Tuesday, 16 December 2025

The Best Charter Companies for Sailing in Croatia

Chartering a yacht is often the most flexible, scenic and rewarding way to explore Croatia’s Adriatic coast and Croatian islands. With a vast archipelago of more than a thousand islands, countless hidden bays, historic towns onshore, and a reliable nautical infrastructure, sailing offers access to a mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage and island-hopping freedom.
Choosing the right charter company (with a well-kept fleet, transparent service, flexible charter options and strong guest feedback) is key to making the most of such a journey. Below we highlight five charter companies that stand out. The companies below were chosen following personal experience and review of publicly available information and guest feedback, with emphasis on service standards rather than commercial endorsements.


Aba Vela


Aba Vela is a family-run company with more than two decades of experience in the Croatian charter industry. Their fleet consists mainly of Bavaria sailing yachts, which are generally well-maintained and offered at competitive prices. The company has built a reputation for being guest-oriented and approachable, making it a suitable choice for sailors looking for a reliable, straightforward charter experience with personal service.


Silver Sail


Silver Sail is widely regarded as one of the more reliable and quality-focused yacht-charter providers in Croatia. Based in Split yet operating across the entire Adriatic, the company offers a broad selection of sailing yachts, catamarans and luxury motor yachts, available for bareboat, skippered or fully crewed charter.

A distinguishing characteristic of Silver Sail is its customer-first approach. As an independent operator, it is not tied to individual boat owners, which allows the team to recommend vessels based on clients’ needs. This personalised approach, along with attentive service, is frequently reflected in guest feedback.

According to company data, around 40% of their clients return, suggesting a high degree of satisfaction and loyalty. Combined with positive reviews and an ability to arrange everything from smaller sailing boats to large, high-end yachts, Silver Sail represents a strong option for travellers seeking a tailored and dependable charter experience along the Croatian coast.


The Moorings


The Moorings is an international yacht charter company with a long-standing presence across the Mediterranean, including Croatia. Known for its professional framework and consistent service standards worldwide, The Moorings offers a range of sailing yachts and catamarans suitable for bareboat charters as well as options with skippers.

Their global network and experience contribute to a structured booking process and clear charter conditions, which can be particularly reassuring for guests planning their own itinerary. Many travellers value the company’s support services, including route suggestions, check-in procedures, and on-the-ground assistance in case help is needed during the voyage.

For sailors who prefer the flexibility of self-organised sailing - while still having the backing of an established international provider - The Moorings represents a dependable and well-organised option for exploring the Croatian coastline.


Navaboats (also known as Nava Charter)


Navaboats is one of the earliest established charter companies operating in Croatia, with a long presence in the industry and a reputation built on reliability and consistency. As one of the first professional charter providers in the country, they have developed extensive local knowledge and experience, which continues to reflect in their operations today.
Their fleet includes well-maintained sailing yachts, catamarans and motorboats, with bases in Split and Rogoznica, offering convenient access to many popular sailing routes. Navaboats provides both bareboat and skippered options.

With a proven track record and a steady level of service over many years, Navaboats represents a dependable choice for travellers looking for quality vessels, professional handling, and a charter company with long-standing credibility in the Croatian market.


Goolets


Originally founded in Slovenia, Goolets has become well-established in Croatia and is particularly focused on luxury, fully crewed yacht charters. Their portfolio includes traditional gulets and mini-cruisers as well as larger, high-end vessels such as Freedom, Ohana, Cristal or Alfa Mario, which cater to groups, celebrations, family reunions and corporate events.

Goolets is known for arranging highly customised experiences, including tailored itineraries, onboard services and a wide range of amenities. Their approach is centred on providing a comprehensive “holiday on a yacht” concept, where most guest needs are handled in advance.

For those seeking comfort, professional crew service, and a seamless luxury sailing holiday in Croatia, Goolets represents a strong and increasingly visible option on the market.


What to Check When Choosing a Charter Company


Before you book, it’s worth spending some time comparing charter providers. Here are key aspects to evaluate:

  • Fleet size and quality: A well-maintained, diverse fleet (monohulls, catamarans, motor yachts, gulets) offers more flexibility depending on the trip you imagine.
  • Charter type: Bareboat (you sail) vs skippered (local or company skipper) vs fully crewed. Choose based on your experience, comfort level and group needs.
  • Location / base marina: Especially relevant if you start near Split (or plan to fly/drive in), as some companies operate from different Dalmatian marinas.
  • Guest feedback / reviews / repeat clients: A high ratio of returning customers or strong reviews suggests consistent, quality service.
  • Flexibility & support: Good charter companies provide support with itinerary planning, local knowledge, provisioning, and tend to communicate clearly about charter conditions, insurance, fuel, mooring costs, etc.


Why This Article Matters


For many travellers intrigued by the idea of sailing Croatia’s coast - with its mix of turquoise waters, historic towns, and more than a thousand islands - the options can be overwhelming. A curated list of reputable charter companies helps reduce uncertainty and gives a starting point based on real-world performance and service quality.

By choosing among companies like Silver Sail, Aba Vela, The Moorings, Navaboats or Goolets (depending on preferred comfort level, budget, and sailing style) readers can tailor their sailing holiday accordingly: from simple, budget-conscious monohull sails to luxurious, crewed gulet voyages.


Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice


Sailing along Croatia’s Adriatic coast is more than a vacation, it’s an experience: a blend of sea, islands, culture and freedom. The right charter company can make that difference between a frustrating rental or a seamless, unforgettable maritime journey.

If you are looking for polished service and a broad, trustworthy fleet, Silver Sail is a first-rate pick. For budget-conscious sailors wanting simplicity, well-maintained yachts and a reliable long-standing partner, Aba Vela or Navaboats may be the best fit. The Moorings offers a professional, global-standard charter with an international framework, while Goolets is a strong option for luxury, comfort and fully crewed cruising.


Ultimately, the “best” charter depends on your priorities: sailing experience, group size, budget and the kind of holiday you envision. Whatever your choice, clear seas, ancient towns and Adriatic sunsets await! (Image source is Unsplash: 1, 2)

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