Overall it was wonderful. The full group of passengers were amazing and Croatia is stunning. Our hikes were beautiful. Our cabin was quite small and very damp. Our clothes and towels never felt dry. We were thankful that it was cool and quieter during the night when parked next to party boats, though it was a bit noisy when the engines started in the morning. We thought the food was quite good. In sum, great experience and would choose a bit nicer ship next time.
- Anonymous, 17/06/2026 09:59, Travelled in a Couple
The ship Emanuel is a well renovated 1955 small passenger ship with maximizing passenger carrying at expense of cabin space. The ship is rated standard when the brochure said Premier grade for the hiking cruise. Food was unimaginative but acceptable and drinks overpriced. Tea and coffee should be freely available during the day. The cabin was clean with a hard and lumpy bed, noise from outside was a problem at times as we were on the corridor connecting other ships alongside and music was often loud but finished at 11pm. Crew and guides were friendly and helpful but more info on the history and other information about the places visited would be good. The cruise itself visited some wonderful places and i wouldn't have missed it but things could have been done better.
- Graham, 15/06/2026 16:24, Travelled in a Couple
Hi Graham, Thank you for sharing your feedback. We're pleased to hear you enjoyed the itinerary and the wonderful destinations visited, as well as the service provided by our crew and guides. Emanuel is classified within our Premier Ship category, offering amenities such as private ensuite bathrooms and air-conditioned cabins. As a traditionally built vessel, cabin sizes and layouts differ from ship to ship. For guests seeking a higher level of onboard comfort and space, we also offer our Premier Plus ship category vessels. Regarding the noise, the ports we visit operate under their own local regulations and curfews, and activity from neighbouring vessels can occasionally be beyond our control. We appreciate your comments regarding the food, onboard amenities, and guided commentary, and will take these into consideration as we continue to improve our guest experience.
We loved seeing the Dalmation Islands, the beautiful walks and we enjoyed the public areas of the boat, Emanuel. However in the small cabin the bed was hard and lumpy. The addition of decent mattress toppers would be an easy fix and a big improvement. While I appreciate limited galley space, the food could be easily improved with forethought. For example for vegetarians a homemade lentil and spinach soup would be a simple and massive improvement on powdered mushroom soup. The salads were very basic; lettuce in a bowl and likewise could be upgraded with a few extras and with the addition of, for example, cooked potatoes chick peas with decent bread would have been a nicer main course than fried vege fritters from a packet. One day we had lunch of potato crocquettes with potato and vege fritters and chips, all from a packet, all fried! Breakfasts were good with nice vege choice. Bar a bit pricey. Tea and coffee all day should be included for the price of the holiday.
- Anonymous, 15/06/2026 16:02, Travelled in a Couple
The tour guides were excellent! Very organized and friendly-always on time. Food was more than we expected and all very tasty. The crew were also engaging and communicated very well the plan for each day.
- Lisa, 15/06/2026 15:47, Travelled with Family
I wouldn’t ever sail on the standard of boat used on this trip because the cabins were pretty much all of a low standard in one way or another. Additionally noise at night was a significant issue, due to tie ups in harbour. Sleep quality on the boat was poor and the cabin air conditioning caused throat problems. The tipping expectations for staff on this boat of about 20% of the cost of the trip were ridiculous. No one tipped that much, Other people on the boat great fun. Ilona was a very good hike leader. Food on board ok to good, but why no menu for the week or choices? Would go to Croatia again but on a land based tour. The hikes were worth doing. None of our friends would tolerate the standard of boat so wouldn’t recommend to anyone.
