Nautical tourism in Croatia continues to grow, and now it is one of the greatest contributors to Croatian tourism and the economy in general. At Yachting in Croatia, we are a team of passionate sailors in love with everything related to nautical tourism in Croatia. This is why it is our pleasure to present offers like our educational programs - Sailing School, Skipper Training, Skipper License and unique programs like Corporate Team Building Events, Gourmet Sailing Course… whatever you have in mind, we are sure to have the perfect offer for you.
The Croatian coast is one of the most indented coastlines in the Mediterranean; with its countless bays, crystal-clear sea, beaches, numerous islands and diverse nature, Croatia is a sailor’s paradise. Croatia boasts more than 1,000 islands, reefs and cliffs, and only sixty of the islands are inhabited. The Adriatic, together with its islands, is counted among the cleanest parts of Europe. Croatia also has a rich cultural and historical heritage, world-class gastronomy scene, and incredible nature. It’s no wonder that year after year, Croatia grows in popularity. Charter a yacht or book a Sailing program with Yachting in Croatia, and let us show you what all the fuss is about.
To charter various yachts in Croatia and worldwide: Sailing boats, Motor boats/Luxury yacht, Catamrans, visit our website to find the best option for you.
*We offer the Largest online booking system with REAL-TIME prices and availability, search through our website or let our team help find the perfect boat for you.
Croatia is now one of the leading destinations in the world for nautical tourism and yacht charter (bareboat or crewed yacht charter). Croatia’s coastline, numerous islands, nature parks and towns, makes her an idyllic location for sailors. The mild Mediterranean climate – with dry and warm summers, and mild winters, extend the sailing season in Croatia to over six months per year.
There are over 50 marinas in Croatia, equipped with over 12,000 berths and 7,000 dry docks, providing all necessary facilities and services to moor, repair, or maintain almost every type of yacht. In most marinas, it is possible to charter a sailing boat, motorboat or luxury yacht (bareboat or
crewed).
Day tours, day trips, island hopping, regattas, team-building, sailing schools, bareboat charter, crewed yacht charter… Croatian nautical tourism has an offer to suit every wish and sailor.
Typically, the sailing season in Croatia is from May until October, with fantastic sailing regattas happening on either side. The climate in Croatia is a Mediterranean climate, which means – sunny days, balmy summer evenings and lush sea temperatures. Peak season in Croatia is in July and August, with average temperatures of 27°C (80°F) - 35°C, and an average sea temperature of 24°C (76°F). Many choose to sail in Croatia in July and August because of the guaranteed great weather, entertainment and nightlife. However, be aware that sailing in peak season also means competing with crowds – on land and in marinas. Every year, the sailing season in Croatia extends, as more people realise that sailing in the ‘shoulder season’ (May, June, September, October) canbe a real joy. In May, the weather can be unstable, so it is more for the experienced yachtsmen chasing the wind or those with a sense of adventure. However, by the end of May and into early June, the weatherwarms up with temperatures ranging from 18°C – 26°C (64 – 70°F). The main advantages of sailing the shoulder season are fewer crowds, better wind for sailing, and better yacht rental and marina prices.Depending on what you want out of your sailing in Croatia holiday: relaxing, nightlife, hot weather, peace… it is worth considering which month matches your wishes. Our experienced team are happy to guide you through this.
Istria and Kvarner: The Istrian Peninsula and Kvarner area make up the northern part of the Croatian coast. While many opt for a Central or Southern Dalmatia sailing itinerary, Istria and Kvarner offer plenty of reasons to sail North. Think sandy beaches (of which, Croatia has few), world-class gastronomy (olive oils, cheese, truffles and vino), uninhabited islands, Nature Parks, historical towns heavily influenced by Italian and Austro-Hungarian architecture, heady and healing aromas of local herbs, stretches of gorgeous coastline… and, you are starting to get an image of
this region. Northern sailing itineraries have numerous options; offering nature, history, gastronomy and peace. Popular sailing destinations are Poreč, Brijuni
National Park, Cres, Lošinj, Mali Lošinj, Rab, as far as Ilovik and Silba.
North Dalmatia, Kornati: The Kornati archipelago is comprised of approximately 140 islands, islets and reefs; so, it is easy to see how you can spend an entire 7-day itinerary, exploring this gorgeous piece of paradise. Playwright, George Bernard Shaw is quoted as saying – “On the last day of Creation, God desired to crown his work and thus created the Kornati islands out of tears, stars and breath”, which may offer up poetic and romantic images of what to expect here. Pristine nature, uninhabited islands far-removed from the crowds is why people choose to sail North and the Kornati.You can sail through the Kornati archipelago, visit Telašćica Nature Park, listen to the sea organs in Zadar and witness the world-famous sunsets, wander the streets of Šibenik with its UNESCO heritage sites and even hike the Krka National Park with its majestic waterfalls. A nature-oriented itinerary with some authentic gastro experiences, await you on a Northern route.
Central Dalmatia: Is by far the most popular sailing region in Croatia due to a combination of great tourism promotion of its sites, natural beauty, history, gastronomy and nightlife; as well as excellent connections to the Split airport and yacht rental options. Most choose to begin sailing from Trogir or Split, both of which are protected UNESCO heritage sites. When you picture Croatia, it is most likely images from Central Dalmatia that come to mind – the gorgeous Renaissance architecture of Hvar (andnightlife), the blue and green caves of island Vis, the Zlatni Rat beach of island Brač and much more. There are also smaller jewels like Stari Grad –the oldest town in Europe, Komiža on island Vis – a small fisherman’s village, and the picturesque Šolta. A Central sailing itinerary has something
for everyone.
