The Best Boat Rentals in Zadar

Expect small motorboats and RIBs for day trips to run roughly $250–$650 per day in Zadar, with fuel often paid at the dock based on actual use. Private speedboat tours with a skipper typically range from about $400–$900 for a full day depending on route and inclusions, while shared sightseeing cruises to places like Kornati or Sakarun usually cost around $60–$80 per adult and often include breakfast or lunch and basic drinks. Sailing yachts and catamarans are commonly priced by the week; shoulder-season weeks can start in the low thousands of dollars, with peak summer weeks higher, especially for larger boats or crewed options. Inclusions vary by listing, but captained trips usually include the skipper, safety gear, fuel or a set fuel allowance, and ice or water; national park entry fees and marina stops may be extra, and bareboat charters typically exclude fuel, docking, and cleaning.

You’ll find fast RIBs and open-deck motorboats for island-hopping, comfortable bowriders and center consoles for swimming stops, classic sailboats and modern catamarans for multi-day cruising, and larger motor yachts or traditional Croatian gulets for groups that want more space and crewed service. There are also dedicated fishing boats and evening event boats for sunset cruising along the Zadar Channel.

Yes, if you plan to operate the boat yourself, Croatia requires a recognized skipper’s certificate appropriate for the size and type of vessel; if a VHF radio is on board, a radio certificate is typically required as well. Travelers who don’t hold an accepted license can book a captained trip, which is the simplest option for stress-free cruising. Charter companies will verify documents at check-in, and age and experience minimums apply for bareboat rentals.

A captained charter lets your skipper handle docking, navigation, weather calls, and local routes to the best coves and beach clubs, which keeps your group focused on relaxing. A self-operated rental gives you full control over the itinerary and pace, but you’re responsible for safety briefings, anchoring, fuel, and adhering to Croatian maritime rules. If you’re planning a celebration or traveling with kids, most planners find a captained option in Zadar is the easier, more enjoyable choice.

Common departure points include Marina Zadar (also known as Marina Tankerkomerc) near Ivana Meštrovića Street by the city center, D-Marin Borik on the western side of town, and the city harbor along Liburnska obala by the pedestrian bridge in the Old Town. Some smaller boats also board in the picturesque Foša harbor next to the Land Gate, and a few operators can arrange pickup in nearby spots like Dražanica or Bibinje when conditions allow. Your exact meeting point will be listed on your booking and confirmed in your pre-trip messages.

Right from the waterfront you can cruise past Zadar’s UNESCO-listed city walls, listen to the Sea Organ, and glide by the Greeting to the Sun installation at the tip of the peninsula. Beyond the channel, boats head to the Zadar archipelago for clear-water swims and lighthouse views at Veli Rat on Dugi Otok, explore the dramatic cliffs and salt lake in Telašćica Nature Park, and thread through the island maze of Kornati National Park. Day trips often include sandy Sakarun Beach on Dugi Otok, while shorter outings take in Ugljan and Pašman with snorkeling stops and a sunset return.

Yes, families are welcome on most boats. Captains and owners provide the required safety equipment and life jackets, and many can supply child-sized vests if you share your children’s ages and approximate weights ahead of time. For toddlers and very young children, consider bringing a familiar, well-fitting PFD for comfort. Crews brief everyone on safe movement aboard, swimming zones, and how to use safety gear before departure.

Most private charters allow you to bring snacks and beverages, and many boats have coolers or small fridges; glass may be discouraged and red wine is sometimes avoided on deck upholstery. Group cruises often include breakfast and lunch with water or wine, while some larger vessels or gulets offer on-board bar service or beverage packages and may charge a corkage fee if you prefer to bring your own. If you have a skipper, plan to include them when arranging meals during the day.

Some boats are pet-friendly, typically for small to medium dogs, with an added cleaning fee and prior approval. Let the owner know your pet’s size and any special needs, bring a leash and sun protection, and keep pets off cushions when wet. Not all vessels accept pets, so it’s important to confirm this in your booking request.

Summer days are generally sunny with a reliable afternoon sea breeze, and mornings are often calmer—ideal for swimming stops before the wind builds. Skippers watch for stronger regional winds like the northeasterly bura and the southerly jugo and will adjust routes or reschedule if conditions aren’t safe. Cancellations and weather reschedules follow the policy on your listing; many operators offer refunds or new dates if the captain calls off a trip for safety, while light rain alone doesn’t always qualify. If your plans change, you’ll be refunded according to the specific cancellation terms shown at booking.

Absolutely. Boats around Zadar are popular for birthdays, proposals, bachelor and bachelorette outings, reunions, and corporate off-sites. Captained speedboats and mid-size yachts typically host 6–12 guests comfortably, while larger event boats can accommodate bigger groups for sunset cruises along the city walls and Sea Organ. Let the owner know your occasion, preferred music style, and any décor ideas so they can suggest the right boat, pickup point, and swim-friendly route.

Peak boating runs June through early September, with July and August the busiest; May, June, and September offer warm water with fewer crowds. Weekdays usually have more availability and quieter anchorages than weekends, and morning departures are great for smooth seas and open swim spots before the afternoon breeze. U.S. holiday weekends like Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day align with high summer demand in Croatia, so book early if you’re traveling then. Locally, late-July to early-August brings waterfront festivals such as the dm Zadar Jump and the Night of the Full Moon on the Riva, which add atmosphere and can affect traffic and berths—plan meeting times and transfers a little earlier on those dates.

Yes. Full-day routes commonly combine Kornati National Park’s island labyrinth with Telašćica’s high cliffs and Salt Lake Mir, often with time for a seaside lunch stop. Another favorite is a day to Sakarun Beach on Dugi Otok for shallow, turquoise water and long sandy shallows, with bonus stops at coves or former submarine tunnels along the way. Your captain will tailor the exact loop to weather and your group’s pace, and some routes require paying park entry fees, which are either included or settled on the day depending on the listing.