Gulet rental in Croatia

Discover Dalmatia on board a Luxury Gulet

There is a way of experiencing Croatia that few people know about, and that once tried never lets go. It’s not about island hopping by ferry, nor about exploring the coast by car stopping wherever you happen to. It’s about waking up every morning in a different bay, with the crystal clear water of the Adriatic lapping the hull of your gulet, breakfast served on deck, and in front of you an archipelago of over a thousand islands just waiting to be discovered.

Gulet charter in Croatia is the experience that combines the discreet luxury of a private holiday with the absolute freedom of navigation. It’s the pleasure of having a dedicated crew who takes care of every detail while you abandon yourself to the slow rhythm of the sea. It is the joy of diving into bays accessible only by water, dining in medieval UNESCO heritage villages, and falling asleep lulled by the waves under a sky of stars.

If you are looking for a holiday that is both relaxing and stimulating, intimate and full of discoveries, elegant but never ostentatious, then Croatia on a gulet is the one for you.

See available gulets →

---

Why Croatia is the Perfect Destination for a Gulet Cruise

A Sea Made for Navigation

The Croatian Adriatic is every sailor’s dream: calm and protected waters, short distances between islands, hundreds of safe anchorages, and a Mediterranean climate that guarantees long sailing seasons. There is no sea in the world more suitable for a relaxing and safe cruise.

Unlike the western Mediterranean, where distances can be challenging and the sea rough, here everything is within reach. In just a few hours of navigation you can go from a worldly and lively island to a solitary bay where the only sound is that of cicadas and the wind in the pines. You can explore thousand-year-old historic cities in the morning and snorkel in crystal clear waters in the afternoon.

The Dalmatian coast extends for hundreds of kilometers, dotted with over 1,200 islands and islets, many of which are uninhabited and uncontaminated. Every day is a discovery: a medieval village that seems to come out of a fairy tale, a sea cave illuminated by sunlight, a family restaurant where you can taste the catch of the day accompanied by an extraordinary local wine.

Islands for All Tastes

What makes Croatia so special is the incredible variety of its islands. No two islands are the same, and this means that each day of your cruise will be completely different from the previous one.

Hvar is the island of glamor and the sweet life: lively squares until late at night, starred restaurants, luxury yachts moored in the port, and at the same time fields of fragrant lavender and hidden bays where time seems to have stopped.

Vis is the authentic and wild island, which remained closed to tourists until the 1990s for military reasons. Here you will find the real Croatia: fishermen repairing their nets on the pier, family-run trattorias where you can eat divinely for little, and the extraordinary Stiniva Beach, a bay that can only be reached by sea and which takes your breath away with its beauty.

Korčula is the island of history and culture, birthplace of Marco Polo, with a perfectly preserved medieval historic center, white stone streets that shine in the sun, and culinary traditions that have their roots in the centuries.

Brač boasts the most photographed beach on the Adriatic, Zlatni Rat (the Golden Horn), a strip of sand and pebbles that changes shape with the currents. But it is also the island of white stone with which palaces have been built all over the world, including Diocletian’s Palace in Split and even the White House.

And then there are the Elaphiti Islands, the Pakleni Islands, Mljet with its national park and salt lakes, and the Kornati archipelago, a labyrinth of over 100 islands where nature reigns supreme and the landscape seems lunar in its harsh and primordial beauty.

History and Culture at Every Corner

A gulet cruise in Croatia is not just sea and relaxation. It is also a journey through European history. Dalmatia has been Venetian for centuries, and this legacy can be seen everywhere: in the Renaissance palaces, in the bell towers that recall San Marco, in the language that mixes Italian and Croatian, in the cuisine that smells of the Mediterranean.

Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, is one of the most beautiful historic centers in the world, with its intact medieval walls embracing the old town. Walking along the Stradun at sunset, climbing the walls to admire the view, getting lost in the cobbled alleys, is an experience you will never forget.

Split is home to Diocletian’s Palace, a 4th-century Roman complex so well preserved that it is now the beating heart of the modern city, with apartments, shops and restaurants nestled into the ancient structures. It is a UNESCO heritage site, and is one of the best preserved Roman monuments in the world.

Trogir is a medieval jewel on a small island connected to the mainland, with a maze of white stone streets, Romanesque churches, and a central square where time seems to have stopped in the Middle Ages.

