Cruises in Zadar: Sailing Trip Top Tips

Sailboat or Catamaran Cruises in Zadar: Sail in Style

Zadar is located in the north of the Croatian region of Dalmatia. With an international airport, Zadar is well connected internationally, receiving flights from countries all over Europe, including Norway, the Netherlands, the UK, and Ireland. There are many marinas, both in Zadar and the surrounding area, where a wide range of sailing boats and catamarans are available for charter.

Start your sailing trip in Zadar and discover the Kornati islands, as well as a wide range of other idyllic islands in the Adriatic. Sail along the captivating Croatian coastline, lined with cliffs, sleepy fishing villages and historic towns. Dive into the turquoise blue sea and soak in the warm waters to cool off during your trip! The sun-drenched Mediterranean coast awaits you with one of the most popular sailing areas in Europe and the perfect charter boat is just a click away.

Get ready to make some memories with family and friends

No matter who you’re travelling with, a cruise in Zadar is sure to be absolutely fantastic. Adults will revel in the plethora of different water sports available to try, while children will enjoy splashing around with the inflatable water toys, making it the perfect type of holiday for the whole family.

If you’re after a more romantic trip with your partner, you could opt for a crewed cruise in Zadar and have an intimate meal for two onboard, catered by your own personal chef who can prepare some local dishes for your sumptuous feast. All this coupled with a breathtaking backdrop and a spectacular sunset is sure to set the mood perfectly.

Set sail with a skipper and crew for the ultimate relaxation

Whether you have sailing experience or not, a cruise in Zadar wouldn’t be complete without a skipper’s intimate knowledge of the area. They can take you to see all of the best things in Zadar, many of which you probably didn’t even know existed, while still working all of the things you want to see into the itinerary.

If you want to further enhance your experience, you can hire a full crew for your trip. This crew will typically consist of four to six people, including a chef, one or two hostesses, and one or more deckhands. This crew will ensure that you want for nothing throughout your voyage and will take care of things such as the cooking and sailing of the ship. However, if you want to learn a little about sailing, don’t hesitate to ask questions, as the crew will surely be happy to share everything they know with you.

Cruises from Zadar: set sail for the Kornati islands

Probably the most popular sailing route for a cruise in a sailboat or catamaran from Zadar is a trip to the Kornati islands. The Kornati archipelago consists of over 89 islands, reefs and rocks. Sparsely vegetated islands, spectacular cliffs and dreamlike secluded bays with deep blue, crystal clear waters await you. The wild, romantic landscape is very popular with sailors because it is an ideal place for nautical exploration. The sailing conditions here are ideal for a relaxing cruise where you can immerse yourself fully in the impressive natural beauty. Explore secluded bays and marvel at the rugged cliffs, all from aboard your luxurious catamaran or sailboat charter.

Another of the more popular sailing routes from Zadar sees you navigating past the headland to the islands of Ugljan and Pašman, before sailing on to Biograd na Moru or Murter. Alternatively, you can sail around Pašman to the large offshore island of Dugi Otok. The Kornati National Park begins just southeast of Dugi Otok and extends from Zadar in the north to Šibenik in the south.

The main island in the Kornati archipelago is Kornat, but others include Piskera, Levrnaka, Lavsa and Kurba Vela. On some islands, you will have the unique opportunity to visit prehistoric burial mounds or the ruins of past settlements. However, the real highlight of a cruise in a catamaran or sailboat to the Kornati islands is to explore the breathtaking labyrinth of islands and reefs. On the way, you can stop to explore the beautiful underwater world while snorkelling among the fantastic selection of marine creatures in the area. If you want to go on a dive, you can do so with an authorised diving centre in one of the nine marked diving zones, but even if you just want to enjoy your nautical adventure, while sunbathing on deck or in the hidden bays, a sailing trip to the Kornati Islands is definitely worth it.

It is best to buy your ticket for the national park in the marina before leaving. Entrance fees to the Kornati National Park vary depending on the size of the boat and can be anywhere from 300 to 600 kuna, provided you buy the ticket outside of an official sales point.

You will find plenty of moorings, in the well-equipped marina of Piškera, on Lavsa or at the jetties and piers of taverns and restaurants.

The largest marina in the region is located in Biograd na Moru. From here you can charter a wide range of sailing boats and catamarans.

 
Other desirable destinations for your boating excursion around Zadar

In addition to the famous Kornati islands, there are many other worthwhile destinations for your cruise in a sailboat or catamaran around Zadar that you can explore during your sailing holiday.

• Pašman Island

The most spectacular sight on the island of Pašman is the Straža viewing platform, from which you can enjoy a panoramic view which stretches over the Kornati archipelago to the Velebit mountains.

There are also various hiking routes waiting for you on this island, including one which leads to Pustograd, a Byzantine fortress from the 6th century.

• Dugi Otok Island

The picturesque island of Dugi Otok not only has breathtaking cliffs that plunge down into the deep blue sea but also Caribbean-like sandy beaches.

If you fly over the island, you will see a lake in the middle, which lies on the cliffs high above sea level and firmly stands out from the luscious green vegetation and heavenly white cliffs. This salt lake is located in the Telašćica Nature Park and is considered a natural gem on Dugi Otok, also named the “long island”.

