Guide to Crewed Yacht Charter in Croatia
Set sail on a one-of-a-kind journey with a crewed yacht charter in Croatia, where the turquoise waters of the Adriatic meet world-class comfort and service. Cruise across crystal-clear seas, explore charming coastal towns like Split, Dubrovnik, and Hvar, and experience the true essence of Mediterranean luxury.
With a professional crew attending to every detail, you can relax, unwind, and enjoy complete privacy, just as you would in a floating five-star hotel. A crewed yacht charter in Croatia experience is more than just a holiday; it’s an unforgettable voyage designed around you.
Luxury catamaran, Sunreef 60 Vulpino with 3 crew (Captain + Chef & Hostess)
1. How to choose the right yacht for crewed charter?
Croatia offers a diverse range of yacht and boat charters, catering to every seafaring preference. Whether you seek the romantic elegance of a sailboat, the spacious comfort of a catamaran, or the speed and indulgence of a motor yacht, your choice of vessel sets the tone for an unforgettable experience.
Our fleet includes yachts of various sizes, perfect for small or large groups. Departure points span the Croatian coast, from Istria and Kvarner down through Dalmatia, including Zadar, Šibenik, Trogir, Split, and Dubrovnik.
Need help finding the perfect yacht? Read our guide on choosing the right boat
2. How Many Crew Members Are on a Crewed Yacht?
A crewed yacht charter elevates your experience, ensuring smooth sailing and impeccable service. The number of crew members depends on the size and type of yacht, ranging from two to ten.
2.1. Crewed Yacht with Fixed Crew
A crewed yacht with a dedicated team on board offers an all-inclusive, hassle-free experience. Larger, more luxurious yachts come with a permanent crew, providing top-tier service.
The Crew Typically Includes:
- Captain/Skipper:
Your certified captain ensures safety, navigates the best routes, and tailors the itinerary to your preferences. No sailing experience is required, relax and enjoy the Adriatic’s beauty.
- Chef:
Enjoy gourmet meals prepared by a professional chef who customizes the menu to your tastes. Let us know about dietary preferences in advance, and we'll handle all provisioning before your trip.
- Stewardess/Hostess:
Responsible for cabin upkeep, food service, and guest assistance. If there's no chef onboard, the hostess prepares light meals and helps with mooring and local arrangements.
On larger crewed yachts, the crew extends beyond the captain, chef, and hostess, offering a truly luxurious and seamless experience. Additional crew members may include deckhands, engineers, wellness staff, masseuses, personal trainers, or yoga instructors for ultimate relaxation, etc.
Sunreef 70 Eco n+1 is a fully crewed catamaran with 4 crew (Captain + Chef, Hostess and Deckhand)
2.2. Bareboat Yacht with Flexible Crew Options
For those seeking more flexibility and a more budget-friendly option, a bareboat yacht allows you to handpick your crew based on your specific needs. This is a great choice for those who prefer to customize their experience and only pay for the crew members they need, such as a captain, chef, or hostess.
Since bareboat yachts are typically smaller (below 50`), and you can choose to add fewer crew members, they tend to be more affordable than larger crewed yachts, which often come with a full, permanent crew. Large crewed yachts, with a full team to cater to all your needs, can be more expensive due to their size and the number of crew members on board.
When choosing a bareboat yacht with flexible crew options, ensure there are enough cabins for both guests and crew, as the crew members do not share cabins with guests.
Some of the most popular bareboat catamaran models with the option to hire the crew are Lagoon 46, Lagoon 50, Lagoon 51, Bali 4.6, Bali 4.8, Aura 51.
4. How to book a crewed yacht charter?
The booking process for your crewed yacht charter in Croatia is a crucial step that requires careful consideration and attention to detail. Navigate through the following steps to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey:
- Contact and Inquiry: Provide details such as your preferred travel dates, the number of guests, and any specific requirements or preferences you may have.
