Charter Marinas near Dubrovnik
ACI Marina Dubrovnik is in Komolac, 4 km up the Rijeka Dubrovacka (the river inlet that runs inland northwest of the old city). It has around 420 berths, is the largest charter base in the south, and is sheltered enough to be a year-round marina. The location means it is not walkable to the old city — taxis or the local bus. The inlet itself is a calm anchorage and an easy departure in almost any conditions.
Marina Dubrovnik (also called Marina Gruž or Marina LAPAd) is in Gruz harbour, much closer to the city centre. It has fewer berths and is sometimes used for charter handovers in smaller fleets. The Gruz harbour is also where car ferries to the islands depart — it is busy and noisy, but the location is better for a pre-departure evening in the old city.
Getting to the old city: From ACI Komolac, a taxi to the old city takes 15–20 minutes and costs around €15. From Marina Gruz it is a 20-minute walk. The old city walls walk (90 minutes, €35 per person) is the most visited experience in Dubrovnik — do it in the early morning before the cruise ship crowds arrive.
Arriving in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) is 20 km southeast of the city, across the border into Bosnia briefly and then back into Croatia at Cavtat. Direct flights connect Dubrovnik with London, Manchester, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and a dozen other European cities throughout the summer season. The Atlas shuttle bus runs between the airport and Gruz harbour (45 minutes, €10); taxis take 30 minutes and cost €35–45. If your charter marina is ACI Komolac, a taxi is the sensible option at arrival and departure — the shuttle does not serve the marina directly.
Dubrovnik Old City by Boat
It is not possible to berth a charter yacht inside the old city walls — the Old Harbour has limited space reserved for water taxis and small local boats. The best way to experience the old city by boat is to anchor in the bay south of Lokrum Island (small uninhabited island directly opposite the old city walls) and take the dinghy or the public water taxi from Gruz harbour. Lokrum itself has peacocks, a botanic garden, and swimming off its rocky coast. Anchoring near Lokrum is free and the holding is acceptable in 5–12 m sand.
First-Day Route Options from Dubrovnik
The standard first-day departure from Dubrovnik heads northwest along the coast toward the Elaphiti Islands:
- Kolocep (7 nm): The closest island, ideal if you are starting late or want a gentle first day. Quiet village, good anchorage.
- Lopud (12 nm): Sandy beach, better restaurant options, half a day's sailing from Dubrovnik.
- Sipan (16 nm): The best island in the Elaphiti group. Sipanska Luka bay is the standard first-night stop for most Dubrovnik-based charters heading north.
- Cavtat (7 nm southeast): In the opposite direction — a beautiful old town on a double bay, if you are heading toward Montenegro on a longer route.
A Week from Dubrovnik — Standard Northwest Circuit
| Day | Destination | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sipan (Sipanska Luka) | 16 nm | Elaphiti; best first overnight |
| 2 | Polace, Mljet | 28 nm | National park; saltwater lakes walk |
| 3 | Korcula Old Town | 20 nm | ACI marina; old city; Moreska dance |
| 4 | Lastovo | 22 nm | Remote; stargazing; excellent local wine |
| 5 | Vela Luka, Korcula | 15 nm | Provisioning; calm bay; quiet |
| 6 | Lopud, Elaphiti | 35 nm | Sunj beach; last night before return |
| 7 | Dubrovnik (return) | 12 nm | Morning sail; marina handover 09:00 |
The Southern Route: Lastovo
Lastovo deserves special mention. It is the most remote inhabited island in Croatia, 48 nm from Dubrovnik, and until 1989 it was also a closed military zone like Vis. The island has no major hotel development, one small marina at Lastovo Town (built into a steep hillside in a way that looks structurally implausible), and some of the best stargazing in Europe — it is an official International Dark Sky Park. The water around Lastovo is consistently described by divers as among the clearest in Croatia. It is not a realistic stop on a seven-day circuit from Dubrovnik unless you are comfortable with two longer sailing days, but it works well as the turning point on a ten-day charter.
Wind and Sailing Conditions from Dubrovnik
The Dubrovnik area sits at the southern end of the Dalmatian sailing zone. The Jugo (south-southeast) is more prevalent here than further north — it builds over two or three days and can reach force 6–7 in winter. In summer a moderate Jugo of force 3–4 provides good upwind sailing on the routes heading northwest. The Maestral is lighter and less reliable here than in the Split area due to the different coastal geometry. The Bora comes from the northeast and accelerates through the Neretva valley to the north, which can produce localised gusts near the coast between Dubrovnik and Metkovic.
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