Plavalaguna Cres Marina

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our boat rentals, services, and policies. Everything you need to know for your perfect boating experience.

Categories

Need more help?

Can't find the answer you're looking for? Contact our team for assistance.

WhatsApp
Call Now

Booking Process

You can book a boat rental through several convenient methods:

  • Call us directly at +385 91 580 5907
  • Send us a message via WhatsApp
  • Visit our office at Marina Cres during operating hours
  • Fill out the contact form on our website

We recommend booking in advance, especially during the high season (June-September), to ensure availability of your preferred boat.

We recommend booking as early as possible to secure your preferred boat and dates. During peak season (July and August), it's advisable to book at least 2-4 weeks in advance. For weekends and holidays, even earlier booking is recommended.

For off-season rentals (April-May and September-October), booking 1-2 weeks ahead is usually sufficient. Last-minute bookings may be possible depending on availability, but selection may be limited.

When making a reservation, we'll need the following information:

  • Your full name and contact details (phone number and email)
  • Rental dates (start and end date/time)
  • The boat model you wish to rent
  • Number of passengers
  • Whether you need a skipper or plan to operate the boat yourself
  • Any additional equipment or services you may require

If you're planning to operate the boat yourself, we'll also need to verify your boating license or relevant certification during the check-in process.

Yes, you can request changes to your booking, subject to availability. Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to modify your reservation. Changes may include:

  • Changing dates (subject to availability)
  • Upgrading or changing boat models
  • Adding or removing services (skipper, equipment, etc.)
  • Adjusting rental duration

Please note that changes made less than 7 days before your rental date may incur additional fees, and all changes are subject to availability.

Boat Information

We offer a carefully selected fleet of premium boats to ensure the best experience for our guests:

  • Speedboats:
    • Ranieri 19: Yamaha 115 HP engine, accommodates 6 persons
    • Ranieri Stargate: Suzuki 200 HP engine, accommodates 8 persons
    • Beneteau Flyer 550: Yamaha 150 HP engine, accommodates 7 persons
    • Marvel 19: Suzuki 100 HP engine, accommodates 6 persons
    • Saver 19: Yamaha 115 HP engine, accommodates 6 persons
    • Beneteau Flyer 550: Yamaha 150 HP engine, accommodates 7 persons
  • RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats):
    • Nuova Jolly King 490: Yamaha 100 HP engine, accommodates 6 persons
    • Joker Boat Coaster 480: Yamaha 60 HP engine, accommodates 6 persons
  • Small Boats:
    • Roto 450: Yamaha 8 HP engine, accommodates 4 persons

All our boats are meticulously maintained, fully equipped with modern safety gear, and regularly serviced to ensure reliability and comfort during your journey. Seasonal rates apply: Early Season (May 1 - Jul 4), High Season (Jul 5 - Sep 7), and Late Season (Sep 8 - Sep 30).

Our standard boat rental includes:

  • VAT (25%)
  • Basic insurance
  • Safety equipment (life jackets, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, etc.)
  • Bimini top (sun protection)
  • Swim ladder
  • Detailed sea charts
  • Initial briefing and instructions
  • Mooring equipment (anchor, ropes, fenders)

Additional costs not included in the base price:

  • Fuel (except for small boats)
  • Skipper service (if required)
  • Additional insurance
  • Late return fee
  • Cleaning fee (if returned dirty)
  • Sojourn tax per person per day

Booking Terms & Conditions:

  • 30% deposit required to confirm booking
  • Balance due 7 days before rental date
  • Security deposit: €500-1000 (varies by boat)

Our boats are primarily designed for day trips and are not equipped for overnight stays. However, we can recommend several excellent accommodation options near our marina, including:

  • Local hotels and resorts
  • Boutique guesthouses
  • Private apartments
  • Waterfront villas

For multi-day boat rentals, you'll need to return to the marina each evening. This ensures proper boat maintenance and safety checks can be performed daily.

