ACI Marina Dubrovnik (Komolac) — The Only Major Marina Near the Old Town

ACI Marina Dubrovnik — locally always called “ACI Komolac” because it sits in the Komolac neighborhood — is the only major marina serving Dubrovnik. It’s positioned 6 km north of the Old Town, up the protected fjord-like inlet of Rijeka Dubrovačka. The marina is genuinely fjord-sheltered (the inlet is 3.5 km long, surrounded by hills, completely calm in any weather) and is the standard charter base for southern Dalmatia itineraries reaching Mljet, Korčula, Lastovo, and the Elafiti islands.

Capacity & Specifications

• Berths: 380 in-water
• Maximum yacht length: 40 m (with reservation)
• Maximum draught: 5 m
• Power: 16A, 32A, 63A on superyacht slots
• Water: potable on every berth, €0.10/L
• Wi-Fi: free, marina-wide

Mooring Fees (peak season)

Prices are similar to ACI Split (15-25% higher than ACI Trogir) reflecting the position near the most expensive city in Croatia.

Approach & Position

Approach from the south through the Adriatic, then enter the Rijeka Dubrovačka inlet just north of the Dubrovnik commercial port. The inlet entrance is well-marked and 200 m wide at the narrowest. From the inlet entrance, the marina is 1.5 nm up the fjord, on the south bank.

The inlet is a protected zone — 5 knot speed limit throughout. Approach is straightforward, no shoals or hazards. Sailing under the high road bridge near the marina entrance: clearance is 35 m, no concern for sailing yachts.

The marina basin is completely sheltered — the surrounding hills and the inlet geometry give wind shadow from all directions. This is one of the most protected marinas in Croatia in any storm including full Bura. Many southern-Dalmatian crews relocate to ACI Komolac when extreme weather is forecast on the open coast.

The Old Town Distance Problem & the Marina Shuttle

The marina’s only significant disadvantage is the 6 km distance from the Dubrovnik Old Town. There is no walking option — the route involves the main road into the city, no pedestrian paths.

The transport options:

• Marina shuttle bus — runs every 30-60 min in season, €5-10 per person, drops at the Pile Gate (Old Town main entrance). Schedule posted at the marina office.
• Taxi — €15-20 to the Old Town, 15-20 minutes depending on traffic. Uber and Bolt available, slightly cheaper.
• Car rental — useful for multi-day stays; car rental offices at the marina or nearby in Komolac village. Parking near Old Town is challenging in season.
• Walking from Komolac village to local restaurants — the village itself has 3-4 konobas and a Konzum, all within 5-min walk of the marina. Useful when you don’t want to travel to the Old Town for dinner.

Services on Site

Standard ACI service portfolio: fuel berth (open 07:00-21:00 in season), chandlery with broader stock than most ACI marinas (because of the superyacht traffic), provisioning shop (basic), laundry service, showers and WC, charter handover offices for the major operators serving the Dubrovnik area (Sunsail, Dream Yacht, MMK, Croatia Yacht Charter), and the marina restaurant on the pier (recently renovated, decent for a casual dinner).

For yacht maintenance, the small Komolac Shipyard adjacent handles most repairs and minor refits. Major refits typically go to Šibenik or Split.

Komolac Village — What’s Within Walking Distance

Komolac is a small village (300 residents) that has grown alongside the marina. Within 5-10 min walk:

• Konzum supermarket — sufficient for full provisioning
• 3-4 local konobas — Konoba Konavlje, Konoba Lokanda Peskarija, others; all serve traditional Dalmatian food at half the prices of Old Town restaurants
• Pharmacy and ATM
• Local shipyard and chandlery alternatives

The village has a calmer, more authentic atmosphere than the Old Town tourist scene. Many crews choose to spend evenings in Komolac and only commute to the Old Town for the iconic walks (city walls at sunset, Stradun in the evening).

Charter Handover & Airport Transfer

Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) is 30 km south of ACI Komolac — about 35-45 minutes by taxi (€55-70) depending on traffic and season. The airport bus from Dubrovnik town runs to the marina area but typically requires a connection.

Most charter operators arrange private airport transfers as part of handover; reserve in advance. The Dubrovnik area is the most expensive in Croatia for transfers — pre-booked private cars are 30-40% cheaper than airport-rank taxis.

Booking & Practical Notes

• Reservations: via the ACI app or phone +385 20 455 020. Reserve 48h+ ahead in peak season.
• Cruise-ship awareness: Major Dubrovnik cruise days (3+ ships) overwhelm the Old Town. Check cruisetimetables.com before planning Old Town visits.
• Bura performance: Excellent — among the most sheltered marinas in Croatia, popular as a Bura refuge.
• Alternatives: For a more relaxed Dubrovnik base, consider Marina Frapa Cavtat (15 km south, much smaller and quieter) or anchoring off Lokrum Island (10 min from the Old Town).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ACI Marina Dubrovnik close to the Old Town?

No — 6 km north up the Rijeka Dubrovačka inlet. Use the marina shuttle bus, taxi (€15-20), or rental car. There is no walking option.

Why isn’t there a marina at the Dubrovnik Old Town?

The Old Town has only the small Old Port (Stara Luka) which takes 8-10 small yachts on visitor moorings. The town is a UNESCO heritage site and major marina infrastructure is not permitted. ACI Komolac is the closest practical option for any yacht over 12 m.

How sheltered is ACI Komolac?

Among the most sheltered marinas in Croatia. The fjord-like inlet position gives complete weather protection. Popular Bura refuge for southern Dalmatian charter fleets.

Can superyachts berth at ACI Marina Dubrovnik?

Up to 40 m with advance reservation. For larger yachts (40 m+) the only southern-Dalmatian option is anchoring off Lokrum or arranging through the commercial port.

What’s the alternative if ACI Komolac is full?

Marina Frapa Cavtat (15 km south, smaller, quieter) and the Old Port (Stara Luka) for very small yachts. For longer multi-day visits, anchoring off Lokrum Island (10 min from the Old Town walls) is a popular free option in calm weather.