ACI Marina Split

ACI Marina Split sits at the heart of Croatia’s second city, placing you within walking distance of Diocletian’s Palace — the 1,700-year-old Roman palace that forms the living heart of Split’s old town. For charter guests who want an urban day before heading to the islands, Split is the natural starting point.

Location & Access

The marina is on the western edge of the city waterfront, just past the ferry terminal. Split airport (SPU) is 25 minutes by car. The Riva promenade and old town are a 10-minute walk east along the harbour.

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Facilities

ACI Split is a functional city marina — not a resort. It provides the essentials reliably: shore power up to 63A, fresh water at every berth, fuel dock on the approach channel, and complimentary Wi-Fi. What it lacks in luxury it makes up for in location.

For Larger Yachts

If your yacht exceeds 30 metres, the harbourmaster may assign you to the city quay by arrangement. Better alternatives for larger vessels include Marina Baotić in Trogir (15 min, up to 50m) and Marina Lav in Podstrana (10 min south, up to 40m with Le Méridien hotel access).

Why Charter Guests Choose Split

Split is the island-hopping gateway. From here, Brač is 45 minutes, Hvar under 2 hours, and Vis a half-day cruise. The city itself offers world-class dining, the fish market, and a nightlife scene unmatched on the coast. Most Split–Dubrovnik one-way routes begin here.

ACI Marina Split — The Busiest Charter Base in the Mediterranean

ACI Marina Split is the single most heavily-used charter handover marina in Europe — roughly 60% of all yachts chartered in Croatia start or end their week here. The marina sits on the western edge of Split harbour at the foot of Marjan hill, 15 minutes’ walk from the Old Town and Diocletian’s Palace, and 25 km from Split Airport (SPU) at Kaštela.

Capacity & Specifications

• Berths: 350 in-water, 30 dry storage
• Maximum yacht length: 80 m (with advance reservation)
• Maximum draught: 6 m
• Power: 16A, 32A, 63A, and 125A on superyacht slots
• Water: potable on every berth, €0.10/L for boat fill
• Wi-Fi: free, marina-wide

Mooring Fees (peak season, July–August)

Services on Site

The marina has a full range of services typical of an ACI flagship facility: fuel berth (open 06:00–22:00 in season, queues 07:00–10:00 on Saturdays — refuel Friday afternoon if returning the boat), chandlery (Yachtcom on the marina, basic stocks of safety gear, ropes, fenders, charts), provisioning shop (small, basic; for serious provisioning Tommy Centar is 10 minutes’ walk inland), pump-out station, laundry service, showers and WC, charter handover offices for the major operators (Sunsail, Dream Yacht, Navigare, Kiriacoulis), and a cafe-restaurant on the marina pier.

For provisioning delivery to the boat, Sara’s Yacht Provisioning and Pomalo (the local market-to-boat service) deliver to ACI Split with 24-hour notice via WhatsApp — the easiest option for a Saturday morning charter pickup.

Approach & Entry Procedure

Approach from the south through the main Split harbour entrance, keeping the commercial port (cruise terminal, Jadrolinija ferries) to starboard. The marina entrance is 200 m east of the Marjan headland on the west side of the inner harbour. The entry channel is 6 m deep, well-marked. Call the marina office on VHF channel 17 for berth assignment 30 minutes before arrival; allocations are tight in July–August handover days.

The marina is fully exposed to Bura (north-easterly katabatic wind) — berths can become uncomfortable in 30+ knot Bura, with reports of damage to fenders and lines on outer pontoons. The Maestral (north-westerly afternoon thermal) is no problem. The Jugo (south-easterly) brings swell into the harbour entrance but the marina interior is sheltered.

What’s Within Walking Distance

From the marina you walk 15 minutes east along the seaside path to reach Diocletian’s Palace and the Riva (Split’s waterfront promenade and main social space). The path goes around the foot of Marjan hill and is one of the most pleasant urban walks in Croatia. Kašjuni Beach on the south side of Marjan is 20 minutes’ walk — a popular evening swim spot. The hike to the top of Marjan (175 m, 30 min) gives the iconic Split panorama.

For dinner, the closest atmospheric option is Konoba Matejuška in the Matejuška fishermen’s quarter (10 min walk — expect a queue from 19:30, no reservations).

Booking & Practical Notes

• Reservations: via the ACI app or phone +385 21 398 599. Reserve 48 hours in advance July–August; walk-in fine in shoulder season.
• Charter handover days: Saturday is the chaotic day — 200+ boat changeovers, marina full from 14:00, every fuel berth queued. Sunday and weekday arrivals are calm.
• Long-stay: ACI offers monthly and annual contracts — among the most expensive in Croatia given the location.
• Alternative bases: Marina Kaštela (8 nm west, free airport shuttle, €80–120/night) and Marina Lav (Podstrana, 6 nm east, €100–150) are the two practical alternatives if ACI Split is full or too expensive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ACI Marina Split the best charter base for Croatia?

For most one-week itineraries, yes — closest to the major Dalmatian islands (Hvar, Brač, Vis, Šolta), most provisioning options, most flight connections via Split airport. The trade-off is congestion, especially on Saturday handover days.

Can superyachts berth at ACI Marina Split?

Up to 80 m with advance reservation. For yachts above 50 m, D-Marin Mandalina in Šibenik (60 nm north) is better-equipped (140 m capacity, 24/7 concierge, dedicated superyacht zone).

How far is ACI Marina Split from the Old Town?

15 minutes’ walk along the seaside path. The marina is at the foot of Marjan hill, west of the Old Town. Taxis from the marina to the Riva are €5–8.

What’s the cheapest alternative to ACI Marina Split for charter?

Marina Kaštela (8 nm west, includes free airport shuttle, €80–120/night for a 14–16 m yacht) is the most popular budget alternative. Marina Lav in Podstrana (6 nm east, €100–150) is the next option.