Croatian Sailing Guide 2026

Planning a weekly yacht charter in Croatia for the 2026 season? While Croatia’s entry into the Schengen Area and adoption of the Euro have streamlined travel, (and driven up the prices) ,they have also paved the way for stricter environmental protections and updated maritime safety regulations (SSVO). For charter guests renting a boat, understanding which licenses are required, which fees you must pay yourself, and how to navigate the new anchoring boundaries is crucial to enjoying a seamless holiday on the Adriatic.

Mooring and Safety Rules (SSVO 2026)

To protect marine ecosystems, improve safety around swimming areas, and manage heavy summer traffic, Croatia has updated its maritime safety rules under the SSVO regulations. For standard charter yachts and catamarans, especially vessels under 15 metres, the most relevant rules are the following:

Distance from organised swimming areas:
Vessels under 15 metres must keep at least 50 metres away from the outer boundary of a marked organised swimming area. Larger vessels must keep a greater distance: 100 metres for vessels from 15 to under 30 metres, and 300 metres for vessels of 30 metres or more.

Distance from natural bathing areas:
Anchoring is prohibited within 150 metres of the shore of an officially designated natural bathing area. This does not automatically mean every quiet cove or beach, but skippers should check local restrictions, official nautical publications, and notices from the harbour authorities before anchoring.

Shore mooring and the 70 metre rule:
Traditional stern-to-shore mooring is still allowed in Croatia, but the setup must respect the SSVO distance rule and must not obstruct navigation or create a safety risk. Under the 2026 update, the coastal anchoring and mooring zone is extended from 50 to 70 metres. In practice, this means that when a yacht is moored to the shore, the relevant distance is measured from the shoreline to the point on the sea surface where the anchor chain or rope enters the water.

This is especially important in narrow coves, where long stern-to-shore setups can take up a large part of the bay and reduce the number of boats that can safely moor overnight. Skippers should also make sure that shorelines do not block other vessels and are not tied to trees or vegetation.

Mooring lines and vegetation:
Mooring lines and anchor chains must be properly marked and must not obstruct other vessels. Tying lines in a way that damages coastal vegetation is prohibited, so do not tie to trees or coastal pines. Use suitable rocks, fixed shore rings, or other permitted mooring points where available.

Tender boat limitations:
Tenders and dinghies registered as part of your charter yacht’s equipment may normally be used within 500 metres of the mothership. The main exception is when they are used to transfer people or supplies between the yacht and the nearest place of mooring, or between an anchorage and the port to which that anchorage belongs.

Marina fees in Croatia

Daily mooring fees in Croatia depend on the season, the prestige of the location, and the width of your yacht. Catamarans are subject to a 50% to 100% surcharge due to their double-width beam.

Below is an up-to-date directory of high-season daily rates (July–August) for a standard 12-meter (approx. 40 ft) charter sailboat and cat :

Alternative Mooring Options in Croatia

Buoy Fields: Overnight stays on concession-managed buoy fields (common in spots like Kaprije, Unije, or Ravnik) typically range from €45 to €75 per night. Services such as showers and shore power are not available on buoys, and fees are usually collected in cash.
The "Konoba-Buoy" Strategy: Many bay restaurants (especially in the Kornati islands or remote bays on Šolta and Vis) offer free use of their private mooring buoys or piers. The condition is that your entire crew must dine at their establishment. During July and August, these spots must be booked 2 to 3 days in advance.

National and Nature Park Yacht Entry Fees

Croatia's natural highlights are strictly protected, and entering their waters on a charter yacht requires a dedicated vessel ticket. For standard weekly charter yachts falling in the 11.00 m to 17.99 m (approx. 36 to 58 ft) category, buying your ticket online at least one day in advance yields discounts of up to 50% compared to buying from rangers inside the park.

You can purchase official tickets in advance via the central Parkovi Hrvatske Official Webshop or through the nautical platform mySea.

