The Ultimate Croatia Sailing Packing List: Must-Have Essentials!
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Planning a sailing trip to Croatia? You’re in for an amazing adventure! For the last 3 years, I’ve gone sailing in Croatia every summer, and in that time I have perfected packing for a week long sailing trip. This is the perfect Croatia sailing packing list to help you best prepare for your sailing adventure in Croatia.
Sailing is the best way to see different islands without having to spend all of your time in transit on ferries. Instead, you unpack once and while you’re moving from place to place, you can relax on the boat, take in the scenery and not have to worry about lugging around your bags or checking in when you arrive at your new destination.
Before you set sail, let’s make sure you pack everything you need. After sailing three years in a row, I’ve got my packing list down to just the essentials. This guide will help you put together the perfect Croatia sailing trip packing list, including everything that I wished I had but didn’t on my first Croatia sailing trip.
Why Packing Right for a Croatia Sailing Trip Matters
Packing for a sailing trip isn’t quite the same as packing for a regular vacation. Space on sailboats is limited, and you won’t have the luxury of rolling suitcases or large bags. Here’s what you need to know to make your packing experience smooth and stress-free.
Luggage – Choose Wisely
Ditch the Suitcase
When it comes to luggage, think small and flexible. Large suitcases or rolling bags are a big no-no on a sailboat.
They take up too much room and can be a hassle to move around in tight spaces. Unless you’re staying on a large yacht, there likely is not sufficient space for a full-size rolling suitcase.
Instead, opt for backpacks or duffle bags. They’re easier to stow away and carry on board.
Need to store your luggage while you’re sailing? Luggage Hero is a great resource to find affordable luggage storage services worldwide.
Go for Durability
When choosing a good travel backpack or duffle, you’ll want something durable that will last you multiple trips. Look for backpacks or duffles made from sturdy materials that can handle a bit of rough treatment and look for strong, well constructed zippers.
Brands like Patagonia or Osprey offer great options that are both sturdy and practical.
My personal favorite travel bags are my Bagsmart weekender duffle (complete with a separate shoe compartment) and the expandable Solgaard Venture backpack (which comes with a special hanging packing cube to keep all your clothes organized).
Pack Light
Remember, the goal is to pack light. Think minimalist. Bring versatile pieces that can serve multiple purposes to save space and weight.
On my first sailing trip in Croatia, I realized I had packed way too many clothes. I ended up wearing the same pair of shorts, two sundresses, and bikini over and over. Most of the outfits I had packed were never worn.
You’ll live in a swimsuit and coverup most of the time on board so if there’s any piece of clothing to bring multiple of, it’s swimwear.
Last year, I brought only my 40L Solgaard backpack and a very minimal packing list.
Here’s the clothing I packed for one week sailing in Croatia: 2 tank tops, 2 t-shirts, 1 long sleeve button down shirt, 2 pairs of shorts (1 comfortable pair for sleeping/lounging and 1 pair of jean shorts), a pair of linen pants, 2 swimsuits, 1 beach coverup, 2 dresses, and a jean jacket. I also had an additional hoodie and joggers that I wore on the flight over to Croatia.
For shoes I brought 3 pairs: a pair of Chacos sandals to wear in the water and for light hikes, a pair of rose gold Birkenstock sandals to have something a little dressier for a nice dinner or night out, and a pair of sneakers.
What to Wear in Croatia
Lightweight Clothing
Croatia is known for its warm Mediterranean climate, especially during the summer sailing season. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing that will keep you cool and comfortable. Think cotton or linen fabrics. To protect yourself from the sun, it’s a good idea to bring at least one lightweight, long-sleeve top. A couple of sundresses or skirts for evenings out will also come in handy.
Layers for Cooler Evenings
Evenings on the water, especially in the shoulder seasons of June and September, can get a bit chilly.
Pack a light sweater or a hoodie to layer over your outfits. A windbreaker is also a good idea to protect against the occasional sea breeze.
You won’t need anything too heavy, just enough to keep you warm as the sun sets.
Swimwear
You’ll be spending a lot of time in and around the water, so bring at least two swimsuits.
It’s always nice to have a dry one to change into.
Also, don’t forget to pack a cover-up or sarong for when you’re off the boat and exploring towns or lounging at a beach club.
Comfortable Shoes
As Croatia’s beaches are typically rocky coastlines or pebble beaches, you will want some foot protection in the water. Sea urchins are also very common and they have spiky barbs that you do not want to step on. Having some type of water shoe is essential for your Croatia trip.
I love Chacos or Teva sandals as they are cute and comfortable for walking around as well as waterproof. They make water shoes that will protect your feet from both pebbles and sea life.
Aside from sandals and water shoes, bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes or trainers for any excursions or hikes you may do while on shore.
Visiting national parks like Krka, Kornati, and Telacisca are all popular day trips you might enjoy during your sailing trip in Croatia.
