Mediterranean
Guide to Family Sailing Holiday in Croatia
Ready to trade the usual family trip for something truly unforgettable? Imagine calm, crystalline waters and ancient island history unfolding right before your eyes. In Croatia, Sunsail helps you turn family time into incredible shared experiences. With short, easy sails and a mix of adventure and culture, Croatia is a brilliant family sailing destination and the perfect way to connect with your crew, no matter their age.
From the best family-friendly places to sail in Croatia, to our top tips for sailing around the Adriatic with kids, we have created a Croatia family sailing vacation guide to make planning your next charter stress-free.
At a glance
- Why choose a family yacht charter in Croatia?
- Where are the best places to sail in Croatia as a family?
- What are the best things to do on a family yacht charter in Croatia?
- What is the best type of yacht charter for families in Croatia?
- Tips for sailing in Croatia with kids
- FAQs
Why choose a family yacht charter in Croatia?
Family yacht charters in Croatia offer countless opportunities to immerse yourself in local culture, explore stunning islands, spend quality time together, and make incredible memories that will last a lifetime.
Here are seven reasons you should set sail around Croatia as a family for your next vacation:
- Croatia offers a diverse range of activities, ideal for multi-generational vacations. Whether you’re sailing with young kids or grandparents, there’s something to enjoy for everyone, from exploring historical sites to snorkeling.
- Comprising over 1,000 islands, islets and reefs, sailing around Croatia as a family promises an adventure like no other. Discover hidden coves, uninhabited islands and incredible beaches on islands such as Vis, Hvar, Mljet and Korčula.
- With line-of-sight navigation and short sailing distances between islands, say goodbye to the classic question, “are we there yet?”
- Renowned for its exceptional visibility, calm tides, and smooth cruising conditions, the Adriatic Sea is a fantastic sailing location for families. Swim, snorkel, sail and have endless fun in Croatia’s gorgeous waters.
- Croatia is one of the most culturally and historically rich sailing destinations in the Mediterranean. Explore Medieval walled cities, Roman ruins, and a plethora of sensational UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- The marinas around Croatia are world-class, and have everything you need for an idyllic family yacht charter, from well-stocked grocery stores to showers, restaurants and local stores.
- Croatia has sunny skies, warm temperatures and gentle sailing conditions, particularly during the summer months, when families are more likely to set sail.
Where are the best places to sail in Croatia as a family?
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is a treasure trove for families who enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of bustling cities, offering a spectacular fusion of history, culture, and stunning natural beauty. Everywhere you turn, you’ll be met by charming cobbled streets, friendly locals, museums, enchanting buildings and historical ruins.
For families who love watching movies and TV shows together, you’ll be transported into some of your favorite worlds when you visit Dubrovnik, as it was a filming location for parts of Game of Thrones and Star Wars.
While Dubrovnik itself is a hub of activity, short sailing passages mean you can easily escape the crowds whenever you want and relax on beautiful islands, such as Korčula and Šipan.
Perfect for sociable families looking to learn, explore and discover, Dubrovnik is a Croatian gem.
Agana
If you’re looking for a relaxing family yacht charter in Croatia, away from the crowds, you’ll fall in love with Agana. While it’s quiet, serene and relatively undiscovered, Agana is just a stone’s throw from some of Croatia’s most popular hotspots such as Split, so you can still enjoy the best of both worlds.
Agana is also home to some of the best beaches in Croatia, where you can spend your days relaxing, unwinding and soaking up the sun. One of the must-visit beaches is Prališće Beach, with crystal-clear waters, a mixture of deep and shallow water great for snorkeling, and brilliant facilities such as a cafe bar, showers and parking.
Ideal for families with very young kids who may not cope with big crowds, Agana is a tranquil sailing paradise.
What are the best things to do on a family yacht charter in Croatia?
Whether you want to switch off and unwind on beautiful beaches, explore the dazzling reefs below the surface of the Adriatic, or experience authentic local cuisine, there are a range of brilliant things to do on a family yacht charter in Croatia.
Here our our must-do activities in Croatia when you set sail as a family:
Sail to tiny Bisevo Island, near Vis, and discover the Blue Cave. A must-visit for any family sailing vacation, this natural sea cave is renowned for radiating enchanting blue light.
Sail to Lokrum and spend the day wandering around the incredible botanical garden, exploring the abandoned monastery, and climbing to the top of the old fort for some of the best views of Croatia.
Discover some of the best snorkeling spots in Dubrovnik, including Betina Cave, an extensive underwater cave system ready to be explored. Once you’ve discovered the cave, relax and unwind on the stunning beach, renowned for being one of the best beaches in Dubrovnik.
For an atmospheric family experience, wander around Dubrovnik Old Town, immersing yourself in local culture and learning about Croatia’s rich history.
If you’re a foodie family, head to one of the many delicious restaurants in Croatia and taste authentic local dishes, such as Crni Rižot (black risotto) or Pašticada.
Island hop around Croatia and explore the exceptional beaches on Brač Island. One of our favorite beaches for families is Zlatni Rat Beach as there are lifeguards present so you have peace of mind that there’s an extra pair of eyes keeping your children safe.
