Dubrovnik, the awe-inspiring “Pearl of the Adriatic,” needs little introduction. Its magnificent medieval walls, terracotta rooftops, and marble streets are world-famous. But beyond the city lies an equally enchanting world: the sun-drenched islands and tranquil waters of Southern Dalmatia. Embarking on a catamaran charter from Dubrovnik offers the perfect blend of exploring this historic city and escaping into the serene beauty of nearby archipelagos like the Elaphiti Islands and the lush national park of Mljet.
This 7-day itinerary is designed for a relaxing pace, perfect for soaking up the scenery, swimming in crystal-clear bays, and enjoying the unparalleled comfort and space of your catamaran. The sailing distances are generally shorter, allowing more time for relaxation and exploration ashore. If you’re looking for a journey that combines iconic sights with peaceful island escapes, this route is for you.
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The Route Overview:
- Day 1: Dubrovnik (ACI Marina Komolac) to Šipan Island (Elaphiti)
- Day 2: Šipan Island to Polače or Pomena (Mljet Island National Park)
- Day 3: Exploring Mljet National Park
- Day 4: Mljet Island to Korčula Town (Korčula Island)
- Day 5: Korčula Town to Lumbarda (Korčula Island) or nearby anchorage
- Day 6: Lumbarda (Korčula) to Lopud Island (Elaphiti)
- Day 7: Lopud Island back to Dubrovnik (ACI Marina Komolac)
Day 1: Dubrovnik (ACI Marina Komolac) to Šipan Island (Elaphiti)
- Approx. Distance: 10-12 NM
- Approx. Sailing Time: 2-2.5 hours
Embarkation & Departure: Arrive at ACI Marina Dubrovnik in Komolac, located up the scenic Rijeka Dubrovačka estuary. Complete your check-in, provision if needed (see our Provisioning Guide), and get acquainted with your catamaran. Before departing, consider spending time exploring Dubrovnik’s Old Town (a short bus or taxi ride away). Aim for an early afternoon departure to make the most of your first day.
Route Highlights: Sailing down the estuary and out past the impressive Dubrovnik bridge offers unique views. Once clear, head northwest towards the Elaphiti archipelago. The largest island, Šipan, will be your destination.
Destination: Šipan Island: Šipan is the largest of the Elaphiti Islands, known for its olive groves, vineyards, historic summer residences, and two main settlements: Šipanska Luka on the west and Suđurađ on the east. We’ll aim for the well-protected bay of Šipanska Luka.
Things to Do: Take a walk through the quiet village of Šipanska Luka, enjoy a swim in the bay, relax onboard, or dine at a local konoba.
Mooring/Anchorage:
- Šipanska Luka Quay: Limited space available on the small quay (check depth for catamarans). Mooring buoys are often available in the bay (expect fees).
- Anchoring: Good anchoring possibilities in the large, well-protected bay. Plenty of room for catamarans to find a comfortable spot.
Tip: The Elaphiti Islands offer a wonderful contrast to the grandeur of Dubrovnik – enjoy the immediate sense of peace and quiet.
Day 2: Šipan Island to Polače or Pomena (Mljet Island National Park)
- Approx. Distance: 18-20 NM
- Approx. Sailing Time: 3.5 – 4.5 hours
Route Highlights: Sail southwest from Šipan towards the long, green island of Mljet. Nearly a third of Mljet is designated as a National Park, famed for its two interconnected saltwater lakes, Veliko Jezero and Malo Jezero. The coastline is beautifully rugged and forested.
Destination: Polače or Pomena, Mljet: These are the two main entry points on the western side of Mljet for visiting the National Park.
- Polače: Situated in a very deep, fjord-like bay offering excellent protection. The village has ruins of a Roman palace. Several small quays/jetties (often belonging to restaurants) and anchoring space.
- Pomena: A smaller village closer to the lakes’ entrance. Features a small hotel, restaurants with jetties, and mooring buoys. Can get very busy.
