Yacht Charter Croatia

Chartering a yacht in Dubrovnik, Croatia.

On the mainland, Dalmatia begins south of Gradac and north of Bacina, and runs along the border with Bosnia Herzegovina and Montenegro to the end of the Bay of Kotor. As far as sailing goes Dalmatia is relatively easy to navigate.

Situated on a rising rock, lapped on three sides by the sea, Dubrovnik offers world renowned attractions and artistic treasures. In 1980, the Old Town (with its 60,000-inhabitants) joined the UNESCO World Heritage list. Simply wandering through its medieval looking streets is a treat in itself.

The international airport with its modern ACI marina is an excellent starting point for chartering your yacht. Only 680 meters off the coast, the island of Lokrum is popular with sun worshippers and nature lovers, thanks to its sandy beaches. Another popular destination are the Elafiti Islands of Haupinseln Kolocep, Lopud and Sipan – all of which provide wonderful places to swim, snorkel and relax.

Also easily accessible from Dubrovnik is the island of Mljet, whose National Park is well worth a visit and Korcula, the birthplace of Marco Polo. The island of Mljet – as well as being rich in culture and art – offers beautiful landscapes, numerous tiny, secluded beaches and bays, small uninhabited islands and breathtaking views. The island’s capital is also called Korcula and is typically medieval looking, surrounded by a wall, round defense towers and a variety of red-roofed houses. You’ll find a wide range of berths, most famously in the ACI Marina.

Ideal for exploring is the Peljesac peninsula with its azure waters and idyllic coves, as well as the small island of Lastovor, which is a perfect pitstop for sailors to take a break between Split and Dubrovnik.

The area:

Wind & Weather: During summer you will usually encounter the Maestral.  And you often meet the pleasant Bora when the sky is blue. But the Bora on the other hand also indicates rain and bad weather fronts. The Sirocco usually blows outside the high season and from early fall you can expect high seas and bad weather conditions from southeast. A weather report is broadcast in the high season in several languages – including English – on channel 69. Midsummer can bring high temperatures, especially on land. The early season is characterized by moderate temperatures and fresh and cool nights. The preferred sailing season is from June to mid September. During the high season the ports can become quite crowded.

Difficulty: Fairly easy during the summer months. Otherwise, especially during the off-season, this cruising area should not be underestimated, primarily due to the strong Bora and Sirocco winds.

Navigation: Basic knowledge of navigation is adequate. Night passages are usually not a problem, as the area is well marked. Be aware of strong currents in narrow passages during Spring time.

Ports and anchorages: In bays and harbours, the speed limit is 5 knots or less. There are 43 marinas, mostly belonging to the ACI Club. Anchors or buoys are available to rent.

The ACI Marina Dubrovnik is beautiful, modern and open all year, with 450 berths. At the marina you will be guided by the staff to one of the berths. The service includes technical advice, security, overhaul of ship hulls and yacht repair and maintenance.

Interesting but far less comfortable is the city port of Gruz. You’ll find water and electricity but no sanitary facilities. Directly behind the quay wall is one of the main streets and a lot of traffic, even so, the few places get filled quickly.

ACI Marina Korcula is east of the city. In a small cove, ACI Marina Korčula offers moorings in the north which are protected by the breakwater. There are 120 places for yachts up to 12m in length, either right on the breakwater, on the quay or on the pier. You’ll find a petrol station, cafes, restaurants, supermarket and yards that will carry out major repairs.

Pomena Bay Harbour and its town, situated at the west end of Mljet, are well protected from the wind. They have excellent permanent berths. Electricity and water connections are available but water and food is limited.

Polace harbour is located to the north of Mjet in a large bay. The inner part of the bay offers good berths, as well as protection from the wind and sea conditions. Electricity and water connections are available and there is water and food at the restaurant on the wharf. There are also shops in Govedari, about 1.5 kilometers inland.

Regulations : The port authorities require you to be in possession of an official helmsman certificate or sailing license as well as a valid VHF certificate.

Getting there: The international Croatian airports of Pula, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik are served by various charter operators as well as scheduled airlines from most major European cities.

