Expanding across 1,100 miles and scattered with over 1,200 dazzling islands and islets, Croatia’s coastline really is the jewel in its crown. Embarking upon a luxury yacht cruise in Croatia is one of the best ways to experience the country’s astonishing natural beauty - as well as delving into its rich historic and cultural attractions. Chartering a fully crewed private yacht in Croatia allows you to absorb so much more than you would by travelling on land. It also affords you the complete freedom to drop anchor at whim, to swim in sparkling Adriatic waters without another soul in sight, and to explore sleepy local islands where ways of life have remained unchanged for generations.
THE BEST TIME TO TAKE A YACHT CRUISE IN CROATIA
Enjoying a similar climate to much of the southern Mediterranean, the rewards of taking to the waters in Croatia are rich throughout the extended summer season.
- May and October: Croatia’s low season for sailing holidays, these months bring the gentlest temperatures for those not as fond of the heat, as well as the most attractive prices. Popular destinations such as Split and Hvar will also not feel quite so busy.
- June and September: During the mid-season in Croatia, the temperatures can be surprisingly warm and sailing conditions are good, yet the peak of the summer crowds are not fully evident.
- July and August: Long, sunny days, calm seas, and blissfully mild evenings are perfect for spending as much time outdoors as possible on your Croatian cruise. Being the most popular time of the year to visit Croatia, early booking is essential to avoid disappointment.
LIFE ON BOARD
Whether you have chosen a traditional sailing yacht or contemporary motor sailer in Croatia, our private charters deliver a generous dose of freedom. This relaxed pace of life and the luxury of choice is balanced by the expertise of your captain, who can steer you in the direction of both unmissable sights and lesser-visited hidden gems.
Your days will probably begin with a leisurely breakfast on deck, taking in the shimmering waters and pine-forested islets of the Dalmatian coast in the serene morning light. Depending on your interests, your captain might then suggest an island to explore for its cultural richness or fabulous views, before you return to your yacht for lunch. In the heat of the afternoon, the refreshing waters of the Adriatic are likely to be beckoning. Your captain can find you a pristine and sheltered bay where you can enjoy a cooling swim or a spot of snorkelling. Those seeking to expend a little more energy could set out on a kayaking or paddle boarding expedition, or you could ramp up the pace further still if your yacht is equipped with water skis, SeaBobs or jet skis. As evening approaches, the deck is the perfect place to enjoy a chilled glass of wine as the sun sets. You may wish to dine onboard, or – if you are closer to one of the Dalmatian Coast’s more popular islands – your captain can recommend the best local restaurants for dinner.
MEET THE CREW
Altair Yacht
- Your captain is responsible for all of the important elements of your cruise, including navigation and route planning, and suggesting activities for each day in the very best locations. If you have chartered a sailing yacht and the conditions are favourable, he will also launch the sails at intervals should you wish to experience this.
- All of our yacht charters are accompanied by a private chef, and some vessels offer the option for you to add a half-board or full-board meal package to your charter in advance. Alternatively, you can just add meals as you go. We closely monitor the feedback for the vessels we work with in Croatia, so you can be assured that your chef will be well-versed in preparing delicious cuisine that is entirely personalised to your preferences – and that celebrates the finest local produce from land and sea.
- The deckhands work closely with the captain to ensure that your every need is catered to, whether that is bringing you ice cold drinks while you unwind on deck, setting up all the watersports equipment to facilitate your adventures, and keeping your cabins fresh and clean each day.
SAILING ROUTES IN CROATIA
The possibilities are endless for scenic sailing routes along the Croatian coast, and the joy of private yacht charter means that you do not have to follow a regimented programme each day. Our luxury Croatian yachts can be chartered from either Split or Dubrovnik, allowing you to follow a point-to-point route, or a circular route delving deeper into the attractions of the central or southern Dalmatian coast. We can recommend a selection of superb sailing routes if you are in need of some further suggestions, and these can easily be further tailored to what you are hoping to experience on Croatia’s magical coastline.
PLACES TO DROP ANCHOR
Yacht charter in Croatia delivers the perfect blend of pristine bays for swimming and snorkelling, small, forested islands that reconnect you with the natural world, and livelier local islands where you can explore historic sites and sample delicious regional wine and cuisine. Just some of the highlights include:
- Discovering the historic island of Korčula, birthplace of Marco Polo, and replete with Venetian architecture
- Absorbing the natural beauty of isolated archipelagos such as the Pakleni or Kornati islands, where deep blue waters are smattered with lush forested islets
- Enjoying superb Dalmatian cuisine, bustling bars and local life on inviting islands such as Hvar or Brač
- Spending nights in completely deserted bays, dining on deck under a canopy of stars
If there is anywhere in particular you are hoping to include, feel free to advise us in advance so that we can match the perfect route and vessel for you. Otherwise, you can trust your captain to design a route that showcases the finest attractions of the region, and the perfect mix of enjoyment on land and in the water.
