Drea We stepped off the boat in Zadar, and had no idea what was about to happen. We thought we would have a little walking tour of the town, followed by dinner. Boy, were we wrong. We came upon a public square filled to the brim with people, with giant screens broadcasting something people were extremely excited about. Croatian flags were everywhere. Was this just another night in Zadar? Did this happen on every Croatian island sailing tour?
Turns out we were lucky. We stumbled into Croatia, and Zadar in particular, just as the World Cup was in full swing. That night, my mom and I, along with our sailing companions, got caught up in the excitement as Croatia beat Denmark, and the town erupted. Fireworks everywhere. Scooters zooming through cobblestone streets. A city packed wall-to-wall with people losing their minds – I believe one of the players was from Zadar, making it all the more special. This is what happens when you show up somewhere without a full agenda. The trip gives you things you never could have planned.
Boat Life = Light Luggage Only
Sailing means way less than you’d ever pack for a hotel trip, and no hard suitcase in sight. My free custom packing checklist is basically made for it. Grab it below.
Why Croatia?
My trip to Croatia was somewhat of a fluke. I was staying in Italy for 3 months, but my return ticket was booked for 3 ½ months. I figured I could pop over to France for a couple of weeks as I was planning to do the Tour du Mont Blanc hike at the end of the trip, but then I learned about something called the Schengen. It’s a group of European countries that share visa/border entry. That meant that my 3 months were valid not just for Italy, but for France, Switzerland and several other EU countries as well. Oops. But guess who wasn’t in that grouping in 2018? Croatia. I had heard great things, and it was nearby, warm and fit the bill, so I decided that was my next stop after Tuscany.
When I told my mom about it, she got so excited and wanted to come. So that’s how the two of us planned a somewhat impromptu sailing trip around the Croatian islands. This was going to be a different kind of adventure. This trip wasn’t extreme or solo – it was intimate, accessible, and unexpected in the best way. And then Croatia kept winning football matches, and “unexpected” took on a whole new meaning.
Here I’ll walk you through what a 7-day Adriatic sailing tour actually looks like. You’ll get my honest take on traveling with my mom on a small ship with only 14 other people. Why Croatia from the water is so different from Croatia from land. What happens when you accidentally land in the middle of a country’s most historic sporting moment. And tips for planning your own mother-daughter sailing trip (or friend/partner/family – it works for all types of groups).
What It’s Actually Like to Sail Croatia (The Format)
When you hear sailing, you may think of a large cruise ship – the Royal Caribbeans, the Carnival mega-ships. Or, you may even think of river boat cruises like Viking. Our Croatian island sailing tour was on neither of those. This was a small-ship group sailing cruise on a large yacht. It fit 30 passengers max, with only 15 cabins. And we lucked out, as only half of those were full.
When you book, you have a variety of yachts to choose from, some more high-end than others. We went for the deluxe category, and our particular boat, The Adriatic Queen, booked through Atlas, was renovated in 2017, had a Jacuzzi sun deck, a salon-restaurant, and of course, Wi-Fi.
There are all sorts of routes you can take and islands you can visit, but since we were spending an extra week in Split, we chose to depart and return from Split (7 days/6 nights).
Itinerary details:
- Route overview: Split → Primošten/Krka → Zadar → Kornati → Zlarin → Vis → Hvar/Biševo → Bol/Milna → Split
- What’s included: daily buffet breakfast, 6 lunches, welcome dinner, Captain’s dinner, sightseeing tours, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks on board
- What’s NOT included: service charge/tips, Blue Cave entrance (~7 EUR), evening dinners out
Cabin Life on a Small Ship
Cabins range 108–162 sq ft, so it’s a tight squeeze. The good news is you aren’t in your room much except to sleep. There are Queen, twin, or triple bed options, and each cabin has its own bathroom. Rooms take 220V electricity and have A/C, though that’s off during swim stops.
My mom and I have shared rooms plenty of times before, so being in a room, albeit smaller than we’re used to, wasn’t a problem. One of us could hang out on deck while the other was getting ready or napping, as the lounge areas on deck were like a living room for us.
That was part of the charm of a small ship. It just felt like a home on the water, with a few extra families you just met. For even more serenity, I would head to the top sun deck with a jacuzzi, which many people didn’t use all that often. At times it felt like we had a private yacht all to ourselves.
The Route — What You’ll See Day by Day
Day 1 – Arriving in Split
We had been in Split for a week before embarking on our croatian island sailing tour and loved it, but were also excited for our sail. Someone from the ship met us at our accommodations and brought our luggage to the boat for a 1pm embarkation, with a welcome dinner on board.
We met our fellow passengers – one large family with multiple adult children and their spouses, another family with an adult son, and a couple of other groups. Everyone was friendly, excited and ready to set sail. Our tour guide/hostess was wonderful as well. We met the crew, had a rundown of the boat, and were ready to set off!
