Dubrovnik Travel Information & Planning Guide

Croatia is an incredible holiday destination, boasting a vibrant and bustling culture that you’ll love from the second you set foot in the Marina!

At The Moorings, we’re committed to making your holiday as relaxing as possible, which is why we’re providing useful planning, pre-departure and travel information for you. From servicing airports to base arrival procedures, it will tell you what to expect to make your holiday smooth and carefree, so you can be lounging in the sun up on the deck of one of our yachts in no time at all.

General Travel Information for Croatia

To help you learn more about where you’ll be exploring, take a look at our Croatia fact file:

*Area: 35,134 sq. mi c
*Population: 3.85 – 3.87 million
*Capital city: Zagreb
*Currency: Euros
*People: Croat, Serb, other (including Bosniak, Hungarian, Slovene, Czech, and Roma)
*Language: Croatian, and other (including Serbian. Italian, Hungarian, Czech, Slovak, and German)
*Religion: Roman Catholic, Orthodox , other Christian, Muslim, other
*Government: Presidential/Parliamentary Democracy
*Cuisine: A diverse blend of Mediterranean and continental cuisines, characterized by meat-based dishes and sea food. A mixture of Turkish, Italian, and Austrian food is found in the Balkans due to historical influences.

Croatia is easy to travel around, whether you fly to an airport before heading to Dubrovnik Marina or take a ferry. With fantastic facilities and amenities, you’ll never be stuck or left wanting anything, whether you’re looking for a mouth watering restaurant, clothing shop or medical treatment. The best part? Croatia is renowned around the world for its friendly locals, who’ll be more than happy to share the most impressive hidden gems and must-visit places on each of the islands!

How to Get There

Airport
Dubrovnik International Airport (DBV) , also referred to as Čilipi Airport is located approximately 15.5 km from Dubrovnik city centre, near the suburb village of Čilipi.

Shuttle 
Airport shuttle service from Airport to Dubrovnik. The bus leaves about 30 minutes after every flight, from the first flight in the morning until last one in the evening – 24/7. 
https://platanus.hr/shuttle-bus/ 

Taxi:  
Taxis are available outside the terminal building. And they are also available at the ACI Marina.

Transfers
Dubrovnik Airport at Čilipi is about 25 km away from the base in the ACI Marina and the transfer takes approximately 30 minutes.

Pre-booked Transfer
Our guests can book transfers to and from the Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) with our partner, Sweet Travel online. To ensure a worry-free arrival and departure, click on the link below for more information.    
SWEET TRAVEL – DUBROVNIK CROATIA (sweet-travel.hr)

Car
If you are arriving by car from up North, take the first left immediately at the end of Dubrovnik bridge and drive up the valley for 3 km until you see the marina. The marina offers hourly, daily or weekly parking (for a fee).

Bus 
A very good bus service connects the ACI Marina with the center of Dubrovnik and the old town. It operates from early morning until 2 a.m. The bus stop is on the main road as you leave the marina. Bus No.1A or 1B (every 15 mins) to the old town. As yachts are not allowed in the old town port, this is the cheapest way of getting there.

Car Rental
Car rental companies represented at the airport include: Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz and Sixt. You should note that international driver’s licenses are not deemed valid in Croatia. Please visit Airport Dubrovnik for more information.

Boarding Time/Check Out

Boarding Time
Charters start at 3:00 p.m.

Late Arrivals
If arriving after hours, a message will be left on the front door indicating the location of your boat. The Chart Briefing and Boat Briefing will be held the following morning before departure.

Check Out Time
Charters must return to the base by 5 p.m. and disembark by 9 a.m. the following morning.

A debriefing and final walkthrough will be done upon return so please allow enough time to complete this before the charter end time. In addition to filling in forms we also require you to bundle up the dirty laundry and leave it in the saloon, empty all cupboards and fridges of food and throw away (recycling where possible), return snorkel gear to the cupboard on dock E, and ensure that the boat is handed back to The Moorings in a clean and tidy state. We reserve the right to charge for boats left less than shipshape.

Whilst waiting for the transfer you may:

• Enjoy breakfast at the restaurants in the ACI Marina area.
• Enjoy an early lunch at the restaurants in the ACI Marina area.
• Enjoy a relaxing morning by the swimming pool.
• Catch bus No. 1; 1A; 1B or a taxi to the old town. This takes around 20-30 minutes.
• Take a leisurely stroll along the river.

