Charter boat costs in Croatia exlained
You can charter a boat in Croatia to use exclusively for a large group of thirty people or more. If you have a large group of people that you are thinking of travelling with then chartering a boat is the best way to go on holiday together in Croatia as it can be done for around AUD $2,067 per person depending on the timing & vessel chosen.
Take a look at our 2025 / 2026 charter boat pricing here
You can have a group of up to 40 people travel as friends, family groups or even as business colleagues or clients who travel together on a luxury boat that is charted for your exclusive use.
Chartering a boat in Croatia can be done by a group travel agent in Sydney like Groups By Beyond where we can coordinate & manage a big group of people travelling together to Croatia.
Chartering a boat is very easy to do, is cost effective and creates a unique way to travel through Europe that not too many people consider. There are so many amazing advantages of group travel and that’s why it makes sense to use a group travel agent that is experienced handling large numbers of people, but also experienced at managing charter boat bookings in Croatia.
” Best week ever!!!
Finally securing MS Desire for a boat charter, travelling from Split to Dubrovnik on 1st July 2023 with 8 families (41 people travelling in a group onboard).
Tony spent time with us tweaking our itinerary so we saw the very best of what Croatia had to offer.
Everything about this boat was exceptional, the spaces, the food, the service and the fabulous crew.
Our amazing cruise manager Bernarda was very accommodating in making sure everyone onboard had a fun and memorable week.”
Boat charters in Croatia from AUD $62,000
The cost of a boat charter in Croatia will vary depending on many factors.
For example, chartering a boat like the MS Adriatic Queen that has 15 cabins and can hold up to 30 passengers would cost AUD$64,000 for a 8 day / 7 night cruise between May and October.
Once you divide the total charter cost it works out to be around AUD $2,067 per person for a twin / double share room. As you can tell it is so much cheaper than going on a scheduled ocean liner cruise and travelling with two thousand people or more.
So what can effect charter boat costs are things such as;
- The type of vessel that will be booked as there are boats of different age, different level of fit out or luxury appointments.
- The number of days the charter will go for.
- The number of people on the charter cruise.
- How many land based activities are included.
- The meal package chosen.
- If a drinks package is included.
- The time of year that you travel.
You can get a quote to work out the actual costs by talking to our group specialist travel agency in Sydney and we can give you some estimates over the phone and then follow up with a written quotation as well.
We can also show you some more sample itineraries and the costs associated with different cruise destinations and lengths so you can compare the options available.
What costs do you have to calculate for a boat charter in Croatia?
Chartering a boat in Croatia is a splendid way to explore the Adriatic coast, but it’s important to consider all associated costs so you can budget accordingly. These are the primary expenses you’ll need to calculate when you are comparing different options companies offer;
Boat Charter Fee:
This is the base cost for renting the boat and will vary depending on the type, size, and luxury level of the vessel. High season (July and August) typically sees higher prices.
Skipper/Crew Fees:
If you’re not sailing yourself, you’ll need a skipper, and possibly a crew. Their fees are sometimes included in the charter price, but often they are additional daily rates. All the charter cruise packages that we sell at Groups by Beyond include a skipper & crew for your entire charter.
Fuel Costs:
Fuel consumption depends on the type of boat and the distance sailed. Motorboats consume more fuel than sailboats, and this cost is rarely included in the charter fee. All the charter cruise packages that we sell at Groups by Beyond include fuel costs, you don’t have to pay extra.
Mooring Fees:
Mooring fees in marinas can vary widely based on the marina’s facilities and location. Expect higher fees in popular spots like Hvar or Dubrovnik. Although we include this fee with every charter boat booking.
Food and Beverage:
Provisioning for your trip is a must, whether you plan to dine on board or eat out. You may also want to hire a chef, which will be an additional cost. Most of our charter boat cruise packages include the majority of meals, especially breakfast and lunch. There are some land excursions at night where you are free to find dinner in a local town.
Port Taxes and Fees:
These are mandatory and can add up, especially in more popular or upscale ports. Although we include this in the cost of the charter.
Transit Log:
This fee covers the administrative costs, final cleaning, bed linen, and sometimes towels and dinghy use. For our charter cruises this is included.
Tourist Taxes:
Tourist or sojourn taxes are required per person per day. We include this in the cost of a boat charter.
Insurance:
You’ll need to consider the cost of insurance for the charter, which may include a security deposit that covers any potential damage to the vessel. Now we have already included this in the costs of our charters, but you will need to consider your own personal travel insurance.
Extra Equipment Rental:
If you want special gear like snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, or kayaks, there may be extra rental fees depending on the boat and the location. Jet skis for example would typically be an added cost.
Connectivity:
If the boat does not come with Wi-Fi and you require it, there could be an additional charge for internet service. Although most of the charter boats that we use have Wi-Fi so that you can stay connected.
Travel to and from the Marina:
Don’t forget the costs for transfers or car rentals to get to the marina from the airport or your hotel. This will vary depending on where you are coming from or how long you stay before / after your cruise departure dates.
Gratuities:
Tipping the crew is customary if you’re happy with the service, usually around 10-15% of the charter fee. For most locations it is optional.
