Sailing in Croatia is a holiday like no other! The freedom of changing the island / and port every and each day is what makes this holiday so different than the others. On board your own private yacht you can find and enjoy the most hidden and untouched beautiful bays and spots in Croatia. Turquoise blue/green water, warm sea, a light breeze and your day is set to be perfect!
Sailing around the islands in Croatia on board your private yacht, with flexible itinerary is what makes it so interesting. There are some basic itineraries for sailing Croatia that we have prepared for you. Non of the itineraries is fixed, and all of them can be modified by your own preferences. In accordance to weather conditions, you can change your itinerary on the spot with your skipper directly. All of our skippers are local professionals with the knowledge to take you to true hidden gems of Croatia. Your skipper is also your guide, with the information about land tours, best wineries in the area, amazing local restaurants with free moorings etc.
Before diving into the costs, it’s important to understand the different types of mooring available in Croatia:
Marinas
Croatia has numerous marinas offering a full range of services, including water, electricity, Wi-Fi, and sometimes even fuel, showers, and restaurants. Marinas are typically the most secure option for mooring but also tend to be the most expensive. Prices depend on the location, facilities, and the time of year.
Harbours and Ports
Smaller towns and villages along the Croatian coast have public harbors where you can moor for a relatively low cost, though services may be limited. These harbors are usually a good option if you're exploring smaller destinations away from the bustling larger cities.
Mooring fees in Croatia vary by location, time of year, and the size of your vessel. Here’s an overview of the factors that influence pricing:
Location
Coastal regions like Split, Dubrovnik, and Zadar, as well as popular island destinations like Hvar, Brač, and Korčula, tend to have higher mooring fees due to their popularity with tourists. Expect to pay more in these busy areas, especially during the peak summer months of July and August.
In contrast, quieter areas like Vis, Lastovo, or the northern parts of the Istrian peninsula may offer lower fees, particularly if you're willing to visit less-visited locations.
Seasonality
The sailing season in Croatia is divided into two main periods:
High Season (June to September): This is when the majority of tourists flock to Croatia, and mooring fees are at their peak. During this period, fees can range from €30 to €80 per night for a standard mooring in a marina, depending on your boat's length. Premium spots and marinas with additional amenities can cost even more.
Low Season (April to May and October to November): Prices drop significantly during the off-season, with fees often halving or even being discounted by up to 50%. This is a great time for those looking for a more affordable and peaceful sailing experience.
Size of Your Vessel
Mooring fees are generally based on the length of your boat. For example, a 10-meter sailboat might incur a fee of around €40-€60 per night in a marina, while a larger 15-meter catamaran could cost anywhere from €70 to €120 per night, or more, depending on the marina and its location. Some marinas may also charge extra for facilities like water, electricity, or waste disposal.
Mooring Buoy Fees
Mooring buoys typically range from €10 to €40 per night, depending on the area and the season. These prices are usually lower than marina fees, but keep in mind that they don’t offer all the amenities you might find in a marina.
While mooring fees in Croatia can add up quickly, there are several ways to keep costs down during your sailing trip:
Book in Advance
Especially during high season, it’s wise to book your moorings ahead of time to secure the best rates and ensure availability. Many marinas offer online booking platforms, and several apps (like "Navionis" or "Navily") allow you to reserve your spot in advance.
Stay in Smaller Harbors
While larger marinas might offer more amenities, smaller harbors or public ports can be more affordable. These options might not have all the bells and whistles, but they often offer a more authentic Croatian experience at a fraction of the price.
Utilize Buoys and Anchorages
Save money by opting for mooring buoys or anchoring in natural bays. Just make sure you're anchoring in safe, well-marked areas, and be mindful of local regulations regarding anchoring to protect marine life and habitats.
Off-Season Sailing
If your schedule allows, consider sailing in the shoulder seasons of spring or fall. This not only offers you lower mooring fees but also gives you a chance to enjoy quieter, less crowded destinations.
Mooring buoys (estimated 50-120 Euro per night, 1.6 x for catamaran) offer seclusion and privacy. Marinas (80-200 euro per night, 1.6 x for catamaran) have cafes, restaurants, showers & toilet facilities along with shore power and fresh-water refills for the yacht. In our experience a mixture of the all options gives the best balance through the week for most groups.
Mooring buoys & Marinas The hypothetical most expensive route is calculated in a way that the boat is docked every night in high season. The realistic sailing route includes three nights docked, two on a buoy and one on an anchor. Prices show standard one-week sailing route.