National Park Kornati
- Pre-purchased Online (High Season, Jun-Sep): €95.00 | Buy via Official Kornati Webshop or Parkovi Hrvatske Portal
- Purchased inside the Park: €190.00 (Double the price)
- Inclusions: 1-day navigation and overnight anchoring within the 89-island archipelago.
National Park Mljet
- Pre-purchased Online (High Season, Jun-Sep): €90.00 | Buy via Parkovi Hrvatske Central Webshop
- Purchased at the Park Office: €100.00
- Inclusions: Overnight mooring/anchoring in Polače or Pomena bay, visitor insurance, and a return boat ticket to the historical St. Mary Islet.
Nature Park Telašćica (Dugi Otok)
- Pre-purchased Online (High Season, Jun-Sep): €40.00 | Buy via Official Telašćica Webshop
- Purchased inside the Park: €80.00 (Double the price)
- Inclusions: Access to the massive natural bay, overnight buoy mooring, and hiking to the Salt Lake Mir and the vertical "Grpašćak" cliffs.
Nature Park Lastovo Archipelago
- Pre-purchased Online (High Season, Jun-Sep): €19.00 | Buy via Parkovi Hrvatske Central Webshop
- Purchased inside the Park: €23.00
- Note: Unlike other parks, the park ticket does not cover mooring fees on town quays or concession buoys on Lastovo (e.g., in Zaklopatica or Pasadur)—these must be paid separately.

Yacht rental in Croatia

Local Anchorage Tips from Jasmin

One of the best ways to discover Croatia’s hidden gem anchorages is through local knowledge. Our Croatian skipper, Jasmin Jaklin, has shared insider tips on some of his favourite bays. Below, we detail six notable anchorages – what to expect in terms of wind protection, anchoring technique, and general recommendations for each:

1. Taršće (Hvar Island, Pakleni Archipelago)

Check it on the map here

Taršće (on Sv. Klement island just off Hvar town) is a picturesque cove with turquoise water and a sandy bottom. It’s a popular day-stop for tour boats and yachties, so space can be tight.

Pakleni or Paklinski, islands with all their amazing bays and incredible shades of blue and emerald colors — Taršče bay is in the middle

Holding: Good in sand (with some patches of seagrass) – your anchor should grip well.

Protection: The bay is well-protected from most winds, especially if you tuck in by the western shore, which buffers the afternoon westerly breeze. However, it lies open to southerly winds, so avoid Taršće if a strong jugo (south wind) is forecast.

Anchoring tips: It’s highly recommended to use shorelines here. Drop your anchor in 5–10 m, then take a stern line to a rock or tree. This not only prevents swinging in a tight anchorage but is practically necessary given the number of boats that pack in (especially in July–August). Arrive early in peak season to snag a good spot – by late afternoon, most day-trip boats leave, and you can reposition for an overnight stay in greater peace. There are no shops in the bay, but you can call over a roaming provisions boat for fresh bread or fruit (expect a bit of markup). Also, note that anchoring fees may be collected in season (some nearby Pakleni bays have private buoys or fees), but Taršće itself currently remains free if you anchor.

2. Modri Bok (Kornati Islands)

Check it on the map here

Modri Bok is a beautiful bay on the west side of Kornat Island in the Kornati National Park. True to its name (“Blue Bay”), the water here is a dazzling blue against stark rocky hills.

Protection: The bay is well protected from all winds except those from the southwest. In practice, that means it’s safe in the prevailing summer NW–NE winds and the bora, but a strong SW or jugo could send swell into this cove.

Anchoring: Depths range ~2–12 m with a sandy seabed that provides excellent holding. No mooring buoys here – you’ll be anchoring on your own gear. Given the ample sand, your anchor should hold well; just avoid the few rocky patches. There are no facilities (no village or jetty in Modri Bok), which is part of its untouched charm. The nearest konoba (restaurant) is about a mile away in Vrulje bay if you’re looking to go ashore for a meal.

Tips: Because Modri Bok lies inside Kornati National Park, you’ll need a valid park ticket to stay here. Park rangers do patrol and will check permits (it’s cheaper to buy your Kornati permit online or at a marina in advance than on-site). On a calm night with clear skies, Modri Bok is magical – minimal light pollution, just a blanket of stars and the distant hum of nature.

