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Croatia Yacht Charter

If you like cruising, Croatia and it’s wonderful archipelago is a must. A spectacular archipelago with ample of culture, history and beauty.

The Croatian coast, including islands, cliffs and reefs, is 5.835 km long. There are 1.185 island, islets and reefs in the Adriatic Sea, so it is not strange that it is known as a land of “Thousand Islands”. Each of the islands has its own particular story and place in history. Croatia covers an area of great diversity and it is a place of rare beauty. What makes Croatian people proud is the untouchable nature protected in numerous nature reserves and eight national parks (Islands Brijuni, Kornati and Mljet, River Krka, Plitvice Lakes, Paklenica canyon, Risnjak wooded mountain massive and north part of the mountain massive Velebit).

For more general information of Croatia visit:
Croatian National Tourist board 

Cruise Croatia on a Luxury Yacht

Motor Yachts

Motor Yacht

For 7 days and 7 nights, party and experience the famous floating festival in Croatia aboard one of our motor yachts. Choose the best Croatia yacht charter itinerary for a sailing experience unlike any other. You’re guaranteed to keep coming back for more and join the annual event.

SAILING YACHTS

SAILING YACHTS

Live life to the fullest when you book our sailing yachts for a Croatia cruise. From sunup to sundown, sail through serene seas, explore hidden coves you’ll find along the way, and party hard where the party is. With our yachts available for worldwide charters, sail Croatia & beyond.

SAILING CATAMARANS

SAILING CATAMARANS

Croatia yacht charter is best and most pleasurably done aboard sailing catamarans that offer plenty of room for a big party. Whether small or big, our catamarans will cater to your needs and cravings for a sailing adventure on your next holiday with family, friends, and colleagues.

POWER CATAMARAN

POWER CATAMARAN

Enjoy a comfortable Croatia cruise aboard a power catamaran. Sail through serene waters. Explore what this part of the world has to offer on land and on the waters. Power through the Croatian Adriatic Coastline and treat yourself to the beauty and wonder of the land of “Thousand Islands”.

Cruising the Croatian coastline

From the island on Krk in the north just south of the Istria peninsula, via the Kornati National Park, the coastal cities of Šibenik, Trogir and Split; the inland waterways of the Krka National Park; the islands of Brač, Hvar, Vis and Bisevo; Korkula & Mljet National park to the walled medieval city of Dubrovnik and a thousand islands in-between it is hard to find more interesting cruising grounds.

Krk

Located in the Bay of Kvarner south of Rijeka you will find the island of Krk. It is the largest Adriatic island, with an area of 406 km2 and has been inhabited since Neolithic (New Stone Age) days.

Liburnians, Romans, Croatian Counts and Kings, Venetians, Austrians as well as Italians and Germans have all played a part of the islands history prior to becoming part of Yugoslavia and later part of the Republic of Croatia.

croatia-townofkrk

The city of Krk is located on the southwest coast of the island and one of the oldest cities in the Adriatic Sea. Even today you can see Roman ruins and medieval fortifications, including the Frankopan Castle close to the Kamplin park.

For more information of Krk go :
The Islands of Krk

Kornati National Park

The Kornati archipelago consists of 140 uninhabited islands, islets and reefs of which 89 is part of the Kornati National Park. Often referred to a nautical paradise, the islands have an impressive contrast between bare, almost desert like land and a rich underwater fauna.

The Kornati National Park is one of the Croatia’s eight national parks. It includes the islands of Donji Kornati (Lower Kornati), the other half of the Kornati Archipelago. The other half is the Gornji Kornati (Upper Kornati) group of islands.

Sailing to and around the Kornati National Park

Whether it’s the Kornati National Park you want to see and/or the rest of the archipelago, a sailing yacht charter in Croatia is undoubtedly the most spectacular way to get there. Many Croatian yacht charter itineraries include a trip around the Kornati islands, with a stopover at the Telašćica nature park on Dugi Otok island, if you so desire.

If you are sailing from Zadar or Šibenik, the trip will normally take 3 to 4 hours. By motor yacht or performance sailor it can be quicker.

Except for some zones of strict protection  (such as the areas around Purara islet, Volić & Klint reefs, the Kolobučar, Small Obručan & Great Obručan and the Mrtenjak islets), you can practically sail anywhere around the national park in Kornati. 

I you wish to spend the night in the Koronati, the yacht can be moored at designated bays, such as Stiniva,  Lučica, Strižnja, Ravni Žakan or Koromašna.

Alternatively smaller yachts can stay at ACI Marina Piškera, a marina located in the narrow channel between Piškera and Panitula islands, at ACI Marina Žut, located at Žut Island’s NE coast or at Dugi Otok at the port of Sali.

