The Ultimate Family Sailing Trip in Croatia
If you are interested in a family sailing vacation in Croatia – keep reading. The itinerary described in this post is 100% modified for families that prioritize kids's safety and fun for the whole family.
You know what they say.
Happy Kids = Happy Wife
Happy Wife = Happy Life
Fun for the whole family
Please Note
Different things matter to different groups. What is incredibly important on a cruise for a group of active seniors is completely UNIMPORTANT to people going on a family sailing trip to Croatia with their small kids.
This is what we learned from our 20 years of experience in organizing sailing tours for different types of groups in Croatia.
But regarding family sailing, Goolets ensures a completely private and safe vacation where your kids will be happy and you will feel rested.
Start planning your bespoke sailing trip in Croatia
To sum it up – 80% of the time our groups with small children were the happiest when:
The kids enjoyed the sailing trip the most
When the gulet was safe and the crew was “children oriented” and helpful
The sailing itinerary included lots of different beaches and spots perfect for the kids
When the cruise was organized in a way that parents could also take a breather
These are the most important points from the “parents' side”. When we talked with yacht owners who have tons of experience, and here is what they told us matters the most:
Cruise Distances should be shorter – Less Motoring
When the yacht is cruising from one destination to another, for parents it usually means reading a nice book, having a cold beer or just taking a nap. Forget about all that if you have children aboard (especially if they had some sugar for breakfast).
While a yacht is sailing children can do only 2 things:
- Watch TV in the salon or on your computer in a cabin
- Jump around the yacht and play
Both options are okay, however, you always need to keep an eye on what they are doing – which will mess up with your “beer” and “book” plans.
A whole other story when the yacht is moored
When the yacht is moored in a nice bay the options for kids become almost unlimited (swimming, snorkeling, jumping in the sea, kayaking to the beach, and playing with water sports).
An active and fun family sailing vacation in Croatia awaits
Keeping them busy
The more activities they have – the more tired they will be in the evening. For parents, this means a more relaxed and romantic evening.
Easy Go – Easy Stay
The itinerary should not be 100% SET IN STONE. It should be short and flexible. If the winds pick up or the weather gets bad that is not a problem. The yacht is always in safe places. The open seas are avoided. If you like to stay in one place for two days, you can stay there. If you wish to move to another place close by – you can.
A nice combination of beaches, towns, islands & interesting activities
The itinerary with children needs to make everyone happy.
- Children need to be super active and happy during the day (lots of water sports options on board).
- The route should have nice pebble beaches, where kids can play.
- Extra activities are very welcome for all. Things like riding donkeys in Korčula, Jeep Safari on Hvar, or visiting the Aquarium and checking out amazing sea life on the first day make everyone happy.
- In the evening you should be in nice safe easygoing towns, where you can take kids on a stroll, a shopping spree or leave them on a yacht to watch TV (the crew keeps an eye on them) and just have a nice trip alone with your spouse.
An example of a perfect route for a family cruise in Croatia
Day 1 (Saturday)
Port Vranjic near Split or Okrug Gornji Bay on peninsula Čiovo near Trogir. Both of these places are very close to Split Airport, around 30 minutes by car. We suggest Port Vranjic if you would be interested in checking out the famous Aquarium before departure. Port Okrug on the Island Čiovo is perfect if you stay there for the first day. It has amazing pebble beaches, it's easy-going and the kids LOVE IT.
Day 2 (Sunday) Spinut bay – Nečujam Šolta
Island Šolta is also close. The nature there is amazing and it's very safe. Some good swimming and an easy walk around the town will prepare you nicely for your adventure.
Day 3 (Monday) Bay Blace & Bol
Bol is the most famous beach in Croatia and visiting it by yacht (where you avoid the crowds) is amazing and good for water sports. Both you and the kids will love it.
The sailing route is planned with your kids' safety in mind
Day 4 (Tuesday) Bol – Žukova Bay, Stari Grad
Lots of spots for swimming in Žukova bay during the day, and in the evening check out Starigrad town. Being less crowded is perfect for both parents and the kids.
Day 5 (Wednesday) Stari Grad – Vis, Hvar, Pakleni islands
Flexibility is key here because it all depends on the weather. If you wish to check out Hvar Town, the yacht will moor in Pakleni Islands. This will allow you to sleep in a nice secluded bay away from crowds. But it will also allow you to check Hvar Town (lots of options for daily trips here). You can also go to Island Vis, where you can visit the Military base, and go on a daily trip to the Blue Cave.
Day 6 (Thursday) Vis-Hvar-Vis
If the weather is good you can go around the Island Vis, or also check out more amazing beaches around Island Hvar. It is all about fun times with your family.
Day 7 (Friday) What do you wish to do?
For the last day before departure, we like to leave some space for clients' wishes. Here we ask the kids what they wish to do.
Day 8 (Saturday) Departure day
The trip ends after breakfast. If you have a late flight, you can go explore more of Split.
Recommended yachts for a family sailing holidays in Croatia
Freedom
Freedom is a luxury, 48-meter yacht spreading across 3 spacious decks. She features 11 staterooms and can accommodate up to 24 guests. Her amenities include a jacuzzi, a pool, a cinema/gaming room, a gym, a sauna, and a wide selection of water stays, including a huge inflatable water slide! Fun for the whole family is guaranteed.
Learn more about Freedom
Bella
Yacht Bella can accommodate up to 21 guests in 10 opulent suites and boasts exclusive amenities such as a gentlemen's bar, a beauty salon, a hammam, a jacuzzi on deck, a cinema room, and a children's playroom. Bella is the ideal yacht for a sailing family trip in Croatia. Or for multiple families!
Learn more about Bella
Ohana
Launched in 2021, she accommodates up to 30 people in 14 lavish ensuite cabins. Members of the Ohana crew want to make a spectacle for every group. The cozy indoor and outdoor lounging areas and a bright and spacious salon offer plenty of space for everybody to roam around freely. The jacuzzi and water toys, such as Tube riding, waterskis, paddleboards, kayaks, etc keep everyone entertained. Not a dull moment aboard yacht Ohana.
Learn more about Ohana
Alessandro I
Alessandro I is a luxury 40-meter gulet with 5 cabins and 6 crew members. Aboard Alessandro I you can choose to be as active or lazy as you like with a range of water toys from waterskis to fishing, swimming to soaking in the on-deck jacuzzi, or if you’re not warm enough, try the onboard sauna.
Learn more about Alessando I
Nautilus
Ideal for families with small children, Nautilus has a spacious salon and guard rail netting to keep kids safe. With 8 double cabins, the choices of how to accommodate both kids and adults are simple.
Learn more about NautilusVery important!
Not all gulets are okay if you have children in your group.
Gulets that are perfect for kids should have a nice salon with a TV if possible.
It is smart to accommodate children safely while the gulet is cruising.
Kids-friendly food options
The chef should have the flexibility to prepare meals modified for kids because most of them prefer pizza or pasta over shrimp.
Start planning your family sailing trip in Croatia
The crew should be children-friendly
They are not there to watch over your kids (you can rent a babysitter during the family trip for this) but if the crew likes the children, they will be more than happy to keep an eye on them while you go to town for a glass of wine alone with your wife/husband.
Chartering a yacht is more than a holiday - it's a way of celebrating life with your loved ones!
When you describe your family to us, we will find the most suitable yacht for you, create a personalized itinerary, plan your food menus, and arrange all fun and safe activities for the kids. If you are looking for a sailing trip in Croatia, you are up for an unforgettable family experience in the 2025 best European country to visit undisputed winner. Prepare to be amazed and cherish unforgettable moments.
