In the modern world, maritime activities and tourism are closely intertwined, where tourism has a profound and intricate impact on maritime passenger transportation both on a global scale and at the local level, particularly along the Adriatic Sea, notably in Croatia. While tourism stimulates economic benefits, it also triggers seasonal shifts and presents ecological challenges. Managing this relationship necessitates collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure sustainability and the preservation of natural and cultural values in coastal regions. This paper explores the intricate interplay between tourism and maritime passenger transport along the Adriatic Sea, with a focus on Croatia. The Croatian coastline, enriched with islands and coastal areas, represents a crucial natural resource with significant economic implications. Tourism plays a pivotal role in shaping maritime passenger transport, emphasizing its seasonal nature. While tourism fosters development and economic advantages, it also brings challenges such as seasonality, ecological concerns, and infrastructure needs. The paper analyzes the influence of tourism on passenger ship demand, port infrastructure development, and nautical tourism.