- Carefully review the charter contract and terms. Pay attention to cancellation policies, payment schedules, and any additional fees or charges. Seek clarification on any unclear aspects to ensure a transparent and stress-free booking process.
- Discuss potential routes, destinations, and activities, considering your group's interests and preferences. Ensure that the itinerary aligns with your desired travel experience and allows for a comfortable pace.
- Discuss the trip's provisions, including food and beverages. Communicate any dietary restrictions or preferences to the chef. Additionally, inquire about any special requests or arrangements you may have, such as celebrating a special occasion during the charter.
- Arrange local transfers to/from the yacht.
Learn more about the yacht charter booking process.
5. What is APA?
When receiving an offer for a crewed yacht, you will come across a term called APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance). The APA covers extra expenses that are not included in the yacht charter price, such as:
- food and beverage provisioning
- fuel costs (for the engines, generator, motorized watersports program)
- port and marina fees
- local transfers, local guided tours
The APA usually amounts to about 30%- 40% of the contract value. At the end of the charter, the captain will produce a final account. Any unused funds will be refunded in full to the charterer. If the funds are not sufficient, the captain will advise you accordingly. Bills will be settled upon disembarkation.
Ferretti Custom Line Navetta 26 "Friend`s boat" - water toys
6. Why Choose a Crewed Yacht Charter?
A crewed yacht charter offers the ultimate luxury, comfort, and convenience, allowing you to fully enjoy your journey without any worries. From a personalized itinerary to an expert crew catering to your every need, here’s why a crewed yacht is the perfect choice for an unforgettable sailing experience:
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A Tailor-Made Sailing Itinerary
Your charter experience is designed around your preferences. Whether you want to explore hidden coves, visit historic seaside towns, or simply relax on pristine beaches, your itinerary is customized to match your dream vacation. The captain's local expertise ensures you visit the most stunning destinations at the best times.
Note: The itinerary is always subject to weather conditions for your safety and comfort. The captain will adjust the route if needed to ensure the best possible experience.
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A Dedicated Crew at Your Service
From the captain navigating your route to the chef preparing gourmet meals, a professional crew takes care of everything. Enjoy five-star service, from morning coffee on deck to sunset cocktails, while the stewardess ensures your comfort throughout the journey.
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Unmatched Comfort & Luxury
Crewed yachts are designed for maximum relaxation, offering spacious cabins, elegant lounges, and top-tier amenities. Expect plush interiors, high-end furnishings, and a seamless blend of modern luxury and nautical charm.
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Gourmet Dining Onboard
With a private chef on board, every meal is a culinary delight. Freshly prepared dishes using local ingredients and flavors elevate your dining experience. The chef tailors the menu to your preferences, whether you desire fresh seafood, Mediterranean specialties, or international cuisine.
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Exclusive Water Activities & Entertainment
Luxury crewed yachts come fully equipped with a variety of water toys and recreational gear, including:
- Stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) and kayaks for exploring scenic coastlines
- Snorkeling and diving equipment to discover vibrant marine life
- Jet skis and wakeboards for thrill-seekers
- Fishing gear for a relaxing afternoon on the water
- Towing inflatables and waterslides for fun with family and friends
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Stress-Free Sailing & Total Privacy
With a crew handling all logistics, you can truly unwind and immerse yourself in the moment. From securing marina reservations to navigating the best routes, everything is taken care of. Plus, a private yacht provides exclusive access to remote locations, away from crowded tourist areas.
Luxury Mini Cruiser Yacht " Freedom" ; Fully Crewed Yacht for up to 22+2 guests.
Start Your Crewed Yacht Adventure Today!
Your perfect sailing getaway is just a click away! Explore the Croatian coast in unparalleled luxury with a fully crewed yacht.
Browse our yacht fleet or contact us to start planning your trip!
