Croatia Motor Yacht Charter

Is a motor yacht right for your vacation? 

Generally, a motor yacht suits groups who value space, comfort, and effortless transfers between islands. Engine-powered cruising gives the captain flexibility between stops, while wind, sea state, and safe harbor access still shape the itinerary. As a result, many families and friend groups choose one for their motor yacht vacations. 

Most motor yachts also offer more interior space than a similarly sized sailing yacht. Typically, you get a spacious saloon, a formal dining area, and several open decks. Many also carry a tender and an extensive collection of water toys. 

However, a motor yacht is not the ideal choice for everyone. Engines consume fuel, and some guests prefer lower expenditures. Also, if you love the experience of sailing, you may miss it. In that case, read our power vs sailing yacht guide first. 

Cruising pace varies by yacht  

Motor yachts vary in hull design, cruising speed, fuel use and comfort. Length alone does not determine how fast a yacht travels or how it feels underway.

Some motor yachts are designed for faster cruising. The Sunseeker Predator 72 “Ghost,” for example, lists a cruising speed of 20 knots. Similarly, PARADISE, a 22-meter Galeon, lists 16 knots and a top speed of 32 knots.

Other motor yachts favor a more leisurely pace. PREMIER lists a cruising speed of 8 knots, while BELLO lists 12 knots. These are yacht-specific specifications, not guarantees of passage times.

Choose around your group’s priorities: cabins, shaded deck areas, onboard service, time ashore and comfort underway. Your captain adjusts the route and speed to conditions.

What a day on a motor yacht can look like 

A day on a crewed motor yacht might begin with breakfast at anchor and a swim before the captain heads for the next island. After lunch on deck, you could use the water toys or take the tender ashore; in the evening, you might dine on board or visit a restaurant in town. Meanwhile, your crew helps shape that plan around your preferences and the weather.

What to compare before choosing a motor yacht 

Two motor yachts of identical length can feel completely different on board. Therefore, compare the details that determine your experience, not simply the size or the price. 

Guest cabins and layout 

First, examine how the cabins compare. Some motor yachts feature one generous master suite, while the guest cabins are considerably smaller. Others provide cabins of almost equal size, which particularly suit groups of couples. 

For instance, Premier lists 11 convertible cabins of comparable size. Bello, by contrast, offers two master cabins and four double cabins. Confirm where the crew sleeps and which cabins are available to guests. Also ask about staircases if anyone has limited mobility, because cabins and shared areas may span several decks.

Crew and onboard service 

Next, consider the size of the crew. A 22-meter yacht such as PARADISE lists a crew of two for eight guests. Meanwhile, Bello lists 12 crew members for 12 guests. 

Crew roles matter as much as crew numbers. PARADISE lists a captain and hostess who prepares breakfast and light lunch; this differs from a yacht with a dedicated chef and a larger service team. For example, the chef can prepare lunch while the deck team operates the water toys. Tell us how you prefer to dine, and we can shortlist yachts accordingly. 

Cruising characteristics and comfort 

Then compare cruising speed and fuel consumption. Both vary considerably between motor yachts, even among yachts of similar size. 

Ask for a yacht-specific fuel estimate covering the main engines, generators, tender, and planned water activities. Published consumption figures need context: speed, engine load, and sea conditions affect actual use.

We confirm operating assumptions and included allowances with the yacht’s representative.

Stabilizers help reduce rolling, but equipment and performance vary. Ask whether the yacht has stabilization underway, at anchor, or both. We confirm its capabilities rather than assuming that every motor yacht has the same system.

Something else to ask about is the generator, which powers the air conditioning and galley at anchor. Some yachts also operate it throughout the night. If you are a light sleeper, we can ask the crew how quiet the guest cabins are. 

Outdoor space and equipment 

Finally, consider how you intend to spend your days. Shaded outdoor dining, a sun deck, and a swim platform especially matter on a hot Adriatic afternoon. Confirm shaded dining, easy water access, and the equipment available on your chosen yacht.

Water toys also vary considerably. PARADISE lists Seabobs, paddleboards and snorkeling equipment. Other yachts offer different combinations of toys and tenders. Because equipment can change, we verify the current inventory before you book. 

Questions we ask every group 

Before we recommend a single motor yacht, we typically ask several practical questions: 

• Do all couples need cabins of equal size? 
• Will anyone struggle with stairs or steep steps? 
• Are children coming, and how old are they? 
• Do you want shaded space for long lunches on deck? 
• Will you dine on board most nights or ashore? 
• Which water activities matter most, and what is everyone’s comfort level in the water?
• How sensitive is your group to engine or generator noise? 
• How many hours a day do you want to cruise? 

Your answers help us eliminate yachts that appear suitable on paper but would disappoint your preferences in practice. 

Request Your Croatia Motor Yacht Shortlist →

Motor yacht charter costs in Croatia 

A crewed motor yacht rental in Croatia involves two principal components: the base charter fee and your operating expenses. 

The base fee generally covers the yacht and its agreed crew and equipment. Inclusions vary: some listings include VAT or a cruising-fuel allowance. The Croatia examples below commonly list 13% VAT, but check whether it is included or additional in your yacht-specific quote.

APA stands for Advance Provisioning Allowance. You pay it before the charter to cover expenses such as fuel, food, drinks, and marina fees. The amount varies by yacht. The examples below list APA amounts from 25% to 35%, or a fixed sum such as GHOST’s €6,000. Other yachts may use different terms, so we confirm the amount and what it covers in your quote. APA funds operating expenses rather than creating a second charge for the same items.

