Charter & Rent a Midnight Express 43 Open in Dubrovnik: 2026 Guide, Prices & Routes
Midnight Express 43 Open Technical Specifications
The Midnight Express 43 Open is a masterpiece of marine engineering, designed for those who refuse to compromise between speed and comfort. Known for its iconic "step hull" design, this center console powerhouse ensures a smooth ride even when the Adriatic Mistral picks up. Below are the key specifications for the 2026 charter season:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Length Overall (LOA) | 43 feet (13.1 meters) |
| Beam | 12 feet 6 inches (3.8 meters) |
| Draft | 2 feet 10 inches (0.86 meters) |
| Engines | Quadruple Mercury Verado 400HP or 450R Outboards |
| Fuel Capacity | 450 Gallons (1,703 Liters) |
| Fresh Water Capacity | 60 Gallons (227 Liters) |
| Guest Capacity | Up to 12 passengers (Day Charter) |
| Cabins/Berths | 1 Day Cabin / 2 Berths (suitable for storage or rests) |
Why the Midnight Express 43 Open Suits Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik’s coastline is characterized by dramatic limestone cliffs, hidden sea caves, and a dense archipelago of islands located just offshore. The Midnight Express 43 Open is uniquely suited to this geography for several reasons. Firstly, its shallow draft of less than three feet allows the captain to navigate into secluded coves like the Shunj Beach on Lopud or the Blue Cave on Koločep, where deeper-draft motor yachts simply cannot go.
Secondly, the agility of the quad-engine setup is perfect for navigating the narrow passages between the Elaphiti Islands. While traditional displacement yachts may take an hour to reach the island of Mljet, this high-performance vessel can bridge that distance in a fraction of the time, maximizing your hours spent swimming and dining rather than commuting. The expansive deck layout, featuring plush forward seating and a massive aft cockpit, ensures that a group of 12 can enjoy the sun without feeling crowded.
Charter Pricing for the 2026 Season
Pricing for renting a Midnight Express 43 Open in Dubrovnik varies based on the seasonality and the duration of the booking. Please note that high season typically encompasses July and August, when demand is at its peak. Below are the estimated price ranges for 2026:
| Season | Daily Rate (EUR) | Weekly Rate (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Low Season (May/Oct) | €2,800 – €3,200 | €16,000 – €19,000 |
| Mid Season (June/Sept) | €3,500 – €4,000 | €21,000 – €24,000 |
| High Season (July/Aug) | €4,500 – €5,200 | €27,000 – €31,000 |
Sample Itineraries from Dubrovnik Marinas
Most charters depart from ACI Marina Dubrovnik in Komolac or the Port of Gruž. Depending on your preference for speed or relaxation, the Midnight Express 43 Open can accommodate various routes.
1-Day Itinerary: The Elaphiti Discovery
- Morning: Depart Gruž and head straight to Koločep. Explore the Blue Cave before the crowds arrive.
- Midday: Blast over to Lopud Island. Anchor at Shunj Beach for a swim in the shallow turquoise waters.
- Afternoon: Visit Šipan, the largest of the islands. Enjoy a gourmet lunch at a waterfront konoba in Suđurađ.
- Evening: A high-speed sunset cruise back toward the Old Town walls for a photo opportunity before docking.
3-7 Day Itinerary: The South Dalmatian Loop
- Day 1: Dubrovnik to Mljet National Park. Anchor in Polače and explore the inland salt lakes.
- Day 2: Mljet to Korčula Town. Experience the "Little Dubrovnik" and its vibrant nightlife.
- Day 3: Korčula to the Lastovo Archipelago. A remote nature park perfect for those seeking total seclusion.
- Day 4: Lastovo to the Pelješac Peninsula. Visit the vineyards of Dingač and enjoy world-class oysters in Mali Ston.
- Day 5-7: Return via the hidden bays of the Elafiti, utilizing the speed of the Midnight Express to revisit favorite spots or discover new ones.
Logistics: Marinas, Mooring, and Berthing
When chartering a Midnight Express 43 Open in Dubrovnik, your primary hub will likely be ACI Marina Dubrovnik. This marina is located at the end of the Ombla river inlet and provides full services, including fuel docks, showers, and high-end dining. However, for those staying in the Old Town, a pick-up at the Old Town Port (Gradska luka) can often be arranged for day charters, though berthing here is strictly regulated and weather-dependent.
Mooring in the surrounding islands is generally straightforward for a boat of this size. Most waterfront restaurants in Šipan and Lopud offer dedicated buoys or "moring" lines for guests. In more remote areas like Mljet, you may choose to drop anchor in sandy bottoms; the Midnight Express’s windlass system and GPS positioning make this a seamless process.
Inclusions and Financial Considerations
Understanding what is included in the price of renting a Midnight Express 43 Open in Dubrovnik is essential for accurate budgeting. Typically, a luxury charter on Charter and Villas includes:
- Professional Skipper: Required for a vessel of this power and value.
- Standard Equipment: Snorkeling gear, towels, and basic refreshments.
- Insurance: Full hull and third-party liability insurance.
- VAT: Croatian Value Added Tax (standard 13% for charters).
Exclusions: Fuel is almost always charged extra based on consumption, which can be significant on a quad-engine Midnight Express if you utilize its full speed. An Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) of 30% is standard for multi-day charters to cover fuel, food, and berthing fees. End cleaning fees may also apply for overnight stays.
Best Months and Sea Conditions
The optimal window for navigating the Adriatic is from late May to early October. For those prioritizing calm seas, June and September offer the best balance of warm water and manageable winds. The Maestral wind typically blows from the northwest in the afternoons during July and August; while this provides a welcome breeze, the Midnight Express 43 Open’s deep-V hull is specifically designed to cut through the resulting chop without spraying the passengers.
If you are interested in exploring more vessels, you can browse our full fleet of boats or learn more about our global destinations to plan your next luxury getaway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a license required for renting a Midnight Express 43 Open in Dubrovnik?
Because of the extreme horsepower and technical nature of the Midnight Express 43 Open, this vessel is almost exclusively offered as a skippered charter. Even if you hold a valid International Certificate of Competence (ICC) or a Yachtmaster license, the insurance requirements for a quad-engine 1,600+ HP boat usually necessitate a professional captain provided by the agency.
What is the fuel consumption when chartering a Midnight Express 43 Open in Dubrovnik?
Fuel consumption varies wildly depending on your speed. At a comfortable cruising speed of 35-40 knots, the quad engines are relatively efficient for their class. However, at wide-open throttle (WOT), consumption increases significantly. On average, for a standard day trip to the Elaphiti Islands, guests should budget between €400 and €800 for fuel.
Can we use the Midnight Express 43 Open for water sports?
Yes, the Midnight Express is an excellent platform for water sports. Most 2026 models available for rent come equipped with a towing point for wakeboarding or tubing. The large swim platform and fold-down dive door (available on certain configurations) make it very easy to transition from the water back onto the deck.
How many people can comfortably fit on a day charter?
While the boat is legally rated for more, we recommend a maximum of 12 guests for the best experience. This ensures everyone has a comfortable seat in either the forward lounge or the aft cockpit and allows the skipper to maintain optimal performance and safety standards while navigating the Dalmatian coast.