As of yesterday (May 11), it is being reported that all superyachts (yachts measuring 24m+) can now embark and disembark guests in Croatia and cruise the Croatian coastlines without having to quarantine, making it possible that yacht charters in Croatia might be feasible again amid the COVID-19 travel restrictions loosening.
It’s possible that private yacht charter in Croatia may resume this summer 2020 under certain conditions, according to local media reports following a government press conference on Sunday (May 10).
As of May 11, superyachts are now free to cruise in Croatian waters and embark and disembark guests without having to quarantine. However, it is unclear whether yacht-goers would need a valid reason to undertake these activities (ie. a reason other than leisure).
Certain details of these new travel measures are still being finalized, and this breaking news story is subject to modifications as more information becomes widely available.
The nautical sector in Croatia is the country’s first tourism-related sector to reopen, and it is believed that these changes will come into effect from May 11. YachtCharterFleet has reached out to local media outlets for confirmation.
It is believed that yachts measuring over 24m+ can;
- Embark and disembark guests at all operational marinas in Croatia
- Cruise freely in Croatian waters
- Embark guests without having to undergo quarantine
These terms are provided that;
- All guests and crew follow Public Health regulations including Social Distancing
- All those flying privately possess charter contracts or an invitation letter from the yacht (for the case of yacht-owners, proof of yacht ownership is required).
It's important to note that the final decision on permission to enter the country is reserved for the border police.
Yachts will not be able to visit the island of Brac, as the island is currently under lockdown as a precautionary measure to contain a localized outbreak of SARS-COV-2.
Some guests may replace their vacation in an apartment this year with a vacation on a boat that provides them with Social Distance and all the conditions that epidemiologists recommend.
With nautical activities the first to restart in Croatia, this signals a promising future for yacht charter in other popular yachting destinations such as Greece.
In a statement made before the latest press conference, the president of the Association of Marinas of HGK, Sean Lisjak, has said; “The competent ministry has recognized Croatian nautical tourism as the first activity that could restart in regard to the country's tourism-related activities.”
“We're waiting for the latest instructions so that we can start providing reception services for guests in marinas. Given the potential of the nautical sector, we believe that the final proposal should be determined as soon as possible.”
According to the Croatian news site Total Croatia News, the Croatian Chamber of Commerce has said that “Some guests may replace their vacation in an apartment this year with a vacation on a boat that provides them with Social Distance and all the conditions that epidemiologists recommend. Therefore, they urge that their proposals be urgently accepted and that the start-up of marinas and charter companies be given the green light as soon as possible.”
As of May 11, the following numbers for COVID-19 in Croatia are correct:
- Confirmed: 2,187
- Recovered: 1,764
- Deaths: 90
It’s worth noting that Dubrovnik, which is where many yacht charters in Croatia begin and end, has a much lower rate of infection than many other major cities in Croatia.
The competent ministry has recognized Croatian nautical tourism as the first activity that could restart in regard to the country's tourism-related activities.
For live travel information and health and safety advice, please refer to our article on the travel status of the world’s yachting destinations.
If you are looking for more information about COVID-19 and luxury yacht charter, please see our Coronavirus Superyacht News.
yachts for charter in croatia:
197ft
CMN Yachts
2009
195ft
Benetti
2009 / 2016
197ft
Brodosplit
2015 / 2017
102ft
Sanlorenzo
2020
98ft
Riva
2020
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