Day 2 – Krka National Park + Zadar
We had been eager to see Krka National Park, as we had seen Plitvice Lakes National Park already and were ready to chase more waterfalls. We took a bus, and found that everyone had the same idea. Yes, there were waterfalls, and with that, came the crowds.
After our trip back, we had free time in Zadar. With its Venetian walls, Sea Organ, St. Anastasia Cathedral, and Square of Five Wells, it had quite a charm. Pair that with the world cup moment we stumbled into, and it was an evening, and a country, we would not forget.
Day 3 – Kornati National Park + Zlarin
Each day we’d have breakfast on the boat, then sail off to our next destination, stopping for a swim break in the sea along the Dalmatian Coast. Today we went through Kornati: 140+ islands, islets, and rocks, and mostly sea.
Stopping in a cove where no one was around was really a wonderful treat each day. Once we had our dip, we continued on to Zlarin. It was a quiet village that feels genuinely off the tourist track. We wandered, soaked in the ambiance, and joined our captain for a Captain’s Dinner that night. The chef was quite accommodating for my particular palette, ensuring there was always something I could eat at each meal.
Day 4 – Vis Island
After a morning sail and our obligatory dip in the Adriatic sea, pink flamingo included, we arrived at Vis. Vis is an island that was closed to the public until 1989, so it’s still wild and unhurried. We took a walking tour of the ancient Issa remains, visited the Villae Rusticae waterfront, and rented mopeds for our own tour of the island.
The Mediterranean as it once was — that’s how the guides describe Vis. And honestly? They’re not wrong. There’s the countryside, a small village, sleepy atmosphere, and it’s all simply stunning.
Day 5 – Blue Cave + Hvar
Another morning sail, another sea dip, and then – The Blue Cave, Biševo. It was blue, it was magical, and it was a quick visit! It’s also weather-dependent, as you take small little boats into the cave for a brief look.
From there, we headed to Hvar: Croatia’s sunniest island. It has this juxtaposition of glamour vs. the old town authenticity. The harbor was filled with yachts, and parties were happening everywhere. I couldn’t spot a celebrity if they were standing right in front of me, but from the looks of the port, I’d say they were there dancing the night away.
We took a leisurely evening, dining by the harbor and scoping out the first public theatre in Europe and Venetian palaces. We ended the eve with karaoke on our boat, laughing til our sides ached. I guess the party vibe in Hvar was contagious.
Day 6 – Zlatni Rat Beach, Brač + Return to Split
Our Croatian island sailing tour was nearing its end, but we weren’t done yet. We visited Zlatni Rat: the famous shape-shifting pebble beach near Bol, which was very cool. It was also very crowded! After some relaxing on the beach, we went back to the boat and onto our next stop.
We had our final dip in the middle of the sea, this time my mom and I being brave enough to jump off the second floor of the ship with the gents who had done it a day before. It was exhilarating, adrenaline pumping, and something unique I’m glad I got to experience with my mom. Seeing her jump, seeing her bravery, made me smile ear to ear. It also reminds me where I get it from.
With that unforgettable moment sealed in our memories we made our way back to Split. After a tour of Diocletian’s Palace, we meandered around town, found a favorite restaurant from our stay there earlier, and enjoyed it one last time.
Day 7 – Depart, Stay in Trogir
After saying farewell to the crew, our fellow passengers, and Split, my mom and I made our way to Trogir. It’s a little town only about 30 minutes from Split, but very close to the airport. It has it’s own distinct feel, and we liked the idea of seeing one more spot while also logistically making our departure day easy. This was not part of the sailing itinerary, but we added it on to ensure we had a leisurely departure without any rushing.
What we didn’t expect was yet another exciting World Cup moment. This time it was the quarter-final, and the town was electric. My mom and I found an outdoor cafe with tvs, sat and watched and cheered on with the rest of the town. The crowd went wild when Croatia beat Russia and their entry to the semi-finals was sealed. The pride of the people was palpable. It was like this meant so much more than just one match. My mom and I just looked at each other like what is happening right now. And also, how lucky are we to be experiencing this right now.
It was kind of a perfect end to the trip. We were sad our Croatian sailing tour had come to an end, and elated that Croatia had this huge win. We cheered with them, we felt the passion, the pride, the excitement. It really was a beautiful end to our time there.
What Made This Trip Different — Traveling with My Mom
The nice part of a small group tour for a mother-daughter trip is there is built-in structure, no one has to be the “planner.” There was also enough free time that allowed us to relax, or wander, or adventure, without having to worry or stress or plan. Were there times we wanted to do different things? Sure. She’s a chat-with-the-crowd person; I’m a lay-in-the-sun-and-read person. But the beauty of the free time built into this itinerary is that both were possible. And there were also moments we shared. My mom loved the dips in the sea as much as I did. She was the first to jump at a moped tour. Seeing her smile as she donned her helmet and set off was spectacular.
