ACI Marina Vrboska – 116 Berths, Safe Harbor and Complete Services for Sailors in Hvar

ACI Marina Vrboska is located on the southern side of the long and narrow bay of Vrboska, in the outer part of the harbor. Its position deep within the cove is one of its greatest advantages: the marina is very well sheltered, while also being close enough to the center of Vrboska that most activities can be done on foot after docking.

The marina is open year-round and is suitable for transient guests staying one or several nights, as well as for owners seeking a long-term berth in Hvar.

How Many Berths Does ACI Marina Vrboska Have?

ACI Marina Vrboska has:

  • 116 berths in the sea
  • 12 dry berths on land

The current official capacity should be distinguished from older guides and tourist websites where outdated numbers of berths may still be found.

For transient guests, the marina can accommodate vessels up to 35 meters in length, while the officially stated maximum length for annual berths is 25 meters.

This means that Vrboska is not just a marina for smaller sailboats and motorboats – it can also accept significantly larger yachts, provided there is an appropriate available berth.

What Vessels Can Use the Marina?

The marina accepts classic monohull sailboats, motorboats, and yachts, and accommodation for catamarans and other multihulls is possible when the available berth allows for the required width.

For catamarans and trimarans, it is particularly important to specify the actual width of the vessel in advance, as two boats of equal length may require completely different space at the berth.

For larger vessels, the most important factors are:

  • overall length
  • width
  • draft
  • availability of an appropriate berth

For boats close to the upper limit of 35 meters, it is advisable to arrange a reservation before arrival.

Depth and Draft of Vessels

In Vrboska, the depth is not the same at every berth.

Deeper berths are located towards the outer part of the marina and the docks, while the depth decreases towards the inner part of the bay.

Nautical data for the marina indicate depths that reach several meters in certain areas, but for sailboats and yachts with a deeper draft, it is not wise to rely solely on the general information for the entire marina.

When making a reservation, it is necessary to report the exact draft of the vessel, so that the marina can assign an appropriate berth.

This is especially important for larger sailboats with deep keels.

Very Well Sheltered Marina

Vrboska lies at the end of a very long and narrow bay that resembles a small fjord.

This position provides the marina with very good natural protection from wind and waves. Compared to open city harbors on the islands, here the wave from the open sea must pass through a long and winding entrance before reaching the berths.

Therefore, the marina is a good choice even when the weather forecast is not ideal.

However, as in any marina, during stronger storms, it is important to follow the staff's instructions and properly secure the berth.

How to Enter Vrboska?

Arrival is relatively straightforward, but the position deep in the bay means that the marina is not immediately visible from the open sea.

If coming from the north, an important landmark is Zečevo Island. After that, one should round the Glavica peninsula and enter the long bay of Vrboska.

For nighttime arrivals, the lighthouse at the entrance to Jelsa and the lighthouse at Cape Križ are important. The docks of ACI Marina are also illuminated.

If coming from the south, southeast, or east, the simplest route is to follow the northern coast of Hvar westward to the entrance of Vrboska Bay.

For navigation, it is advisable to use current official nautical charts, and to contact the marina before final entry.

VHF Channel

ACI Marina Vrboska uses VHF channel 17.

It is advisable to contact the marina before entering the final part of the harbor, especially during July and August when multiple vessels may be arriving simultaneously.

The staff will then provide instructions for the assigned berth.

Water and Electricity at the Berth

Berths have the option to connect to:

  • water
  • electricity

For larger vessels or those with higher electricity consumption, it is advisable to check in advance whether the connection meets the specific needs of the boat.

Water and electricity supply is an integral part of the marina's standard infrastructure, but connections are used according to the marina's rules and availability.

Fuel Station

One of the significant practical advantages of Vrboska is the fuel station in the marina area, which can be accessed by boat.

Gasoline and diesel fuel are available, making Vrboska a very convenient refueling point on the northern side of Hvar.

This is particularly practical for sailors continuing to Brač, Šolta, Split, Makarska, or further along the northern coast of Hvar.

For larger quantities of fuel and larger vessels, it is advisable to plan access outside of the busiest morning and afternoon hours.

Crane with a Capacity of 5 Tons

The marina has a crane with a capacity of up to 5 tons.

This is important information as the crane is not intended for large yachts, even though the marina can accommodate vessels up to 35 meters.

The crane is primarily useful for smaller motor vessels and lighter boats that fall within its allowed capacity.

For larger yachts or heavy sailboats, it is necessary to use an appropriate service with a travel lift or a crane with a larger capacity in another port.

Dry Berth

On land, there are 12 dry berths.

The dry berth is primarily suitable for smaller vessels, and the ability to lift or lower the boat depends on its weight and the marina's capacity.

