What Bareboat Charter Means
Bareboat charter means you charter the yacht without a professional skipper onboard, so you keep the route freedom and pace control of a private yacht week while also taking responsibility for the sailing decisions, docking, and paperwork. That makes bareboat charter in Croatia the right fit for qualified sailors with the required documents, not for first-time guests who are not ready to handle the yacht themselves.
ABA VELA offers bareboat charter in Croatia from ACI Marina Split for guests who want to sail independently and shape their own island-hopping week. This page explains who bareboat charter is for, what documents you need, what is included in the charter price, and which yachts and routes suit a self-sailed week from Split.
Who bareboat charter is for
- qualified sailors with a valid license
- returning charter guests
- crews who want full route freedom
- guests who want the most control over pace and stops
License and VHF requirements
Bareboat charter requires a valid skipper license and a valid VHF / radio license. ABA VELA checks the documents before arrival, so the paperwork should be confirmed early rather than left to the last minute.
Check valid licenses before you bookABA VELA checks documents before arrival.
What to send before arrival
- crew list before charter, ideally seven days before arrival
- copy of the skipper certificate
- copy of the radio / VHF license
- estimated arrival time at the marina
What is included in bareboat charter
- use of the yacht for the agreed charter period
- standard onboard equipment according to the inventory
- safety gear
- home marina mooring in ACI Marina Split
- 24/7 local support during the charter week
- the current base-package items used across ABA VELA pages, including final cleaning, bed linen, towels, kitchen towels, cooking gas, basic soap / dishwashing items, Wi-Fi on the current fleet, and the standard underwater inspection after return
What is not included
- fuel
- marina, buoy, and mooring fees outside the home base
- tourist tax if applicable
- optional extras and transfer services
- skipper service, because then the booking is no longer bareboat
- provisioning for the crew
For a realistic self-sailed budget from Split, compare our yacht charter Croatia prices page before you confirm the week.
Best yachts for bareboating
For a self-sailed week from Split, the most practical options are usually 3-cabin and 4-cabin Bavaria monohulls. They keep handling simpler in marinas, fit common crew sizes well, and work cleanly with the Central and North Dalmatia round-trip routes.
Popular routes from Split for bareboat
The easiest bareboat weeks from Split are the routes with practical daily legs and a clear return rhythm. If you want an efficient self-sailed week, compare the routes that stay well aligned with standard Split turnaround logistics.
Start with the full 4-route comparison hub if you want the clearest side-by-side overview of the standard weekly round-trips from Split.
The classic first-time bareboat week from Split, with Brac, Hvar, Vis and Solta balanced into practical daily legs and a clear return rhythm.
A quieter northern island week for bareboat crews who want Kornati scenery, outer-island atmosphere and less focus on the central party circuit.
The more sheltered northern option for crews who want Skradin, Krka National Park and a calmer coastal rhythm from the Split base.
Why start bareboat charter in Split
ACI Marina Split gives bareboat crews direct access to Brac, Hvar, Solta, Vis, and the wider Central Dalmatia route network while keeping airport transfers, provisioning, parking, and base support practical. That combination makes Split the most efficient default base for a one-week self-sailed charter with ABA VELA.
FAQ
What license do I need for bareboat charter in Croatia?
You need a valid skipper license accepted for bareboat charter in Croatia.
Do I also need a VHF / radio license?
Yes. Bareboat charter also requires a valid VHF / radio license.
What if I am not sure my license is valid?
Check the accepted-license page first and ask ABA VELA to confirm the documents before you commit to the booking.
Can I charter bareboat without a license?
No. If you do not hold the required documents, the practical option is a skippered charter instead.
What documents do I need before check-in?
Send the crew list before charter together with the skipper certificate, the VHF certificate, and your estimated arrival time.
What is included in the bareboat charter price?
It covers yacht use, standard onboard equipment, safety gear, the home marina berth, and the current base support / package items listed for the yacht you book.