Packing for Go Croatia Sail:
Luggage Rules and Tips
As you plan for your summer trip, it’s important you pack well to avoid spending money on things you already have at home, as Croatia is not cheap for replacing items you might have forgotten to pack (such as good brand sunglasses or flip-flops). You need to spend as much time as possible enjoying yourself, without wasting time hunting for things you left at home!
Luggage Rules: Keep it Soft and Light!
The golden rule of sailing trips is soft-sided luggage. Hard suitcases are generally harder to move around, and allow for less space in your room. There is no specific weight limit, our boats differ depending on each category and dates. They take up valuable space and are difficult to store. Opt for duffel bags, backpacks, or foldable luggage. These are easily collapsible and can be stowed away neatly.
- Size Matters: Keep your luggage compact! Storage is tight, so please pack smaller bags that fit under your bed or in the cupboards.
- Avoid Overpacking: Spaces are limited onboard. Be ruthless with your packing! Only bring what you absolutely need.
Here are some videos of our boats that might give you an idea of the spaces onboard:
The Obvious Stuff
Here is a checklist of 8 of the more obvious items that you would need for your trip:
- Passport and appropriate visas (for visa requirements to Croatia, see this page)
- Swimming gear. Swimsuits, bikinis, board shorts, budgie smugglers: whatever your style is!
- Sunglasses. We recommend a pair of sport-style glasses if you plan to do any active excursions such as biking, hiking or buggy trips.
- Comfy closed-toe shoes. Croatia’s old towns such as Hvar, Korčula, Dubrovnik and Split have sections with steep, cobbled steps that can be tricky in flip-flops. Plus, if you want to hike up to a fortress to get a killer view, proper closed-toe trainers/sneakers are a must!
- A fleece or jacket. If you are travelling in the lower season months such as May/June or September/October then the evenings can be cooler. Even in July/August there might be some freak days of wind or rain on occasion, when a warmer top would be treasured!
- Plug adaptor. Croatia uses the standard European 2-pin plug (220 volts) so if your appliances need it, bring an adaptor or 2!
- Headache tablets. Our crew members are not allowed to give out pain-killing medicines from the first-aid kit for headaches or other minor pain so we strongly recommend packing painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen for personal use.
- Travel Insurance. Often overlooked, often regretted when overlooked! Get good insurance coverage from your home country to ensure any mishaps, thefts, losses or missed departures can be reimbursed.
Not-so-obvious items to pack or buy in Croatia
Here are 6 items you should pack or purchase that might not spring to mind so easily:
- Smart clothes. Croats like to dress up a little for a night out at a club or nice restaurant. So if you want to fit in, pack a smart shirt or dress or two to look the part.
- Beach towel. Bath towels are included on board, but beach towels are not. Essential for sunbathing and swim-stops!
- Sports camera. Most travellers use the cameras on their smartphones these days. However, nothing beats a Go-Pro style waterproof sports camera for all your jumps off the boat, snorkelling shots and rafting excursions!
- Mosquito spray. Mosquitoes are not as numerous in Croatia as you might expect, but at some dock locations or outdoor restaurants they can be a real pest, especially if you react badly to their bites. Buy a good spray (brands such as “Off!” are pretty effective) and use it.
- Snorkel kit. Some of our boats have a few snorkel kits onboard, but you may miss out as demand exceeds supply onboard, and future Covid regulations may prevent them from being shared. So if you are a keen snorkeller, bring a set with you, or buy one in Croatia.
- Floaties. Again, some inflatable beds and rings may be available onboard, left over from previous cruises. If you want your own then there are plenty available at the markets in Split, Makarska and Dubrovnik.
Enjoy Your Croatian Sailing Adventure!
By following these luggage rules and packing tips, you’ll be well-prepared for your Go Croatia Sail adventure. Remember, less is more! Focus on bringing the essentials and embracing the laid-back sailing lifestyle. With the right packing, you can focus on creating unforgettable memories in one of the most beautiful destinations in the world.
If you are still unsure about what we offer or if you are interested in our other routes, contact us directly at info@gocroatiasail.com, we are more than happy to help you out with your queries!
