Welcome to Split Boat Rentals. This yacht charter booking guide helps you plan your trip in Split. We keep it simple and practical. We explain how to choose boats, select routes, and handle bookings. Split Boat Rentals is here to make your planning easy and fun. For example, message our team for a free quote and local tips. We offer day charters, bareboat charters, and fully crewed yachts. Contact us to start your trip.
Why Choose Split for Yacht Charter
Split sits on the Adriatic coast. This location is an ideal starting point for island trips. The marinas in Split, like ACI Marina Split and Marina Kaštela, have modern facilities and full services. You benefit from good winds and generally calm seas for smooth sailing. Split Boat Rentals has local experience with over a decade in the area. We know these waters and the best routes. The Dalmatian coast is famous for its many islands and sunny weather. Sailing from Split lets you reach dozens of islands with short travel times. Split also has an international airport and good highway connections, making it easy to reach by plane or car. The city’s old town is full of shops and restaurants, a great start or end to your trip.
Trip Planning Tips
First, think about your group size and trip type. Are you planning a short day cruise, or a longer trip like a corporate event or a week-long charter? Larger groups often choose roomy catamarans or motor yachts. Couples or small groups might prefer a fast powerboat or a sailing yacht. For example, families with children may pick a stable catamaran. A group of friends might choose a speedboat for adrenaline. Think about your priorities: beaches and swimming versus island sightseeing. Summer is the busiest season, so plan 2-3 months in advance. Spring and fall have mild weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices.
This yacht charter booking guide starts with these key planning points. They will help you plan your trip:
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Decide on trip style and length (day trip vs multi-day cruise).
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Set your travel dates and budget.
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Check your group size and pick a boat accordingly (small boat for few people, catamaran for many).
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Plan main stops (beaches, island towns, or bays).
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Include any special gear or services (snorkel gear, crew, or event planning).
Popular Routes from Split
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Hvar & Pakleni Islands: Enjoy the lively port of Hvar, then relax in the quiet coves of the nearby Pakleni Islands.
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Vis & Biševo: Sail to Vis (about a 2-hour trip) and take a small boat to the Blue Cave on Biševo (small entry fee).
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Brač & Zlatni Rat: Head to Brač and relax on Zlatni Rat, the famous horn-shaped beach near Bol.
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Šolta & Drvenik: Explore these nearby islands for quiet bays and good snorkeling spots.
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Korčula & Mljet: For longer cruises, explore the medieval town of Korčula or visit Mljet National Park’s saltwater lakes.
All trips are private, and the crew adjusts to your pace and preferences. Whether you seek a calm bay or a lively town, we help design your perfect route. For a longer adventure, sail south to Dubrovnik and the Elaphiti Islands. Mix historic sights with sandy beaches on the way.
Example 7-Day Itinerary:
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Day 1: Sail to Milna (Brač) and overnight there.
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Day 2: Sail to Bol (Brač) for a day at Zlatni Rat beach.
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Day 3: Cruise to Hvar, visit Hvar Town and the Pakleni Islands.
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Day 4: Sail to Korčula town and overnight.
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Day 5: Sail to Mljet National Park for hiking or kayaking.
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Day 6: Visit an Elaphiti Island (Šipan or Lopud) for swimming and beaches.
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Day 7: Return to Split via a scenic island route.
This sample route covers top spots in a week. We can customize a plan like this for your schedule and interests.
Choosing the Right Boat
Picking the right yacht is key to a great trip. Boats differ by size, style, and speed. Do you want a fast powerboat, a luxurious motor yacht, or a spacious catamaran? Here is a comparison of some popular options:
| Boat Model | Price (per day) | Capacity | Cabins | Max Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catamaran (Split) | From $2,599 | 10 | 4 | 42 kn |
| Greenline 39 (Motor) | €2,599 | 10 | 2 | 36 kn |
| Large Catamaran | €28,000 | 10 | 4 | – |
| Colnago 35 (Sailboat) | €1,199 | 10 | 2 | 34 mph |
| Marlin 790 (Speed) | €599 | 10 | 1 | 44 mph |
| Mercan 36 (Cruiser) | From $1,199 | 10 | 1 | 36 kn |
All boats come with life jackets and navigation gear. Catamarans offer extra stability and deck space, ideal for families or larger groups. Motor yachts give you speed and sleek design. Smaller boats are nimble and fun for short trips and day charters. The large catamaran can host big groups and has plenty of living space, but it costs more per day. Consider how many cabins you need and what top speed fits your itinerary. For example, a 35-foot sailboat comfortably fits 6-8 people, while a 45-foot motor yacht fits about 10 people.
Many boat rentals offer weekly rates or discounts for longer trips. Fuel costs can vary widely, so ask about estimates when booking. For each rental, you can choose a bareboat charter (you captain the boat) or a skippered charter (with a captain). A skippered charter lets you relax, while a bareboat charter is ideal if you have sailing experience. Let us know your preference and experience level so we can recommend the right boat type for you.
