Delays in Ferry Service in Croatia

The ferry service in Croatia is a vital mode of transportation for both locals and tourists. However, due to adverse weather, especially in winter months, timetables are subject to changes and cancellations. The strong winds, in particular, can cause disruptions to all ferry schedules. Here is an overview of what to expect and what to do in such circumstances:

Photo: Two small ferries docking in a sheltered port, waiting for better weather in wintertime @ Croatian islands

Winds and Weather

The southeastern wind, known as Siloko (Shirocco) or Jugo, and the north wind, called Bura or Bora, are two winds that can greatly affect ferry traffic in the Adriatic. Bura blows at high speeds from the Croatian mainland and its mountains towards the islands and creates small but sharp waves while Siloko, the southern, warm wind blows from the Strait of Otranto (separates Albania & Italy, connecting the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea), creates slow, deep and large waves and brings rain and humidity. These two winds cause disruptions in ferry traffic.

If strong winds are forecasted, some ferries will not sail. During moderate winds, cancellations or delays can still occur, particularly for smaller, conventional boats and fast catamarans that are not as stable as large ferries. Large car ferries, such as the car ferry ‘Zadar’ which serves Split to Stari Grad, Hvar island or Car Ferry ‘Supetar’ or ferry Petar Hektorovic, connecting Vis and Split, run by Jadrolinija, are more stable and resistant to rough seas.

Delays can also occur if the ferry has difficulty docking due to strong winds. That mostly depends on the location of a particular ferry port – if the port was sheltered well, it is easier to dock even in the strong winds.

Ferry traffic in summer and winter

It’s important to note that this type of weather disruption is more likely to occur during the autumn and winter months. During the summer, disruptions in ferry traffic due to weather are very unlikely. Even in the case of choppy seas, ferries in summer times sail regularly (see video here).

If you are travelling in the winter months, it is important to plan ahead and check for updates on ferry schedules to minimize any potential disruptions to your travel plans and to ensure that your ferry service is running on schedule.

If ferries are delayed or cancelled

It is usually known at least 24 hrs in advance that some ferry services will be cancelled due to bad weather. Check for updates on cancellations or delays – here is updated info

What happens if the ferry is cancelled?
In case of cancellation, get on an alternative route – either by larger (car) ferry or take a combination of ferry and bus to your destination. Bear in mind that every island is connected by at least one large car ferry to the mainland so use that one to continue with your journey. It is very unlikely, even in the worst weather conditions that ferry passengers are stranded on an island. Bad weather causes service disruption and cancellations but there is always a solution. If you need help, get in touch with us – we will help you to find the best options to continue your journey.

Last-minute cancellation:
If you already have a ferry ticket and your ferry crossing is delayed or cancelled at the last minute, you may be informed either by sms or email (depending on the policy of the particular ferry company) about an alternative date of departure. But not all companies inform their passengers. If in doubt, get in touch with the ferry company as soon as you can. The contact info should be written on your ticket. Also, consider getting in touch with them via social media – like Facebook or Twitter, and you may get a faster response.

What happens if you miss your ferry?
If you miss your ferry for whichever reason, get in touch with the ferry company as soon as you can. It is up to them to decide if they are going to offer you free travel on their next crossing.

Photo: Fast catamaran ferry stranded on the island due to bad weather

Conversation at ferry forum

Videos

Here is a video of the extreme weather and waves taken on Croatia’s island. None of the ferries was sailing at the time. Bear in mind that this is an extreme occasion, occurring very rarely: