The event was being watched by Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandrokovic and Mate Granic as envoy of President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, the sponsor of the race.
Over the past 20 years, the Boat Marathon has developed a sporting, cultural and tourist character, becoming a beautiful tradition which brings together people from all over Croatia, Jandrokovic said.
"In my opinion, the most important thing here is the celebration of Croatia's Neretva river tradition, the tradition of Neretva boats and victories throughout Croatia's rich history," he said, adding that the Boat Marathon was very important for Croatian identity and that it gave the Neretva river region added tourist value.
Granic said the marathon was a sporting event which nurtured Croatian cultural and historical values and that "it has become an important part of our tourism product and cultural tradition."
Metkovic mayor Dalibor Milan, speaking as Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic's envoy, said the Boat Marathon had been promoting the name of its region and the Neretva river for 20 years.
Dubrovnik-Neretva County prefect Nikola Dobroslavic said the marathon was an event of chivalry, stamina and the desire to win.
The winner of the race will receive the Domagoj Shield in Ploce later tonight.