Nautical tourism
The Adriatic Sea, one of the most peaceful and transparent of the Mediterranean, is the very place for sailing under full sail, for a motorboat cruise ships or for simply enjoying the recreational fishing by boat.
Through 6278 km Croatia’s coastline offers an exciting challenge of 1244 islands, islets, rocks and reefs with thousands of wet and dry berths available all year, modern marinas with yatchs to hire and professional sailing courses to attend. Hop from island to island in the Kornati archipelago mooring in bays or natural shelters, enjoy the underwater fishing in Pakleni Otoci, visit the famous lighthouse of Palagruza, the most remote Croatian island and moor at the amazing Elaphiti Islands.
In the Labyrinth of Beauty
Have you had the chance to sail the Croatian coast or are you already a regular visitor who comes back every year?
There is no question that Croatia is one of the leaders in international nautical tourism, however what aspect of the diverse nautical offer will suit your tastes is up to you.
The Croatian coast is so popular because, apart from natural wonders it offers diverse entertainment which aims to please each and every guest.
Sustainable Nautical Tourism in Croatia: Sailing That Protects the Adriatic Sea
Discover sustainable nautical tourism in Croatia – sail the Adriatic responsibly, safely, and with respect for the sea.
The crystal-clear, blue Adriatic Sea, with more than a thousand islands and endless horizons, is the dream of every sailor. But today, the luxury of sailing is not only about freedom and privacy, but also about responsibility toward the sea and sustainable cruising along the Adriatic.
Safely enjoy the beauty of Croatian bays
To spend time in uninhabited bays of the Croatian Adriatic is to experience the beauty that our islands and coast offer in their original sense.
Anchor your boat in the same places where thousands of years ago Illyrian ships and Roman galleys used to tie their boats and enjoy the equally clean ambient in one of the rare corners of the Mediterranean still untouched by civilization. Thanks to boaters’ requests, the most sheltered bays are nowadays equipped with mooring buoys, which will let you sleep soundly, while protecting the seabed and being much cheaper than harbour. Making such a compromise means that the most beautiful bays are slowly becoming mini-harbours, where you will spend time close to your neighbours.
Important Service Information for Boaters
Explore
With a nautical season stretching from the end of March all the way to November, Croatia offers ideal sailing conditions almost year-round.
Before you set sail is good to know the different winds you might find: the north-easterly and dry cold Bora, the southerly and humid Jugo, the beloved and constant Mistral, the north-easterly Burin at night or the sudden violent Nevera. Explore an endless blue of possibilities from the charming town of Cavtat and the mysterious Lokrum Island in Dubrovnik, Vela Luka on Korčula, Hvar and Vis, and all the way to Lošinj and Istria. Discover hidden bays and beaches, find a berth and taste the Mediterranean lifestyle at ports and marinas or sleep peacefully under a blanket of stars... Croatia by sea is a refreshing adventure!
Popular routes
Šibenik as the Starting Point of Nautical Paradise
Near the town of Šibenik, located at the mouth of the river Krka, numerous islands can be found, the biggest of which are Zlarin, Prvić, Kakan, Kaprije and Žirje.
Sail the Beautiful Adriatic from Dubrovnik to Split
It is not easy to choose the most popular part of the Croatian coast. This task is all the more difficult because of the rich offer for sailors along the entire Croatian coast - each cove can be your private bit of heaven.
Sail to the Beat of the Sea Organ
Zadar, a city made famous for its Sea Organ and Sun Salutation, is the ideal starting point for exploring the numerous island gems of the “green” waters around it.
The Sweet Spot of the Adriatic
The routes from Zadar lead either to the Kornati National Park or or a bit further north passing the breathtaking part of the Croatian Adriatic, all the way to the Kvarner islands.
Istria – a Sailor's Dream
Istria is a peninsula full of surprises, whose multifaceted history and cultural and natural riches can easily entertain even the most demanding tourists and enthusiasts, including sailors approaching from the sea.
Kvarner – Entertainment for Sailors
The special microclimate of this place, characterised by calm seas and a lot of sunshine, will make sailors stay moored longer at this beautiful tourist town. The surrounding Kvarner sea is best known for the islands Krk, Cres, Rab and Pag, so in good weather conditions do sail towards the eastern shores of these islands, getting to know the surreal power of nature reflected in their northern shores shaped by the strong winter wind (bora).
Šibenik as the Starting Point of Nautical Paradise
Near the town of Šibenik, located at the mouth of the river Krka, numerous islands can be found, the biggest of which are Zlarin, Prvić, Kakan, Kaprije and Žirje.
Sail the Beautiful Adriatic from Dubrovnik to Split
It is not easy to choose the most popular part of the Croatian coast. This task is all the more difficult because of the rich offer for sailors along the entire Croatian coast - each cove can be your private bit of heaven.
Sail to the Beat of the Sea Organ
Zadar, a city made famous for its Sea Organ and Sun Salutation, is the ideal starting point for exploring the numerous island gems of the “green” waters around it.
The Sweet Spot of the Adriatic
The routes from Zadar lead either to the Kornati National Park or or a bit further north passing the breathtaking part of the Croatian Adriatic, all the way to the Kvarner islands.
Istria – a Sailor's Dream
Istria is a peninsula full of surprises, whose multifaceted history and cultural and natural riches can easily entertain even the most demanding tourists and enthusiasts, including sailors approaching from the sea.
