Sailing boat hire in Dubrovnik

All about Sailboat hire in Dubrovnik

A sailing sensation in Europe and cultural hub of Croatia, Dubrovnik is renowned for its idyllic bays and beaches, nearby paradisiacal islands and medieval city wall encased Old Town. With a sailboat rental in Dubrovnik, you can experience the best of both worlds, on and offshore. Discover all that Dubrovnik has to offer, from cute cafes serving local delicacies, neighbouring family-run vineyards and a 1940 metre (6364.8 ft) long city wall to walk. Spend your sailing days absorbing vitamin D and fresh sea air on the Adriatic Coast with your loved ones. 

Flexible cancellation or date changes up to 15 days before check-in is allowed on selected boats so you should check which boats this applies to if you’re concerned about the possibility of covid ruining your holiday plans.

How much does a sailboat charter in Dubrovnik cost?

The price of renting a sailboat in Dubrovnik will vary a lot depending on a number of different factors.  Some of these include the size of the boat, the amenities on board, the length of your stay, the number of people, and where you want to rent a boat.  Typically though, in Dubrovnik, the cost of renting a sailboat will start at around £2574 per week in high season and £899 per week during low season.

Can I hire a sailboat in Dubrovnik with or without a skipper?

Yes, it’s possible to charter a sailboat in Dubrovnik with or without a skipper.  However, in order to sail without a skipper, you must have the relevant boating licence, so you will need to look into the laws surrounding this before you go.  

Renting with a skipper is perfect for those who want to relax and enjoy their holiday without worrying about the technicalities of sailing.  If, however, you want to sail the seas with complete freedom, maybe renting without a skipper is for you.

What are the weather and sailing conditions like in Dubrovnik?

The sailing season in Dubrovnik usually ranges from April to October, depending on the year. There are occasional showers in spring with cooler, yet pleasant temperatures. July and August are the hottest summer months with temperatures averaging from 25°C to 30°C (77-86°F). In recent years, the Mediterranean heatwaves have toppled these averages. 

The wind tends to blow in a north-westerly direction, ranging between 5-20 knots (6-23 mph/9.7-37 kmph). In the afternoons it can occasionally exceed the average. 

Do you want to face the northern winds? Then rent a sailing boat in Istria and discover a whole new part of the Adriatic sea!

When is the best time to go to Dubrovnik?

The high season in Dubrovnik typically lasts from late June until August, when the summer festivals usually occur.  While it’s true that the weather is almost always better in Dubrovnik in this time period, there are also lots of tourists.  This leads to overcrowding on the beaches and higher boat prices.  This is why we suggest going in the shoulder season, from April to early June and during the months of September and October.  The weather will still be pleasant in these time periods and ideal for sailing, but there will also be fewer tourists, meaning you can find better deals on boats.

Ports and Harbors in Dubrovnik

The Port of Dubrovnik, ACI Marina Slano and ACI Marina Dubrovnik host our sailing boat hire and it’s also worth visiting Marina Frapa Dubrovnik.

The Port of Dubrovnik is the major port of the city, with vessels ranging from super small, to extensively large cruise ships.
ACI Marina Dubrovnik is situated further inland at the mouth of the River Ombla. It has approximately 425 berths and is open all year.

There are also many amazing sailing areas that you should check out during your boat charter here.  Although there are too many to list them all, here are a couple of our top picks:

• Korčula
• Šipan
• Island Mljet
• The Lastovo Archipelago
• Pelješac
• Lopud

Itinerary Ideas for Dubrovnik

There are many popular island navigation routes on the Adriatic Coast near Dubrovnik, featuring the Elaphiti Islands and many more intriguing islets.

Dubrovnik is a treasure trove of action packed culture, gourmet cuisine and medieval architecture experiences. 

There are numerous restaurants, bars and cafes where you can try local delicacies such as black risotto or local wine from family run vineyards. The nightlife is also lively in the city centre if you enjoy a wild night out.

Lovrijenac Fortress is undoubtedly worth a visit and also hosts various festivals throughout the year, including performing arts events in July and August.  These events are a big hit with both locals and visitors.

If you’re into architecture, you can go further than walk the Old City walls. Visit the Prince’s Palace as well as the Franciscan monastery where you will discover one of Europe’s oldest pharmacies, which was built in 1317. Orlando’s Column is a 600 year old monument depicting an 8th century warrior and Dubrovnik legend.

Dubrovnik is visited yearly by many travellers every year, but even those who don’t have an interest in traveling are attracted to this city.  Game of Thrones fans will enjoy visiting the setting where many of the notorious TV series’ episodes have been filmed. Dubrovnik is certainly not to be missed!

Travel Tips for Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik’s very own airport (DBV) is just 20 km (12.4 miles) away from the city centre. As this city has no trains, you will need to take a taxi or bus from the airport to your boat rental and there are regular bus shuttles operated by Atlas.  Currently, you can get direct flights from other cities in Croatia, as well as many other European countries.  A few of these include Germany, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Austria, Russia, Switzerland, and many cities across the UK, including London.  You can also get direct flights from New York in the USA.

If you’re feeling a little more adventurous and have a little more time, you can also arrive by boat, train, bus or car.