Charter prices in Croatia up 11% as premium segment sees strong 26% growth

Zagreb, 5 June 2026 – Croatia’s nautical charter market is undergoing a clear structural transformation, marked by stable supply, rising prices, and a growing shift towards premium vessels, according to data from Njuškalo.

The number of active charter listings has remained consistently stable over the past four years, ranging between 430 and 470 listings per month. While supply has not significantly expanded, pricing trends indicate steady growth in demand and market maturity.

Average charter prices have increased by 11 per cent over the observed period, while the premium segment, vessels over 20 metres, has recorded a significantly stronger rise of 26 per cent.

Analysts note that Croatia’s nautical sector is increasingly competing on quality rather than volume, reflecting a shift towards higher-value offerings along the Adriatic coast.

Dalmatia Dominates Charter Supply

Geographically, the market remains heavily concentrated in Dalmatia. Split-Dalmatia County accounts for nearly 80 per cent of all charter listings, making Central Dalmatia the core hub of Croatia’s nautical industry.

Other coastal regions contribute to the offer, but remain significantly smaller in comparison, reinforcing the dominance of the central Adriatic in the country’s charter ecosystem.

The charter market shows limited variation in supply throughout the year, indicating stable year-round activity. However, demand peaks sharply during the summer months and in the pre-season period.

At the beginning of the year, interest levels are notably lower, reflecting the highly seasonal nature of Croatia’s tourism and nautical demand.

Data on vessel construction year shows a clear dominance of newer boats, particularly those built from 2020 onwards. The second-largest segment consists of vessels built between 2015 and 2019.

Older vessels are becoming increasingly rare in active listings, suggesting continuous fleet renewal by both charter operators and private owners.

This trend is viewed as a sign of confidence in the market’s long-term prospects and growing expectations among customers.

Catamarans Strengthen Position in Premium Segment

Catamarans, particularly those produced by Lagoon, are becoming increasingly prominent across all size categories, including vessels over 20 metres.

Within the industry, catamarans are now seen as the nautical equivalent of SUVs in the automotive sector, offering more space, comfort, and growing appeal among charter clients.

Bavaria remains dominant in the 12–15 metre segment, alongside Jeanneau and Elan, while Lagoon continues to strengthen its position in the higher-end market.

Beyond charter vessels, brand recognition and loyalty are becoming key factors in purchasing decisions, particularly in segments such as RIBs and jet skis.

Sea-Doo continues to dominate the jet ski market, while Yamaha has recorded a 25 per cent increase in interest when comparing 2024 and 2025.

Among rigid inflatable boats, Zar Formenti stands out as a premium brand with exceptionally high interest per listing, positioning itself in a luxury category comparable to high-end automotive brands.

In the motorboat segment, Sea Ray holds a leading position in terms of prestige and consumer perception, while Jeanneau and Beneteau remain associated with reliable, mainstream purchasing choices.

Commenting on the findings, Dražen Mijoč, Director of Auto Moto Nautika at Njuškalo, said the most notable change is not simply price growth, but the underlying evolution of the market.

“What surprised us is not the price increase itself, but what is happening beneath the surface. The number of boats has remained almost unchanged for years, yet prices continue to rise. This means the market is maturing: vessel owners are investing in better fleets, while guests are seeking higher-quality experiences on the Adriatic,” he said.

Dražen Mijoč

He added that consumer behaviour is also shifting significantly.

“Users no longer simply search for a ‘RIB’ or ‘sailboat’; they are looking for specific models from specific manufacturers. This is a clear signal that the Croatian nautical market has moved into a new phase,” Mijoč concluded.