Nowadays Croatia is a destination which excels in the subject of chartered yachts and boats. In recent years Croatia has experienced tremendous development within it's tourist infrastructure, airports, roads, with a first-class service sector ready to tend to your every need!

The chartered yacht and boat sector in Croatia has grown in a similar fashion, and there now exists a multitude of boat companies offering a top quality fleet of yachts and gulets. New Marinas with a wide range of nautical services have enhanced the lure oft he coutnry to boat lovers, with the increased demand leading to an expansion of low-cost airlines that now fly to the country.

However what makes Croatia really special certainly hasnt been developed over the last few years; crystal clear waters, hidden coves, idyllic islands and the magical ports all make Croatia an unforgettable experience.

In Croatia there are more than 50 marinas, with space for over 13,000 yachts and boats, along a coastline which stretches 700 kilometres down the Istria Peninsula, from Dubrovnik in the north all the way to the southern tip of the country. All the ports are situated in the towns and cities of Croatia, where you can hop off for a bite to eat in one of the quality restaurants, or go shopping in the centres. The coastline is littered with stunning islands, some large such as the Island of Hvar and numerous smaller islands that are ideal for mooring and exploring! The Adriatic Sea is a fantastic place to sail, with generally ideal meterological conditions; warm breezes and calm waters. The distances from port to port or from island to island are normally very short, which makes the sailing experience even more comfortable.

There are literally hundreds of islands, with spectacular coves that allow you to moor with added peace of mind! Pine forests and turquoise waters complete the picture postcard look! The chartered boat and yacht season normally starts around April and lasts until the end of October. The months of July and August usually offer little wind, with May and June offering a little more, and the spring and autumn months normally bringing stronger and more consistent winds...such as the Sciroco (Easterly) or the Bora (Notherly)....which makes navegating a little more interesting!

From Trogir/Split to Zaostrog

This stretch of coastline is famous for stunning beaches such as Breia, Baska, Voda and Makarska: all of which offer fantastic marine faciltities. If historic sights and monuments interest you, Split is an obligatory stop! Split is also the best departure point to sail around the islands of Brac, Hvar and Vis.

The Islands of Brac, Hvar and Vis

These are the most famous islands along the Dalmatian Coast, with some historic towns and villages set among picturesque landscapes. The ports are situated within these picture-perfect towns, allowing you easy access to the sights and sounds of the islands. Hvar is the most developed island, and in the middle of the summer, its streets are lined with tourists soaking up the Croatian sun. Brac and Vis are slightly more remote and as a result it is normally easier to get around the islands.

Dalmatian Coast (South) Neretva to Molunat

The highlight of this area is the River Netva estuary, which will leave you openmouthed! Having made a stop in Pejtesac to sample to delicious local seafood and wine, you will find to the south the beautiful city of Dubrovnik, quite possibly the emblem of Croatia. This city has existed since the thirteenth century, and holds some excellent monuments which still show signs of the recent Balkans conflict. It is the ideal place to stock up on food, and is viewed as the chartered boat capital of Croatia! close by are the islands of Korcula, Lastova, Mjet and Elafti.

Dalmatian Coast (North) Zadar to Primosten

This area offers a larger number of marinas, around 14 to be precise. Along this stretch there are several important towns including Zadar, Sibenik and Primosten, all well worth visiting during the trip. Towards the north you will find another stunning set of islands; Silba, Olib, Ist, Mojat, Psman and Ugijan. However the most impressive of all is the Komati Archipelago. Designated a National Park, here there are hundreds of islands, reefs and uninhabited coves to check out...simply stunning. It is probbaly the area that encaptures best all that is beautiful in Croatia!

Istria and Kvarner

The highlight of this part of the journey along Croatia's coastline are the islands of Cres and Losinj. These two islands are separated by a canal, and together with the nearby islands of Rab and Pag, lie in the shadow of the imposing Velebit Mountain. The ports of Porec, Rovinj, Opatja y Pula offer some beautiful areas to moor. This area normally offers more wind for those wanting a little more excitement during their trip!


All in all, with so much variety, such short distances between so many spectacular destinations and ideal meteorological conditions, a one or two week charter along the coast of Croatia is without doubt something you will look back on for years to come!