3. Lovište (Pelješac Peninsula)

Check it on the map here

Lovište is a broad bay at the very tip of the Pelješac Peninsula (northwest end), beloved as a safe anchorage and overnight stop. It’s known as one of Pelješac’s best anchoring spots – essentially a natural harbour.

Loviste Croatia, Pljesac. Top view. — Lovište

Protection: The bay is mostly surrounded by low hills and offers good shelter from prevailing winds (the typical NW Maestral and westerlies). The NW corner of Lovište bay, in particular, is the most protected spot to drop anchor, as it tucks you away from any swell that might sneak in the entrance. Be cautious if a strong south or southeast wind is forecast – Lovište is somewhat open to the south, and a jugo can send waves into the bay (though true gales from the south are not common in summer).

Anchoring: The preferred anchorage is in ~5–7 m depth on the bottom of sand and mud that provides excellent holding. In summer, you’ll often find around 20 mooring buoys laid in parts of Lovište bay, which visiting yachts can use for a fee. These buoys (managed by the local konobas or town) save you the trouble of anchoring and offer peace of mind with regard to swinging room. If you opt to anchor instead, note that during high season local officials might charge a small anchoring fee anyway for overnight stays (approximately equivalent to mooring buoy cost).

Facilities: Lovište village is a small, relaxed hamlet with a few restaurants, cafes, and a market. You can dinghy to the village pier or beach. Many sailors love Konoba Barsa in Lovište for its fresh fish. Overall, this bay is a gem – a quiet contrast to busy Hvar – where you can enjoy a gorgeous sunset and a secure night’s sleep.

TIP: Want to know how to anchor properly? Jasmin will tell you how to do it stress-free

4. Maračol (Unije Island, Kvarner Gulf)

Check it on the map here

Maračol is a deep, secluded bay on the southeast side of Unije Island, in the Kvarner region. For those sailing between Istria/Kvarner and Dalmatia, Unije’s Maračol offers a perfect midway anchorage.

Moorings & Holding: You won’t be anchoring here in the traditional sense, because Maračol has about 50 permanent mooring buoys installed. The moorings are very secure – each buoy is anchored by multiple concrete blocks, and you tie up with bow and stern lines (a small local boatman may assist, or instructions are sometimes on the buoy). This system holds boats safely even in stronger winds.

Protection: Maračol is well enclosed and calm in most conditions, but it is exposed to strong winds from the southeast. If a heavy jugo is expected, give Maračol a miss (or be ready for a bumpy night) as waves can funnel in from that direction. In all other wind conditions (NW bura, westerlies, etc.), the bay is nicely sheltered by Unije’s hills.

Amenities: The bay itself is uninhabited (just pine trees and chirping cicadas). There’s a small pier where you can land your dinghy. From there, it’s about a 15–20 minute walk across the island to Unije village. In the village, you’ll find a couple of konobas (restaurants), a grocery store, and a post office – enough for basic provisioning or a meal ashore. Some mooring fee collectors offer a tractor shuttle for crew who don’t want to trek on foot.

Note: The mooring fee is payable in cash (around €30-40 for a 12 m yacht, varying by season). Given the tranquillity and sunset views here, most find it well worth it. Maračol is a nature-lover’s anchorage – expect very clear water (great for an evening swim off the boat) and almost total silence at night.

5. Sakarun (Dugi Otok)

Check it on the map here

Sakarun (often spelt Saharun) is a famous bay on Dugi Otok island, known for its white-sand beach and vivid turquoise shallows that rival the Caribbean. It’s a must-visit if you cruise the Zadar region, though in high season it can be busy.

Aerial view of the Sakarun beach on Dugi otok, Croatia — Sakarun bay

Anchoring/Mooring: In recent years, to protect the seabed, almost the entire bay has been filled with mooring buoys, and free anchoring space is very limited. You’ll find around 60 buoys here, typically at a rate of a few euros per metre of your boat’s length. Picking up a buoy is the way to go (anchoring is officially discouraged or restricted within the buoy field). The moorings are in sand patches of 5–10 m depth, and they hold well.