The captain maintains a detailed record of every APA expense. If money remains at the end, you will receive a refund. Conversely, if you spend more, you settle the difference at the end of the charter. 

Weekly rates for selected motor yachts 

These are indicative base weekly rates shown on the yacht listings. Rate periods can differ between listings, so check out the season shown on each yacht page. Taxes, APA, and other expenses depend on the yacht and charter terms. We confirm a dated, itemized quote before you compare options. 

Yacht	Guests and cabins	Weekly charter fee	Listed extras and inclusions
GHOST	6 guests / 3 cabins	From 18,000 euros	VAT included + APA
PARADISE	8 guests / 4 cabins	From 28,000 euros	VAT + APA
PREMIER	22 guests / 11 cabins	From 99,000 euros	VAT + APA; 4 hours/day cruising fuel included
MAIA	Up to 12 guests; confirm cabin plan	From 130,000 euros	VAT + APA
ARGO	26 guests / 13 cabins	From 145,000 euros	VAT + APA
BELLO	12 guests / 6 cabins	From 180,000 euros	VAT + APA
OLIMP	20 guests / 10 cabins	From 125,000 euros	VAT + APA; 4 hours/day cruising fuel included

Rates and availability are subject to change without notice.

Seasonal rate periods vary by yacht and may not match calendar months. Confirm the applicable dates, guest cabin layout, availability, and final charter terms in your quote.

Rates: EUR per week, base charter fee, as listed. Rates and availability change, so we confirm both before you book. 

How to estimate your total budget 

Compare motor yachts on their full weekly cost, not the base fee alone. For example, PARADISE costs €32,000 for a June week. Adding 13% VAT (€4,160) and a 35% APA (€11,200) brings the starting budget to €47,360. An optional gratuity of 10% to 15% would add €3,200 to €4,800. This is an illustration; gratuity is discretionary. Confirm the rate year, applicable dates and any additional charges.

Because the APA is an advance against expenses, your final spend may be higher or lower. For a full breakdown of VAT, APA, and tips, see our Croatia yacht charter costs guide. 

How does fuel affect a motor yacht budget? 

Fuel terms vary by yacht. PREMIER and OLIMP list cruising fuel for up to four hours per day within the charter fee; additional cruising fuel and fuel for tenders or water toys are charged through APA. Other yachts fund cruising fuel from APA. Your quote should explain the allowance, exclusions, and how excess use is charged.

Ask the captain or yacht representative to estimate fuel against your preferred itinerary and cruising pace. An estimate should include generator and tender use where applicable, rather than relying on a single published consumption figure.

Actual fuel spending depends on the yacht, speed, sea conditions and route. Discuss shorter passages and longer stays in a bay if your group prefers less time underway.

Marina, mooring and anchoring charges vary by location, yacht size, date and services. Confirm expected fees for the proposed route and keep room in the APA budget for changes.

Plan a route that suits your motor yacht and pace 

Most itineraries on a Croatia motor yacht charter begin in Split or Dubrovnik. Many operate one-way between the two cities, while others return to the original marina. 

A seven-night Split-to-Dubrovnik charter might combine the following stops. This is a flexible sequence rather than a fixed daily schedule; your yacht, embarkation arrangements, sea conditions and captain’s judgment determine what is practical.

• Split or a nearby marina: embarkation and a flexible first stop.
• Drvenik or another sheltered bay: swimming and a relaxed day aboard.
• Hvar and the Pakleni Islands: island towns, dining and anchorages.
• Vis or Šćedro: quieter bays, subject to route and weather.
• Korčula: Old Town and time ashore.
• Mljet: sheltered bays and national park visits where practical.
• Dubrovnik or the Elaphiti Islands: final stops and agreed disembarkation.

Discuss one-way availability, delivery fees and embarkation or disembarkation times before booking. Overnight repositioning is an option only where the captain agrees it is suitable for the yacht, crew and your group.

Split particularly suits groups who want to visit Hvar, Vis and Brač early in the week. Dubrovnik, on the other hand, places the Elaphiti Islands, Mljet and Korčula nearby. Some motor yachts also cruise further afield. So ask us if you want a wider motor yacht charter in the Mediterranean. 

Nevertheless, every itinerary depends on your yacht, your dates, the weather and the captain’s judgment. Above all, the captain always makes the final decision on safety. So treat any plan as a flexible starting point that you refine together on board. 

Browse our sample routes from Split to Dubrovnik and Dubrovnik to Split. You can also read our guides to Split and Dubrovnik. 

Compare other yacht types 

If a motor yacht does not feel appropriate, consider these alternatives: 

• Sailing catamarans have two hulls and sails. See our Croatia catamarans. 
• Power catamarans have two hulls and engines. See our power catamarans. 
• Motor sailers emphasize generous living space and engine-powered cruising; on many Croatia charter vessels, the sails are mainly decorative. See our motor sailers. 

For every option in one place, visit our Croatia yacht charter home page. For a wider look at high-end options, browse our Croatia luxury yacht charters. 

Get a motor yacht shortlist from CKIM Group 

CKIM Group operates My Croatia Yacht Charter. We do not own the yachts on this page; instead, we collaborate with private owners and their crews. We compare the yacht and crew against your group’s needs, preferences and budget.

Here is how it works: 

1. Share your plans. Tell us your dates, guest count, rough total budget, and what matters most. 
2. Review your shortlist. We send a short list of suitable motor yachts, with rates and expenses explained. 
3. Confirm and refine. Once you choose, we confirm availability and help shape your route with the captain. 

Request Your Croatia Motor Yacht Shortlist  

Motor yacht charter questions