Popular with Charter Sailboaters and Packed with Surprises
The city of Split has long been the mainland hub for access to these popular offshore islands. The largest of them, Brac, Hvar and Korcula are destinations in their own right for the modern tourist, as is the fascinating fortress city of Dubrovnic. Add to that numerous smaller islands that let the sailor get away from the crowds, scenery that is idyllic and villagers who offer the warmest hospitality, and you will discover that this is one of the Mediterranean's best boat charter zones.
The Southern Dalmatian Island group stretches some 100 miles along the coast south of Split, and your charter can take you all the way to Dubrovnic. Along the way, you will discover large towns and small hamlets that have been established for many centuries, all with their distinctive architecture and culture. Around every corner there is something new to investigate.
This is a holiday about meeting the people and enjoying their hospitality while fossicking around the settlements and taking time to experience the natural spots in between. That is what sailboat cruising in Croatia is all about.
We always value client feedback on our sailing destinations, none more so than in the many and varied islands of Croatia, where it would take several lifetimes to explore them all! Here's a favoured spot we were delighted to add to our list recently.
Favourite mooring was on Scedro Island off south coast of Hvar. Mooring buoy in cove in front of Tavern Kod Ive. Tranquil, rustic, beautiful with man in skiff selling local wines and taking orders for fresh croissants from Hvar bakery which he delivered by skiff the next morning. Paul, New Zealand, October 2024.
Croatia has a considerable marina infrastructure and all the facilities to go with it. It's a well-organised place to sail, and you will be looked after by the friendly locals. With so many marinas to chose from, your itinerary, particularly here in southern parts, can be more scripted than on a charter in Greek and Turkish waters. Marina stays add an additional cost, but they are always optional, with plenty of casual anchorages also available along the many miles of indented and island coastline.
Recommended itinerary was excellent. Favourite places visited were Komiza, Vis and Vbroska. Hvar was very busy. Service before and after charter were very good. David, New Zealand, July 2023
The three distinct charter regions of Croatia each has its own characteristics, and they are quite contrasting in many ways. Depending what you are looking for in a sailing holiday, one or other may suit you more, and we can help guide you to the best parts for you. Let us sort through the many options you have available, starting with our preferred suppliers, people who we know look after their fleet and our clients well. We will then present you with a personalised proposal for a Croatian boat charter you will never forget.
We particularly enjoyed visiting Star Grad (Hvar) and Pocisca (Brac). In hindsight we wished we had visited more of these smaller towns. We also very much enjoyed anchoring in little coves and swimming off the boat. Derek, Australia, July 2024
Click the Reviews tab above for full feedback from clients on return from sailing holidays with us in the Adriatic Sea.
Banner photo of boats in Split Harbour by Håkon Grimstad on Unsplash
Our client reviews about charter sailing in Croatia
Rating: 5 / 5Ultra's 2024 Fountaine Pajot Elba 45 was the ideal catamaran for our party of 4 couples plus a skipper. Excellent living spaces and upper deck lounging areas, well-equipped galley with outdoor barbecue plus good sized cabins each with their own shower and toilet. Even with 9 people on board there were plenty of places to go for quiet time. The galley layout was well thought out for food preparation and cooking plus two fridges and one freezer made the whole eating on board experience a very enjoyable one.
We loved having the use of the tender to explore our various anchorages and the two paddle boards we took as an extra were a great addition to the charter. Initially we had thought to skipper the boat ourselves but decided to pay extra for a local skipper and it was a great decision. Not only did we all get to enjoy the charter equally but Marijan's local knowledge of quiet anchorages and moorings, weather patterns and dealing with marina authorities was invaluable. He was a superb addition to our charter and we would highly recommend anyone chartering for the first time to use a skipper.
Highlights of the destination:
Favourite mooring was on Scedro Island off south coast of Hvar. Mooring buoy in cove in front of Tavern Kod Ive. Tranquil, rustic, beautiful with man in skiff selling local wines and taking orders for fresh croissants from Hvar bakery which he delivered by skiff the next morning.
Borova, Prezba Island (north west of Lastovo) where we anchored with stern lines tied to the rocks. Isolated, crystal clear waters for swimming and paddle boards.
Komiza, Vis - mooring buoy in the harbour in front of village of Komiza. Beautiful village to explore on foot, fresh fish from local fishmonger.
Exceptional service! Sail Connections had been highly recommended by friends who had used their services previously. Robert's vast experience and recommendations on what boat would best suit our needs, tips on a proposed itinerary, practicalities of skippering and provisioning the boat plus explaining the terms and conditions of the contract was invaluable. Thank you to Brian and Sue for their excellent service dealing with the finer details of the contract, plus liaising with the charter company on our behalf.
Paul, New Zealand, Oct 3rd, 2024
Rating: 5 / 5The boat (Fountaine Pajot Saba 50 - crewed) was perfect for our needs. Maintained well.
Vis island (was a hignlight -) day trip on scooters visiting cliff beach, town and winery.
(Your service was) great. Very knowledgeable and good recommendations for us being first timer on a charter.
Daniel, Australia, Sep 25th, 2024
Rating: 5 / 5The boat was excellent. Beautifully maintained great public spaces for our group.
We particularly enjoyed visiting Star Grad and Pocisca. In hindsight we wished we had visited more of these smaller towns. We also very much enjoyed anchoring in little coves and swimming off the boat.
The Captain's “excursions” to masonry school, beach bar and the deer were all enjoyable.
The service. On the boat was impeccable, Susan in particular did a mighty job.
Derek, Australia, Sep 13th, 2024
Rating: 5 / 5The Wave was wonderful! We had 3 couples and the skipper so we each had a berth. We cooked several meals in the kitchen and kept a fresh mint and basil plant in the the window! Our skipper and my husband are both sailors so we sailed the boat as much as the wind and time would allow and very much enjoyed that. Of course the black water issue is not great, but we managed.
All the islands along the coast of Croatia are worth checking out. We had 2 weeks to explore the beautiful towns and coves and recommend hitting the towns during the day to sightsee and pick up supplies then find a quiet cove to anchor for the night. Split was very crowded and might have been better visited in the fall after the cruise ships taper off.
Sail Connections' service was really great! We felt guided through the process, of which we knew nothing about before. We were met in Slano by Cristina, who was so good to help us. Our skipper was excellent even tho we had a bit of a language barrier, He was careful, fun, and joined us on all of our excursions and was willing to explore and find places he had never been. Joyce, USA, Aug 17th, 2019
Excellent internal layout for cruising, spacious living area, opening rear panel made for al-fresco living, closed only when in port, for security. The old cities of Dubrovnik and Trogir and Split with their history and achitecture, the beautiful anchorages in secluded bays, the clear warm water for swimming, the island walks. Your service was very good. Keyran, Australia, Jul 31st, 2016
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