Family sailing in Croatia

Quality free time with close people, action with friends and socializing should be on the list of priorities of modern families. Skiing, sailing or short trips can provide this sensation. In this blog we will write about a family stay on a sailboat or on a catamaran on the Adriatic. We have 30years of experience and direct contact with families who have chosen sailing vacations in Croatia. Our reservation office provides support and answers to questions from the first contact to meeting the guests in marinas of Pula, Split, Trogir and Dubrovnik where our reception offices are.  We are available to provide support all the time and we know the answers to the most frequently asked questions related to family sailing.

What is the best time for family sailing in Croatia?

The sailing season in Croatia starts at the end of April and ends in mid of October. For family sailing we definitely recommend the time for swimming, crickets and the real atmosphere of the Mediterranean (June, July and August).

• Permanent sailors come more often in April and May. In these months they can enjoy less crowds and cheaper berth prices. Regattas and other sailing events are held in May. The school is still running so there are small numbers of families who can afford the nautical luxury in the early season. Although sometimes it can rain in May, nautical marinas in Croatia are safe and there are enough of them. Staying on a boat and on safe berths is vertainly an experience when it rains.
• June is the time of the year when swimming starts and the sea is warmer. Most of the countries than have school holidays. We noticed that at that that time that the most presented guests are from Australia, America, North America, Germany.  June is definitely the month to recommend as the days are longer, sea is warm for swimming and the prices of renting sailboats and catamarans are still lower than in the peak season.

• July and August are certainly the most sttractive dates for sailing on the Adriatic sea, due to the holidays. These are the months of a true Mediterranean climate, warm sea, regular mistrals. In the peak season, yacht rental prices are the most expensive. For more luxurious sailboats or larger catamarans, it is definitely recommended to book them during the winter time.  In the peak season there are crowds caused by everyone wanting to be in the same place at the same time as the arrival of sailboats from Italy. The routes that guests want to visit do not change over the years, so we warmly recommend hiring our skipper who will show you some new places off the route and take responsibility to make your vacation on board more relaxed.
• September is the month when the prices of renting sailboats and catamarans go down, the weather is still warm, so so this date is one of the first to be filled. Long-term boaters usually choose 2 sailing dates in Croatia, one of them is goodbye to summer in September.

Why is sailing in Croatia ideal for a family vacation?

Croatia is a safe sailing destination and we can say that it is the best organized in the world, in terms of charter. There are over 2500 vessels registered for charter rental. Charter companies are spread across the Adriatic. Since Nautics is the most attractive branch of tourism in Croatia, the standard, cleanliness and additional facilities with nautics are at the highest level. All Croatian charter companies are well organized and have a range of 5 to 70 and more vessels in their fleets. The standard procedure for receiving sailboats and catamarans, Check-in, is on Saturday at 5 p.m. and the so-called Check-out is on Saturday at 9 a.m. In the Ultra sailing fleet you can expect a longer technical handover of the vessel and you can always ask us for a check-in video procedure of a certain yacht model to be more prepared.

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The Croatian coast is one of the most indented and has in total 1242 islands, islets and reefs. There are only 47 inhabited islands. Croatia is full of hidden gems, charming coastal towns, beautiful natural places and beautiful beaches, so everyone can find a place to drop their anchor.

With an average of 2600 hours of sunshine a year, the Adriatic coast is one of the sunniest in the Mediterranean, and the sea temperature in summer is up to 25°C, which is a ticket for all-day and night swimming.

The Adriatic has a mild Mediterranean climate. The winds and weather are mild, and the sea is calmer – there are not as many waves as on the open sea/ocean of some other destinations. Therefore, sailing on the Adriatic is a pleasure. The Adriatic has no dangerous whales or sharks (frequently asked questions). You can possibly sting a sea urchin if you are careless.

Winds and weather in Croatia

Of course, the weather is one of the main factors that can affect your ideal vacation at sea, and in that case the most important thing is to adapt to the weather conditions and search for good shelter in one of the marinas, harbors or bays on the buoy. If the weather conditions are unfavorable, we do not recommend staying at anchor if you do not have enough experience, and especially if the children are with you on the boat. The stress factor is further intensified if you fall into one of the summer storm while the children are with you on the boat.

Summer storm can surprise with their strength and gusts of wind, and you will quickly find yourself floating on the bay if it is not well protected.

