Ploče is an excellent charter base if you want to combine the charming ports of the Makarska Riviera with the nearby islands of Brač and Hvar, plus quieter stops around the Pelješac peninsula in a single week. The routes here balance short, comfortable daily legs with more scenic island passages, making the area appealing for both newer crews and more experienced sailors. Starting from Ploče, you can shape an easy coastal week or a fuller island-hopping tour with more variety. The route options below help you quickly decide which pace and cruising style best fit your crew.
This article gives you an overview of the following topics:
- Which month is best for sailing in Ploče?
- Ports around Ploče
- Sail in Ploče! Ploče sailing itineraries
- Sailing in Ploče: Plan for a one-week-long sailing trip
- 7 Days Ploče sailing itinerary (longer)
- Marine gas near Ploče, boat gas stations around Central Dalmatia
Which month is best for sailing in Ploče?
The best sailing period around Ploče is generally from May to September, with June and September often offering the most balanced conditions.
Spring Around Ploče, spring feels fresh, bright and very rewarding for sailors. From April to the end of May, daytime temperatures usually range from 19 to 25 °C, while the sea is still relatively cool at around 15 to 19 °C. The wind pattern in the southern Adriatic is more changeable at this time of year: on calmer days, the afternoon maestral creates elegant sailing conditions, while passing weather systems can trigger bora, bringing dry air and sudden stronger gusts from the land. The sea is often only lightly rippled, but a more pronounced bora can quickly build shorter, steeper waves. Charter traffic is still moderate in spring, so marinas and anchorages feel calmer and more spacious.
Summer Summer is when Ploče shows its classic Mediterranean sailing character and the main yacht charter season comes alive. From June to August, daytime temperatures are typically around 28 to 31 °C, sometimes climbing higher during hotter spells, while the sea reaches a very pleasant 23 to 26 °C. The most typical summer wind is the maestral, usually blowing from the northwest and often strengthening through the afternoon to around 8 to 16 knots, which makes for enjoyable sailing near the islands and around the Neretva estuary. Mornings are often smoother, with calm water and a slower rhythm, while afternoons tend to bring light chop or moderate wave action that adds energy without making conditions too harsh. July and August are the busiest months, so the most attractive stops feel livelier, though Ploče still remains less crowded than some of Dalmatia’s best-known charter hubs.
Autumn Autumn is especially appealing in Ploče for crews who prefer warm water and a more relaxed pace. In September and early October, daytime temperatures usually sit between 22 and 28 °C, and the sea often remains between 20 and 24 °C, so the summer feeling lingers beautifully. Winds become more variable: the summer maestral still appears regularly, but jugo becomes more frequent, bringing humid air from the southeast, more cloud cover and longer, rolling waves. Because of that, open-water stretches can feel more serious than in midsummer, especially when fronts move through. Marinas and anchorages are noticeably quieter in autumn, and the whole area takes on a slower, golden-season atmosphere that suits unhurried cruising.
Winter In winter, Ploče is more of a destination for experienced sailors than for a classic holiday charter. From December to February, daytime temperatures generally range from 11 to 15 °C, and the sea stays around 14 to 15 °C. During this season, both bora and jugo play a much stronger role: bora can be cold, dry and sharply gusty, while jugo tends to be milder and more humid but often more persistent, with a more unsettled sea state. Surface conditions can shift quickly from calm to moderate or uncomfortable, so winter sailing requires much closer attention to forecasts and route planning. Traffic on the water is minimal, the coastline feels quieter, and the Adriatic around Ploče reveals a more raw, windswept and authentic face.
Ports around Ploče
Port of Ploče
Ploče is located in Dalmatia, directly next to the delta of the Neretva River. The depth of the water at the port is 10-12 metres. If you dock here, there is a fuel station that you can use. Ploce sailing
Marina Podgora
The port, located southeast of Makarska, is open all year. It can accept 220 boats with a length of up to 20 metres. The maximum depth of water is 3 metres. They provide drinking water, electricity and a crane. Rent a boat in Podgora
Marina Tučepi
The yacht port can be found directly next to the beach of Slatina. They have 200 berths overall, 50 of which are preserved for visitors, while the other 150 serve local vessels. Marina Tučepi can accept boats with a length of up to 20 metres.
Makarska Harbour
The 225-metre-long breakwater was completed in 2015. It provides protection against winds and waves coming from the southern and southeastern direction. The maximum depth of the water is 4.8 metres. The excellent services provided at the port include fueling. Makarska sailing, rent a boat Makarska
Marina Ramova
The port of Ramova is located in the town of Krvavica, which administratively belongs to Baška Voda. They have 195 berths for boats up to 16 metres long. The maximum depth of water is 3 metres. The port offers several good-quality services. They have an excellent restaurant for up to 150 guests.
