Terms & Conditions
Charter rules, payment terms and policies for boat rental with Neptun Charter
1. Booking and Reservations
All bookings are subject to availability and are confirmed only upon receipt of the required deposit payment and written confirmation from Neptun Charter (via email or WhatsApp).
For same-day or next-day bookings, the full charter amount is due on the day of charter before departure. For advance bookings made 2 or more days in advance, a 30% deposit is required at the time of booking confirmation. The remaining 70% is due on the day of charter before departure.
Deposit payments can be made by bank transfer or card (online). The balance can be paid in cash, by card on site, or by bank transfer. All prices are in EUR.
By completing a booking, the Client agrees to all terms and conditions outlined on this page and in the Charter Agreement signed on the day of charter.
2. Cancellation and Refund Policy
Cancellations must be submitted in writing via email ([email protected]) or WhatsApp (+385 97 728 0537).
Cancellation 7 or more days before the charter date: full deposit refund. Cancellation 3 to 6 days before the charter date: 50% of deposit refunded. Cancellation less than 48 hours before the charter date: no refund. No-show without prior notice: no refund.
If Neptun Charter cancels the charter due to force majeure — including unsafe weather conditions, technical failure, or navigation restrictions issued by port authorities — the Client receives a full refund or free rebooking on an alternative date, at the Client's choice.
We recommend booking flexibility during shoulder season (May, June, September, October) when weather can be less predictable. Our team will always communicate proactively if conditions may affect your trip.
3. Charter Price and What's Included
The charter price covers the use of the vessel for the agreed duration and route. The following are NOT included in the charter price and are charged separately:
Skipper/captain service — charged per the applicable price list. A licensed skipper is mandatory if the Client does not hold a valid boating licence for the vessel class. Fuel — charged at actual consumption upon return. An estimated fuel deposit may be requested before departure. Equipment rental — SUP boards, snorkelling gear, water donuts and other equipment are available at additional cost per the price list. Additional services — transfers, catering, or other special arrangements are available upon request and quoted separately.
All applicable charges will be clearly communicated before departure. There are no hidden fees.
4. Security Deposit
A refundable security deposit is collected in cash on the day of charter, before departure. The deposit covers potential damage to the vessel, equipment, inventory, or third-party property caused by the Client during the charter.
The security deposit amount varies depending on the vessel and is stated in the Charter Agreement. Payment method: cash only, collected on site at check-in.
The deposit is returned in full at check-out if no damage is found. In the event of damage, the deposit or part thereof is retained to cover repair costs. The Client will receive a written damage report within 24 hours of check-out. Any damage cost exceeding the deposit amount remains the Client's full financial liability.
5. Safety Rules and Guest Responsibilities
The safety of all guests is our highest priority. All passengers must follow the skipper's instructions at all times. The skipper has final authority over all navigation decisions, including route changes due to weather or sea conditions. The skipper's decision is final and guests have no right to override or dispute navigation and safety decisions.
Guests must remain seated while the boat is in motion at high speed. Children under 12 must wear a life jacket at all times while on board. Life jackets are provided free of charge for all passengers. Swimming is only permitted when the engine is turned off and the skipper has given explicit permission.
Guests are not permitted to operate the vessel unless they hold a valid boating licence and have received explicit permission from the skipper. Jumping from the vessel is not permitted. Bringing glass bottles on board is discouraged — we recommend cans or plastic containers.
The maximum number of persons on board must never exceed the vessel's registered capacity as stated in the vessel's CE certification. Exceeding the registered capacity is a criminal offence under Croatian maritime law and the skipper will refuse departure.
The Client is responsible for the behaviour of all members of their party. Any damage to the vessel, equipment, or inventory caused by the Client or their guests will be charged to the Client.
6. Alcohol, Drugs and Smoking Policy
Alcohol consumption is permitted for guests in moderate quantities. However, intoxication that endangers safety, disturbs other guests, or interferes with the skipper's ability to operate the vessel safely is strictly prohibited. The skipper reserves the right to terminate the charter immediately without refund if any guest's behaviour poses a safety risk due to intoxication.
The vessel operator (skipper/captain) is strictly prohibited from consuming alcohol or any intoxicating substances while on duty, in accordance with Croatian maritime law.
The use of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited on board. Any guest found in possession of or using illegal substances will result in immediate termination of the charter without refund, and the matter may be reported to authorities.
Smoking is prohibited on board while the vessel is in motion. When the vessel is stationary, smoking is permitted only in open-air areas and only when the skipper confirms there is no safety risk (e.g. proximity to fuel). Smoking inside the cabin is strictly prohibited at all times.
7. Pets on Board
Pets are welcome on board with prior notice at the time of booking. The Client must inform Neptun Charter about the type and size of the pet when making the reservation.
An additional cleaning fee will be charged for charters with pets on board. The fee amount will be communicated at the time of booking confirmation.
