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CROATIA
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SUGGESTED
CROATIA
SAILING ITINERARIES
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Dubrovnik, Croatia
Suggested 7 Day Cruising Program
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A Dubrovnik sailing itinerary takes you to the stunningly beautiful turquoise waters of Croatia's Dalmatian Coast, its shoreline indented with coves and bays, marked with rugged peninsulas, and bejeweled with large and small islands just offshore. A typical 7-day Dubrovnik itinerary centers on sailing to the islands of Mljet, Korcula, and Sipan, the largest of the Elafiti Islands northwest of Dubrovnik. These cruising grounds have a wonderful variety of harbors ranging from traditional fishing villages where the pace of life is slow to ports with larger towns full of history and charm. The uninhabited islets are remote and dramatic, supporting abundant wildlife. Swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing at pristine beaches, exploring fascinating archaeological sites, browsing in market bazaars, and dining in restaurants serving delicious local cuisine are among the many pleasures of sailing in these family friendly waters.
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Day 1: Okuklje Bay
Dubrovnik to Okuklje Bay - 20 nm. Your Dubrovnik itinerary began the previous day, on Saturday afternoon, when you arrived at the base in Mokosica to check in you received your pre-cruise chart briefing. Now that you've enjoyed a restful night aboard, it's time to head out onto the shimmering Adriatic Sea to sail among the breathtaking Dalmatian Islands. Your first stop is scenic Okuklje Bay on the eastern end of Mljet Island, due west of Dubrovnik. There are two excellent anchorages ideal for day stops on your way - Saplunara Cove and Podskolj. Okuklje Bay is protected from all winds and has a small village with a few restaurants. Mljet is a remarkably beautiful island, mostly forested and undeveloped
Mooring: No moorings are available. There is ample room to anchor in Okuklje Bay.
Dinghy dockage: No dinghy dockage is available.
Things to do: The eastern end of Mljet Island is indented with beautiful coves and sprinkled with scenic islets. Near Okuklje Bay you will find Saplunara Bay, located just west of Cape Gruj. It's quite magnificent and the swimming there is superb. You can anchor there overnight if you wish when winds are from the northwest, north, or northeast. Nearby Blaca Cove is fun to explore in the dinghy. Also on the east end of Mljet is Skolj Islet. There's a narrow channel between the islet and the coast that's good for a day anchorage. At the edge of Okuklje Bay on the north coast you'll find a little village. Going ashore to walk the wooded paths and to dine at one of the restaurants is a pleasant way to spend a late afternoon and early evening.
Facilities: Dockage is available in Okuklje Bay. No other facilities for yachts are available.
Day 2: Islet of Pomestak
Okuklje Bay to the Islet of Pomestak (Pomena) - 12 nm. Set sail westward for a voyage along the north coast of Mljet and admire the forests and hills while the shimmering blue of the Adriatic surrounds your graceful yacht. Along the way, you can stop in Sobra Bay, the island's main harbor. The swimming is good in the northwest part of the bay, and farther down the coast you'll find Polace Bay. The islet of Moracnik at the bay's entrance is scenic and a wonderful day anchorage. Continuing on around the western end of Mljet takes you to the town of Pomena. It's very popular because of its close proximity to Mljet National Park (a must-see destination). The best anchorage is off the Islet of Pomestak. You can also sometimes find a berth at the pier in front of the hotel at Pomena.
Mooring: No moorings are available. Anchor in the southern part of Pomena Bay or off the Islet of Pomestak.
Dinghy dockage: Dinghy dockage is available.
Things to do: Mljet National Park is a top destination in Croatia. The beauty is breathtaking around the two saltwater lakes of Malo Jezero and Veliko Jezero, which open to the sea through a miniscule channel. An islet in the middle of Veliko Jezero is home to a Benedictine Monastery from the 12th century, and a little restaurant that caters to tourists. Sightseeing boats run regularly to the islet, which makes for a fun way to pass a couple of hours in an idyllic setting. You can bring a picnic lunch or enjoy a meal in the monastery restaurant. Bicycle rentals are available in Pomena and are a good way to explore the west end of Mljet Island. There is a hotel in Pomena, but little else except for the several restaurants.
Facilities: Dockage is sometimes available at the pier in front of the hotel at Pomena. No other facilities for yachts are available.
Day 3: Korcula Island
Islet of Pomestak to Korcula Island - 14 nm. Sailing northwest in the open waters separating Mljet Island and Korcula Island is relaxing as you trim for a close reach and let your yacht glide through the smooth seas of the Adriatic. Off the bow is the Peljesac Peninsula, a rugged stretch of land on the Dalmatian Coast. Soon you are closing with Korcula and its vast array of coves and harbors. Day worthy of consideration are Przina Cove with its pretty sandy beach surrounded by a vineyard, and the Islet of Badija. Once you arrive at Korcula Town, you can enjoy a first-class marina and all the attractions at this centuries-old and beautiful port.
Mooring: No moorings are available. No anchorages are available off Korcula Town. Most sailors tie up at the first-class marina just to the south of the town.
Dinghy dockage: No dinghy dockage is available.