When to book a yacht charter to the Kornati Islands

The high season, between July and August, is a popular period so it is advised to book your Croatian yacht charter well in advance. It does not matter if you require a yacht for 12 people or more, making a reservation early on will work to your advantage.

For more information and images of Kornati National Park go:
National Park of Kornati

Šibenik

Morning cruise in Croatia

Located in the center of the Croatian Adriatic Coastline the city of Šibenik sits sheltered in the bay where the river Krka enter the sea. The picturesque welcoming city is a place to visit for your yacht charter cruise.

Šibenik is today is the administrative, political, economic, social and cultural centre of the County of Šibenik and Knin which extends along the 100 kilometre long coastline between the Zadar and Split Rivieras, extending up to 45 kilometres into the hinterland area, at the bottom of Dinara mountain. The area has 242 islands, islets and above-sea reefs. Most of these are in the north-western part of Šibenik’s waters and are bare and sparsely inhabited. The most numerous group of islands are the Kornati, widely known for their bizarre shapes and splendid natural beauty.

For more information of the city and region of Sibenik go:
Šibenik Tourism
UNESCO – The Cathedral of St James in Šibenik

Krka National Park

Inland following the waterways northeast of Sibenik you find The Krka River and The Krka National Park. It has an area of outstanding natural beauty boasts countless inter-connected lakes and waterfalls with the opportunity of short boat tours or walks around the many bridges and footpaths. The Franciscan monastery of Visovac located in the middle of one of the lakes makes a picturesque daytrip from Šibenik to explore with the yacht or with the tender.

krka river

Sailing to the Krka National Park

Like most Croatian National Parks, getting to Krka National Park to take a dip in its waterfalls and enjoy the view of its lush vegetation is best accessed from the water by yacht or tender. Getting there is definitely a sailing adventure in itself.

What makes this national park different is that it is located slightly further from the coast. This effectively extends your experience of yachting in Croatia. From Šibenik, the park is 10km away and stretches along the Krka River.

krkafalls

With several waterfalls on offer, including a collection of 17 waterfalls that is the spectacular Skradinski buk.

Since yacht charters are customized to your preferences, you can stop and wander through the river towns and villages.

Trogir

Trogir

Trogir is a city that usually is visited “casually” and the main impression after a first visit is: How is possible that a place of similar beauty isn’t on the top of promotion of Croatia as well as Dubrovnik? Trogir is a wonderful old city surrounded by the sea, with stone covered streets and buildings with characteristic white color are unique and unforgettable.

Old Trogir is an UNESCO heritage from 1997. It is situated on island between the coast and island Ciovo (connected with a bridge). The major part of old town is protected by the walls and on the southern part there is a beautiful shore with palms. Except of Cathedral and fascinating portal of Master Radovan, it is possible to see a lot of historical buildings as Kamerlengo and St. Marco castle, North and South City Door, St. Nicholas tower, Cipiko palace, many churches and monasteries.

After important historical monuments there are a countless quantity of anonymous old house with old family’s stems above the doors, fascinate architectonic details lost in some corner or court with old stone well.

Cathedral Trogir

The main city square with Cathedral is particularly charming, but it is also an unique feeling to take a walk on a sunshine shore (riva) or get lose yourself inside of narrow streets of old town. Island Ciovo in some sense is a “Trogir’s beach” where the Trogir’s medieval nobles used to build the villas.

For more information of Trogir go:

Visit Trogir
Dalmatia – Trogir
UNESCO – Historic City of Trogir

Split

splitSplit is the second largest town in the Republic of Croatia and an urban, cultural and traffic centre Dalmatia.  With an international airport serving all major European cities it is a natural starting or finishing port for you yacht charter cruise.  The Split Rivera is rich in natural beauty, culture and historical heritage.

The city had early settlement of a Greek colony and later home to the roman emperor Diocletian who founded the 300 m² Diocletian Palace in the third century. It became a prominent settlement around 650 when it succeeded the ancient capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia, Salona.  The fortified Diocletian Palace was later settled by Roman refugees before Split became a Byzantine city.
 
Starigrad Splitsko Dalmatinska Croatia
 
In the years to come several authorities came and went, from Croatian Kings in the 10th century, through the Hungarian and Venetian administration, French rulers and the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. In the 20th century Split was transferred from the kingdom of Yugoslavia, during the Second World War with Italian and German occupation to the Socialist Yugoslavia and since 1991 a free and independent Republic of Croatia, a member of the European Union.
 
Listed in UNESCO’s  heritage list is the ruins of Diocletian’s Palace, built between the late 3rd and the early 4th centuries A.D., can be found throughout the city. The cathedral was built in the Middle Ages, reusing materials from the ancient mausoleum. 
 
