Family Yacht Charters in Croatia

A family yacht charter in Croatia offers one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to experience the Adriatic together. Calm waters, short distances between islands, and welcoming harbour towns make Croatia particularly well suited to families travelling with children.

With the right route, a sailing holiday in Croatia feels relaxed rather than demanding. Days are unhurried, sailing times are kept comfortable, and there’s a natural balance between time on the water and time ashore — even for families new to sailing.

Croatia works so well for family sailing holidays because it offers consistency and ease. Distances between islands are short, navigation is straightforward, and the coastline is dotted with safe anchorages and welcoming harbours.

For families, this means days that feel unhurried and flexible. Sailing time is balanced with swimming, exploring ashore, and enjoying time together on board. Many routes allow you to move at a gentle pace, often arriving early enough to enjoy a relaxed afternoon rather than rushing from place to place.

Croatia also benefits from excellent infrastructure. Marinas are modern and well equipped, towns are safe and walkable, and local facilities make travelling with children simple. When planned carefully, a family sailing holiday in Croatia feels accessible, comfortable, and genuinely enjoyable for everyone on board.

We believe an exciting family sailing holiday in Croatia begins with straightforward travel from the UK. Most families fly into Split or Dubrovnik, both of which offer regular flights and easy access to nearby marinas.

Transfers are typically short and well organised, allowing you to arrive at the marina without stress. Boarding usually takes place in the afternoon, giving everyone time to settle into the yacht, unpack, and become familiar with life on board.

There’s no expectation to sail immediately. Many families enjoy spending their first evening close to the marina, easing into the rhythm of the week before setting sail the following day.

Days on a family sailing holiday in Croatia tend to follow a naturally relaxed pattern. Mornings often begin with breakfast on deck, followed by a short and comfortable sail to the next island or bay.

We always ensure that Sailing distances are kept deliberately manageable, making it easy to include regular swimming stops in clear, calm water before lunch. Children often spend these moments swimming straight from the yacht, paddleboarding, or simply enjoying being close to the water.

Afternoons are flexible and shaped by how everyone is feeling. Some days might include a gentle walk through a historic town, an ice cream stop along a harbour front, or lunch ashore in a quiet bay. Other days are spent entirely on the water, swimming, reading, and enjoying time together without distraction.

When planning a family sailing holiday in Croatia, it’s helpful to see routes as a flexible guide rather than a fixed itinerary. Weather conditions, how everyone is feeling, and what your family enjoys most all play a role in shaping the week.

The example routes below focus on island sailing along the Dalmatian Coast, where distances between stops are short and conditions are generally calm. These routes are well suited to families, allowing plenty of time for swimming, relaxed lunches, and unhurried afternoons on board.

As with all family sailing holidays, routes can be adapted as the week unfolds. Your skipper will always adjust plans to ensure the pace feels comfortable and enjoyable for everyone on board.

Probably the best for first-time family yacht charters in Croatia

Day 1 – Travel & Arrival

Fly from the UK to Split and transfer to the marina. Boarding usually takes place in the afternoon, allowing time to settle in and enjoy a relaxed first evening nearby. There’s no need to sail straight away — many families enjoy a relaxed first evening nearby before the week begins properly.

Day 2 – Split to Šolta

Your first sailing day is short and gentle. After breakfast, you’ll set sail towards Šolta, often stopping for a swim along the way. Šolta is quiet and welcoming, making it an ideal first stop for families easing into sailing.

 Day 3 – Šolta to Brač
Sail on to Brač, keeping the journey comfortable and unhurried. Brač offers a mix of sheltered bays and small harbour towns, with plenty of opportunities for swimming straight from the yacht and relaxed time ashore.

Day 4 – Exploring Brač
Spend the day enjoying Brač at a slower pace. Families often choose to stay anchored in a calm bay, swim, paddleboard, and relax on board, or take a short walk ashore for lunch and exploration.

Day 5 – Brač to Hvar
Continue towards Hvar, planning the sail to allow for swimming stops along the way. While Hvar is known for its lively side, family routes focus on quieter anchorages and relaxed harbour areas that work well for children.

Day 6 – Hvar & Surrounding Bays
Enjoy a flexible day around Hvar, choosing between swimming, gentle exploration ashore, or simply spending time together on the yacht. The pace is shaped entirely around how everyone is feeling.

Day 7 – Begin the Return Toward Split
Start making your way back toward Split, stopping for lunch and swimming en route. This is often a reflective day, with families enjoying one last full day on the water before returning.

