Sustainable Sailing: How to Enjoy the Adriatic with Minimal Impact

Croatia's Adriatic coast is one of Europe's most beautiful sailing regions — crystal water, pine forests, dramatic cliffs, and national parks that feel almost untouched. With more travellers choosing to explore the islands by boat, protecting this fragile environment has never been more important.

Sustainable sailing is simple: small choices add up to a healthier sea and a better sailing experience. Whether you charter a catamaran or one of our sailing yachts, these eco-friendly habits help preserve the Adriatic for future generations.

Why Sustainability Matters in the Adriatic

The Adriatic is a semi-closed sea — pollution stays longer, and delicate ecosystems take more time to recover.
The main environmental challenges include:

Anchoring on protected seagrass (Posidonia)
Plastic waste
Overfishing in certain areas
Busy summer traffic in popular bays

Fortunately, responsible sailors can reduce most of the impact simply by following good practices.

1. Protect the Posidonia Seagrass Meadows

Posidonia is the Adriatic's “underwater forest.” It produces oxygen, protects the coastline from erosion, and supports marine life.

✔ Always anchor on sand

Sandy patches are easy to spot thanks to Croatia's clear water. Avoid green meadows — that's Posidonia.

✔ Use eco-mooring buoys

Protected and sustainable mooring fields can be found in:

Mljet National Park
Lastovo Nature Park
Šćedro
Šolta
Some Hvar bays

They prevent anchor damage and are safer for overnight stays.

2. Reduce Plastic Use Onboard

Plastic is one of the biggest threats to the Adriatic. Luckily, reducing it is simple:

✔ Use reusable water bottles

Most boats have large water tanks or a watermaker.

✔ Avoid single-use bags

Bring reusable bags for provisioning.

✔ Buy larger containers

One 5L bottle is better than ten 0.5L bottles.

✔ Choose glass over plastic when possible

Especially for wine, olive oil, and juice.

3. Dispose of Waste Properly

Croatia has strict rules about waste at sea — and for good reason.

✔ Never throw anything overboard

Even biodegradable items decompose slowly in seawater.

✔ Sort waste on the yacht

Marinas offer bins for plastic, paper, glass, and organic waste.

✔ Keep a separate bag for recyclables

This makes marina disposal easier.

4. Save Freshwater

Islands rely on limited water supplies — often delivered from the mainland.

✔ Take short showers

Many sailors prefer quick “sea showers” after a swim.

✔ Use minimal water when washing dishes

Rinse with saltwater first, then finish with freshwater.

✔ Refill tanks sparingly

Avoid unnecessary spills at the dock.

5. Choose Eco-Friendly Sunscreen

Typical sunscreen can harm marine life and coral-like organisms.
Look for:

Mineral-based options (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide)
Reef-safe formulas
No oxybenzone or parabens

These are better for your skin too.

6. Support Local Communities

Sustainable sailing benefits not only nature but also island families.

✔ Eat at family-run konobas

They use local ingredients: fish, vegetables, wine, olive oil.

✔ Buy from small producers

Honey, lavender, olive oil, cheese, homemade spirits.

✔ Respect quiet zones

Many villages value peaceful evenings — keep noise low.

7. Respect Marine Wildlife

The Adriatic is home to dolphins, turtles, tuna, and protected fish species.

✔ Keep distance from dolphins

At least 100 meters; never chase them.

✔ Don't feed fish

It disrupts natural behaviour.

✔ Limit loud music in quiet bays

Marine life is sensitive to noise pollution.

8. Conserve Energy Onboard

Using less fuel is both eco-friendly and peaceful.

✔ Sail whenever possible

Modern sailing yachts allow you to rely more on wind and less on the engine.

✔ Turn off appliances when not needed

LED lighting and energy-efficient devices help reduce load.

✔ Minimise generator time

Less noise and fewer emissions.

9. Travel Outside the Peak Months

For a more sustainable and peaceful experience, consider:

May – June
September – October

These months offer:

Better winds
Fewer boats
Lower pressure on bays
Cheaper mooring fees
More authentic island life

10. Choose an Environmentally Responsible Charter Provider

A sustainable journey begins with the company you sail with.

Look for charters that:

Maintain yachts properly
Offer recycling guidance
Promote eco-moorings
Employ local skippers
Support national parks and protected areas

Eco-conscious companies help protect the Adriatic — and offer a better sailing experience.

Final Thoughts

Sustainable sailing doesn't require sacrifice. It simply means choosing smarter habits that help keep Croatia's sea clean, its bays quiet, and its nature healthy. Whether you explore the coast by catamaran, motor yacht, or one of our sailing yachts, you become part of the effort to preserve the Adriatic for years to come.