Sailing in Croatia means having all this at your fingertips, alternating culture and sea, history and relaxation, in a perfect balance.

---

What is a Gulet and Why It is Perfect for Croatia

The Elegance of Traditional Navigation

The gulet (or gulet, as it is called in Turkey where this tradition comes from) is a wooden vessel with elegant and classic lines, originally used by fishermen of the eastern Mediterranean and today transformed into luxury yachts for exclusive cruises.

Unlike modern motor yachts, which are often cramped and dominated by technology, the gulet is spacious, welcoming and warm. The hand-polished wood, the large sunbathing areas, the outdoor dining tables under the awning, the comfortable cabins: everything is designed for comfort and relaxation.

The gulets we rent in Croatia measure from 24 to 40 meters in length and accommodate 8 to 16 people in cabins equipped with private bathroom, air conditioning and fine finishes. The common spaces are generous: large decks where you can sunbathe, lounge areas with soft cushions for an aperitif, and panoramic dining areas where you can enjoy meals with a sea view.

---

The Crew: The Heart of Your Experience

A gulet cruise in Croatia wouldn’t be the same without the crew that makes it possible. On board you will find a team of 3-5 professionals (depending on the size of the gulet) who work together to guarantee you a flawless experience.

The Commander: Your Guide to the Adriatic

The captain is much more than just a skipper. He is an expert navigator who knows every nook and cranny of the Dalmatian coast, every hidden bay, every restaurant where you can eat divinely. He is the one who plans the daily routes, evaluating weather, winds and guests’ wishes to always offer you the best navigation.

But he is also a local guide, ready to tell you stories and legends of the islands, to advise you where to go in the evening, to suggest excursions that you would never find in a tourist guide. Many captains have been working on these gulets for decades, and their knowledge is invaluable.

The Sailor: The Gulet’s Guardian Angel

The sailor is the operational soul of the boat. He is the one who prepares the tender to take you to shore, who arranges the cushions on the deck for your relaxation, who keeps the boat impeccable, who makes sure that every technical detail works perfectly. He is discreet, efficient, always present but never intrusive.

The Chef: The Master of Dalmatian Cuisine

And then there is the chef, perhaps the most loved figure of the crew. Every day, the chef prepares abundant breakfasts, three-course lunches and refined dinners, enhancing local products: fresh fish caught in the morning, seasonal vegetables, artisanal cheeses from the hinterland, surprising Croatian wines.

The cuisine on board is a celebration of Dalmatian tradition: Croatian-style fish broth, octopus under the peka (slowly cooked under a terracotta bell), black risotto with cuttlefish ink, pašticada (a beef stew that requires hours of cooking), and desserts such as fritule (small lemon-scented pancakes).

Do you have special dietary needs? Intolerances, allergies, vegetarian or vegan preferences? No problem: the chef adapts the menu to your needs without compromising quality or taste.

The Hostess (on Luxury Gulets)

On the larger Deluxe and Luxury category gulets, there is also a hostess who takes care of cabin service, table preparation, meal service, and any need you may have. She is the one who brings the coffee in the morning, who prepares the cocktails at sunset, who makes sure everything is perfect.

---

The Navigation Areas: Where We Will Take You

Central Dalmatia: The Classic Itinerary (Split Base)

Central Dalmatia, based in Split, is the most popular and versatile area for a gulet cruise. Here you have access to a perfect mix of famous islands and hidden bays, culture and nature, nightlife and absolute tranquility.

A typical 7 day itinerary from Split would be:

Day 1 - Split → Island of Brač Boarding in the afternoon in Split, briefing with the captain, and first navigation to the island of Brač. Anchorage in a quiet bay for the first night on board. Welcome on board with dinner and toast under the stars.

Day 2 - Brač → Hvar Morning dedicated to exploring Brač: swimming in Zlatni Rat, visit to the fishing village of Bol. After lunch, navigation to Hvar. Free afternoon and evening to explore the most glamorous city in Dalmatia: aperitif on the main square, dinner in one of the historic restaurants, evening walk along the seafront.