Protection: Sakarun is large and open to the northwest, so it’s well protected from bura (NE) and southerly winds, but a strong NW wind or swell can make it uncomfortable. In summer, the typical afternoon NW breeze might send a light chop in, but generally overnight it calms down. The big caution is southerly Jugo winds – if a south wind picks up, Sakarun actually loses its protection (since the bay’s entrance faces NW, a south wind doesn’t directly hit the bay, but jugo swells wrap around Dugi Otok). In fact, local advice is that when jugo blows, head to the nearby Pantera Bay on the opposite side of the island, which is safer in south winds.

On Shore: Sakarun’s beach is backed by pine trees and has two small seasonal beach bars (great for a cocktail or ice cream in the afternoon). There are no villages or shops right at the bay – the nearest town (Božava) is a few kilometres away (in summer, a little tourist train runs from Božava to the beach). This bay is part of a marine reserve area, so there may be a fee for the buoy (around 40-60€ for a 12 m boat). Despite the cost and popularity, an overnight here is magical – by evening, most day-trippers leave and you’ll have the glowing plankton and starlight largely to yourself.

6. Stončica (Vis Island)

Stončica is a lovely anchorage on the northeast tip of Vis Island, distinguishable by its historic lighthouse on the point. The bay is long, narrow, and reaches deep inland, ending in a shallow sandy beach.

Lighthouse Stoncica on island Vis, Croatia. — Lighthouse Stoncica

Protection: Stončica is extremely well protected from winds except for the Bora (strong NE wind). With high hills around, you’re safe from westerlies and southerlies here. But if a heavy NE Bora is forecast, Stončica’s entrance faces that direction, so it can become dangerous – in such cases Vis town harbour would be a better refuge. In normal summer conditions, however, Stončica is tranquil.

Anchoring technique: The bay has a sandy bottom, about 6–7 m deep in mid-bay, but the sand layer can be thin in spots, so anchors might drag if not set well. Make sure to dig the anchor in firmly. It’s common practice to drop anchor in ~5–7 m and then take a stern line to shore in Stončica. This secures your boat from swinging and also lets more boats share the cove. The recommended area is the south side of the bay (left side as you enter), where depths of 5–15 m and sand patches make for the best holding. Once you’re set, you can swim or dinghy further in – at the head of the bay is a small sandy beach with Konoba Stončica, a quaint family-run restaurant under palm trees. They serve delicious grilled fish and peka dishes; it’s popular so sometimes reserve by phone if you plan to dine (Tel. +385 91 251 2262).

The water in Stončica bay is crystal clear, great for snorkelling around your boat. After a meal or in the morning, consider a short hike to the Stončica lighthouse on the point – it’s an active lighthouse and offers a beautiful panoramic view. Overall, Stončica is a favourite “quiet night” stop for those exploring Vis, offering a perfect mix of shelter, a bit of shore hospitality, and natural beauty. Just beware of the persistent local donkey who might bray from shore in the early morning – a true Vis island wake-up call!

Which licence do you need to charter in Croatia?

When booking a bareboat charter (sailing without a professional skipper), the charter company and local harbor master require physical proof of competence during Saturday check-in. Digital copies or smartphone scans are strictly rejected.

Key Qualifications Required:

Skipper License: Your license must be issued or officially validated by the Croatian Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure. Commonly accepted certificates include the Croatian Boat Skipper Category B, national ICC (International Certificate of Competence), and ASA 104 (Bareboat Cruising). Note for UK sailors: The RYA Day Skipper certificate typically requires an accompanying ICC to be legally valid in Croatian waters.
VHF Radio Operator Certificate: At least one person on board must hold a valid VHF radio license (e.g., Short Range Certificate - SRC) to ensure emergency communication capability.
Official Crew List: This list contains names, dates of birth, and passport numbers for all passengers and must be verified by the charter company in the state system before departure.