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Why charter in Croatia?

Marinas for yacht charter guests in Croatia

April 21, 2024

16 minute read

There are many reasons why Croatia is considered to be a paradise for yacht enthusiasts and charter lovers. Travelers who visited tell stories of beautiful nature, incredibly-clean sea, hospitable locals, a rich and diverse culture and long history, all wrapped in a package containing more than 1000 islands and isles. It is also true that Croatia has one of the most indented coastlines in the world, together with an enjoyable Mediterranean climate and excellent sailing conditions. But this would all be impossible to experience from a deck of a chartered yacht if it was not for the excellent maritime support system in Croatia.

Croatia has paid significant attention to the development and strengthening of the many ports, harbours, anchorages and marinas, supplying the promenade of numerous coastal towns with plenty of berths, alongside electrical and water installations, for yacht and charter guests to enjoy.

Croatia has developed a vast network of exclusive and high-end marinas, to provide versatility and choice for numerous charter guests who delightedly come to Croatia, year after year.

This marina network contains over 55 marinas, all intertwined and connected by numerous organisations, with the main branch being the Associations of Croatian Marinas or ACI.

Yacht Charter in Brač ACI marinas

With never-ending work being put into expanding the current occupancy limit, yacht marinas in Croatia grow each year, either by the number of wet or dry docks at their disposal or by the number of services they provide, like luxury dining, charter services, yacht support, spas, bars, apartments and other similar services.

Marinas and ACI marinas in Croatia for yacht charter guests

The overall capacity of marinas (including berths and anchorages), ports and harbours in Croatia is expected to grow well over 60, 000 over the next few years, which only means that the yachting community is here to stay in Croatia.

The timing is perfect for this, because more and more marinas are being awarded the Blue Flag, an international certificate that guarantees a high level of eco-awareness, preserving the surrounding coastal, sea and seabed areas.

The entire stretch of the Croatian coastline is littered with marins, from the Istrian peninsula, all the way down to Dubrovnik. The majority of marinas in Croatia are located near or directly in larger coastal settlements, either on the mainland or one of numerous islands.

Yacht charter in Pula
Yacht charter in Pula – Photo credit to @aci_marinas

The leading nautical tourism organisation in Croatia is the Adriatic Croatia Internationa or ACI for short. ACI Marinas all abide by the highest of nautical standards, while also providing extra services to their members or clients of their specific marinas, constantly increasing the range of their luxury offer.

All in all, there are 22 ACI marinas in the Croatian Adriatic Sea, which are also ideal for those charter guests who are looking to take part in or just enjoying viewing the numerous sailing regattas that take place in Croatia over the summer, organised by many different yachting clubs.

The yachting clubs can usually be found in pair with ACI marinas, making them an unavoidable pair for charter guests on their yacht holiday in Croatia.

The best ACI marinas in Croatia

Marinas in Kvarner

ACI operates five marina facilities in Kvarner, with ACI Opatija and ACI Cres accommodating superyachts up to 50 metres. ACI Opatija is situated in the town of Ičići, offering superyacht berthing in some of the best anchorage grounds for yachts up to 40 metres, across 281 berths.

Yacht charter in Opatija
Yacht charter in Opatija – Photo credit to @visitopatija

ACI Cres is a large marina, set at the centre of one of the largest and sparsest Adriatic islands of the same name. The facility has 461 in-water berths for yachts and superyachts up to 50 metres LOA.

ACI Rab is a seasonal marina on Rab Island, operating 142 secure marina berths and supporting amenities between 1st April to 31st October every year.
Set in the west of Pag Island at the entrance to Dalmatia, ACI Šumuni is the last marina in Kvarner, with 191 berths and 55 dry berths.

Besides ACI marinas in the Kvarner region, Marina Punat on Krk Island is widely regarded as one of the most popular marinas in Croatia, Marina Punat is conveniently located in a sheltered bay on the southwestern coast of Krk Island.

Yacht charter on Krk
Yacht charter on Krk – Photo credit to @timotej

This marina offers 800 berths (up to 80 meters), with a maximum draft of 6 meters, making it suitable for a wide range of yachts. Due to its central location, Marina Punat provides easy access to other popular sailing destinations in the northern Adriatic, including Cres, Lošinj, and the Istrian peninsula.

Marinas in Istria

Some of the best ports in Croatia are the ports in Istria, located in a region famous worldwide. Docked at the harbours in Istria, you can admire astonishing landscapes.

Here, you can indulge in the beauty of the Adriatic Sea while you sunbathe, practice water sports, explore the rich local cuisine or visit charming towns such as Pula, Rovinj, Poreč, Motovun or Vrsar.

ACI operates four marinas in Istria in northern Croatia, with three able to accommodate super and megayachts up to 70 metres LOA.
Umag is the first nautical entry port into Croatia from central Europe, and home to ACI Marina Umag with a total of 475 wet berths for superyachts up to 40 metres LOA.

ACI Rovinj is situated in a Croatian fishing port on the west coast of the Istrian peninsula. On its reopening in 2018, it will be able to accommodate superyachts up to 60 metres LOA, offering 192 berths.

Yacht charter in Rovinj
The city of Rovinj – Photo credit to @croatiatravelinfo

ACI Pula is set at the heart of a historic natural harbour, offering 194 berths for vessels up to 25 metres LOA.

