Dubrovnik Yacht Charter Guide
Croatia is fast becoming a favorite destination for yacht charter vacations. The famously beautiful coastlines of the hundreds of islands in the Adriatic Sea offer some of the most spectacular cruising in the world. A yacht charter to Dubrovnik is the ideal way to explore this part of the world – from the hidden coves of the Eliphati islands to the many uninhabited islands on the coast, you will be able to find privacy and seclusion on empty beaches. Dubrovnik is arguably the most enchanting spot on the Croatian coast – a UNESCO World Heritage site, the terracotta roofs of the city are contrasted against the lush green of olive groves and vineyards, creating stunning sights as you approach the marina. With a fascinating history, excellent cuisine, and bustling nightlife, exploring the limestone streets of this port city is a must for discerning travelers.
Best Time To Visit: May to October is great for sailing, with the shoulder seasons being quiet and warm.
Key Cruising Areas: The coastline of Croatia offers stunning sailing options, with many small islands and harbors to explore. Sailing south, the neighboring countries of Montenegro and Albania are often overlooked but are fantastic destinations.
Don’t Miss: This is a nation with one of the highest wine consumption in the world, so a trip to Croatia would not be complete without visiting a winery. For a unique visit, travel to the Peljesac Peninsula for a tour of Edivo Vina – the country’s first underwater winery. The wine is aged for years buried under the sea, where the perfect silence is thought to enhance the quality. Dive to the bottom of the bay, or simply opt for sampling some on land – with a chance to buy some bottles still covered in shells.
Best Spots for Wining and Dining: While Dubrovnik offers many exquisite restaurants – 360 degrees is one to mention – the dining of Croatia revolves around café culture. For great food, drinks, and nightlife, explore the cobbled streets of the Old Town. Try the craft beer and after-hours cocktails of Glam Café, or the relaxed ambience of Soul Caffe.
Best Local Dish: The Dalmatian cuisine is based on fantastic local produce – olives and oil, garlic, herbs, and seafood. In particular, the oysters of Mal Ston are renowned as the world’s best oysters and must be tried. For local dishes in an elegant setting, book a table at Restaurant Dubrovnik.
Local Culture: The rich heritage of Croatia can be seen throughout Dubrovnik, in the baroque buildings, historic churches, ancient forts, and more – the city is home to thousands of historical sites and is itself a UNESCO World Heritage city. The Cavtat Old Town, city walls, and Fort of St John are fascinating relics of the country’s past, and Rector’s Palace, which houses the Museum of Dubrovnik’s past, are notable places to visit.
Best Beach: For a break from the tourists, join the locals at Sveti Jakov. A pleasant stroll along tree-lined avenues brings you to the shingly beach, where the clear waters of the bay are surrounded by rocky hills. The beach has a nice bar to sit in the evening, as the dipping sun warms the sands and lights up views of the old town with orange hues.
IYC recommends: Discover the idyllic island of Lokrum. Coated with pines and cypress trees and peppered with ruins, the island was once thought to hold a curse placed on Napoleon. Explore the tropical gardens and medieval remains, kayak around the island to see abandoned monasteries, secret coves, and glittering turquoise waters. End the day with a cocktail at the bar overlooking the jetty as the sunsets.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The best time to charter a yacht in Dubrovnik is from May through October, when the southern Dalmatian coast enjoys its peak cruising season. Warm, dry weather sets the tone, with July and August delivering daytime highs up to 86°F (30°C) and sea temperatures around 77°F (25°C). This is the liveliest period in Dubrovnik, when the Old City buzzes with visitors and the nearby Elaphiti Islands are at their most vibrant.
For guests who prefer fewer crowds, the shoulder months of May, June, and September are especially appealing. Temperatures then range from 72°F to 81°F (22°C to 27°C), perfect for sightseeing along the medieval city walls or sailing to Mljet National Park. The Maestral wind keeps conditions steady, ensuring smooth passages whether you remain in Croatian waters or extend your charter south to Montenegro.
