Pula – the largest city on Croatia’s Istrian peninsula – is a popular sailing base thanks to its rich history and sheltered harbour. Here, the Roman amphitheatre (the Arena) and Venetian architecture blend with a modern marina-lined waterfront, making it an attractive jump-off point for yacht charters. Protected bays and steady Mediterranean winds around Pula favour both novice and experienced sailors. As a result, boat charter Pula and boat rental Pula options are plentiful, from simple day-hire motorboats to luxury yachts. Many visitors find that combining a sail with sightseeing – for example, cruising along the Istrian coast after exploring Pula’s old town – makes for a memorable holiday.

Pula’s accessibility also helps: it has an international airport and good road connections, so reaching the marina is easy. Several charter companies list Pula on their Croatia yacht charter routes. In fact, Pula is often cited as a more affordable alternative for yacht charter Croatia compared to the busiest Dalmatian ports. Overall, the combination of heritage, protected waters and modern facilities makes Pula a prime destination for sailing in the northern Adriatic.

Types of Boats Available in Pula

The variety of boat rental options in Pula caters to different preferences, group sizes, and sailing styles. Whether you're after a hands-on sailing experience or a more relaxed cruise, the local charter fleet has something to offer.

Sailboat charter Pula options include a wide range of monohull yachts. These sailing yachts are popular among those who enjoy traditional sailing, from smaller cruisers for couples to larger models suitable for families and sailing enthusiasts. They provide a more active experience under sail and are a common choice for weekly charters along the Istrian and Kvarner coast.

For those looking for more space and comfort, a catamaran charter Pula is worth considering. Catamarans are twin-hulled boats that offer excellent stability and roomy interiors, making them especially attractive to families or groups looking for a comfortable cruising platform. They’re also a preferred option for guests who want easier movement on deck and more privacy in cabins.

Motorboats and RIBs (rigid inflatable boats) are also widely available for boat rental Pula. These are ideal for day trips, coastal exploration, or quick island hops. Motorboat rental Pula options range from compact speedboats to larger cabin-equipped boats that can handle longer trips. They’re usually skippered and are suitable for travellers looking for flexibility and speed rather than sailing.

Larger groups or guests seeking high-end experiences might opt for luxury yacht charter Croatia options departing from Pula. These include motor yachts or traditional gulets – spacious wooden motor-sailor vessels that often come with crew. Gulets and motor yachts offer several cabins, onboard service, and are designed for relaxed cruising with amenities like air conditioning, sun decks, and onboard dining.

Charter Options: Bareboat, Skippered and Crewed

Charterers in Pula can choose different service levels. A bareboat charter Croatia means you rent the boat without crew, acting as captain yourself. In Croatia this requires that at least one person on board holds a valid skipper’s licence (such as an ICC or local equivalent). The advantage of bareboat is freedom – you decide the route and schedule. One guide notes that “those experienced in sailing can enjoy the freedom that comes with a bareboat charter in Pula”. However, an orientation is normally provided at check-in to familiarise you with the vessel.

Alternatively, many charters are skippered. In this case, you hire a professional local captain (skipper) to handle navigation. A skippered charter lets you relax and still enjoy sailing; it’s sometimes called a Croatia yacht charter with skipper. Hiring a skipper is popular with first-time sailors or groups who prefer not to worry about charts and mooring. It adds a cost for the crew but can be well worth it for peace of mind and safety.

For the highest level of service, consider a crewed charter. This includes not only a captain but usually a full crew (deckhand, chef, hostess, etc.). Crewed yachts – often large motor yachts or gulets – offer a “luxury yacht charter Croatia” experience. The crew will handle everything from cooking and cleaning to guiding your island visits. As one source explains, a crewed yacht lets you “fully relax” while the team provides gourmet meals and advice on sailing the Adriatic. In contrast, a bareboat keeps things private and independent if you prefer self-sufficiency.

Local Marinas and Docking near Pula

Pula’s waterfront is served by several marinas. ACI Marina Pula (also called Marina 21) sits in the city harbour and provides about 192 berths for yachts. The image above shows boats moored at ACI Marina Pula, with the marina’s office building in view. North of the city centre lies Marina Veruda, a very large facility with around 630 berths and full services. (Veruda Marina was redesigned for the 2010 World Sailing Championships and today offers water, electricity, WiFi and nearby restaurants.) On the northeast side of Pula Bay is Marina Polesana (also known as Marina 21’s Polesana section). This marina has about 400 berths (plus dry storage) and is right at the entrance to the Brijuni Archipelago. All these marinas cater to charter yachts, providing fueling docks, pump-out services and basic provisions on site.

