Best Crewed Catamaran in Croatia, Your Guide
You want a yacht that fits your group. You want privacy, service, and smooth routes. I run weekly turnarounds across ACI Split, D-Marin Kaštela, ACI Šibenik, ACI Zadar, and ACI Dubrovnik. I work with vetted crews and see real guest flow on deck. Use this field guide to pick a winner with confidence.
Quick Answer: Best Picks By Use Case
- Best for families: Lagoon 55 with skipper, chef, and hostess. Equal cabins. Safe steps. Friendly weekly fuel draw.
- Best for eight guests: Lagoon Sixty 5. Strong volume without port restrictions. Crew of three keeps service tight.
- Best value: Lagoon 55 or similar 54–58 ft with chef-forward service and a tidy toy pack.
- Best for toys: Sunreef 80. Big tender, garage, e-foils, seabobs, dive support where permitted.
- Best for privacy: Lagoon Seventy 7 or Fountaine Pajot Alegria 67 with master on deck. Private terrace on select Seventy 7 hulls.
Start with a shortlist here: crewed catamaran charters.
What Is The Best Crewed Catamaran In Croatia 2
What “Best” Means For You
Score yachts by seven knobs you control:
- Cabins and berths. Equal doubles reduce friction. Owner suite adds calm.
- Layout and flow. Galley up for social meals. Flybridge for breeze and views.
- Crew ratio. Two crew for 55 ft. Three or four crew above 65 ft.
- Toys. SUPs, seabobs, e-foil, snorkel kits, towables, child vests.
- Range. Fuel, water, and power for park nights away from marinas.
- Budget. Weekly rate, fuel plan, moorings, tourist tax, and tips.
- Start port. Split, Šibenik, Zadar, or Dubrovnik based on flight logic and route flavor.
Use this selector to align layout with headcount: how to choose the right catamaran.
Size Bands And Who They Suit
55–58 ft
- Guests: 6–8 plus two or three crew.
- Why pick it: Big step up in comfort without heavy port limits.
- Where it shines: Split to Hvar and Vis loops. Dubrovnik and Elaphiti with short legs for kids.
60–67 ft
- Guests: 8–10 plus three crew.
- Why pick it: Space for two families and friends. Large tender. Wider toy pack.
- Where it shines: Šibenik and Kornati with park nights. Mixed anchor and marina schedule.
70–80 ft
- Guests: 8–10 plus four crew.
- Why pick it: Flagship comfort, beach platforms, separate crew routes, hotel-grade galley.
- Where it shines: Longer loops with private coves. Photo nights around old towns.
Dates shape price and berth options. Month-by-month comfort and crowd notes live here: best time to charter in Croatia.
Model Spotlight: Lagoon Seventy 7
Why guests pick it
- Master with direct deck access on select hulls.
- Huge beach platform for water toys and swim photos.
- Separate crew routes reduce disruption during meal service.
Cabins and crew
- 4 or 5 guest cabins.
- Typical crew of four: skipper, chef, hostess, deckhand.
Toys and comfort
- Seabobs, e-foil where approved, large tender for dry landings at Hvar or Korčula.
- Generator for full-time air-con. Big lithium banks for quiet hours at anchor.
Fuel notes
- Expect 150–350 liters for a standard week with balanced motoring and genset hours, distance dependent.
Best routes
- Split to Vis and Korčula with photo passes at Stiniva and Zlatni Rat.
- Dubrovnik to Mljet with anchor nights in Polače and Pomena.
What Is The Best Crewed Catamaran In Croatia 3
Model Spotlight: Sunreef 80
Why guests pick it
- Volume. Flybridge lounge fits a full group with shade.
- Garage for toys. Big tender simplifies restaurant runs in Hvar Town or Komiža.
Cabins and crew
- 4 to 5 cabins.
- Crew of four supports chef-forward service and full activity flow.
Toys and comfort
- Seabobs, towables, SUPs, e-foil, snorkel kits.
- Wide trampolines. Deep sofas under bimini for heat management in July and August.
Fuel notes
- Similar weekly band to Seventy 7 when distance and air-con hours match.