Something fun and a little different to explore is The Museum of Senses and The Museum of Illusions.  Interactive elements,  holograms, create optical illusions and encourages individuals to revive and activate their senses. What you perceive will be challenged, it is fun and educational.  
 
For more information go: 
 
 

Brač

With just short of 400 km² the Island of Brač is the third largest island in the Adriatic and the largest island in the Region of Dalmatia. The island was possibly named after a deer – brenthos in Illyrian, a cult animal of Illyrian tribes who inhabited the island.

Brač is rich in cultural and historic heritage, unique culinary treats, beautiful beaches and bays, crystal blue sea, friendly hospitality and a unique island with an unspoiled natural environment.

The coastal town of Supetar is the urban centre on the island and as such it represents an administrative, cultural and a tourist centre.
 
15 minutes south from Supetar, the islands ‘capital’ on the north coast of the island, you will find the Kopačina cave.   Archaeological findings have been dated to the 12th millennium BC and are some of the oldest traces of human habitation in Croatia.
 
The island is known for its fishing and agricultural products with locals producing good wine, olive oil, figs, nectarines and other fruits. However, the main export is, and has been from ancient times, the famous Brač stone. The islands quarries (composed primarily of limestone and dolomite) have been a source of stone for decorative stonework for centuries. Many famous buildings in the world have been built using the Brač stone, even the White House in Washington D.C. as well the more local Diocletian’s Palace in Split and the cathedral in Trogir.Bol

For more information of Brač go:
Split & Dalmatia County Tourist Board – Island of  Brač
Split & Dalmatia County Tourist Board – Supetar

Brac

Hvar

Marina Stari Grad
Marina Stari Grad

Hvar lies south of Brač and is the longest island in the Adriatic. It has a mild climate and abundant subtropical vegetation you will find vineyards, olive groves and lavender in multitude.

coast of Hvar with sailing yachtsThe city of Hvar is located on the west coast of the island and is the island’s hub and busiest city. From the bar and restaurant clad port you have the large town square – St Stephen’s Square – with marbled stones and just a quick walk pass the square you will find the open market with fresh fruits and vegetables and the local speciality cheeses.

For more information of Hvar go:
Croatia National Tourist Board – Hvar

Vis

VisVis, a beautiful island surrounded of limpid waters and a protected submarine world rich with sunken ships and magic marine images that has been hidden for years. Vis is the most westerly of the larger Croatian islands and the oldest established town in Dalmatia, founded in 397 B.C. by the ruler of Sicily, Dionysus. In World War II, Vis was major base for British troops and there is a British military cemetery on the island. After 1945, Vis was closed to tourism by the Yugoslav army and only reopened when Croatia declared its independence in 1990.

Some of the most exclusive wines in Croatia are produced there, such as Plavac and Vugava.

Sailing in and around Vis

From Split, you will reach the island of Vis in a couple of hours. From there, it will be a magical sailing experience through and through. Charter a luxury yacht and you can practically sail through the many natural wonders of Vis and the Croatian Archipelago.

Komiža Port and Veli Budihovac

Komiža Port sits behind the high breakwater that was reconstructed in 1996 and providing shelter from any troublesome waves of the Komiža Bay. Anchor at the lagoon on Budihovac offers an idyllic overnight stay. 

For more information of Vis go:
Croatian National Tourist Board – Vis

Bisevo

Island of BisevoSouthwest of Vis is the island of Bisevo, of an area of 6 square kilometers. There are many caves in ‘chiseled’ into the steep coasts, among which ‘Modra Spilja’ / Blue Cave of Bisevo stands out with an above-sea level and below-sea level entrance. When the sea is calm the light rays that shine into the cave break in such a way against the walls that the objects and people inside it are covered in blue and those in the water a silvery colour. The best time to visit is between 9am and 1pm, depending on the season. Only small boats can enter the cave, including a yacht tender.

At the port of Biševo

Porat, as it is locally called, is a bay on the islet of Biševo. During good weather conditions, smaller yachts can drop anchor and stay overnight. The sandy bay is open to the south-western wind, making it the perfect spot for some relaxation.

For more information go:
Croatia National Tourist Board – Biševo

Korkula

KorkulaKorcula contains many monuments dating from its days under Venetian rule and was the home of famed traveler Marco Polo. His house may be visited – though little remains but his garden and a staircase to the tower from which he is presumed to have gazed out on the world and deemed it a place to explore. For anyone wanting to follow Marco Polo’s footsteps, the explorer’s birthplace is near the almost 700-year-old Saint Peter’s Church, another popular sightseeing destination.

An interesting feature in Korcula’s is the manner in which its streets were re-built in the thirteenth century. Most of the lanes run west to east in order to block out the northeastern Bora, a cold and powerful wind that at times stirs up the Adriatic while allowing the gentle Mistral breezes from another direction to air-condition the town.