Other marinas include ACI Marina Pomer (south of Veruda) with roughly 235 berths. ACI Pomer and Marina Veruda both feature modern floating docks and navigational aids. Most charter boats are based at either ACI Pula, Veruda or Polesana. Thanks to these facilities, you can usually find a convenient berth or anchorage in Pula for your boat rental. Nearby anchorages also exist; for example, the lush Brijuni Islands park (Veli Brijun Bay) offers sheltered mooring spots if you carry an anchor and fenders.

Popular Sailing Routes from Pula

From Pula, you can access many of Istria’s and Kvarner’s highlights. Just outside the harbour lie the Brijuni Islands National Park, a chain of 14 small islands famed for their scenery and wildlife. Boats easily make the short hop to Veli Brijun, where you can moor and spend a day exploring the safari park and archaeological sites. Sailing north along the coast brings you to Rovinj, an old fishermen’s town with charming alleys and a hilltop church. Rovinj is about 15 nautical miles northwest of Pula and a popular first stop on many charters. Just beyond Rovinj is Poreč, another historic town (famous for its UNESCO-listed Euphrasian Basilica) about 11 miles from Rovinj.

To the east and south of Pula, you can cruise around the Istrian peninsula: anchor at the Pebble Beach of Cape Kamenjak (8–10 miles out), or visit small coves near Medulin. Experienced sailors often plan week-long loops: one sample itinerary sails from Pula to Cape Kamenjak, onward to the islands of Lošinj and Silba, then on to Cres and even the tiny Ilovik and Unije islands, before returning to Pula. Indeed, chartering a yacht for 7 days from Pula can include stops at Brijuni, Cres, Unije and Mali Lošinj. This region’s many islands and islets mean no shortage of secluded anchorages.

Looking farther afield, Pula is also a gateway to the broader northern Adriatic and Kvarner Bay. From Pula one can sail to the larger Kvarner islands such as Rab and Krk, or even approach the Italian or Slovenian coasts (keeping in mind any border regulations). The mix of Italianate towns and lush Croatian islands gives the region a diverse character. Popular northern Adriatic destinations include the Istrian port of Umag (to the northwest) and the islands of Lošinj and Ilovik in the Adriatic Sea. In summary, charters out of Pula offer everything from day sails around local bays to extended cruises to Istria’s western coast and up into Kvarner Bay.

Along the Blue coast of West Istria - easy 7-day itinerary from Pula

Booking Your Yacht Charter in Pula

Whether you want to set sail on a pula boat hire or a luxury crewed yacht, the booking process is now mostly online. A number of charter platforms list boats available in Pula – for example, Boataround offers hundreds of sailboats, catamarans and motor yachts for Pula and nearby marinas. These sites allow you to filter by bareboat vs skippered, boat type and price. They also handle deposits and contracts, making the process more transparent.

When choosing a charter, consider the level of support you want (bareboat or with crew), the size of your group and your itinerary. The summer season (May–September) sees the best sailing weather, but also the most boats in port. Late spring and early autumn can offer quieter anchorages and lower prices. No matter which option you select, ensure you have sorted out insurance, licences and provisioning in advance.

If you want to know more, check our sailing itinerary from Pula.

Sailing yacht charter in Pula

Charter a sailing yacht and explore Pula! Prices start from 91 $ per day. Experience the authentic charm of Pula by renting one of our 221 available sailing yachts. Let the wind lead you and live the true sailing experience during your yacht charter. Sailboat rentals in Pula are most popular with groups of friends and offer the best price-comfort ratio.

Sailing yachts in Pula range from 9 to 20 m (29.5 to 65.6 feet) in length. Compared to other types of boats, sailing yachts are notably fuel-efficient and equipped with a single diesel engine.

Our fleet of monohulls in Pula includes popular brands such as Bavaria, Beneteau and Jeanneau.

These are some of the best places to rent a sailboat in Pula:

• Sailing yacht rental Marina Veruda
• Sailing yacht rental Marina Polesana
• Sailing yacht rental ACI Marina Pomer

Whether you’re an experienced sailor seeking a bareboat sailing yacht charter in Pula or a novice desiring a skippered yacht in Pula, we ensure a seamless and memorable sailing experience.