Croatia is beautiful from land, but from the water, it’s unforgettable. Sailing along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast was a trip we had long dreamed about—and with Derek’s mom, Pat, joining us, we were in for an incredible family adventure. From life on the boat to stormy surprises and charming towns, our two weeks at sea were packed with beauty, fun, and the kind of memories that anchor themselves deep.
Here are some of our favourite spots—and tips to help make your own sailing adventure one to remember.
Sailing the Dalmatian Coast
Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast is a place where history and nature collide—where ancient stone towns meet the vivid blues of the Adriatic. The pale turquoise sea deepens into aquamarine and navy as you sail out, so clear you can spot the rocky bottom meters below. On land, narrow cobblestone streets wind through centuries-old towns, with cream-coloured buildings, terracotta rooftops, and bursts of bougainvillea spilling into the alleyways. Scattered across this coastline, the islands offer rustic charm, dramatic cliffs, and postcard-perfect beaches. And there’s no better way to explore them than by boat—giving you the freedom to drop anchor in quiet coves, wander historic harbours, and leap straight into the sea whenever the mood strikes.
Living Abroad: The Sailboat
Before arriving, we were a bit nervous about what the boat would be like. Would we drive each other crazy in close quarters? How were we going to prep meals? Would anyone get seasick? Would we get cabin fever?
Surprisingly, the boat felt spacious—with four separate cabins, three bathrooms, a common area, and a small kitchen below deck. It was cozy but comfortable for the six of us. Up top, a covered sitting area quickly became our favourite hangout spot.
Our Captain
We booked our sailing charter with Sail Charter in Croatia and had an amazing time. Our captain, Boris, was fun, knowledgeable, and great with the boys. He patiently explained how to tie knots, showed them how to use the dinghy, and let them steer the sailboat.
Island-Hopping Highlights
Jelsa, Hvar Island
Hvar is famous for its fragrant lavender fields, just outside town, and the scent often drifts through the streets thanks to the many lavender products and flowers for sale.
We enjoyed the simple charm of Jelsa—strolling along the marina, admiring the quaint stone streets, and soaking in the aromas of the bustling farmers’ market.
We caught only glimpses of Hvar Town from the boat—except for Derek, who had to go ashore for stitches after an unfortunate slip while tying up the boat.
Vis Island
Vis is a bit off the beaten path, known for its untouched beauty and relaxed pace. Our favourite memory was a night anchored in a small cove where a family-run restaurant served the freshest seafood imaginable. The kids played football in bare feet while we picked out fish grilled over charcoal—the perfect way to experience authentic island life.
Stiniva Beach
Famous from Mama Mia 2, Stiniva is a stunning natural cove with towering slabs that curve in and then out, creating an hourglass shape in the bay. The incredible rock formations, of shades of browns, oranges, and gold, rise from the sea, contrasting against the turquoise water. Once at the beach, smooth white and pale grey stones shift softly beneath your feet as you walk. It was a striking and unusual place—no surprise it draws a crowd.
Blue Cave, Bisevo Island
The Blue Cave is a natural wonder that’s all about timing and light. When the midday sun hits just right, the water inside the grotto glows a vibrant turquoise, creating a surreal and beautiful experience that draws visitors from all over.
Korčula
Korčula’s Old Town is often called “little Dubrovnik” for its medieval walls and narrow stone streets. Evening brings the town alive with music, lights, and friendly crowds. Walking through its ancient fortress, which has been transformed into a shopping and dining area, felt like stepping back in time with plenty of charm.
Badija Island
This small island feels like a peaceful forest retreat with shady pine trails and a national park vibe. The kids loved meeting the friendly deer that roam freely—Mason was convinced he had found Blitzen from the North Pole on vacation!
Ston City
Ston is tiny but packed with history, famous for its massive medieval stone walls that stretch for kilometres. Though we skipped the hike, those who make the climb are rewarded with breathtaking views over the old town.
Crvene Stijene (Red Rocks), Hvar Island
The striking copper-red cliffs open into three shallow caves perfect for snorkelling and exploring. Brave visitors dive off the rocks into the deep blue sea below, while others paddle or swim around in the sheltered bays.
