3 Popular Eastern Adriatic Sailing Pilot Books – Reviewed & Compared

Planning a bareboat charter in Croatia? Whether you’re an experienced sailor or a hobby boater, having the right pilot book can make all the difference in your Adriatic adventure. 

Of course, there’s a flurry of navigational apps you have at your disposal nowadays. But a solid physical pilot book is still a must-have on any serious voyage.

For the Adriatics region, you have three options. Each one of those comes with its own strengths and weaknesses:

• Imray’s Adriatic Pilot 8th Edition – for the casual, harbor-to-harbor sailor. This Eastern Adriatic all-in-one, easy to read, travelog style pilot contains plenty of color photos, historical background, and tourist-y information. But, it’s not the most detailed option on the technical side. While comprehensive, it skips over those secluded anchorage and mooring spots without facilities.
  
  
• 777 Pilot Books Eastern Adriatic Volume I & II – for the astute sailor done finding her sea legs and looking to sail outside conventional routes. There’s not a lot of cute historical detours and information here, but this pilot book series is chock full of portolan-style charts, waypoints, and navigational details that are useful for single handedly planning your Croatian sailing adventure.
  
  
• Adriatic Sea Pilot, Volume I & II (Croatia’s Hydrographic Institute) – the ultimate pilot book for Croatia, with comprehensive navigational information and regularly updated. Not for the casual skipper, though – lots of technical information, but more or less devoid of detailed information on places to visit, things to see, and restaurants to grab a bite in.

For a detailed, firsthand review of these pilot books, read on.

Imray’s Adriatic Pilot, 8th Edition (Trevor & Dinah Thompson)

Covers: Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, Albania & east coast of Italy

Where to order: EU & UK I US I AUS

Imray’s Adriatic Pilot by the Thompsons—the go-to English language pilot book for this region— is a hefty hardcover. In this case, the size is an accurate indicator of comprehensiveness – the Thompsons cover the region in its entirety, from the north shores of Italy, through Slovenia and Croatia, and all the way down to Albania.

The focus, as the cover indicates, is the coast of Croatia:

Other pilots don’t cast as wide of a net as this one does, so if you’re looking for an all-in-one for the entire coast of Croatia, this is the one.

It can also double as a decent, physical travel book: you will find quite a bit of information inside on the history of the towns and ports you visit.

Personally, I like that the Thompsons keep things readable and moving. Sure, there isn’t a mention of every single secluded anchorage spot in there. But, this hefty tome has enough on Adriatic’s coastal towns, ports, marinas, and anchorage spots to take the guesswork out of your navigation no matter where you are between Porto Castro in Italy and Vlore in Albania.

All in all, this Amazon review of Imray’s Adriatic Pilot pretty much sums it up nicely:

The Good:

• All-in-one for the Eastern Adriatic: this is the only pilot book of this region that (reasonably) comprehensively covers the whole region from (and including) north Albania to Slovenia, and even north of Italy.
  
  
• Provides background information: includes detailed information on all major ports of call and routes, and provides travel guide-style background for most entries (historical facts and things to see or do).
  
  
• Easy to read: well-structured layout and information hierarchy – easy to follow and bite-sized content. Authors write from experience – their navigational insights and information often come with a side-serving of personal anecdotes and stories.
  
  
• In color & heavily illustrated: clear and detailed charts at the beginning of each coastal section – cross referenceable with more detailed charts for individual locations (which are on the smaller side, so you might need to use a magnifying glass in some cases).

• Companion charts available: this Imray Pilot Book is designed to be used in conjunction with Imray’s detailed nautical charts of the Adriatic. You can usually get the specific ones that you need from the same place you’ll get the book. Armed with both, you have a comprehensive navigational resource for safe and informed cruising.

The Not So Good:

• Missing some smaller anchorages: while this pilot book covers a lot, it’s not as comprehensive when it comes to those off-the-beaten-route gems. Some smaller coves are missing, as are secluded anchorage spots.
  
  
• Current edition not up-to-date: Croatia’s coastal charter infrastructure is fast-developing so, understandably, this 2020 edition is missing some latest developments (newly opened marinas, buoy fields, etc).
  
