Guide
read the Croatia sailing guide
Courses, seasons and what to expect sailing the Croatian coast.
Croatia Sailing School
Master the Adriatic: Earn your ASA certifications while sailing crystal-clear waters. Your desk job ends at the dock.
Flexible cancellation up to 90 days before your course.
Upcoming weeks in Croatia
Real departures, live availability — hold your spot below.
- Week 20May 22 - May 29, 2027$3,980per personHold your spot from $796 depositView & book
- Week 21May 29 - Jun 5, 2027$4,715per personHold your spot from $943 depositView & book
- Week 22Jun 5 - Jun 12, 2027$3,980per personHold your spot from $796 depositView & book
- Week 23Jun 12 - Jun 19, 2027$4,715per personHold your spot from $943 depositView & book
- Week 24Jun 19 - Jun 26, 2027$3,980per personHold your spot from $796 depositView & book
- Week 25Jun 26 - Jul 3, 2027$4,715per personHold your spot from $943 depositView & book
Croatia
May to October
Monohull
ASA CertifiedTraining Facility
4.98/5228 reviews
Featured inVogue & Condé Nast
Departing from Marina Kastela near Split, our students — from complete beginners earning their ASA 101 to experienced sailors pursuing ASA 103, 104, or the ASA 114 catamaran endorsement — master Mediterranean mooring techniques in historic harbors like Vis and Hvar. Navigate the unique Bora and Maestral wind patterns of the Dalmatian Coast over seven days aboard a modern 40-foot yacht. You'll learn coastal navigation, anchoring in secluded bays, diesel engine troubleshooting, and passage planning — earning globally recognized ASA certifications that qualify you for bareboat charters worldwide. Many European countries require the ICC or IPC to charter; you can apply for yours once you've earned your ASA 104 with us. Croatia's 1,200+ islands offer the perfect training ground: challenging enough to build real skills, beautiful enough to make every lesson unforgettable. It's the learn to sail vacation in Croatia our graduates rave about — real certifications earned on a real yacht, with island evenings that feel nothing like school.
“I love the serenity of anchoring in a cove and being the only boat there — to experience that private moment with those onboard. Magic.”
Captain Joshua Ellis
Sailing Virgins Instructor
RYA Yachtmaster Offshore · ASA Instructor (201, 203, 204, 214)
Sailing since age 4, with RORC offshore racing experience including two Fastnet Races and charter experience across Croatia, Greece, Turkey and the Windward Isles.
Sailing Virgins in Croatia — the facts
- School
- Sailing Virgins — ASA-accredited liveaboard sailing school, founded 2016 in the British Virgin Islands
- Format
- 7-day liveaboard courses: you live aboard the yacht you train on, with instruction, accommodation and certification exams included
- Certifications
- ASA 101 through 106, plus ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran); beginners typically earn ASA 101 + 103 in a single week
- Track record
- 1,200+ certified graduates from over 40 countries; 5-star rated on TripAdvisor
- Pricing
- Courses from $3,790 per person
- Croatia fleet
- Monohull courses sailing the Dalmatian coast, including Mediterranean-mooring practice
Why Choose Sailing Virgins for Your Croatia Sailing Course?
#1 Rated Croatia Sailing School
Top-ranked on TripAdvisor with 250+ five-star reviews, featured in Vogue and Conde Nast Traveller, and trusted by students from over 40 countries.
Globally Recognized ASA Certifications
Complete beginners start with ASA 101 (Basic Keelboat) and ASA 102 (Basic Coastal Cruising), while more experienced sailors progress to ASA 103 and ASA 104 — typically two levels per week.
Want to skipper a catamaran? Add the ASA 114 Cruising Catamaran endorsement on our cat courses.
Many European countries require the ICC (International Certificate of Competence) or its American equivalent, the IPC (International Proficiency Certificate), to charter in their waters. You can apply for yours once you've earned your ASA 104 with us.
Train in the Stunning Dalmatian Islands
Navigate from Split to Hvar, Vis, Korcula, and beyond — mastering Med-mooring in ancient harbors and anchoring in crystal-clear bays that most tourists never see.
More Than Just a Course – A Transformation
Build the confidence to skipper your own yacht while developing leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. Leave as a different person than you arrived.
Small Crews, Big Connections
With only 4-6 students per yacht, enjoy personalized instruction and form bonds with your crew — many students leave as lifelong friends and future sailing buddies.
Not sure if Croatia is right for you?
Take our 2-minute quiz to find your perfect sailing adventure!