Limitations: Limited availability of marina berths during high season – your galley should be well stocked.

Chartering a yacht in Istria and Kvarner:

Istria, the largest of the northern Adriatic islands between Trieste and Rijeka, and Kvarner in the north of the country, are both an excellent sailing destinations.

Istria is characterized by green hills and wonderful Venetian architecture. Don’t miss the picturesque old town of Rovinj, the Basilica in Porec and the majestic amphitheatre of Pula.

Pula is the largest city in Istria, as well as the yacht chartering centre. Its best marinas are Marina Veruda and ACI Marina. Other places to explore are Medulin, Rovinj, Porec, Icici, Lovran, Medveja, Moscenicka Draga, Opatija and Umag in Croatia, as well as Koper, Portoroz, Piran and Izola on the Slovenian side. The region is often used as a base for trips to the islands of Kornati and Dalmatia in the southern region.

Along the East coast towards Starigrad is the Kvarner Bay with wonderful beaches, well organized marinas and interesting small coves.

In the north of the bay is the island of Krk, a unique island with a rich history, lots of nature and beautiful cliffs. We recommend seeking out Marina Punat, which is tucked away in a natural harbour. Other marinas are located on the islands of Cres, Pag and Rab.

Other places of note are the Blue Grotto in Lubenice, the fantastically secluded anchorages of Premuda, Silba, Olib and Molat islands, and the idyllic beaches of Susak.

Wind and Weather: The area is mild in summer but otherwise rather mixed during the off-peak season, with wind and precipitation. For families, the best time to visit is in the summer, or try spring if you’re a more experienced.

Difficulty: In summertime the mild Mistral makes sailing conditions easy, but in spring and late summer the stronger Bora comes in from the northeast.

Navigation: You need to be mindful of islets and rocks near the coast. Spring tides partially up to 1m, due to the larger tidal range in the north. Particular attention is required in capes and passages, which can be home to fast currents.

Ports and anchorages: Ports are fairly close to each other, which makes for easy sailing. Be aware cheap berths often get booked up early in the high season and many marinas do not distinguish between high and low season. Pay attention to strong westerly winds, as some berths are not well protected.

Regulations : The port authorities require you to be in possession of an official helmsman certificate or sailing license as well as a valid VHF certificate.

Getting there: The international Croatian airports of Pula, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik are served by various charter operators as well as scheduled airlines from most major European cities.

Limitations: Limited availability of marina berths during high season – your galley should be well stocked.

Chartering a yacht in the Kornati Islands: Sailing in the Croatian archipelago

Between Sibenik and Zadar on the Northern Dalmatian coast, is the outstanding archipelago of Kornati, with its multitude of small islands and reefs. The Kornati Islands derive their name from the largest island, Kornat. The archipelago is one of the most fascinating seascapes and a paradise for yachtsmen as well as fishermen. Speckled with small fields and picturesque vistas, it boasts beautiful landscapes of pine and olive trees.

As with many other islands, the Kornati islands are entwined with a mythical legend: namely that God threw some stones, left over from the creation of the world, into the sea. The result was the Kornati archipelago, which was declared a national park in 1980 due to its undisputed beauty.

The sea is home to a diverse range of fish, whose colours and shapes you could spend hours watching while snorkelling. Then there are the rocky landscapes with their unspoiled nature and extraordinary natural beauty.

There are many marinas and coves across the archipelago, making this a jewel of a destination in the Adriatic Sea. On the island you’ll find the ACI Marina Piskera with 120 berths and on the island of Zut, there’s a marina of the same name located just outside the national park.

The area :

Weather: The weather is as varied as the archipelago’s coasts. The mild Maestral from the west is mixed in spring and autumn, with Jugo from southeast, Bora from the northeast and the Garbin from the southwest, which can all reach strengths of 3 beaufort.

In some regions wind speeds can reach up to 75 knots in the summer and and up to 110 knots in the winter. A good tip is to check the weather reports in English on the FM radio. From June to mid-September is the best season, but you should approach anchor bays or marinas early during high season, especially in July and August.

Difficulty: Easy to medium.

