The Republic of Croatia is situated on the Adriatic Sea east of Italy. Slovenia and Hungary lie to the north, to the northeast is Serbia, and to the east is Bosnia-Herzegovina.
A Dubrovnik sailing itinerary takes you to the stunningly beautiful turquoise waters of Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, its shoreline indented with coves and bays, marked with rugged peninsulas, and bejeweled with large and small islands just offshore (see Dubrovnik maps). A typical 7-day Dubrovnik itinerary centers on sailing to the islands of Mljet, Korcula, and Sipan, the largest of the Elafiti Islands northwest of Dubrovnik. These cruising grounds have a wonderful variety of harbors ranging from traditional fishing villages where the pace of life is slow to ports with larger towns full of history and charm. The uninhabited islets are remote and dramatic, supporting abundant wildlife. Swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing at pristine beaches, exploring fascinating archaeological sites, browsing in market bazaars, and dining in restaurants serving delicious local cuisine are among the many pleasures of sailing in these family friendly waters.
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Dubrovnik to Okuklje Bay – 20 nm. Your Dubrovnik itinerary began the previous day, on Saturday afternoon, when you arrived at the Moorings base in Mokosica to check in you received your pre-cruise chart briefing. Now that you’ve enjoyed a restful night aboard, it’s time to head out onto the shimmering Adriatic Sea to sail among the breathtaking Dalmatian Islands. Your first stop is scenic Okuklje Bay on the eastern end of Mljet Island, due west of Dubrovnik. There are two excellent anchorages ideal for day stops on your way – Saplunara Cove and Podskolj. Okuklje Bay is protected from all winds and has a small village with a few restaurants. Mljet is a remarkably beautiful island, mostly forested and undeveloped.
Okuklje Bay to the Islet of Pomestak (Pomena) – 12 nm. Set sail westward for a voyage along the north coast of Mljet and admire the forests and hills while the shimmering blue of the Adriatic surrounds your graceful yacht. Along the way, you can stop in Sobra Bay, the island’s main harbor. The swimming is good in the northwest part of the bay, and farther down the coast you’ll find Polace Bay. The islet of Moracnik at the bay’s entrance is scenic and a wonderful day anchorage. Continuing on around the western end of Mljet takes you to the town of Pomena. It’s very popular because of its close proximity to Mljet National Park (a must-see destination). The best anchorage is off the Islet of Pomestak. You can also sometimes find a berth at the pier in front of the hotel at Pomena.
Islet of Pomestak to Korcula Island – 14 nm. Sailing northwest in the open waters separating Mljet Island and Korcula Island is relaxing as you trim for a close reach and let your yacht glide through the smooth seas of the Adriatic. Off the bow is the Peljesac Peninsula, a rugged stretch of land on the Dalmatian Coast. Soon you are closing with Korcula and its vast array of coves and harbors. Day stops worthy of consideration are Przina Cove with its pretty sandy beach surrounded by a vineyard, and the Islet of Badija. Once you arrive at Korcula Town, you can enjoy a first-class marina and all the attractions at this centuries-old and beautiful port.
Korcula Island to Polace Bay – 14 nm. Your Dubrovnik sailing itinerary takes you on a journey to the southeast, stopping at Polace Bay, on the west end of Mljet Island. The bay is scenic and sheltered, and offers dockage, room to anchor in front of palace ruins, and moorings off several pleasant waterfront restaurants. Going ashore to explore is a delightful way to spend a late afternoon and early evening.
Polace Bay to Sipan Island – 21 nm. The next leg of your Dubrovnik itinerary takes you southeast once again, leaving beautiful Mljet Island behind as you head to the Elafiti isles, a sub-group of the Dalmatians. Only 3 of the 13 islands are inhabited, and all of them are stunningly beautiful. The wealthy families of Dubrovnik considered the Elafiti Islands a prime vacation spot centuries ago, and it is still a popular tourist destination with great beaches for swimming and snorkeling. Elafiti is derived from the Greek word elafos, meaning deer. As one story goes, these islands were home to many deer in ancient times, but no one really knows for sure.
Sipan Island to Dubrovnik – 15 nm. The last full day of your Dubrovnik sailing itinerary continues your voyage to the southeast among the Elafiti isles and along the mainland coast. The scene inspires the imagination as you consider all the history of this part of the Adriatic Sea. As the balmy wind fills the sails of your yacht, you will find yourself reveling in the special charm that can only be found in Croatia. Arriving back at the Moorings base in Mokosica by 5:00 P.M., you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy a sumptuous dinner at one of the restaurants near the marina, a fitting end to a leisurely foray into one of the best cruising grounds on Earth.
Final Morning
After a restful night aboard, disembark from your yacht at 8:00 A.M. and prepare for your flight home. Alternatively, you could take several days to visit the cosmopolitan and historic city of Dubrovnik. Excursions from the Moorings base are available to Dubrovnik and the nearby port city of Split, as well as to other intriguing sites, including the magnificent ancient Roman ruins of Solin.
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