Banner photo of boats in Split Harbour by Håkon Grimstad on Unsplash
Popular with Charter Sailboaters and Packed with Surprises
The city of Split has long been the mainland hub for access to the popular offshore islands. The largest of these - Brac, Hvar, and Korcula - are destinations in their own right for the modern traveler, as is the fascinating fortress city of Dubrovnik. In addition, numerous smaller islands offer sailors a chance to escape the crowds, with their idyllic scenery and warm, welcoming villagers. This is truly one of the Mediterranean's best boat charter zones.
The Southern Dalmatian Islands stretch for about 100 miles along the coast south of Split, and if you wish your charter can take you all the way to Dubrovnik. Along the way, you’ll discover large towns and small hamlets, many of which have been established for centuries, each with its own distinctive architecture and culture. Around every corner there’s something new to explore.
This holiday is all about connecting with the locals and enjoying their hospitality while wandering through settlements and taking time to experience the natural beauty in between. That’s what sailboat cruising in Croatia is all about.
We always value client feedback on our sailing destinations, especially in Croatia’s many varied islands, where it would take several lifetimes to explore them all! Here's a client favourite:
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 boasts a well-developed marina infrastructure, complete with all the facilities you need for a seamless sailing experience. It’s a well-organized destination where you’ll be well taken care of by the friendly locals. With so many marinas to choose from, your itinerary - particularly in the southern regions - can be more structured compared to charters in Greek or Turkish waters. While marina stays do incur an additional cost they are always optional, with plenty of casual anchorages available along the many miles of indented coastline and islands.
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 have their own unique characteristics that offer contrasting experiences in many ways. Depending on what you’re seeking in a sailing holiday, one region may suit you better than another, and we can help guide you to the best choice. Let us navigate through the many options available, starting with our preferred suppliers - trusted partners who take excellent care of their fleet and clients. We’ll then present you with a personalized proposal for a Croatian boat charter you’ll 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.
Why are the Dalmatian Islands considered Croatia’s classic sailing region?
The Dalmatian Islands represent the Croatia sailing experience most charterers imagine when they first start planning a holiday.
Where should I start a Dalmatian Islands charter?
Split and nearby Trogir are the most popular starting points for Dalmatian Island charters.
What are the must-visit islands in Dalmatia?
Is Hvar too busy to visit on charter?
Hvar Town can certainly be busy during peak summer, particularly throughout July and August when visiting yachts, day boats and land-based tourists all converge on the island.
Is Vis worth the extra sailing distance?
For many, Vis becomes the highlight of an entire Croatia charter.
Can we sail from Split to Dubrovnik?
Is southern Dalmatia good for quieter sailing?
Yes. While Dubrovnik itself attracts significant visitor numbers, many areas beyond the city offer a far more peaceful sailing experience.
Are the Dalmatian Islands a good choisce for first-time charterers?
The Dalmatian Islands are among the best destinations in Europe for first-time charterers who hold the appropriate qualifications and practical sailing experience.
Our client reviews about charter sailing in Croatia
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
Browse our yachts for charter in Croatia
For a personal proposal structured to meet your needs, with advice on all aspects of your sailing charter ...
Related Blog Posts
-
Gulet vs Catamaran: Which Charter Boat Is Right for You?
Compare gulets and crewed catamarans in the Mediterranean. Find the right yacht for your group, comfort level, and sailing style.
-
For Charter, the Turkish Gulet is Better than Ever
Stylish new Gulets are redefining yacht charters in Turkey and beyond, blending tradition with modern luxury for group sailing holidays.
-
Five Alternative 2020 Mediterranean Sailing Holiday Destinations
There’s more to the Mediterranean than the high-profile destinations. In 2020, why not expand your horizons, get a little off the beaten tourist path and discover some understated gems. Here are this year's five best lesser-known Mediterranean sailing holiday destinations, all well worth considering for your next voyage.
-
The Sun Loft 47 Monocat: a Game Changer for Yacht Chartering
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.
-
Charter a Gulet: Luxury Cruising in Classical Style
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.
The Sail Connections Guarantee
One contact - every option - advice you can trust - at no extra cost.
- Matching any competitive offer like for like
- Sourcing boats with discounts available
- Personalising our proposal just for you
- Qualifying the operator as well as the boat
- Advising without bias based on over 30 years' experience
We will match any like-for-like discount website offer on charter boat price, while maintaining our customary high level of service.
Get in Touch