Croatia Sailing: Luxury Adventures on the Adriatic with Roundabout Experiences
Sailing the Croatian Coastline: Luxury Adventures on the Adriatic - Roundabout Experiences
Some countries have coastlines that were made to sail, and Croatia’s is most assuredly one of the very best. There are few places in the world where land and sea come together so poetically; with vineyards tumbling down to the Adriatic, olive groves whispering in the breezes and ancient towns spilling into turquoise bays.
So it’s no wonder that Croatia has become one of Europe’s most sought-after sailing destinations, and not just for the views but for the depth of experience it offers those who travel its waters with purpose. For guests craving a holiday that delivers adventure, authenticity and a touch of magic? A sailing journey curated by Roundabout Experiences Luxury DMC is the perfect choice.
In this article, we provide a Guide to selling Sailing trips in Croatia with Roundabout Experiences. Here they share a little of their deep expertise on all the different ways your clients can sail Croatia — from chic catamarans to small cruise ships to all-out superyachts.
Don't have time to read further but want to delve in? Get in touch for a meeting and/or a quotation.
What follows includes ideas for sailing itineraries based on type of vessel, trip length, themed experiences for food, wine, wellness and adventure lovers and information on how Roundabout Experiences can help you seamlessly blend sailing with land-based travel - leaving you in no doubt as to why they’re the go-to DMC for buyers looking for a beautifully crafted sailing tour for their guests, with every single detail covered.
Why sail Croatia? (Even if you’ve never set foot on a Yacht)
Croatia’s coastline is a masterpiece: over 1,200 islands and 2,000 kilometers of mainland edge, each stretch more cinematic than the last. But a sailing journey here booked through Roundabout Experiences is much more than pretty views, spectacular though they are - it’s an experience that allows guests to slip into a rhythm of life shaped by the sea. Think mornings that begin with a swim in hidden coves, afternoons spent drifting between ancient towns and spontaneous wine tastings and evenings of sunsets, sea breezes and the sound of clinking glasses as guests tuck into delicious deck-top dinners.
And no - they don’t need to be seasoned sailors to enjoy it.
Catamarans, a great entry-level pick for some of Roundabout’s private charters, offer flat, stable sailing that even first-timers and families will find incredibly comfortable.
With various vessel types and experiences to suit different budgets and preferences, Croatia by sea is surprisingly accessible.
Sailing Styles for every Guest: From Group Departures to Fully-Custom Charters
Join a Group Departure on Small Cruise Ship: Ease, value and social vibes
Offering a lower price point, but not a lesser experience, group sailing tours are a great choice for solo travellers, couples or those who enjoy meeting and mingling with fellow adventurers. Running on a fixed schedule (usually Saturday–Saturday), guests book a cabin like they would a boutique hotel, sharing the vessel but still enjoying curated excursions and high-quality service.
Private Charters: Tailored, intimate and totally yours
For guests looking for a more exclusive and/or bespoke experience, a private charter is the one. Ideal for families, honeymooners and small groups, the itinerary can be customised to suit. What could your guests do? Well, whatever they wish. Want to spend time at an island vineyard for a sunset tasting? Or sleep off the coast of a deserted beach and wake to a private yoga session? With Roundabout Experiences, it’s all possible.
Your guests simply select their yacht, preferred pace and the experiences — from skippers and chefs to sommeliers and massage therapists. And while most charters run 7 nights, shorter (3–5 day) and extended (10–14 day) options allow for full flexibility — especially when combined with Roundabout Experiences land experiences that create a sailing journey with cultural depth.
Itineraries that tell a story
What makes a sailing experience with Roundabout Experiences so special is that every itinerary is more than ticking places off a map - it’s a narrative. Whether your guests have 3 days or 2 weeks, their journey is designed to reveal the very best of Croatia in a way that feels personal, immersive and entirely seamless, from its iconic islands to the quiet coves only the locals know.
For a flavour of what’s on offer? Here are the 3 most common durations, each one suited to a different type of traveller and their needs, and each with its own suggested routes and sights:
7-Night Classics: The Adriatic Icons
Popular for those looking for the complete taste of the Adriatic - coastal cities, island villages, swim stops and curated experiences, this is a great duration for groups and private travellers alike.
