Explore Cres
Boats in Cres
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Why explore Cres by boat?
Cres is a long, wild island in the Kvarner gulf, with steep shores, clear water and few settlements. Hilltop Lubenice, small harbours such as Valun and the old town of Osor give it a very different character from busier islands.
- Beaches
- Quiet bays
- Family days
What Cres is known for
Lubenice
A clifftop village with a secluded beach below it.
Griffon vultures
Cres is one of the last homes of these birds in Croatia.
Osor
An old town on the narrow channel between Cres and Lošinj.
Valun
A small harbour village on the west coast.
Where can you explore?
Places within reach of a day on the water from Cres.
The largest Adriatic island, with a varied coastline of bays and beaches.
Explore Krk →
A town on Krk's almost enclosed bay, opposite the islet of Košljun.
Explore Punat →
A former fishing village on Istria's eastern coast.
Explore Rabac →
A town on Krk's south coast with a long pebble beach.
Explore Baška →
A Kvarner resort town on the mainland, facing Krk.
Explore Crikvenica →
A mainland Kvarner town south of Crikvenica.
Explore Novi Vinodolski →Distances are approximate straight-line distances between destinations, not sailing routes.
Best time to explore Cres by boat
May–June
- Quieter coast
- Long days
- Sea warming up
July–August
- Warmest weather
- Busiest period
- Book earlier
September–October
- Warm water
- Fewer crowds
- Relaxed coast
Seasonal guidance only. Weather and sea conditions change day to day — always confirm with your operator.
A little local history
Cres has been inhabited since prehistory, and Osor was an important Roman and early medieval town and bishopric. The island was ruled by Venice for centuries, which shaped Cres town's harbour and palaces.
Good to know
Trip style
Day trips: leave in the morning, back before evening.
Payment
You pay the booking fee here, the rental directly to the operator.
Conditions
Operators cancel or reschedule when the sea is not safe.
Routes, sea conditions and access can vary. Always confirm local conditions and requirements with your boat operator before departure.
Frequently asked questions
It depends on the boat. Each listing states whether the operator requires a boat licence, and you can filter for boats that do not require one. Licence rules are set by the operator, not by CroatianBoats.
Working out a budget? Read our guide to how much it costs to rent a boat in Croatia.
Plan your trip
Get official destination information, local events and visitor resources for Cres.