Boat Petrol Stations in Croatia: Where & How to Refuel at Sea
Boat Petrol Stations in Croatia: Where & How to Refuel at Sea
Fuel Up Smart: Your Complete Guide to Refueling Boats in Croatia
If you’re planning a sailing holiday in Croatia, one detail that shouldn’t be overlooked is where and how to refuel your boat. Croatia’s coastline is filled with beautiful marinas, hidden coves, and island anchorages—but you need to plan your fueling stops just as carefully as your swim stops.
This guide will walk you through:
- Where to find the main boat petrol stations in Croatia
- Tips for fueling safely and efficiently
- What types of fuel are available
- Costs and timing considerations
- Local etiquette and marina services
- Emergency fuel tips and route planning
Whether you’re skippering a sailboat, cruising on a catamaran, or powering a motor yacht, this guide is your essential resource.
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Why You Need to Plan Your Fuel Stops
While most charter boats are delivered with a full tank and can last several days or even a full week without refueling (especially sailboats), it’s still essential to:
- Refill before returning to your departure marina
- Top up before long transfers or sailing away from the mainland
- Avoid long queues at peak times
- Avoid fuel shortages on remote islands
Knowing the nearest petrol station to your route can save time, money, and stress.
Fuel Strategy While Sailing
Fuel planning should be part of your route design. Don’t rely on just one station—have backups. Factor in:
- Distance between stops
- Night anchorages (some fuel docks don’t open early)
- Fuel consumption rate by engine type
Pro Tip: Catamarans use more fuel than monohull sailboats due to twin engines.
Major Boat Petrol Stations in Croatia (with Coordinates & Depths)
| Location | Coordinates | Depth | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Umag | 45°26.8′ N 13°30.8′ E | 2.5 m | +385 52 741 062 |
| Pula | 44°52.0′ N 13°50.0′ E | 3.0 m | +385 52 383 631 |
| Rovinj | 45°05.6′ N 13°38.0′ E | 4.5 m | +385 52 813 116 |
| Mali Lošinj | 44°32.0′ N 14°28.0′ E | 4.5 m | +385 51 231 626 |
| Cres | 44°57.0′ N 14°24.5′ E | 4.5 m | +385 51 571 284 |
| Krk | 45°01.5′ N 14°34.5′ E | 2.8 m | +385 51 221 460 |
| Zadar | 44°07.2′ N 15°13.0′ E | 3.2 m | +385 23 251 094 |
| Biograd | 43°56.4′ N 15°27.8′ E | 4.0 m | +385 23 384 656 |
| Sukošan | 44°03.5′ N 15°18.4′ E | 4.5 m | +385 23 394 820 |
| Šibenik | 43°43.8′ N 15°53.0′ E | 5.0 m | +385 22 218 161 |
| Murter | 43°49.0′ N 15°35.8′ E | 2.2 m | +385 22 435 660 |
| Trogir | 43°30.0′ N 16°14.4′ E | 2.5 m | +385 21 881 116 |
| Split | 43°30.5′ N 16°26.0′ E | 4.5 m | +385 21 398 049 |
| Hvar | 43°10.0′ N 16°26.0′ E | 3.5 m | +385 21 741 134 |
| Vrboska | 43°10.2′ N 16°40.0′ E | 2.5 m | +385 21 774 018 |
| Dubrovnik | 42°40.5′ N 18°07.6′ E | 3.0 m | +385 20 451 141 |
Emergency Fueling Protocols and Contingency Planning
Even the best-laid sailing plans can go sideways. Unexpected weather, route changes, or underestimating fuel consumption can leave you needing to refuel unexpectedly. Here’s what to do:
1. Always Know the Nearest Station
Use GPS or sailing apps to mark fuel stops in advance. Carry a printed fuel station chart for backup.
2. Conserve Fuel in Emergencies
- Reduce speed to conserve diesel
- Use sail power if possible
- Shut off non-essential systems
3. Call Ahead for Availability
Use the contact numbers in the table above to ask about:
- Opening hours
- Fuel availability
- Dock congestion
4. Ask Nearby Skippers or Marinas
Local sailors and marina staff often know the most reliable and least busy fueling spots nearby.
Additional Resources and Support for Fueling in Croatia
24/7 Emergency Fuel Contacts
In case of fuel emergencies or unexpected shortages, contact local marina offices or the Croatian Coast Guard. Most marinas have staff that can help arrange fuel delivery or direct you to the nearest available station.
- Croatian Coast Guard: Dial 195
- Port Authority (Harbourmaster’s Office): Contact the nearest regional office for support
- SkipperCity Emergency Support: Provided with all bookings (available via WhatsApp & phone)
Fuel Delivery Options
Some high-end marinas and remote locations offer boat-to-boat fuel delivery, typically via:
- Floating fuel barges
- Local service boats arranged by marina office
- Fuel can delivery for dinghies or tenders
Delivery fees may apply, and availability is seasonal.
Cost Optimization: Save Money While Refueling
Yacht fuel isn’t cheap—especially in high-demand summer months. Here’s how to reduce fuel expenses on your Croatia yacht charter:
- Sail more, motor less: Use wind power on longer passages when possible.
- Anchor overnight instead of docking: Reduces need for frequent engine use.
