How to Make the Most of Your Week at Sea: According to Our Guests

When it comes to sailing Croatia, there’s a big difference between reading about the experience and actually living it. With so much content out there from influencers, tour companies, and travel agents, it’s easy to get a skewed picture of what to expect. The truth is that spending a week at sea along the Croatian coast is one of the most memorable and meaningful travel experiences you can have, but it helps to be prepared.

We asked past guests to share the tips they wish they’d known before their trip, and the small details that made the biggest impact once they were on board. If you’re planning your first (or next) week at sea, here’s what they want you to know.

Guest Packing Tips 

“I packed like I was going to Mykonos. Total mistake. I lived in the same two swimsuits and a linen shirt the whole week.”  (USA)

 

“Soft luggage only. We had to climb into the cabin and lift our suitcase onto the bed and fit into small boat storage spaces. I suggest duffle bags. ” (USA)

 

“Bring a nice outfit or two for nights out in the port towns, but nothing fancy. Stick to sun dresses and forget heels. Lots of walking on cobblestone streets. For men, shorts and button up shirts”  (Canada) 

 

“Get a Turkish towel. It dries faster than a regular beach towel and doesn’t take up much space.” (Australia)

The Experience

“Take advantage of your skipper’s local knowledge. Ours knew the best secret bays, swim stops, restaurants, bars, tours… If we only experienced what we saw online (blue lagoon or stiniva) we would be very dissapointed.” (Poland) 

 

“It helps to be flexible. One night, we changed our plans last minute and anchored in a bay instead of going into town. Best night of the trip. ” (USA)

 

“We loved island hopping but our favourite memories were just sitting on deck during navigation and having drinks in the sun. It was beautiful to have no where to be and nothing to do. Just open sea and my favourite people”  (Canada) 

 

“Skinny dip under the stars” (Poland)

First-Time Sailing Advice

“Bring ginger chewables if you have a light sensitivity to sea sickness or medication like Dramamine if it’s heavy. Personally I felt a bit queasy the first day, but it passed. Don’t let the fear of seasickness stop you.” (Canada)

 

“If you’re bringing a camera, pack a waterproof pouch and a soft cloth cause salt spray gets everywhere. Also: backup battery!”  (USA)

“Careful with putting drinks on surfaces. Sailboats move more than you think. I ended up with a coffee in my lap.” (Australia)

 

“Help raise the sails or drop the anchor if the crew lets you. It’s fun and it makes you feel like part of the team.” (Poland) 

Every trip is different, but these little insights tend to come up again and again. The magic of sailing Croatia isn’t just the places you go, it’s how you feel while you’re getting there.

Let go a little. Pack light. Say yes to the detour. And maybe bring the ginger chews, just in case.

Have your own tip to share? Send it to us or tag us in your favourite onboard moment.