Therefore, daily monitoring of the weather forecast is recommended. When handing over the vessel in one of our bases along the coast, our employees will give you a weather forecast for the next 3-4 days, and will warn you if any deterioration, strong wind or similar is announced.

At the same time, for your safety, our vessels have trackers installed with which we can see where you are, and if necessary, contact you and warn you of possible weather problems and give you advice on where it would be ideal to spend the night. If you decide to rent a boat with our skipper, then you are in safe hands. Our skippers have many years of experience in all weather conditions, and will suggest a safe berth for you, so that your crew and boat are safe.

You can find more about winds in the Adriatic Sea on our website.

Type of yacht for family sailing in Croatia and yacht rental cost

• Number of cabins: before you check the price for renting catamaran or sailboat be sure of your crew’s number. If your family has 6 people then a sailboat with 3 cabins is enough. In case you want to hire a local skipper as well, you need to add one cabin more for him. Our office always sends an offer with layout of each boat as well as a link with a 360 virtual walk.
• Year of built: Sometimes guests insist have the latest model. It is common mistake. Sometimes, especially during the pandemic , the vessels are late or have been working a week or 2, so our technical staff know each boat in details. For sure you won’t go wrong if you take a model that is 3-6 years old. Those ships are in their full strength.
• Catamaran or sailboat: A catamaran is like a house at the sea. If you are not used to the sea  and you like comfort this is the right choice for you. Catamarans are mostly often ordered by families who want a local skipper and hostess. For crew you need to keep cabins because staying  at sea requires a privacy. The same rule applies to sailboats , especially the ore luxurious such as First 53 or Oceanis 54. These owner’s variants of sailboats are back in fashion and there are not  many of them on the Adriatic. Their prices are similar to catamaran prices. Other classic sailboats  are much cheaper, due to their charter price, prices of berths in marinas, fuel……

For charter the most inquires are about Sailboats from 30ft up to 55ft  and the most inquiries for catamarans are from 40-60ft. It is important to know that larger catamarans and luxury sailboats usually have their own skipper and it is not possible to rent them as a bareboat charter. This is because charter companies care about more expensive models and want to have a person who knows the technique of the yacht in detail.

Rental prices for catamarans are highest in the peak season (July and August). The price depends of the size of catamaran , its equipment and of course the purchase price of the model in the shipyard.  The most known are the Lagoon catamarans and the slightly more luxurious models from  Fountaine Pajot shipyard. Weekly prices of 42 ft are from 4,500 up to 9,300€. Slightly larger catamarans are from 50ft, and price is from 7,000€ up to 16,000€ per week. The price always depends on the term, size and equipment of the ship.

Rental prices for sailboats are more affordable and cheaper in the pre-season (May) or sub-season (September – October). In May you can rent a 30ft sailboat( 2 cabins) for about 1,000€ and in the heart of the season this model will cost about 2,800€. Prices for sailboats in range of 51ft (5 cab) are from 3,900€-7,900€ . Special models of sailboat , such as ownered Oceanis 62 yacht  can cost up to  20,000€ in the heart of the season .  With that model you will be surely noticed at  sea. .

10 tips for family sailing in Croatia

1. Hire a skipper, a neutral person and book a special cabin for him to have privacy.  A new person on board can bring you a new dimension of family relationships because they will involve your teenager in helping  on the boat. You will be surprised that your teenager can  listen and be helpful . Local skippers know all trends, restaurants, hidden ports and sea secrets, so you can relax.
2. The engagement of a hostess can be ordered additionally . This is the person who will help  to skipper and cook 2 meals a day. Be sure to provide one free  cabin for her.
3. Choose routes and moorings in small places . In the evening, your five-year-old will be able to ride a bike or choose an ice-cream.
4. Supply the boat with food because you will want to prepare something to eat, it is known that all food on the boat  becomes sweeter and the appetite grows.
5. Bring masks and fins, books, ….if you are  in lonely bay children will get creative  and find interest ( especially if WIFI is not available)
6. Rent an outboard engine .Dinghy is usually part of standard equipment but without an outboard engine. We are sure you will like it to have with you.
7. Let the children decide where and what to see in the new place.  Children knows how to discover summer cinemas, minigolf courses, canoeing, bicycle
8. Enjoy an active vacation, raise your sails, involve your crew…
9. Don’t carry too many things on board .  Large suitcases on wheels are not desirable on board .
10. Enjoy, swim and share your photos with us on our social media, we’re happy to see you enjoying your time in Croatia

Family sailing destinations in Croatia

Those who are for the first time in Croatia  probably would like to visit places  that are most advertised. It is important to know that everything you are about to visit will be a special experience. You should have your route but subject to change in accordance with weather conditions. Maybe even the port where you wanted to go is busy and there is no available moorings place, When you realise that changes are possible your stay at sea will be more relaxed.

In this blog we will list for you just a few places that might be interesting for mooring your sailboat. There are still countless options for planning, special if you can stay on board more than a week.  Our team in the office can always suggest you a route or you can check them out in our previous blogs.

Northern Adriatic

The Brijuni Islands – this archipelago is just over seven square kilometers and is located in the northwestern part of the Adriatic near Pula. The climate  has always been milder here that s why the Austrian industrialist Paul Kupelwieser built a fashionable summer and health resort. Since 1954 Brijuni has become the summer resort of Yugoslav  President Josip Broz Tito  who nurtured the profile of an elite island.  Lots of world statesmen, actors, singers and other celebrities visit these islands every year .

Susak – sandy, sunny, remote and scarcely populated. No cars. Distance from Pomer (Pula) is 22.5NM…the same as from charming Porer lighthouse. This island truly is an oasis and a place to visit if you are seeking some spiritual peace and growth. If you visit during summer, you will see traditional women’s costumes as immigrants from the US organize weddings here every year.

Mali Lošinj – safe harbor and island’s center. There are two museum worth visiting (Apoxymenos). Summer theater holds famous jazz festival in summer months..

Ilovik – southmost inhabited island of Lošinj archipelago, with fishing village with the same name, inhabits around 170 today. Calm surroundings, no stress and noise. Stone houses, churches and other historic monuments will not leave you indifferent.

Rab – whole village is one big one of a kind monument. Make sure you visit all four famous church towers, during Rab summer festivities (25-27.07.) when you can take a look at medieval costumes. There a lot of legends and old folks’ tales on this island- Like the one of a stonecutter Marin, who founded the country San Marino where Rab crossbow is from.

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Cres – beaches, preserved environment and clean sea are this island’s most valuable assets. For visitors who like nature and genuine ambiance, Cres island is home to many done up, natural, big, small, stone, pebble, sandy and hidden beaches.

Pula – najveći grad na poluotoku Istra stvoren za ljubitelje kulture s bogatom poviješću i prekrasnim Amfiteatrom iz starog Rima.

Middle Adriatic

This is the most extensive and popular part of Adriatic, especially for sailing enthusiasts. Kornati islands are often part of promotional videos of Croatia. Beauty of these rugged islands is made fro those wanting peace and quiet. Rightly named one of 7 national parks, they offer countless bays for anchoring and have one of the most colorful marinas, ACI marina Piškera. Whether you are sailing from Primošten, Vodice, Biograd, Trogir or Split, you will encounter sailors and local fishermen. For those who plan to stay longer at Kornati, we suggest renting a sailboat with a generator or solar panels.

• Zlarin – Other than being a car free island with local gong from point A to point B on bikes or scooters, you can carelessly run or rollerblade along boardwalks. You should definitely explore the village and see abandoned and renewed houses from old days. Boat can be tied  at the breakwater.
• Šibenik  – is the capital of northern Dalmatia and a great starts of your sailing vacation. It is located at the mouth of Krka river into the Adriatic sea. St.Jacob’s cathedral is on the UNESCO list of historical treasures. City of Šibenik is often reffered to as Friend of the children, as it has held The international children’s festival for over 60 years. In the last few years it is also recognizable as setting for some scences from Game of thrones.
• Skradin and NP Krka – even though they are not at sea, Krka waterfalls can be easily reaches by mooring in ACI marina Skradin. During hot summer days, visiting the national park is an awesome idea. We recommend ACI marina Skradin as it is closest to Skardinski buk and Roški waterfall which are river Krka’s main attraction. Hop on a ferry and take s scenic ride around the waterfalls.

• Silba – when you come here, you are expected to do nothing only abide by easygoing way of life that is present here. Firstly, forget about city crowds, and secondly, say hi to everyone you come across, regardless of knowing them or not. And last but not least, forget about work and get lazy!
• Piškera –  safe harbor with an ACI marina that holds 150 berths and is open from March till October. Piškera island is a small and uninhabited island, that is part of Kornati archipelago. In the past, Piškera and Panitula Vela were important fising center where Venice people collected taxes on the caught fish. Of course, fishing is prohibited in National park Kornati.