- Refuel in mainland cities: Avoid inflated prices on tourist-heavy islands.
- Cruise at optimal speed: Stay within the vessel’s fuel-efficient RPM.
- Track fuel use daily: Avoid surprise top-ups by noting hours run.
A well-managed fuel strategy can easily save €100–€500 during a one-week charter.
Seasonal Fueling Tips
June–August
- Peak tourist season = high traffic at fuel docks
- Expect queues from 9–11 AM and 4–6 PM, especially on Saturdays
- Refuel early morning or later in the evening if stations stay open
May & September
- Shoulder seasons with fewer crowds
- Fuel docks usually fully operational
- Ideal months for smooth fueling and sailing
October–April
- Off-season: Many fuel stations close or reduce hours
- Always call ahead to confirm availability
- Plan fueling around marina services with year-round support
Advanced Planning for Flotilla & Group Charters
If you’re sailing in a flotilla or group charter with multiple boats:
- Coordinate fuel stops ahead of time
- Assign one skipper to check conditions and notify the others
- Stagger fuel arrivals to avoid clogging the dock
- Use VHF channels or WhatsApp to communicate status
Flotilla planning with fuel in mind ensures smooth sailing and happy crews.
Regional Comparisons: Mainland vs Islands
| Feature | Mainland Stations | Island Stations |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | High year-round | Seasonal or limited |
| Wait times | Medium–High (peak season) | Low–Medium |
| Prices | Slightly lower | Slightly higher |
| Services | Full (shop, showers) | Basic (fuel only) |
What to Expect at Different Types of Fuel Docks
ACI Marina Fuel Stations
These are among the most reliable and well-equipped fueling points, often staffed by English-speaking attendants. Expect:
- Full-size docks
- Clear signage
- Accept most credit cards
Local Town Fuel Points
Usually located near fishing harbors, these are more basic but functional:
- May not be open all day
- Limited staff or self-service
- Cash preferred in some locations
Floating Fuel Barges
- Typically operate 1 June–30 September
- Anchor near popular islands and channels
- May only offer diesel (no petrol)
Fuel Tank Capacity and Average Consumption by Boat Type
| Boat Type | Avg. Tank Size (Liters) | Fuel Use (L/hour) | Weekly Est. (L) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sailboat 35–45ft | 150–250 L | 3–5 | 50–150 |
| Catamaran 40–50ft | 400–800 L | 6–10 (twin engine) | 150–300 |
| Motor Yacht 50ft | 1000–2500 L | 15–40 | 300–800+ |
These numbers vary based on usage, sea conditions, and whether you anchor or dock overnight.
Eco-Friendly Fueling Practices
Help protect Croatia’s pristine coastline by following these green fueling tips:
- Use oil-absorbing pads when fueling
- Report any spills immediately
- Never empty bilge water near anchorages
- Recycle oil and filters responsibly
- Avoid overfilling tanks
Sailing with a Skipper? Let Them Handle Fuel Stops
One major benefit of booking a skippered yacht charter is the peace of mind that comes from having a professional manage all the logistics—including fuel stops.
Skippers will:
- Know where the nearest open station is
- Time fuel stops efficiently around your itinerary
- Handle mooring, payment, and documentation
- Keep track of engine hours and fuel usage
This lets you enjoy your sailing holiday without the stress of calculations and coordination.
Captain & Crew Fueling Roles
Clearly define roles during docking and refueling to ensure safety and efficiency:
- Skipper: Responsible for boat maneuvering, maintaining distance from the dock, and issuing commands.
- Deckhand/Crew: Manage bow and stern lines, operate fenders, and help secure the vessel.
- Engineer or Senior Crew Member: Monitor and manage the fuel hose, verify fuel type (diesel or petrol), and check gauges.
- Crew Member/Guest: Handle payment and obtain a receipt for return to the base.
A brief safety briefing before beginning refueling can prevent accidents and ensure the process goes smoothly.
Final Fuel Checklist Before Returning to Base
Before finishing your charter, run through this checklist:
- ☐ Full fuel tank refilled within last 2 hours
- ☐ Fuel receipt ready for charter base staff
- ☐ Engine logs or hour meter noted
- ☐ No spills or damage at fueling dock
- ☐ On-time return with marina confirmation
Returning on empty may result in extra fees or delays for the next charter group.
Real-Life Advice from Charter Guests
“We underestimated how many hours we’d motor around Hvar and needed fuel halfway through. Luckily, the Hvar town dock was easy to access.” – Peter S., Netherlands
“Dubrovnik fuel dock had a huge queue Saturday morning. Next time, we’ll fill up Friday afternoon.” – Anna C., UK
“The SkipperCity team gave us an itinerary that let us sail more and fuel less. Great support!” – Luca M., Italy
Summary: Take the Stress Out of Refueling in Croatia
Fueling your boat in Croatia is straightforward—if you plan ahead. With more than 80 fueling stations and a strong maritime support network, you’re never far from your next top-up.
✅ Use this guide to create a smooth, cost-effective fueling strategy. ✅ Avoid busy times and islands with limited access. ✅ Ask SkipperCity’s local team for fuel-friendly route suggestions.
Still unsure? Our experts are here to help.
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