ACI Marina Vrboska – 116 berths, a safe harbour and comprehensive services for sailors on Hvar

ACI Marina Vrboska is situated on the southern side of the long and narrow bay of Vrboska, in the outer part of the harbour. Its location deep within the cove is one of its greatest advantages: the marina is very well sheltered, while still being close enough to the centre of Vrboska that most errands can be done on foot after mooring.

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

How many berths does ACI Marina Vrboska have?

ACI Marina Vrboska has:

  • 116 sea berths
  • 12 dry berths on land

The current official capacity should be distinguished from older guides and tourist websites where outdated berth numbers may still be found.

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

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

What types of vessels can use the marina?

The marina accepts classic monohull sailing boats, motorboats and yachts, and can also accommodate catamarans and other multihulls when the available berth allows for the necessary width.

For catamarans and trimarans, it is particularly important to specify the actual width of the vessel in advance, as two boats of the same 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 metres, it is advisable to arrange a reservation prior to arrival.

Depth and vessel draft

The depth at Vrboska is not uniform across all berths.

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

Nautical data for the marina indicate depths in certain areas exceeding several metres, but for sailing boats and yachts with a deeper draft, it is unwise to rely solely on the general information for the entire marina.

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

This is particularly important for larger sailing boats with a deep keel.

A well-sheltered marina

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

This position provides the marina with excellent natural protection from wind and waves. Compared to open city harbours on the islands, here the swell from the open sea must navigate a long and winding entrance before reaching the berths.

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

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

How to enter Vrboska?

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

If approaching from the north, an important landmark is Zečevo Island. After passing it, one should navigate around the Glavica Peninsula and enter the long bay of Vrboska.

For night-time arrivals, the lighthouse at the entrance to Jelsa and the lighthouse at Cape Križ are key points. The quays 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 westwards 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 operates on VHF channel 17.

It is advisable to contact the marina before entering the final part of the harbour, 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 are equipped with connections for:

  • water
  • electricity

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

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

Fuel station

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

Both petrol and diesel fuel are available, making Vrboska a very convenient refuelling point on the northern side of Hvar.

This is particularly practical for sailors continuing towards 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 periods.

5-ton crane

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

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

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

For larger yachts or heavier sailing boats, it is necessary to use an appropriate service with a travel lift or a crane of greater capacity at another port.

Dry berth

On land, there are 12 dry berths.

Dry berths are primarily suitable for smaller vessels, and the ability to lift or lower a boat depends on its weight and the marina's capacity.

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

Sanitary facilities and showers

The marina has a sanitary block with:

  • toilets
  • showers
  • facilities adapted for persons with disabilities

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

Laundry facilities

A laundry facility is also available at 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 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 at the marina or boarding in Vrboska.

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

Shop, restaurant and supplies

In close proximity to the marina, there are a restaurant and a grocery shop.

For more extensive supplies, one can head further towards the centre of Vrboska, but for basic groceries, drinks and everyday necessities, a car is not required.

This is one of Vrboska's advantages: the marina is calm and secluded enough for a safe berth, yet not isolated from the village.

Walking to the centre of Vrboska

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

The route passes by the harbour, old stone houses and a canal with bridges, which is how Vrboska earned the nickname Little Venice.

The village features restaurants, taverns, cafés, shops and main attractions, so after mooring, a car is generally not necessary.

Vehicle and bicycle rentals

Near the marina, it is possible to arrange:

  • bicycle rentals
  • car rentals
  • scooter rentals

This is practical if the crew wishes 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.

During the main season, reservations are particularly useful for:

  • larger sailing boats
  • catamarans
  • motor yachts
  • vessels longer than typical charter sailing boats

For such boats, it is not sufficient 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 trimarans

ACI Marina Vrboska also accommodates multihulls when an appropriate berth is available.

For catamarans, the berth calculation differs from that of a classic monohull sailing boat as the vessel 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 held the Blue Flag for many years.

The marina employs 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 crucial to respect designated waste disposal areas and not to discharge vessel waste waters into the bay.

Is ACI Vrboska a good choice for overnight stays?

For sailors who value a combination of a safe berth, 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 precisely what many crews appreciate. After several days of sailing, one can refill water, connect electricity, refuel, do laundry, stock up on supplies, and take a peaceful evening stroll to the centre.

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

Useful information

  • Type of marina: fully equipped ACI marina
  • Operation throughout the year: the marina operates year-round
  • Number of sea berths: 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 vessel width
  • Draft: depth varies by 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 tonnes
  • Dry berth: yes, 12 spots
  • Toilets and showers: yes
  • Facilities for persons with disabilities: yes
  • Laundry facilities: yes
  • Wi-Fi: free
  • Parking: available within the marina, subject to availability
  • Shop: nearby
  • Restaurant: nearby
  • Bicycle, car and scooter rentals: available nearby
  • Blue Flag: yes
  • Reservation of daily berth: possible in advance
  • Centre of Vrboska: easily accessible on foot along the coast
  • Best for: sailing boats, motorboats, catamarans and yachts seeking a safe berth and complete nautical infrastructure on the northern side of Hvar