Family Sailing Vacations
Croatian coast is the home of Mediterranean sailing holidays and last decade the most popular European destination for a family sailing holiday. That is why a relaxing 7-day yacht vacation on a private sailing charter in Croatia can be a unique opportunity to spend some quality time with your family and teach your kids valuable communication and cooperation skills. There is nothing like trying to accomplish an exciting task together and strengthen family bonds in a complete natural environment. Give your kids a chance to steer the boat or help your skipper with the sails. They will be talking about it for years. Surrounded by hundreds of beautiful islands and sky-blue Adriatic simply surrender yourself to excellent ambience and enjoy your sailing holiday in Croatia in the embrace of your loved ones.
Best family sailing destinations in Croatia
1. Zadar sailing Tour
Zadar yacht charter experience is best kept secret among Croatia sailing itineraries and definitively most beloved route among families that desire to spend their holiday in a genuine natural atmosphere of Dalmatian islands. Including iconic Kornati national park, stunning Krka Waterfalls and less-crowded tiny islands of Zadar you can expect a relaxing and above all fun cruising holiday. Easy island hopping, small sailing distances and exotic lonely beaches with welcoming fisherman's taverns ideal for a midday stop will make everyone happy.
2. Pula sailing itinerary
Northern Adriatic with Istrian peninsula is a No1. Family holiday destination in Croatia for a couple of decades now. The diversity of this region is breathtaking. Romantic Venetian towns, colorful ports, untouched nature of wildlife parks and superb gastronomy make this region the ultimate getaway for activity vacations. That is why Pula yacht charter holiday is best opportunity to discover the very best of both worlds: Historic costal villages with impressive architecture on one side and lonely islands ideal to spend a day at anchor in a quiet natural ambiance on another.
8 facts why Croatia is top family sailing destination
- affordable yacht vacation prices
- densely scattered islands preventing waves from getting too choppy
- short sailing distances and easy island hopping
- low winds allow safe sailing conditions for beginners
- dry and warm weather in summer months is ideal for kids
- natural anchorages where you can spend a peaceful night
- picturesque island ports and stunning historic sites to explore
- warm sea temperature is great for various water activities like snorkelling, swimming and stand up paddle boarding
Useful tips when you plan to go sailing with children
1. Adjust your daily dynamics
Croatia catamaran rental is the most exclusive cruisng holiday allowing you to spend quality time with your kids and a great way to show your spouse and children how much you care.
The itineraries we recommend include lots of stops for swimming and different water activities. In this case everything will be more interesting, exciting and fun. Plus, it will help your kids to go to bed earlier and allow the grownups to reflect on daily impressions and enjoy in a glass of wine through the evening. Every day you will get to visit amazing islands with colorful ports, where you can explore local cuisine and bond new friendships.
2. Keep them occupied
Ensure your children more time to enjoy in water-based activities.
If you give your kids serious job titles aboard, like (second mate, navigator, chef's assistant, fisherman in charge for the dinner catch) they will be certainly more cooperative and feel more important.
That will certainly get more attention, interest and awareness of the remarkable marine environment.
3. The more, the merrier
Within the company of their friends, your children won't get bored. It is always more fun to have friends with the same age and size aboard.
Make sure that they can move safely aboard and bring your life vests. If you don't have them, let the charter company know their sizes and they will get them for you.
4. Use sunscreen & hydrate
It is no fun if you get sunburned, so you have to keep your kids protected from the summer sun, that can be quite dangerous.
Spending much energy while playing and snorkeling in the summer time also demands drinking a lot of liquids.
5. Take lots of water toys and asnorkelling gear
Don' forget snorkeling gear, inflatable pillows, water tubes and pool toys. This will keep them occupied in water for hours.
Paddle board (SUP) is perfect to stretch and to stir up. Water activities are not only a good for the exercise but also a natural soporific.
You will have no problem to get them to sleep in the evening.
6. Take your holiday in summer
Best time for a relaxed family sailing vacation in Croatia is in the summer months. The perfect period should be between late June till early September.
The air is around 30o the sea 25o and there is always enough wind to cool you down. If you take your trip in summer, your kids will have more options for water sports, various activities.
Please find some tips about the how to plan a perfect sailing trip and best tips on when is best time to sail Croatia
4 things you shouldn't forget to bring on a family sailing cruise
Family Sailing Vacations FAQs
The final cost basically depends on these factors: boat type, age, length and what sailing season you wish to book it. Price range for a 40-foot sailing boat suitable for a family with 2 kids lies between 2.500 & 3.500 Euros per week in July and August.
What are the Extras?
- local tourist tax and permit 1.35€/day per person
- fuel for the yacht approx. 100€ per week
- safety deposit for the yacht 1.500€ (refundable)
- skipper from 150€ per day, plus food during the week
With countless small islands and short distances between them, Kornati sailing itinerary is best balanced yacht charter route in Croatia ideal for weekly family cruise.
You will find best sailing locations in Croatia if you charter a yacht in Zadar and sail around densely scattered central Dalmatian islands.