Southern Dalmatia: A Southern Dalmatia sailing itinerary begins in the ‘pearl of the Adriatic’ or King’s landing – the ancient, fortified city of Dubrovnik. The spectacular man-made beauty of Dubrovnik is mirrored by the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding region. Sailing a southern route allows guests to walk the walls in Dubrovnik, sail through the Elafitiislands, visit National Park Mljet with its salt water lakes, wander the alleys of the medieval fortressed town of Korčula, visit some of the regions’ best vineyards on the Pelješac peninsula, and drop anchor in one of the many secluded bays in the Lastovo National Park. A southern sailing route can be a great mixture of history, nature, off-the-beaten-path locations, exceptional gastronomy and vino to match.
It is also worth noting, that on a one-way route from Split to Dubrovnik, or vice versa, everything mentioned under Central and Southern Dalmatia can be visited! Sea changes, currents and waves
There is a small difference between high and low tides in the Adriatic. In principle, the sea changes do not present problems for navigation, anchoring or safety of sailing – though reefs and shoals can, so always check your charts. Also note that the current in some canals can reach speeds of up to 4 knots. Waves in the Adriatic are minimal compared to the oceans; however, storms and strong Jugo or Bura winds can create large swells. As with everything at sea, attention to the weather and due diligence is always required to ensure safety and comfort.
The Adriatic has very specific winds and weather patterns, with micro-climates on every island. Croatians have a strong relationship with fishing, sailing and the sea, reading weather signs is as natural to some as breathing. So, you will never go wrong if you ask a local fisherman or sailor to tell you what the weather will do and where is the best spot to moor, OR if you charter with a skipper, you don’t need to worry about it!
Bura (NNE – ENE)
As a cold wind, Bura blows horizontally from the nearby mountain peaks towards the sea. Direction of NNE to ENE. Bura raises sea dust decreasing visibility. Bura is announced by a "cap" of clouds seemingly attached to the peaks of the nearby mountains - Velebit in the North Adriatic, and Mosor and Biokovo in the South Adriatic. Bura rarely blows for more than three days in a row; when it is of local origin, it can ‘blow itself out’ within 24 hours. When sailing, it is also good to know that Bura blows in gusts, and can reach speeds of more than 200 km! Jugo (ESE – SSE) Jugo is a SE wind that blows from the sea to the land. Jugo is created by cyclones above the Adriatic area; it causes a drop in air pressure, and typically brings clouds and rain. Jugo develops slowly and will usually give
a few days’ notice. Jugo tends to last longer than Bura and can create a large swell, particularly in the outlying islands like Vis, change your route if needed.
Maestral (SE – NW) Maestral is a thermal wind, created by the difference in temperature between the land and the sea. It is called the “sailor’s friend” because it moderates summer heat and makes for great sailing. Maestral usually begins in the morning – around 9 or 10 am, it reaches full strength in the afternoon and fades with the sunset. It is a common wind from spring toautumn and is strongest in July and August. Tramontana (N – NW) Tramontana is a dry northern wind that doesn’t last long, usually one day. Tramontana often signals that extreme weather is on its way, and sometimes announces the arrival of Bura. While Tramontana can reach gale force winds (and will make a mess of the sea if it does), more often than not, it averages around 15 knots, and blows strong and steady perfect for hoisting the sails!
Burin
Burin is a gentle summer wind which typically blows from the north at night and clears the skies.
Jugo (ESE – SSE)
Jugo is a SE wind that blows from the sea to the land. Jugo is created by cyclones above the Adriatic area; it causes a drop in air pressure, and typically brings clouds and rain. Jugo develops slowly and will usually give a few days’ notice. Jugo tends to last longer than Bura and can create a large swell, particularly in the outlying islands like Vis, change your route if needed.
Maestral (SE – NW)
Maestral is a thermal wind, created by the difference in temperature between the land and the sea. It is called the “sailor’s friend” because it moderates summer heat and makes for great sailing. Maestral usually begins in the morning – around 9 or 10 am, it reaches full strength in the afternoon and fades with the sunset. It is a common wind from spring to autumn and is strongest in July and August.
Tramontana (N – NW)
Tramontana is a dry northern wind that doesn’t last long, usually one day. Tramontana often signals that extreme weather is on its way, and sometimes announces the arrival of Bura. While Tramontana can reach gale force winds (and will make a mess of the sea if it does), more often than not, it averages around 15 knots, and blows strong and steady –perfect for hoisting the sails!
Nevera
Besides Bura, Nevera is certainly the most unpleasant experience on the Adriatic for sailors; it is a thermal storm coming from the west and open sea. Nevera arrives rapidly without much warning, can have immense power and has the potential to cause major damage. Nevera is strongest in summer and early autumn. Pay attention, change your route or ensure a secure anchorage or mooring in time!
USEFUL INFORMATION: Links to weather forecast
Link for safety on sea;
To charter various yachts in Croatia and worldwide: Sailing boats, Motorboats/Luxury yachts, Catamarans, visit our website to find the best option for you.
We offer the largest online booking system with REAL-TIME prices and availability, search through our website or let our team help find the perfect boat for you.
For more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
LIVE. LOVE. SAIL.
Marina Mandalina
Obala Jerka Sigorica 1
22 000 Šibenik
Pier for the yachts: PIER BA – South Side
Office Manager:
Laura Šerić
booking@worldyachting.hr
M: +385 91 122 7444
Mario Kundih prof. of Kinesiology, Yachtmaster offshore (RYA, UK)
E: info@yachtingincroatia.com
M1: +385 91 5701101
M2: +385 91 6133750