Please Note:

• Country entry/exit requirements are subject to change.
• Please check with your local embassy for the latest information before you leave. 
• We are not responsible for any requirement changes.

What’s on Board

Provisioning
Moorings Care packages are included on every yacht. These packages contain some of the basics to get you started for your holiday.

Coolers
Coolers are available at the base on a first come first served basis at no additional charge. Please sign these out and return them clean and undamaged otherwise you will be charged for replacement. Only one per boat.

Mobile phones & Wi-Fi
Check with your service provider for information about mobile coverage in this region. Using your own mobile phone in conjunction with a prepaid SIM card is also very popular and convenient. Internet facilities are also available in the ACI Marinas.

Music + iPods
While most of our newer boats have Bluetooth capability, we cannot guarantee all boats are fitted with this equipment. For your convenience, we highly recommend you bring an AUX line so you can listen to music from your mobile devices.

Electricity
The standard voltage on all yachts is 12 volts. Electricity in Croatia is 220 Volts, and uses the standard European 2 pin plug. In order to use electronic equipment that is 220 volts you will need an inverter suitable for use in a cigarette lighter.

What to Bring

Customs + Immigration
Entry, exit, and visa requirements depend on the locations you are departing from and travelling to. You are responsible for having the correct documents so make sure to check with the embassy of the countries you plan to visit before you travel.

Cruising Licences
Click here to view the sailing requirements in Croatia.

To charter in this destination, you’ll need a license. The requirement is (at min.) an IPC, ICC, RYA Day Skipper qualification or above, plus a VHF license. Original license/certificate must be presented upon check-in at the base. Sailing license requirements are explained further in the section Cruising Grounds / Licenses.

Luggage + Packing list
The base does offer storage facilities for your bags while waiting for your yacht, whilst you are out sailing, or while you are waiting for your transfer once your holiday has come to an end. Bags are stored at owners’ risk, The Moorings is not responsible for any loss of luggage.  

Soft-sided luggage or duffel bags (with wheels, as the quay is some distance away from the office) are best, as luggage storage space on your yacht may be limited. 

• Pack essential prescription medicine and change of clothing in a carry-on bag*
• Passport and other travel documentation
• Tickets and paper confirmations for pre-planned activities
• Light-colored, light-weight clothing
• Formal wear for upscale dining establishments
• Swimwear and cover up
• Hats and sunglasses
• Sandals and flip-flops
• Athletic shoes and hiking boots
• Travel-sized toiletries and hygiene products
• Insect repellent and OTC pain relievers/creams
• AUX cable for playing music through your device
• 12V DC to 110V AC power inverter (for boats without generators**) We do not supply this and also we are 220v AC
• 12V to USB power adapter for charging mobile devices.
• We would highly recommend packing prescription medicine and essential clothing (swimsuit, t-shirt, and shorts) in your hand luggage as occasionally your luggage may arrive at the base after you do.

**All boats include a 12V DC outlet (a “car” outlet). Boats with generators have 220V in the Mediterranean locations.

As you prepare for departure, please reference the Dubrovnik Cruising Guide to learn more about chartering in this destination.   

Drones
The use of flying drones may be restricted in some areas. For current drone regulations in this destination, please visit https://uavcoach.com/drone-laws-in-croatia/ 

Currency
The official currency of the Republic of Croatia is the Euro.

You can exchange money at the departure airport, but the exchange rate is often better once you are in Croatia. Visa and Mastercard are accepted in larger towns and on some islands but it is advisable to have cash to pay for meals. Diners and AMEX are not widely accepted.

Please note: Bases are unable to accept cash or personal checks, and cannot give cash back on credit or debit (Switch/Delta) cards.

Gratuity
Tipping in Croatia is becoming more commonplace, especially in upscale restaurants. In the past, tipping was welcome but not expected. Today, however, in newer, higher end places, an extra 10% or 15% is considered polite.

Security Deposit
To significantly decrease your security deposit, purchase our Yacht Damage Waiver insurance ahead of time.