Day 3 - Hvar → Pakleni Islands Departure in the morning for the Pakleni Islands, an archipelago of islets in front of Hvar. Day dedicated to relaxation: swimming in paradisiacal bays such as Palmižana or Vinogradišće, lunch on board, snorkelling, kayaking. Overnight stay at anchor in an atmosphere of absolute peace.

Day 4 - Pakleni Islands → Vis Sailing towards Vis, the most distant and authentic island. Stop at Stiniva Beach, one of the most beautiful bays in the Mediterranean, accessible only by sea. Afternoon in the town of Vis, with the possibility of visiting the military caves of the Cold War or simply walking among the stone houses of the historic center. Dinner in a family-run konoba (restaurant).

Day 5 - Vis → Biševo (Blue Cave) → Vis Morning excursion to the islet of Biševo to visit the famous Blue Cave (Modra špilja), a sea cave where the light creates electric blue reflections on the water. Return to Vis for lunch and free afternoon to explore the other part of the island or relax on board.

Day 6 - Vis → Šolta Sailing to Šolta, a quiet and untouristy island, famous for its honey and olive oil. Lunch in a hidden bay, relaxing afternoon, dinner on land in the village of Maslinica. Overnight stay at anchor.

Day 7 - Šolta → Split Last calm morning on board, last swim in the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic, and sailing back to Split. Lunch on board. Arrival in the afternoon with time for a final walk in the historic center or souvenir shopping. Farewell dinner on board or in one of Split’s panoramic restaurants.

Day 8 - Split Disembarkation after breakfast by 09:00.

Southern Dalmatia: The Split-Dubrovnik One-Way Itinerary

For those who want to see even more, the one-way itinerary from Split to Dubrovnik (or vice versa) is perfect. In 7 days you sail along the entire southern Dalmatian coast, touching the most beautiful islands and reaching the magnificent Dubrovnik.

This itinerary includes, in addition to the islands already mentioned, also:

• Korčula, Marco Polo’s island, with its fishbone-shaped historic center and its winemaking traditions
• Mljet, the national park with its salt lakes, pine forests, Benedictine monastery on a small island, and a tranquility that seems out of time
• Elaphite Islands (Koločep, Lopud, Šipan), three green jewels a few kilometers from Dubrovnik, perfect for the last day of relaxation before arriving at the “Pearl of the Adriatic”

Arriving in Dubrovnik by sea is an unforgettable experience: the gulet slowly approaches the city, and suddenly the medieval walls stand out in front of you, illuminated by the afternoon sun. It’s one of those moments that remain etched in the memory forever.

Kornati Archipelago: Paradise for Nature Lovers

For those seeking pure nature, the Kornati archipelago is the ideal destination. Over 100 islands and islets form a national park of wild and primordial beauty.

There are no hotels, restaurants or shops here. Only stone, sea, sky, and a silence that seems to come from the dawn of time. The islands have an almost lunar appearance: white limestone rocks, low vegetation, and that deep blue of the Adriatic that takes your breath away.

It is the perfect place to completely disconnect from civilization, to snorkel in pristine waters, to anchor in deserted bays where you will be the only human beings for kilometers away. In the evening, the sky fills with stars such as are difficult to see elsewhere.

Kornati itineraries generally depart from Zadar or Šibenik, and can be combined with visits to historic cities such as Trogir and other islands in northern Dalmatia.

---

See available gulets →

Gulets: Categories and Comfort

Not all gulets are the same. Our fleet includes boats in three categories – Superior, Deluxe and Luxury – to satisfy different tastes and needs.

Superior Category

The Superior gulets are perfectly maintained 24-28 meter boats, with 4-6 guest cabins, each with private bathroom and air conditioning. The spaces are comfortable and functional, the crew is professional, and the value for money is excellent.

This category is perfect for those looking for an authentic gulet cruise experience without unnecessary frills but with all the necessary comforts. Ideal for families, groups of friends, or those who want to try a cruise of this type for the first time.

Deluxe category

The Deluxe gulets raise the bar: 28-35 meters in length, 6-8 cabins, more refined finishes, larger spaces, and a higher level of service. The crew often includes a dedicated hostess, the cuisine is more refined, and the water sports facilities are more complete.

Cabins are more spacious, with real double beds (not converted beds), larger closets, and more comfortable bathrooms. The decks offer different areas: formal dining area, lounge area for aperitifs, sundecks with padded mattresses, and often even a jacuzzi on the deck.