7. Have a look at some of the Reviews from our guests on crewed charters:
May 2023, Catamaran Astrea 42 "Crazy Diamond", with skipper and hostess:
We had such an amazing time on the sailing trip!! Bruno, our captain, and Srđana, our hostess, were the most amazing crew ever!! Bruno has been exploring the islands since he was a young, so knows them really well and took us to the most perfect coves and bays. It was a perfect mix of city, history, and unspoilt nature. Srđana made the best food I had in all of Croatia! She is an amazing chef!! We always had full bellies. Bruno and Srđana work so well together like they’ve known each other for years. We all laughed so much on the trip and felt like we were good friends on a voyage. It was the perfect trip!!
Crazy Diamond was a beautiful boat! So comfortable, so nice. I would definitely sail on a Fountaine Pajot again!!
July 2023, Sailing yacht Oceanis 51.1 "Miss Alice", with skipper and hostess:
We had a fantastic holiday. Everything went smoothly and was as booked. Nada was most helpful, efficient and endlessly patient with all my ‘first time sailing’ questions. We were extremely lucky with our skipper, Filip and hostess, Petra. Their passion for Croatia enhanced and ultimately made our holiday. Petra anticipated our every need including wonderful Croatian dishes (and Mojitos! ) and Filip completely understood what we wanted out of our holiday from the start. He suggested and booked restaurants which we would never have found and ticked off all of our wishes including one last banana ride. :)
June 2023, Catamaran Lagoon 560 "Cool Change", Crewed with Captain and Host/Chef:
We could not have asked for a more beautiful experience aboard the Cool Change Catamaran. The whole trip was arranged flawlessly through Secret Adriatic and Nada's responses were always quick, thorough and helpful. After hearing about our groups' interests and requests, she offered three separate yacht charter options and we proceeded to select the best one for our needs.
Having just finished our trip, we're already dreaming about the next time we'll be aboard a luxurious catamaran on the stunning Adriatic Sea, dining on fresh seafood and sipping a lovey Croatian white wine. We hope it will be soon and we'll certainly book through Secret Adriatic at that time! Thank you Nada.
June 2024, Motor Yacht Azimut 60 "Genesis"; Crewed with Captain and Stewardess
Our family just returned from an incredible 7 night charter in the Adriatic. It was truly magical! We would definitely work with Nada again at Secret Adriatic who gave us great options to choose from, was responsive and easy to work with.
July 2024, Motor Yacht Ferretti 731 "Stella d`Oro", Cewed with Captain, Chef and Hostess
We recently had a dream Adriatic vacation aboard Stella D’Oro, island hopping along the Croatian coast. We used Secret Adriatic to charter our boat, and boy, were we glad to have used them. Besides making the charter process easy to complete, they more than delivered on their promises. The day before we were supposed to sail, our originally chartered yacht had an engine problem that put it out of commission and threatened to ruin our long-awaited dream vacation. Our Secret Adriatic coordinator, Nada, sprang into action and within 2 hours was able to find a replacement yacht (Stella D’Oro), and even though the new boat was a bit more expensive, they honored the original price. Secret Adriatic absolutely saved our vacation. I highly recommend that you use them if you’re thinking of chartering a Yacht.
June 2025., Bali 4.8 , Crewed with Skipper and Hostess
We couldn't have asked for a better skipper and hostess. Vedran and Jin made our experience one of the most memorable vacations ever! They were both very knowledgeable and made us feel very comfortable. Jin was an amazing cook as well! So many conversations and so many laughs.
The boat was also very comfortable and accommodating. It also helped that we had beautiful weather.
Nada from Secret Adriatic made our trip very easy to book and communicated with us very well. She responded to our questions and concerns very quickly. I would highly recommend using this company.
August 2025, Sunreef 60 "Ahalya", Crewed with Captain, Chef and Stewardess
Another great week with the Captain and crew on the Ahalya 60 this time. Excellent service from Martina, and great food from Marko, and great suggestions from our Captain Božo about what to do and where to go. Superb.
