10 tips for an amazing sailing holidays in Croatia

1. Book your holidays early

There are numerous early bird discounts, most of the bareboat sailboat charters in Croatia are still available and you get to pay by 2-3 instalments. Don't wait for last minute deals or you might not find a boat to charter. Advanced fee is 50% at the booking, balance should be covered 5 weeks before departure. 

2. Hire Sailboat or a Catamaran 

When you plan to sail Croatian coast chartering a sailboat or a cruising catamaran over a motor boat is recommended. Renting a sailboat in Croatia is definitively the most affordable private charter experience available. Although more expensive, Catamarans are wider, spacious and more stable but a sailing boat is more adventurous, fun and generally cheaper option. Staying under the sails most of the time is also considered green-oriented and "Croatian way".

3. Take your trip in summer months 

For a beginner, best time to sail around Croatian islands is in June, July and August. High summer at the Adriatic might be crowded with tourists, but the weather is simply glorious with warm temperatures and low winds. Marinas and coastal towns streets are busy, the traffic is heavy, but once you set sail, it is just you and the serenity of sky-blue seas. If you prefer lower crowds, take a sailing trip in May or September yet still catch some summer vibe along the coast of Croatia.

4. Book one-week sailing trip in Croatia

During the supper period private yacht charters in Croatia run is 7 day itinerary starting and ending Saturdays, which is a recommended duration and brings best balance for a relaxing holiday experience.

5. How much for a yacht charter vacation?

Before you begin to pack for your journey, first consider in booking a suitable boat to best meet your holiday expectations and most important - your budget. There are numerous yacht charter agencies in Croatia that will recommend the type and the size of a vessel according to your needs and the price range you are in. Don't let the unexpected costs surprise you. Catamarans with crew and luxury yacht charters already come with multitude of inclusions on board, but you can expect higher prices for fully crewed experience. The official currency in Croatia is EURO.

6. Keep things simple 

Don't over pack and rather bring soft duffel bag instead of a hard suitcase. Double cabins in a sailboat or catamaran are bright and spacious, but they can get uncomfortable when 2 large suitcases are blocking your passage. Don't forget your passport, ID and take enough cash. The extras you have to pay at spot are usually fuel for boat, provisions, tourist tax, marina fees, national parks & transfers.

7. Set your destination 

Focus on a specific area and islands in Croatia you wish to explore. There are four main sailing destinations in Croatia. All nearby major Croatian airports with good flight and road connections: Pula, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. 7-day route makes the perfect balance and is best duration for a relaxing holiday cruise. The main benefit of a private yacht charter in Croatia is that the sailing itinerary is 100% flexible and can be adjusted with your skipper before and during your trip.

8. Check in and check out

Please stick to your check in hours noted within your "boarding pass". Your yacht charter should be prepared and cleaned before your embarkation so be patient. There are tidy beaches close to every marina where you can refresh. Check out is usually after 9 am the next Saturday. It is mandatory to return your boat to marina on Friday before evening for the underwater inspection.

9. Keep your sailing distances small and don't rush

For a beginner is recommended to keep daily distances within 30 NM range (max. 4 - 5 hours sailing per day). It is difficult to visit all the best islands within a week, so leave some spots for your next sailing trip. Remeber to enjoy your cruising days rather to fight against the waves trying to make ticks. During morning calm, is better to take a swim and just chill while waiting for afternoon winds.

10. Rationalize your provisions 

Fill the boat lockers with enough food and supplies at least for the first 2 days. Grocery is cheaper in the markets outside of your base marina. Sometimes charter companies in Croatia offer to buy supplies for you beforehand. Some islands might have limited supply, but you can always buy the basics. Your skipper will advice on where is best to shop. Bring enough bottled water and don't forget paper towels, garbage bags, toilet paper, sponges, washing liquid, coffee & snacks.

Bareboat or a crewed yacht charter?

1. Hire bareboat yacht charter only if you are experienced sailor with a valid license

2. Book a crewed yacht charter with knowledgeable Croatian skipper

The infinite Croatian coast counts over 1000 islands islets and reefs. In combination with specific local weather conditions, it can be quite a challange to navigate Adriatic waters. 

That is why chartering a yacht with Croatian skipper is the most relaxing, flexible and fun-loving option for most of the guests visiting Croatian coast for the first time.

Local skippers know the area, the weather and can advice safest anchorages, quiet ports and top family-run island restaurants wher you can eat fresh and tasty seafood. That will secure you extra free time to explore, party or just chill on your 7-day Croatia yacht charter adventure.

- POLAKO or  POMALO (Easy, slowly or also take it easy) - the most common phrase in Dalmatia.

- BOK (Hello and also Bye)

- MOŽE (O.K.)

- ŽIVJELI (Cheers, when drinking)

- KONOBA (traditional family-owned restaurant with fresh local food)

- DOBAR TEK (Enjoy your meal)

- AJMO (Let's go)

- HVALA (Thank You)

- MOLIM (Please)

- DOBAR DAN (Good Afternoon)

- NEMA PROBLEMA (No problem)

- MOGU LI PLATITI (Can I pay?)

Croatian is basically complicated language to master, but the locals love it when visitors to their country make the effort to learn some of these phrases. Sometimes these phrases mean more then just a translated word. In some cases they express your general mood or a state of mind. If you are in emergency or distress, don't worry. The locals will be happy to help you out. 

5 basic ethical guidelines for sailors

1. Respect the sea and fellow sailors

2. Keep the environment and the sea clean...and your boat tidy

3. Always try to help other sailors when in distress at sea

4. Follow local maritime rules and regulations at sea, marinas and ports

5. Don't talk about politics or religion aboard. There are so many better topics.