This category is ideal for couples looking for romance, small groups who want to pamper themselves, or those who simply appreciate the extra comfort.

Luxury category

The Luxury gulets are top of the range: 35-40 meters in length, 8-10 suite cabins, top-level design, luxury yacht services, and a crew of 4-5 people always at your service.

Here you find cabins with king-size beds, marble bathrooms with rain showers, individually controlled air conditioning, TV and sound system in every cabin. The decks are large and articulated: covered and uncovered dining areas, lounges with bars, jacuzzis, platforms for comfortable diving, and often also kayaks, SUPs and water skiing equipment.

The service is impeccable: the chef prepares dishes worthy of a starred restaurant, the hostess anticipates your every desire, the captain plans exclusive itineraries. Some luxury gulets also offer extra services such as on-board massages, guided wine tastings, or private dinners organized in exclusive locations on land.

This category is designed for those who do not want to compromise, for special celebrations (anniversaries, important birthdays, marriage proposals), or simply for those who are used to the best and do not want to give it up even on holiday.

---

Life on Board: A Typical Day

What does a day on a gulet in Croatia look like? Here is an example, although of course every day is different and everything is flexible according to your wishes.

07.30 - Natural awakening No screeching alarm clock, just the sunlight filtering through the porthole and the gentle sound of the waves. You get up calmly, take a refreshing shower, and go up on deck in your swimsuit and sarong.

08:00 - Breakfast The chef has prepared a hearty breakfast: fresh fruit, yogurt, cereals, eggs (prepared however you like them), local ham and cheese, freshly baked bread, Croatian pastries, juice, coffee or tea. You eat on the back deck, with the sea around you and the scent of salt.

09:00 - Departure The captain starts operations: the sailor pulls back the anchor, the engine starts with a soft hum, and the gulet begins to move slowly out of the bay. You sit on the bow or on the cushions on the deck and enjoy sailing.

10.30am - First bath I arrive in a splendid bay, water as transparent as an aquarium. The sailor drops the anchor, prepares the ladder, and you dive. The water is perfect: neither too hot nor too cold. Swim, snorkel, kayak, or just float while looking at the sky.

12.30 - Lunch on board The chef prepared a three-course lunch: marinated fish appetizer, first course (seafood risotto or Croatian pasta), and a second course with grilled vegetables. Light dessert, coffee, and a glass of Croatian white wine. We eat calmly, chatting and laughing.

2.00pm - Siesta or navigation The afternoon is for total relaxation. Those who want take a nap in the air-conditioned cabin, those who prefer lie down in the sun on the deck, those who love reading find the perfect corner in the shade. Meanwhile, the gulet sails towards the next destination, rocking gently.

4.00pm - Arrival at port or second bay Depending on the itinerary, the gulet arrives at an island port (to explore a historic village) or another bay for a second swim. Free time to shop, visit museums, walk, or just swim some more.

6.00pm - Aperitif at sunset Return on board (if you went ashore) for an aperitif. The sun is setting, painting the sky orange and pink. The crew serves cocktails, wine, or local beer, accompanied by appetizers. It is the most magical moment of the day.

8.00pm - Dinner Some evenings you have dinner on board, with the chef preparing local specialities. Other evenings we go ashore to dine in a typical restaurant: a family-run konoba, a seaside tavern, or a gourmet restaurant. The choice is yours, and the crew is always ready with advice.

10.00pm - Free evening After dinner, you can choose: stay on board to chat under the stars with other guests, go ashore for a drink at a local bar, or simply go to sleep early to recharge your batteries. There are no obligations, there are no fixed times. You’re on vacation, and you’re free.

---

Extra Services: Customize your cruise

A gulet cruise in Croatia can be enriched with numerous extra services to make the experience even more special:

Private Transfers

We organize private transfers from Split or Dubrovnik airports (or any other city) directly to the port of embarkation. No stress, no waiting, no shared taxis: a driver awaits you with a sign with your name and takes you comfortably to your destination.

Guided excursions

Do you want to visit Krka National Park with its spectacular waterfalls? Going on a wine tour in the cellars of the island of Hvar? Climb the crater of the volcanic island of Brač? Exploring the Mljet Caves by kayak? We organize guided excursions tailored to your interests.