Marinas in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Croatia. Surrounded by ancient city walls and boasting a charming old town, Dubrovnik is a perfect choice for sightseeing.

The ports in Dubrovnik provide some of the most modern berths in Croatia. freedom yacht charter exterior

Motor Yacht Freedom Approaching Dubrovnik PortACI Marina Dubrovnik is located right at the doorstep of the UNESCO-listed city of Dubrovnik, this award-winning marina seamlessly blends luxury with breathtaking scenery.

With a capacity of 500 berths (up to 45 meters for daily berths), ACI Marina Dubrovnik offers comprehensive facilities, including currency exchange, restaurants, a swimming pool, and even an on-site golf course. The marina’s prime location allows you to explore the magnificent walls of Dubrovnik and its rich history, before setting sail towards the Elafiti Islands.

Marinas in Šibenik

The county of Šibenik-Knin is located on the coast of the central part of the region Dalmatia. This area is sailors’ favorite due to its numerous islands and islets.

The ports in Šibenik are strategically located near major tourist attractions. There are several medieval towns with fortresses in this area, such as Šibenik which has UNESCO-protected sites.

prewi yacht charter cruising near sibenik
Prewi yacht charter cruising near Šibenik

The harbours in Šibenik are a good example of the top treatment provided by marinas in Croatia. Among the favourite marinas near Šibenik, we can mention Marina Frapa, Marina Kremik, Marina Hramina, Marina Tribunj, Marina Betina, ACI Marina Vodice, ACI Marina Skradin, D-Marin Mandalina Šibenik, ACI Marina Piškera, ACI Marina Jezera, ACI Marina Žut.

Yachting royalty will feel right at home in D-Marin Mandalina Šibenik, the only marina in Croatia designed specifically for superyachts. Situated near the Šibenik archipelago, this prestigious marina boasts the highest standards of service and offers a dedicated crew to cater to your every need. D-Marin Mandalina can accommodate 440 berths, with a maximum length of 90 meters, ensuring ample space for even the largest vessels.

Marinas in Split – Dalmatia

ACI operates 13 marinas in Dalmatia and some of the top harbours in Croatia are the marinas in Split. This is one of the most reputable tourist areas on the coast of Croatia.

The number of berth booking facilities here is quite reasonable. You can find several harbors and marinas in Split in all the major focal points of the region.

ACI Marina Skradin is set in central Adriatic, and is a favourite with wooden boats due to the site’s rare combination of salt and fresh water. It offers 180 berths for megayachts up to 70 metres LOA.

ACI Trogir is set on the island of Čiovo, with 174 wet berths and 35 dry berths available to visiting yachts.

ACI Split is a superyacht marina, set in the most beautiful part of the city’s port. Boasting excellent protection from rough seas and southerly winds, its 318 wet berths accommodate yachts up to 60 metres LOA.

seven sins yacht charter anchored
Seven Sins yacht charter anchored on the Split riva

Set on the west of the island of Brač, ACI Milna is set within a charming bay harbour that’s sheltered from all winds, making it one of the safest bays for charters during the summer season. It has 183 wet berths and 15 dry berths for visiting yachts.

ACI Palmižana is  set on Hvar, in one of the safest bays in the Adriatic, making it the perfect retreat for those who wish to escape busy city life. As such, it is a seasonal marina, with 180 berths open from 1st April to 31st October each year.

ACI Marina Korčula is set right next to the historic centre of the medieval town of Korčula, offering 159 wet berths and 16 dry berths for superyachts up to 40 metres LOA.

Marinas in Zadar

Zadar is also a hot spot for sailors and one of the places you can find top-quality harbours in Croatia. Zadar is a cosmopolitan city with a rich heritage. The famous Kornati National Park, which boasts 147 unique islands is located in the close proximity of Zadar. Here, you can explore numerous caves, cliffs, hidden coves, wildlife settings and ancient Roman ruins

andiamo yacht charter near zadar
Andiamo Yacht Charter Cruising near Zadar Promenade

The ports in Zadar won’t let you down. The amenities of the Harbors in Zadar are generous and the prices are affordable. Some of the marinas in Zadar are Dalmacija Marina, Marina Kornati, Marina Sali, Marina Veli Rat, Marina Veli Iz, ACI Marina Šimuni, D-Marin Borik, Sangulin Marina, Marina Olive Island, Zadar Marina, Marina Preko.

SuperYachts Croatian presents the best marinas for yacht charter guests in Croatia

No matter your yachting style or preferences, Croatia has a marina to suit your needs. From luxurious retreats to charming villages and secluded bays, we offer a starting point for creating an unforgettable yachting itinerary along Croatia’s magnificent coastline.

When choosing a marina, it’s important to consider the size of your yacht, its draft (depth required to safely float), and desired amenities. Rest assured, that your local SuperYachts Croatia broker will handle all the arrangements, like contacting the marina directly for real-time information on available berths and any necessary reservations.

schatzi yacht charter starboard side view
Motor Yacht Schatzi Berthed in the Marina – Starboard Side View

Croatia’s stunning coastline is a dream destination for yacht charters. With over 1,000 islands and islets scattered across the Adriatic Sea, there’s an abundance of sheltered bays and charming towns to explore.

For guests to be able to explore the indented Croatian coastline, a network of marinas has been built, each one strategically positioned and offering easy access to popular sailing destinations, whilst boasting excellent facilities to ensure a comfortable and unforgettable yachting holiday.