How to Rent a Boat in Split, Croatia

Last Updated on December 11, 2022

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Sitting on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, the city of Split is known for its liveliness and has become one of the most popular cities to visit on the Adriatic Sea.

Positioned between the mountains and the sea, Split is admired for its architecture and beauty in the city.

Its surrounding areas making it a perfect weekend trip or gateway for the islands near in the region.

But one of the best ways to get the full Split experience is to rent a boat in Split and get out on the water.

With its speedy economic growth and investments in tourism, there are dozens of bars, restaurants, and shops booming within the distinctive old walls.

You will be sure to stay entertained and keep busy while here!

After spending time in the beautiful city with all its entertainment and history that it offers, why not enjoy the nature and the world-famous beaches within a short distance from the coast?

Although Split has its very own beaches, each with their own and unique special traits, they can sometimes become overcrowded with travellers during the peak season.

Take a break from everyone else by renting a sailboat in Croatia and taking to the waves.

Experience the surroundings that Split has to offer with just one trip of the Mediterranean’s most famously beautiful sites.

Enjoy its vast clear sea, isolated islands, watersports hotspots, historic havens, hidden beaches and its mild climate with just one comforting boat trip.

Simply rent a boat in Split, Croatia for an amazing trip through sweeping beaches, rocky coves and its climate consisting of very hot summers and more than 2600 hours of sunshine every year.

Here you can find refreshment, unwind and sail through the sparkling blue waters of the sun-kissed coastline, the Adriatic.

Sounds perfect, right? So, what are you waiting for? Let’s see how to rent a boat Split, Croatia for a day!

How to Rent a Boat in Split

Renting boats in Croatia is relatively simple, and easy enough that almost any holidaymaker can hire a boat in Croatia without much stress – which is good news!

In fact, you’ll find many a sign directing you to rent boat in Croatia while walking along the marina.

By the way, did you know that the renowned traveller, Marco Polo, was born in Korcula, an island on the Adriatic Sea? Renting a yacht in Croatia means you’ll be travelling the same waters he did!

🧳 MUST-HAVE: Before you head out on your trip, make sure you have travel insurance. I recommend either SafetyWing or World Nomads.

What Type of Rental is for You?

When considering boat rentals in Croatia, there is a variety of factors that dictates the type of rental that you need.

Do you want to rent a boat in Split for a day or for several days? Do you need a boat with or without the skipper? What type of boat would you like to get?

In the end, it all comes down to your budget, and what you can afford with the different options of boat rental Croatia offers.

One Day Rental (with the Skipper)

As the Adriatic Sea offers secluded bays, natural wilderness, and unbelievable turquoise waters, Split is the perfect starting point to discover all of this.

With nautical tourism thriving, you can now rent your own boat, but by Croatian Law, you need to be licensed. Specifically, the licence you’ll need is “Boat leader licence category B”.

This means you absolutely cannot rent a boat Split without license. Luckily, it is possible to get the licence you need while in Croatia.

To get a licence you need to complete the course and examination at the Harbour Office.

After this you will receive a Boat Leader’s License Category B issued by the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Croatia.

Although getting a licence is not super complicated, why bother with it if there is an adequate alternative available? The alternative is: rent a boat in Croatia with skipper included.

You’ll not only avoid all that licence acquisition process, but if you rent a boat Croatia with skipper you’ll also get a professional who is familiar with the boat, its equipment and manoeuvring abilities.

So, why worry about all the struggles and hassle when you can rent a boat in Split with a skipper through a local agency?

Renting a boat in Croatia with a skipper brings a variety of advantages to the table.

The most obvious of which being the local knowledge and privileged insights to show you and your group a side of maritime Croatia you may otherwise overlook entirely.

Getting away from the beaten path with the comfort and luxury of your own private boat is what unforgettable Croatian adventures are all about.

In addition, when you rent a boat in Split (and Croatia) with a captain, you and your guests have all the time in the world to relax, soak up your surroundings and indulge in whatever takes your fancy.

Unless you rent a sailing boat in Croatia, in which case you might be asked to help out with the rigging from time to time!

🧳 Joining a Contiki tour was one of the best things I did when I took my first solo trip. Check out their latest deals here.

Most Popular Predefined Day Tours

Boat hire in Croatia via a day trip with a local agency provides you with the best possible experience.

This way you get to see some of the rarest locations and untouched parts that you may not have been able to discover on your own.