Things to Do: Settle in and prepare to explore the National Park tomorrow. Enjoy dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants (many offer free mooring for patrons, confirm beforehand). Relax in the peaceful surroundings.
Mooring/Anchorage:
- Polače: Anchor in the large bay (good holding but can be deep) or find space on a restaurant quay (often free if dining, limited electricity/water).
- Pomena: Moor on a restaurant quay or pick up a mooring buoy (fees apply for buoys). Can be very crowded in summer; arrive reasonably early.
- Note: National Park entrance fees are usually payable upon arrival or via park rangers who visit boats. Confirm current fees and procedures.
Tip: Both bays offer excellent shelter. Polače is generally larger with more anchoring room, while Pomena is closer walking distance to the Small Lake (Malo Jezero). Your choice might depend on availability or preferred restaurant.
Day 3: Exploring Mljet National Park
- Distance: Minimal Sailing (Stay within Mljet)
- Activity: Ashore Exploration
Destination: Mljet National Park: Dedicate today to exploring the stunning natural beauty of the park.
Things to Do:
- Walk/Cycle: Rent bicycles in Pomena or Polače and cycle the shaded paths around the saltwater lakes (Veliko Jezero and Malo Jezero). It’s mostly flat and incredibly scenic.
- Swim: The lake water is warmer than the sea and incredibly clear – perfect for swimming.
- Visit St. Mary’s Islet: Take the small solar-powered boat (usually included in park ticket) across Veliko Jezero to the picturesque islet with its 12th-century Benedictine monastery. There’s a cafe/restaurant here too.
- Kayak/Canoe: Rent kayaks to explore the lakes at your own pace.
- Hike: Various trails offer lovely views over the lakes and surrounding forest.
Mooring/Anchorage: Remain moored or anchored in Polače or Pomena from the previous night.
Tip: Allow plenty of time to enjoy the park – it’s truly a highlight. Pack water, sunscreen, and swimwear. Check the schedule for the boat to St. Mary’s Islet. Exploring Mljet is a key reason to choose a catamaran charter in Southern Dalmatia.
Day 4: Mljet Island to Korčula Town (Korčula Island)
- Approx. Distance: 14-16 NM
- Approx. Sailing Time: 2.5 – 3.5 hours
Route Highlights: Depart from Mljet (Polače or Pomena) and sail north towards the island of Korčula. The approach to Korčula Town is magnificent, with its fortified medieval walls rising directly from the sea, often earning it the nickname “Little Dubrovnik.”
Destination: Korčula Town: A stunningly preserved medieval walled city located on a small peninsula. It claims to be the birthplace of Marco Polo and boasts beautiful architecture, narrow winding streets, excellent restaurants, and local wineries producing the crisp white Grk wine (found mainly around nearby Lumbarda).
Things to Do: Get lost wandering the atmospheric Old Town, visit the alleged Marco Polo house/museum, see St. Mark’s Cathedral, walk along the city walls, enjoy the sunset views from a waterfront bar, witness the traditional Moreška sword dance (check performance schedules), and sample local wines.
Mooring/Anchorage:
- ACI Marina Korčula: Located just east of the Old Town. Very popular and essential to book well in advance, especially in peak season. Offers full facilities.
- Town Quay (West Side): Limited space, often busy with ferries and large yachts. Can be exposed to north-westerly winds/swell.
- Anchoring: Possible in the bay east of the ACI Marina (Luka Bay) or south of the peninsula, depending on wind conditions. Check charts for depths and any restrictions.
Tip: Korčula Town is a must-see. Even if you anchor nearby, take the dinghy or a water taxi ashore to explore this historical gem. Ensure your catamaran charter includes a reliable dinghy.
Day 5: Korčula Town to Lumbarda (Korčula Island) or nearby anchorage
- Approx. Distance: 3-5 NM
- Approx. Sailing Time: < 1 hour
Route Highlights: A very short sail today, allowing for more time exploring Korčula Town in the morning or simply relaxing. Navigate around the eastern tip of the Korčula peninsula towards the village of Lumbarda.