The Client is fully responsible for their pet's behaviour and any damage caused by the pet to the vessel, equipment, or upholstery. Pets must be supervised at all times. Neptun Charter reserves the right to refuse pets that were not declared at the time of booking.
8. Boarding, Departure and Return
The departure point is Ičići, Opatija (exact location provided upon booking confirmation). Guests should arrive at the departure point 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Late arrivals: the charter duration remains as originally agreed. The return time will not be extended due to late arrival. If the Client wishes to extend the charter beyond the agreed return time, additional hours may be purchased at the applicable hourly rate, subject to availability.
The vessel must be returned to the departure point at the agreed time. Late returns may incur additional charges at the hourly rate. The vessel must be returned in the same condition as received. A brief check-out inspection is conducted upon return.
9. Fuel Policy
All vessels are provided with a full fuel tank at the start of the charter. Fuel is not included in the charter price and is charged at actual consumption.
Upon return, the Client accompanies the skipper to the fuel station to refuel the vessel to full capacity. The Client pays for the fuel consumed during the charter directly at the fuel station. This transparent system ensures the Client only pays for the exact amount of fuel used — no estimates, no disputes.
Alternatively, if the Client prefers not to visit the fuel station or if weather or time constraints make refuelling impractical, Neptun Charter may charge fuel based on an estimated consumption calculation. The estimate is based on engine hours, vessel specifications and standard consumption rates. By accepting this option, the Client agrees to the estimated fuel charge without dispute.
10. Underwater Damage and Excess Liability
The security deposit covers standard surface damage and minor equipment damage. However, damage to the hull below the waterline, propeller, rudder, or underwater components — typically caused by grounding, collision with rocks, or navigating in shallow waters — may exceed the security deposit amount.
In the event of underwater damage, the Client is liable for the full cost of repair regardless of the security deposit amount. The Client expressly acknowledges this liability by signing the Charter Agreement.
11. Minors and Children
Children and minors are welcome on board. However, minors cannot book or rent a vessel — all bookings must be made by a person aged 18 or older who assumes full responsibility.
Parents or legal guardians are solely responsible for the safety and supervision of minors at all times during the charter. Neptun Charter and its crew are not responsible for the supervision of children. Children under 12 must wear life jackets at all times while on board.
12. Photography and Marketing
By booking a charter with Neptun Charter, the Client grants Neptun Charter permission to use photographs and video footage taken during the charter for marketing, promotional, and social media purposes, including but not limited to the company website, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and printed materials.
If the Client does not wish to appear in marketing materials, they must inform Neptun Charter in writing before departure. Otherwise, consent is assumed upon acceptance of these terms and conditions.
13. Check-in and Check-out Procedure
Before departure, a joint check-in inspection of the vessel is conducted with the Client and skipper present. Both parties confirm the condition of the vessel, equipment, and inventory. The Client is encouraged to document the vessel's condition with photographs.
Upon return, a check-out inspection is conducted. Any new damage discovered during check-out will be documented with photographs and a written damage report. The Client will receive a copy within 24 hours. If no damage is found, the security deposit is returned in full immediately.
Any damage discovered after the Client has departed — if clearly attributable to the charter period — may still be charged to the Client, supported by the check-in and check-out documentation.
14. Permitted Navigation Area
The vessel may only be operated within the Kvarner Bay region of Croatian coastal waters, as stated in the Charter Agreement. Navigation outside the agreed area without prior written consent from Neptun Charter is a material breach of the Charter Agreement.
In such cases, Neptun Charter reserves the right to terminate the charter without refund and hold the Client liable for any resulting costs, fines, or legal consequences. Passage through foreign territorial waters requires a separate written agreement.
15. Weather and Force Majeure
Nautical safety is non-negotiable. If the skipper or port authorities determine that weather or sea conditions are unsafe for navigation, the charter may be shortened, rerouted, or cancelled.
In the event of cancellation due to weather or force majeure, the Client receives a full refund or free rebooking on an alternative date. If conditions change during the charter and the skipper decides to return early for safety reasons, a partial refund may be offered at the discretion of Neptun Charter, proportional to the unused time.
We monitor weather forecasts closely and will contact you in advance if conditions may affect your booking. We always prioritise guest safety over schedule.
16. Liability and Insurance
Neptun Charter maintains valid vessel insurance and third-party liability coverage as required by Croatian maritime law. However, the Client is responsible for their own personal belongings, travel insurance, and health insurance.
Neptun Charter is not liable for personal injury, loss, or damage to personal property unless caused by proven negligence on the part of Neptun Charter or its crew. Guests are advised to arrange their own travel and health insurance before their trip.
17. Governing Law
These terms and conditions are governed by the laws of the Republic of Croatia. Any disputes arising from or in connection with these terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent court in Rijeka, Croatia.
Neptun Marine Group d.o.o., OIB: 18306357459, Donji Kraj 6, 51417 Mošćenička Draga, Croatia.
Last updated: April 2026