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Small crews, big connections
Tripadvisor Reviews
Sailing Virgins
5.0
(250 reviews)
C
Casey M
@U763GQcaseym
Croatian sailing adventure
Sep 2024•Solo
The best way to spend time. Learning, adventuring, achieving goals and making amazing friendships. Not to mention exploring amazing natural beauty only accessible on the water.
k
kristen f
@P1110TVkristenf
Adventure of a lifetime!
Sep 2024•Couples
The Sailing Virgins Sept 24 course in Croatia was an amazing, full experience. Our instructor Oran created a team/family out of 4 strangers in just 1 day. He taught from a place of deep experience and instilled that confidence in us.
R
Ruben B
@rubenbL9250XT
Best week sailing in Croatia
Sep 2024•Couples
One week in Croatia with Sailing Virgins turned out to be one of the best times in my life. Our teacher Oran delivered an amazing experience balancing fun, training and incredible destinations in Croatia.
K
Kim H
@kimhZ7417AH
Gaining sailing accreditation in the Mediterranean
Aug 2024•Couples
We sailed with Oran as our instructor from Split in Croatia. 3 couples and the most passionate teacher who worked hard to make sure we all developed the critical skills to enjoy our own bareboat charter.
J
John Lei
@Eversurf
Best Experience Ever
Aug 2023•Friends
This was absolutely one of the best trips I've ever been on in my life. I went stressed out and came back the most relaxed I have ever been. Croatia itself is beautiful and I highly suggest a trip.
R
Robin O
@659robino
Best trip ever!
Aug 2023•Family
What an amazing adventure! Sailing the islands of Croatia for a week, swimming in crystal clear private coves and hopping ashore at night to experience the night life of little harbor towns was just the best time ever.
Experience Croatia Like Never Before
Every morning begins with possibility. You'll wake up to sunlight dancing across the Adriatic, perhaps anchored in a secluded bay near Scedro or tied stern-to on the riva in Vis Town. After coffee and a theory session on deck, you'll raise anchor and set sail — practicing tacking drills as you navigate toward your next island destination.
Your afternoons might find you mastering the infamous Med-moor in Hvar's busy harbor, or practicing anchoring techniques in the protected waters near Korcula. As the sun sets over the Dalmatian coast, you'll share traditional peka dinners with your crew in local konobas, planning tomorrow's passage under a blanket of Mediterranean stars.
Your adventure awaits in the Adriatic
Why Croatia Calls to Sailors
The Croatian coastline is a sailor's finishing school. With over 1,200 islands dotting the Adriatic — from the pine-scented shores of Brac to the lavender fields of Hvar — each day brings new challenges and discoveries. The narrow channels, unpredictable Bora gusts, and tight ancient harbors will test your skills in ways that calmer waters never could.
The summer Maestral wind creates perfect learning conditions: reliable afternoon breezes of 10-15 knots that build confidence without overwhelming beginners. Protected bays like those around Scedro offer safe spaces to practice anchoring, while the open passages between islands let you feel the true power of sailing.
Our carefully planned routes take you through Croatia's most stunning waters — from the submarine tunnels of Vis to the sunset cocktails at Hula Hula in Hvar. You'll stern-to in medieval towns where cobblestone streets meet modern marinas, experiencing a uniquely Croatian blend of adventure, history, and la dolce vita.
Every morning begins with possibility
A Day in the Life
From sunrise yoga to sunset cocktails — here's what a typical day looks like on your Croatia sailing adventure.
| Time | Activity | What You'll Learn | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | The 7-7-7 Morning Routine | 7min breathing practice, 7min meditation, 7min workout — the Sailing Virgins way | Zen |
| 07:30 | Coffee & Swim | Dive off the back for a morning swim or enjoy coffee in a secluded bay | Zen |
| 08:00 | Crew Breakfast | Everyone eats together — fuel up for the day ahead | Social |
| 09:30 | Theory Session | Charts, passage planning, weather briefing for today's sail | Academic |
| 11:00 | Up Anchor & Sail | Drills: Tacking, gybing, sail trim, points of sail | Active |
| 13:00 | Lunch Under Sail | Team meal prep, crew bonding, island spotting | Social |
| 16:00 | The Med Moor | Master stern-to docking in a bustling Croatian harbor | High Focus |
| 19:00 | Konoba Dinner | Traditional peka, local wine, course debrief | Celebration |
07:00The 7-7-7 Morning Routine
7min breathing practice, 7min meditation, 7min workout — the Sailing Virgins way
Zen07:30Coffee & Swim
Dive off the back for a morning swim or enjoy coffee in a secluded bay
Zen08:00Crew Breakfast
Everyone eats together — fuel up for the day ahead
Social09:30Theory Session
Charts, passage planning, weather briefing for today's sail
Academic11:00Up Anchor & Sail
Drills: Tacking, gybing, sail trim, points of sail
Active13:00Lunch Under Sail
Team meal prep, crew bonding, island spotting
Social16:00The Med Moor
Master stern-to docking in a bustling Croatian harbor
High Focus19:00Konoba Dinner
Traditional peka, local wine, course debrief
CelebrationZen
Academic
Active
Social
High Focus
Celebration
See Croatia in Action
Experience what a week of sailing looks like through the eyes of our students and instructors.
