Yacht Charter Dubrovnik, Croatia & Boat Rental

Renting a Boat in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is located in southern Croatia, not far from the border of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The city is full of charm with its perfect limestone streets and baroque buildings. Evidence of this is becoming part of the UNESCO’s world heritage sites in 1979. The city has always been regarded as a historic maritime city and is considered a true gem by all visitors. Having countless monuments, a medieval city wall and stunning views at every corner, it is no wonder that Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and definitely a must see. After being almost entirely destroyed during the Siege of Dubrovnik, in the 1990’s, the city is now rebuilded to its former glory. It is nowadays a touristic hub and it is definitely worth getting to know. 

The area is very much appreciated by sailors, as the port is one of the safest in its coastal area and is easily accessible. From luxury yachts to motorboats, there are numerous types of boats available to rent, ready to set sail over the Adriatic Sea.

When to Sail in Dubrovnik? 

The sailing season in Dubrovnik corresponds exactly to that of Croatia running typically from May to October. With Dubrovnik growing in popularity, the summer months of July and August are becoming increasingly busy. If you wish to avoid tourists and busy ports, we suggest sailing outside of these two months. Outside of July and August, you will still find the beautiful weather you're looking for, just with a little less noise. 

Pricing and information on renting a boat in Dubrovnik

When renting a boat in Dubrovnik, you will have to keep in mind that the season will affect the prices. In the area, typically the high season will start in May and end in Septmember. Anything out of this period will be considered the low season and prices will be much lower. For the high season, yacht charters will be on average of 400€ for catamarans and 300€ for sailboats. In terms of motorboats, the range is much wider depending on the reason you want to rent. You can browse boats depending on different activities like diving, fishing, or just getting to know the coast. 

If you are chartering a boat in Dubrovnik, it is best to start looking as early as November, especially if you are planning to rent a yacht in the middle of high season. In Croatia in general, 45% of the yachts are already booked by March, so we recommend starting your search earlier to ensure you find the boat that best suits your project. 

Do you need a license to rent a boat in Dubrovnik?

When renting a boat in Dubrovnik, the laws of yacht chartering in Croatia will be applied and you will have to provide a license for both motor boats and sailboats. The reason for this is Croatia has the most concentrated waters in terms of boats and the port authorities request you have one for safety issues. When chartering a boat in Dubrovnik, you will need a license and a VHF certificate. When arriving to the base, you will need all certifications including a list of your previous experience in the form of a nautical CV. It is recommended to have your ICC, but other licenses are accepted. To be sure, feel free to contact us or you can contact the port authorities directly. 

If you do not feel comfortable being on your own, you can rent both a motor boat or a sailboat with a skipper. One perk of renting a boat with a skipper is the captains knowledge of Dubrovnik. Since the skipper will be a local, they can show you the hidden gems of the area. 

Boat Hire in Dubrovnik 

Renting a boat is always the best option for truly exploring and discovering a region like Dubrovnik. As an example, the Elaphiti Islands are just a few miles away from the shore of the city and either with a skippered yacht or bareboat charter, you’ll reach it quickly. Because of the surroundings, you'll be able to plan out several day trips. You’ll not be disappointed as you can expected crystal clear water and mostly a bright sun during summer time in this sailing area. Needless to say, your sailing holidays will be unforgettable. For more information regarding chartering in Croatia and more specifically in the Dubrovnik area, we recommend you heading to our blog or to give us a call. If you're looking for cities to visit, a great option when renting a boat is Split. Split is just to the north and the city is one of the most beautiful in Croatia. If you're heading south, then sail to Montenegro and make a stop to see the beautiful coasts and scenery there. 

Rent a boat with an experienced sailor can be rewarding as they will know the sailing area the best. However, if you want to be fully autonomous, whether it is during half a day, a full day or for chartering for a week around southern Croatia, you can easily find what suits your needs. If your plan is to stay for only a day or two, than a day boat hire in Dubrovnik will be your best choice. You will discover the city from a unique point of view. Set sail around the city wall, have fun during the afternoon and watch the sunset to round off the perfect day. 

Getting to the Marina 

Dubrovnik has an international airport, making it reachable from most of the international and domestic airports. Once in Dubrovnik, you will find the marina in Komolac, situated perfectly only 6km from the city center. The city is able to proudly display its given Blue Flag, which demonstrates the marinas ability to adequately cover public information, eco-education, water quality, security and quality of services and environmental management.