It’s advisable to discuss all possible costs with your group travel agent beforehand to ensure a clear understanding of the total expense for your Croatian boating adventure. You also have to make sure you get it all in writing so there are no surprises.
How much does it cost per cabin on a charter boat in Croatia?
The cost per cabin on a charter boat in Croatia will vary based on the size of boat & how many people are travelling.
So for example on the MV Avantura the per cabin price is AUD $4,528 in 2025 and it has 20 cabins in total which means it is designed to carry up to 40 passengers in comfort or it could be chartered with 20 individuals who have their own private cabin to themselves.
Most charter vessels are about 30 to 50 meters long with a choice of cabin types on two levels, a huge dining area, sun decks and other spaces to relax in.
Most charter boats will be able to carry up to 40 passengers in fully air-conditioned ensuite cabins. Each cabin feature double or twin beds with either portholes or windows as well as their own bathroom.
In the common areas there is an air-conditioned saloon, observation deck, bar and a jacuzzi on the sun deck. With a dedicated local crew, superior construction and comprehensive state-of-the-art equipment and amenities you’ll find everything you need for a memorable cruise in the Adriatic with plenty of space to move around.
Does a boat charter in Croatia cost less than an ocean liner cruise?
Situated on the Adriatic Sea, Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast is one of the most picturesque corners of the Mediterranean. From relaxing beaches to coastal cities and bracing inland adventures and attractions, time spent by the water in Croatia during your holiday is time you won’t forget.
The cost of chartering a private boat in Croatia versus booking a passage on an ocean liner can differ significantly due to various factors that influence the price of each experience. Here’s a general comparison:
Chartering a Private Boat in Croatia:
- Exclusivity: You’re paying for the privacy and the luxury of having a vessel to yourself or your group.
- Type of Vessel: Costs vary widely depending on whether you choose a sailboat, catamaran, motorboat, or luxury yacht.
- Season: High season (summer months) prices are much higher than in the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn).
- Crew: If you need a skipper and/or a full crew, this will substantially increase the cost.
- Extras: Fuel, mooring fees, food, drinks, and other amenities are typically not included in the charter fee and can add up.
- Duration: Charters are usually on a weekly basis, but daily charters are also possible, affecting the cost accordingly.
Going on an Ocean Liner:
- Inclusiveness: The cost of a cruise typically includes accommodation, basic meals, and numerous entertainment options.
- Scale: Ocean liners are massive ships that can accommodate thousands of passengers.
- Fixed Itinerary: Cruises have fixed routes and schedules, limiting flexibility.
- Extras: Excursions, specialty dining, alcoholic beverages, gratuities, and spa services usually cost extra.
- Convenience: Less planning is involved as the cruise line organizes most of the logistics.
Typical cost differences:
- Private Charter: Prices can range from $2,200 for a luxury charter boat to tens of thousands for a luxury yacht per week, plus additional costs.
- Ocean Liner Cruise: Costs can vary from $1,200 for a basic cabin on a standard cruise to several thousand for luxury suites on upscale lines.
Ultimately, the choice between a private charter and an ocean liner comes down to the type of experience you’re looking for. A private charter offers a personalised and intimate journey with the freedom to explore at your own pace, ideal for travellers seeking privacy and customisation. It is like you are travelling like a celebrity on your own yacht travelling with up to 40 people.
An ocean liner provides an easy, all-in-one vacation with abundant activities and amenities, suitable for those who prefer a social atmosphere with less need for personalisation. It is cheaper per person but you are travelling with up to 3,000 other people.
If you charter a boat in Croatia do you have to pay for meals?
A voyage of gastronomic discovery that promises to be as varied and delightful as the Croatian landscape itself is available on boat charters.
When you charter a boat in this corner of the Mediterranean, you’re not just signing up for a journey across water; you’re embarking on a culinary odyssey. Here, the art of dining is not confined to the sumptuous interior of the boat’s dining area but spills out onto the sun-drenched decks and into the quaint towns that punctuate the coastline like jewels.
Each morning, you’re greeted by a breakfast spread that is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate. Freshly baked bread, a symphony of local cheeses, and an array of fruits that taste like they’ve been plucked from the tree only moments before. The boat’s chef, a maestro of flavour, crafts each meal with an emphasis on the fresh and the local, ensuring that the ingredients tell the story of the very waters you traverse.
Lunches are a languid affair, often enjoyed alfresco as the Croatian sun dances on the waves. You’ll dine on dishes crafted from the catch of the day, accompanied by vibrant salads drizzled with olive oil that’s as golden as the sunsets. And while the culinary delights on board are endless, there’s an entire spectrum of tastes waiting to be discovered onshore.
Some charters include dinners in their offering, with the number of nights at sea or in port tailored to your desires. This bespoke approach allows you to savour the best of onboard luxury with the option to sprinkle your evenings with local culture and cuisine.
Imagine it: after a day of sunbathing on deck or exploring hidden coves, you dock at a harbour as twilight paints the sky in shades of lavender and rose. Here, in the heart of a cobblestoned town, local eateries beckon with the promise of authentic Croatian fare. You’re not just a visitor but a welcome guest, invited to indulge in the country’s storied culinary traditions.
