Thinking about catching some rays and exploring Croatia’s stunning coastline by boat? This 4-day sailing trip promises a memorable voyage through some of Dalmatia’s most beautiful islands and bays, all aboard the cozy Lady Butterfly, a Bavaria 40 yacht. It’s a chance to see Croatia from a different perspective—on the water, with a friendly crew, and plenty of opportunities to swim, snorkel, and relax.
What we really like about this trip is how it combines authentic sailing with flexible options for meals and activities. You can cook on the boat or step ashore for local Croatian specialties—whichever suits your mood. Plus, the chance to learn a bit about sailing, or even take the wheel if you’re feeling adventurous, adds a layer of hands-on fun.
That said, it’s important to note that this experience is best suited for those comfortable with boat travel and flexible with their plans. It’s not recommended for very young children, older adults with mobility limitations, or anyone who prefers a more structured land-based holiday. Still, if you’re looking for a true maritime adventure and love the idea of island-hopping by yacht, this could be a perfect fit.
This experience made our article of Our 2 Favorite Jelsa Hvar Cruises And Boat Tours.
Key Points
- Authentic sailing experience with opportunities for learning and hands-on steering.
- Visits to iconic spots like Korcula, Lastovo, Edro Island, and a swim stop at Hvar.
- Flexible meal options: prepare your own food or dine ashore in local restaurants.
- Family-friendly with a focus on swimming, snorkeling, and relaxed cruising.
- All-inclusive price covers boat rental, skipper, fuel, and mooring fees.
- Optimal for groups up to 9, offering intimacy and personalized attention.
An In-Depth Look at the Croatian Sailing Adventure
If you’re craving something more than just lounging on a beach, this sailing trip offers a chance to witness Croatia’s coast from a sailing yacht. Starting in Tucepi, the adventure takes you across the water to explore some of the Dalmatian coast’s most charming islands and bays over four days.
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The Vessel: Lady Butterfly
The trip kicks off with Lady Butterfly, a Bavaria 40 yacht equipped with 3 cabins and 2 bathrooms. It comfortably accommodates up to 6 guests plus the skipper, making it ideal for small groups or families. The boat’s modern design and spacious interiors provide a cozy yet practical environment for the journey.
The boat rental fee includes not just the boat but also the skipper, fuel, all harbor and mooring fees, and final cleaning. This all-inclusive approach offers clarity on costs, enabling you to focus on the experience rather than endless extras.
Starting Point: Tucepi Marina
Your adventure begins at 2 pm, where you’ll meet your skipper at the Tucepi marina. After a brief introduction and safety briefing, you’ll set sail into the Dalmatian sunset. The day’s schedule is flexible, but expect to settle in and enjoy your first night on Korcula Island, famous for its medieval charm and narrow cobbled streets.
Day 1: Korcula Island
Korcula is often called “Little Dubrovnik” thanks to its fortified walls and historical architecture. We loved the way the narrow alleys and stone buildings create a sense of stepping back in time. The first night here gives you the chance to explore on foot, dine on local seafood, or simply relax aboard.
More Great Tours NearbyDay 2: Zaklopatica Bay on Lastovo Island
The next stop is Zaklopatica Bay on Lastovo Island, a lesser-known gem with peaceful waters and natural beauty. This quiet bay is perfect for swimming and snorkeling, with crystal-clear water inviting you to cool off after a day of sailing. The reviews praise the beautiful views and tranquility, making it an ideal spot for relaxation.
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Day 3: Edro Island
On the third day, the boat heads to Edro Island, a small, uninhabited spot offering pristine nature and excellent snorkeling. The calm waters here are perfect for exploring marine life, and the unspoiled landscape offers some of the best photo opportunities of the trip. This stop emphasizes the trip’s focus on scenic beauty and watersports.
Day 4: Back to Tucepi with a Swim Stop at Hvar
As the trip winds down, you sail back towards Tucepi, with a pivotal stop for a swim at Hvar Island. Known for its lively atmosphere, Hvar’s waters are perfect for a refreshing dip before returning to the marina. It’s a fitting farewell to your Croatian sailing adventure.