October remains a graceful choice for late-season charters. While some beach clubs and seasonal venues wind down, the coastline is tranquil and the Adriatic retains warmth for swimming and kayaking in secluded bays. Festivals such as the Dubrovnik Late Summer Festival add cultural richness to itineraries during this quieter window.
With easy flight connections into Dubrovnik Airport, a full-service marina base, and exceptional nearby cruising grounds, the city supports rewarding yacht charters throughout the entire season.
The cost of chartering a yacht from Dubrovnik reflects the same core factors as elsewhere in Croatia, including yacht size, age, guest capacity, and onboard amenities. Weekly base rates for luxury crewed yachts typically begin at around €25,000 and can exceed €350,000 for the largest superyachts.
As Dubrovnik is one of the Adriatic’s most in-demand embarkation points, pricing is highest in July, August, and September, when the Old City and nearby islands draw global visitors. Shoulder months such as May, June, and early October often provide more favorable rates while still delivering excellent weather and sea conditions.
Beyond the base fee, operational expenses are managed through an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA), usually 25–40% of the charter rate. The APA covers real-time costs like fuel, provisioning, marina berths, and bespoke guest services.
A 13% VAT applies to charters starting and remaining in Croatian waters, though itineraries that cross into international waters may qualify for adjusted tax treatment depending on the route.
While not mandatory, a crew gratuity is customary and appreciated, with most guests offering 10–15% of the base rate depending on the level of service provided.
Dubrovnik is one of the Adriatic’s most captivating yacht charter gateways, where a journey often begins with a stroll through its UNESCO-listed Old Town. Encircled by medieval stone walls, the city invites exploration of baroque palaces, bustling piazzas, and panoramic viewpoints reached by cable car. Guests can enjoy refined dining overlooking the Adriatic, browse local markets, or simply walk the famed Stradun before embarking on their charter. Embarkations typically begin at ACI Marina Dubrovnik, just outside the city, where modern facilities and proximity to the airport make logistics seamless.
From here, short passages open up some of Croatia’s most rewarding cruising grounds. The nearby Elaphiti Islands offer quiet anchorages, sandy beaches, and historic monasteries within a few hours’ sail. A little further north, Mljet National Park provides a pristine natural setting with pine forests and saltwater lakes, perfect for guests seeking time immersed in nature.
For cultural exploration, Korčula is a highlight with its walled medieval town and strong wine traditions, while the Lastovo Archipelago invites discovery of remote coves and star-filled skies. To the south, many itineraries extend into Montenegro, where Porto Montenegro and the Bay of Kotor add an international dimension to a Dubrovnik charter.
Longer cruises can continue northward along the Dalmatian Coast, connecting Dubrovnik with islands such as Hvar, Vis, and Brač, each offering their own blend of nightlife, heritage, and scenic bays. With most destinations within a few hours’ cruising, Dubrovnik charters combine variety with a relaxed rhythm of exploration.
Dubrovnik offers a wide selection of charter yachts, making it one of the most versatile bases for Adriatic cruising. Motor yachts are the leading choice, combining speed, stability, and spacious interiors that suit both day trips to the Elaphiti Islands and longer routes to Korčula or Montenegro. Options range from smaller sport yachts to large superyachts with beach clubs, stabilizers, and extensive entertainment features.
For guests seeking a traditional Adriatic atmosphere, sailing yachts and locally built gulets provide wind-powered charm and a more leisurely pace between historic ports. Catamarans are also in high demand, particularly for families or groups. Their shallow draft and generous deck space make them ideal for anchoring in quiet bays just outside Dubrovnik’s old city walls or within Mljet National Park.
Most charter yachts in Dubrovnik host up to 12 guests and include a full professional crew, ensuring a seamless onboard experience. With fleet options spanning motor, sailing, catamaran, and gulet categories, guests can select the yacht that best matches their style of cruising.
On a Dubrovnik yacht charter, the base fee includes the yacht itself, a full-time professional crew, yacht insurance, and all standard onboard amenities. However, operational costs are not included in the base rate.
Day-to-day expenses such as fuel, fresh provisioning from Dubrovnik’s markets, marina fees, port taxes, and any shore-based activities are not covered by the base rate. These are managed through an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA), generally set at 25–40% of the charter fee. The Captain oversees this account, ensures smooth provisioning throughout the week, and provides a full breakdown at the end of the charter. Any unused funds are returned, while any additional costs are settled directly.
All charters beginning in Dubrovnik are subject to Croatia’s 13% VAT. In certain cases, itineraries that extend into international waters may qualify for partial reductions, though this depends on the specific route and agreements in place. Crew gratuity is separate from both the charter fee and APA, with 10–20% of the base rate considered standard for exceptional service.
While weekly charters are the norm in Dubrovnik, especially for crewed motor yachts operating under MYBA agreements, itineraries can vary. Seven-day charters remain the most common format, with rates typically quoted on a per-week basis and routes structured accordingly. From ACI Marina Dubrovnik, a week-long charter allows smooth access to the Elaphiti Islands, Mljet National Park, and Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor.
Shorter or longer itineraries may also be available, depending on the yacht, season, and scheduling. In these cases, pricing is often based on a pro-rata calculation using a six-day divisor to reflect fixed operational costs. All terms are agreed individually between the client and Central Agent.
Most charters begin and end at 12:00 pm, which is standard practice across the Mediterranean. Noon embarkation at ACI Marina Dubrovnik gives the crew time to complete cleaning, provisioning, and technical checks before guests arrive. Disembarkation at the same hour on the final day supports a consistent and efficient turnaround.
Currently, Dubrovnik provides a safe, well-connected, and guest-friendly environment for international travelers and yacht charter guests. Like the rest of Croatia, the city is part of the Schengen Area, meaning passport-free travel is available for EU residents, while U.S., U.K., and Canadian passport holders may enter without a visa for tourism purposes for up to 90 days within any 180-day period under standard Schengen rules.
Dubrovnik uses the euro as its official currency, simplifying onboard provisioning and marina transactions for guests arriving by sea or air. English is widely spoken in the city’s marinas, luxury hotels, and Old Town, where infrastructure is designed to support high-end tourism. ACI Marina Dubrovnik, located 6 km from the city, accommodates yachts up to 60m and offers full-service facilities including customs clearance. Dubrovnik International Airport, just 20 km from the Old Town, provides seasonal direct connections to major European cities, ensuring smooth guest arrivals and departures.
There are currently no health-related travel restrictions in place. Standard vaccinations are recommended but not mandatory, and Dubrovnik maintains excellent healthcare standards, with both a general hospital and English-speaking private clinics available. Hygiene levels across marinas, restaurants, and provisioning outlets remain high.
Dubrovnik enjoys one of the most favorable climates on the Adriatic, making it a prime location for yacht charters throughout the Mediterranean season. From May to October, conditions are consistently warm and dry, with July and August seeing daytime temperatures between 82°F and 88°F (28°C to 31°C). The sea reaches 77°F to 80°F (25°C to 27°C) at this time, creating excellent conditions for swimming, snorkeling, and long afternoons spent at anchor among the Elaphiti Islands.
In May, June, and September, air temperatures average 70°F to 79°F (21°C to 26°C), while the Adriatic remains comfortably warm for water activities. These months combine ideal cruising weather with a vibrant atmosphere in port, making them particularly attractive for guests who prefer active days ashore paired with smooth sailing conditions. October also offers a rewarding experience for late-season charters, especially for those drawn to Dubrovnik’s cultural events and historic setting.
Summer winds in Dubrovnik are generally mild, with the Maestral providing reliable afternoon breezes, while stronger systems like the Bora and Jugo are less common here than in northern Croatia. Rainfall is minimal from late spring through early autumn, and July is typically the driest month. Long daylight hours, with sunsets after 8:30 pm in midsummer, extend the time available for alfresco dining or water-based activities.
Croatia now uses the euro (€) as its sole currency, a transition completed on January 1, 2023. In Dubrovnik, one of the Adriatic’s busiest superyacht ports, all charter-related costs including marina berths at ACI Marina Dubrovnik, provisioning, and shore-based activities are settled in euros. This aligns Dubrovnik with neighboring Mediterranean destinations and allows for easy financial continuity when cruising beyond Croatian waters.