7-night routes typically go Split to Dubrovnik (or vice versa), or a roundtrip from Split, and take in gems like:
Hvar, for sunset dinners and e-biking through the lavender fields.
Vis, for its mysterious Blue Cave and WWII military tunnels.
Korčula, the birthplace of Marco Polo, now home to walking, wine and buggy adventures.
Mljet: Croatia’s greenest island with its salt lakes and e-bike trails.
Lastovo, for sea kayaking and snorkelling.
3–5 Night Explorations: The Perfect Land-Sea Mix
For those tight on time, these shorter trips still pack a punch and can also mean clients can combine sailing with land-based travel. Usually taking a round trip from Split or Dubrovnik, they can be at a more relaxed pace or hit the highlights, with popular routes Roundabout Experiences recommend considering:
Split Round Trips to the Islands
Taking in the likes of Hvar, Brač & the Pakleni Islands for a perfect intimate or honeymoon experience where a bohemian sunset dinner on Hvar can be combined with a guided hike on beautiful Brač and a visit to the Blue Cave.
Dubrovnik departures to the Elaphiti Islands, Mljet National Park, Korčula and/or Lastovo
With experiences including e-biking tours on Croatia’s greenest island Mljet, a charming Old Town walking city tour, private wine tasting and/or Countryside Buggy Adventure on Korčula, beach club days at the unmissable BOWA restaurant and sea kayaking and snorkelling around the hidden bays of Lastovo.
Zadar to Kornati
A peaceful escape of off-grid sailing, cliff hikes and tiny fishing villages that takes in the salt lakes and lunar-like islands of Dugi Otok, Kornati National Park and Telašćica Nature Park.
Rijeka to Cres, Lošinj and/or Krk
To sail emerald coves, spot dolphins and explore old Austro-Hungarian villas and spa towns.
Extended Journeys: For the Deep Travellers
Spanning 10–14 nights, these sailing trips designed with Roundabout Experiences blend land and sea and can combine all kinds of bespoke route and experiences options, from the classic Split to Dubrovnik experience to interior Croatia and even Montenegro.
Great for those seeking more immersion and/or multi-gen families looking for both land and sea, add-ons can include:
Wine-focused detours.
National Parks.
Wellness stays and yoga.
Private cultural experiences, like cooking classes in rustic stone villages.
And a few special destinations Roundabout encourage your guests to look into for their deeper dive into the beauty of Croatia? Try…
Šćedro Island
A tranquil, car-free slip of land near Hvar with hidden anchorages, glassy waters, and swim spots that feel private by design. Ideal for yoga on deck, paddleboarding at dawn - or simply doing nothing at all.
Proizd (near Korčula)
Dubbed the “Maldives of Croatia,” this tiny island dazzles with stark white rock formations and surreal, electric-blue water. Just minutes from Korčula, but it feels worlds away.
Lopud (Elaphiti Islands)
Home to one of Croatia’s rare sandy beaches, Lopud is all laid-back charm; no cars, just pretty architecture, pine-shaded paths, and a perfect excuse to slow everything down.
Telašćica Nature Park & Kornati Coves
Sailing from Zadar reveals a wilder side of Croatia. Salt lakes, dramatic cliffs, and the otherworldly stillness of Kornati’s scattered isles - often with no other boat in sight.
Ston Bay & the Hidden Pelješac Coves
A dream for those who like their sailing with a side of indulgence. Think wild-swimming stops, private oyster tastings, and wines poured dockside in coves no group itinerary could reach.
Interest-led experiences, delivered with precision
And guests looking for extraordinary experiences that add even more magic to the tour, Roundabout Experiences can curate an endless range of signature options that go far beyond sightseeing, for example:
Wine lovers & Gastronomes can…
Visit boutique island wineries.
Enjoy the underwater cellars near Hvar and dine alfresco on deck with sommelier-paired menus.
Indulge with a romantic sunset dinner in an intimate Hvar olive grove with spectacular sea views.