Marina Baška Voda
The Baška Voda port can accept 180 boats with a length of up to 23 metres. The maximum depth of water is 4 metres. They provide drinking water, electricity and there is a restaurant as well. You can even require medical assistance if necessary. Rent a boat in Baška Voda
Sail in Ploče! Ploče sailing itineraries
HELP ME TO CHOOSESailing in Ploče: Plan for a one-week long sailing trip
A comfortable and easy-to-manage one-week loop from Ploče with shorter daily distances and several coastal stops, ideal for exploring the Makarska Riviera and nearby islands at a relaxed pace. It’s a great choice if comfort matters most, though it still pays to watch the wind and departure timing on the legs toward Hvar and Pelješac. Recommended level: beginner Open sea passages: no
Day 1: Ploče – Podaca (9.0 nm – Sailing time*: about 2 hours)
First, we are going to sail to Podaca, located in Split-Dalmatia County. One of the most famous sights in town is St John the Baptist Church. They built it presumably in the 11th or no later than in the 12th century, and it belongs to the oldest churches of Makarska Riviera. They have a historic sight from the Ottoman period: a tower castle on a rock that was built before the Ottoman conquest. You can also see an archaeological site on the western side of Podaca where they have excavated several valuable items.
Day 2: Podaca – Igrane (7.9 nm – Sailing time*: about 2 hours)
The most famous sight in Igrane is the basilica built-in honour of the Lady of the Rosary in 1752. The oldest church of Makarska Riviera, St Michael’s Church, is also located here. The tower of Zalina Kula is standing near the town and is still in great condition. If you get hungry, we particularly recommend the restaurants “SKIF” and Ante.
Day 3: Igrane – Tučepi (5.9 nm – Sailing time*: about 1 hour)
The beach of Tučepi is more than 4 kilometres long and has a certificate. Thanks to its impressive size, this is the longest and most beautiful shore segment in Makarska Riviera. The boardwalk nearby is lined by beautiful tamarisks and pines, providing shade. There are also wonderful churches in the town; the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St George’s Church is definitely worth visiting. The important local cultural events are the Tučepi Summer Evenings and the „Ka Kultura u Tučepskim zaseocima” theatre programme.
Day 4: Tučepi – Makarska (2.9 nm – Sailing time*: about 1 hour)
The town’s most compelling building and symbol are St Mark’s Church, built-in 1766. If you would like to go on a pleasant walk, you should see the Forrest Park Osejava. In the summer, they organise several cultural programmes and entertainment opportunities for visitors. Examples include the Makarska Cultural Summer event and the popular Night of Fishermen. Are you looking for even more entertainment? You can choose from many discos and night clubs in the old city. Rent a boat in Makarska
Day 5: Makarska – Sumartin (Brač-Island) (7.0 nm – Sailing time*: about 2 hours)
Sumartin is located in a bay in the eastern corner of the quiet and peaceful Brač Island. Here you should definitely see the St Martin’s Benedictine monastery, which is from where the town got its name. There are bays with crystal-clear waters nearby, such as Žukovik Bay, Studena Bay or Rasotica Bay. The latter even offers an abandoned town built-in a hillside.
Day 6: Sumartin (Brač-Island) – Sućuraj (Hvar Island) (17.7 nm – Sailing time*: about 3 hours)
The fairly quiet, pleasant little fishing village is located in the southern part of Croatia, on the island of Hvar. There are excellent sandy and pebbly beaches here. The most important sight is St George’s Church, which was completely renovated in the 19th century – that was when it got its current shape. The Venetian Fort, built-in the 17th century, is also a significant site.
Day 7: Sućuraj (Hvar Island) – Trpanj (Pelješac Peninsula) – Ploče (15.6 nm – Sailing time*: about 3 hours)
The picturesque town can be found in the northwestern part of the Pelješac Peninsula. There are beautiful beaches in Trpanj and its neighbourhood. These are mainly pebbly, surrounded by natural pines and palms. The most important cultural sight in town is the Gradina, standing on the hills towering above the port. We can access the remains of the giant Byzantine fort on a staircase. Trpanj also has many churches; the oldest one, which was supposedly built-in the 9th century, is St Peter’s Church. After we return our ship, it is worth exploring Ploče if we still have some time. One of the most significant sights in town is the Church of the Queen of Heaven and Earth. Nature enthusiasts should visit the Kravica Waterfall and the Baćina lakes nearby. Tourists can enjoy popular events like the Night of Fishermen and the Maraton lađa contest as well. Are you looking for a delicious meal? Try the restaurants Fulin or Pećina. Read more about what to do in PločePark is a must-see with the botanical garden. If you want to have unforgettable culinary experiences, choose the Konoba Panorama or King restaurants. Read more about what to do in Baška Voda
* – an average 43 ft sailing yacht, with average weather conditions, sails around 6-7 knots per hour.
