Sailing Croatia: The Benefits of a Personalised Yacht Charter in Croatia

Elan Impression 45

The Croatian coastline is what every holidaymaker's and sailor's dreams are made of.

And it's no wonder why.

How can you not be captivated by the mesmerising palette of indigo, sapphire and turquoise of the Adriatic Sea? Brilliant white pebbles and soft sandy shorelines create a stark contrast to lush trees decorating islands as far as the eye can see.

This is the kind of place that rewards even the slightest attempts at exploration. Nooks and crannies, bays, and coves await adventurers at every turn.

The beaches here rate among some of the finest in the world, where you can swim or lounge the hours away. Below the glistening surface, snorkelling and diving open a whole new world just begging to be discovered.

From sleepy and charming sea-splashed villages, where time seems to stand still, to luxurious beaches where yachties and partygoers alike come together to dance the night away, Croatia can be as chilled out or as adrenaline filled as you wish.

This corner of the earth is inarguably best known for the well-preserved natural riches of its coastline.

Its tumultuous history is proof of that.

Because one thing is for sure. Mother Nature was incredibly generous with Croatia, granting it over a thousand islands and islets dotted about the Adriatic Sea.

Just imagine setting sail with your closest friends and family. The sun is warming you from the inside out as the sea's waves gently coax your boat towards the tangerine horizon.

Where are you going?

You're sailing into paradise.

Sailing paradise
Benefits of your Personalised Croatian Yacht Charter
Conquer Your First-Time Charter Fears

First-time charter fears can be truly overwhelming. From not knowing where to go, what to pack, or if you're taking your children along for their first time, it can all be a little daunting.

And what if you've never stepped foot on a boat before in your life? What boat do you choose? Bavaria, Elan, Beneteau – there are so many to choose from. What's the difference between an Elan 40 vs an Elan 45, and is it even that important?

We invite you to throw caution and your sails into the wind. Because chartering a yacht or sailboat is all about enjoying the moment.

One of the biggest benefits of a personalised yacht charter is that we guide you through the process during the handover.

Here, we help you learn some of the boating basics you'll need onboard, the procedure when in the base, as well as share some marina etiquette tips.

If your charter is booked, the next thing you need to do is book flights for Croatia to ensure you arrive on time to leave the dock. Take note of the documentation and licenses you will need to have with you, and be sure to go through the safety briefing beforehand.

As your yacht charter's day nears, check the upcoming weather conditions thoroughly.

Not sure what to pack?

Take the essentials, such as any prescribed medicine you or anyone on board cannot go without. Your doctor might advise you to take antiallergic medicine or painkillers along as well.

What to pack

Other essentials items include:

  • portable chargers
  • sunscreen
  • sunglasses
  • hygiene supplies
  • mosquito repellent
  • towels
  • swimwear

Don't forget things like warm clothing and a windbreaker, as the nights out at sea can get quite cold.

If you're nervous that this seems like a lot of things to remember, don't worry. When chartering with Bruneko, our check-ins are thorough, and you will have all the help you need when departing and arriving at the marina.

You should also know that if you're on a time crunch, there is the option of priority check-in each Saturday for up to three boats. If this is something that you might need, it's wise to reserve it well in advance. We can also store your luggage in our storage facility.

The Tankerkomerc Marina itself is well positioned from all sorts of winds and is well equipped with toilets, showers, and adequate parking.

Lastly, if you still get all hot and bothered just thinking about chartering a boat on your own, please stop stressing.

Just rent out a skipper. Our qualified professionals are extremely familiar with the Adriatic. They can advise you on everything you might need to know, including safety and where to go.

Unparalleled Convenience

Another highlight when choosing to go on a personalised yacht charter in Croatia is that everything is entirely up to you – except for the weather, of course.

Thanks to our centralised base in Zadar, you can sail the glorious Croatian coastline in all its glory to your heart's content.

Whether you decide to explore the north end of the Adriatic and visit hot spots like Silba, Olib, Premuda and the Lošinj archipelago or head further down south to the infamous islands of Brač, Hvar and Lastovo, it's all possible. And completely your choice.

A personalised yacht charter means staying as long as you want in one place and skipping another altogether.

It's that simple.

Can't imagine leaving your best four-legged friend for two weeks to travel up and down the Adriatic coast? We understand. So why not take them along as well? We are, by all means, pet-friendly, so nobody has to miss out.

