Croatia
Over a thousand islands, a coastline of Venetian stone towns, and water clear enough to see the anchor on the sea bed. The most generous cruising ground in the central Mediterranean.
A cruising overview
Dalmatia stretches from Zadar in the north to Dubrovnik in the south — six hundred kilometres of coast and more than a thousand islands. The Kornati National Park, the cypress-and-stone of Hvar and Korčula, and the wild south of Lastovo are the highlights of any week aboard.
Charter infrastructure is excellent — Split is one of the largest charter bases in the world for sailing yachts. Distances between anchorages are short, English is widely spoken, and the islands carry an almost Italian rhythm of food and wine.
May – October
June and September are perfect. July and August are peak — book early for the popular Hvar anchorages and town quays.
7 days
Minimum: 7 days (Saturday turnarounds standard)
Recommended: 10–14 days to combine Split with Dubrovnik
- ACI Marina Split — primary charter base in central Dalmatia
- Marina Kaštela — large modern marina, near Split airport
- ACI Marina Dubrovnik — southern entry — historic Old Town nearby
- Marina Mandalina (Šibenik) — gateway to the Kornati islands
- Marina Frapa (Rogoznica) — well-equipped, central Dalmatia
The right yacht for these waters
Sailing Yachts 38–55ft
Europe's largest bareboat fleet — Bavaria, Jeanneau, Beneteau, Hanse, Elan. From €2,000/week.
Catamarans 40–52ft
Family-friendly and stable — Lagoon 46, Bali 4.6, Fountaine Pajot Astréa 42. From €4,500/week.
Motor Yachts 40–65ft
Princess, Azimut, Sunseeker — fast hops between Hvar, Vis and the Kornati. From €8,000/week.
Luxury Crewed Yachts 70–140ft
Traditional wooden gulets for groups of 8–12, and Sanlorenzo/Benetti superyachts with full crew. From €45,000/week.
What you'll remember
Pakleni Islands, Hvar
Anchor at Palmižana or Stipanska — turquoise water within minutes of Hvar town.
Kornati National Park
140 uninhabited islands — minimal infrastructure, exceptional clarity.
Korčula's Old Town
A miniature Dubrovnik on its own peninsula. Dinner at LD Restaurant.
Vis & the Blue Cave (Biševo)
WWII history, exceptional swimming, the Stiniva cove.
Hvar nightlife
Carpe Diem Beach and Hula Hula — best arrived by tender.
Dubrovnik old harbour
Tie up or anchor off Lokrum and tender ashore for the city walls.
Cruise the region
Good questions, good answers
- Should I start in Split or Dubrovnik?
- Both are excellent. Split offers more bareboat options and the Kornati islands; Dubrovnik suits southern Dalmatia (Mljet, Lastovo, Korčula). Many charters do one-way.
- Are bareboat charters easy to arrange?
- Yes — Croatia is one of the world's largest bareboat markets. You'll need a recognised sailing licence (RYA Day Skipper, IYT or equivalent) plus a VHF certificate.
- What is the Maestral wind?
- A gentle afternoon thermal from the north-west, typical of Croatian summers — excellent for sailing without being uncomfortable.
- Is the sea warm?
- 26–28°C in July and August. June and September are cooler (22–25°C) but very swimmable.
- Can I include Montenegro?
- Yes — Kotor Bay is a beautiful one- or two-day extension south of Dubrovnik. Cross-border formalities take an hour.
A bespoke yacht charter, personally arranged.
Tell us your dates and preferences. We'll return with a tailored selection of yachts and a proposed itinerary within 24 hours.