Tip: Boats anchor nearby, and you can swim or paddle to the caves. The water can be choppy, and there’s lots of boat traffic. It’s deep with few spots to rest—life jackets help, especially for kids.
Boat Life
Of all the incredible places we visited, our favourite part was simply living aboard the sailboat.
Anchored in quiet coves overnight, our mornings started early—usually with Mason leaping into the sea the moment his eyes opened. We had just one rule: an adult had to be awake before you jumped in.
Most days followed an easy rhythm. We’d sail from one cove to another, stopping to swim, snorkel, paddleboard, or explore a beach or harbour town. We played endless games of chess, watched dolphins race alongside the boat, and soaked in every last drop of sun before starting all over the next day.
Adventures at Sea
We left the cove early, hoping to beat the storm forecasted for later that day. But within minutes, calm turned to chaos as the wind jumped from 5 knots to 40. Waves slammed the deck, and the boat pitched and groaned in the growing swell.
The wind played tricks on us—calming just enough to give hope before flaring up again. Rain pelted the deck, and lightning lit up the sky in a wild, beautiful display.
It was a long night—especially for Boris—but by midnight, the worst had passed.
They say there’s calm after a storm, and this was no exception. The next morning, we awoke to clear skies, fresh air, and a warm breeze rippling over glassy seas.
Tips for Planning Your Own Sailing Trip
Choosing Your Itinerary
Tailor your route to your interests. Some seek restaurants and nightlife, while others desire quiet seclusion. We kept things simple and kid-friendly—less city exploring, more sailing and swimming. Instead of plotting every stop, we told our captain what we enjoyed and let him choose the best spots.
Sailing Weather
Summer in Croatia tends to bring lighter winds, so much of our trip was powered by motor. For better sailing conditions, the shoulder seasons—May, June, September, and October—are ideal.
Despite the calm, a few windy days gave Boris a chance to teach the boys how to pull ropes and use the winch. Pat, an experienced sailor, was in her element. I love being on the water, but I’ll never be a sailor. The dramatic tipping when the boat catches wind? Not for me. “There’s no wind today” quickly became my favourite phrase.
Anchoring vs. Mooring
Each night, you’ll need to decide: dock at a town or anchor in a cove? Both have their pros and cons.
Mooring offers easy access to restaurants and nightlife, plus power hookups for air conditioning and more stability overnight. But it often comes with a hefty fee, docks can be noisy, and you’ll need to arrive early to grab a spot. Also, swimming isn’t allowed in most harbour areas due to boat traffic.
Anchoring is free, quiet, and peaceful—but it can get hot and a little bouncy. We much preferred anchoring in calm coves, where we could swim at any time, enjoy the stars, and wake up to the boys jumping into the water first thing in the morning.
Let your captain know what kind of experience you’re after—each day can look different.
Exploring Island Cities
Midday heat can be intense, especially in summer. If you’re planning to explore an island, try heading out in the early morning or after sunset when it’s cooler and more comfortable.
Food & Cooking
We stocked up on groceries in Split before departure and cooked many of our meals onboard. Most ports had local stores, farm markets and bakeries for topping up. Fresh bread, local cheese, and seasonal fruit became staples.
Whenever we left the boat for dinner, we were rewarded with incredible seafood—scallops, squid ink risotto, seafood pasta, clams, mussels, and fresh fish. The boys devoured every bite.
For dessert, bakeries offered flaky pastries, and gelato shops were on nearly every corner. Our favourite was Oaza in Orebić, where the staff served up creamy scoops with flair—flipping cones and spinning them in the air before handing them over with a smile.
Memories Under Sail
Our two weeks sailing the Dalmatian Coast weren’t just about where we went—it was how we travelled. Sailing offered a unique way to explore Croatia: far from the crowds, on our own schedule, with front-row access to some of the country’s most beautiful spots.
From quiet coves and dolphin sightings to morning swims and life at sea, the experience gave our family a whole new rhythm.
If you’re after a family adventure that blends nature, freedom, and fun—sailing just might be it.
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