- Anonymous, 15/06/2026 04:16, Travelled in a Couple
Hi there, Thank you for your 3-Star review and for taking the time to leave your feedback. It is great to hear that you enjoyed the company of your fellow travellers and that Ilona was a very good hike leader. We will be sure to pass on your comments to Ilona. We are also pleased to hear that the food onboard was good. As per our website our guests enjoy a 3 course lunch daily which received a high score of 4.67 out of 5 from your particular departure. We could't agree more that the hikes are worth doing. Our Hike cruises certainly do allow you to completely immerse yourself in the beautiful nature of this country and year after year these type of holidays are becoming more and more popular. We are however sorry to hear that you didn't enjoy certain aspects of the ship and thank you for your feedback received during the week and after the cruise. We understand you tried to book our Luxury Hike cruise which unfortunately was sold out - and this somewhat left you disappointed with your Premier ship experience. We would like to highlight that the feedback collected from our guests at the end of the cruise resulted in an outstanding overall score for the ship of 4.79 out of 5. Thank you for sharing your comments regarding the noise in port. It is correct that all the ships - as with any tour operator in Croatia - are moored up in the harbours at night. As is the case with any type of cruise and group travel, one must expect a certain degree of noise - whether from onboard social activity, natural sounds and mechanics of being on a ship as well as the surrounding people from other ships. As outlined in our pre-departure documentation and guest App, tipping is entirely optional. The crew onboard our ships are paid fairly for their work; however, gratuities are a widely recognised way for guests to acknowledge exceptional service. Many guests choose to leave a tip as a gesture of appreciation, however this is always at each individual's discretion. Thank you once again for travelling with us.
Amazing holiday! The food, the hiking, the boat, and the staff were all exceptional. One of the highlights for us was swimming off of the back of the boat.
- Karen, 09/06/2026 03:56, Travelled with Family
We really enjoyed our week on Aphradita. Sasha and Natasha were great hosts and guides. The hiking was perfect - the week was a perfect balance of activity and down time. Would recommend.
- Sandra, 05/06/2026 20:39, Travelled in a Couple
We really enjoyed our sail and hike trip on the Dalmation coastal islands. The trip was very well organised with great communication and leadership from beginning to end. The ship crew were friendly and helpful. Our tour leaders Natasha and Sasa were fantastic. Friendly, kind, and patient; genuinely good people. The structure of the trip was great, with flexibility to handle preferences from the group. We ended up hiking early and swimming late because it was already warm. The level of hikes were challenging without being exhausting. Definitely suitable for moderately experienced hikers and a reasonable fitness level. Happily everyone listened to the leaders well and there were no issues at all during the stay. Just a great fun time and the best way to see the islands. We would definitely do it again if our bucket list was shorter.
- Steve, 04/06/2026 14:24, Travelled with Family
My cruise of the Dalmatian coast on the Salve di Mare was absolutely wonderful! I loved the hikes, swims in the Adriatic, exploring a new village or town at each stop, and just hanging out with the other passengers, who quickly became friends. The crew was warm and friendly and the service was excellent. Our tour guide Nikos and hike guide Ilona made every day a fun adventure. I would highly recommend this tour!
- Mary, 03/06/2026 21:37, Travelled in a Couple
We enjoyed 7 days of beauty, history, hiking, and wonderful service! The staff of Salve di Mare were top notch. Markos, Vlaho, Julia, Nikos, Illona, the chef and sous chef were all extraordinary. They were friendly, attentive, and well-organized. The deck hands kept them "ship shape," constantly cleaning or anticipating our next move. The daily breakfast buffet and 3-course lunch were top notch; thank goodness we were hiking so much. I recommend Sail Croatia's "Luxury Hiking Cruise" wholeheartedly. It more than met my expectations!
- Anonymous, 03/06/2026 10:44, Travelled in a Couple
It was a fabulous experience at the Sail Croatia hike cruise.Both Natasha and Sasha took utmost care to make sure we thoroughly enjoyed the hike and gave us a good insight about the history and importance of different places.Peter was so attentive while serving us and made sure to get us r chillies as we r from India to keep up with r palate.the entire crew were the best and Afrodita boat was clean and spacious to accommodate all of us very comfortably.thank u Sasha for the pictures and Natasha for being so kind
- Anusha, 01/06/2026 18:24, Travelled in a Couple
We had a fantastic hiking cruise from Dubrovnik to Split (and many stops along the way). The trip was very well organized. The guide and crew were incredible. I highly recommend Sail Croatia.