Blue Cave and 5 Islands Tour

The most popular and requested day tour is the Blue Cave and 5 island tour, and there are plenty of boats for rent in Croatia that will take you.

On this tour, you get to experience the natural phenomenon of the Blue Cave on Biševo Island, Vis, Budikovac, Paklinski, and Hvar.

The experienced skipper can show you sunken old ships, American bomber plane remains from World War II, homes of the endangered monk seals and filming locations of TV shows like Mama Mia.

If you’re lucky enough, you can expect to experience dolphin watching during the tour.

Skipper always gives his best to find a way to meet them and does shortstop so you can take amazing photos and enjoy the moment.

Blue Lagoon and 3 Islands Tour

In addition to the Blue Cave and 5 islands tour, there are also 3 Island tour and Blue Lagoon tour.

Tree island tour offers you something new, the island of Brač and the world’s famous Zlatni rat beach (Golden Horn), an ideal place for swimming and snorkelling.

Blue lagoon’s crystal clear waters are ideal for some especially relaxed swimming and snorkelling.

When doing a day tour in the arrangement with the local agency you get tour tailored just for you. You get to combine places, activities, and the attractions while having zero worries on your mind.

There is plenty to miss if you choose to go on a boat rent in Croatia on your own, but nothing when you let experienced locals do it for you!

💡 PACKING TIP: Make sure you bring a good snorkel, water shoes and a fast-drying towel for all of the beach-going you’re about to do!

One Week or Longer (Nautical Marinas in Split)

Having a rich nautical history like Split has means that there is a great offer for any taste.

There are 4 nautical marinas in Split area, ACI Marina Split, Marina Zenta, Marina Spinut, and Marina Kastela.

ACI Marina Split is situated in the city centre and it’s within a walking distance from Diocletian Palace.

It has the widest offer of all boat types available for charter. Boats range from smallest to the largest 30+ meters long newest fully equipped yacht for rent in Croatia.

You also have available sailing boats, motor yachts, catamarans, and cruising gulets.

Next, the best spot for rentals in Split Croatia is Marina Kastela, with a wide selection of all boat types available for bareboat and crewed rental.

Marina Zenta and Marina Spinut have a slightly lower offer of yachts and sailboats available for rental but they are still a great place to check.

Spending a week or more on the Adriatic Sea is a lifetime memory that you can’t put the price on. There are numerous spectacular places to visit, so wherever you decide to go you won’t regret it.

The most popular and interesting route is a one-way route from Split to Dubrovnik. It includes visiting places like Hvar, Korcula, National Park Mljet and the Pearl of Adriatic – Dubrovnik.

Dalmatian’s Beloved Bond

If you have the opportunity to take a trip out on the crystal-clear sea, there is no better place to do so than on the Croatian coast.

It is one of the most popular sailing destinations in the Mediterranean.

This coast is one of the safest to navigate in and offers plentiful locations to explore.

With the waters being calm and shark free, you will be sure to have a relaxing time while taking in the views and enjoying your favourite glass of wine.

You might even possibly spot some dolphins along the way – who doesn’t love a good show?

Dalmatian’s long history of sailing proves that whether you are an amateur or professional you have plenty of opportunities to explore the coastline.

If you have less experience in sailing, merely rent a boat in Split with a knowledgeable skipper who can teach you the ins and outs.

Courses are also available to improve your skills.

If you have the skills to manage sailing on your own there are many licensed agencies available for you to rent your own boat according to your desires.

But with the help of a skipper, it allows you to enjoy your free time all while taking the most spectacular pictures.

If you prefer to take out a small fishing boat, extravagant yacht or a sailboat they are all readily available.

Again including a skipper who is there to alter and make recommendations on different routes in case of bad weather.

📸 PRO TIP: My go-to camera for all my travels is the Sony A7iii – I highly recommend it!

Frequently Asked Questions

The Croatian love for the sea is plentiful and ready to be shared among everyone who wants to experience firsthand what the salty Mediterranean Sea has to offer.

Have you tried boat rental in Croatia? Did you get a Split boat rental? How did it go? Let me know in the comments below!

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Other articles you will love:

• The Very Best Things to Do in Split [Croatia]
• Balkans Travel: Great Places to Visit in the Balkans + Transport & More
• Unique Things to do in Croatia This Summer
• Fun Things to do Around the Elaphiti Islands, Croatia

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