Top Croatia Yacht Charter Activities

Croatia is one of the most beautiful countries in the Mediterranean, boasting some of the most stunning scenery and crystal clear waters. For an exceptional experience, a Croatia luxury yacht charter is the perfect way to explore the stunning coastline and enjoy fantastic sights. There are so many different Croatia yacht charter activities that you may not know where to start. This post highlights the top activities you to enjoy while on a yacht charter in Croatia.

Water Sports

A yacht charter to Croatia’s Adriatic coast is the perfect opportunity to enjoy thrilling water sports! From jet skiing and wakeboarding to kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding, you’ll find plenty of ways to make a splash in Croatia’s crystal-clear waters. Jet skiing is a popular way to explore Croatia’s coastline at speed, allowing you to take in stunning views with a unique perspective.

For a more relaxed experience, opt for kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding – two activities offering plenty of sightseeing. Windsurfing is also an option if you’re looking for an adrenaline rush. All you need to do is hop on a board and let the wind carry you away!

Scuba diving and snorkeling allow you to get close to the colorful marine life under the Adriatic. Your yacht will provide snorkeling equipment. However, not all yachts offer scuba diving.

Hiking

Croatia is a stunningly beautiful country, and one of the best ways to explore it is on foot. The diverse terrain makes for fantastic hiking trails, with paths to suit everyone’s interests and abilities.

Brac Island has trails that offer incredible views of both land and sea. Popular routes include the Blaca Desert Trail, where you can explore a 5th-century hermitage, and the Vidova Gora Trail, which offers breathtaking views of nearby islands. The Desa Trail is also well worth the trek, with serene coves and various flora and fauna.

In addition to Brac Island, there are plenty of other unique places to hike in Croatia. You could journey through the Paklenica National Park, a stunningly rugged landscape of canyons and towering peaks. Or venture south to Mljet National Park, where you can explore pine forests, salt lakes, and sprawling coastlines. Plitvice Lakes National Park is also where you can admire cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear lakes.

Historic Landmarks

Croatia is known for its rich cultural and historical heritage, making it a great destination to explore on a crewed yacht charter. You can visit the country’s most iconic and exciting historical landmarks from the coastline. Here are just a few of the historic landmarks to explore:

• Diocletian’s Palace: Located in Split, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was built by the Roman emperor Diocletian in the 4th century AD. It was an important political and military center and a luxurious palace for the emperor and his family. The well-preserved ruins include ancient walls, columns, courtyards, and stairs.

• Dubrovnik Walls: This impressive medieval fortification system surrounded the city of Dubrovnik. The walls dated back to the 13th century and were designed to protect the city from invaders. Walk along the walls and get a panoramic view of the city from different angles.

• Trogir Old Town: Trogir is home to many medieval buildings, including the 14th-century Church of St. Lawrence. The streets of the old town are lined with cobblestones, archways, and bell towers. Visitors can explore the local churches, museums, and monuments for a unique insight into Croatia’s past.

• Fortress of Klis: Located near Split, this fortress was constructed in the 9th century to protect against Ottoman forces. Today, visitors can explore its battlements, tunnels, and towers. The fortress offers incredible views of the nearby Adriatic Sea and surrounding countryside.

• Stari Grad Plain: This 4,000-year-old site is one of the oldest agricultural settlements in Europe. Situated on the island of Hvar, it features ancient terraced fields, stone walls, traditional houses, churches, and tombs.

National Parks

Croatia has eight national parks: Kornati, Krka, Mljet, Brijuni, Paklenica, North Velebit, Risnjak, and Plitvice. All but Plitvice lie on the coast, so you can visit them as part of your Croatia luxury yacht charter.

Kornati National Park

Kornati National Park is visited mainly by sailing crews. Some people plan their entire itinerary around it. You might sail here from Zadar, Šibenik, or Split. An archipelago of 89 uninhabited arid rocky islets and reefs offers a true back-to-nature escape.

While exploring these lovely islets, look for wildlife such as peregrine falcons, eagle owls, and migrating cranes and herons. These turquoise waters are protected, but sailing boats can overnight in 20 designated bays and coves.

