Marinas in Croatia - All you need to know

Welcome, fellow adventurers and sea lovers! Are you ready to embark on a journey along Croatia's breathtaking coastline? From the tranquil shores of Istria to the sun-drenched islands of Dalmatia, Croatia offers a maritime paradise waiting to be explored.

In this guide, we'll be your compass as we navigate through Croatia's diverse marinas, each offering its own unique charm and amenities. Whether you're searching for a bustling harbor with all the comforts of home or a secluded spot to anchor and unwind, we'll cover the spectrum of options available to you.

But that's not all - we'll also dive into the ins and outs of booking your berth online, making your Croatian maritime adventure as smooth as the gentle waves of the Adriatic. So, grab your sunscreen, chart your course, and let's set sail on an unforgettable voyage through Croatia's marinas!

City Ports

Moorings overseen by the port authority (e.g., Hvar, Vis, Komiza, Stari Grad, Trogir). These moorings operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with no advanced reservation system in place. For optimal chances of securing a spot, it's advisable to aim for arrival around 4pm in fair weather conditions.

However, during events or festivals, earlier arrival, ideally by 4pm, is recommended to beat the crowds. In case of inclement weather or unfavorable forecasts for the next day, arriving as early as noon is a prudent move. Additionally, if you require restocking of supplies or refueling, mornings tend to be quieter, with minimal charges incurred if staying anchored for under two hours while others depart the harbor.

Private & ACI Marinas

The second option of moorings is anchoring in marinas such as ACI, Martinis Marchi in Maslinica, Marina Baotic, Frapa, Ilirija, D-Marin and more, offers a fully organized system. In most cases, these marinas provide online booking systems accessible via their respective websites. Here, you can easily check the conditions and procedures for booking.

While some marinas don't require advance booking fees, others may require payment for berths and reservations online in advance. It's crucial to adhere to your scheduled arrival time to avoid forfeiting your reservation. To secure a berth, particularly in bustling marinas like Korcula, Skradin, or Palmižana, it's advisable to book up to a week in advance. Many of the marinas, especially ACI marinas can be booked by a simple email as well.

Buoy Fields

The third option for a hassle-free alternative to anchoring, buoy fields across the Adriatic coast offer secure and maintained spots to tie up. Whether it's an official field or one provided by a welcoming restaurant owner, you'll find convenience and hospitality.

However, it's important to note that the mooring experience can vary significantly from one restaurant to another. To locate these spots and access contact details for each establishment, you can utilize the Navionics website.

Booking Reservations Online

Booking reservations for marinas in Croatia can be conveniently done online through various platforms and websites dedicated to nautical tourism. These platforms typically offer a comprehensive selection of marinas, anchorages, and mooring buoy fields, along with detailed information about facilities, services, and availability. Additionally, many marinas have their own websites where reservations can be made directly.

When booking online, it's essential to check for any special requirements or regulations, such as berth sizes, draft limitations, and entry formalities. By leveraging the convenience of online booking, sailors and yachters can effortlessly plan their Croatian maritime adventure and secure their desired accommodations with ease.

There are several online platforms dedicated to nautical tourism that offer a convenient way to book reservations for marinas in Croatia. These platforms typically provide a user-friendly interface where visitors can search for marinas based on location, amenities, and availability. Users can browse through detailed listings of marinas, complete with photos, descriptions, and reviews from fellow sailors.

Once a suitable marina is found, users can easily book their berth or mooring online by selecting their desired dates and providing necessary information. Payment is often processed securely through the platform, offering peace of mind for travelers.

• ACI Marinas:

ACI Marinas stands out as the largest marina chain in the Mediterranean, renowned for its focus on Croatia and high-quality service. With hundreds of berths and dry berths, along with excellent facilities, ACI Marinas span the entirety of the Croatian coast, from north to south. Each marina is strategically located within historically rich cities bustling with tourist attractions. Securing a mooring spot is made easy through their user-friendly website or dedicated application.

• Porthop:

Porthop offers an attractive online booking system for Croatian marinas. This free app boasts a vast database of marinas, ports, and anchorages, coupled with a user-friendly interface and regular updates. Ideal for accessing information on smaller moorings, Porthop simplifies the booking process for sailors navigating the Croatian coastline.

• MySea:

MySea app extends its focus beyond Croatia to encompass Turkey and Greece, serving as a comprehensive yachting guide. In addition to providing details on supermarkets, petrol stations, beaches, and tourist attractions, MySea offers a seamless booking system for moorings. With this online platform, securing your spot in the marina is just a few taps away.

• Marina Reservation:

Marina Reservation caters not only to Croatia but also provides up-to-date and accurate information for marinas worldwide. This app offers a clear and efficient booking system for marinas and moorings, along with the option to book additional services such as mooring assistance, hotel accommodation, and parking. With multilingual customer support in English, French, Spanish, and Italian, Marina Reservation ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience for sailors.

• Navily:

Popular among sailors heading to Croatia, Navily earns its spot in the top five with its comprehensive features. In addition to information and booking capabilities for moorings, Navily provides valuable insights such as important phone numbers and recommendations on wind conditions suitable for specific bays or marinas. With Navily, sailors can navigate the Croatian waters with confidence, backed by reliable information and recommendations.

In addition to the apps and websites mentioned above, we would like to highlight another important app - NIS - Nautical Information Service Croatia app. While it may not function primarily as a booking system, it serves as a valuable resource for sailors. Beyond providing information for reservations via email, this app offers comprehensive insights into navigation regulations. From vessel equipment requirements to radio services and navigation marks, the NIS app ensures sailors are well-informed and compliant with maritime regulations along the Croatian coastline. Published by the Croatian Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Transport, and Infrastructure, it boasts availability in 12 languages, enhancing accessibility for sailors from diverse backgrounds.

Therefore, even though it doesn't directly assist with reservations, the NIS app stands as an indispensable resource for ensuring safe and knowledgeable navigation throughout Croatian waters.