Catamaran charter in Zadar
A catamaran charter in Zadar combines spacious onboard living with access to the closely spaced islands and channels of northern Dalmatia. The historic center occupies a peninsula facing the Zadar Channel, while Ugljan and Pašman form an inner island barrier and Dugi Otok marks the transition toward more exposed Adriatic waters.
Catamarans provide wide communal areas, separate cabins across two hulls and relatively little heel under sail. This suits a holiday divided between short passages, swimming stops, meals on board and evenings in island settlements. Zadar also offers a useful contrast between an active urban waterfront and quieter cruising grounds offshore. Travelers comparing other vessel styles can explore the wider range of yacht charter options in Zadar.
Island-hopping from Zadar
Short routes commonly cross the Zadar Channel to Ugljan, with possible onward passages toward Iž, Rava or the eastern settlements of Dugi Otok. This geography supports flexible days in which cruising can be balanced with anchoring and time ashore. Preko, Veli Iž and Sali are among the inhabited stops that can add provisions, local dining or a change from nights at anchor.
A longer itinerary may continue through Dugi Otok to Telašćica Bay and the Kornati Islands before returning north. Northern circuits can instead connect Molat with islands such as Ist, Silba, Olib and Premuda, although daily stages should follow the forecast rather than a fixed schedule.
A catamaran’s broad cockpit and multiple outdoor areas let a group spread out during longer stretches on board. Its shallow draft may widen anchoring possibilities in suitable locations, but it does not remove the need to check depths, local restrictions and forecast exposure. Telašćica Nature Park and Kornati National Park have specific entry, navigation, anchoring and mooring rules.
When to charter and what conditions to expect
Zadar’s principal recreational boating season runs from May through October. July and August bring the warmest, driest and most consistently sunny weather, along with the main activity peak. June and September offer particularly attractive conditions, while May and early October can still suit a charter when greater variability is acceptable. Winter is less suitable for ordinary leisure cruising because cooler weather, rainfall and strong-wind episodes become more frequent.
Summer often starts with calm mornings followed by a northwesterly daytime sea breeze. The northeasterly bura can produce strong gusts, especially north of Zadar and toward the Velebit coast, while the southeasterly jugo may build seas in channels and affect south- or southeast-facing anchorages. The western coast of Dugi Otok is more exposed than the inner channels. Although catamarans heel less than monohulls, route and anchorage choices must still reflect the official marine forecast.
Choosing the right catamaran
Catamarans are particularly suitable for families, groups of friends and multi-generational parties that value generous communal space without giving up cabin separation. Cabins are usually distributed between the two hulls, with the saloon, galley and cockpit forming the social center. This layout works well when the boat itself is an important part of the holiday rather than simply transport between stops.
First decide between a sailing catamaran and a power catamaran, then compare cabin configuration, bathrooms, swimming access, deck space and comfort equipment. The vessel’s stated capacity should not be the only guide: privacy, storage and the allocation of cabins can matter more on a multi-day trip.
Bareboat charter offers independence but requires appropriate experience and may require qualifications. A skippered charter removes responsibility for operating the vessel, while a more fully crewed arrangement may add cooking, housekeeping or guest service. Check whether the skipper or crew needs a dedicated cabin. Catamarans also have a wide beam and different handling characteristics from monohulls, which affects marina maneuvering and berth availability.
Catamaran options available in Zadar
The current Zadar selection on viravira.co is 9. Capacity extends from 4 to 12, while cabin layouts range from 2 to 6. These differences make it useful to compare usable living space and cabin arrangements alongside the headline capacity.
Eligible prices currently start at 377 €. The eligible review total is 21, with an average catamaran rating of 4.7. For a broader comparison of departure areas and available layouts, travelers can also review catamaran charters across Croatia.
Verified
Tünde M.01 Sep 2025
Check-in and check-out for the boat were quick. However, a bit more kitchen equipment for the crew would have been helpful.
Listing owner: JelenaZadar / Croatia