Navigation: The tides have a negligible influence on the Croatian coast, but weather can influence low water level changes of less than a meter. Long lasting southeasterly winds can increase water levels by up to 0.5m.

Generally the water flows through the Adriatic counterclockwise so that minimum flows to the northwest are noted on the Croatian coast.

Ports and anchorages: There are 43 marinas, most of which offer moorings. 21 of them belong to the ACI Adriatic Croatia International Club. Buoys are available to rent in the bays.

Regulations : The port authorities require you to be in possession of an official helmsman certificate or sailing license as well as a valid VHF certificate.

Getting there: The international Croatian airports of Pula, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik are served by various charter operators as well as scheduled airlines from most major European cities.

Split and Central Dalmatia: legendary islands and ancient cities

One of the most preferred areas for renting or chartering a yacht is Central Dalmatia, to the north of Rogoznica and south of Gradaca. A well developed nautical infrastructure, together with modern marinas in the largest cities of Split, Kastel, Gomilica, Trogir and Makarska are the main reasons its so popular.

From these starting points, you must make sure you visit the paradise island of Brac, where you will find wonderful beaches and coves, and Hvar, the island of lavender. Fantastic natural beauty, lots of sun, mild weather and strong winds all make this area perfect for cruising.

Split is the second largest city in Croatia and is located on the Adriatic coast. Over 1,700 years old, this city offers a wealth of attractions. Among other places of interest, you will find the UNESCO site, Diocletian’s Palace. Take a historic stroll through the city and be dazzled by its unique charm. Along the waterfront, in the centre of Split, you can try out tantalising Dalmatian delicacies. Freshly caught fish, squid, lobster and other mouthwatering delights can all be found on the menus of the local taverns, bars and restaurants.

You’ll also find magnificent beaches against historical backdrops. The cultural metropolis, Split, offers beautiful sand and pebble beaches not far from the historic centre. Boaters will love the hidden coves, offshore islands and safe havens, which can all be explored with sailing yachts or catamarans.

The area’s characteristics :

Wind & Weather: During summer you will usually encounter the Maestral.  And you often meet the pleasant Bora when the sky is blue. But the Bora on the other hand also indicates rain and bad weather fronts. The Sirocco usually blows outside the high season and from early fall you can expect high seas and bad weather conditions from southeast. A weather report is broadcast in the high season in several languages – including English – on channel 69. Midsummer can bring high temperatures, especially on land. The early season is characterized by moderate temperatures and fresh and cool nights. The preferred sailing season is from June to mid September. During the high season the ports can become quite crowded.

Difficulty: Fairly easy during the summer months. Otherwise, especially during the off-season, this cruising area should not be underestimated, primarily due to the strong Bora and Sirocco  winds.

Navigation: Basic knowledge of navigation is adequate. Night passages are usually not a problem, as the area is well marked. Be aware of strong currents in narrow passages during Spring time.

Ports and anchorages: In bays and harbours, the speed limit is 5 knots or less. There are 43 marinas, mostly belonging to the ACI Club. Anchors or buoys are available to rent. Marina Kremik in Primosten and Marina Frapa in Rogoznica are amongst the most popular.

The port of Hvar is one of the most beautiful on the entire Croatian coast. The picturesque town of Hvar from the port acts like a theatrical backdrop. However, the port doesn’t have many good berths. Smaller yachts often remain in the middle of the port tied to buoys.

Hvar has plenty of facilities: large supermarkets and a big market east of the main square. Shore power is supplied on the quayside. Water can be filled up at the wharf (the hose is managed by the port’s captain). A filling station for petrol and diesel can be found at a bay to the southeast (Krizna Luka), however, the water depths here are very low and numerous small boats linked up to mooring buoys make the journey difficult. Marina Palmizana is a good berth with a marina office, water and electricity connections, restaurants and mini-market. It also has a workshop for maintenance and repair.

Regulations : The port authorities require you to be in possession of an official helmsman certificate or sailing license as well as a valid VHF certificate.

Getting there: The international Croatian airports of Pula, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik are served by various charter operators as well as scheduled airlines from most major European cities.

 Limitations: Limited availability of marina berths during high season – your galley should be well stocked.