A beginner's guide to sailing Croatia's Dalmatian Coast

Full of seemingly secluded coves and beaches, the Dalmatian Coast is home to many port towns dotted with Venetian bell towers and piazzas paved by visitors for centuries. I'm doing it. Sail on your boat over the crystal clear waters of southern Croatia, discovering different bays and quays each day. Whether you want to learn the ropes or have an experienced captain at the helm, here's how to plan your Dalmatian Coast sailing experience.

When is the best time to go?

The Dalmatian coast is busy with yachts from April to early November, but the Adriatic is at its calmest in June, July and August. If school holidays don't get in your way, May and September offer a great combination of warm, sunny weather, calm seas, and fewer other tourists than in midsummer.

How long should I go?

Sailing is a relaxing way to travel, and the length of your trip is flexible. It helps you write down highlights of interesting destinations and plan to visit them. A week is enough to get used to the rhythm of life on board, sailing to remote locations. After a couple of weeks, you'll start to feel a sense of escapism and become more familiar with sailing. To gain even more confidence, you can combine 5 days of sailing school with a week to put your new knowledge into practice.

How calm is the water?

In summer, anchorages such as Kulkunjasi Bay (also known as the “Blue Lagoon” for its turquoise and azure sea hues), just off the east coast of the island of Drvenik Veli, are a magical place for boats to explore. It's often calm enough to float. Appearance with an airy feel. And places like Prilovo Beach on the island of Vis often offer crystal-clear views from the still waters to the ocean floor. The winds can pick up and the journey can be difficult, but that's the best time to experience the thrill of sailing. Additionally, the advantage of taking a boat is that you can sail to the protected side of the nearest island. That said, it's a good idea to have some over-the-counter motion sickness medication on hand in case you need it. Let's also think about how different types of boats behave on the water. For example, catamarans offer stability and a comfortable sailing experience, while monohull yachts heel over (lean to the side) but offer a lot of practical sailing action.

Where do I start?

Dubrovnik is the perfect starting point for your sailing trip. The beautiful pedestrian center is full of restaurants, bars and old buildings, and with efficient public transport, you can get from the airport to the marina in just 30 minutes. Another convenient starting point is the aptly named Marina Village, just a 25-minute drive from Split Airport. This small, quiet village is full of great restaurants overlooking the Marina Agana harbor, where you can sample some delicious Croatian food before your departure.

Could you suggest an itinerary?

Starting and ending in Dubrovnik, you'll sail through the spectacular islands of the Dalmatian Coast, visiting lively ports, secluded beaches, ancient villages, and lush pine forests. Your trip begins with a 90-minute voyage (weather dependent) from Dubrovnik to the natural beauty of Sipan. Enjoy your meal at a waterfront taverna in the small village of Šipanska Luka, located at the bottom of steep forested hills between northern Šipan and Jakljan Island.

A further two hours away by boat, the pristine waters of the Peljesac Peninsula are a great place for snorkeling. Next, take a 4-hour journey to Polace, a fishing village on the north coast of Mljet, Croatia's greenest island. A protected port and one of the oldest settlements on the island of Mljet, Polace is home to the well-preserved ruins of a Roman palace, Rimska Parača.

From there, take another extended cruise to the remote shores of Lastovo Island. With a network of tranquil hiking trails, Lastovo is located a million nautical miles from bustling Dubrovnik. The next morning, take an excursion to Korcula Island and its impressive medieval walled city, Korcula Old Town. Then return to Dubrovnik with a detour to the spectacular Saprnara Bay on the eastern tip of Mljet (less than 6 hours by boat from Korcula). There is a secluded sandy beach surrounded by pine trees.

Which island has the best harbor?

Almost all of the islands in the Dalmatian archipelago have well-equipped and easily accessible ports, although ports such as Hvar, which is closer to the mainland and has regular ferry services, tend to be busy. On the other hand, island ports further offshore in the Adriatic Sea, such as Lastovo, are usually quieter. The island of Mljet offers numerous secluded and attractive anchorages. Bela Luka on the island of Korcula, on the other hand, is a typical Croatian marina that feels like it's right in the center of town.

What should I pack?

In addition to standard beach essentials like swimsuits and towels, don't forget to pack sunglasses and water-resistant sunscreen. Salt air will usually keep pesky insects away from your boat, but if you go ashore you may need insect repellent depending on your location. To take advantage of Croatia's translucent waters, pack a waterproof camera and take underwater photos. Don't forget to pack your snorkeling gear too.

Do I need any qualifications to sail?

To skipper a boat, you will need an International Certificate for Pleasure Craft Operators (ICC) issued by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), at day skipper qualification or above, and a VHF radio licence. If you're completely new to sailing and want to learn the ropes, attending a sailing school is a great place to start. Sunsail's Agana Sailing School, located in Marina Agana near Split, offers a variety of course options to suit different sailing abilities. Alternatively, you can sail as part of a crew with the help of a qualified captain. No formal qualifications are required to be a crew member. With a captain at the helm, you can sail along a chosen route (known as “bareboat” sailing) or follow a set sailing itinerary with a group of other boats (convoy sailing).