- Sean, 01/06/2026 11:01, Travelled in a Couple
This was a great, varied cruise. The food was amazing, the sights wonderful and the culture is fantastic.
- Trent, 01/06/2026 00:46, Travelled with Family
Mario and Matilda were amazing. They were personable and patient and they were attuned to our needs as hikers. The food was delicious and the Chef was delightful. We are vegetarians/pescatarian eaters and he was so very accommodating and creative. The hikes were lovely and challenged us but provided the most unbelievable vistas of Croatia. The ship, Mali Ante, was clean and stable due to the Captain's skill at maneuvering the ship. Special mention to Ivan in the dining hall. He was always pleasing and cheerful and his service was impeccable. Croatia is a beautiful country made more so by the staff of Sail Croatia. Thanks!
- Earl, 25/05/2026 12:32, Travelled in a Couple
Great vacation and The sail tour was the highlight.
- Angela, 25/05/2026 04:39, Travelled in a Couple
It was a top experience and a great value. Accommodations were good, food was fantastic. Most of all the staff was first rate and really worked hard to accommodate guests needs. Good balance of easy and more challenging hikes, lots of free time, and swimming opportunities. Loved it. Would recommend to anyone who likes to see lots and keep moving.
- Paul, 25/05/2026 04:13, Travelled with Family
I absolutely loved our time on Sail Croatia! All staff were kind and professional and I will definitely recommend this to everyone! I would also come again!
- Anonymous, 25/05/2026 04:03, Travelled with Family
It was the perfect blend of relaxation on board and moderately challenging hikes. The Salve di Mare was spacious and comfortable, our cabin was cosy and well equipped, the food was amazing, and the crew were lovely. Our hiking guide and tour manager were excellent. It was a great holiday - not cheap, but worth the money.
- Sue, 24/05/2026 14:40, Travelled in a Couple
One of the best holidays I've had. Great location, super ship, wonderful crew and guides whose organisational skills made sure everything was very smooth. The ample and excellent food complimented the week. The best compliment is to say I'd love to do it all again.
- Anonymous, 22/05/2026 12:47, Travelled in a Couple
An unforgettable trip! The sail & hike itinerary from Dubrovnik to Split was expertly led by Mate and Saša, whose love and pride for Croatia shone through every story and hike. They were informative, entertaining, and perfectly balanced. The islands were stunning with crystal-clear waters, charming villages, and breathtaking views from clifftop vantage points. On board, the food was fresh and generous, cabins surprisingly spacious and spotless, and the crew professional and welcoming throughout, with Marko and Vlaho taking excellent care of us all week. Will hopefully return to experience a different Sail Croatia itinerary!
- Kim, 20/05/2026 09:32, Travelled in a Couple
What an incredible week. Our guides were fabulous. The boat crew were kind and helpful. We loved the island hikes and sights. We've never been on an organized cruise and are so happy we made this decision!
- Anonymous, 20/05/2026 07:45, Travelled with Family
Wonderfully relaxing trip. Lots of things to see and explore. Easy to be as active as you want
- Larry, 20/05/2026 07:40, Travelled with Family
Had a fantastic week on Mali Ante with our guides Mario and Matilda who worked together professionally to manage our group. We had some challenging weather for our hikes which did cause some plans to change, but all was done with our safety and comfort in mind. I would highly recommend this 1 week sailing trip.
