Sailing

With 1,185 islands and miles of coastline, Croatia attracts a huge number of boating and watersports enthusiasts. Croatia has a large number of charter companies and well-equipped marinas.

Most charters are on a one-week basis, running Saturday to Saturday. You can charter a skippered boat or go “bareboat” (without skipper, although you’ll need to have the required boating certifications). You can also join a flotilla (a group of boats under the guidance of one or more skippers). Hostesses can be hired to clean and cook.

Euromarine Charter -- This is a reliable charter company dealing in sailing boats, catamarans, motorboats, and luxury yachts. Euromarine (charter.euromarine.com.hr; tel. 01/555-2200) has bases in Dubrovnik, Split, Pula, and Biograd and Sukošan (both close to Zadar and the islets of Kornati National Park).

Sail Croatia -- This outfit puts together customized floating holidays for experienced sailors and novices alike. Sail Croatia’s (www.sailcroatia.net; tel. 021/494-888) main charter base is in Kaštela (near Split) in Dalmatia.

Sunsail -- A Florida-based international company, Sunsail (www.sunsail.com; tel. 888/350-3568) has fleets of yachts around the world, including charter bases in Dubrovnik and Marina Agana (near Split).

Ultra Sailing -- Based in the ACI marina Split, Ultra Sailing (www.ultra-sailing.hr; tel. 021/398-578) runs both a summer sailing school (with courses at various levels) and weekly yacht charters (with skipper if required).

Adventure Sports

Croatians are avid sports people with a deep love for the great outdoors, so it should come as no surprise that adventure sports, both sea-based and land-based, are well catered to here.

Adriatic Kayak Tours -- Based in Dubrovnik, Adriatic Kayak Tours (www.adriatickayaktours.com; tel. 020/312-770) arranges half-day, one-day, and one-week tours that combine sea kayaking and cycling.

Adventure Dalmatia -- Offering one-day and multi-day trips in various parts of Dalmatia, Adventure Dalmatia’s (www.adventuredalmatia.com; tel. 021/540-642) offerings including activities such as hiking, rafting, rock climbing, canyoning, and sea kayaking.

Biokovo Active Holidays -- Based in Makarska in Dalmatia, Biokovo (www.biokovo.net; tel. 021/679-655) is a group that runs one-day guided hikes and mountain biking on Mount Biokovo, sea kayaking near Brela, and rafting down the Cetina near Omiš. One- and two-week tours in Dalmatia that take in a variety of adventure sports along the way can also be arranged.

Hvar Adventure -- Specializing in half-day, one-day, and multi-day activities on the island of Hvar. Hvar Adventure (www.hvar-adventure.com; tel. 021/717-813) sports offerings include sea kayaking, sailing, hiking, rock climbing, cycling, and wine tasting.

Windsurfing

Bol on the island of Brač and Viganj near Orebić on the Pelješac Peninsula are Croatia’s biggest draws for windsurfing fans. In Bol, go to Big Blue Sport (www.bigbluesport.com; tel. 091/449-7087) for windsurfing lessons and equipment rental. On Pelješac, check with the Orebić Tourist Office (www.tz-orebic.com; tel. 020/713-718) for information on where to rent boards and get lessons in Viganj.

Cycling

Bicycling for tourists is growing in popularity in Croatia, although currently bike trails are regional and not very well advertised. Istria is leading the way: The Istria Tourist Board has set up an excellent Istria Bike website (www.istria-bike.com), offering detailed information on bike trails, accommodation, and bike repair shops in the region.

Blue Bike Zagreb -- Offering cycling tours guided by locals, Blue Bike Zagreb (www.zagrebbybike.com; tel. 098/246-320) has tours both in Zagreb’s city center and up on the green slopes of Mount Sljeme.

Cycling Croatia -- This professionally run, Zagreb-based company offers one-week guided and self-guided tours in Istria and Dalmatia, with accommodations and meals included (www.cyclingcroatia.com; tel. 01/580-3770).

 

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.