Destination: Lumbarda / Nearby Bays: Lumbarda is a village famous for its sandy beaches (rare in Croatia!) and the vineyards producing Grk white wine. Alternatively, several beautiful anchorages are nearby.
Things to Do:
- In Lumbarda: Visit a local winery for Grk tasting, relax on sandy beaches like Vela Pržina or Bilin Žal, enjoy the village atmosphere.
- Nearby Anchorages: Find a beautiful bay for swimming, snorkelling, and enjoying the peace onboard your catamaran.
Mooring/Anchorage:
- Lumbarda Marina: A small marina primarily for local boats, limited space for visiting yachts, check availability/suitability. Some mooring buoys may be available.
- Anchoring: Good anchoring options exist in the bay off Lumbarda itself, or in nearby sheltered coves around the small islets (Badija, Vrnik, Planjak) offering beautiful scenery.
Tip: This is a great day to enjoy some beach time or indulge in wine tasting. The short distance makes it very flexible.
Day 6: Lumbarda (Korčula) to Lopud Island (Elaphiti)
- Approx. Distance: 25-28 NM
- Approx. Sailing Time: 5-6 hours
Route Highlights: Today involves a longer sailing leg back towards the Elaphiti Islands. Head southeast from Korčula, potentially passing the Pelješac peninsula again. Enjoy the open water sailing – your stable catamaran makes longer passages comfortable.
Destination: Lopud Island: Lopud is perhaps the most charming of the main Elaphiti Islands. It’s car-free and famous for its beautiful sandy beach, Šunj, located in a deep bay on the opposite side of the island from the main village. The village itself has a lovely waterfront, monastery ruins, and a relaxed vibe.
Things to Do: Anchor or moor near the village and walk across the island (or take a golf cart taxi) to Šunj beach for swimming. Explore the village waterfront, visit the ruins of the Franciscan monastery for great views, or enjoy dinner at one of the seaside restaurants.
Mooring/Anchorage:
- Lopud Village Bay: No formal marina. Limited space on the small quay (mostly for ferries/local boats). Mooring buoys are available in the bay (expect fees). Anchoring is also possible, but the bay is quite open to westerly winds/swell.
- Šunj Bay: Large sandy bay suitable for anchoring in settled weather (good holding). Can get busy with day-trippers. Offers beautiful swimming.
Tip: If anchoring in Šunj bay, ensure you are well clear of swimming areas and check the weather forecast, as it’s exposed. Visiting Šunj beach is highly recommended.
Day 7: Lopud Island back to Dubrovnik (ACI Marina Komolac)
- Approx. Distance: 7-9 NM
- Approx. Sailing Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
Route Highlights: Enjoy a final, leisurely sail back towards Dubrovnik. Perhaps stop for one last swim at Koločep island (Kalamota), the closest Elaphiti island to Dubrovnik, before heading up the Rijeka Dubrovačka estuary.
Destination: Dubrovnik Charter Base (ACI Marina Komolac): Head back to the marina, ensuring you refuel your catamaran according to the charter company’s instructions before mooring. Follow the check-out procedures.
Things to Do: Depending on your flight or onward travel plans, you might have time for some last-minute souvenir shopping or a final delicious Croatian meal.
A Relaxing Southern Dalmatian Escape
This itinerary offers a wonderful taste of Southern Dalmatia’s highlights at a relaxed pace perfectly suited to catamaran sailing. From the history of Dubrovnik and Korčula to the natural paradise of Mljet and the charm of the Elaphitis, it’s a journey filled with diverse beauty.
Remember, this is just one possibility. SkipperCity can help you tailor the perfect route for your crew. Whether you choose a bareboat catamaran or opt for the ease of a skippered charter, Southern Dalmatia awaits.
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