Combine fine dining with sailing elegance through Roundabout’s exclusive partnership with La Perla, one of Croatia’s most elegant boutique mini cruisers.
Hunt for truffles with local foragers and their dogs in the Istrian forests.
Discover the flavours of Pelješac, preparing local dishes, tasting oysters straight from the sea and pairing them both with family-made wines.
Cruise to the Elaphiti Islands for a private event at the iconic BOWA restaurant complete with fresh Adriatic seafood, chilled wine and a private DJ.
Adventurers can…
E-bike the stunning countryside of Mljet and/or Hvar, where guests can pair the experience with a winery tasting.
Enjoy a rugged buggy adventure across Korčula, stopping at scenic viewpoints to soak in the scenery and ending at a local family estate for a truly authentic farm-to-table experience.
Embark on a guided hike up Vidova Gora on Brač island which, at 778 metres above sea level, is the highest peak on all the Adriatic islands and offers panoramic views over the famous Zlatni Rat beach, the surrounding islands (like Hvar and Vis) and, on a clear day, even parts of the mainland.
Culture Lovers can…
Step into the soul of Croatia through curated encounters with its rich history, architecture and living traditions.
Explore the storybook lanes of Korčula Old Town with a private guide who knows every legend stitched into its stone walls.
Wander the UNESCO-listed city of Dubrovnik before the crowds arrive.
Deep dive into Split’s Diocletian’s Palace, still alive with shops, cafés and daily life after 1,700 years.
Take part in private cooking classes, artisan workshops and wellness experiences.
A few final booking tips - Logistics made easy:
Departure Days: Most trips start on a Saturday due to marina bookings.
Booking Lead Time: The best yachts, skippers and routes fill fast, especially in high season (June–Sept), so an early inquiry = better options.
Cabin Layouts: Doubles are the norm; twins are rare.
Clarify your inclusions: Group cruises might include half-board and excursions, private charters usually operate with an APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance, see above).
Air Con: Often salon-only, and mostly marina-use only.
Family-Friendly: Catamarans work well for families, but vessel choice should match the children's age and comfort level.
You’ll need to manage some expectations: for example docking can be loud in busy ports, cabin sizes can be compact unless your guests go high budget, lack of twin beds, bathrooms are compact
TYPES OF VESSELS FACT SHEET
Understanding the Vessels: Chic Catamarans to Small Cruise Ships to Luxe Superyachts HERE
Roundabout Experiences can support you and your clients from beginning to end, with full clarity on what’s included and what’s not - so there are no surprises. Bringing depth, detail and authenticity to every journey, the Roundabout Team are unparalleled in their ability to design seamless, story-led sailing itineraries that will connect your guests to Croatia’s landscapes, people and traditions in a meaningful and beautifully memorable way - crafting a thoughtfully curated journey that captures the true spirit of the land and is shaped by local insight, trusted partnerships and years of on-the-ground expertise.
Here’s why we recommend Roundabout Experiences as your go-to DMC partner for Croatia sailing:
Tailored pre/post land arrangements
From Dubrovnik walking tours to Zagreb art hotels, Roundabout integrates every piece - transfers, boutique stays, private guides - so your guests don’t just go sailing, they go deep.
One contact, total support
No chasing different vendors or juggling miscommunications. Like your own concierge, one point of contact means smooth logistics, real-time support and confidence in delivery.
Only the best boats and crews
Every yacht, every skipper, every chef is handpicked. Roundabout Experiences vet every crew and vessel - not just listed options. If it doesn’t meet their standards, it’s not offered.
Experiences you won’t find online
Croatia’s coastline is magical - but it’s what you combine it with that will make your guests’ sailing experience extraordinary.
Roundabout’s peerless talent, partnerships and depth of expertise means they curate immersive, luxury-driven journeys that deliver on all your clients’ requirements and more, blending land, sea, culture and cuisine into one seamless adventure.
What you and your clients get with Roundabout is privileged access to authentic, high-end experiences that cover the whole of Croatia and more - for a journey that goes far beyond standard itineraries.
To learn more and get an introduction to the Roundabout team, get in touch today. (Mexico & Central America)
