Frequently asked questions
How booking a boat in Croatia through CroatianBoats works, in plain language. For the complete rules see the Traveller Terms and Refund Policy.
What is CroatianBoats?
CroatianBoats is an online marketplace that connects travellers with independent boat operators across Croatia, with a focus on day boating and local boat discovery.
Does CroatianBoats own the boats?
No. CroatianBoats does not own, operate, skipper or insure any boat. Every boat belongs to an independent operator who provides the rental service.
Where can I book boats?
You can browse boats by Croatian destination — including Zadar, Split, Hvar, Dubrovnik, Šibenik, Trogir, Pula and Rovinj — from the destinations pages, or search the whole coast.
How does CroatianBoats work?
You find a boat, choose your dates and either request the booking or instantly book eligible listings. Once your booking is confirmed you pay the CroatianBoats Booking Fee, the operator's contact details are released and you arrange the rental directly with them.
What is the CroatianBoats Booking Fee?
The Booking Fee is the amount CroatianBoats charges for facilitating the booking and connecting you with the operator. It is shown before you pay, it is not a deposit toward the rental, and it is generally non-refundable once the booking is completed and contact details are released, except where required by law or where our Terms expressly provide otherwise.
Who receives the boat rental payment?
The independent operator. CroatianBoats never receives or holds the rental price, deposits, fuel, skipper charges or extras.
Do I pay CroatianBoats for the boat rental?
No. You pay CroatianBoats only the Booking Fee. The rental price and any deposit or extras are paid directly to the operator under their own terms.
Can I book with a skipper?
Yes, where the operator offers it. Each listing states whether a skipper is available, required or not offered, along with any skipper charge.
Can I book without a skipper?
Yes, when the listing allows it. Some boats can be rented without a skipper subject to the operator's rules and any licence requirement shown on the listing.
What is Instant Book?
Instant Book means the operator has pre-approved those dates, so your booking is confirmed as soon as the Booking Fee payment succeeds — no waiting for a reply.
What is Request to Book?
Request to Book sends your dates to the operator to accept or decline. If they accept, your dates are held while you pay the Booking Fee to confirm the booking.
How do operators list boats?
Operators create an account, complete the guided onboarding steps with their boat details, pricing, availability and photos, and publish once the listing is complete. Listing a boat is free.
Does CroatianBoats charge operators commission on their rental price?
No. Operators keep 100% of their rental price. CroatianBoats charges no rental commission; its revenue is the traveller's Booking Fee.
What happens after my booking is confirmed?
You receive the confirmation, the operator's contact details and trip preparation details, and you can message the operator in the platform to agree the meeting point and remaining payment.
What happens if an operator cancels?
The booking is cancelled and CroatianBoats may issue you a Rebooking Credit toward a future Booking Fee in accordance with our Terms. Any rental money or deposit you paid the operator directly remains a matter for the operator.
What is a Rebooking Credit?
A Rebooking Credit sits on your CroatianBoats account and can be applied toward eligible future Booking Fees. It can be used partially, any eligible unused balance stays available, and it is not a cash refund.
What happens if I cancel?
You can cancel a booking in the platform. Cancelling a confirmed booking does not automatically refund the Booking Fee, and any rental money or deposit paid to the operator is handled under the operator's own terms. See the Refund Policy for the complete rules.
How do I contact an operator?
Once your booking is confirmed, the operator's contact details are released and you can message them from your booking page. Contact details stay protected before that.
How do I report a problem?
Open the booking in your account and use the report option to send a private report to the CroatianBoats team, including safety, trust or no-show issues. You can also use the contact page.