On these shores, dinner is more than a meal—it’s a celebration, a communal gathering around tables laden with dishes that have been perfected over generations. You’ll taste the briny sweetness of seafood, the earthy robustness of truffles, and the heartwarming simplicity of ‘peka’—a traditional dish slow-cooked under a bell-like dome. Each bite is infused with the spirit of Croatia, each flavour a memory in the making.
With most of your meal costs included in the charter fee, you’re free to indulge in these delights without a care. Yet, the opportunity to explore doesn’t end with the culinary. Each town’s eateries are portals to its soul, with family-run taverns offering not just a meal but a slice of Croatian life.
This is the beauty of chartering a boat in Croatia. Your voyage is as much about discovery as it is about relaxation. It’s a seamless blend of the comfort of having most meals ready for you onboard and the thrill of stepping off the boat to immerse yourself in the local culture. You’re not just passing through; you’re engaging, savouring, and creating a journey that’s as rich and flavourful as the bountiful Croatian table itself.
If you charter a boat in Croatia do you have to pay for activities or tours?
The charter’s core cost secures your vessel and crew, the masters of your floating domain, who ensure smooth sailing and the tranquility of life at sea. However, the true essence of adventure lies beyond the included amenities.
Imagine an itinerary not just tailored, but catering to your every whim and fancy. This is where the essence of luxury travel truly shines, bespoke experiences that beckon from beyond the boat.
When you opt for extras—those special tours, activities, and experiences—you’re not paying for mere additions to your trip; you’re investing in memories, the kind that linger long after the salt has left your skin.
Consider the possibilities: a guided kayaking excursion through the serene blue caves, where the light dances and the water glows like a sapphire heart beating beneath the rock. Or a private tour of ancient palaces where the echoes of history speak to you through stone and mosaic.
In Croatia, the land is woven with vineyards and olive groves, and the sea is a playground for the adventurous spirit. Paying extra for tours can unlock exclusive wine tastings where the fruits of the vine are paired with the stories of the vintners who nurture them. You could find yourself in the company of local fishermen, casting nets in the sapphire waters at dawn, and later, feasting on the day’s catch, grilled to perfection by your onboard chef.
Special activities could include diving into the depths to explore sunken ruins, remnants of empires and epochs swallowed by the sea. Or perhaps you prefer to ascend, taking a helicopter tour that affords breathtaking views of the Dalmatian coast, an expanse of beauty that can only be fully appreciated from the heavens above.
Each extra excursion, every special activity, transforms your voyage from a simple holiday into a grand exploration. And while these experiences are not included in the main cost of the charter, they are the gems that adorn the crown of your journey. Each one is a story, a chapter of your adventure that you choose to write, be it with the adrenaline of a windsurfing rush or the serenity of a secluded beach picnic.
You can create an itinerary that includes different activities or leave them as optional extras. Some of the most popular options that people do on a boat cruise in Croatia are;
- Historical Tours: Visit ancient sites and medieval towns such as Dubrovnik’s Old Town, the Diocletian’s Palace in Split, and the Roman ruins in Pula.
- Wine Tasting: Enjoy Croatian wines at local vineyards on islands like Korčula and the Pelješac peninsula.
- Sea Kayaking: Paddle around the serene blue waters, especially around the Elaphiti Islands or the Pakleni Islands.
- Diving and Snorkeling: Discover the Adriatic Sea’s rich underwater life, including shipwrecks and stunning reefs.
- Hiking and Biking: Take advantage of the beautiful trails on the islands or coastal mountains for breathtaking views.
- Culinary Experiences: Participate in cooking classes or savor the local cuisine at a konoba (traditional tavern).
- Sailing Lessons: Learn the basics of sailing in one of the world’s most beautiful settings.
- Beach Visits: Spend time on some of Croatia’s beautiful beaches, like Zlatni Rat or the secluded bays of Šolta.
- Water Sports: Enjoy water skiing, jet skiing, or stand-up paddleboarding in the clear coastal waters.
- Cultural Festivals: Depending on the timing of your visit, attend local cultural festivals and events.
- Fishing Trips: Go on a fishing excursion with local fishermen to learn and enjoy the day’s catch.
- Private Tours: Arrange private guided tours for more personalized insights into the local history and culture.
- Sunset Cruises: Experience the stunning Adriatic sunset from the deck of your boat, often with dinner included.
- Nightlife: Explore the vibrant nightlife on islands like Hvar and Pag.
- Spa and Wellness: Some charters may offer onboard wellness services, or visit a luxury spa in one of the coastal towns.
- Nature Reserves: Visit national parks like Mljet or the famous Krka and Plitvice Lakes.
- Cave Exploration: Discover natural wonders like the Blue Cave on Biševo or the Green Cave on Ravnik.
So chart your course, set sail, and embrace the freedom that only a Croatian charter can offer. For in this world of bespoke travel, the only boundary is the horizon, and even that is just a promise of more to discover. This is not just a trip; this is your epic, a story of sea and sky, written by you, authored in adventure, and bound in the covers of the Croatian coast.