When you travel together with family, there’s times you see each other and mother and daughter, and then there are the moments you just see each other as wonderful humans. I saw my mom’s spark for life. Her joy at basking in pure relaxation. Her adventurous and courageous spirit, ready to take on any adventure. It’s the parts of people you don’t get to see in everyday life, but when you glimpse them? It’s pure magic.
Adventure Doesn’t Have to Mean Extreme
The pace of sailing gave us the time to catch these glimpses. It was slow enough to actually talk, and different enough to feel adventurous. It just goes to show what “a different kind of adventure” can actually look like. It’s not hiking a volcano, it’s not navigating a language barrier alone. Instead, it’s something that feels expansive AND easy.
A different kind of adventure doesn’t have to mean extreme. Sometimes it just means doing something neither of you has ever done before. Watching a country erupt in World Cup bliss? So cool! While also being on the water, no WiFi agenda, just islands appearing on the horizon? Also amazing. Overall, the trip made it easy to just…be together. And I wouldn’t trade that time for anything.
Is a Croatian Island Sailing Tour Right for You?
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IS THIS THE RIGHT TRIP FOR YOU?
| ✅ A Croatian island sailing tour is a great fit if: | ❌ Consider carefully if: |
| You want adventure without being an “adventurer” | You need a lot of personal space or quiet time |
| You’re traveling with someone who doesn’t want to handle logistics | You’re sensitive to motion sickness |
| You want a mix of nature, history, culture, and beach | You want 5-star food and service every night |
| You want to see Croatia beyond Dubrovnik and Split | Mobility issues make it difficult for you to get on and off a boat |
| You value small group over mass tourism | You’re on a tight budget (small extras add up — drinks, tips, excursions) |
Practical Tips for Planning a Croatian Island Sailing Tour
When to Go
- May/June and September are ideal: warm, less crowded than July/August
- July/August is peak (when we went) – busier ports, hotter decks, wonderful water
What to Pack
- Think: small (cabin storage is limited)
- Water shoes for swimming platforms
- Sun protection is non-negotiable
- Light layers for evening on deck
- No strict dress code, but bring one cute dinner outfit for Captain’s night
Money and Tips
- Tipping the crew is customary and appreciated; budget accordingly
- Some ports are cash-heavy, so have Euros on hand
Booking
- Book through a reputable operator – as Virtuoso travel advisor, I can help you with that
- Think about what type of experience you want – there are a variety of ship options and amenities
- Small ships sell out fast, especially for peak season
- Ask about cabin type and deck position — queen vs. twin matters
Conclusion
Croatia by boat is a completely different experience than Croatia by land – it’s more intimate, more immersive, more unexpected. And doing it with my mom? Even more so.
Beyond the photos, beyond the dips in the Adriatic sea, this trip gave me an appreciation for space. For the quiet moments. The time together without distractions, without stress. There’s something about being on the water, with no agenda except the next island, that makes it easy to just be together. This Croatian island sailing tour is one of my trips that holds a special place in my heart. And talking about it now? Well, now I want to go again.
Thinking about sailing Croatia with your mom, or anyone else? I’d love to help you plan it – reach out and let’s get you going. Want to book it on your own? Save this article for your Croatia trip planning. Have you sailed the Adriatic? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear about it.
Wherever you go, however you do it, I want you to have a trip to remember.
Happy travels, kindreds!
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- Proof that adventure doesn’t have to mean extreme. More of my favorite adventure trips for women are here.
- Swimming with whales in Moorea is another way to combine gorgeous time on the water with a little adventure. Read all about my three attempts and how it finally happened.
- Thinking about taking a trip with your mom? Read about all I learned from our adventures together.
- One of our highlights was a mother-daughter safari in Tanzania. It was a trip of a lifetime!
- We also had a mother-daughter adventure in the UK, spending a few days in the Cotswolds
- My mom, her cousin and I had a wonderful shoulder season trip in Italy. Read about our travels and see our ideal itinerary here: Northern Italy Family Girls Trip
- Wondering what to take into consideration on a mother-daughter trip? Here’s my multi-generational travel tips
- Ready to plan? Take a look at my 2026 planning framework in How to Plan Your Best Travel Year
- My 431 packing system will help make sure you bring only what you need – get your free guide here
HELPFUL LINKS
Ready to book? Here are my go-to resources for flights, packing, planning, and staying connected:
- Work With Me
- Need help planning your 2026 travel? Contact me here for personalized itinerary assistance!
- Want more information on the benefits of using a travel advisor? Learn more here
- Planning Resources
- Google Flights – Explore Destinations – For finding flexible date pricing across destinations
- Croatian National Tourist Board
- Hvar tourism
- Krka National Park official site
- Looking for Travel Inspiration? Follow me and check out my boards on Pinterest
