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 when availability is limited. 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. The experience is more authentic, fun and green-oriented. Renting a sailboat in Croatia is still considered to be affordable for most groups. Although more expensive, Catamarans are wider, spacious and more stable but a sailing boat is more adventurous, fun and generally cheaper option.

3. Take your trip in summer months 

For a beginner, best time to sail Croatian islands are months June, July and August. High summer at the Adriatic might be busy, but the weather is simply glorious with warm temperatures and low winds. If you prefer less crowds, take a sailing trip in May or September when you can still expect higher temperatures and dry weather in the islands.

4. Book one-week sailing trip in Croatia

Private yacht charters in Croatia run is 7-day sailing itinerary starting and ending Saturdays. It is considered ideal itinerary duration and brings best balance for most onboard guests.

5. How much for a yacht charter vacation?

Before you begin to pack for your journey, first book a suitable boat to best meet your holiday expectations and most important - your budget. Don't let the unexpected costs surprise you. There are numerous yacht charter agencies in Croatia that will be happy to recommend the type and the size of a vessel to suit your group and present the full cost calculation. 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. 

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 cabin doors. Don't forget your passport, ID and take enough cash in EUROS. The extras you have to pay at spot are usually fuel for boat, provisions, tourist tax, marina fees, national parks & taxi transfers.

7. Set your destination 

Focus on a specific area and islands in Croatia you wish to explore and keep daily distances short. There are four main sailing destinations in Croatia. All nearby major Croatian airports with good flight and road connections: Pula, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. 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 received in "boarding pass". Your yacht should be prepared and cleaned before embarking, so be patient. There are tidy beaches and bars near 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

If you are a beginner - keep daily distances within 30 NM range (Max. 4 - 5 hours sailing per day). It is difficult to visit all the highlights, but your skipper will try his best to show you the highlights of the area. You and also leave some spots for your next Croatia sailing trip. Rather enjoy your cruising days in full, don't go against the nature and respect the sea. During morning calm, is better to swim and 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. Bareboat yacht charter requires valid boat license and some basic sailing experience

2. Crewed or skippered charter is where a hired captain navigates the yacht for you

The infinite Croatian coast counts over 1.200 islands islets and reefs. In combination with specific local weather conditions, navigating the Adriatic can be quite challenging.

So if you want to sail as a local, with no stress, yacht charter in Croatia with skipper is definitively best balanced experience. Local skippers know the area, the weather and can recommend safe anchorages and island towns where you can find amazing restaurants. When you book a skippered sailing holiday will also secure extra free time for you to explore the towns, swim and snorkel without having to worry where to moor in the evening.

- 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

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.