Superyacht Splendors of Split, Croatia
The Truth About…
When it comes to chartering a superyacht in Split, Croatia, the insider secret that surprises many is the importance of local knowledge. Most people assume that the primary factor in a successful charter is the yacht itself. While the choice of vessel is undeniably crucial, understanding the local seas, hidden harbors, and secluded beaches accessible only to those with intimate knowledge of the Dalmatian Coast is what truly elevates the experience. In this region, a well-connected captain and crew can unlock hidden gems far beyond the reach of standard itineraries, transforming a great trip into an unforgettable journey.
Understanding the Landscape
The allure of Split, with its centuries-old history, begins at the ancient Roman Diocletian’s Palace, extending out to the crystal-c
The Truth About Superyacht Chartering in Split, Croatia
When it comes to chartering a superyacht in Split, Croatia, the insider secret that surprises many is the importance of local knowledge. Most people assume that the primary factor in a successful charter is the yacht itself. While the choice of vessel is undeniably crucial, understanding the local seas, hidden harbors, and secluded beaches accessible only to those with intimate knowledge of the Dalmatian Coast is what truly elevates the experience. In this region, a well-connected captain and crew can unlock hidden gems far beyond the reach of standard itineraries, transforming a great trip into an unforgettable journey.
Understanding the Landscape
The allure of Split, with its centuries-old history, begins at the ancient Roman Diocletian’s Palace, extending out to the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. This area, steeped in maritime tradition, has evolved from a strategic Roman stronghold to a sought-after yachting destination, intertwining cultural significance with luxurious modernity. The Dalmatian Coast, with its rugged landscapes, secluded coves, and bustling historic towns, offers a unique backdrop for superyacht charters. Here, the seamless blend of Croatia’s rich cultural heritage with the opulence of modern yachting creates an unparalleled charter experience. Understanding this blend where the past enriches the present allows guests to fully appreciate the depth of their journey along this historic coastline.
The Essential Selection
1. M/Y O’Ptasia – Golden Yachts, 85m, 2018
– Guests: 12 guests in 10 cabins
– Price: €850,000/week + APA
– The award-winning O’Ptasia stands out as one of the largest and most advanced yachts built by Golden Yachts. Refitted in 2024, she features an incredible beach club with hammam, steam room, and massage treatment area at the stern. The yacht boasts a stunning pool deck with fully-equipped high-tech gym offering panoramic sea views. Her contemporary Art Deco-influenced interiors feature dark woods paired with a calming light color palette. Winner of the International Superyacht Society Award in 2019, she offers an outdoor cinema on the sundeck with movie nights under the stars.
– Best Charter Season: May to October
– Insider tip: Book a river-facing suite for optimal wildlife viewing, and don’t miss the dedicated beach club spa facilities. The crew of 29 consistently receives top ratings for exceptional service.
– Book Now: YachtCharterFleet | Burgess Yachts | Fraser Yachts | Northrop & Johnson
2. S/Y Maltese Falcon – Perini Navi, 88m, 2006
– Guests: 12 guests in 6 cabins
– Price: €490,000/week + APA
– A masterpiece of technology and design, the Maltese Falcon is one of the world’s most iconic sailing superyachts. Her revolutionary DynaRig system features three rotating 58-meter carbon fiber masts with 15 square sails that can be deployed in just 6 minutes, allowing her to reach speeds of up to 24 knots. Extensively refitted in 2022-2023, she now features completely refreshed interiors (80% updated), a stunning Perini Blue hull, and Starlink WiFi with 350MB download speeds globally. The yacht holds 18 prestigious awards including being named ‘Finest Superyacht Ever’ by SuperYacht World magazine.
– Best Charter Season: May to October (Mediterranean); holds Greek and Spanish charter licenses
– Insider tip: The Falcon’s outdoor cinema, projected onto the lower sail (measuring 4m x 8m), is the largest on any superyacht, perfect for magical movie nights under the stars.
