A sailing vacation in Croatia is definitely a great choice for those who love spending time on the water. With over 1,000 miles of coastline and countless islands to explore, you will never get bored while sailing in Croatia. To help you make the most of your sailing trip in this beautiful country, we have put together a list of 12 tips. Keep reading to find out more!
1) Tie up with a professional
As most of the sailing spots in Croatia lack proper docking facilities, you will have to rely on local ports and nearby marinas for a place where your boat can be safely moored. To make sure that this happens as smoothly as possible, it is best to hire the help of a professional who knows the area and can help with mooring the boat.
2) Be prepared for mixed wind conditions
Croatian waters can get very choppy, especially during spring and autumn when winds mixing in different temperature layers create a confusing weather pattern. While some sailors enjoy this kind of sailing experience, others find it quite challenging and prefer to pick an area with more predictable wind conditions.
3) Carry a local mobile phone number if you’re outside of EU
Croatia is a part of the EU, it already uses the same GSM frequency as most other European countries (900/1800), so your normal mobile phone will work fine on the coast. Having access to a local SIM card is especially useful if you need to reach a mechanic or other professional who can help you with unexpected emergencies.
4) Mark your boat before diving in
Croatian waters are crystal clear, warm, and inviting, which makes them very popular among divers. However, it is best to take some simple precautions first, such as marking the location of your boat with a buoy. This way, you can rest easy knowing that nobody will run into your vessel.
5) Be patient with the local customs
When dealing with customs officials in Croatia, it is important to be patient and polite. You will experience long lines of vehicles at the border crossings so try not to show any signs of frustration if the wait seems too long. Also, remember to always carry all your relevant papers with you at all times.
6) Enjoy local hospitality
Croatian people are known for their friendly and hospitable nature; they will go out of their way to make sure that your stay is as pleasant as possible. Whether it’s a question about the local area or just small talk, you will not have to wait long before somebody strikes a conversation with you.
7) Be careful about the national parks
If your sailing trip takes you to Croatian National Parks, it is best to be very careful when picking places where to anchor. The Natura 2000 protected areas in Croatia are not only well protected against anchoring and other activities that might take away from their natural beauty, they also carry hefty fines for violations.
8) Find out what your insurance policy covers
Before you set off on a sailing trip in Croatia, make sure to check your insurance policy and find out how it relates to Croatian National Parks. If you are an EU citizen, your insurance will most likely cover issues related to Croatian National Parks, but if you are not you might be looking at hefty fines for violating the laws of the protected area.
9) Choose a destination that matches your skill level
This is especially important with sailing in Croatia, as there are countless small coves and hidden nooks that only the most experienced sailors can navigate without a problem. If you are new to sailing, it is best to choose a destination with a good local knowledge base and plenty of marinas to help you dock your vessel safely.
10) Pack some food from home
Croatian cuisine might be delicious but it’s not always suited for everybody. A great way to avoid any stomach issues is to have a supply of food from your home country on board, just in case the local cuisine doesn’t agree with you. Don’t be afraid to tell a Croatian that you’re not keen on trying their dish – they will understand and more than likely welcome some other suggestions from your local food culture.
11) Stay off the streets during public holidays
Croatian public holidays are a great chance for locals to enjoy time with their families, but they can also be very frustrating if you happen to be in the country when one of these days comes around. If you don’t want your trip ruined by angry mobs looking for trouble, do your best to stay off the streets during public holidays and to avoid crossing paths with any groups of young men.
12) Enjoy Croatia’s fresh-water attractions
Croatia has a lot more to offer than just its sea coast – there are many freshwater attractions that you will find in this country. The most well-known is the Plitvice Lakes in Lika-Senj County. They are formed by 16 upper lakes and two lower lakes with waterfalls in between them. Croatia’s fresh-water attractions are not only invaluable in terms of their beauty, but they also represent a very important natural resource.
In Conclusion
If you’re looking for an unforgettable sailing experience, Croatia should be at the top of your list. With crystal-clear waters, stunning scenery, and a wealth of activities to keep you busy, there’s no shortage of reasons to explore this beautiful country by boat. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your Croatian sailing adventure today!