Motorboat or Sailboat? Customise Your Charter Specifically to Your Needs
Motorboat vs Sailboat

If you're indecisive about what boat to go for when it comes to your yacht charter, we're about to let you know what differences to expect between the two.

First step. Visualise your sea-faring holiday.

Is it an active or relaxing one? If you wish to zigzag from one location to another in a matter of minutes rather than hours, a motorboat is most likely your boat of choice. It's also shallow in the water, so you can be close to your chosen beach spot.

On the other hand, sailboats are much more about taking pleasure in the journey itself than the destination.

In fact, there is nothing quite like switching off the motor and positioning the boat so that the wind can coax the boat gently forward. The silence and Mother Nature working in tandem is almost poetic.

Motorboats come in all different shapes and sizes, some of them with internal, some with external motors. The good news with these types of boats is that the mooring is cheaper due to their size, they're easier to manoeuvre, and also a favourite for guests embarking on their first yacht charter.

Then there is also the issue of not all sailboats being able to pass beneath the Ugljan-Pašman bridge in Ždrelac – a popular route for boating enthusiasts and vacationers. But our list of those that can within our fleet is substantial. They include:

Basically, when choosing between a motorboat and a sailboat for your next yacht charter, it all depends on your needs and wishes.

Get Access to One-of-a-Kind Boats in Croatia

From the very first moment you get in touch until you wave goodbye to go home, we intend to guide you through an incredible yacht charter experience. This extends to having an exceptional fleet available to our guests.

Introducing one of our latest additions, the BALT 918, the only boat of its kind in Croatia. This semi-planing cruising yacht is the perfect combination of elegance and functionality.

The beauty of this vessel is in its simplicity.

The design is curated based on "less is more," leaving out any unnecessary decorative elements means that guests are left with a well-thought-out and spacious boat to call their own for the duration of their trip.

Another model unique to Bruneko is the Elan E6 has been described as "the fusion of performance engineering and enriching sailing experiences." Surpassing other models in its class is the fact that technology and performance have not been overlooked, while keeping design and comfort at the forefront of this vessel.

Enjoy the Glorious Croatian Climate

There is something to be said about the glorious Croatian climate that makes for excellent yacht chartering virtually all year round.

In the summer months of July and August, the Adriatic Sea is at its warmest, reaching up to 28° C. But if you're thinking of hitting the waves earlier, know that the sailing period starts in March, but the sea still isn't warm enough to take a swim then.

Of course, taking a dip is possible sometimes, even in April, but generally, May brings weather warm enough to do so.

After the peak season, September and October also offer prime opportunities for both sailing and swimming.

For many, sailing around Croatia is best during the postseason, as there are fewer crowds, but the air and sea temperatures are still perfect for a day out on the water.

Find Out the Best Kept Croatian Sailing Secrets From the Locals

Now, we won't be the first to try and deny that the Croatian coastline offers plenty of Instagram-worthy shots to be taken wherever you look.

But if you want to experience Croatian culture at its most potent and discover the hidden treasures here, your best bet is to get the advice of an experienced local – yet another bonus to a personalised yacht charter.

We don't mean to brag, but years of experience means we know exactly where you should moor your boat during a storm, which bays are only accessible by boat, as well as where you might be able to anchor your boat on a buoy, and not get charged for the night.

You don't want to waste your well-earned holiday time going to places that are overrun with tourists, so much so that you won't be able to anchor your boat in peace or privacy.

No, thank you.

We can tell you where the crowds are slimmer.

We can let you in on those few out-of-the-way villages where you can still come into contact with authentic Croatian culture.

Where you can rent a bike, which sights to see and where to eat. But more on that – right now.

Get an Authentic Taste of Croatia
Taste of Croatia

Saying that Croatians are passionate about their food is an understatement. When it comes to food, the Croatian coastline offers the best of a Mediterranean-style diet.

And while we don't want to burst your "foodie" bubble, we're all about transparency, which is why you need to know that not every restaurant will have the freshest ingredients all the time.

During the summer season, for example, much of the prime, freshly caught seafood is sent through to the finest restaurants in Zagreb. This is why you need someone well-equipped with secrets of exceptional Croatian dining, letting you know where to stop to have lunch.

