Where the Crowds Aren’t: Adriatic Cruising Secrets from Seasoned Captains

Finding a quiet corner on the Adriatic is getting harder. The season lasts longer than ever, and the number of boats at sea often exceeds the capacity of even the best-equipped marinas. This is particularly true in charters where guests want to ‘see everything’ within a week holidays. Still, there are ways to avoid the stress, chaos, and crowds – and the key lies in the knowledge, experience, and clever tactics of seasoned captains.

The Captain's Knowledge

It is normal that guests visiting Croatia for the first time want to see Split and Dubrovnik or Hvar and Korčula, the same as they want to see Eiffel Tower when they visit Paris for the first time. Experienced charter Captains easily combine the must-see and peaceful anchorages, knowing that a well-thought-out plan is half the voyage, and a smart suggestion to the guests can save an entire day. 

While routes are typically chosen by the guests, it’s the captains who work behind the scenes – rerouting from congested areas and steering towards quieter, hidden spots – without anyone ever feeling like they’ve missed out. It is worth mentioning that our sources have thousand miles and hundreds of weeks under their belt, with many happy guests who return to Croatia thanks to them.

For this text we spoke with Ratko Tomić (Amada Mia, Split), Mate Krečak (Cloud 9, Dubrovnik), Mateo Koceić (Karisma, Baška Voda), Marino Koceić (Orlando L, Split) and Josip Borozan (Hope I, Kaštela) .

So, we asked them:

When do they suggest an alternative? How do they manage guest expectations in peak traffic? And what tricks do they use to keep the yacht – and its guests – cruising smoothly?

When Everyone Heads Left – You Turn Right

The biggest challenge often starts with route planning. Guests frequently arrive with a fixed wishlist – docking in Hvar, anchoring in Komiža, dining in Korčula’s Old Town. But peak season reality can be very different.

“We always try to avoid crowds whenever possible. In high season, that’s challenging, but we suggest lesser-known spots that are just as attractive,” explains Mateo Radonić from M/Y Karisma. “We often visit the more popular ports on Fridays or Saturdays, when they’re less busy.”

Other captains take a similar approach. Captain Marino Koceić of Orlando L says he always considers guest’s age and mood when suggesting quieter alternatives near their desired locations. “They always end up loving it – it’s just a matter of knowing when and where to go,” he adds.

The Secret Isn’t Just the Location – It’s the Timing

Avoiding crowds involves more than just picking a less-known bay. Timing your arrival, booking in advance, and staying flexible are essential parts of the strategy.

“I book most of the route ahead and stick to agreed times with dockhands. I often tip them as well to make things go smoother,” reveals Marino. On board Hope I, Captain Josip Borozan adds: “The safest way is to make a reservation and explain to guests that we need to arrive early if they want a berth at the quay.”

Captain Ratko Tomić of Amada Mia takes another route: “I do longer travel in the first few days to avoid the biggest crowds – that gives us more freedom later on.”

Weather and Wind Shape the Route

Out at sea, weather can turn plans upside down in a heartbeat – which is where experience makes all the difference.

“If the forecast shows a few days of maestral, we sail from Vis toward Korčula, with the wind at our back. If it’s jugo, we go the other way – from Korčula to Vis,” says Mateo. Guests often don’t even notice the route change, but skippers know that wind can be the difference between a smooth cruise and a rough day.

Captain Mato Krečak of Cloud 9 confirms: “It always depends on the moment and the situation. We adapt to everything.”

Anchorages You Won’t Find on Instagram

Every experienced skipper has their personal list of “secret” locations – secluded bays and anchorages that aren’t on trending travel lists but often leave the strongest impression.

“We often take guests to hidden bays that aren’t well-known, but are absolutely stunning and relaxing,” says Mateo. Ratko recalls how one group wanted to see the Blue Cave, but ended up on the island of Sušac instead: “They loved it – no regrets.”

Captain Mato shares a similar story: “I took a very well-known guest to a quiet bay with a restaurant. He liked it so much that we returned there three times during a ten-day cruise.”

Sometimes Improvisation Is the Best Plan

Ultimately, all captains agree – the best moments often happen off-plan. “Guests usually arrive wanting only the famous destinations, but once we suggest something different, it often becomes the highlight of their trip,” says Mateo. Marino adds: “After a few days, once they trust the crew, they’re happy to go with our suggestions – and they’re never disappointed.”

On today’s Adriatic – filled with anchoring alerts, drones, and competition for moorings – true luxury isn’t just the size of your yacht. Luxury is time, space, and the feeling that you’re far away from it all. And if you’re lucky enough to cruise with a captain who knows where to find that peace – then you’re exactly where you should be.