- Anonymous, 19/05/2026 15:23, Travelled in a Couple
It was a really good holiday. Mario and Matilda were excellent guides the crew the Cook and the Captain were really helpful and really good people. People the only fault I could find was most boats I’ve been on have free tea, coffee available and afternoon snacks the places us we visited and the hiking that we went on we made all the easier by the crew and the tour guides we both really enjoyed it. The tip situation where we were supposed to have a blank envelope so it was at Unknown what cabin the tips came from did not happen the envelope had everyone’s room number on and name. I really feel like this needs clarifying from yourselves as you have already said the staff are well paid and tipping is optional and the amounts that were suggested from yourselves for per person I believe for far too high and I believe no amount should be suggested i.e. top end or bottom end for tips as this is down to the individual of what they can afford without feeling pressurised this tainted the holida
- Michael Davies, 19/05/2026 13:29, Travelled in a Couple
Thank you for your 5 Star review and for taking the time to share your feedback. We are delighted to hear that you had such an enjoyable holiday and that our Sail Croatia guides, the Captain, crew and Cook helped make your experience so memorable. We will be very pleased to pass on your kind comments to them all. We also appreciate your honest feedback regarding the tipping guidance and the process. We are sorry to hear this aspect left you feeling uncomfortable and impacted your experience. While tipping is entirely optional with amounts provided simply guidance only, we understand your concerns and the importance of maintaining discretion for guests who choose to tip. Your comments have already been shared internally with our Operations team as we continually review how this information is communicated via our website and onboard based on customer feedback. Thank you again for travelling with us and for providing such thoughtful feedback.
An excellent week away on the hiking cruise. Such a well organised and fun week - Mate & Sase were great leaders. All the crew on the boat were so friendly and helpful. The food was delicious. The boat was so clean and well maintained. Everything was perfect!
- Lesley, 18/05/2026 20:33, Travelled in a Couple
We absolutely loved our 7 night Sail Croatia hiking trip. Our guides, crew and captain did an amazing job.. I loved that the food was flavorful and healthy. The hikes were perfectly planned, organization was spot on and the crew and chef did a fantastic job of making the boating aspect smooth and seamless.
- Anonymous, 18/05/2026 16:44, Travelled in a Couple
We had a wonderful time Mata and Sasa were great guides and made the hikes a great experience We loved the quality of the boat a lovely very clean cabin and lovely food every day The whole team gave us a wonderful holiday many thanks to everyone
- Mark, 18/05/2026 13:35, Travelled in a Couple
My husband and I chose sail Croatia for our honeymoon and it was the perfect week. We did the northern split hiking route on the mali ante with Mario and Matilda and it was perfect! The crew was SO kind and truly just a joy to be around. Mario and Matilda work awesome as a team and made you feel like part of the group every single day. They are so kind and educated, and it’s obvious they love what they do. I cannot recommend those two enough as guides! I can only hope when we come back we get lucky enough to have the same team onboard. It was so much fun! The hikes were awesome. The swim spots were perfect. It was honestly the best week.
- Caity, 18/05/2026 09:08, Travelled in a Couple
This trip was everything I could hope for. From our guides Mario and Matilda to the crew of the Mali Ante. Everything we did was a blast. Tons of hikes and crazy weather and lenty of swim stops.
- Derek, 18/05/2026 08:56, Travelled in a Couple
Excellent holiday from start to finish. Mate & Sasa our hike & tour leads were brilliant - friendly, approachable & very knowledgable. Communication of information about the hikes, the history & the area were always spot on, the variety of hikes and locations we visited were amazing. Always felt safe & guided & had the best experience - fell in love with Croatia & its people. Salve di Mare is a beautiful boat, immaculately clean, great size rooms & very comfortable with plenty of space to move around. The food was amazing with a different 3 course lunch menu every day. Service in the bar & lounge from Marko & Vlaho was also excellent & we built up a great rapport with the whole team. We met a great crowd of people from across the world & have made some new forever friends. Would thoroughly recommend Sail Croatia.