Another place of incomparable beauty is Sakarun Beach on the northwest coast of Dugi Otok. Surrounded by fragrant pine forests, the turquoise water is impossible to resist for all who frequent this beach. The bay is ideal for a family beach day during your boating holiday.

In Veli Rat in the north of the island, you can visit the tallest lighthouse in the Adriatic, at 42 metres high. The views if you can persist until the top are simply sublime.

The island does not only offer spectacular holiday experiences above water, though. Dugi Otok is also known for the Brbinjscica underwater cave, which you can explore on guided diving tours, which are offered from April to June and from September to October. Brbinjscica is one of the hidden treasures of the Adriatic and should definitely be on your program if you go on a cruise in a sailboat or catamaran from Zadar.

After an eventful day, you can experience an unforgettable sunset from the water onboard your charter boat.

• Kali Fishing Village

In just 15 minutes from Zadar, you can reach Ugljan Island by sailing boat or catamaran. There you will find the romantically picturesque Kali, which is famous for being a fishing village. Regardless of whether you want to try the tuna, octopus, mackerel or other seafood: everything in this village comes freshly caught and tastes absolutely incredible, especially after a day at sea. If you go on a sailing trip from Zadar in August, you can experience the local street festival Fishermen’s Night. This festival is unsurprisingly all about fish. There are cooking shows, multiple opportunities to sample delicious fish dishes and you can even attend concerts. The authentic atmosphere of Kali is definitely worth a trip.

• Island hopping from Zadar

From Zadar, you can go on a cruise in a catamaran or sailboat around various Croatian islands. A trip to Molat, Ist and Zverinac is recommended, due to the plethora of things to see on the way. Some of the things you will sail past include sleepy coastal towns, shipwrecks, hidden caves and reefs. All around this area, you will find wonderful snorkelling spots and hidden underwater caves that are teeming with marine life.

You can also buy traditional souvenirs on the island of Zverinac, which is northeast of Dugi Otok. Taste local wine, cheese and olive products and soak up the authentic atmosphere of the village, before taking the chance to explore the military tunnels from the Cold War or the ruins of the Straža settlement.

You can often find good spots for mooring in places such as Brgulje Bay.

What different activities can you do on board during a cruise in Zadar?

The list of possible activities available for your cruise in Zadar is endless. Of course, you can explore all of the areas already mentioned, but even if you want to stay in one place during your voyage, there are plenty of ways to enhance your trip to ensure that it is unforgettable. You can add all sorts of water sports equipment onto your charter to either try something new or develop existing skills. Just a few of the things you can try during your trip include windsurfing, water skiing, scuba diving and snorkelling.

You can also try out a plethora of different seafront restaurants to try out the local cuisine. There’s nothing quite like getting to know a country’s cuisine while staring out at sensational seascapes. Book your cruise in Zadar now to experience all this and more!

Which boat type is better, a catamaran or a sailboat?

When setting sail for a cruise in Zadar, it can be quite difficult to decide which boat you would prefer. Both boats will ensure that you have a terrific trip but they are definitely better suited to different experiences.

When you embark on a cruise in Zadar in a sailboat, you can expect a completely authentic trip in which you really get to feel the rhythm of the waves. However, this can also lead to an increased risk of seasickness and it is also true that they are less spacious than the double hull alternatives. However, you will save money on a cruise in a sailboat, especially in terms of docking space in the marinas.

When you embark on a cruise in Zadar in a catamaran, you can expect a voyage that is the epitome of luxury and comfort. The double hull structure of these boats ensure maximum space on board and the enhanced stability means that you are much less likely to suffer from seasickness. However, this enhanced comfort comes at a price and you will almost certainly have to pay extra for a cruise in a catamaran.

How much does a cruise in a sailboat or catamaran cost in Zadar?

Basic factors that can affect the price of your cruise in a catamaran or sailboat are the season and duration of the rental. Your choice of boat is also crucial. We have both sailboats and catamarans of various sizes, brands and models available. For a family vacation or novice sailing enthusiasts, a cruise in a catamaran is best for an unforgettable sailing experience in Croatia. Up to two families can travel comfortably on a catamaran because the double hull structure offers space for four cabins. Another plus point in terms of comfort is that catamarans offer increased stability and are affected less by the waves when sailing. This makes it much easier for you to cook, eat and sleep on board, as well as making it less likely that you will suffer from seasickness. However, the higher level of comfort will usually result in a higher price, both in terms of the rental price and also additional costs such as berths, due to the wider structure of the boat.

Another factor that can influence the price of a cruise in Zadar is whether you want to charter the boat with or without a skipper or crew. Larger boats and catamarans are often only chartered with an experienced skipper, who can give you lots of tips about sailing and interesting facts about the country and its people. You can navigate smaller sailing boats yourself if you are in possession of a valid boat licence and charter them as a bareboat. However, even if you have the appropriate boating licence, you may still wish to charter a boat with for the ultimate level of comfort and relaxation.

Extras such as stand-up paddleboards, diving equipment or jet skis can also often be booked.

As a rough guide, a cruise in a catamaran from Zadar can cost anywhere north of €2888 per week in low season or €4812 per week in high season, while a cruise in a sailboat will cost at least €1150 per week in low season or €2200 per week in high season.