Included Services and Extras
Every yacht charter from Split Boat Rentals comes with helpful services and safety features:
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Safety gear: Life jackets, fire extinguisher, and a first-aid kit are provided on every boat.
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Licensed skipper: A professional captain is included for your trip (bareboat option if you have the license).
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Safety briefing: We give a full orientation and route planning tips before you depart.
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Snorkeling gear: Masks and fins are on board at no extra cost.
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Fishing gear: Rods and tackle can be provided if you want to fish.
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Refreshments: Free bottled water and a welcome drink are included.
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Local advice: We help book restaurants, suggest hidden beaches, or give tips on island attractions.
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Extras: On longer trips we can arrange a private chef, catered meals, or even a massage.
On longer charters, you can add these extra services. Many boats also have water toys (paddleboards, kayaks, etc.). Just let us know what you need, and we’ll handle the details so you can focus on enjoying the sea.
Booking Steps and Tips
Our yacht charter booking guide outlines these steps to secure your trip:
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Get a Quote: Contact Split Boat Rentals with your dates, trip length, and group size. We’ll send a free quote with options and prices.
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Choose Your Package: Select the boat and extras (skipper, crew, gear) you want.
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Pay Deposit: Reserve your charter by paying a deposit (usually around 30% of total).
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Finalize Details: A week before departure, confirm your exact itinerary, provisioning, and any special requests.
Keep in mind extra costs like fuel, mooring, and port fees when budgeting. Fuel cost depends on boat size and speed, so ask for estimates. Plan at least 2-3 months ahead in summer to get your first choice of yacht. Check if you need any sailing certification for a bareboat charter. We also recommend travel insurance that covers boating. Review our cancellation policy carefully—refunds or changes depend on timing and conditions.
Before departure, we’ll send you a charter contract to sign. We accept payments by bank transfer or card. Typically, you pay the balance a few weeks before the trip. You leave a security deposit in cash or card on arrival. We typically hold this deposit on your credit card or cash. It is returned if the boat is in good condition after your trip.
Charter Costs and Regulations
Croatia uses the Euro, which simplifies payments. All charter prices include local VAT (25%). Fuel, marina fees, and national park taxes are extra. We typically hold a security deposit on your credit card or cash, returned if the boat is in good condition after your trip. Crew gratuity is optional but customary (often around 10%). Pay any extra fuel or fees in cash or card at the end. Tip: ask if fuel is to be paid half or full tank after your trip.
Croatia’s boating laws require you to follow the skipper’s instructions at all times. Anchoring is not allowed in certain protected areas, so we plan routes around marine parks like Kornati or Mljet. If you plan to sail to Montenegro or Italy, let us know; we can assist with permits and border formalities. You should carry your passport aboard if visiting foreign waters. Enjoy the trip safely and responsibly.
Seasonal Sailing Tips
Summer is the peak season for yacht charters, with daytime temperatures around 30°C and steady afternoon breezes known as the “Maestral,” which make for excellent sailing conditions. Meanwhile, mornings are usually calm and ideal for departures. However, July and August can get hot, so it’s best to start early and secure shade on deck. During the shoulder seasons—May, early June, and September—you’ll often enjoy warm weather with fewer crowds. In contrast, spring and fall bring milder temperatures and lower rates, while winter is cooler (10–15°C) and some boats may be unavailable. As noted in this yacht charter booking guide, always check the forecast and understand local wind patterns for each season to plan your trip effectively.
Before You Go: Tips and Checklist
Before you sail, prepare with these essentials:
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Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and swimwear.
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Wear non-slip boat shoes or sandals.
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Bring light layers and a jacket for cool evenings.
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Take seasickness pills if you need them.
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Carry cash for dock fees, tips, or snacks (cards are often accepted, but not everywhere).
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Charge your camera, phone, and a power bank.
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Pack a towel and any personal items you need.
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Bring any personal medications or toiletries.
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Have your ID or passport handy, especially if visiting another country.
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Bring a dry bag or waterproof pouch for your phone and wallet.
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It may be fun to pack a picnic or snacks, though we can also stock the boat for you.
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Consider downloading an offline map of Split and nearby islands in case of limited signal.
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Stay hydrated: bring a refillable water bottle. We provide coolers and ice.
Check the weather forecast and plan your clothing accordingly. Read the pre-departure guide we send for details on the boat and safety rules. During boarding, pay attention to how all equipment works (anchor, navigation, radio). Keep emergency numbers and our contact info on hand. Relax and enjoy your private yacht trip on the Adriatic!
Book Your Split Yacht Charter with Confidence
Split Boat Rentals makes booking simple and stress-free. This yacht charter booking guide has covered planning tips, boat choices, and top routes to help you start your journey. Split’s marinas and nearby islands provide a beautiful setting for your sailing adventure. Ready to set sail? Visit Split Boat Rentals online to get a quote and book your yacht. Your Adriatic adventure is just a few clicks away.