Best routes
- Šibenik and Kornati with mooring fields, then Murter for resupply.
- Zadar to Dugi Otok for Sakarun, then park nights in Telašćica.
Model Spotlight: Lagoon Sixty 5
Why guests pick it
- Sweet spot on price to space for eight.
- Crew of three keeps service nimble.
- Good beam without harsh marina limits.
Cabins and crew
- 4 cabins common, often equal doubles. Some owner suites forward.
- Crew of three: skipper, chef, hostess.
Toys and comfort
- Two or three SUPs, towable, snorkel sets, seabob set on many hulls.
- Strong shade in cockpit, plus flybridge dining.
Fuel notes
- 100–220 liters for a normal week with short legs and smart anchoring.
Best routes
- Split week with Palmižana, Vis, Komiža, Brač.
- Kornati loop with two park nights and a Murter resupply day.
Model Spotlight: Lagoon 55
Why guests pick it
- Family value with strong comfort.
- Equal cabins in many layouts.
- Cockpit and saloon link for safe food service during chop.
Cabins and crew
- 4 guest cabins plus forepeaks for crew.
- Two or three crew depending on service level.
Toys and comfort
- SUPs, snorkel sets, a light towable, and beach shade kit.
- Friendly tender size for low-swell landings.
Fuel notes
- 80–160 liters for a short-hop week with smart generator use.
Best routes
- Dubrovnik and Elaphiti with kids.
- Split to Hvar with short first legs and early swims.
What Is The Best Crewed Catamaran In Croatia 4
Model Spotlight: Fountaine Pajot Alegria 67
Why guests pick it
- Galley up versions create social flow.
- Some hulls feature a foredeck jacuzzi.
- Great blend of range, comfort, and price under flagship level.
Cabins and crew
- Often 4 cabins for eight guests.
- Crew of three or four based on toy program.
Toys and comfort
- Big foredeck lounge. Broad platform for SUP and snorkel launches.
- Strong storage for long loops.
Fuel notes
- Similar weekly band to Lagoon Sixty 5 when routes match.
Best routes
- Šibenik to Kornati and back with two park nights.
- Split to Korčula with long lunches and smooth sunset anchorages.
Crew Structure And Daily Rhythm
- Skipper handles route, berths, fuel, and park permits. Morning brief at 09:00.
- Chef runs breakfast, lunch, and dinner flow. Ordering completes by 16:00 on boarding day.
- Hostess manages cabins, table service, snacks, and drinks.
- Deckhand assists with toys, moorings, and tender runs.
A day in peak months
- 08:00 coffee and fruit.
- 09:00 captain brief with a primary plan and a backup.
- 10:00 under way for a 12–20 NM leg.
- 13:00 lunch on anchor.
- 15:00 swim, SUP, snorkel, seabob rotation.
- 17:30 approach marina or quiet bay.
- 20:00 dinner on board or tender ashore.
Menus lock in through a preference sheet. Quantity and pantry notes sit here: provisioning guide.
What Is The Best Crewed Catamaran In Croatia 6
Toys, Tenders, And Safety With Kids
- Standard pack: 2–3 SUPs, snorkel kits, towable, noodles, beach shade.
- Upgrades: seabobs, e-foil with instructor, subwing, dive support where licensed.
- Tender size: 40–80 hp for 55–60 ft, 100–200 hp for 65–80 ft.
- Kid rules: lifejackets during tender rides, no forward trampolines after dusk, sunscreen and hat checks every swim block.
Price Bands In Croatia By Season
Weekly ranges vary by year, fit-out, and crew. Use these bands as planning anchors:
- 55–58 ft: spring and autumn from mid five figures. Peak summer higher.
- 60–67 ft: spring and autumn from upper five figures. Peak summer higher again.
- 70–80 ft: premium tier across all months.
Transparent extras
- Fuel: based on legs and generator hours.
- Marinas and moorings: ACI and town quays price by length and beam.
- Tourist tax: per guest per day.
- Park tickets: Kornati, Telašćica, Mljet. Rangers check stubs in late afternoon.
- Tips: local ranges live here: tipping in Croatia.