7 Days Ploče sailing itinerary (longer)
A more varied 7-day route with longer daily runs that connects several well-known islands and more open stretches of water within one week. It suits crews looking for a stronger touring experience rather than a simple marina-to-marina trip, especially when planned around stable weather windows. Recommended level: intermediate Open sea passages: yes
Day 1: Ploče – Lovište (Pelješac Peninsula) (22.3 nm – Sailing time*: about 3.5 hours), Day 2: Lovište (Pelješac Peninsula) – Vela Luka (Korčula Island) (22.7 nm – Sailing time*: about 3.5 hours), Day 3: Vela Luka (Korčula Island) – Vis (Vis Island) (24.2 nm – Sailing time*: about 4 hours), Day 4: Vis (Vis Island) – Stari Grad (Hvar Island) (21.7 nm – Sailing time*: about 3.5 hours), Day 5: Stari Grad (Hvar Island) – Omiš (28.7 nm – Sailing time*: about 4.5 hours), Day 6: Omiš – Makarska (17.2 nm – Sailing time*: about 3 hours), Day 7: Makarska – Igrane – Ploče (24.9 nm – Sailing time*: about 4 hours)
* – an average 43 ft sailing yacht, with average weather conditions, sails around 6-7 knots per hour.Dalmatia sailing itineraries.
How to choose a Ploče sailing route?
- If you want a relaxed and easy weekly schedule: choose the 1-week sailing itinerary with shorter daily legs and more coastal stops.
- If you want more islands and a busier cruising week: the 7-day sailing route is the better fit thanks to longer passages and more varied waters.
- If you’re sailing with family or a less experienced crew: stick to the shorter legs and aim for early arrivals in popular ports.
- If you want flexibility based on the weather: follow a plan where longer stages can be shortened easily or replaced with alternative stops.
Marine gas near Ploče, boat gas stations around Central Dalmatia
- PLOCE: Depth: 10-12 m, Working time: 6-22, GPS Coordinates: 43.057252, 17.428057
- MAKARSKA: Depth: 5 m, Working time: 6-22, GPS Coordinates: 43.293683, 17.019819
- VRBOSKA, HVAR: Depth: 2 m, Working time: 8-15, GPS Coordinates: 43.180978, 16.673233
- MILNA, HVAR: Depth: 3 m, Working time: 6-22, GPS Coordinates: 43.327293, 16.448249
- HVAR: Depth: 1.8 m, Working time: 6-22, GPS Coordinates: 43.170339, 16.444642
- VIS: Depth: 2.5 m, Working time: 6-22, GPS Coordinates: 43.057443, 16.190497
- ACI Marina KORCULA: Depth: 3.5m, GPS Coordinates: 42.956744, 17.138561
- VELA LUKA: Depth: 3-4 m, Working time: 6-22, GPS Coordinates: 42.959407, 16.714213
- SOLTA: Depth: 4.5 m, Working time: 6-22, GPS Coordinates: 43.395533, 16.303849
- SPLIT: Depth: 3.5 – 4 m, Working time: 6-24, GPS Coordinates: 43.502079, 16.427268
- MARINA KASTELA: , VHF: 17, Working time: 6-22, GPS Coordinates: 43.546155, 16.405204
- TROGIR: Depth: 3 m, Working time: 8-19, GPS Coordinates: 43.513687, 16.248574
- PRIMOSTEN: Depth: 3 – 4.5 m, Working time: 6-22, GPS Coordinates: 43.587926, 15.92353
- LASTOVO: Depth: 2.5-4.5 m, Working time: 6-22, GPS Coordinates: 42.745218, 16.824718
- SOBRA, MLJET: Depth: 5m, Working time: 6-22, GPS Coordinates: 42.740951, 17.598208
- DUBROVNIK, ACI Marina: Depth: 4m, Working time: 8-20, GPS Coordinates: 42.670687, 18.127007
- DUBROVNIK, Orsan: Depth: 3.7-4.9 m, Working time: 6-22, GPS Coordinates: 42.660463, 18.079714
If you would like to go sailing, the pleasant port town Ploče and its neighbourhood is a perfect choice. Wonderful beaches, exciting watersports and unforgettable gastronomic experiences await! Find more Dalmatia sailing destinations or choose another yacht charter Dalmatia.
Request a quote for a Ploče-based charter and we’ll help you choose the yacht and route that best match your crew. Set off well prepared and make the most of a South Dalmatian sailing week.