Finally, you’ll want to bring a pair of cute sandals to wear on a night out or to a nice restaurant. Croatia’s beautiful historic cities and towns often have uneven cobblestone streets and sidewalks, so you may want to leave the heels at home and opt for a stylish but comfortable option.
I love to pair a metallic flat sandal with a nice dress or some linen trousers for a cute and elevated, but still comfortable, look.
Practical Accessories
Don’t forget practical accessories like sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
A crossbody bag or small backpack is also essential for day trips and exploring villages and cities.
Local Culture
When visiting local towns and villages, it’s important to be respectful.
Avoid wearing revealing clothing in religious sites and always cover up when entering churches or other places of worship. Many churches require your shoulders and knees to be covered, so bringing a light shawl or scarf to throw over your sundress is a good idea.
Europeans typically dress up more than Americans when going out to eat or going shopping and Croatia is no exception.
While you can certainly wear your bikini and flip flops on the beach, make sure to bring a cover-up when going into town. And be sure to change out of your beach clothes for shopping or dining at restaurants.
Sailing Essentials
Sun Protection
The sun can be intense out on the water. Make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen with high SPF. And since you’ll be in the water, be sure to select a reef-friendly formula.
For water activities like snorkeling and paddle boarding, having a rash guard is another great way to protect yourself from the sun while in the water.
A wide-brimmed hat and polarized sunglasses are also must-haves to protect your face and eyes from the sun’s rays.
I really love this packable, collapsable sun hat that comes in a variety of cute colors.
Power Bank and Outlet Adapters
Electricity on sailboats can be limited, and power outlets may not always be available when you need them.
Every yacht or sailboat is different, but the ones I was on did not have full electricity when not hooked up to a marina’s power grid. The lights, fans, and water pump all worked off of the battery but to conserve power, outlets did not work when we were at anchor and not plugged in.
To keep your devices fully charged, bring a power bank.
This one from Anker has served me well time and time again. I took it with me to hike the Inca Trail, and after charging my phone for 4 straight days, it still had half of its battery life remaining.
Also, don’t forget outlet adapters if you’re coming from outside of Europe.
Toiletries and Personal Care
Minimalist Toiletry Kit
Space is limited, so pack travel-sized toiletries. I personally love these little refillable silicone travel-size bottles. It’s better for the environment, and your wallet, to fill reusable containers from the full size products you already own.
Also, a hanging toiletry bag can be a great way to organize and access your items easily in tight quarters.
First Aid Kit
A small first aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any personal medications is a must. While you can easily stop by a pharmacy when you’re in town, you don’t want to be stuck out on the water when you need something.
While the Adriatic sea in Croatia is typically very calm, seasickness can be an issue for some, so pack motion sickness tablets just in case. If you do find that you suffer from motion sickness often, you may want to ask your doctor about prescription motion sickness patches.
Eco-Friendly Products
Since you’ll be in a marine environment, consider bringing eco-friendly toiletries and sunscreen that won’t harm the ocean or its inhabitants. Look for biodegradable and reef-safe options.
Entertainment and Extras
Books and E-Readers
Bring a book or an e-reader as there will be plenty of downtime to relax and enjoy a good read, especially while sailing. If you need some ideas, take a look at this list of some of my favorite beach reads.
Music and Podcasts
Download your favorite playlists and podcasts for those times when you want to chill out on deck with some tunes or learn something new while you sail. A portable Bluetooth speaker can be a great addition too.
Cards and Games
I never travel without my pack of Uno cards. It’s a fun game that most people around the world know how to play or can easily learn. A pack cards doesn’t take up much room and it’s a great way to make friends and pass the time in the evenings or while sailing.
Things I Didn’t Pack But Wish I Did
Snorkeling Gear
While some yachts may provide snorkeling equipment, having your own ensures a perfect fit and better hygiene.
It’s always fun to have a mask and snorkel on hand to explore what under the water. When my sailing trip made a stop at Telacisca Park, I really wished I had my mask and snorkel to explore the beautiful reef that was there.
Quick-Dry Towel
Traditional towels can take forever to dry and often end up damp and musty. While my yacht provided towels, I really regretted not bringing an extra quick dry towel. With me being in and out of the water all day, my towel stayed eternally damp.
A quick-dry towel is lightweight, compact, and dries in a flash, making it perfect for sailing trips.
Packing Tips and Tricks
Roll, Don’t Fold
Maximize space by rolling your clothes instead of folding them. This not only saves room but also minimizes wrinkles. Use packing cubes to keep everything organized and easily accessible.
If you really want to maximize on space, try these vacuum seal packing cubes. You don’t need an air pump or vacuum to remove the air in these ones making them perfect for traveling. Instead, seal the bag and roll to press out any excess air.
Conclusion
Sailing is all about enjoying the journey — not just the destination. Pack light, bring only the essentials, and don’t forget a good book and some games to help pass the time. Enjoy your sailing trip in Croatia!