If you're interested in overnight boating experiences, we can refer you to our partner companies that specialize in yacht charters with proper sleeping accommodations.

Rental Requirements

Yes, Croatian maritime regulations require a valid boating license to operate most rental boats. The specific requirements depend on the boat type and engine power:

  • For boats with engines over 30 HP: A valid boating license is mandatory. We accept most international licenses and certificates, including ICC (International Certificate of Competence), various national licenses, and RYA certifications.
  • For smaller boats (under 30 HP): These may be rented without a license, but the renter must still demonstrate basic boating knowledge and skills.

If you don't have a boating license, you have two options:

  1. Hire one of our professional skippers to operate the boat for you
  2. Rent a small boat with an engine under 30 HP (subject to availability and assessment of your experience)

Please note that we verify all licenses at check-in, and we reserve the right to refuse rental if valid documentation cannot be provided.

When picking up your rental boat, please bring the following documents:

  • Identification: Valid passport or national ID card
  • Boating License: Valid boating license or certificate (if you plan to operate the boat yourself)
  • Payment Method: Cash (EUR) or bank transfer details for the security deposit
  • Booking Confirmation: Your reservation confirmation (printed or digital)

If you're hiring a skipper, you still need to bring identification and payment method, but a boating license is not required.

For group rentals, at least one person (the main renter) must provide all required documents and will be responsible for the boat.

Yes, there are age requirements for renting and operating our boats:

  • The primary renter (person signing the contract) must be at least 18 years old
  • To operate a boat with an engine over 30 HP, you must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid boating license
  • For smaller boats (under 30 HP), operators must be at least 16 years old, with parental consent required for those under 18

There is no upper age limit, but all operators must be physically capable of safely handling the vessel. Our staff may conduct a brief assessment to ensure you can comfortably and safely operate the boat.

Families with children are welcome on our boats. We provide child-sized life jackets upon request at no additional charge.

A security deposit is required for all boat rentals to cover potential damages or losses. Here's how it works:

  • The deposit amount varies depending on the boat type, ranging from €500 for small boats to €2,000 for larger vessels
  • We only accept cash as the deposit
  • The deposit must be paid in cash (EUR) or via bank transfer before check-in
  • Upon return, we inspect the boat together with you
  • If the boat is returned in the same condition, with the agreed fuel level, and on time, the deposit will be returned to you immediately in cash or via bank transfer within 3 business days

In case of damage or loss:

  • Minor damages may be charged directly from the deposit
  • For more significant issues, we'll provide a detailed assessment and invoice
  • The deposit covers the insurance deductible in case of major incidents

We offer optional deposit reduction insurance for an additional daily fee, which can lower your deposit amount significantly.

Payment & Cancellation

We accept the following payment methods:

  • Cash (EUR): Accepted for all transactions including rental payments, security deposits, services, and fuel charges
  • Bank Transfer: Available for advance payments and rental fees

Please note that we do not accept credit cards at the moment. For bank transfers, please contact us for our banking details. Please ensure payments are made with sufficient processing time before your rental date.

Important payment information:

  • Bank transfer fees must be covered by the client
  • Please allow sufficient time for bank transfers to process before your rental date
  • We do not accept credit cards, personal checks, or cryptocurrency

Our payment schedule is as follows:

  • Reservation Deposit: 30% of the total rental amount is due at the time of booking to confirm your reservation.
  • Balance Payment: The remaining 70% must be paid no later than 7 days before your rental date.

For last-minute bookings (less than 7 days before the rental date), full payment is required at the time of booking.

Additional services or equipment requested during your rental period will be charged at check-out.

The security deposit is separate from the rental payment and is handled via credit card pre-authorization at check-in.

Our cancellation policy is designed to be fair while protecting our business from last-minute cancellations:

  • More than 30 days before rental date: Full refund of any payments made
  • 15-30 days before rental date: 70% refund of any payments made
  • 7-14 days before rental date: 50% refund of any payments made
  • Less than 7 days before rental date: No refund

Special circumstances:

  • Weather cancellations: If we determine that weather conditions are unsafe for boating, you can reschedule at no extra cost or receive a full refund, regardless of the cancellation timeline.
  • Mechanical issues: If we need to cancel due to unexpected mechanical problems with your reserved boat, we will offer a similar or upgraded boat if available, or provide a full refund.

