How to Book a Gulet in Croatia: A Step-by-Step Guide

Booking a Gulet in Croatia: Everything You Need to Know

Booking a gulet in Croatia comes down to eight simple steps, from picking your dates to stepping aboard with your crew waiting on deck. A gulet is a traditional wooden motor-sailer with spacious cabins, a wide sun deck and a professional crew who take care of the sailing, cooking and cleaning. It is one of the most relaxed ways to explore the Adriatic’s islands, hidden bays and historic villages.

At GuletHolida.com, we help couples, families and groups of friends find the right gulet every season. Below, we walk you through the whole booking process, so you know exactly what to expect, what to compare and what to ask before you sign.

FIRST STEP TO SUCCESFUL CHARTER:

Choose your dates and cruising area!

The Croatian summer season runs mainly from May to October, and most charters last one week, usually Saturday to Saturday. July and August are the busiest and most expensive months. May, June and September bring quieter anchorages and better rates.

Next, pick your starting point. Split is the most popular base, with easy access to Hvar, Brac, Vis and Korcula. Dubrovnik suits guests who want Mljet, the Elaphiti Islands and Korcula, while Sibenik and Zadar open the way to the Kornati National Park. If you are unsure, tell us what kind of holiday you have in mind and we will suggest a route.

2nd STEP TO SUCCESFUL CHARTER:

Decide on group size and budget.

Charter gulets in Croatia range from intimate gulets with a handful of cabins to larger vessels built for bigger groups. Count your guests first, then think about how they will share: couples in double cabins, families with children, or friends in twin cabins.

Set a budget that covers more than the charter fee. Depending on the boat, you may also need to plan for food, drinks, fuel and port fees, which we explain in Step 4. Knowing your total budget early lets us show you only the gulets that truly fit.

3rd STEP TO SUCCESFUL CHARTER:

Browse and compare gulets.

Once you know your dates, base and group size, browse our gulet search to see which yachts will suit you. Filter by number of guests and price, then compare photos, layouts and crew details.

When comparing boats, look closely at:

• Cabin layout and number of bathrooms

• Air conditioning (is it unlimited or available only during the day)

• Water toys such as kayaks, paddle boards and jet-ski

• Crew number

• The year the gulet was built or (more important) last refitted

4th STEP TO SUCCESFUL CHARTER:

Understand what the price includes.

This is the step that prevents surprises. Gulets for rent in Croatia usually follow one of two models, and it pays to know which one applies before you compare offers.

Charter fee plus APA. Some gulets are priced for the boat and crew only, with an APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) of 30–35% of the charter fee added on top. The APA is a budget held by the captain to cover all onboard expenses. The captain keeps receipts for every expense. Any unspent amount is returned to you at the end of the charter.

Charter fee plus extras. Other gulets work without an APA. Instead, food, beverages and port fees are paid as separate extras on top of the charter price.

5th STEP TO SUCCESFUL CHARTER:

Request a quote and ask questions.

Ready to narrow it down? Contact us with your dates, departure port, number of guests and the gulets on your shortlist. We will check availability, send you a detailed offer and answer any questions about the boat, the crew and the route.

Useful questions to ask before you book:

• What exactly is included in the price, and what is extra?

• Does this gulet require an APA, and what percentage?

• How are the cabins configured?

6th STEP TO SUCCESFUL CHARTER:

Confirm your booking with a 50% advance payment

When you are happy with the offer, we send you the charter contract. Read it carefully, paying special attention to the payment schedule, cancellation terms and what is included in the price.

To secure your gulet, 50% of the charter price is paid in advance. Once the payment is received, your dates are confirmed and the boat is reserved for you alone. The remaining balance is paid before departure, by the date stated in your contract.

7th STEP TO SUCCESFUL CHARTER:

Plan your itinerary and preferences

After booking, share your wishes with us and the crew: favorite foods, allergies, preferred drinks, birthdays or anniversaries, and the places you most want to see. A typical week from Split might include Hvar’s lively harbour, the quiet bays of Brac, the Blue Cave near Vis and the old town of Korcula.

Keep in mind that your captain has the final word on the daily route. Wind and weather decide where it is safe to sail and anchor, and a good captain will always find a beautiful bay to match the conditions.

8th STEP TO SUCCESFUL CHARTER:

Pay the balance and get ready to board.

Pay the remaining 50% by the due date in your contract. If your gulet works with an APA, it is paid as agreed in your contract, usually before or at embarkation.

Then it is time to pack. Bring soft bags rather than hard suitcases, since cabin storage is limited. Swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, light layers for the evenings and soft-soled shoes for the deck are all you really need. On embarkation day, arrive at the agreed port and time, meet your crew, settle into your cabin and let the holiday begin.

START PLANNING YOUR CROATIAN GULET HOLIDAYS

Chartering a gulet in Croatia is simple once you know the steps: choose your dates and base, set your budget, compare boats, understand what is included, request an offer, confirm with a 50% advance payment and plan the details with your crew.

Explore available gulets for your dates today, or get in touch with our team at GuletHolida.com for personal advice. We will help you find the gulet that fits your group, your route and your budget, and make sure your week on the Adriatic is one to remember.