It was our second Yacht Getaways vacation, and it was just as special as the first. Last summer, we found ourselves cruising through the Ioninan Islands of Greece in pure luxury, and when we found out that Yacht Getaways had another route through Croatia, we had to go! We are going to share our experience of our seven days aboard the Dubrovnik Explorer as we sailed up the Dalmatia coast to explore some of Croatia’s most beautiful cities.
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About Yacht Getaways
Yacht Getaways is a boutique cruising experience that is both luxurious and affordable. Before taking our cruise last year, I thought that only the rich and famous could sail the Mediterranean Sea. But with cruises beginning at €1200, regular couples like us can experience the luxury of cruising the crystal clear waters on our own private catamaran.
We and four other couples hopped aboard our catamaran, where we were met by our Skipper Levi and Host Lauren, who looked after our every need as we enjoyed adventures from swimming at the Elaphiti Islands, e-biking through Mljet National Park and exploring the historic towns of Korcula, Hvar, and Stari Grad. Every day was packed with adventure and relaxation, starting with Lauren whipping up a delicious, hearty breakfast and preparing a flavourful lunch as we set sail from island to island. Here’s what you can expect on a seven-day voyage from Dubrovnik to Split.
Day 1: Departure from Dubrovnik – Setting Sail in Style
Our adventure began in the stunning city of Dubrovnik. We arrived a couple of days early to take in the city that doubled as Kings Landing in Game of Thrones. Staying at the Dubrovnik Palace Hotel, we were away from the hustle and bustle but had a free door-to-door shuttle from our front door to the old town. After thoroughly enjoying all the Old Town had to offer, we ordered an Uber to the Marina, where we boarded our private catamaran.
This isn’t your typical crowded Mediterranean cruise—Yacht Getaways offers an intimate experience with only a small group of guests onboard. Lucky for us, we had the best group of people to share the experience with. The international guest list included couples from New Zealand, the United States, Australia, and the UK. Not to mention this couple from Canada. It was a multicultural experience!
We sailed away from Dubrovnik at 4 pm sharp, enjoying the azure waters and gorgeous scenery. After setting up anchor, we hopped into the warm waters of the Elaphiti Islands while Lauren prepared our welcome dinner aboard. This is just a taste of what’s to come: pristine waters, secluded coves, and plenty of time to unwind. In the evening, we enjoyed our first dinner together. We relaxed onboard and watched the sunset over the Adriatic.
Mljet National Park
There is nothing better than waking up to the gentle sound of waves while anchored near the unspoiled Elaphiti Islands. These islands are known for their lush green scenery and hidden beaches. Lauren had a fresh pot of coffee on with an array of fruits, pastries, yogurt, and granola. Each morning was perfect for a morning swim or snorkel to wake up and get ready for the day ahead. We bobbed in the calm waters as a hot breakfast was prepared.
The beauty of Yacht Getaways is the flexibility—there’s no rush. Some people couldn’t wait to get in the water, while others enjoyed basking in the sun on deck with coffee in hand before setting sail to our next destination.
Next up is Mljet, one of Croatia’s most beautiful and tranquil national parks. Known for its serene lakes and lush forests, Mljet is best explored by bike—and with e-bikes available, even the steepest hills are a breeze. Cycle along quiet paths, through thick pine forests, and around saltwater lakes, stopping to take in the peaceful surroundings. We even took a boat to see the island’s 12th-century Benedictine Monastery, perched on a tiny island within the lake.
It was a fantastic day on land, and once we returned from our adventure, we relaxed aboard with cocktails and wine as we prepared for dinner ashore. This was the perfect night to sample Croatia’s famous Under the Bell dish, where we enjoyed freshly caught seafood slow-cooked all day over an open fire.
Korcula – A Journey Back in Time
Sailing onward, another highlight of our trip was the island of Korcula, often called “Little Dubrovnik” because of its medieval walls and red-roofed buildings. It is a beautiful walled city that is also rumored to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. This little gem caught the eye of tourists, and it buzzed with energy. Make sure to book a table once you arrive at the island, as restaurants fill up fast along the waterfront.
Meals Aboard Yacht getaways
All breakfasts and lunches are included in your Yacht Getaways cruise, along with two dinners. During each meal, beer, wine, soft drinks, and juices are included, and all the water you can drink is aboard.
When packing, make sure to include a refillable water bottle. We packed our own coffee mugs as well. If you want other spirits, there are places to purchase bottles of alcohol throughout the trip.
Hvar Town – Croatia’s Glitziest Island
Hvar is known as Croatia’s party island, but there’s so much more to it than just nightlife. We anchored outside its glamorous harbor and took a water taxi into town. There is a lot going on with shopping, dining, and happy hours galore. You can walk up to the fort for sunset or make your way to Sunset Beach.
At each stop, our host, Lauren, gave us information on what to do, what to see, and where to eat. We didn’t need to do an ounce of planning. She told us where the best happy hour was, the best place for sunset, and the best meals. It is a one-stop shop when booking this cruise.
In the evening, the choice is yours: enjoy the vibrant nightlife in Hvar’s trendy bars or retreat to the yacht for a quiet evening under the stars. With Yacht Getaways, the pace is up to you.
Stari Grad – Discovering Croatia’s Oldest Town
Our favourite stop on our cruise was Stari Grad, one of Europe’s oldest towns. Stari Grad dates back to 384 BC. Despite its age, Stari Grad is less crowded than the other cities we visited. It offered a peaceful retreat with its narrow alleyways, quiet cafes, and charming local shops.
We took a stroll through the UNESCO-listed old town and got lost in its alleyways. We were surprised by the number of local art galleries and quiet restaurants where we had the chance to sample Dalmatian cuisine. This stop is a perfect contrast to the buzz of Hvar, offering a serene and cultural experience before your final day at sea.
During this stop, Yacht Getaways also offers a wine-tasting excursion. It is your choice if you want to join or you can simply take in the city. We moored right in town and were within walking distance of all the restaurants and top attractions.
Day 7: Sailing into Split – The Grand Finale
As you sail toward Split, enjoy your final breakfast on deck, taking in the last breathtaking views of the Dalmatian Coast. The journey might be coming to an end, but the memories of the turquoise waters, historic towns, and unforgettable moments will last long after you disembark.
Split is Croatia’s second-largest city, known for the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace and its vibrant coastal vibe. We didn’t moor in Split, but we actually ended in Trojir. Dave and I booked a hotel to experience this lovely town and highly recommend a night here before heading on the Split.
It’s the perfect place to continue your adventure, whether you plan to explore more of Croatia or head off to your next destination.
What to Pack
- As we mentioned above, you should pack a refillable water bottle and a thermos-style coffee mug.
- A portable USB power supply to charge your phone and electronics when not on shore power
- A portable rechargeable fan as when you are not on shore power, the air conditioning does not run. There are fans in the cabins, but an extra makes for a very comfortable sleep.
- If you get seasickness, make sure to pack medication
- Pack in soft, collapsible bags like duffel bags for easy storage.
- Cabins are small, so to stay organized, we highly recommend packing your clothes in packing cubes.
- For phones, we suggest a waterproof phone holder or a GoPro so you can take snapshots when swimming.
- Water shoes are a good idea for going onto the beach. The beaches of Croatia are rocky, so if you want to go ashore while swimming, you’ll want a good pair of water shoes. Some people on our trip wore keens and felt them to be too heavy to swim in. We use water shoes by Body Glove, and they are excellent.
- A sun hat will help keep your face from burning.
- A long-sleeved shirt and a snorkeling or surf shirt are good ideas to keep from sunburn when swimming.
- Sunglasses, chapstick, and sunscreen are a must.
- No need to pack a lot of clothes, it is an easy going atmosphere. Other than a couple of sharp button-down shirts for men and sundresses for women, you’ll be in your bathing suit for most of the trip.
- Some shorts and shoes for hiking and cycling. The hiking isn’t overly strenuous, so running shoes will do the trick.
- We also suggest packing a few bathing suits. You will be swimming a lot so it is nice to have a dry bathing suit to change into.
The Yacht Getaways Difference: Luxury and Adventure Combined
What sets Yacht Getaways apart is the combination of adventure and luxury. You’ll explore Croatia’s most beautiful islands, all while enjoying the perks of a private yacht. Here are a few highlights that make this cruise so special:
- Private Host: Your onboard host prepares fresh breakfasts and lunches daily, using local ingredients to give you a taste of Croatia’s delicious cuisine.
- Beer and Wine Included: Enjoy complimentary drinks throughout the cruise, whether you’re relaxing on deck or enjoying a meal.
- Private Skipper: A professional skipper sails the boat, so all you need to do is sit back, relax, and take in the stunning views.
- Paddle Boards, Snorkeling Gear and Floaties – No need to pack your mask and snorkeling gear, everything you need to have fun on the water is on board to use at your leisure.
Every day on the cruise consists of swimming and snorkeling in a secluded spot and stopping at a destination. We docked right downtown nearly every night, making going out on the town easy. Everything is taken care of, so all you need to do is focus on making your dream trip of a lifetime.
Should You Book a Yacht Getaways Cruise?
If you’re looking for the perfect balance of relaxation, adventure, and luxury, a Yacht Getaways cruise from Dubrovnik to Split is the ultimate Croatian experience. From secluded swims in the Elaphiti Islands to cycling through Mljet National Park and from the historic streets of Korcula to the nightlife of Hvar, every day offers something new and exciting.
Right now, Yacht Getaways is having an early bird special for the 2025 season. Cruises begin at €1258. You can check out itineraries and prices here.