Guests can expect major credit cards to be accepted at the marina, upscale restaurants, and luxury boutiques within the Old Town. ATMs are readily available throughout Dubrovnik, including the marina complex and central Stradun, though access becomes less reliable when venturing to nearby islands such as Šipan or Lopud. For this reason, carrying some cash remains practical, especially when dining at traditional konobas or paying for incidental island expenses.
Dubrovnik, like the rest of Croatia, operates on a 230V / 50Hz electrical system and uses Type C and Type F plug sockets. Travelers from the U.S., U.K., Canada, or other non-EU countries will need a plug adapter. A voltage converter is only required if your device does not support dual voltage, though most modern laptops, tablets, and phones already do.
For guests embarking on a yacht charter from Dubrovnik, onboard systems are designed with international visitors in mind. Expect to find universal plug sockets, USB charging points, and inverters to accommodate mixed devices. While docked in ACI Marina Dubrovnik, yachts rely on stable shore power. When cruising to nearby destinations such as Mljet or Korčula, onboard generators ensure a consistent supply.
Around town, hotels, fine-dining restaurants, and boutiques all use the same European-standard sockets. Carrying a universal adapter with built-in surge protection is recommended, especially during the busy summer season. Guests with medical devices or sensitive electronics should confirm compatibility with their crew ahead of time for complete peace of mind.
Mobile connectivity in Dubrovnik is strong, with reliable 4G service and expanding 5G access in the city, Old Port, and ACI Marina Dubrovnik. Guests arriving from EU or EEA countries benefit from the “Roam Like at Home” agreement, ensuring no additional roaming charges. Visitors from the U.S., U.K., or other non-EU regions often find it convenient to purchase a local SIM or eSIM from providers such as A1 or Hrvatski Telekom, which offer robust coverage. Onboard Wi-Fi is standard aboard most crewed charter yachts embarking from Dubrovnik, though reception may fluctuate in more remote anchorages among the Elaphiti Islands or Mljet.
Drone use in Dubrovnik follows national Croatian regulations but is further restricted due to the city’s UNESCO World Heritage status. Any drone over 0.55 lbs (250g) must be registered with the Croatian Civil Aviation Agency, and flights must remain under 394’ (120m), within line-of-sight, and well clear of airports, marinas, and protected zones. Importantly, flights over Dubrovnik’s Old City walls or Stradun require express permission and are otherwise prohibited. Unauthorized aerial filming can incur fines, particularly when infringing on privacy near other yachts or historic sites.
Chartering a yacht from Dubrovnik allows guests to enjoy the Adriatic with excellent standards of health and wellness support. The city offers reliable medical infrastructure, including a general hospital and private clinics, while emergency services on 112 provide fast response and English-language assistance. ACI Marina Dubrovnik, the main embarkation point, is well connected with pharmacies and provisioning facilities, giving guests peace of mind before setting out to sea. Onboard, professional crews are first-aid trained and maintain well-stocked medical kits, ensuring safety throughout the charter.
The waters around Dubrovnik are calm and clear, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. Sea temperatures peak at 77°F (25°C) in midsummer, while anchorages in the Elaphiti Islands provide quiet backdrops for yoga or meditation on deck. Guests should prepare for high UV exposure when touring Dubrovnik’s Old Town or relaxing on deck, particularly in July and August, with hydration and sun protection recommended.
Pharmacies (ljekarna) are easy to find throughout Dubrovnik, particularly near Gruž Market and Lapad, and many staff speak English. Tap water is safe to drink, drawn from local springs, and hygiene standards in marinas and provisioning points are consistently high. Yacht chefs can incorporate fresh Adriatic fish, vegetables, and olive oil into menus tailored to individual preferences, supporting a balanced and health-conscious lifestyle at sea.
While Dubrovnik poses no unusual health risks, mosquitoes may be encountered in greener anchorages like Mljet. Light clothing and repellent are usually sufficient. Guests seeking a wellness-oriented charter can enrich their itinerary with nature walks, cycling, or spa visits ashore, complemented by the restorative pace of Adriatic cruising.