– Book Now: YachtCharterFleet | Burgess Yachts | CharterWorld | Bluewater Yachting
3. M/Y RoMa – Viareggio SuperYachts, 62m, 2010
– Guests: 12 guests in 6 cabins
– Price: €370,000-420,000/week + APA
– Designed by renowned Norwegian architect Espen Oeino, RoMa represents the pinnacle of modern superyacht design with RINA’s first-ever Green Star environmental certification. Her sophisticated interiors by Newcruise feature crisp whites contrasted with warm splashes of deep reds and subtle golds. The yacht is a Certified PADI Superyacht Dive Centre (the first of its kind) and RYA Certified Personal Water Craft Training Centre, meaning guests can earn internationally valid dive certifications onboard. Her impressive 16.9m Anvera chase boat, T/T RoMa, offers additional adventures.
– Best Charter Season: May to October
– Insider tip: The fibre-optic star-adorned ceiling in the cinema room and the 27-meter water slide from the sundeck to the sea make this yacht perfect for families. The crew won the coveted ‘All Hands On-Deck Award’ at the 2019 MYBA Charter Show.
– Book Now: YachtCharterFleet | Camper & Nicholsons | Northrop & Johnson | Bluewater Yachting
4. M/Y Mar (ex Lana) – Benetti, 107m, 2020
– Guests: 12 guests in 8 cabins
– Price: €1,700,000/week + APA
– The crown jewel of Benetti’s ‘Giga Yacht Season,’ Mar (formerly Lana) is the largest Benetti superyacht available for charter. Crowned ‘Yacht of the Year’ at the 2020 World Yacht Trophies in Cannes, she features an extraordinary 110-square-meter master suite with sea terraces and his-and-hers walk-in dressing rooms. Her beach club includes a hammam-style spa, massage rooms, and gymnasium. The sundeck features a heated swimming pool, while the skylounge boasts a cinema setup and grand piano. With a crew of 33, service is impeccable.
– Best Charter Season: May to October (Mediterranean); also available in Caribbean, Red Sea, and Indian Ocean
– Insider tip: The seven VIP staterooms on the main deck each feature individual color schemes, making each room a unique experience. Reserve the winter garden overlooking the sea for private dining.
– Book Now: YachtCharterFleet | CharterWorld | Luxury Charter Group | Arthaud Yachting
5. M/Y Lady S – Benetti, 46m, 1989 (Refitted 2018)
– Guests: 10 guests in 5 cabins
– Price: €130,000/week + APA
– A classic Benetti that has enjoyed loving care from her owners, Lady S offers timeless elegance at a more accessible price point. Her shallow draft makes her ideal for close beach access in destinations throughout the Adriatic. The elegant interiors combine dark wooden panelling with shades of blue and cream, creating a distinguished yet comfortable atmosphere. The full-beam master suite forward on the main deck features a library with settee, walk-in closet, and luxurious en-suite with bathtub. A dedicated crew of 8 ensures personalized service.
– Best Charter Season: May to October
– Insider tip: Her shallow draft allows access to secluded anchorages and beaches that larger superyachts cannot reach, making her perfect for exploring Croatia’s hidden coves.
– Book Now: CharterWorld | YachtCharterFleet
Expert Strategies
The key to securing your dream superyacht charter in Split involves early planning and leveraging specialized booking channels. Unlike hotel bookings, superyacht charters require working with professional yacht charter brokers who can provide personalized itineraries, negotiate rates, and ensure every detail is handled. Reputable brokers like YachtCharterFleet, Burgess Yachts, Fraser Yachts, Northrop & Johnson, and CharterWorld offer additional perks and protections. Timing is crucial; booking 6-12 months in advance ensures a wider selection of yachts and itineraries, especially during the peak summer months (July-August). For the ultimate experience, consider combining your superyacht charter with private island stays or exclusive restaurant reservations arranged by your crew concierge.
Making Your Choice
Deciding on the perfect superyacht charter in Split depends on your group’s size, desired experiences, and budget. For those seeking the ultimate in luxury with no expense spared, the 107m Mar offers unparalleled space and amenities. Sailing enthusiasts will find the Maltese Falcon unmatched in elegance and performance, offering the thrill of being under sail without sacrificing comfort. For families seeking adventure and water activities, RoMa’s PADI dive school and extensive water toys make her the ideal choice. Those new to superyacht chartering might consider starting with the classic elegance of Lady S at a more accessible price point. Ultimately, each vessel provides a unique gateway to explore the stunning Dalmatian Coast in unmatched style and comfort.
Understanding Charter Costs
Superyacht charter pricing in Croatia follows industry standards. The base charter rate covers the yacht and crew, while the Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA), typically 25-35% of the charter fee, covers additional expenses including fuel, provisioning, dockage fees, and special requests. It’s customary to tip your crew at the end of your charter, with 15-20% of the base charter fee being standard for exceptional service. Most luxury superyachts are not available on standard booking platforms; instead, work with established charter brokers who can arrange comprehensive packages including transfers, provisioning, and bespoke itineraries.
lear waters of the Adriatic Sea. This area, steeped in maritime tradition, has evolved from a strategic Roman stronghold to a sought-after yachting destination, intertwining cultural significance with luxurious modernity. The Dalmatian Coast, with its rugged landscapes, secluded coves, and bustling historic towns, offers a unique backdrop for superyacht charters. Here, the seamless blend of Croatia’s rich cultural heritage with the opulence of modern yachting creates an unparalleled charter experience. Understanding this blend where the past enriches the present allows guests to fully appreciate the depth of their journey along this historic coastline.
The Essential Selection
1. M/Y O’Ptasia – Golden Yachts, 85m, 2018, 26 guests, €800,000/week + APA
Located in Split, the O’Ptasia stands out for its sheer size and luxury. With an LOA of 85 meters, it offers lavish accommodations for 26 guests across 11 cabins. The yacht comes with a beach club, helipad, and an extensive array of water toys, including jet skis and seabobs. Insider Tip: Book the onboard spa therapist for a truly indulgent experience.
2. S/Y Maltese Falcon – Perini Navi, 88m, 2006, 12 guests, €460,000/week + APA
A masterpiece of technology and design, the Maltese Falcon sets sail from Split, offering an unmatched sailing experience. Its DynaRig masts and revolutionary sailing system allow for smooth cruising. Insider Tip: The Falcon’s outdoor cinema on the deck is perfect for a magical movie night under the stars.
3. M/Y Ann G – Heesen, 50m, 2015, 10 guests, €175,000/week + APA
Ann G is a marvel of modern engineering and design, offering a cozy yet luxurious setting for smaller groups. The yacht features unique artwork and an elegant interior. Insider Tip: Don’t miss the master suite’s panoramic views for a serene awakening in the Adriatic.
4. M/Y Lady S – Benetti, 56m, 2019, 12 guests, €325,000/week + APA
With its timeless design and state-of-the-art amenities, Lady S offers an unrivaled charter experience from Split. The yacht boasts a spacious sundeck jacuzzi and an array of water toys. Insider Tip: Take advantage of the onboard diving instructor for personalized underwater tours.
5. M/Y RoMa – Viareggio Superyachts, 62m, 2010, 12 guests, €395,000/week + APA
RoMa excels in offering educational and adventure-focused charters, perfect for families. With amenities like a cinema and a plethora of water toys, it ensures entertainment for all ages. Insider Tip: Use the yacht’s water slide for exhilarating fun directly from the deck.
Expert Strategies
The key to securing your dream superyacht charter in Split involves early planning and leveraging specialized booking channels. Direct bookings with yacht management companies can offer more personalized experiences, while luxury travel networks like Virtuoso and American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts (Amex FHR) provide additional perks and protections. Timing is crucial; booking 6-12 months in advance ensures a wider selection of yachts and itineraries, especially during the peak summer months. For those seeking the ultimate experience, consider combining your superyacht charter with luxury villa stays on the islands or along the coast, creating a seamless blend of sea and shore luxury.
Making Your Choice
Deciding on the perfect superyacht charter in Split depends on your group’s size, desired experiences, and budget. For large parties seeking the epitome of luxury and entertainment, mega-yachts like O’Ptasia offer ample space and amenities. Sailing enthusiasts will find the Maltese Falcon unmatched in elegance and performance. Smaller groups or families might prefer the intimate setting of Ann G or the adventure-ready RoMa. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference, with each vessel providing a unique gateway to explore the stunning Dalmatian Coast in unmatched style and comfort.