What You Can Expect Day-to-Day
Each day involves sailing, swimming, and snorkeling at beautiful bays—what better way to see Croatia’s coast? The skipper is happy to teach sailing skills, so if you’re curious, you might find yourself taking the wheel for a stretch. This hands-on element appeals to those who want more than just passive sightseeing.
Timing is generally flexible, and the crew’s focus on safety and enjoyment ensures a relaxed pace. Check-in at 2 pm allows for settling in, while check-out at 8 pm gives plenty of time to unwind after your last swim.
Food and Dining
While the trip price includes the boat, skipper, and mooring fees, food and drinks are not included. You can bring your own provisions for preparing meals on board, or venture ashore for dinner. Many guests appreciate this flexibility—some enjoy a laid-back evening cooking on deck, while others prefer to sample Croatian cuisine at local restaurants.
Cost and Value
At $4,870 for up to 9 people, the trip offers good value considering it covers almost everything except food and personal expenses. The all-inclusive nature means no hidden costs—fuel, mooring, and cleaning are settled upfront. However, keep in mind that your food, drinks, and snorkeling gear are extras, so budgeting for those is wise.
Group Size and Suitability
This experience is designed for small groups of up to 9, making it intimate and personalized. It’s family-friendly, provided children are comfortable on boats, but not suitable for very young babies or elderly individuals with mobility issues. It’s perfect for friends, couples, or families looking for a relaxed, flexible sailing holiday.
Additional Options
After returning to Tucepi, there’s the possibility to stay one more night on the boat for an extra $30 per person. This is a nice perk if you want extra time to unwind or explore more of the local area.
Authenticity and Practical Tips
Many travelers enjoy the authentic feel of this sailing trip. It’s not a commercial cruise with endless entertainment but rather a chance to connect with the Croatian coast and enjoy the quiet beauty of islands and bays. Reviews mention the beautiful views repeatedly, emphasizing how stunning the scenery is from the water.
To enjoy your trip fully, remember to bring sunscreen (biodegradable preferred), hat, swimwear, snorkeling gear, and weather-appropriate clothing. Shoes with white soles are required on the boat to prevent scuffing the deck. Also, consider bringing some personal medications and motion sickness remedies if needed.
Final Thoughts
This sailing adventure offers a well-balanced mix of sailing, swimming, sightseeing, and relaxation. Its flexible setup and inclusive pricing make it a compelling choice for those who want to get closer to Croatia’s natural beauty without the fuss of large tours.
The experience truly shines in its ability to combine stunning vistas, peaceful anchorages, and a friendly, knowledgeable skipper. If your ideal holiday involves exploring the coast from the water and enjoying authentic island life, this trip will likely leave you with lasting memories.
For travelers seeking a unique, intimate voyage with flexible meal options and plenty of opportunities to be active or unwind, this sailing trip fits the bill perfectly.
FAQs
How many people can fit on the boat?
Up to 9 people, including the skipper, making for a cozy but comfortable group.
What is included in the price?
The price covers the yacht rental, skipper, fuel, harbor and mooring fees, and final cleaning. Food, drinks, snorkeling gear, and transfers are extra.
When do I need to check in and check out?
Check-in is at 2 pm on the first day; check-out is at 8 pm after returning to Tucepi.
Can I learn sailing during the trip?
Yes, the skipper is willing to teach the essentials of sailing, and you can even take the wheel if you’re up for it.
Is food provided?
No, you must bring your own food and drinks or dine ashore. The boat has facilities to cook if you prefer to stay onboard.
Are there options to extend the trip?
Yes, you can stay an additional night in Tucepi after the trip for an extra $30 per person.
Is this trip suitable for children?
It is family-friendly, but very young children or those with mobility issues may find boat travel uncomfortable or challenging.
Are snorkeling equipment supplied?
Not included in the base price, but available for rent at €7 per person per day.
In summary, this Croatian sailing trip offers a flexible, scenic, and intimate way to experience Dalmatia’s islands. It’s perfect for those who love the sea, want to learn a bit about sailing, and enjoy authentic, quiet beauty away from crowded tourist spots.
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