  
• Heavy reliance on text: if you prefer a more visual approach to pilot guides, with detailed charts and diagrams, you’re going to be disappointed. This Imray Pilot Book relies heavily on textual descriptions, which might not be as intuitive for some users.
  
  
• This thing is bulky: I when I say bulky, I mean it – it measures 35x20x3 cm (14x8x1.2 in) and weighs in at 2 kilos (~5 lbs). You really have to plan for it when packing and, being a hardcover, it’s gonna get in the way if you have limited space onboard.

The Verdict: Choose Imray’s Adriatic Pilot if you want a comprehensive pilot/travel guided for your adventure up and down the Adriatic Coast & if you’re going to be staying at harbors, marinas, and buoy fields that have facilities (because smaller anchorages and secluded spots without facilities are not likely to be included).

777 Pilot Books Eastern Adriatic Series Vol. 1 & 2 (Silvestro, Sbrizzi & Magnabosco)

Covers: Istria, Kvarner Islands, Dalmatian Coast, Southern Croatian Islands

Where to order: EU & UK I US I AUS

The 777 Pilot Books Eastern Adriatic Series follows in the footsteps of the iconic 888 Pilot Book series by Karl-Heinz Beständig – these are hard-to-find, German language editions that old sea dogs swear by.

The new 777 editions covering the Eastern Adriatic enjoy similar popularity. This series is a one-stop shop for some serious navigating around the coast of Croatia. Prepared in the tradition of ancient portolans, they feature full page navigational charts with detailed information on popular anchorage spots, harbors, ports, winds, currents, seabed information, and more.

That said, my biggest pet peeve with this series is the amount of promotional marketing material it’s packing – full 34 pages at the start of it, and a few more near the end. I’m not alone in thinking this – other sailors who’ve reviewed 777 Pilot Books Eastern Adriatics on Amazon and elsewhere are also up in arms about all the product placement.

Putting that aside, I love that this series reads like a boots on the ground crew wrote it. It’s packed with local information that goes deep, leaving no stone unturned on even the most off-the-beaten-track anchorage spots and secluded coves. What it’s not is a flip-through travel guide. But if you’re looking to island-hop around central Dalmatia and only want to drop your anchor in secluded and safe anchorage spots, this is the pilot for you.

The Good:

• Comprehensive coverage: this series leaves no stone unturned, covering the entire Eastern Adriatic coast in meticulous detail, from big harbors to super secluded coves.
  
  
• Detailed charts and waypoints: the charts are clear, accurate, and packed with useful navigational information, taking guesswork out of every maneuver you decide to take.
  
  
• Wealth of local knowledge: get the inside scoop on hidden anchorage gems, nitty-gritty details on how to moor in specific buoy fields, winds to watch out for in every cove, and more.
  
  
• Practical information: if you’re planning your trip personally, here you will find everything you need to know about marinas, anchorages, fuel stops, and services.
  
  
• Meticulously researched & up-to-date: this group of authors have clearly done their homework. Also, because the editions are recent, the information inside is up-to-date and more current than in Imray’s Adriatic Pilot.

The Not So Good:

• Big and bulky: think even bulkier than the Imray pilot book if you’re carrying both – slightly more manageable if you’re just bringing a single volume. You’re going to have to plan space when packing these, and they could under foot often if you’re not working with a lot of space on your rented boat.
  
  
• Limited photos: this series is all about charts and navigational information, not so much about all the pretty things to see while you’re out. If you prefer travel guide-style pilot books, this one ain’t it.
  
  
• Lacking in historical and tourist information: Yes, there’s a section at the end of each of the books that drills in a bit deeper into onshore activities in each of the regions. But this information is not comprehensive and it reads like paid promotional placement added by the marketing team.

• It’s an investment: the price for the whole series is a tidy little sum. You can probably get a secondhand version if you’re not in a rush, though. That said, many sailors consider the 777 Pilot Books series a worthwhile investment.

The Verdict: Choose the 777 Pilot Books if you need a comprehensive and detailed technical navigation guide If you’re looking for a visually stunning coffee table book, this might not be it. But if you want a reliable and informative resource that will enhance your sailing experience, look no further.

