Charter: Price explosion: 7 tips on how to keep your holiday on the Adriatic affordable

YACHT has taken a closer look at the current prices for guest berths in around 60 Croatian marinas. We found an average increase of just under nine per cent. Not worth mentioning, you might think, as this is in line with the current inflation rate, which is also on the rise in the country on the Adriatic. But that's not the whole truth.

Crews who want to go on a price-conscious cruise between Umag in the north and Dubrovnik in the south in 2022 should be careful where they moor. Some marinas, especially those that have always been expensive, are charging 15 to 20 per cent more this season than last year. And that's not all.

In many places, the lower prices in the early and late season have been completely or partially cancelled. Instead, the ACI Marina chain, for example, has unceremoniously extended the high season in almost all of its 22 ports from 1 April to 15 October, i.e. to a whopping six and a half months. Genuine low season prices are practically only available in the winter months.

Nevertheless, nobody has to stay away from the sailing area. If you plan skilfully and pay attention to the following 7 points, you can continue to sail in Croatia at a reasonable cost.

1. quick price check

The average price across the marinas surveyed is less than eight euros per metre of ship length. This means that for a standard 45-foot vessel (just under 14 metres), the night should not cost more than 112 euros. If you are charged significantly more, then head for another harbour if possible.

2. north-south divide

The harbours in the south of the country have been more expensive than those in the north for years. This difference will increase in 2022. Our 45-foot boat costs an average of 117 euros per night in southern Croatia, which is 17 euros more than in the north. So if you want to save money, you could avoid southern Dalmatia and opt for Istria or the northern islands instead.

3. costs and performance

Other costs are sometimes already included in the berth prices, but not always. So compare carefully! For example, in the ostensibly most expensive harbour, Port Veli Brijun, you also pay the local national park fees for ten crew members. For large crews with children, this makes the island national park and berth, which is well worth a visit, almost a bargain. Unfortunately, Port Veli Brijun is an exception. Such a national park combination is not available in the other six marinas, which are among the most expensive providers in the list.

4. boat size

Prices usually rise disproportionately for yachts and catamarans over 50 feet in size. Those travelling on two hulls have to reckon with surcharges of 50 percent, sometimes even 100 percent. The crew should be aware of this when choosing a charter yacht. If in doubt, it may be better to choose a yacht that is one size smaller.

5 Cheaper is not worse

The example of Rovinj in particular shows that the price differences can be over 100 euros per night in extreme cases if you consider the marinas in Novigrad or Funtana, which are located off Rovinj, as alternatives. The following applies: the inexpensive harbours are usually no worse than the expensive ones in terms of what they offer. They are sometimes just a few nautical miles away from the major cruising destinations or the main sailing routes.

6. expensive marina chains

With a few exceptions, large marina operators such as D-Marin or the ACI Group tend to position themselves in the high-price segment. Most independently managed harbours are different. It is no coincidence that there are seven ACI marinas among the ten most expensive Croatian marinas and none in the group of the cheapest. There, the independents keep to themselves.

7. alternatives

It is usually cheaper to spend the night in a municipal harbour or buoy field than in a commercial marina. Or you can moor for free at one of the many restaurant piers if you are planning to eat there anyway. The unbeatably cheapest alternative, however, is to drop anchor in the nearest sheltered bay.

The most expensive marinas*

• Port Veli Brijun/Brioni Islands: € 260
• ACI Marina Rovinj: 182 €
• ACI Marina Split (incl. 10 % weekend surcharge): € 163
• ACI Marina Dubrovnik (incl. 30 % weekend surcharge): € 149
• ACI Marina Trogir: 136 €
• ACI Marina Slano: 130 €
• ACI Marina Palmizana: 128 €

The cheapest marinas*

• Marina Porto Rosso/Lastovo jetty: € 40
• Marina Pirovac near Murter: 59 €
• Mitan Marina Muroskva: 65 €
• Adriatiq Marina Kremik near Primosten: 68 €
• Marina Veli Iz west of Zadar: 70 €
• Marina Funtana/Istria: 75 €
• Marina Nautica Novigrad: 75 €

* Prices for a 45-foot ship per night