Health & Safety

Vaccination and Immunization Information

This destination is generally risk-free of contagious disease. Visit cdc.gov for the latest information.

Travel Advice
Your health and safety are important to us. For advice on how to stay safe while on charter, please review our Travel Advice Information. Current travel and safety information can be obtained by visiting travel.state.gov.

Swim Safe
Swimming is often a fun and important part of a holiday. However local rules, flag systems, currents and where swimming may be permitted, can be different and vary from country to country. Snorkel vests, Life Jackets and Diver Down flags are all available on board.

Children: 

• Talk to children about water safety at the start of a vacation, making them aware of the potential dangers. 
• Accidents can happen at any time on vacation, but often they happen on the first and last day, so keep watch and do not get distracted when your children are playing by, or in the water. 
• Children in or near water should always be supervised by an adult and never left unattended.  
• Get in the water with them, it is easier to keep an eye on them as well as good fun. Floatation devices are highly recommended for children but are not a substitute for supervision. 

Be aware of your surroundings 

• Check warning flags and signage on the beach and only swim where it is permitted.
•  Beware of dangerous currents, these can be very powerful. Not all beaches have lifeguards and/or warning flags. 
• Beware of underwater hazards, such as reefs, rocks, sudden changes in depth and marine life.
• Never swim where a sign says not to e.g. in zoned areas for jet boats or jet skis.  
• Never swim at night or after drinking alcohol. 

Look out for others 

• Never swim alone, ‘buddy up’ with others in your party and use the snorkel vests provided. 
• Know how and where to get help. If you see someone in difficulty; raise the alarm, preferably the emergency services. Ensure you know the correct number for the country you are in. 

Do not over estimate your ability 

• Consider swimming lessons before you go if you think it would be useful to learn proper swimming technique. 
• Even if you regularly swim in a pool, remember that open water swimming can be very different. 

Safety

All yachts are equipped with adult life jackets, harnesses, snorkel vests & diver down flags. You can see all this equipment demonstrated in our online safety briefing, and we strongly recommend that you make use this equipment during your vacation. This safety equipment will be displayed in the saloon of your boat onboarding – If you have any questions feel free to ask our base staff during your briefing.

We have a very limited supply of children’s life jackets on base so highly recommend that if you are travelling with children, you bring their own. This ensures that children have correctly fitting jackets that are comfortable for them.

Children should not be allowed in the dinghy without a life jacket or buoyancy aid and should wear a buoyancy aid or harness whilst on deck.

Travel Advice 
Dubrovnik is generally risk-free of contagious disease. Ensure you consult your local embassy for current travel, health, and safety information  

Please note country entry/exit and vaccination/immunisation requirements can and do change. The Moorings is not accountable for these requirement changes and we advise visiting the destination’s authority website to receive the latest updates. 

Travel Insurance
The Moorings offers comprehensive travel insurance for your peace of mind. If you have your own travel insurance, verify that it covers the destinations and activities of your Moorings vacation.

Travel insurance is a condition of booking, which means we expect guests to have coverage in place to protect their travel plans. That said, we don’t ask for proof, and it’s up to each customer to decide what level of coverage suits them. Please note that if you choose not to have any travel insurance, you would be responsible for covering any amendment or cancellation fees that apply as per the T&Cs.

About the Marina

Address
The Moorings Dubrovnik
ACI Marina Dubrovnik
Na Skali 2
20 236 Komolac
Dubrovnik
Croatia

Base Office Hours
Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.,
Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Wednesday – closed

Season
The base is open from early March to mid-November.

Facilities
This modern marina offers, electricity, fuel station, water, grocery shop, shower/toilets, laundry, tennis courts, swimming pool, weather forecast and hourly daily or weekly parking (for a fee).

In the marina, the supermarket is also open from 8am until 8pm on a Sunday (1st May till end of October. There is a money exchange in marina reception, and cash point machines.

Inside of the marina is a Konzum supermarket. This is a local market and not a marina market, like in some marinas. The locals shop here and it sells a variety of produce from bakery, fresh fruits, vegetables, deli, dairy and fresh meat.