Exclusive Dinners

We can book tables for you in the best restaurants in Dalmatia (often difficult to obtain), or organize private dinners in exclusive locations: a table set on a deserted beach at sunset, a medieval dinner in a historic castle, an oyster tasting on a traditional farm.

Car or Scooter Rental

Do you want to explore the hinterland of an island independently? We can organize car, scooter or electric bicycle rental, with delivery directly to the port where the gulet is moored.

Pre or Post Cruise Extensions

If you want to spend a few extra days exploring Split, Dubrovnik or Zagreb, we organize stays in selected hotels, with guided city tours, visits to UNESCO sites, gastronomic experiences and everything you desire.

Special Celebrations

Are you celebrating an anniversary, an important birthday, or are you planning a marriage proposal? We can organize on-board decorations, personalized cakes, live musicians, professional photographers, and any other detail to make the moment unforgettable.

---

Who is a Gulet Cruise in Croatia Suitable for?

Couples Looking for Romance

A gulet cruise is the romantic experience par excellence. Imagine waking up hugged by the person you love in a comfortable cabin, having breakfast together on the deck while the sun rises over the sea, diving hand in hand into crystal clear waters, toasting the sunset in a deserted bay, having a candlelit dinner in a medieval village.

Gulets offer the privacy of a private holiday with the comfort of being served by a professional crew. You don’t have to worry about anything: cooking, cleaning, sailing, anchoring. Everything is handled for you, and you can only focus on the person you are with.

Many couples choose the gulet for anniversaries, honeymoons, or simply to reconnect away from everyday stress. It’s a vacation that strengthens bonds, creates lasting memories, and often becomes “that trip” we talk about for years.

Families with children

Families with teenage kids find the gulet to be the perfect formula: parents can relax, kids have space to move around, everyone has their own cabin with private bathroom, and the days offer a perfect mix of activities and relaxation.

The kids love water toys (kayaks, SUPs, toy tubes, snorkeling), exploring new islands every day, and the freedom to dive in whenever they want. Parents appreciate the fact that it is a safe holiday (the commander is always present and alert) but at the same time adventurous.

Plus, the experience of living a week at sea, learning the names of the sails, understanding how navigation works, observing marine life, is incredibly educational without being boring. It is geography, history, biology and culture experienced in the field, not in books.

Note: gulets are less suitable for very young children (under 6-7 years) for safety reasons and travel dynamics.

Groups of Friends

A group of friends (4-6 couples or 8-12 people) can rent an entire gulet and experience an unforgettable week together. It is the perfect formula for important birthdays (40, 50, 60 years), sophisticated stag/hen parties, reunions of old friends, or simply for a group holiday with a difference.

The beauty of renting an entire gulet is that you have the boat all to yourself: choose the itinerary (obviously together with the captain), decide the rhythms, organize themed evenings, bring your favorite music. It’s like having a floating villa with an ever-changing view.

The days pass between swimming, laughing, playing cards on the deck, endless aperitifs at sunset, convivial dinners, and that wonderful feeling of sharing an adventure with the people you love.

Luxury-Oriented Travelers

If you are used to traveling in business class, staying in 5-star hotels, and appreciating impeccable service, the Deluxe and Luxury category gulets are perfect for you.

They offer the same level of comfort and attention to detail that you find in the best resorts, but with an incredible added value: freedom. You are not tied to a hotel, to fixed hours, to crowded restaurants. You are on a private boat that goes wherever you want, with a crew dedicated exclusively to you.

The gourmet cuisine, the elegant cabins, the personalized services (onboard massages, wine tasting, exclusive excursions) make the experience comparable to that of a private yacht, but with the unique charm of the traditional wooden gulet.

Those who want a worry-free holiday

Finally, the gulet is perfect for those who want to completely disconnect: no suitcases to pack and unpack every day, no restaurants to look for, no travel logistics. You only unpack once, in your cabin, and for a week that’s your home.

The crew takes care of everything: navigation, meals, cleaning, anchoring, advice on what to see. You just have to decide whether you want coffee or tea in the morning, and whether you prefer to anchor in that bay or the other. Zero stress, just relaxation and discovery.

---

How to get to Croatia

Croatia is easily reachable from Italy, both by air and by sea.