Adriatic Sea Pilot, Volume I & II (Hydrographic Institute of the Republic of Croatia)

Covers: The entire Croatian coastline (Savudrijska Vala to Rt Oštra)

Where to order: Official HHI Website (Croatia)

You’d be wrong to infer something from the last placement on this list of the Adriatic Sea Pilot.

The Adriatic Sea Pilot, a two-volume set by the Hydrographic Institute of the Republic of Croatia (HHI), is the official navigational bible for anyone venturing along the Croatian coastline. The reason why I’m bringing it up last here is two-fold – it’s for technically-minded, off-route sailors and it’s a difficult find.

If you decide on this one, don’t expect glossy photos or flowery prose.

This pilot book is all business, packed with detailed charts, navigational information, and warnings about hazards. It’s the kind of resource you’ll want by your side when navigating unfamiliar waters. But, if you’re planning a trip to Istria and Kvarner sailing region, you’re going to be doing all your tourist-y research online.

While online reviews of the Hydrographic Institute’s Adriatic Sea Pilot are scarce, the HHI’s reputation for producing high-quality nautical publications speaks for itself. Sailors on forums often mention these volumes as reliable and essential tools for navigating the Croatian coast.

The Good:

• Official source: published by the Hydrographic Institute of the Republic of Croatia, you can trust the accuracy and reliability of the information. Everything in these pilots has been researched by one team top-tier experts and vetted by another – the details inside are as accurate as they can be.
  
  
• Comprehensive coverage: This two-volume set covers the entire Croatian coastline, leaving no harbor or anchorage unexplored. This means every hidden cove, every bouy field, every anchorage spots where even a single boat dropped anchor one time – it’s all in there, backed up by the information on winds, currents, sea swell, and more.
  
  
• Detailed charts: The charts are meticulous, providing precise information on depths, hazards, and navigational aids. They’re also blown up for easier referencing and cross-comparison – unlike the charts in Imray, you won’t have to use a magnifying glass for these.
  
  
• Safety focus: The emphasis is on safety, providing warnings and guidance to help you avoid potential dangers. Every section – sometimes even consecutive pages – comes with caution advisory detailing potential dangers and what to be aware of when sailing in the area.
  
  
• Constantly updated: The HHI issues corrections and updates to ensure the information remains current. These updates are frequent but, even in older editions, the foundational information pertaining to navigation and safety is rock solid.

The Not So Good:

• Technical focus: this is a technical navigation guide, not a travelog. Don’t expect cultural insights or restaurant recommendations. Each section starts with a basic overview of the sailing region, with rudimentary info larger towns and inland points of interest. But that’s about it.
  
  
• Published in two volumes: carrying two large volumes can be cumbersome, so you’re going to be planning your packing ahead if you’re flying in. If you’re sailing on a smaller vessel, expect them take up half the space on your nav station.
  
  
• Difficult to find: If you’re anywhere other than Europe, you’re going to be hard-pressed to get your hands on the copy of this pilot book series. Even in Europe, you better start your search early.

The Verdict: Choose the Adriatic Sea Pilot if you prioritize safety and accurate navigation above all else. This is the go-to resource for serious sailors and charter companies who demand the most reliable information available. It’s not the most exciting read, but it’s an essential tool for anyone navigating the sometimes challenging waters of the Adriatic. If you’re looking for a more leisurely read with travel tips and anecdotes, consider supplementing this pilot book with other resources.

3 Croatian Coast Pilot Books – Which One Will You Choose?

So, there you have it! Three pilot books, each with its own unique flavor and strengths. Your ideal choice ultimately depends on your priorities and sailing style.

• For those seeking a blend of practical information and cultural insights, the Imray Adriatic Pilot is a solid choice.
  
  
• If you’re a meticulous planner who craves in-depth details and local knowledge, the 777 series might be your perfect match.
  
  
• And for those who prioritize safety and official, up-to-date information, the Adriatic Sea Pilot from HIC is the gold standard.

No matter which pilot book you choose, remember that it’s just one tool in your navigational arsenal. Don’t forget to consult nautical charts, weather forecasts, and local knowledge to ensure a safe and enjoyable voyage.