Kvarner – Entertainment for Sailors
The special microclimate of this place, characterised by calm seas and a lot of sunshine, will make sailors stay moored longer at this beautiful tourist town. The surrounding Kvarner sea is best known for the islands Krk, Cres, Rab and Pag, so in good weather conditions do sail towards the eastern shores of these islands, getting to know the surreal power of nature reflected in their northern shores shaped by the strong winter wind (bora).
Šibenik as the Starting Point of Nautical Paradise
Near the town of Šibenik, located at the mouth of the river Krka, numerous islands can be found, the biggest of which are Zlarin, Prvić, Kakan, Kaprije and Žirje.
Sail the Beautiful Adriatic from Dubrovnik to Split
It is not easy to choose the most popular part of the Croatian coast. This task is all the more difficult because of the rich offer for sailors along the entire Croatian coast - each cove can be your private bit of heaven.
Escape Reality at Magical Weekend Attractions
If you have a vessel available at your disposal in one of the Croatian marinas, the ideal way to start the season or prolong it is to spend an additional weekend at sea.
This romantic and/or fun getaway from the busy big city lifestyle can be planned at the last minute, and the touch of nature and charm of island towns will reward you with a fantastic experience. The spring sunset or quiet autumn morning will fill you with positive energy as if you have been at sea for much longer than two days. Even though there are countless ways to enjoy yourself on the Croatian seas, here we bring you five suggestions which we hope will inspire you to go in search of some fun at sea.
Sea adventures for the youngest
An unforgettable sailing vacation with happy children
Sailing the most beautiful sea in the world with your children Sounds attractive?
Family sailing on the Adriatic is a dream vacation for every boater. There is almost no other summer activity, which is a fun and learning experience and at the same time an adventure filled with laughter, as sailing on a boat. The deck is a great place to learn new skills such as the types of rope and knots, the names of winds or beautiful Croatian islands and making new friends while moored or docked in a port. Parents should remember some practical advice when planning a sea adventure. And then onto great fun and a vacation to remember.
Nautical Croatia - Full of islands
Planning to sail in Croatia? The Nautical Brochure brings you inspiration, advice, and trusted recommendations for an unforgettable Adriatic experience. Discover the best routes, safe harbors, and hidden coves, learn about the winds, and enjoy the sea in all its shades – from early spring to late autumn. Explore the brochure and plan a unique nautical journey.
Nautical Croatia
Explore
Adrenaline entertainment that will bring a smile to your face
Riding a jet ski is a very popular adrenaline adventure, which you can experience while sailing the Adriatic. It is a great pastime for boaters, while their boat is docked in one of the countless ports, on the docks of century old towns or carelessly floating in picturesque coves in one of the many islands.
Enjoy the Mediterranean Diet
Renting Vessels for Leisure and Sports in Croatia
Visitors from all over the world come to the Croatian Adriatic coast, and naturally many of them opt to rent various types of vessels for leisure.
Rental types depend on various factors such as the number of persons involved, the budget, voyage duration and navigation area, but regardless of the charter-party type, an excellent and diverse choice of vessels for rent are on offer which will allow you to truly enjoy the Croatian seas. Numerous agencies offer a wide range of vessels for rent, and they are generally divided into unmanned vessels and crewed vessels.
Pick your marina
See more
Be a Movie Star for a Day
Experience some movie magic
Have you always dreamed of becoming a powerful Jedi for a day, catching a glimpse of the clan wars in the Game of Thrones world, or singing one of ABBA’s timeless classics?
How about Robin Hood and his band of outlaws or an expedition to the Arctic? You can experience all of these in Croatia. Plan your sailing route according to these movie hits and be the star of the Adriatic.
Winds
Boaters in Croatia most often sail when the bora, sirocco and maestral are blowing, but they need to be familiar with the rarer winds, which can be unpleasant and dangerous.
Shipbuilding in Croatia: From war giants to modern sailing ships
More than 6000 square meters of whitesails were proudly spread recently on a 162 m long sailing ship, as they sailed across the Split water area, providing the world a stellar display of Croatian shipbuilding tradition.
_lg_6402.jpg)
Toys for Big Boys
Sailing the Adriatic is the perfect way to spend your holiday regardless of the type or size of your boat. The indented Croatian coastline offers numerous sheltered coves and beautiful ports, so you can visit them all in a small boat, a nice sailboat, or a large yacht. A popular opinion among boaters is that larger boats do not offer the same opportunity to experience nature the way small boats do.
Traditional boats of the Croatian Adriatic
Did you know that a piece of ceramics, claimed by scientists to be the oldest depiction of a ship in Europe (3500 BC), can be found right here in the Adriatic, or more precisely, in Grabac Cave on Hvar Island.
Let us help your stay
Best of upcoming Events
Rally Show Santa Domenica
11/20/2026 to 11/22/2026
Greatest and most visited rally show event in this part of Europe. It is adored event by both the drivers and spectators due to possibility of simple and accessible following of impressive drives thanks to ideal location.
Christmas Magic of lights by Salaj
11/27/2026 to 1/10/2027
GrabovnicaAll Christmas stories are romantic and educational, especially if you are a guest of the Salaj family in Grabovnica.
Advent in Zagreb
11/28/2026 to 1/7/2027
The sound of bells, the scent of mulled wine, lights dancing to the rhythm of winter — it all comes together to create the magic of the city.
Rijeka Carnival
1/17/2027 to 2/10/2027
We are eagerly waiting for January when the holiday decorations give way to carnival ribbons marking the beginning of the Rijeka Carnival. 17 January, i.e. the day of St. Anthony, traditionally marks the beginning of the fifth season, which ends on Ash Wednesday, when Pust will pay with his life for all the evils of the past year - because heads will roll!