Dock Facilities
Fuel Station location: In the marina close to The Moorings base

Time Zone
+1 hour UTC/GMT

Tourist information centre Pile Gate
Mon-Sun 08.00-21.00
Brsalje 5
tel: +385 20 312 011 Fax: +385 20 322065
e-mail: tic.pile@tzdubrovnik.hr

Tourist information centre Gruž harbor
Mon – Fr 08.00-20.00
Sat – Sun 8.00 do 14.00
tel. +385 20 417 983
Obala Pape Ivana Pavla 1
email: tic.gruz@tzdubrovnik.hr

Language
Croatian is the official language. Many Croatians can speak basic English, German or Italian.

Around the Base

Accommodations
Hotel accommodation in Dubrovnik is generally more expensive than elsewhere in Croatia. Demand for beds is high in July and August, so you should be prepared to arrive early in the day, or book in advance.

There are no hotels at the airport, the nearest accommodation being in Cavtat, around 5km (3 miles) away.

• Hotel Vimbula  Vimbula Hotel & Restaurant  Tenturija 44  20236 Mokošica  Tel.: 00385 20 452 244   email: hotelvimbula@gmail.com 

• Villa Konalic Rožat Donji 15 Dubrovnik Croatia Tel: +385 (0)20 452 506 Email: vlaho.kristovic@du.htnet.hr

Villa Konalic is about four miles from the center of Dubrovnik. Public transportation is available to the Old Town, with buses leaving every 10 minutes.

Banks
Open from 7am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 12 noon Saturday.
There are ATMs on most of the islands. Traveler’s checks are not readily accepted.
Cash can be exchanged at banks, post offices, exchange offices, travel agencies, marina offices and hotels. There are many small exchange offices in town offering a better exchange rate than the bank. They are open from 8am to 8pm.

Post Office
The post office is situated in the centre of the town. Open Monday to Saturday 8am to 8pm.

Shopping
Shops are open from about 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. every day (some close for siesta) Many of your favourite products and brands may not be available.

Dubrovnik offers a variety of experiences and memories such as walking the town walls and shopping at the many shops. Jewellery is stunning here, and handcrafted in the old town. You will find traditional necklaces, strings of coral and pearl, silver earrings with filigree work, rings and brooches.

Many local markets can be found selling embroidered table cloths, linen, Dalmatian wine, spirits, preserves and dried fruit. The morning market at Gunduliceva Square is great for souvenirs, while the morning market at Gruz is great for fresh local produce.

Provisioning

We recommend you pre-order your food and drink provisions in advance of your arrival. All provisioning orders should be placed no later than 7 days prior to the charter start date. Your confirmed order will be delivered to your boat on the day of your boarding. 
Visit our online store to place an order. For more information, visit here for our different provisioning options.

Things to Do

Restaurants
There are restaurants close to the bases and around many of the islands, with a wide selection of menus at various prices.The local The Moorings staff will advise you of the whereabouts of restaurants.

• Restaurant Zephyrus is located in a beautiful natural setting, nearby the source of river Ombla. You will find a pleasant pool area, good food and wine.  ACI Marina, Komolac Dubrovnik – Croatia  Reservation: Tel: +385 20 451-010 

• Bistro “Gat 23” is located close to the The Moorings reception. Coffee, juices, various beverages and a large selection of sandwiches and pizzas are available.

• Azzurro is opposite the Konzum market and has more of a pub feel to it, so a quick drink can be taken while waiting for a bus or taxi. Vimbula offers a relaxed evening meal along the banks of the River Ombla. Take a stroll inside the restaurant to see the photos from the past.

Tours
Walking tour around the Old Town of Dubrovnik ( general ), also themed tours ( Game Of Thrones, Food, War themed ), scheduled and private. Booking can be done via The Moorings office or The Moorings Dubrovnik base.

Zipline
See the town from different perspective in this adventurous way! Zipline from Štikovica bay, more info here

Eco Tour
Eco-friendly and fun way to discover all the wonders and hidden gems of Dubrovnik. Book this tour at The Moorings base.

Golf
Golf content at ACI marina Dubrovnik is meant for all boating guests who want to actively spend their time in the marina by playing golf or mini golf and thus entertain their friends or their entire family. Book your tee time at the reception desk at the marina.

Water Toys & Sports

For your convenience, you can add water toys to your charter prior to arrival at the base. They will be waiting on your boat upon arrival. You are able to rent these at the base but please keep in mind that we have limited availability. For more information, please view our water sports options here.