Krka National Park

If sailing to the Kornati from Sibenik or Split, stop at Krka National Park. You’ll sail up the winding channel to Skradin, home to a well-equipped marina. From here, catch the national park shuttle boat to Skradinski Buk. The Krka River runs through a deep canyon within the park, tumbling over seven spectacular waterfalls.

Paklenica National Park

Paklenica National Park is on the mainland coast, northeast of Zadar and opposite Pag Island. Its scenic mountains, gorges, and limestone cliffs are great for rock climbing.

In fact, there are 600 climbing routes. The towering peak of Anica Kuk is the most challenging. For hikers, marked trails lead to the cave of Manita pec and Paklenica’s highest peak, Vaganski (1757 m/5764 ft).

Mljet National Park

From Dubrovnik, it is an easy sail to the island of Mljet, one-third of which is Mljet National Park. Most yachts moor up or drop anchor in Pomena or Polace. The park centers on two interconnected turquoise salt-water lakes amid thick pinewoods.

For the cycling enthusiast, bike the eight-mile perimeter of the huge lake, Veliko Jezero. Stop to catch a national park boat to St Mary’s islet, where you’ll find a deserted 12th-century Benedictine Monastery.

North Velebit National Park

Between Zadar and Rijeka, on the mainland coast, opposite the island of Rab, you’ll find North Velebit, National Park. It encompasses spectacular mountains of white rock, green meadows, and forests of oak, beech, and pine. In addition, there’s a botanical garden dedicated to indigenous rock plants. You can explore over 30 marked trails on foot or by mountain bike.

Risnjak National Park

Risnjak National Park rises behind the port city of Rijeka, high above the Kvarner Gulf. This is a region of limestone mountains, highland pastures, and fir and beech forests inhabited by owls and woodpeckers. Risnjak is named after the native lynx (ris in Croatia). This is a great park for hiking, mountain biking, and fishing for trout in the Kupa River.

Brijuni National Park, Istria

Lying off Istria’s west coast, the Brijuni National Park is an archipelago of 14 islands and islets. In the days of Yugoslavia, the largest island, Veli Brijuni, was President Tito’s summer retreat. It is an oasis of lush green parkland, with oaks and pine trees, populated by deer and peacocks.

The park has two hotels and an 18-hole golf course. You can moor in Veli Brijuni’s small port, complete with services (water and electricity). Alternatively, drop anchor in St Nicholas Bay off neighboring Mali Brijuni.

Plitvice National Park

Unesco-listed Plitvice National Park is Croatia’s most visited inland destination. It centers on 16 turquoise lakes connected by waterfalls, rimmed by paths, and traversed by wooden walkways. Immersed in the dense woodland of beech, fir, and spruce, the colors here are prettiest in spring and autumn.

Plitvice lies far from the coast, so you can’t combine it with sailing. But if you’re flying into Zagreb, you might visit it from there.

Partying in Hvar

If you want the ultimate party experience in Croatia, Hvar is the place to be! Located in the stunning Adriatic Sea, Hvar offers unforgettable nightlife you won’t find anywhere else. Popular bars and restaurants like Carpe Diem and Hula Hula offer a unique setting and atmosphere perfect for a night of dancing and fun.

Carpe Diem is particularly well-known for its beach parties and DJs, while Hula Hula has an outdoor terrace that overlooks the water, providing spectacular views. If you’re looking for something more low-key, head to Vartal, where you can enjoy live music and cocktails.

Relaxing in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a fantastic place to kick back and relax while on a Croatia yacht charter. From lounging in the sun on the city’s beautiful beaches to sipping on an ice cold beverage at one of the many cafés or bars, there’s something for everyone regarding relaxation in Dubrovnik.

If you want to soak up the sun, head to Lapad Beach or Banje Beach. The calm waters, spectacular views of the Adriatic Sea, and soft white sand will make for a perfect day at the beach. For more activity, kayak or stand-up paddleboard and explore the coast of Dubrovnik.

The historic Old Town of Dubrovnik is also great for wandering and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere. Stroll around the winding streets and admire the beautiful buildings and attractions, including the Stradun promenade, Rector’s Palace, and Sponza Palace.

More Top Croatia Yacht Charter Activities

These are just a few top yacht charter activities to enjoy while on a Croatia Yacht charter. We will work closely with you to create an itinerary that includes all your favorite things to do.