Sailing Rovinj on a handcrafted boat: Swim and snorkel

Handcrafted wooden boat, homemade wine and tapas, and a skipper who grew up sailing these waters

A private sailing tour around Rovinj's islands on a wooden boat built over 13 years by hand, skippered by a professional sailor born in town. You anchor at one island to swim, snorkel, paddleboard or rest. The boat serves homemade Istrian tapas and Pulpa wine. The tour runs 3.5 hours and includes snorkelling gear, stand-up paddle equipment, beach towels, and pickup. English, Portuguese, Italian and Croatian spoken on board.

The experience

The boat itself is the draw here. Pulpa (a wooden sailboat handcrafted between 1990 and 2003) carries the mark of its builder, Romy's father, who spent 13 years on the project as a labor of passion. Today it's skippered by Romy, a professional sailor who grew up in Rovinj and learned the water from her father's six decades of sailing experience. The boat is still maintained with the same care it took to build it, and stepping aboard means you're sailing on something genuinely rare: a vessel made by hand, not mass-produced.

The route circles Katerina Island, Figarola and Sv. Ivan, with the skipper choosing one island to anchor at for a swim stop. Once there, you can snorkel, try stand-up paddling, or simply float and watch the coast. The skipper shares stories about the local area and sailing itself: practical tips you can actually use if you're curious, or just background if you'd rather sit quiet. Snorkelling gear and paddleboards are on board, along with beach towels.

On board, the kitchen serves homemade Istrian tapas paired with Pulpa wine, a house wine made to complement the regional food. Fruit and bottled water round out the spread. The whole experience is framed as private and exclusive: the moment you step on the boat, you're part of a family operation, not a commercial tour group. If you want a longer sail, the operators invite you to message them directly.

What’s included

• Snorkelling equipment and stand-up paddle board.
• homemade Istrian tapas and Pulpa wine, plus fruit and bottled water.
• beach towels.
• professional skipper.
• fuel surcharge.
• hotel pickup.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Jun 2027

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Italian, Portuguese and Croatian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Demanding physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Sailing Pulpa

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a private sailing experience with a skipper who knows these waters intimately, rather than a larger group tour. The boat's handcrafted nature and the family's personal connection to Rovinj make this feel like sailing with locals who happen to take guests aboard, not a commercial operation.

Traveler reviews

4.99★★★★★★★★★★

182 verified traveler reviews

5 ★181

4 ★1

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Italian, Portuguese 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.

How long is the sailing tour around Rovinj?

The tour runs 3.5 hours, starting with a sail around Katerina Island, Figarola and Sv. Ivan, then anchoring at one island for a swim and snorkel stop before returning.

What can I do when the boat anchors at the island?

You can snorkel with provided equipment, try stand-up paddling, swim, or simply rest on deck and soak up the sun while the skipper shares local stories.

Who skippers the boat?

Romy, a professional skipper born and raised in Rovinj, captains the boat. She learned sailing from her father, who has over six decades of sailing experience and built the boat by hand.

What food and drink are served on board?

Homemade Istrian tapas are paired with Pulpa wine, a house wine made by the family. Fruit and bottled water are also included.

Is pickup included, or do I need to get to the boat myself?

Pickup is included in the tour, so you don't need to arrange your own transport to the boat.