Croatian Boat Shows and Festivals: Where, When, and What to Visit in 2025
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Boat shows in Croatia are among the most exciting nautical events in Europe, attracting boating enthusiasts, industry professionals, and tourists alike. Every year, Croatian boat shows and festivals highlight the latest trends in boatbuilding, yacht charter, and nautical tourism. These events offer hands-on access to the newest vessels, top-quality nautical equipment, and expert-led seminars. From major showcases like the Biograd Boat Show and Nautika Zagreb to regional favorites such as the Dalmatia Boat Show and Croatia Nautic Show, and even charming smaller festivals like Murterska Promenada – the Croatian coastline is a stage for a wide variety of nautical events. Whether you’re in the industry or just passionate about the sea, this guide will help you discover what to visit, where to go, and when the top boat festivals in Croatia take place.
Biograd Boat Show
Location: Marina Kornati, Biograd na Moru
Date: 22–26 October 2025
The Biograd Boat Show is the largest in-water boat show in Central Europe and one of the most significant nautical events in the region. It brings together hundreds of exhibitors and boats, including over 1,500 charter yachts and more than 300 displayed boats. Held in Marina Kornati, a leading Croatian charter center, the show offers business visitors and the general public the chance to test boats, discover new technologies, and gain expert insights. A special attraction is the Croatia Charter Expo, a B2B event for charter companies and interested parties. The program includes educational workshops, presentations on the latest trends, business meetings, and a rich array of accompanying events.
Zagreb Boat Show (Nautika Zagreb)
Location: Zagreb Fair, Zagreb
Date: February
The Zagreb Boat Show is the largest nautical event in Croatia and traditionally marks the start of the yachting season. It gathers major domestic and international boatbuilders, nautical equipment suppliers, marinas, and charter companies. Across six pavilions, visitors can see the latest boats, from luxury yachts to motorboats and sailboats, and learn about the newest trends in the industry. The show also features B2B meetings, educational workshops, expert presentations, and exclusive discounts for visitors. It is an ideal place for anyone planning a nautical vacation or wanting to learn about the latest innovations in the industry.
Dalmatia Boat Show
Location: Marina Baotić, Seget Donji (near Split)
Date: April
The Dalmatia Boat Show, hosted at Marina Baotić, is quickly establishing itself as a key regional nautical event. It brings together over 120 exhibitors and nearly 200 boats, including world premieres of new models, and electric, and hybrid boats. The program includes educational workshops, eco-friendly presentations, concerts, DJ performances, and gourmet delicacies. The show is open to both professionals and the general public, and its modern, dynamic atmosphere attracts both boating enthusiasts and business partners.
Croatia Nautic Show
Location: Marina Kaštela, Kaštel Gomilica
Date: April
The Croatia Nautic Show, held in Marina Kaštela, is a boat show focused on small boatbuilding and nautical tourism, gathering the largest international and domestic nautical brands. The exhibition features world and Croatian premieres of boats, a wide range of nautical equipment, and educational content. The show is free to enter and offers activities for the whole family, including workshops, expert panels, and entertainment. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly, with an emphasis on sustainable technologies and water sports.
Croatia Yacht Show
Location: Zadar Cruise Port, Zadar
Date: 1–3 October 2025
The Croatia Yacht Show is the first Croatian superyacht show, held at the newly renovated Zadar Cruise Port. The event is aimed at professionals and superyacht enthusiasts, and the exhibition features large luxury yachts and superyachts for sale and charter. The show is open to both professionals and the general public, and its goal is to promote Croatia as a superyacht destination. The program includes presentations, business meetings, and educational events.
CROYA Charter Show
Location: Split
Date: 29 September–1 October 2025
The CROYA Charter Show is a specialized exhibition of crewed yachts, aimed at professionals in the charter industry. The event brings together luxury boats, charter agents, captains, and many international partners. The show is focused on business networking and presenting charter offers, and the program includes professional seminars, presentations, and business meetings. The event is key to promoting Croatia as a premier luxury charter destination.
Murterska Promenada
Location: Murter
Date: The end od May
Murterska Promenada is a festival of boating, wine, and gastronomy held on the island of Murter. The festival features an exhibition of boats, nautical equipment, and traditional Betina gajeta boats, as well as a rich gastronomic program as part of Murter Restaurant Week. Entry is free, and the festival offers a local atmosphere, educational content, and the chance to mingle with the local community and industry experts.
Croatian Festivals That Celebrate Nautical Culture
1. FIUMARE – Kvarner Festival of the sea and maritime tradition
Location: Rijeka
Date: Usually in September
FIUMARE is a festival that connects the maritime and trading traditions of the past with the present. It includes an exhibition of traditional boats, regattas, workshops on maritime skills, model boat workshops, themed exhibitions, lectures, gastronomic offerings, and a sail and lantern ball. The festival is designed for the whole family and offers a rich educational and entertainment program.
2. Days in Vala – Festival of Traditional Boats, the Sea, and Sailors
Location: Stari Grad, Hvar
Date: Usually in October
Days in Vala is an international festival of traditional boats, the sea, and sailors, promoting maritime heritage and tradition. It includes an exhibition of boats, workshops, presentations, educational programs, and gastronomic events. The festival is known for the participation of many traditional boats from Croatia and abroad, and for its emphasis on preserving maritime culture.
3. H2LO Festival
Location: Šibenik
Date: Usually in March or April
The H2LO Festival is dedicated to the preservation of drinking water, cultural heritage, nature, and the sea. It includes workshops, film screenings, panel discussions, tastings, musical events, and guided tours with a focus on the sea and water. While not exclusively nautical, the festival has a strong maritime context and offers educational content about the sea and the environment.
Music and Film Festivals Inspired by the Sea
Examples: Sonus Festival (Pag), Dimensions Festival (Pula), Ultra Europe (Split)
Dates:
- Sonus Festival: August
- Dimensions Festival: August
- Ultra Europe: July
Some major music and film festivals along the coast include nautical elements such as boat rides or after-parties on boats. While these are not nautical events in the strict sense, they offer an additional attraction for visitors and contribute to the popularity of nautical tourism.
Boat shows and nautical festivals in Croatia are essential gathering points for boating enthusiasts, industry professionals, and anyone interested in the latest trends in nautical tourism and maritime innovation. From major events like the Biograd Boat Show and Nautika Zagreb to regional showcases such as the Dalmatia Boat Show and Croatia Nautic Show, and smaller local festivals like Murterska Promenada, the Croatian nautical calendar offers a wide variety of experiences for visitors with different interests and levels of expertise.
In addition to traditional exhibitions, numerous Croatian festivals with nautical themes help promote maritime heritage and contribute to the continued growth of nautical tourism in Croatia.