Take a look at our Dubrovnik and Agana sailing itineraries to uncover more family-friendly things to do and learn why Croatia is known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’.
7 Day Agana Bareboat Itinerary – North
Set sail on an enchanting week-long adventure to Croatia’s Northern Islands, where history, natural beauty, and tranquil waters converge. This itinerary takes you through secluded bays, picturesque towns, and the breathtaking Kornati National Park, offering the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration.
14 day Agana bareboat itinerary – to Dubrovnik and back
A relaxed, two-week vacation, hopping from one Croatian island to the next, reaching the famous Dubrovnik town, and working your way back to Agana base, without ever repeating a destination is definitely the best way to isolate yourself from the world and immerse into a sailing vacation.
7 Day Agana Bareboat Itinerary – South
Enjoy a Croatian yacht charter vacation along the beautiful Dalmatian Coast. Out in the Adriatic, calm morning winds give way to stronger breezes in the afternoon, while a mixture of short island hops and longer periods of blue water sailing provide ideal conditions for sailors of all abilities.
7 Day Dubrovnik Bareboat Itinerary
Sail the inspirational Adriatic
With a spectacular fusion of history and culture, stunning natural beauty and an array of striking islands to explore, Dubrovnik bareboat sailing holidays take you on an odyssey of discovery.
Tips for sailing in Croatia with kids
Our top tips for sailing in Croatia with kids include:
- Get kids involved in the planning – Sit down and discuss your yacht charter together, letting everyone choose at least one place they want to visit. That way, the whole family can get excited before you set sail, and you have peace of mind that your itinerary caters for everyone.
- Water toys – Croatia’s crystalline waters are a watersports haven! Bring your snorkel gear and explore our selection of gear available to rent, from standup paddleboards to sea kayaks. It’s the best way for the kids—and the grown-ups—to connect with the gorgeous Adriatic Sea.
- Don’t forget about sunscreen – Even if you’re setting sail during spring break and outside of the peak sailing season, Croatia experiences beautiful weather, so ensure you all stay hydrated and use plenty of sunscreen.
- Choose flexible routes with short distances – Croatia is a brilliant family sailing destination as it is renowned for its short passages between islands. Make sure you factor in regular stops, and back-up activities, for the days when the kids are overtired.
- Safety – While Croatia is known for its calm waters and gentle sailing conditions, it’s still incredibly important for the whole family to be aware of how to sail safely. Talk to your kids about the importance of safety before your charter, so they know what to expect when you cast off.
Book your Croatia family yacht charter with Sunsail
There’s truly no better feeling than setting sail around the majestic islands of Croatia with your family, creating unforgettable memories. Whether you’re exploring the Adriatic with kids, parents or distant family, there’s something for every type of traveler on a family sailing vacation in Croatia.
Ready to discover Croatia’s treasures aboard your stylish catamaran or classic monohull? Choose which of our Croatia sailing bases you want to cast off from and build a quote today.
Will you embrace the lively city buzz of Dubrovnik and island hop around the iconic Elaphiti islands? Perhaps your family prefers to take a quiet, slower pace on vacation, and would enjoy the peace and tranquility of Agana.
Wherever you choose to explore, Sunsail will be with you every step of the way to ensure your charter is smooth-sailing.
FAQs
When is the best time to sail around Croatia as a family?
The best time to sail around Croatia as a family is during summer vacation, when kids won’t have school and the Mediterranean experiences its peak sailing season. You’ll enjoy stunning temperatures, fantastic sailing conditions, and it’s when Croatia is at its liveliest, so children will have lots of opportunities to make new friends.
If you’re not traveling with kids, you can visit during April-May or September-October, where you’ll be met with fewer crowds and lower costs but still the same brilliant weather and sailing conditions.
Learn more about when to sail Croatia.
How much does a family yacht charter in Croatia cost?
The cost of a family sailing vacation in Croatia will differ depending on a number of factors, including:
- Which of our sailing bases you cast off from
- How long you want your yacht charter to be
- Whether you book a catamaran or monohull
- If you need a skipper to navigate the beautiful Adriatic
- Excursions, activities and provisioning costs
Any charter extras to keep the family entertained, such as water toys and WiFi
How long does a family yacht charter around Croatia take?
With Sunsail, you have the freedom to choose how long you sail around the Adriatic for. It entirely depends on what you and your family want to gain from your trip. If you want a slower, more peaceful experience, you may choose to book for 10-14 days, and add in lots of stops, beach days and time for relaxing.
However, if you’re excited to explore Croatia’s gems and want to pack your itinerary full of thrilling adventures, you may only need one week.
Can kids sail the yacht?
You must be over 18 years old to be qualified to charter a yacht with Sunsail. However, while you or your skipper navigate Croatia’s beautiful open waters, there’s still plenty for kids to do on board, from marine life spotting up on deck to deciding on your next activity. You can also hire a range of water toys so children can still experience the thrill of being out on the water.
Learn more about Sunsail’s sailing requirements.
Contributor
amelia
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