Private sailing at Makarska Riviera: Helm and swim

A day steering your own course: sailing, swimming, and the skipper's choice of stops

A private sailing trip on the Makarska Riviera where you and up to eight others have exclusive use of a 12-meter Bavaria Cruiser, decide the route with the skipper, and can take the helm yourself. The boat departs from Tucepi around 10:00 AM and runs for seven hours. Sparkling wine, water, fruit and fuel for two hours are included, and you can stop in small bays for swimming or visit a restaurant.

The experience

What makes this different from a shared sailing tour is that nobody else boards the boat. You control where the day goes. The skipper navigates and handles the technical work, but if you want to take the helm and feel the sail respond to the wind, you can. Over sparkling wine, the skipper explains how sailing actually works and answers whatever questions come up. The boat is a Bavaria Cruiser 40, 12 meters long with 82 square meters of sail, built to handle the Adriatic swells without fuss.

The day starts at the port in Tucepi around 10:00 AM and runs seven hours. You decide the route (the skipper will suggest destinations if you want them), and the boat stops in small bays whenever you want to swim and float. You can bring your own food and cook on board, or anchor near a restaurant and eat ashore. Water, soda, fruit and one bottle of sparkling wine come with the booking. Snorkeling equipment can be rented for €7 per day if anyone wants to look below the surface.

The skipper speaks English, German or Croatian, so language is not a barrier to understanding what is happening or asking questions. Bring sunscreen and swimwear. The sun on the water is relentless and the Adriatic stays cold even in summer. Public transport runs near the Tucepi port if you are staying elsewhere on the Riviera and do not have a car.

What’s included

• Exclusive use of the Bavaria Cruiser 40 for seven hours.
• skipper and fuel for two hours.
• one bottle of sparkling wine.
• drinking water, soda and fresh fruit.
• stops in small bays for swimming.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 27 May 2027

Book up to10h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, German and Croatian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 193

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Butterfly Diving

Is this one for you?Book this if you want hands-on sailing experience with a skipper who teaches. You'll steer and learn rather than watch from a deck chair, and the private boat means you choose the route and pace without other passengers.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, German and Croatian.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I actually steer the boat myself, or does the skipper do all the sailing?

The skipper will let you take the helm if you want to. It is part of the day. The skipper handles the technical work and keeps the boat safe, but steering the boat in the wind is something you can learn and do yourself over the course of the morning.

What happens if the weather turns bad or the wind drops?

The boat carries fuel for two hours of motoring, so if the wind dies or conditions shift, you can motor to a bay or back to port. The skipper reads the conditions and makes the call on what is safe and what the day allows.

Is lunch included, or do I need to bring food?

Lunch is not included, but you can bring your own food and prepare it on board, or the boat can anchor near a restaurant where you eat ashore. Sparkling wine, water, soda and fruit are provided.

How many people can fit on the boat?

The boat holds up to eight passengers plus the skipper, so you can bring seven friends or family members and have the boat to yourselves for the day.

Where does the boat leave from, and how do I get there?

The boat departs from the port of Tucepi around 10:00 AM. Public transportation runs near the port. If you need a transfer from your hotel, the operator can arrange one. Contact them directly to set it up.

What should I bring besides sunscreen and swimwear?

Bring sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel. If you want to snorkel, rent equipment on board for €7 per day. Any food or drinks beyond what is provided should be brought with you.