this beautiful archipelago, where crystal-clear waters meet rugged landscapes.

This is the perfect destination for a peaceful and tranquil sailing experience, as the park’s remote nature ensures a quiet and relaxing atmosphere away from the crowds.

4. Istria and the Northern Adriatic:
The Istrian Peninsula offers a completely different experience from the southern coast of Croatia. Known for its beautiful medieval towns, vineyards, and olive groves, Istria is perfect for those looking for a more relaxed and cultural sailing holiday.

From Pula, you can sail to the Brijuni Islands, a national park with a rich history, or explore the charming town of Rovinj, known for its colorful architecture and scenic old town.