Considering the 5-ton crane, the owner of a heavier vessel should check in advance whether the specific boat can be lifted out of the water in Vrboska.

Sanitary Facilities and Showers

The marina has a sanitary block with:

  • toilets
  • showers
  • sanitary facilities adapted for persons with disabilities

This is particularly useful for crews of smaller vessels that do not have the comfort of larger yachts.

Laundry

A laundry facility is also available in the marina.

For crews who have been at sea for several days or weeks, this can be a more important amenity than many tourist extras, especially during longer routes through central Dalmatia.

Wi-Fi

Guests of the marina have access to free Wi-Fi.

The quality of the connection may depend on the position of the boat and the network load, but basic internet service is part of the marina's offerings.

Parking

ACI Marina has its own parking area.

This is convenient for boat owners arriving by car and leaving their vessel in the marina or boarding in Vrboska.

Availability of spaces may depend on the season and the type of contract or berth, so parking should not be automatically considered unlimited or free.

Shop, Restaurant, and Supplies

In the immediate vicinity of the marina, there are a restaurant and a grocery store.

For larger supplies for the boat, one can also go further towards the center of Vrboska, but for basic groceries, drinks, and daily necessities, a car is not required.

This is one of the advantages of Vrboska: the marina is calm and secluded for a safe berth, but not isolated from the town.

Walking to the Center of Vrboska

From the marina, it is easy to reach the old core of Vrboska along the coast.

On the way, you pass by the harbor, old stone houses, and a canal with bridges, which is how Vrboska earned the nickname Little Venice.

The town has restaurants, taverns, cafes, shops, and main attractions, so after docking, a car is generally not needed.

Car and Bicycle Rentals

Near the marina, it is possible to arrange:

  • bicycle rental
  • car rental
  • scooter rental

This is convenient if the crew wants to explore Jelsa, Stari Grad Plain, Stari Grad, or other parts of Hvar during their stay.

Berth Reservations

Daily berths can be reserved in advance through the ACI reservation system.

In the main season, reservations are particularly useful for:

  • larger sailboats
  • catamarans
  • motor yachts
  • vessels longer than typical charter sailboats

For such boats, it is not enough to know that the marina theoretically accepts vessels of a certain length – there must be an available berth of appropriate width and depth.

Catamarans and Trimaran

ACI Marina Vrboska also accepts multihulls when there is an appropriate berth.

For catamarans, the berth calculation differs from that of a classic monohull sailboat as the boat occupies significantly more width.

Therefore, when making a reservation, it is essential to enter the actual length and width of the vessel, not just the model of the boat.

Blue Flag and Environmental Protection

ACI Marina Vrboska has been awarded the Blue Flag for many years.

The marina uses systems for more efficient management of water and electricity consumption, has separate waste management, and participates in marine environmental protection projects.

For sailors, it is most important to respect designated waste disposal areas and not to discharge boat waste water into the bay.

Is ACI Vrboska a Good Choice for Overnight Stays?

For sailors who value a combination of safe berths, fuel, sanitary facilities, and a quiet place for dinner, Vrboska is a very practical stop.

It does not have the atmosphere of a large city marina or the nightlife of Hvar, but this is exactly what many crews prefer. After several days of sailing, one can refill water, connect electricity, refuel, do laundry, restock supplies, and take a peaceful evening walk to the center.

For larger vessels, it is particularly valuable that the daily berth officially accommodates yachts up to 35 meters.

Useful Information

  • Type of marina: fully equipped ACI marina
  • Operation throughout the year: the marina operates year-round
  • Number of berths in the sea: 116
  • Number of dry berths: 12
  • Maximum length of vessels at daily berth: 35 m
  • Maximum length of vessels at annual berth: 25 m
  • Catamarans and trimarans: acceptance possible depending on available berth and width of the vessel
  • Draft: depth depends on the specific berth; for vessels with a deeper draft, exact dimensions should be reported in advance
  • VHF: channel 17
  • Wind protection: very good due to the deep and narrow bay
  • Water at the berth: yes
  • Electricity: yes
  • Fuel station: yes
  • Crane: up to 5 tons
  • Dry berth: yes, 12 spots
  • Toilets and showers: yes
  • Facilities for persons with disabilities: yes
  • Laundry: yes
  • Wi-Fi: free
  • Parking: available within the marina, depending on availability
  • Shop: nearby
  • Restaurant: nearby
  • Bicycle, car, and scooter rentals: available nearby
  • Blue Flag: yes
  • Reservation of daily berth: possible in advance
  • Center of Vrboska: easily accessible on foot along the coast
  • Best for: sailboats, motorboats, catamarans, and yachts seeking a safe berth and complete nautical infrastructure on the northern side of Hvar