Things to do: Walking the narrow lanes of picturesque Korcula Town is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon. Shops, boutiques, and cafés are plentiful and delightful. The Town Museum has a wonderful collection of artifacts dating back centuries. Stone masonry was a thriving trade early in the Venetian period of Korcula, as evidenced by the intricate carvings on the building facades, and the museum has some fascinating examples of stone craftsmanship on display. The Icon Museum features exhibits of Byzantine artwork. The twin Towers of the Governors and St. Mark's Cathedral are impressive. Marco Polo's house is rather bland, since it's been mostly lost to time. Only the garden and a staircase exist, but it's still fun to go there anyway. The Moreska sword dance depicting a battle between two kings, ostensibly over a fair maiden, is not to be missed.
Facilities: All facilities for yachts are available.
Day 4: Polace Bay
Korcula Island to Polace Bay - 14 nm. Your Dubrovnik sailing itinerary takes you on a journey to the southeast, stopping at Polace Bay, on the west end of Mljet Island. The bay is scenic and sheltered, and offers dockage, room to anchor in front of palace ruins, and moorings off several pleasant waterfront restaurants. Going ashore to explore is a delightful way to spend a late afternoon and early evening.
Mooring: Moorings are available in front of some of the waterside restaurants free of charge for dinner customers. Anchor in the northwest part of Polace Bay.
Dinghy dockage: Dinghy dockage is available.
Things to do: Polace Bay is located near one of the main entrances to Mljet National Park and its beautiful saltwater lakes, hiking paths, and scenic monastery on an islet in Veliko Jezero, the larger of the two lakes. There are also the ruins of a 5th century palace to explore, its high walls sheltering the ancient remains of a settlement as well as an early Christian church. Going ashore to explore Polace and Mljet National Park is a pleasant way to spend most of a day, and lingering over a cool glass of domestic wine at one of the waterfront restaurants is a delightful end to a relaxing visit.
Facilities: Dockage is available. No other facilities for yachts are available.
Day 5: Sipan Island
Polace Bay to Sipan Island - 21 nm. The next leg of your Dubrovnik itinerary takes you southeast once again, leaving beautiful Mljet Island behind as you head to the Elafiti isles, a sub-group of the Dalmatians. Only 3 of the 13 islands are inhabited, and all of them are stunningly beautiful. The wealthy families of Dubrovnik considered the Elafiti Islands a prime vacation spot centuries ago, and it is still a popular tourist destination with great beaches for swimming and snorkeling. Elafiti is derived from the Greek word elafos, meaning deer. As one story goes, these islands were home to many deer in ancient times, but no one really knows for sure.
Mooring: No moorings are available. There are numerous day anchorages along the coast of Sipan. Visitors to Sipan Luka and its small harbor usually tie up at the pier.
Dinghy dockage: No dinghy dockage is available.
Things to do: Sipan has two villages. On the east shore Sudurad is on the east side of the island and Sipan Luka is on the west side of the island. Both are scenic and worth exploring. There's a road that connects these villages and makes for a lovely walk (though long) through a verdant valley. Along the way you'll see the ruins of centuries-old churches. In fact, Sipan is strewn with old churches, some of them quite fascinating: Church of St. Peter, Church of Sveti Ivan, Church of Sveti Mihovil, and the Church of the Holy Spirit. Some of the ruins date back to the year 1000.
Facilities: Dockage is usually available. No other facilities for yachts are available.
Day 6: Dubrovnik
Sipan Island to Dubrovnik - 15 nm. The last full day of your Dubrovnik sailing itinerary continues your voyage to the southeast among the Elafiti isles and along the mainland coast. The scene inspires the imagination as you consider all the history of this part of the Adriatic Sea. As the balmy wind fills the sails of your yacht, you will find yourself reveling in the special charm that can only be found in Croatia. Arriving back at the base in Mokosica by 5:00 P.M., you'll have plenty of time to enjoy a sumptuous dinner at one of the restaurants near the marina, a fitting end to a leisurely foray into one of the best cruising grounds on Earth.
Mooring: No moorings are available. There is no anchorage for yachts in Dubrovnik's busy harbor.
Dinghy dockage: No dinghy dockage is available.
Things to do: The many attractions in Dubrovnik's Old Town include the famous walls themselves. Rising above the seaport to heights of 80 feet in places, they ring the city in what must have been an impregnable defensive perimeter. You can walk along the top and look down into the maze of narrow streets and confused conglomeration of picturesque homes and shops and historic buildings clustered together in an impressively Mediterranean-style mix. Next you can move on to stroll the Stradun or venture into the back streets before touring the Franciscan Monastery, the Dominican Monastery, the Rector's Palace, and the baroque cathedral. At night, the famous Gundulic Square teems with fashionably and casually dressed revelers from all over the world, and in the morning the same public square is used as a farmer's market. Dubrovnik's Old Town is an experience in itself, one of the most unique and pleasing destinations in Croatia.
Facilities: All facilities for yachts are available at the marinas.
Final Morning: After a restful night aboard, disembark from your yacht at 8:00 A.M. and prepare for your flight home. Alternatively, you could take several days to visit the cosmopolitan and historic city of Dubrovnik. Excursions from the Moorings base are available to Dubrovnik and the nearby port city of Split, as well as to other intriguing sites, including the magnificent ancient Roman ruins of Solin.
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