- Kerry, 18/05/2026 07:57, Travelled in a Couple
Myself, my wife and 9 friends had an absolutely brilliant week, sailing around Croatia on a perfectly sized boat (30 passengers). The accommodation was great, the food delicious and the amount of hiking spot on. Some hikes were challenging some were easy but it was a great balance. The guides were friendly, informative and looked after us just right. I highly recommend the trip to active folks who want to see the sun, sea and Croatia.
- Anthony, 18/05/2026 07:08, Travelled with Family
A new experience made great by the people, the food and the adventure!
- Len, 04/05/2026 06:11, Travelled in a Couple
Everything about our week with Sail Croatia more than met our expectations. The crew could not have been more knowledgeable, accommodating and above all else, friendly & caring. We had a few weather challenges (high winds and rain at the beginning ) but the captain and crew kept us safe and , on the spot made changes to our itinerary that ended up being fantastic!! My husband and I highly recommend Sail Croatia and are already talking about trying one of their bike cruises.
- DORINDA , 13/10/2025 07:24, Travelled in a Couple
The fact that we have booked a sail/hike trip for the 3rd time in three years speaks for itself. I only have praise for the staff (both boat crew and hiking crew), the boat, the food, hiking destinations, swim stops, etc etc etc. And yes, we will be booking a 4th time.
- Daniela, 09/10/2025 15:58, Travelled in a Couple
Tour guides were great, food excellent, walking tours lovely. What's not to like. A nice active holiday.
- Brian, 07/10/2025 08:14, Travelled in a Couple
We loved our hiking cruise, Split north return. The national park walks in Plitvice and Krka were a highlight, We also walked in towns, along coastal environments and up hills with dramatic and spectacular views. The crew on the Mali Ante were fantastic, as were our guides, Mate and Mario. The food was good and the boat was comfortable. I’d highly recommend this cruise.
- Anne, 06/10/2025 15:37, Travelled in a Couple
The boat crew and the tour guide and cruise manager, also the chef who provided fantastic food. All went over and above what was expected. The rest of the crew were equally as good.
- Murray, 06/10/2025 13:06, Travelled in a Couple
The staff and guides. Boat was immaculate and clean. Captain did a great job and cruising carefully when going through rough waters. Highly recommend.
- Sheila , 06/10/2025 13:04, Travelled in a Couple
The staff were amazing. Mario, the Sail Croatia rep on the boat, was friendly, very knowledgeable and spoke several languages fluently. Matte the walk guide was clearly experienced but also patient and able to adjust to the needs of the group. The crew of the Mali Ante were delightful and went out of their way to make sure we had a great holiday. The cabins were small but had plenty of storage and the shower was great. The food was homely, crowd pleasing and generous. We got to know everyone on the trip and enjoyed the multinational vibe..
- Angela, 06/10/2025 04:50, Travelled in a Couple
The boat was just the right size. No issues with crowds getting on and off, we came and went as we pleased. The staff was amazing from the captain to Mario our bartender/meal server, the cooks the crew ans of course our two guides Lola and Natasha were awesome. They provided detailed info as to what were going to do, had a good pace on the hikes and adjusted the schedule on the fly. These two are great problem solvers as to moving hikes and islands when needed. While we all knew in general where and what we were going to do it was so nice not ever having to worry as to the planning We travel alot and both said one of our top vacations
- kevin weidman, 02/10/2025 18:29, Travelled in a Couple
The crew of the Mali Ante were first rate. From the captain to the assistant cook, everyone was friendly , helpful, attentive to our needs and very informative. The hikes were more challenging than expected, but our tour guides, Lola and Natasha made each trek enjoyable, informative and rewarding. After the hikes, the daily swim sessions were just what we needed. I would recommend this trip to any who enjoy beautiful scenery coupled with food, history and exercise.
