Gulets from Sibenik
The gulet fleet in Sibenik is smaller than Split or Dubrovnik — perhaps 20–30 vessels in the area — but the route they access is arguably the most distinctive in Croatia. Kornati National Park, Telascica Nature Park on Dugi Otok, and the quieter north Dalmatian islands form an itinerary that is genuinely different from the central or south Dalmatian routes. If your group has already done Hvar and Korcula and wants something new, Sibenik is the answer.
The captains who work Sibenik-based gulets tend to have deep knowledge of the Kornati park specifically — the best anchoring spots in the national park, the permitted fishing areas, which seasonal restaurants are worth booking ahead, and how to read the local Bora forecasts that can arrive quickly in the Kornati channels. This local expertise is the practical advantage of a Sibenik-based vessel over a boat repositioned from Split for the route.
Kornati National Park by Gulet
Taking a gulet into Kornati requires a national park permit (currently €60–80 per day for vessels over 10 m), purchased in advance or from the park warden boats that patrol the area. The permit covers anchoring throughout the park and use of the mooring buoys where available. Restaurant moorings are billed separately — expect €20–40 per night for a gulet mooring at the main Kornati konobas.
The Kornati anchorages best suited to gulets are the sheltered inlets on the inner (east) side of the main islands: Vrulje Bay on Kornat island (excellent Bora protection, seasonal restaurant), Statival (long narrow inlet, very peaceful), and Uvala Brbiscica on Zut island (just outside the park boundary — no permit required, good provisioning stop at Zut village).
Gulet size in Kornati: Larger gulets (over 24 m, 16+ guests) should confirm their beam and draft against the specific anchorages before booking. Some of the narrower Kornati inlets are tight for wide wooden gulets. Most operators who work this route know which vessels fit where.
Route Options from Sibenik by Gulet
| Day | Stop | Distance | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lavsa Bay, Kornati | 18 nm | Best Kornati anchorage; seasonal restaurant; national park entry |
| 2 | Vrulje, Kornat island | 12 nm | Deep inlet; local konoba; swimming day |
| 3 | Telascica, Dugi Otok | 20 nm | Fjord bay; Mir saltwater lake; cliffside walk |
| 4 | Bozava or Sali, Dugi Otok | 15 nm | Village stop; market; fresh fish from local boats |
| 5 | Murter (Hramina) | 22 nm | Island with good restaurants and calm anchorage |
| 6 | Primosten | 18 nm | Beautiful old town on peninsula; last dinner ashore |
| 7 | Sibenik (return) | 12 nm | Morning return; morning coffee in the old city |
Gulet Charter Prices from Sibenik
Note that Kornati national park fees are covered by the APA — they come out of the provisioning fund, not as an additional charge on top of the charter fee. Budget generously if you plan to spend 3+ nights in the park: €300–500 for the park permits alone on a mid-size gulet. Full cost breakdown: charter cost guide.
Booking Notes for Sibenik Gulets
- The Sibenik gulet fleet is small enough that good vessels sell quickly. Book 6 months ahead for July/August departures.
- Ask specifically whether the vessel and captain have previous Kornati experience — it makes a meaningful difference to anchorage selection and timing in the park.
- No sailing licence is required for gulet charter guests. The captain holds all required certifications.
- Sibenik Airport does not serve the city directly — the nearest airport is Split (SPU), 50 km south, or Zadar (ZAD), 50 km north. Both are around 45–60 minutes from Sibenik by road.
- For the full booking walkthrough, see our how to charter a boat in Croatia guide.
Other Charter Locations
Chartering from a different base? All location guides below.