All cancellations must be made in writing via email to ensure proper documentation.

Our goal is transparency in pricing. Here are potential additional fees to be aware of:

  • Fuel: Boats are provided with a full tank, and you're expected to return them with the same fuel level. If not, refueling will be charged at current market price plus a service fee.
  • Late Return: Charged per hour or part thereof. Please note that significant delays may affect subsequent rentals and could incur higher penalties.
  • Cleaning Fee: Applied if the boat is returned in an excessively dirty condition (beyond normal use).
  • Lost or Damaged Equipment: Charged according to replacement or repair cost.
  • Skipper Services: Daily rate depending on boat size and itinerary.
  • Extra Equipment: Additional charges for items like SUPs, snorkeling gear, etc.

All prices include VAT. There are no hidden administrative or processing fees.

Marina and mooring fees at destinations other than our base are not included in the rental price and must be paid directly at each location.

Safety & Navigation

All our boats are equipped with comprehensive safety equipment that meets or exceeds Croatian maritime regulations:

  • Life jackets: Adult and child sizes available for all passengers
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Distress signals (flares, whistle)
  • Throwable flotation device
  • Bilge pump
  • Anchor with sufficient rope
  • Navigation lights
  • VHF radio (on larger boats)
  • Emergency contact information

During check-in, our staff will show you the location and proper use of all safety equipment. We strongly recommend that all passengers wear life jackets while the boat is in motion, and children under 12 must wear them at all times on the boat.

For your safety, we also provide a detailed safety briefing before departure, covering emergency procedures and safe boating practices.

Your safety is our top priority. In case of emergency or breakdown:

  1. 24/7 Support Line: We provide a dedicated emergency phone number that is staffed 24/7 during the rental season. This number will be given to you during check-in and is also listed in the boat documentation.
  2. Sea Assistance: We have partnerships with local sea assistance services that can reach you quickly in case of mechanical breakdown or other non-life-threatening emergencies.
  3. Medical Emergencies: For medical emergencies, contact the Croatian Emergency Services at 112, then notify our emergency line.
  4. In case of mechanical issues:

    • Our technical team will attempt to guide you through simple troubleshooting over the phone
    • If the issue cannot be resolved remotely, we'll dispatch assistance to your location
    • If the boat cannot be repaired on-site, we'll arrange for your safe return and, if possible, provide a replacement boat

    All our boats are covered by comprehensive insurance, but please note that intentional misuse or negligence may not be covered.

Yes, there are certain navigation restrictions to ensure your safety and comply with local regulations:

  • Distance Limitations: Unless specifically agreed in your contract, our boats are typically restricted to navigating within 3 nautical miles from the coast or islands.
  • International Waters: Crossing into international waters or entering the territorial waters of another country (e.g., Italy, Slovenia) is not permitted without prior arrangement and proper documentation.
  • Protected Areas: Certain areas around Cres and neighboring islands are nature reserves or protected marine areas with specific navigation rules or entry restrictions.
  • Military Zones: Navigation near military installations is prohibited.

During check-in, we provide detailed marine charts and mark any restricted areas. We also offer guidance on recommended routes based on your experience level and the current weather conditions.

Please note that navigating into restricted areas may void your insurance coverage and could result in fines from maritime authorities.

The Adriatic Sea around Cres is generally calm during summer months, but weather conditions can change rapidly. We consider the following conditions unsafe for recreational boating:

  • Wind speeds exceeding 20-25 knots (depending on boat type and your experience)
  • Wave heights above 1-1.5 meters
  • Thunderstorms or electrical activity
  • Dense fog with visibility less than 200 meters
  • Small craft advisories issued by the Croatian Maritime Authority

Before your departure, we provide a detailed weather briefing and forecast for your rental period. We reserve the right to delay or cancel rentals if weather conditions are deemed unsafe.

