Croatia is one of the most beautiful locations to charter in the Mediterranean. It has over 1,300 islands which you can explore. Amazing natural views, a friendly atmosphere, rich culture and delicious food will certainly create positive memories of your holiday. Whether you are looking to rent a bareboat charter or with a skipper, there will be plenty of options for you in Croatia. Thanks to its warm weather and calm wind, this country has close to perfect sailing conditions. It is ideal for beginning sailors who wish to gain some experience in operating a boat and for those who simply want to enjoy a calm and pleasant bareboat charter.
Even while searching for a bareboat yacht charter in Croatia, you will come across the option of booking a skipper for your trip. It is because in some cases the skipper can still be obligatory even if you meet all the requirements for a bareboat charter. This is particularly the case with some larger boats where sometimes even the second skipper is legally required. In this article, we will look closer at the licence requirements in Croatia.
Licence Requirements in Croatia
To charter a boat in Croatia, at least one person needs to be a certified skipper aged over 18. In Croatia, skipper and VHF radio license licences are issued by the port authorities. To get your license, you must pass an exam that includes practical and theoretical assessments. If you already have your licences from a country other than Croatia, please check whether it is valid for Croatian territorial waters in the list here.
To sail in Croatia, you will also need one of the following:
- RYA Day Skipper Course
- IPC (International Proficiency Certificate), USA.
- NauticEd SLC (International Sailing License and Credentials), Int.
- ICC (International Certificate of Competence), Int.
OR:
- RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Certificate or higher, UK
- Sailing ‘Basic Keelboat’ or higher, USA
- ‘Sportbootführerschein See’ or higher, DE
- Le Permis Plaisance, FR
AND
A valid VHF licence
Presenting your documents to port authorities
Upon your arrival at the marina, you will need to have original sailing and VHF licences in your possession to present to Croatian port authorities. If you are unsure about the validity of your documents, consult your GlobeSailor advisor – they will be more than happy to help!
Required Travel Documents
Valid travel documents list could vary depending on your nationality.
- For USA and CA citizens there are no visa requirements for stays of up to 90 days. EU regulations require USA and CA passport holders to have no less than three months validity from the date of their planned departure from Croatia.
- For European Union (EU) citizens there is no visa required
Alternative Options
If you meet all the necessary requirements to rent a bareboat in Croatia but still feel uncomfortable sailing on your own, we have a perfect solution for you.
Participate in Flotilla Sailing Holiday
Sailing Flotilla is when several boats sail together while being guided by a flagship. Onboard this leading ship, a skipper, a technician, and a hostess will be at your disposal if necessary, advising and helping you with harbour manoeuvres, anchorage, etc. This is indeed a great way to practice your skills, get more confidence and stay safe, knowing that there is an expert who can help at any time.
If you don’t meet all the necessary requirements to rent a bareboat and still want to go for a yacht charter in Croatia, don’t worry, all you need to do is…
Rent a Boat with a Skipper
Most of the charters on our website can be booked with a skipper, who will take care of the navigation, advise you on the itinerary, and will point out the best recreational spots while you have time to enjoy the fun things to do.
Conclusion
If you wish to rent a bareboat in Croatia it is important to meet all the licence and certificate requirements. There is always an option to hire a skipper for your yacht charter. He or she will manage all the navigation and will guide you through the area, showing you the most beautiful hidden gems. Please keep in mind that a Croatian skipper costs approximately 150 euros per day and requires his/her own cabin.