The Experience
90 seconds of pure sailing adventure in Croatia
Your Crew
Meet Your Captains
Our instructors aren't just certified — they're passionate sailors who know Croatia inside and out.
8+ years in Croatia
Captain Adam
Senior Instructor
“Adam's engineering background means he can explain not just what to do, but why — and he creates a crew family atmosphere from day one.”
— Sailing Virgins Team
1 of 8 instructors
Your Croatia Sailing Route
Sail through the heart of the Dalmatian Islands on this 7-day circular route. From the historic port of Split, you'll discover hidden bays, medieval towns, and some of Europe's clearest waters.
Start & Finish
ACI Marina Split
Embark Saturday 3:00 PM
1
Brac
First night anchorage
2
Korcula
Marco Polo's birthplace
3
Scedro
Secluded island paradise
4
Komiza, Vis
Caves & cliff jumping
5
Vis Town
Wine tours & scooters
6
Hvar
Hula Hula sunset
7
Islands
~129
Nautical Miles
Loading map...
7-day circular route
Returns to ACI Marina Split
Sample itinerary
Day by day plan
Day 1
📍 Brac
Meeting time: Saturday at 3:00 PM
Meet us at your assigned marina in the Split area (exact marina is in your booking confirmation). You'll meet your fellow sailors and instructor, and after getting to know your new home for the week your instructor will conduct a safety briefing and talk you through the course plan. Shortly afterwards, you will be on your way! Night one you will anchor in a beautiful natural bay a short sail across to the island of Brac, taking the dinghy in to shore to enjoy a small local restaurant.
Ready to Sail Croatian Waters?
Your next great story is waiting to begin.
Don't let another summer slip by without making this dream a reality.
Join our Croatia sailing school and set sail on an unforgettable adventure!
Flexible cancellation up to 90 days before your course.
Explore All Mediterranean Destinations
Compare Croatia with Greece and discover more Mediterranean sailing adventures.
What Do You Need to Know About Sailing in Croatia?
• Why Learn to Sail in Croatia?
Croatia offers the ultimate Mediterranean sailing classroom with 1,200+ islands, challenging Bora and Maestral winds, and medieval harbors perfect for mastering the med-moor. The Dalmatian Coast combines world-class ASA instruction with unforgettable cultural experiences.
• What Is the Best Time to Sail in Croatia?
Our Croatia weeks run from late May to early October. July through September brings the steadiest Maestral afternoon breezes of 10-15 knots, warm temperatures, and crystal-clear Adriatic waters; May, June and early October are quieter in the harbours with slightly cooler evenings.
• What ASA Certification Do I Need for Croatia?
No prior certification needed! Complete beginners start with ASA 101 and 102, while experienced sailors progress to ASA 103 and 104 — typically two levels per week. You'll earn certifications through daily hands-on learning with practical and theory exams.
• Do I Need Sailing Experience for a Croatia Course?
No prior experience needed! Many of our most passionate sailors started as complete beginners. Our expert instructors love teaching newbies and will build your confidence from day one.
• What Should I Pack for a Croatia Sailing Course?
Quick-drying clothes, one warm layer, a soft duffel bag, and solid sun protection. Pack light — you'll need less than you think!
• What Is the Food Like on a Croatia Sailing Course?
We'll show you local markets and teach you the art of boat provisioning. Expect fresh Mediterranean flavors daily, plus traditional peka dinners at local konobas in harbor towns.
• Is a Croatia Sailing Course a Good Vacation Too?
Yes — think of it as a learn to sail vacation in Croatia rather than a classroom at sea. You earn ASA certifications through daily hands-on instruction, but you also swim in secluded bays, explore islands like Vis and Hvar, and share traditional peka dinners in harbor konobas. Instruction, accommodation aboard the yacht, and certification exams are all included.
• How Do I Get to Croatia for My Sailing Course?
Fly into Split Airport (SPU). You can either take an early flight on the day of the course or arrive the night before to rest. The course ends on Saturday morning — book flights for Saturday afternoon or Sunday.
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