But not a tourist trap lunch spot, rather a traditional Croatian konoba run by family members, where the produce grows in their backyard, and the seafood is caught fresh that morning.

Because your culinary experience will be one of the most exciting and important elements of your getaway.

So, what should you try while here?

Cheese from the island of Pag is a famous speciality in these parts, its sharp flavour derived from the wild herbs that the sheep feast on. The lamb is also delicious and not to be missed for the exact same reason.

Award-winning olive oils and wines are phenomenal and should complement every meal.

The fish here is top-notch, from John Dory, sea bass, monkfish, sea bream, and cuttlefish – but the shellfish should not be passed up either – make sure to taste the scallops and mussels.

The secret to the best dishes on the Croatian coastline lies in their simplicity. A few ingredients, cooked slowly to perfection, allow you to taste the ingredients' origins.

Be warned; once you get a taste of Croatia, it will soon become your favourite way to dine. The only way to reproduce it is to keep coming back.

Rejuvenate Your Mind, Body and Spirit

It's no secret that there's a huge emphasis on mental health these days – and for a good reason, too. Our day-to-day lives are often spent rushing from one place to another, filled with chaos and worry about what's around the corner.

Heading out to sea brings a wealth of opportunities and health benefits. These include:

  • Endurance and muscle strength
  • Mental wellness
  • Cardiovascular fitness
  • Lowered stress levels
  • Increased agility
  • Improved concentration
  • Better communication skills
  • Spatial awareness
  • Organisational skills

On top of all that, embarking on a personalised yacht charter with loved ones, whether family or friends, means you will strengthen relationships between you and create memories that will bond you for life.

Safe Vacation Mode: On

For quite a while there, the world was taken over by the COVID-19 pandemic. People remained in their homes, even having to work from there. It begged the question of what type of vacation could mean leaving the security of your own four walls.

Because, in reality, most places you visit while on holiday are overrun with crowds looking to do the same.

A yacht charter is one of the few options out there that allows you to fully take advantage of the great outdoors, change your location, and at the same time enjoy a safe vacation out at sea.

It's the best of both worlds.

Help Save the Planet and Broaden Your Horizons

There is nothing better than going out to sea and being one with nature, but at the same time, it's imperative to uphold eco-friendly standards while doing so.

Luckily, you can do plenty of things to reduce your carbon footprint on your yacht charter.

First off, when booking your vessel, you might want to choose a sailboat over a motorboat or go for a boat that relies on solar power. Then, when the wind is doing its thing, you do yours and drop your sails. The thrill of sailing in Croatia is like no other.

Never throw out your rubbish while at sea, but rather separate your glass, paper and plastic and then dispose of them using recycling bins onshore. Use biodegradable products and support the locals by buying produce from them. Not only are you stimulating the economy, but they're also much more delicious than imported goods you'll find in large supermarkets.

A Personalised Yacht Charter in Croatia Is an Experience Like No Other
Experience Like No Other

Planning on taking a break from your everyday life and want to visit one of Europe's stunning locations?

Croatia doesn't disappoint. By any means.

But Croatia is quickly becoming a well-known destination for holidaymakers worldwide, a poster child for paradise, where many people flock year after year.

Instead of packing your bags and dreading, in advance, the overcrowded beaches and typical tourist spots that are drenched with hordes of people, we give you an alternative.

Make your getaway what it should be. What it needs to be so you can reset.

Get in touch with nature. Centre yourself. Find an oasis within your surroundings – and also within yourself. Spend time with your closest people. The ones that truly matter.

Setting sail into the unknown is thrilling, it's eye-opening, and, most of all, it's an unforgettable experience.

But sailing a boat in Croatia brings with it a unique satisfaction.

The Adriatic Sea draws you in.

It has a timeless appeal, enjoyed by many for countless years, and something that will be enjoyed in equal measure by countless others in the future.

A personalised yacht charter means you aren't just a number.

It means being part of our close-knit family.

It means sharing the best-kept secrets of these immaculate shores.

It means being heard, guided and supported through one of the most relaxing yet exciting experiences of your life.

So, are you ready to dive headfirst into your next thrilling adventure? We think you should definitely take the plunge.

Because as the famous Mark Twain once said,

"Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than those you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from safe harbour. Catch the wind in your sails.

Explore. Dream. Discover."