Diving and Snorkelling
Croatia is home to some of the most beautiful diving sites in the world, the region is rich with impressive cliffs, shipwrecks, attractive walls, and caves in crystal blue sea.

Diving is strictly regulated and prohibited in many areas, so we recommend using a local dive school as all permits will be covered and your instructor will be able to show you all the best spots! Snorkelling is also a wonderful alternative.

Below are a couple of recommended options to choose from:
Abyss Diving Centre, Dubrovnik
Diving Center-Lumbarda Blue, Korčula Island
Aquatica Mljet Diving Center, Mljet
Do not forget your diving license!

Diving is not permitted directly from our yachts under any circumstances. Diving must only take place through reputable, certified dive operators using their own boats and equipment.

We have a range of fins available in various different sizes. You will find them in cockpit lockers in each yacht. We do have limited children’s sizes therefore we recommend bringing your own to avoid disappointment. Please note that we do not provide snorkelling masks or snorkels onboard.

When snorkelling, the diving flag and buoy should be deployed and visible to all passing nearby
Swim vests should be worn at all times whilst snorkelling
One person should remain out of the water, keeping watch of the others in the water

Kayaking, Quad biking and Rafting
Try rafting on the Cetina River, riding quad bikes around the village of Zedno as well as kayaking. All these activities are provided with the guidance of professional guides and further information can be obtained from our base.

Fishing
For any kind of fishing you need to buy a recreational fishing license. There are no rental facilities for fishing equipment.

Cruising Grounds/Licences

All of our yachts are licensed for sailing in Croatia, Italy, Montenegro, and Slovenia. If you are planning to leave Croatian waters please contact our reception at least one week in advance so that we can prepare cruising permits and the necessary documentation.

A formal sailing license is mandatory to charter in Croatia. Review the power or sail requirements for Croatia while planning your vacation to ensure you have the necessary skills and qualifications to take the helm and sail into the sunset! Please note that it is strictly forbidden to sail alone, we require two persons minimum on board at any one time.

Experience level

Sailing Experience Level 1
Level 1 destinations offer the easiest, most forgiving sailing, ideal for novices and less experienced sailors. Lazy line mooring, line-of-sight navigation and calm conditions mean you won’t sail outside your comfort zone.

Get more information on Dubrovnik’s sailing conditions.

Qualifications Required

This destination has mandatory sailing requirements. Click here to view the sailing requirements in Croatia.  

To sail in this destination you’ll need one of the following certifications: RYA Day Skippers, ASA 103, US Sailing “Basic Coastal Cruising”, SLC, IPC, ICC, plus a VHF license.  

Original license/certificate must be presented upon check in at the base. 
You will require at least 5 days or 100 miles as a skipper on an equivalent size yacht 

To charter in Croatia, there must be at least one certified skipper over 18 years old. The skipper should be competent at handling a yacht in close quarters, anchoring and mooring in varying conditions, and be able to use navigation and pilotage skills to plan the day’s sailing and know your position at any time. As a yacht skipper, you are required to have an official sailing license or a certificate issued by a government or state-approved organization as detailed below. 

A list of officially accepted licenses is available at the Croatian Ministry of Maritime Affairs. Please check the list of officially accepted licenses before contacting the base with any queries as the list is updated every few months. This list is organized by country and details the accepted competence levels for experience, boat size and distance-from-shore-sailing for the various certificates accepted. Please contact your Vacation Planner for more information. 

Skipper is REQUIRED to have a VHF Radio Operator’s License.  

Skippers & Crew qualifications and boat papers 

To ensure a smooth process, please upload your sailing license and register your Guest List in MyAccount, the online portal on our website. The base needs to submit your guest list and sailing license to the Croatian Ministry of Maritime Affairs prior to your arrival and it is therefore ESSENTIAL that all your pre-travel tasks in your MyAccount are completed.  

It is imperative that you bring these sailing certificates or sailing qualifications with you. You will not be able to sail without these papers. The Croatian Authorities website has full details of acceptable skippers’ licenses. Click here to view the list of accepted licenses  

Sailing Area 
Download Dubrovnik’s Cruising Guide here.  

