Booking process of Yacht Charter
Croatia, with its stunning Adriatic coastline, beckons adventurers seeking the perfect maritime experience. The shimmering blue waters, idyllic islands, and historic coastal towns make it a dream destination for yacht enthusiasts. Suppose you're ready to embark on an unforgettable journey. In that case, this guide will walk you through booking a yacht in Croatia, from selecting the right yacht to understanding payment procedures.
1. How to Choose the Ideal Yacht Type?
Your journey begins with selecting the perfect yacht for your Croatian adventure. Here are a few key considerations:
a. Sailboat, Catamaran, or Motor Yacht: Decide whether you prefer the grace of a sailboat, the comfort of a catamaran, or the speed of a motor yacht. Sailboats are perfect for a more authentic sailing experience, while motor yachts offer greater speed and space.
b. Cabin Configuration: Assess the number of cabins and berths you'll need based on the size of your group. Consider if you want en-suite bathrooms and other amenities.
c. Budget: Yacht charter costs can vary significantly. Determine your budget to help narrow down your options. You can find out more about the expected costs of a yacht charter in Croatia here.
d. Crewed or Bareboat: Decide whether you want a crewed charter with a professional crew to manage the vessel or a bareboat charter, which allows you to sail independently if you have the required sailing qualifications.
2. Choose Charter Duration
Yacht charters in Croatia commonly offer durations of 7, 14, or 21 days, but shorter charters may also be available.
Here's how to decide:
a. 7 Days: A one-week charter is ideal for exploring a specific region of the Croatian coastline or a group of nearby islands.
b. 14 Days: This duration allows for a more extensive coastline exploration, enabling you to visit both the northern and southern parts of Croatia.
c. 21 Days: If you're a seasoned sailor and wish to cover Croatia from top to bottom, a three-week charter is the ultimate choice.
d. Short Charters: Some providers offer shorter charters of 3-5 days, perfect for a quick getaway or if you're limited on time.
3. Choose Charter Period (Low vs. High Season)
When planning your Croatian yacht adventure, consider the following:
a. Low Season: This period typically runs from early spring to late spring and from early autumn to late autumn. Benefits include fewer crowds, lower charter prices, and comfortable sailing conditions.
b. High Season: Summer, from June to August, is the high season in Croatia. Expect warm weather, vibrant nightlife, and a bustling atmosphere. However, charter prices are higher, and it's essential to book well in advance.
4. Charter Base/Destination
Selecting the right charter base or departure point is crucial. Some popular charter bases in Croatia include Split, Dubrovnik, Zadar and Pula. Consider your preferred route, sights you wish to explore, and proximity to the airport.
5. Payment Procedure
The payment process for booking a yacht in Croatia typically involves the following steps:
a. Reservation Deposit: After selecting your yacht and dates, you'll be asked to pay a reservation deposit, usually 30-50% of the total charter cost, to secure your booking.
b. Payment Schedule: Your charter provider will outline a payment schedule, with the remaining balance due a few weeks before your charter start date. The payment for reservation is to be wired to the Bank account of Secret Adriatic d.o.o. stated on the Booking contract.
c. Additional Costs: Be aware of potential additional costs that are not included in the yacht charter price, such as fuel, provisioning, and port fees. These vary depending on your route and personal preferences.
d. Security Deposit: A security deposit is required to be left at check-in, by credit card or cash. This amount will be refunded to you after the charter, pending any deductions for damages or additional expenses incurred during your trip.
6. Yacht Booking
Once all the above parameters have been defined, you can search for and reserve a suitable yacht on our online search engine on the homepage. After we receive your inquiry or a booking request we will reply with the final offer and confirmation about the boat`s availability. However, if you are unsure which boat would be the ideal choice for your sailing vacation, please feel free to contact us and send us a detailed request through our contact form. We will reply with the most suitable yacht proposals and suggestions.
When you decide to confirm the yacht booking, please send us a written confirmation via email. After we receive your booking confirmation, we will place an option for 3-5 days (preliminary booking) on the boat and send you the Booking agreement with payment details. Once You set the deposit for the yacht reservation, we will secure your booking.
If you are chartering a bareboat yacht, please make sure to have a valid skipper and VHF certificate. To confirm that your licenses are valid please send them via email to info@secret-adriatic.com. Another possibility to check the license validity is on this link Recognized certificates for operating boats and yachts.
7. Yacht Charter Documents
When a reservation is paid in full, You will receive the Boarding Pass (Voucher), which must be shown at check-in. Besides the Boarding pass, you will receive the Base info with the address and contacts at the yacht charter base. At least one week before the charter starts, a complete crew list has to be sent to the charter company (list of passengers with Names, Dates of Birth, and Nationality). The arrival time at the base is an essential detail. There is a possibility that the yacht might be ready before the contracted time if the base knows you are coming earlier. For crewed charters, the preference list is also the be sent to the charter company.
Booking a yacht in Croatia can be a dream come true, allowing you to explore the enchanting Adriatic coastline at your own pace. By carefully selecting the ideal yacht type, charter duration, season, base, and understanding the payment process, you can ensure your Croatian yacht adventure is an experience of a lifetime. Remember to plan ahead, communicate with your charter provider, and get ready to set sail into the azure waters of the Adriatic.