A bit further south, near Split and Trogir, lies the most popular part of Adriatic for sailors. It has mostly to do with the proximity of big, inhabited islands like Brač, Hvar, Vis, and also of uninhabited islands that give you peace and quiet. Excellent restaurants, night clubs, and a great number of marinas and bouys are guaranteed to provide great family fun. Things to see:

• Split – second largest city in Croatia will delight with a marina in the center. A true Mediterranian city full of life and with an extensive offer in bars, restaurants etc. From Split, you are looking onward at all the islands.
• Hvar – is a popular nautical destination, with its own archipelago Paklinski islands where you can find the ACI marina Palmižana. Luxurious restaurants and bars make Hvar a must stop!

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• Jelsa – lies on north side of Hvar island, small village close to Vrboska and Bol on Brač island make this a great spot to stop. Lesser crowds make it even more attractive.
• Bol – on Brač island, known for its sandy beach Zlatni rat, famous Croatian motif. Beautiful spot, surf heaven, and haven for those who are after a more active holiday.
• Komiža – Vis island. Small fishing village with the most beatuful sunset. Berthing is possible at the breakwater and on buoys. From here sailing to the Blue cave or Stiniva bay is the easiest. 
• Blue Cave – Biševo island. A great spot for a tour and longer stay during quiet weather. There is always a big line to enter Blue cave, so we recommend to visit it in preseason.   

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• Vela Luka – Korčula  If you take a route from Lastovo to Vis, Vela luka is a great place to stop. Recently a new space for berthing was built.
• Proizd – a beautiful spot for swimming, a small island at the entrance of Vela Luka bay.
• Ubli – Lastovo island. The island itself is a nature park. Wherever you moor, visit pitoresque Lastovo village. It is easiest to reach from Zaklopatica bay.
• Korčula – Called little Dubrovnik, and also birthplace of Marco Polo. Beatuful stonemasonery, ACI marina and islands in front of the village guarantee very busy free time.
• Maslinica – beautiful little fishing village on island of Solta near Split and Trogir, with a beautiful little marina. It is best you reserve a spot in the marina at the Martinis Marchi marina, because everyone wants to be here the day before returning to base. 
• Milna – spacious bay of this oldes Brač village gives you option to tie your boat in one of two marinas. Usually it is full on Saturday and Thursday night, just like bouys in the nearby Bobovišća.

South Adriatic

Dubrovnik is most often the staring point, pearl of Croatian tourism, with well preserved history. New Dubrovnik airport is connected to all European bigger cities, and has a direct flight to the US. In front of Dubrvovnik you can visit beautiful Elaphiti island, Mljet National park, and Korčula and Lastovo are easily reached. This part of Adriatic hold the smallest offer of catamarans and sailboats, so during summer crowds to be in this part of the Adriatic, where the sea is at its saltiest and most blue. 7 days is enough to explore the islands, but 14 is ideal (same as the other areas). 14 days would give you a chance to do a round ttrip from Dubrovnik to Split and back, or vice versa.  

• Dubrovnik –  must visit! Take a tour around the walls of the most beautiful town in Croatia….
• Ston – small village known foe seashells and salt mine which was of great importance for the old Dubornvik Republic. As in Dubrovnik, take a walk around town walls, as they are 2^nd largest preserved walls in the world!

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• Suđurađ – is a small fishing village on Sipan island, easy to moor on the breakway. A few NM away is Lopud island with a gorgeous sandy beach, open to west winds. 
• Saplunara – Bay on the southeast side of Mljet island with beautiful sandy neaches (Limoni).
• Polače – Bay in the National Mljet where you can anchor, from there it is easy to reach beautiful salty lakes in the National Park itself.
• Korčula – Picturesque little stone town with an archipelago worth visiting (Badija island, Vrnik island)… 
• Lumbarda – Near Korčula village, known for its sandy beach. You need to call ahead for a berth, and you can order a taxi to visit Korčula. 

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• Zaklopatica – Small beautiful bay on the north side of the Lastovo island

You want to try something new and exciting and give your family a true sensation of chartering a yacht, sailing in Croatia? But you don’t know anything about Croatia, where to go, which boat to rent… You are in the right place to get an answer; contact us for all the questions you might have…