01.06.2022

Croatia is a relaxed and an easy-going country, unlike some other countries. However, the usual rules still apply: If you want to charter a yacht or sailboat on your own, you must have all the necessary permits, as you know.

But if not, the best way to spend a perfect family sailing vacation is to charter a vessel with an experienced skipper. A skipper will make sure you reach the destinations you want, and even provide you and your loved ones with first-hand information about the places you visit. A good skipper knows the best places to explore, sunbathe and swim. But all in all, if you take some time to prepare, your vacation could be quite unforgettable. Because the Croatian coast really deserves to be enjoyed with open eyes and all other senses.

1. Do your research before you start your sailing vacation

Your life and your vacation will be much easier if you do your research in advance and prepare for all the activities you want to do, all the events you want to attend, and all the places you want to visit. If you just want to sail and swim at different beaches, that's fine, but if you want to make your vacation more interesting, there are a lot of things and sights to visit.

We are sure that whole of the Croatian coast is a perfect destination, but Marina Kornati in Biograd will be a good starting point for your family vacation, as its location guarantees that everything is within reach, so to speak. Biograd as a town is a perfect place, a small town near Zadar and near the Kornati National Park, a place you simply cannot miss. Biograd has everything you need and is also surrounded by great sights and smaller coastal towns.

There is a lot to discover in this area: beaches, bays and coves, underwater world, hidden treasures under the water, lighthouses, old olive groves, just to name a few. In this area there are both bigger islands like Pašman or Ugljan and smaller ones like Vrgada or Žut. They are scattered all over the area and exploring them is an excellent activity for a sailing vacation with the family.

So, to make the most of your time during the vacation, you should find out about the surroundings, the bays and the local towns and find out what they really offer. You might be quite surprised.

2. Make sure you are prepared for all situations when sailing with your family

Rest assured that not much can happen, but it's better to be prepared than to be in the middle of the Croatian Adriatic without sunscreen or, even worse, without chocolate. But all joking aside, be prepared for unexpected situations.

Unexpected could be an accidental malfunction of the yacht's engine or someone tripping and falling. All of these are normal but rare, but even so, accidents still happen. The most important thing is not to panic. If something happens that you cannot control, first call your charter management who will recommend you what to do.

In case of an accident at sea, it is also advisable to ask your charter company for advice. Any problem can be solved, and your charter company is always there for you even after you charter a yacht with them.
If you are sailing with children, make sure that they wear life jackets during the trip.

3. Bring all the things you will need, but in smaller packages.

Bring all the essentials you will need, especially sunscreen, of course. First, make sure you and your loved ones are well protected while you spend your time outside the safety of the shade of your chartered yacht, and bring enough sunscreen for everyone.

When packing for a family sailing vacation, you should also keep in mind that the accommodations aboard a motor yacht or sailing yacht are not as spacious as they are elsewhere. Space is limited and therefore you should pack your belongings and clothes accordingly.

Take light, but also slightly warmer clothes and pack your toiletries and essentials for the days ahead. Do not take large packages, because everything you miss you can buy in the stores in the cities or in the marinas. However, take your medications with you, including some seasickness remedies and mosquito repellent.

4. Be prepared for all weathers and all terrains

Make sure you bring some warmer or rainproof clothes for it will surely rain, short summer shovers are given, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't get wet. But if you want to, there is no better feeling that to go swimming in the rain. It is certainly a small joy in life you must experience.
Even during the summer nights can be a bit colder but your main apparel will be swimsuits and a hat for most of the time.
If hiking and walking are your cup of tea, make sure to pack footwear for this kind of activity. Islands of the Croatian Adriatic are always an excellent location for hiking, but even some sneakers will do just fine. Flip flops or sandals for regular visits to the town.

Make sure your routes are shorter, especially if you are bringing kids with you. They can become bored and tired easily, but there are always activities to do while sailing.

5. Pack your board games and prepare for exploration

We imagine that a sailing holiday might, just might, give you some free time to relax. Lying on the sun deck of your chartered yacht and, can be romantic and really what the doctor prescribed. But games of all kinds are an effective way to fill your time and keep you and your fellow travellers entertained.

So, bring board games and cards to fill the time you spend sailing, or some water toys to try out in the sea and on the beach.
Make sure you make a list of all the places you can explore and discover their treasures, on the coast and also underwater.

Your little ones can get tired of just swimming and sailing, so be prepared to entertain them on land. It's best to explore what your desired destinations have to offer so you can take them on a trip to a coastal town. Biograd is one of those Dalmatian towns worth exploring, and its surrounding area even more so.

Small towns may seem similar, but they actually offer you different activities and festivals during the season, many of them have local customs, so make sure you experience that as well.

6. Learn new skills while sailing

Sailing is the perfect opportunity to learn some new skills you haven't yet encountered. Believe us, once you learn them, it's not far to sailing on your own. But the basics are a must, and safety aboard a vessel is critical.

If you are a curious person, make a list of things you would like to try and learn. The Croatian Adriatic is a perfect place to learn the rules of navigation, which will come in handy in unexpected situations.

Tying knots is also a fun activity for the whole family to brag about when you return home. Siling is also a good opportunity to learn more about the winds of the Croatian Adriatic and more about the compass rose and navigation in general.
A sailing vacation with the family doesn't have to consist only of sailing and going to the beach but can also be quite a great learning experience.

7. Family sailing vacation is also a good way to experience all kinds of events

During the summer season, all Croatian coastal towns come to life. Festivals and events of all kinds are certainly a good way to fill your vacation days besides sunbathing.

The main focus is usually on religious events, but even if you are not inclined to religion, some of these local events are really wonderful and festive. Velika Gospa, Assumption of the Virgin Mary, is usually celebrated with a large and very special procession through the streets.

But some small coastal towns that celebrate Our Lady, such as Kukljica on the island of Ugljan in the Zadar archipelago, have a beautiful procession with boats. You can participate in it or just watch, but it is really an interesting event.

During the summer, various music festivals are held, with something for everyone. Cultural events in small coastal towns are something that locals look forward to and prepare for all year round.On the Croatian coast, and especially in the Biograd area, there are many great taverns and restaurants, small local museums and historical sights. Just pick a place or two and you will sometimes find even more than you bargained for. All in all, a family sailing vacation can be great fun for everyone.