What makes SailWeek different from the other companies
Croatia is one of the most beautiful countries I’ve ever been to, and the best way to explore it is by yacht!
SailWeek will take you to secluded bays, hidden gems and to the best scenic hot spots all around Croatia while meeting and sailing with other travellers who will soon become your SailWeek family.
Here are some of my impressions from Adventure SailWeek.
Larger wooden boats vs. sailboats
You get to explore the best parts of Croatia
Travelling on yachts really allows you to experience Croatia in a whole new way! How many times can you say you’ve travelled around a country for a week on a yacht? Many other companies use larger boats to get around Croatia which stops them from exploring some of the “hard for ships to access” unique, secluded parts of Croatia.
You’ll travel with up to 5 yachts to so many beautiful places that other travellers don’t get to see, and trust me, you want to see these places!
On Adventure SailWeek, you’ll visit Split, Solta, Vis, Palmizana Island, Hvar, Korcula, Miljet, Sipan and Dubrovnik all in 7 days! All of these islands are known for different things and you’ll be experiencing the best of the Croatian culture, nightlife, scenery and adventure!
You actually get to sail
Environmentally friendly company
Yap, that’s right. A lot of the bigger ships/wooden boats with their aesthetic masts and sails are not designed to sail with the power of wind. They are big massive ships that solely rely on fossil fuels to move. Hugely more environmental damage compared to sailboats/yachts. I’m not saying that sailboats don’t use engines, but you get to sail part of the time and when the yachts are using their smaller diesel engines they use a fraction of what those larger gas guzzling boats do.
You are closer to water
Feel the sea
Spending a week on a sailboat is more intimate than spending it on a big ship full of people. You are always closer to water and feel at one with the sea. This may sound funny but the feelings and benefits you get by being close to the sea are similar to what you get from meditating, it brings balance to your journey.
Everything is included
No hidden costs
By everything, I mean everything. There’s nothing worse than going on a trip and being blindsided by all the extras you need to pay for. I’m talking fuel, port fees, bottled water, groceries for breakfast and lunch, snorkeling gear. This year they added something extra on premium yachts – free water taxi, cabin fans and bike rentals on Mljet. Generally all you need to worry about on a SailWeek trip is alcohol, dinners and personal spend. BTW all SailWeek yachts in Croatia have Wi-Fi!
You know, for your mid-ocean Instagram upload just to make sure everyone back home knows you’re having the time of your life.
There are so many ways you can explore the Islands!
SailWeek gives you options
Sure, travelling on a yacht to every island is pretty awesome, but it’s what you do on the islands that will bring it to the next level! You can explore the islands by foot, buggy, jeep, cycle, kayak, snorkel or scooter or just do nothing and live like a local!
Kayaking through Mljet National Park is one of the highlights! Photos does not give this green oasis justice!Every island is roughly a 2 and a half hour sail away. This means you’ll have more time to explore the islands and discover the breathtaking places the islands have to offer! You’ll explore the fortress on Korcula, hike to the lookout on Hvar to watch the golden sunset as well swim in the hidden coves and secluded bays along the coast.
There’s no Alcohol Tax!
Yes, that’s right! BYOB
This was one of the biggest reasons why I chose SailWeek! On other yachts and boats that do similar routes, you either need to pay a tax for the alcohol that you bring on the yacht or you can only buy drinks from the onboard bar. This can leave you with a pretty hefty bill to pay at the end of the sail.
You become so close with the other people on the yacht that you share your food and drinks! This is what we did: each group would buy something different and bring it back to the yacht. So, one group bought spirits, another group bought beer and another bought wine and when we put it all together, we had a huge variety to choose from (and it lasted us a few days). When you buy your alcohol from the supermarket or alcohol shop, it’s so much cheaper — which also means you can drink on the yacht before going out to the club that night and save some cash!
Immerse yourself in the local culture and food + wine
Food is amazing – from budget to high end options
Croatia is known for its food! If you like your food you will have plenty to choose from. If you want something delicious, fast and cheap grab a burek from the local bakery for breakfast, cevapi for lunch, fresh fish for dinner and some palacinke (pancakes) for deserts. Get to experience one of the best wine tastings with an array of handpicked, local wine while watching the sunset. I could go on forever about the local food and wine, but it is best that you try them yourself.
You’ll meet amazing like minded people
SailWeek friends become family
If you’re going in a smaller group, you’ll be travelling on a yacht with other people you haven’t met before and it’s one of the best experiences. You and your new travel buddies become a family. You all help to clean up when there’s a mess after cooking and the person with the spray-on coconut sunscreen becomes everyone’s best friend!
Not only will you travel with 8 other people on your yacht, but you’ll also be travelling with other SailWeek yachts full of people who share the same passion for exploration and adventure as
Your Skipper is part of the group
Skipper and a tour guide in one
Most SailWeek skippers are local Croatians and they go above and beyond to make sure you’re getting the most out of their country.
The skippers on other sail companies just sail the yacht or boat and leave you to do everything else on your own, similar to bus drivers. SailWeek skippers become part of your SailWeek family. They’ll take you to the best bars for drinks, take you to their favourite restaurants and they will even come with you to explore the island. Pretty much double as tour guide. They’ll teach you how to sail the boat while giving you a little cultural history lesson. I bet you didn’t know they made the White House in Washington DC with the white stone from the Island of Brac?
Travelling the Adriatic sea by yacht is an experience by itself. Adding the activities is the icing on the cake.
You’ll be fully immersed in their culture while exploring Croatia with your new SailWeek family!
You can follow Monique’s travel adventures on Instagram at @moniquelombardo
Questions?
If you have any questions you can always contact our SailWeek information center.
