The Istrian Peninsula itself offers an appealing mix of experiences. Historic towns such as Pula, Rovinj and Poreč combine Roman ruins, Venetian architecture and vibrant waterfront life. Excellent restaurants, local wineries, bustling markets and lively evening entertainment ensure there is always plenty to enjoy ashore.
While this part of Croatia does not host the large concentration of charter fleets found further south, there are several excellent local operators with quality yachts and catamarans available. Through our network of trusted partners, we can source the ideal boat for your itinerary, and where necessary arrange relocations to create the sailing holiday you have in mind.
A practical seven-day charter from Pula allows time to explore Istria's beautiful coastal towns before venturing into the Kvarner Gulf and the Lošinj island group. The combination of historic ports, spectacular scenery, sheltered anchorages and authentic island life creates a sailing experience that feels worlds away from the crowded Mediterranean hotspots.
If seeking a different side of Croatia—one rich in culture, history and natural beauty—Istria and the northern Adriatic offer one of the most rewarding sailing holidays in Europe.
Rating: ★★★★★We had an amazing week on Princess Rita. The Croatian sailing adventure lived up to every expectation. I can highly recommend a charter to Croatia it is so well setup for cruising. We would definitely do it again. It was easy to either anchor up, or buy an overnight spot at a marina if you planned ahead.
Robert and Sue did a great job of setting our charter up, will definitely use them again.
Ross, New Zealand, Oct 15th, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★Ultra'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: ★★★★★The 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: ★★★★★The 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: ★★★★★The 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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A peak season cabin-share sailing holiday with skipper in glorious Croatia in August. Chartering a 2020-model 47 foot sailboat for just 175€ per person per day! This is the reality aboard the Sun Loft Monocat 47: a whole new concept in group charter with friends or extended family.
For your next sailing holiday, particularly in the eastern Mediterranean but in some other surprising places as well, consider chartering a gulet. Today's gulet is now a modern charter boat built for a unique vacation experience enjoyed in complete passenger comfort and luxury living aboard.
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We will match any like-for-like discount website offer on charter boat price, while maintaining our customary high level of service.
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