Why Charter a Catamaran from Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik sits at the southern end of the Dalmatian sailing zone, and the islands accessible from it are the quietest and best-preserved on the Croatian coast. The Elaphiti Islands — Kolocep, Lopud, Sipan — are car-free, sparsely visited outside July and August, and within an hour's sail of the marina. Mljet National Park, with its saltwater lakes and ancient Benedictine monastery, is 28 nm to the northwest. Korcula, Lastovo, and Mljet form a triangle that rewards a slow 10-day circuit far more than a rushed week.
The charter fleet here is smaller than Split's — which is both a limitation (less choice on boat model) and an advantage (quieter marinas, fewer crowds at the popular anchorages). If you want to feel like you have discovered Croatia rather than arrived at the busiest version of it, base yourself in Dubrovnik.
Old city timing: Visit Dubrovnik Old City the evening before embarkation rather than trying to fit it in on departure day. The city walls walk takes 90 minutes; do it at 07:30 before the cruise ship crowds arrive, then provision and depart by midday.
Marinas near Dubrovnik
| Marina | Distance from City | Berths | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACI Marina Dubrovnik (Komolac) | 4 km NW | ~420 | Main charter hub; sheltered inlet; fuel dock; taxi to old city €15 |
| Marina Gruz (Dubrovnik) | 2 km NW | ~250 | In city harbour; ferry traffic; better for pre-departure evening in old city |
| Marina Slano | 35 km NW | ~170 | Smaller operator base; quieter; useful if route starts northwest immediately |
ACI Marina Komolac is the standard charter base for Dubrovnik. The inlet it occupies (Rijeka Dubrovacka) provides exceptional shelter — the marina is calm in almost all weather conditions, including the strong Bora and Jugo events that can make open harbour berths uncomfortable. The surrounding area is not picturesque, but the practical facilities are excellent. The old city is a 15-minute taxi ride or a 20-minute bus journey.
Catamaran Charter Prices from Dubrovnik
Prices from Dubrovnik are broadly similar to Split, with a slight premium in peak season due to the smaller fleet and higher demand relative to supply.
Add 20–30% for APA, end cleaning, and the security deposit when budgeting. Full cost breakdown in our charter cost guide.
Best Catamaran Routes from Dubrovnik
The natural route from Dubrovnik runs northwest through the islands. The distances are longer than the Split circuit — Lastovo is 48 nm from Dubrovnik — so the route rewards a 10-day charter more than a week. For one week, the standard circuit focuses on the Elaphiti Islands, Mljet, and Korcula.
| Day | Destination | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sipan, Elaphiti Islands | 16 nm | Sipanska Luka bay; restaurants; quiet overnight |
| 2 | Polace, Mljet | 28 nm | National park; saltwater lakes walk; park fee applies |
| 3 | Korcula Old Town | 20 nm | ACI marina; old city; Moreska dance Thur evenings |
| 4 | Lastovo Town | 22 nm | Remote; dark sky park; best stargazing in Croatia |
| 5 | Vela Luka, Korcula | 15 nm | Provisioning stop; calm bay |
| 6 | Lopud, Elaphiti | 35 nm | Sandy Sunj beach; last overnight before return |
| 7 | Dubrovnik (return) | 12 nm | Morning sail; marina handover 09:00 |
Dubrovnik vs Split: Which Charter Base?
The honest answer depends on what you want from the week:
- Choose Split if: you want maximum boat choice, lower base prices, reliable peak-season availability, and the classic Hvar–Vis–Korcula circuit. Split is also easier to reach with more flight connections.
- Choose Dubrovnik if: you want a more relaxed, less-crowded experience, you are doing 10+ days, you have already done the Split circuit and want something different, or you specifically want to visit Mljet, Lastovo, or the Elaphiti Islands.
One-way charters between Split and Dubrovnik are available from several operators — a one-way option lets you start in one city and finish in the other, covering the entire central Dalmatian coast without backtracking.
Booking Tips for Dubrovnik Charters
- Book early: the Dubrovnik fleet is smaller, so good boats sell out faster than in Split. March–April booking for July/August is safer than leaving it to June.
- Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) is 20 km southeast of the city. Allow 45–60 minutes to reach ACI Komolac by taxi, longer in peak season traffic.
- The sailing licence requirements are identical to Split. ICC or equivalent required for bareboat charter.
- Provisioning: the nearest large supermarket to ACI Komolac is in Gruz, a 10-minute drive. Plan provisioning before final boat handover on arrival day.
Other Charter Locations
Looking for a different base? All location guides below.