During your rental period, we recommend:

  • Regularly checking weather forecasts (we can recommend reliable local weather apps)
  • Being alert to changing conditions (sudden wind shifts, darkening clouds, etc.)
  • Returning to port or seeking shelter if conditions deteriorate
  • Contacting our support line if you're uncertain about weather developments

Remember that weather-related cancellations or early returns are eligible for partial refunds or rescheduling options.

Services & Extras

Yes, we offer professional skipper services for all boats in our fleet. Our skippers are:

  • Professionally licensed and certified
  • Fluent in English and Croatian (some speak additional languages)
  • Knowledgeable about the local area, hidden gems, and best restaurants
  • Experienced in providing safe and enjoyable boating experiences

Please contact us for current skipper service rates based on your boat selection and rental duration.

Important notes about skipper services:

  • Skipper services should be booked in advance to ensure availability
  • The skipper's meals should be provided by the clients during the rental period
  • For multi-day rentals, appropriate sleeping accommodations for the skipper must be available on the boat
  • While the skipper will follow your preferred itinerary, they have final authority regarding safety decisions

Even with a skipper, you can actively participate in sailing and learn boating skills if you wish.

All our boats come fully equipped with standard safety and navigation equipment included in the rental price:

  • Safety Equipment:
    • Life jackets (adult and child sizes)
    • First aid kit
    • Fire extinguisher
    • Emergency flares
    • Throwable flotation device
  • Navigation Equipment:
    • Marine charts
    • Compass
    • GPS navigation system
    • VHF radio (on larger boats)
  • Standard Accessories:
    • Anchor with rope
    • Mooring ropes
    • Fenders
    • Bimini top (sun protection)
    • Swim ladder

All equipment is regularly maintained and checked before each rental to ensure your safety and comfort. Our staff will demonstrate the proper use of all equipment during the check-in process.

Yes, we offer convenient provisioning services to stock your boat with food, beverages, and supplies before your departure:

  • Basic Provisioning: We can stock your boat with essential groceries, beverages, and supplies based on your preferences. Simply provide us with your shopping list at least 48 hours before your rental, and we'll have everything on board when you arrive.
  • Premium Food Packages: We offer curated food packages including local specialties, fresh seafood, and gourmet items. These packages are designed for different durations and group sizes.
  • Beverage Packages: Various options including non-alcoholic beverages, local wines, craft beers, and premium spirits.
  • Special Occasions: We can arrange special items for birthdays, anniversaries, or other celebrations, including cakes, champagne, or decorations.

Provisioning service fees:

  • Basic shopping service: 20% of the total grocery bill (minimum €30)
  • Premium packages: Priced according to selection
  • Special requests: Quoted individually

For guests who prefer to do their own shopping, we can provide information about the best local markets, supermarkets, and specialty food shops near our marina.

Yes, we offer convenient taxi boat services for transportation between various locations around Cres Island and neighboring areas:

  • Standard Transfers: We provide reliable boat transfers between Cres Town, Martinščica, Valun, Lubenice Beach, and other popular destinations on the island.
  • Custom Routes: We can arrange custom transfers to specific beaches, restaurants, or attractions that are accessible by sea.
  • Island Hopping: Transportation services to neighboring islands like Lošinj, Unije, and Susak.
  • Special Events: Transportation for weddings, celebrations, or group events.

Our taxi boat services include:

  • Professional captain
  • Fuel costs
  • Safety equipment
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Capacity for up to 12 passengers (depending on the boat)

Pricing is based on distance and number of passengers, with standard routes starting from €60 for one-way transfers. Round-trip discounts are available. For detailed pricing and to book taxi boat services, please contact our office.

Still Have Questions?

Our team is ready to help you with any questions about our boat rentals and services. Contact us for personalized assistance.

Sole Nautica Customer Support