Line items listed in plain text here: what is included in the rental agreement.
Start Ports And Route Logic
- Split hub: ACI Split and D-Marin Kaštela suit Hvar, Vis, and Brač. Read more under Split catamaran charters.
- Šibenik hub: ACI Šibenik lines up Skradin and Kornati. Primer here: Šibenik catamaran charters.
- Zadar hub: ACI Zadar shortens hops to Ugljan, Dugi Otok, and Sakarun. Start here: Zadar catamaran charters.
- Dubrovnik hub: ACI Dubrovnik upriver keeps handovers calm and opens the Elaphiti chain. Ideas here: Dubrovnik catamaran charters.
Check daily wind rhythm for Central Dalmatia in this brief: weather in Split area.
What Is The Best Crewed Catamaran In Croatia 8
Sample 7-Day Plans By Size Band
Distances are approximate nautical miles. Boarding starts Saturday from 17:00. Crew welcome at the passerelle.
55 ft Plan — Split to Hvar, Vis, Brač
- Day 1: ACI Split to Šešula, Šolta, 12 NM. Safety brief at anchor.
- Day 2: Šolta to ACI Palmižana, 20 NM. Tender to Hvar Town for sunset.
- Day 3: Palmižana to Vis Town, 14 NM.
- Day 4: Vis to Komiža with Blue Cave window, 14 NM total.
- Day 5: Komiža to Lučice, Brač, 28 NM. Afternoon snorkel.
- Day 6: Lučice to Milna, 6 NM. Dinner ashore.
- Day 7: Milna to Split, 14 NM. Fuel early and return.
65 ft Plan — Šibenik And Kornati With Park Nights
- Day 1: ACI Šibenik to Skradin, 10 NM upriver. Krka visit by park boat.
- Day 2: Skradin to Prvić and Zlarin, 18 NM with swim stops.
- Day 3: Zlarin to Kaprije, 10 NM. Quiet village quay.
- Day 4: Kaprije to Kornati entrance, 18 NM. Mooring field. Ticket check late afternoon.
- Day 5: Kornati inner loop, 12–18 NM. Ridge walk above bays.
- Day 6: Kornati to Murter, 16 NM. Water and fresh produce.
- Day 7: Murter to Šibenik, 18 NM. Fuel and handover.
Park planning maps sit here: Kornati route guide.
77–80 ft Plan — Dubrovnik And Elaphiti With Mljet
- Day 1: ACI Dubrovnik to Koločep cliffs, 8 NM. Blue swim and drone-free sunset.
- Day 2: Koločep to Šunj, Lopud, 6 NM. Long shallow entry for kids.
- Day 3: Lopud to Šipan, 10 NM. Dinner ashore.
- Day 4: Šipan to Pomena, Mljet, 18 NM. Park ticket on arrival.
- Day 5: Pomena to Polače, 6 NM. Lake walk or bike loop.
- Day 6: Polače to Dubrovnik skyline pass, 24 NM, then quiet inlet.
- Day 7: Short hop to base, fuel, and farewell.
Ideas for sea days and photo angles live here: Elaphiti route guide.
55–65 ft Plan — Zadar To Sakarun And North Park
- Day 1: ACI Zadar to Ugljan, 12 NM.
- Day 2: Ugljan to Sakarun, 22 NM. Seasonal buoys protect seagrass.
- Day 3: Sakarun to Veli Rat loop, 10 NM. Lighthouse walk.
- Day 4: Veli Rat to Telašćica, 12 NM. Park ticket and cliff trail.
- Day 5: Inner Kornati, 12–18 NM with lunch swims.
- Day 6: Kornati to Murter, 16 NM.
- Day 7: Murter to Zadar, 18 NM.
What Is The Best Crewed Catamaran In Croatia 11
Menu And Service
- Breakfast: Greek yogurt, local honey, fruit, eggs to order, fresh bread.
- Lunch: grilled fish, Dalmatian greens, pasta with shrimp, salads.
- Dinner: peka night ashore in a bay or chef’s tasting plate with Pošip and Grk pairings.