By plane

The main airports are:

• Split (SPU): the most convenient for cruises in central Dalmatia. Direct flights from Milan, Rome, Venice, Bologna, and many other Italian cities, especially in summer. From the airport to the port it is about 30 minutes by car.

• Dubrovnik (DBV): ideal for cruises in southern Dalmatia or one-way itineraries. Also well connected to Italy. From the airport to the port about 30 minutes.

• Zagreb (ZAG): for those who want to combine a few days in the Croatian capital before or after the cruise. From Zagreb to Split is about 4 hours by car or 5-6 hours by train.

In summer, there are also direct flights to Zadar (for Kornati cruises) and seasonal connections to other destinations.

By Ferry

If you prefer to bring your car (useful for exploring before or after the cruise), there are ferries from:

• Ancona to Split (about 10 hours, comfortable night) or Zadar
• Bari for Dubrovnik

The ferries are comfortable, with cabins for overnight travel, restaurants on board, and the possibility of bringing pets.

By car

Croatia can be reached by car from Italy via Trieste (Slovenian border) in a few hours. From Trieste to:

• Pula (Istria): 1.5 hours
• Zadar: 4 hours
• Split: 6 hours
• Dubrovnik: 8-9 hours

Croatian motorways are modern and well maintained, but there is a charge (around €20-30 Trieste-Split).

Private Transfers

We organize private transfers from any airport or city to the port of embarkation. It is the most comfortable solution: no waiting, luggage loaded directly into the car, possibility of stopping for photos or breaks, and relaxed arrival at the gulet.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to book for? The standard duration is 7 days / 7 nights (embarkation Saturday afternoon, disembarkation Saturday morning). It is also possible to organize 14-day cruises to explore more areas.

Can I rent the entire gulet or do I have to share it? It depends on your choice. You can:

• Rent the entire gulet for your group (4-16 people)
• Book individual cabins and share with other guests (“cabin charter” formula)

I get seasick: is it a problem? The Adriatic is a very calm sea, especially in summer. Gulets are wide and stable boats. Furthermore, we sail mainly during the day and always sleep at anchor in protected bays. Seasickness is very rare, but bring anti-nausea patches or bracelets for safety.

Can I choose the itinerary? The itinerary is agreed with the captain based on: your preferences, weather conditions, currents, and safety. You have a say, but the final decision lies with the commander (by experience and responsibility).

Is there air conditioning? Yes, all cabins have air conditioning. It works when the generator is on (almost always during the day, and some hours in the evening/night).

How does the meal service work? The chef prepares breakfast and lunch on board included in the price (or breakfast and dinner, depending on agreements). Meals not included (usually dinners) are free: you can dine on land in the restaurants or ask the chef to prepare something on board (with a supplement for the ingredients).

We highly recommend travel insurance that covers unexpected cancellations.

---

Book your dream cruise now

If you’ve come this far, you already know: a gulet cruise in Croatia is what you need. It’s that vacation you’ve been waiting for, the one that will allow you to slow down, breathe, reconnect with what really matters.

It’s time to dive into waters so clear you can see fish meters deep. To fall asleep lulled by the waves in a bay where it’s just you. To wake up and see, from your cabin window, a new island every morning. Of walking through white stone alleys in medieval villages where time seems to have stopped. To toast the sunset with the people you love, while the sun dives into the Adriatic, dyeing everything gold.

Croatia awaits you. Your gulet is ready. The Adriatic is calling.

When are you sailing?

See available gulets →

---

Contact us for information and quotes

We have specialized in gulet cruises in Croatia for over 15 years. We personally know every gulet in our fleet, every commander, every corner of the Dalmatian coast.

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a group vacation, or simply looking for the experience of a lifetime, we’re here to help you build the perfect cruise for you.

Contact us today for a custom quote, up-to-date availability, and to answer any questions you may have.

Cabins fill up quickly, especially for June and September (the best months). Don’t wait: your gulet is already waiting for you in a port in Dalmatia, ready to take you on a journey you will remember forever.

---

“The sea has been the same since before man could even sail by boat. It is unchanging while reminding us, with every sunrise, that our time here is precious.”

The Croatian Islands by Gulet: It’s Not Just a Cruise. It’s a Homecoming You Didn’t Know You Were Looking For.

We are waiting for you on board. ⚓🇭🇷