On the island of Korcula, exploration is more than a pastime, it is heritage.

Shipbuilding and stonecutting played vital roles in Korcula’s economy for centuries. Pine forests provided the raw materials for ships, and ships provided transportation for Korcula’s stone, which was once well known throughout Europe and used in many palaces. Korcula’s heritage comes alive in a traditional dance that has been performed for more than four centuries. The Moreska sword dance depicts the battle of two kings and their armies for the love of a beautiful girl.

For more information go:
Croatia National Tourist Board – Korkula

Mljet National Park

mljetMljet is situated only 17 miles from Korcula’s. It is a green paradise, unique in the Mediterranean. Because of its extraordinary beauty, this part of the island was proclaimed a national park in 1960.

As a consequence of the rising sea level, two beautiful salt lakes were created on the island: Veliko and Malo Jezero, which are surrounded by luxuriant pine and oak woods. 

Mljet National Park will not disappoint lovers of cultural heritage, there are many archaeological sites and ancestral heritage that exudes the old island settlements. Benedictine monastery located in one of the most beautiful locations in this area, the island of Sv. Mary in the Great Lake, is the most visited landmark of the National Park.

mljetprosura

For images and information of Mljet go:
Mljet National Park
Croatian National Tourist Board – Mljet

Dubrovnik

Jewel of the Dalmatian coast, girded in 9th century walls that rise cheerily from the water’s edge, Dubrovnik is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe and miraculously escaped serious damage in the recent war. Within the ancient fortifications is a labyrinth of alleyways and a striking Renaissance boulevard called the ‘Stradun.’ Dubrovnik is not only beautiful, it is an architectural marvel. This medieval walled city is over 1,000 years old and virtually untouched by the modern world. Dubrovnik has been listed as a city-monument on the UNESCO cultural heritage register. Particular sights of interest include the oldest pharmacy in Europe, located in the Friars Minor monastery (1317).

Dubrovnik Sailing

A Croatian yacht charter is incomplete without sailing to the most renowned tourist site Dubrovnik. How far and how long you sail, whether a half a day, a full day, or 3 days, will depend on the places you want to visit and explore.  

A half day tour will take you to 1 or 2 islands of your choice, especially if you hire a sailing boat for your private use. Explore every destination at your leisure.

A full day will give you enough time to visit 3 islands, hopping from Kolocep to other Elafiti Islands. A local crew will know just how to time your trip right to ensure you get the most out of every place you visit.

What is even better is that if you feel the need to be more hands-on while yachting in Croatia, the crew will show you the ropes.

How about that 3-day, 2-night yacht charter?

Depending on your itinerary, your trip will start from Split and ends in Dubrovnik and passing by the mainland town of Makarska and the Mljet National Park. Of course, with a Croatia yacht charter, you can customize your trip accordingly. So if you want to visit Brac, Hvar, or Korcula instead, it can be arranged.

Berthing Options

Dubrovnik has the ACI-operated Marina Dubrovnik that is located south of the river inlet of Rijeka Dubrovacka. Yachts measuring up to 75m in depth and up to 5m can take a spot at any of the marina’s 425 berths. Foreign yachts must first check in at the Gruz commercial harbor before berthing.

When clearing in, however, yachts must berth at the customs quay. South of the customs quay, there are berths with laid moorings. They offer a great berthing spot because of their proximity to the old town. But due to passing traffic, mooring in this area is the least comfortable.

For more information of Dubrovnik go:
UNESCO – Old City of Dubrovnik

Book a Croatia yacht charter

Sail along the Croatian Adriatic Coastline, hop from one of the 140 uninhabited islands of the Kornati archipelago, discover The Krka National Park if you follow the waterways northeast of Sibenik, and enjoy so much more with a Croatia yacht charter.

Use this form for the ultimate Croatia yacht charter itinerary where you get to call the shots and choose where to go to at your most convenient. Stay onboard and it will be just as exciting. Sailing there is half the fun, after all.

The islands of Croatia have plenty to offer, but make time to visit the city of Hvar, the island Vis, and the green paradise of Mijet. Each place serves up something unique.

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Cruise the Adriatic and East Mediterranean
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May we suggest a yacht charter where you pick-up your yacht in Croatia and cruise the superb archipelago before entering Montenegro and finish the charter in Kotor.

For any yacht charter or yachting enquiry please do not hesitate to contact us:

Nicholson Yacht Charter & Services
Antigua: +1 268 460 1530
GSM: +1 268 720 6750
yachts@nicholsoncharters.com
Stanley's Tavern, English Harbour, Antigua & Barbuda, West Indies