- Dietary notes: lactose free, gluten free, vegetarian, and kids’ menus arranged during the preference sheet call.
Booking Timeline
- Inquiry: dates, headcount, size band, start port.
- Shortlist: three yachts with rates, deck plans, crew bios.
- Option hold: a brief window while flights lock in.
- Deposit: first installment and signed contract.
- Crew list: passports and ages for harbor master entry.
- Preference sheet: menu and activity notes due 30 days before boarding.
- Balance: final payment per schedule.
- Board: Saturday from 17:00. Welcome drinks and safety brief.
Support during planning and the week goes through phone and WhatsApp. Route edges and weather shifts are handled with a morning note and a backup plan.
Inclusions vs Extras On Crewed Charters
Included on most premium crews
- Yacht, crew wages, linens, towels, standard water toys, base support, and cleaning.
- Breakfast and lunch or full board depending on program.
- Soft drinks, basic coffee and tea service.
Extras to expect
- Fuel for engines, tender, and generator.
- Marinas and moorings by length and beam.
- Tourist tax by guest per day.
- Park tickets for Kornati, Telašćica, Mljet.
- Premium wines and spirits.
- Tips for crew based on service level.
For skippered formats without full crew, review skippered charter options.
What Is The Best Crewed Catamaran In Croatia 12
When To Select Each Model: Quick Decision Tree
- Travel with kids or seniors → Lagoon 55 or Sixty 5 for safe steps and equal cabins.
- Eight adults and privacy rules → Lagoon Sixty 5 or Alegria 67 with four equal doubles.
- Toy-heavy week with VIP service → Sunreef 80.
- Anniversary with private terrace → Lagoon Seventy 7 with owner deck access on select hulls.
- Corporate retreat → Seventy 7 or Sunreef 80 for separate lounge zones and tender capacity.
Regional Extras And Day-by-Day Support
- ACI Split: fuel early Friday. Riva a short walk from the dock.
- D-Marin Kaštela: wide fairways for large platforms.
- ACI Šibenik: strong bura shelter, easy run to Skradin.
- ACI Zadar: quick hop to Ugljan and Sakarun.
- ACI Dubrovnik: upriver calm during handover.
National park notes, buoy fields, and ranger checks appear in the Kornati and Mljet sections linked above.
What Is The Best Crewed Catamaran In Croatia 13
FAQs
How many crew fit a 55 ft family week
Two or three. Skipper plus chef, with hostess where full service is desired.
Do large cats need special berths in old towns
Beam matters. We plan early arrivals and reserve berths that fit wide platforms. Town quays and ACI marinas assign space by width and length.
What fuel draw fits a normal week
Lagoon 55 and peers often land near 80–160 liters. Sixty 5 and Alegria 67 sit around 100–220 liters. Flagships post higher totals with longer legs or heavy air-con.
Are park nights possible with big cats
Yes. Mooring fields in Kornati and Telašćica welcome large platforms with ticket checks in late afternoon. Mljet offers moorings and quays at Pomena and Polače.
What start time applies on boarding day
We board guests at Split on Saturday from 17:00. Crew welcome at the passerelle. Handover completes by 19:00.
Do guests need a skipper license on crewed weeks
No license needed for fully crewed programs. For bareboat or skippered formats during other trips, rules appear under bareboat requirements in Croatia.
Where do winds feel strongest in summer
Afternoon maestral across open channels. Local timing and strength notes live here: weather in Split area.
How do tips work on crewed charters
Gratuity remains optional. Local ranges and handover timing appear in this guide to tipping in Croatia.
Which route suits a photo-first group
Dubrovnik and Elaphiti with Mljet lakes, plus a skyline pass at sunset. Ideas live in the Elaphiti route guide.
Where to read more on Kornati logistics
Park maps and mooring logic sit in the Kornati route guide.
How To Book
- Share dates, headcount, preferred size band, and start port.
- Receive a shortlist with layouts, crew bios, menus, and weekly rates.
- Hold a favorite while flights confirm.
- Confirm with contract and first installment.
- Submit crew list and preference sheet.
- Board Saturday from 17:00. Welcome drink and safety brief follow.