Skippered Charter Information 
The skipper’s time is booked in 24-hour periods. If you have reserved a skipper for the first day of your charter and have a 3pm start, he or she will use this time to ensure they are happy with all aspects of the yacht and will be at the base to meet you upon your arrival.  

The skipper is responsible for the safety of the yacht at all times. They are not permitted to dive with you, nor leave the vessel overnight. He or she must conduct a safety briefing with you before leaving the dock regardless of the duration of the contract with you. 

The skipper is required to give you a thorough technical boat briefing on all aspects of the yacht and dinghy in addition to assisting you with planning an itinerary for the trip and advising you on how to contact the base, the return to base procedures and the emergency assistance procedures. We suggest that you attend the scheduled sailing consultation briefing that will be supplemented by the skipper during his or her time with you on the yacht.  

The skipper fee does not include food or beverages for the skipper, and this is your responsibility. We suggest that you discuss this on the first day with your skipper and establish whether you’ll provide cash for meals, whether you’ve included him or her in your provisioning or whether you’ll accommodate him or her as part of the group for meals ashore. 

The skipper must have his or her own cabin. We prefer not to put the skipper in the bow (forepeak) due to the shared head and size of the cabin. If you expect your skipper to stay in the forepeak, please let us know well in advance so that we can choose the appropriate (small) skipper. 

For a one-day skipper, it’s your responsibility to get the skipper back to the base. If you prefer not to come back to the base you must pay all expenses (ferry, taxi, etc.) to get him or her back to the base. 

The average tip for a skipper is 15-20 percent of the skipper’s fee. This is, of course, at your discretion. 

Cruising Permits
Montenegro: It is possible to sail to Montenegro, a permit must be obtained from the Harbour Master in the port of entry in Montenegro, and you must go through the Clearing procedures for both legs of your journey. The Croatian Clearing Port is Cavtat, south of Dubrovnik, and the Montenegrian Clearing Ports are either Zelenika or Kotor.

All yachts arriving in Montenegro have to purchase a Montenegrian cruising permit costing around €100. Port fees in Montenegro are additional. You must advise The Moorings in advance (at the time of booking if possible) if you plan to visit Montenegro. 

Please note that the Croatian customs clearing procedure to leave Croatian waters can take several hours. The Moorings will do everything to assist but please bear in mind that The Moorings is not responsible for delays caused or as a function of the customs clearing process. More information on the sailing in this area. 

Sailing Area Restrictions
There are no special restrictions in Croatian waters, although please pay attention to protected areas like Natural and National Parks that require additional tickets for your yacht. Also, National Park Kornati is outside of the sailing region, so The Moorings 4-hour commitment doesn’t apply. Restricted zones will be covered in your chart briefing.

All the charts and pilot books you will need for the sailing area are to be found onboard, pilot book and chart book, all issued by the Croatian government and up-to-date.

It is strictly forbidden to sail alone, we require two persons minimum on board. 

Night Sailing
You must be moored at least one hour before sunset. Night Sailing is not allowed.

Charts + Pilot books
All the charts and pilot books you will need for the sailing area are issued at your chart briefing. Charts and pilot books can be purchased by mail order from the UK chandler Kelvin Hughes by contacting 02380 634911.

Weather Reports
The best Meteo report (In English) can be heard on the following wave lengths on your VHF, initial call is on 16.

Radio Dubrovnik Broadcasting: 7.45am, 2.45pm, 9.45pm VHF channel 04, 07, 28, 85
Radio Split Broadcasting: 7.45am, 2.45pm, 9.45pm VHF channel 07, 21, 28, 81
Internet: http://meteo.hr
Marina or harbour master office has updated weather in the morning from DHMZ at reception.
The base will also inform you of local weather conditions upon your arrival.

Sailing Permits + Taxes
Tourism Tax (Sojourn Tax): Croatian tourism tax will be collected by our holiday planners when making a booking. The cost is 1.35 EUR per person/per day and must be paid for the duration of your charter. There’s no charge for children under 12.

Moorings Fees + Taxes
Mooring fees are charged in harbours and on town quays by the local municipality. These are charged by meter and double for catamarans, but shower and toilet facilities may not be available.