Day 8 – Disembark & Travel Home
After breakfast, disembark at the marina and begin your journey home.

Best for families wanting variety with minimal sailing distances

Day 1 – Travel & Arrival in Dubrovnik
Fly from the UK to Dubrovnik and transfer to the marina. Boarding usually takes place in the afternoon, allowing time to settle into the yacht, unpack, and meet your skipper. Many families enjoy a relaxed first evening nearby, easing into life on board before sailing begins the following day.

Day 2 – Dubrovnik to the Elaphiti Islands
The first sailing day is short and gentle. After breakfast, you’ll sail to the Elaphiti Islands, a small group of green, quiet islands just off the coast. The calm waters and sheltered bays make this an ideal first stop for families, with plenty of time for swimming straight from the yacht.

Day 3 – Elaphiti Islands to Mljet
Sail on toward Mljet, keeping the pace relaxed with swimming stops along the way. Mljet is known for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere, making it a favourite with families who enjoy nature, cycling, and time outdoors without crowds.

Day 4 – Exploring Mljet
Spend the day enjoying Mljet at a slower pace. Many families choose to explore the national park, swim in sheltered bays, or simply relax on board. The island’s quiet rhythm makes it easy to unwind and enjoy time together.

Day 5 – Mljet to Korčula
Continue on to Korčula, with a comfortable sailing distance that allows time for swimming and lunch en route. Korčula offers a mix of calm anchorages and a charming old town that’s easy to explore with children.

Day 6 – Exploring Korčula
Enjoy a full day around Korčula. Families often split time between swimming from the yacht and a gentle walk through the old town, stopping for lunch or ice cream before returning to the boat.

Day 7 – Begin the Return Toward Dubrovnik
Start making your way back toward Dubrovnik, often via another stop in the Elaphiti Islands for swimming and lunch. This final full day is flexible and shaped around how everyone is feeling.

Day 8 – Disembark & Travel Home
After breakfast, disembark at the marina and begin your journey home.bark and travel home.

Choosing the right sailing route in Croatia is usually less about distance and more about what suits your family’s pace, confidence, and interests. Both Dalmatian routes are designed with families in mind, offering calm conditions, manageable sailing days, and plenty of time to relax and swim.

Route 1: Split – Šolta – Brač – Hvar is ideal if this is your first family sailing holiday in Croatia, if you’re travelling with younger children, or if you’d like the gentlest possible introduction to island sailing. Sailing distances are short, and there’s a strong focus on sheltered bays and unhurried afternoons.

Route 2: Dubrovnik – Mljet – Korčula – Elaphiti Islands suits families who would enjoy a bit more variety during the week while still keeping sailing days comfortable. This route combines peaceful natural islands with charming harbour towns, without feeling busy or demanding.

If you’re unsure which route would suit your family best, many families choose Route 1 for their first sailing holiday and explore Route 2 on a future trip once they feel confident with the rhythm of life on board.

A family yacht charter in Croatia is well suited to families who enjoy being outdoors, swimming regularly, and travelling at a flexible pace. It works particularly well if you value time together, simple daily routines, and a holiday that feels calm rather than rushed.

It may be less suitable if you prefer highly structured activities, busy resorts, or nightlife-focused holidays. Sailing holidays are about rhythm, ease, and shared experiences rather than fixed schedules.

We’re always happy to talk through whether Croatia is the right fit for your family before you book with us.

Packing for a family sailing holiday in Croatia is simple and informal.

Clothing 

Lightweight clothing, swimwear, and one warmer layer for evenings are usually sufficient. Non-marking deck shoes and sandals are practical for time on board and ashore.

For Children 

Sun hats, UV swim tops, water shoes, and a small backpack for days ashore are useful. One familiar comfort item can help younger children settle quickly.

Practical Essentials 

Soft-sided luggage, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, personal medication, and phone chargers are usually all that’s required. Some families like to bring motion-sickness remedies, even if they’re rarely required, for added peace of mind.

What You Don’t Need 

There’s no need for formal clothing, large suitcases, or excessive toys. Life on board is relaxed, and most of our yachts provide bed linen and towels, and children tend to stay occupied with swimming, exploring, and time on the water.

A family sailing holiday in Croatia should feel clear, comfortable, and well planned from the outset, we can help you do this.

If you’d like to explore options before speaking to anyone, you can browse our range of family-friendly yachts in Croatia to see the types of boats, layouts, and routes that work particularly well for travelling with children.

Of course we do cater for couples and small groups as well.