The Adriatic offers a range of activities and excursions that can lift your experience of a luxury yacht to a whole new level. Below we suggest unforgettable experiences that will turn your route into a journey to remember
Nowadays, luxury sailing on the Adriatic entails more than just staying on deck; it is an expression of lifestyle and the search for authentic experiences. Guests who enjoy private and charter yachts are increasingly looking for experiences and yacht activities that connect them with nature, local culture, and an active lifestyle. With input from experienced professionals, here is our list of the most coveted experiences and excursions that you can add to your itinerary.
Private Excursions: Personalize Your Adriatic Experience
Private City Tours
Charterers increasingly opt for private tours through historic Croatian cities, where luxury entails having space and time for yourself. Instead of rushing through the streets, guests choose carefully curated walks in the quietest parts of the day: Dubrovnik in the early morning, Hvar bathed in golden light, Trogir and Šibenik with stories of hidden courtyards.
In Split, for example, a private tour can be organized for the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace, with entrance to the Cathedral of Saint Domnius and the Temple of Jupiter, all with a local guide bringing layers of history to life with subtle charm. These are not just tours – they are soulful experiences, crafted to be remembered.
Wine Tours
Enogastronomy is increasingly used by wine lovers to enrich the luxury experience, turning sailing into a journey through regional flavors. Guests gladly sail into the picturesque bays of the Pelješac peninsula to taste the world famous wines among the stone terraces overlooking the sea in the central part of the peninsula. On Korčula, they can discover the freshness of Pošip, and what to say when you come to place like Sv. Nedjelja or Jelsa on Hvar?
Tastings can be organized privately, accompanied by a sommelier or winemaker, often in cellars, among vineyards, or on terraces immersed in the landscape. Pairing with local delicacies – cheese, prosciutto, olive oil – further emphasizes authenticity. More than just a wine tour, this is an experience that combines pleasure, culture, and landscape in an unforgettable moment.
Yacht Activities That Go Beyond the Deck
Romantic Setup in Private Locations
Romantic setups on isolated beaches or viewpoints above the sea are increasingly in demand among guests who want an intimate, specially curated experience. They’re perfect for celebrating love, birthdays, or simply – life. Dinners for two or a family can be organized with an elegantly set table, white tablecloths, candles, and quiet lighting.
If you wish, a private chef or catering with an emphasis on local ingredients can be provided. A more relaxed alternative is a luxurious picnic – with blankets, pillows, and chilled drinks, ideal for sunsets. All locations and elements are agreed in advance, in line with logistics, privacy, and weather conditions.
In a Saddle by The Sea
Brač boasts one of the most special activities for nature and animal lovers – horseback riding through olive groves, rocky fields, and paths that lead to the sea. Above Supetar, on a ranch surrounded by nature, lies a unique experience – horseback riding along the sea and swimming with horses in crystal-clear waters.
Tours are adapted to all levels of experience, and meeting the horses often turns into a quiet, intuitive moment of connection. This is ideal if you’re looking for a combination of authentic nature, softness, and experiences to remember for a long time.
Panoramic helicopter flights
A panoramic helicopter flight reveals the Adriatic from a completely new perspective. Get away from the hustle and bustle and soar up, where you can only hear the air flow, and the island shapes against the hypnotic blue sea create scenes that you’ll never forget.
Flights depart from Split, Hvar, and Bol, and include spectacular sights: Zlatni Rat, Pakleni islands, Vis, and secluded coves accessible only from above. This is perfect for anyone looking for seclusion, freedom, and unobstructed views.
Diving
Charter-enriching experiences aren’t always located on the surface. Some of the most special ones can be accessed right from the deck, with the sea below hiding another, quieter world. Probably the best spot is Komiža, with its dramatic underwater, shipwrecks and caves, stands out as the ultimate destination for private diving.
Private dives are organized with licensed instructors and are suitable for all levels of experience, from beginners to experienced divers. Immersion into the silence becomes a moment of complete presence. A silence that speaks louder than words.
Military tour Vis
The island of Vis was closed to the public for a long time due to its military purpose. Today, those locations are precisely the ones guests looking for unusual stories are interested in. The military tour includes a visit to underground tunnels, missile bases, radars, and viewpoints overlooking the open sea. This is accompanied by a guide who reveals historical and strategic details. Educational, exciting, and different – ideal if you’re looking for authentic experiences beyond the clichés.
Outdoor activities
Along with the sea and the sun, guests are increasingly taking to an active outdoor stay. Options include electric bicycles for inland tours, as well as guided bicycle tours in the Dalmatian hinterland – for example, along the source of the Ruda river and the old mills. Windsurfing in Viganj on Pelješac offers exceptional conditions for all levels of experience, while rafting and canyoning on Cetina offer an adrenaline-filled adventure through the pristine river valley, including extreme versions for those looking for more thrill.
There are also quad and jeep safaris through the Dalmatian hinterland with breathtaking views. Each of these activities encompasses top-notch logistics, equipment, and guides, providing the perfect contrast to relaxation on a yacht.
Text Trešnja Ferić Koludrović
Photos AlmaBura, HTZ / Julien Duval, Ivan Šardi, Wild Brač, Permansio & Robert Matić
