The ultimate bespoke sailing holiday…
Sailing along the Dalmation coast should be on the top of everyones bucket list. Let us do the hard work for you. We craft bespoke sailing packages that are tailored specifically to your needs, so whether you are after a bare boat charter, a fully catered, or a skippered yacht we will help you choose the perfect option for your group. All the boats are fitted to the highest spec and also come with paddle boards, larger tenders for water sports, snorkling and fishing equipment meaning your sailing holiday can be as action packed or relaxed as you wish.
Why sail here?
The coastlines of the Adriatic in the north and Dalmatian in the south, are some of the most stunning in Europe. Over a thousand islands, many uninhabited, picture perfect villages, Venetian palazzi, Byzantine fortresses, tiny bays of crystal clear water, plenty of stunning beaches, and a vibrant mix of history and cosmopolitan living. The islands make for protected waters and calm seas, and the almost infinite number of bays mean you’ll often find one all to yourself.
Island hop your way round for a week, anchoring on the shores of a national park; snorkel the turquoise waters, or mooch around ancient ruins. From one day to the next, the scenery will be utterly different, whilst consistent breezes make for enjoyable sailing and reliable itineraries. We sail from a number of destinations in Croatia – from Agana and Kremik close to Split, and Dubrovnik, in a variety of boats – from yachts and catamarans to motor yachts and gulets. And it’s also optional about what crew you’d like. Choose a skipper and a host who know the seas and islands like the back of their hands, and a chef to cater for you, or if you’d like a bit more independence, then opt for just a skipper.
A day in the life...
Whichever type of boat you choose, and whatever type of sailing you want to do, your skipper will chat to you about your itinerary before you leave port. Much of the sailing in the Adriatic is line of sight, meaning you can see where you’re heading and most places are a mere hop from the last. And the wonderful thing about it too, is that each island is different and there’s a destination for everyone.
Small, bustling marina towns, with bars and restaurants; quiet bays between steep wooded cliffs; little sandy coves and long stretches of glorious beaches. So let your skipper check the direction of the breeze and off you go. You might start the morning with a swim, or some waterskiing if the conditions are right, before gently motoring to another heavenly spot, anchoring there until after lunch. When the breeze gets up, your crew will hoist the mainsail and jib, and point to your next destination. Perhaps you’ll paddle board ashore to explore some ruins or a sleepy village. Or maybe, you fancy a snooze on the foredeck. As the sun begins to dip, you’ll probably need a sundowner before you head out for dinner in a charming water’s edge konoba.
Food & Drink
Life on board a fully crewed yacht, is like a private villa with a chef and host. Breakfast appears miraculously each morning, and a delicious gourmet lunch, usually in a rather beautiful bay, is laid out for you each afternoon. Evenings often feature a tender over to a beachside restaurant, or a traditional konoba in a fortressed village. Croatia has a rich culinary history, with influences from Italy – especially in the south where you’ll find many pasta dishes – and from the Baltics and the wider Mediterranean.
Around Zadar, the salt lamb is famous, as is the protected status cheese – Paški sir. At Ston you’ll eat on some of the world’s finest oysters, and of course, the seafood is plentiful wherever you head. Some of our favourite restaurants are in the Palkeni Islands – off Hvar Town and Moster on Scedro. Don’t miss out on trying some local wine. Croatia has a long history of winemaking, and more recently has won numerous international awards.
Activities & Experiences
Many of our boats in the Adriatic come with a range of toys, and the experienced crew are on hand to set everything up for you. Snorkelling off the boat, especially in some of the coves where the steep cliffs drop deep down, reveals all sorts of marine life. Colourful reef fish, and starfish on the seabed are common spots. Paddle boards are the perfect way of exploring a quiet bay, or the caves that line many of the coastlines here.
If there’s waterski or wakeboard equipment on board, the tender can take you out for a spin – the best time is often before breakfast when the water is flat – or an afternoon in a ringo – always a favourite of the younger sailors on board! Some of the boats come equipped with a windsurf rig – again, a great afternoon pursuit before you set sail for an overnight anchorage. And maybe put a line out to see if you can catch your lunch. The long coastline and the plentiful islands of the Adriatic and Dalmatian coast have a wealth of places to explore if you want to go ashore. Many of the islands are national parks, with an abundance of wildlife, and you’ll find ancient villages and towns, big and small. There are castle walls to walk; waterfalls to swim beneath; boutique shops to browse and a few film locations to recognise.
Our favourite spots
With over a thousand islands and a truly stunning coastline, it can be hard to pick a favourite spot. We’ve sailed from top to bottom, island hopping on the way, and it can be safely said, the list is extensive. Split and Dubrovnik – the “pearl of the Adriatic” – make for excellent starting points – Diocletian’s Palace for its well-preserved Roman architecture in the former, and a walk around the medieval walls of the latter are just some of the things you can visit.
Just a short sail from Split, are the islands of Hvar, Brac and Korcula, which are not only beautiful, but full of places to explore. One of our all time favourite beaches is on the southern tip of Brac – Zlatni Rat (Goldern Horn) – a spit of sand surrounded by bright azure water. A little further out is the island of Vis – where you seem to step back in time. The scenery is stunning and it’s home to some excellent wineries. You can explore on foot, or rent bikes. And definitely spend a morning walking around Stari Grad on Hvar – one of the oldest towns in Europe. Further south is the Lastovo Archipelago – an entire nature reserve – where there are plenty of quiet bays and beaches, and lots of perfect snorkeling spots. For a mainland adventure, you can hop onto a waterbus and visit the Krka waterfalls.
Example yachts
Find out more about the yachts you could be sailing on: