Sailing the Dalmatian Islands, Croatia
A full day on a boutique yacht from Split, with swim stops off Brač and Šolta, a 3-course lunch and an open bar.
The quickest way to see the Dalmatian islands is to spend a day on the water from Split. Central Dalmatia has the densest cluster of inhabited islands on the Adriatic, and many of the best bays are a short boat ride from the city's harbour: clear water, pine-backed coves and stone villages that look completely different from the sea than they do from the road.
The trip we recommend runs on Polaris, a boutique yacht with limited capacity, so it never feels like a party boat. The day follows a simple rhythm: croissants and coffee as you leave Split, around two hours of swimming and snorkelling off Brač, then Šolta for a 3-course lunch, another swim and time ashore in a traditional village before heading back. Soft drinks, beer and wine are included all day, and paddleboards and snorkelling gear are on board.
It suits almost everyone, from couples to families, and needs no experience at all. Children under three go free and children up to twelve pay half. The season runs May to October, with June and September the sweet spot for warm water and fewer boats in the bays. If one day leaves you wanting more, week-long skippered charters from Split are the next step up, booked through specialist charter companies.
About 7 hours
Easy, no experience needed
From €95
May to October
All ages, under 3s free
Shared boutique yacht
Split
Cruise, lunch, open bar, snorkel gear, paddleboards
Who is it for?
Best for: Couples, families and anyone staying in Split who wants a full, easy day of swimming and island scenery without planning ferries. Lunch and drinks are included, so there is nothing to organise.
Skip it if: You want to sail properly or learn the ropes, since this is a motor yacht. Or if you want a bay to yourself: popular spots get busy in July and August.
How the day runs
Board in Split's city port in the morning, with croissants and coffee as you set off.
Cruise to Brač for around two hours of swimming, snorkelling and paddleboarding.
Continue to Šolta for a 3-course lunch, with fish, meat or vegetarian options.
Time ashore in a traditional island village.
Back to Split in the late afternoon, about seven hours after you set off.
The exact bays depend on the weather and the crew's call on the day.
Dalmatian sailing questions
Ready for a day on the water?
Book a full-day boutique yacht cruise from Split to Brač and Šolta, with lunch and an open bar.