Well-equipped marinas are common in Croatia. The actual price is dependent on the size of your yacht and the specific marina pricing policy. Shore power, water, and shower and toilet facilities are included in the cost of berthing in a marina. 

If you use a restaurant jetty or mooring buoy, it is usually free of charge but you are expected to eat at the owner’s restaurant. 

Yachts are charged for anchoring as well as in National Park areas.

Weather Conditions

April – May: occasional showers, temperatures from 22-28 C. Winds generally NW F3-4 (10-20 Knots, sometimes up to 25 Knots). June – August – sunny, blue skies every day, temperature from 26 – 30 C. Winds generally NW F3-4 (10-20 Knots).

Sept – Oct: occasional showers (rain possible in late Oct). Winds generally NW F3-4 (10-20 Knots), but can be stronger in Oct (up to F 5-6).

The popularity of the Croatian coast as a sailing destination lies as much in the ideal climate as in the beauty of its shores and variety of sailing conditions. The sunny Adriatic enjoys an average of 315 cloudless days per year. During the most popular chartering season, May through November, blue skies and warm weather prevail. Summers are warm and dry whereas winters are very mild with short spells of rain as in the Balearics or Corsica. Sailors must however be careful as the weather can change very quickly.

Here are the dominant winds in Croatia:

• The Bura: A dry, cold wind. As it is a north-easterly, it mainly blows from the east coast of the Adriatic from land to sea. It brings fine weather. Because of the configuration of the land it blows locally with varying force and from various directions ranging from N to ENE. The relief of the east of the Adriatic causes the local bura winds to blow in strong gusts and to begin unexpectedly. The force of the Bura may vary from a light breeze to more intense.

• The Jugo (Sirocco): A warm, humid wind blowing from ESE to SSE. It blows the entire length of the Adriatic coast and brings rough seas. The sky thickly clouds and there is almost always prolonged rain. It reaches its greatest force in the South Adriatic. It can blow at any time of the year. On average it blows at force 16-20 knots.

• The Maestral: By day the land surface gets more heated than the surface of the sea and as a result air currents begin to rise up from the land and at a certain distance are drawn down towards the sea thus causing land-sea circulation. The Maestral is usually characterized by white cumulus clouds denoting fine weather. It usually begins to blow between 9 and 10 a.m. and reaches its maximum force about 2.00 pm. It always dies away before sunset. Its usual force is approx. 16-20 knots.

Historical Weather (Averages by month):

	Max temp (°F)	Min temp (°F)	Avg precipitation (mm)	Avg wind speed (knots)	Dominant wind direction  Gorica (Dubrovnik)
January	45	32	139	10	NNE
February	48	34	125	10	NNE
March	54	37	104	10	SE
April	61	45	104	9	SE
May	70	52	75	8	SE
June	77	57	48	7	SSE
July	82	61	26	7	SSE
August	82	61	38	7	SSE
September	75	55	101	8	SSE
October	66	48	162	8	NNE
November	55	41	198	10	NNW
December	46	34	178	10	NNE

Tides
In the Eastern Mediterranean, the tidal range is very small: 30 cm to 60 cm (one to two feet depending on location) including the variation of level due to atmospheric pressure and dominant winds.

In the Eastern Mediterranean, the tidal range is very small: 30 cm to 60 cm (one to two feet depending on location) including the variation of level due to atmospheric pressure and dominant winds.

Weather Forecast
When you arrive at the base, we will provide you with a weather forecast for the next 24 hours. Harbour Offices receive a weather forecast regularly; this is the best and most reliable source of weather information. On your VHF watch channels you can follow the transmitting time of meteorological reports, and navigation warnings.

In modern times, it is common to check the weather forecast online. Check out the official Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service website for more information about Croatian weather. We recommend participating in the local chart and area briefing for the best advice on current weather.

Charter Responsibly with The Moorings

At The Moorings, we’re passionate about preserving the beauty of the oceans we explore. Through Our OCEAN Promise, we’re working to reduce our environmental footprint and support the communities that make each destination so special. From more responsible operations to cleaner cruising practices, sustainability is at the heart of what we do.

You can make a difference too. Before you depart, pack a reusable water bottle, choose to support local businesses, and anchor mindfully to help protect the waters we all enjoy. Small choices make a big impact.

Learn more about Our OCEAN Promise