When it comes to choosing the right vessel for your yacht charter week it is very important to select a spacious, stable and comfortable boat so your kids can move easy and safe. Croatia catamaran rental is recommended if you prefer more comfort, on-water stability and privacy aboard.
The impressive volumes on catamarans provide more stability, safer environment for kids, easier movement along the deck and privacy aboard for their parents. However, your sailing experience might be more genuine and exciting by renting a sailing boat charter in Croatia and involve your kids into sailing activity as well.
Don't worry, you are in safe hands of our knowledgeable skippers. They will take care of everything. Assist you at the boarding, show you around the yacht, help you to decide what places are best to visit and try to secure as much space as you need during your trip.
Safety is always first, so bring a suitable life jacket for children. The jacket should be comfortable enough for your kids to move around the boat. We recommend brighter colours like blaze orange or yellow. Something like this Watersnake Apollo jacket.
Chartering a comfortable sailing catamaran, ideal for a family cruise in summer season lies between 5.500€ and 6.500€ per week. Skipper's fee, mooring cost and fuel is not included in the price.
With warm and dry waether, Croatia was always a family friendly destination assuring countless opportunities for a fun and exciting holiday. Short distances between scattered Croatian islands, well sheltered anchorages, calm and crystal-clear seas and charming seaside villages with numerous attractions for kids makes Croatian coast among best yacht charter destinations in Europe ideal for families.
The main difference between the two popular sailing destinations is in the sailing distance between islands. In Greece you need more cruising time from one island to another while in Croatia the distances to navigate among the islands are much shorter. That is why Croatia is better for families with kids, beginners, day sailors and groups that want some extra time to explore and prefer more stops during the day for swimming and snorkeling.
With sunny and dry weather, warm sea temperatures and low winds, the summer months between June and September is ideal time for a relaxing family yachting vacations in Croatia.
Everyone with a bit of adventurous spirit is welcome - various groups, couples, families with kids, or adrenaline seekers. A private yacht trip in Croatia is suitable for everyone that wants to experience a genuine and a different vacation. Simply sail your worries away on a one-week gentle cruise across the calm and warm Adriatic.
Renting a 4-cabin sailing boat comfortable for a family of 5 will cost you between 3.500 and 4.000 euros within the main chartering season. However, the Overall sailing holiday expense mostly depends on the yacht's size and the services on board. Prices on Catamaran charters in Croatia are on average 50% higher.
What is included?
- yacht rental for one week
- end cleaning, bedding
- handling fees
- dingy with outboard engine and Wi-Fi connection on board
Extras (to be paid at spot):
- skipper service 1.050€ per week plus food
- tourist tax 1.35€/day/person (app. 80€ per week for 6 persons)
- safety deposit for a yacht 2.000€ (refundable)
- fuel per consumption (average 100€ per week)
- marina and port fees (around 350€ within a week)
Croatia is the cradle of sailing holidays and among best European sailing destinations for families with kids. With warm and calm Adriatic sea, pleasant temperatures, abundance of sunshine, low winds and densely scattered islands, Croatian coast is a ideal location for a family cruise.
First estimate how much space do you need and how high your budget is. When you plan a sailing trip with children, booking a skippered catamaran holiday in Croatia is your best choice. If you stay on a budget yacht charter, a sailboat with 2 steering wheels and bathing platform should do. To divide the cost, it is common that 2 families rent one catamaran. One hull for one family.
On a sailing yacht your adventure will be definitively more genuine with more sailing pleasures and quiet with minimum fuel consumption. Catamarans are wider, more stable, and comfortable, ensuring extra space when it comes into the quality of living aboard. However, extra commodity and luxury, means also higher rental price, larger costs on fuel, an marina fees.
If you think green, rent a sailboat!
Less consumption means less exhaust into the sea. Especially if you stay most of the time under sails. Renting a sailboat in Croatia gives you a unique opportunity to embrace these amazing landscapes in full authenticity and bring your sailing experience to entirely different level.
During your family sailing vacation in Zadar Croatia make sure not to miss these ones out:
- Kornati natural park with 100 pristine islands and islets is one of the true natural wonders in Croatia
- Kaprije a small charming islet with typical fishing village, warm locals and top-notch Dalmatian cuisine is something you can't miss out
- Silba or the island of love, is the perfect place to spend a romantic night on anchor surrounded with beautiful flora and fauna
- Primošten charming island village for a relaxing stroll along the lively promenades - perfect for kids
- Island Žut - a little gem with an amazing island cuisine and secluded bays
- Murter a home of many sailors and top culinary destination. Lively seaside village with marinas on the northern part surrounded with small islets, create breathtaking contrasts.
8 Things that you Don't want to forget:
- boarding pass and reservation documents
- sun protection (sun lotion, sunglasses for UV protection, hats)
- life jackets for kids
- your passport, or personal ID, enough cash
- bathing suit or a swimsuit (3-5 pairs) and swimming towels
- personal items (prescription pills, medicine for allergy...)
- a wind stopper or a wind breaker in summer a long-sleeved cardigan would do
- positive vibes (leave your worries at home)
Please read about the Sail Croatia Packing List for newbies.