How to Sail Sustainably in Croatia

The green movement is no longer just a trend—it’s an essential shift in how we interact with the world around us, including the way we travel. As travelers become more conscious of their environmental footprint, the demand for sustainable tourism is growing. Sailing in Croatia is an unforgettable experience, but with the rapid rise of nautical tourism, the Adriatic is facing new environmental challenges.

At Anchor & Wine, we believe that sustainable sailing doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or adventure—it simply means making small but meaningful choices that protect the stunning marine ecosystem that makes Croatia so special.

The Reality of Nautical Tourism in Croatia

Croatia’s breathtaking coastline, dotted with over a thousand islands, has made it one of the most desirable sailing destinations in the world. However, the country’s maritime infrastructure has struggled to keep up with the surge in popularity. The increased number of yachts and catamarans in the Adriatic has led to rising concerns about pollution, waste management, and the preservation of delicate marine life.

The good news? There are simple ways to make your sailing trip more eco-friendly without compromising on enjoyment. By being mindful of the following practices, you can help preserve Croatia’s crystal-clear waters for future generations.

1. Managing Wastewater & Responsible Water Use

Each yacht is equipped with electric toilets and showers, with wastewater collecting in onboard holding tanks. In an ideal scenario, these tanks should be emptied at designated pump-out stations in marinas, or discharged at least 12 nautical miles from shore in open waters where waste disperses safely.

The challenge? Croatia currently lacks strict regulations requiring marinas to have pump-out facilities, and many boats discharge their tanks closer to shore than they should.

How can you help?

• Whenever possible, use marina restrooms and showers to minimize onboard wastewater.

• Be mindful of water consumption while showering onboard—fresh water is a precious resource, especially in the summer months.

• Choose a charter company that follows responsible waste disposal practices.
  

2. Reducing Plastic Waste & Recycling Onboard

Plastic is one of the greatest threats to marine ecosystems, and the Adriatic is no exception. Single-use plastics—such as water bottles, straws, and food packaging—often end up in the sea, harming marine life and polluting the coastline.

What you can do:

• Ditch single-use plastics. Opt for reusable water bottles, stainless-steel straws, and glass cups from the boat’s kitchen instead of disposable ones.

• Buy in bulk. Purchase large water jugs instead of multiple small bottles to reduce waste.

• Sort your waste. Many marinas now have separate bins for glass, plastic, and organic waste—take the time to dispose of trash properly.

• Cigarette butts matter. They take up to 400 years to degrade and release toxic chemicals into the water. Always dispose of them in a sealed container instead of tossing them overboard.

Did you know? Green Sail, a Croatian non-profit organization, is actively promoting sustainable practices in nautical tourism. They’ve identified eco-friendly charter companies that prioritize the environment—you can recognize these boats by their green flag. Anchor & Wine partners only with companies committed to sustainable practices, ensuring that your sailing adventure is as responsible as it is luxurious.

3. Anchoring with Care: Protecting Seagrass & Marine Life

One of the Adriatic’s greatest ecological treasures is Posidonia oceanica, also known as Neptune grass—a seagrass species that acts as an underwater rainforest, providing oxygen, stabilizing the seabed, and offering shelter to marine life. Unfortunately, careless anchoring can destroy these vital habitats.

How to protect the seabed:

• Use designated mooring buoys. These are placed in areas where anchoring won’t damage the ecosystem.

• If you must anchor, choose sandy seabeds. Avoid dropping anchor on seagrass meadows, which are fragile and slow to regenerate.

Bonus tip: Ask your skipper for guidance on responsible anchoring—they’ll know the best spots that minimize environmental impact.

Sea urchins play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems

4. Supporting Local & Sustainable Seafood

Croatia is famous for its incredible seafood, but overfishing and unsustainable practices are threatening marine populations. Choosing seasonal, locally sourced fish supports small-scale fishermen and helps maintain a balanced ecosystem.

Sustainable choices:

• Opt for smaller, fast-growing species like sardines and anchovies instead of large, overfished species like tuna.

• Try dishes made with Adriatic squid, mussels, or oysters, which are abundant and farmed responsibly.

• Ask if the restaurant sources its seafood from local fisheries rather than large commercial suppliers.

For those who want to dive deeper into Croatia’s culinary traditions, Anchor & Wine offers private gourmet experiences, connecting you with chefs and local fishermen who are passionate about sustainable dining.

5. Choosing an Eco-Friendly Charter Company

The yacht charter industry is evolving, with many companies making efforts to reduce their environmental impact. When booking your sailing trip, look for companies that:

• Use energy-efficient boats with solar panels or watermakers to reduce reliance on generators.

• Encourage responsible waste management onboard.

• Partner with organizations like Green Sail to promote sustainable tourism.

At Anchor & Wine, we go beyond simply recommending a boat—we curate thoughtfully designed itineraries that align with your values, whether that means selecting a yacht with a low environmental footprint, arranging eco-conscious dining experiences, or guiding you toward hidden gems where nature remains untouched.

6. Say No to Illegal Seafood: Protecting Sea Dates (Prstaci)

One of the biggest ecological crimes happening along the Adriatic coast is the illegal harvesting of prstaci, or sea dates—a type of mollusk that lives inside limestone rocks. To extract them, poachers destroy entire sections of the seabed, causing irreversible damage to marine habitats.

Why you should never eat prstaci:

• Their harvesting has been banned in Croatia since 1995 due to the destruction it causes.

• Extracting them involves breaking apart the rocky seabed, eradicating marine ecosystems that take centuries to recover.

• Despite the ban, some restaurants and illegal vendors still offer them to uninformed tourists, usually at exorbitant prices.

Even if you’re offered prstaci as a “specialty” off-menu, say no—your choice directly impacts the fight against illegal poaching. Instead, opt for sustainable local seafood, such as farmed mussels, Adriatic oysters, or wild-caught small fish that don’t harm the ecosystem.

Sailing Green in Croatia: A Collective Effort

Sustainable travel isn’t about perfection—it’s about making better choices, one step at a time. Whether it’s limiting plastic waste, respecting marine life, or supporting local communities, each action contributes to the preservation of Croatia’s spectacular coastline.

By choosing to sail responsibly, you’re not just enjoying the Adriatic—you’re helping to protect it for future generations of travelers, sailors, and marine life.

Ready to set sail the sustainable way? Let Anchor & Wine craft an eco-friendly sailing experience tailored just for you.