NAUTICAL TOURISM IN CROATIA

Nautical tourism has become more popular over the past few years, especially to wealthy customers whose intended expenses pass the average standards. It is actually a tourist product for it is related to water sport activities (recreational activities and regattas) and entertainment.
The importance of nautical tourism is really significant, for it will improve the services we offer and its development means revitalization of coastal resources as well. Even less popular or rather undeveloped locations have potentials.
Nautical tourism represents one of the most attractive forms of tourism in Croatia. Since the Croatian coastline consists of numerous islands, beaches, natural resorts, ports and bays, it does attract attention of many.
Croatian Association of Nautical Tourism was established as a professional organization under the Croatian Chamber of Commerce and includes four groups: the Croatian Marinas Group, the Croatian Charter Vessels Group, the Croatian Diving Tourism Group and the Cruising and Motor Sailboat Excursions Group. It is the centre that will provide all the necessary information for boaters and aim to improvement of our offer. Among some of the activities that may be carried out we find rowing, water skiing, sailing, surfing, yachting, sports fishing, scuba and snorkelling, these among many others.

The Croatian coast, one of the most developed Mediterranean coasts, with its numerous coves, beaches, bays, ports and many harbors is a paradise for boaters. The naturally heterogeneous Croatian coast allows for relaxation and accommodation in diverse settings. Along the Croatian coast, there are 718 islands, 389 cliffs and 78 reefs. Approximately 60 islands are inhabited year-round; these islands make up a surface area of 3300 km2. The average sea temperature in the winter is 10o Celsius, and the summer temperatures are from of 22 to 27o Celsius. The islands are dominated by a Mediterranean climate with warm and dry summers, and cool and moderately rainy winters. The average annual temperature of the Adriatic Sea is 17o Celsius, and with an annual average of 2,600 hours of sunshine, the Adriatic and its islands are among the sunniest regions of Europe.
On the Croatian coast, there are many natural piers, bays, beaches, ports, and harbors. There are currently 47 marinas, which have joined into an Association of Marinas and account for over 12,000 berths in the sea, and 7,000 dry berths.
Larger harbors have technical services, cranes, gas stations and several different retail and hospitality facilities. In the larger marinas it is possible to rent yachts, and sailing courses are organized for those wishing to learn.
Also offered are services related to swimming and excursions in nautical tourism, and organized nautical competitions (meetings at sea, nautical-tourism rallies, regattas, sails etc.) The Croatian coast offers ideal conditions for the organization of all disciplines of water sports (motor boating, water-skiing, speed boating, windsurfing, jet ski etc.).

The Adriatic Croatia International Club, also known as ACI Club, is the leading company relating to nautical tourism in Croatia, and represents an individual chain of twenty-one marinas extending from the south coast of Dubrovnik to Umag, in the northern part of the country.
In order to rent a vessel you must have skipper’s certification and have a VHF station (the exam can be taken at all port authorities).
At the time the vessel is hired, it is mandatory to fill out forms and verify the signatures of all crew members. Each change of crew during the voyage must be reported to Port authorities.