- Randall, 02/10/2025 16:45, Travelled in a Couple
We just returned from the hike/cruise trip in Croatia and we have to say our expectations were exceeded in all respects! Our guides, Lola and Natasha were excellent and really made our trip special. Their communication as was exceptional, and we cannot say enough about their knowledge of the areas we visited. Theu adjusted every day to the needs of the group and made sure everyone was included. They are both an asset to the Sail Croatia team. We also enjoyed the rest of the crew who made our trip hassle free and took care of everything we needed, not to mention the delicious meals our cook prepared for us every day. Highly recommend this trip for anyone who loves a great adventure as well as meeting people from all over the world!
- Karen, 02/10/2025 12:00, Travelled in a Couple
I have just completed a dream holiday cruising the Dalmatian coast. The crew were very helpful and friendly, especially the amazing Mario! Our chef and sous chef were the best in the Adriatic - thanks for all the extra kilos Ivica and Antonio. Our hiking guides, Lola and Natasa, were efficient, caring and full of information. I was the red faced, sweat drenched hiker at the very back so I was especially grateful for Natasha’s support and patience! I will recommend this trip to everyone.
- Mary, 29/09/2025 19:05, Travelled with Family
Fantastic cruise - ship staff and tour leaders were amazing and knowledgeable. Very accommodating to all abilities. Food excellent well above expectations. Our only slight criticism was our cabin which was on the lower deck and felt quite small. In retrospect we would have chosen an upper deck cabin. That said it was a fantastic, memorable holiday made all the more special by the brilliant staff - heads up to Lola and Natasha
- Sue, 29/09/2025 16:16, Travelled in a Couple
So much, especially the guides, the crew, the chef, and the fellow passengers. The chef was a true "MasterChef" The guides were very well briefed on the areas history and geography The weather was good, and the sea was both warm and clear for swimming
- Ian , 29/09/2025 13:06, Travelled in a Couple
Our guides were Lola and Natasa made the trip. They were absolutely delightful. Super positive, funny and knowledgable. Hikes were a good level for all. The crew on the boat were great. Good food and fab table service from Mario. The captain and the whole team handled a change of itinerary due to poor weather really well. The only thing I would suggest is just about the jacuzzi. I have no problem with there not being a jacuzzi on board but on our cruise it was there but not filled up, so it wasn’t useable and took up space that could be used for more sun loungers and there are only about half as many loungers as there are guests.
- Fiona, 29/09/2025 10:59, Travelled in a Couple
Captain, tour guides and front line staff were great. Room was not great with a bed that you could feel the metal springs, lumpy pillows, lights that didn’t work, safe that wasn’t opened, Generator noise was intrusive into the room during the night. In port the boats were often racked together so that you had to pass through multiple boats to get onto shore. This also trapped diesel exhaust fumes on still nights, making staying outside at the back of the boat uncomfortable.
- Anonymous, 29/09/2025 08:36, Travelled in a Couple
Thank you for your review and for your kind words about our captain, crew, and staff – we’re pleased you felt well looked after during your cruise. We regret to hear about the issues you experienced with your cabin. If we had known at the time, we would have done our best to resolve them and make your stay more comfortable. Regarding port mooring, it is standard practice for small ship cruising that boats are tied alongside one another in port. While this can occasionally limit open-air space, please rest assured that our boats remain idle with engines switched off to keep noise and fumes to a minimum. Your comments are very valuable to us, and we will certainly take them into account as we continue to improve.
Experience was exactly as advertised. Crew saw to all of our needs. Hikes were well planned and well guided.
- Kevin, 22/09/2025 20:25, Travelled with Family
The crew of the Mali Luka and our amazing hike guides Natasha and Ilona were a great team. We were surprised to find out this was the first week those two young women had worked together as they did a wonderful job. All the hikes and the options were well thought out. The planned wine tasting and group dinner were really good ideas as was the captains dinner. All the meals were well prepared and bountiful. One of the best parts.was the camaraderie that developed among our fellow travelers which truly made the week extra special and it was hard to say our goodbyes when the week ended. This was our first trip with Sail Croatia but it definitely will not be our last.
- Alan and Carol, 22/09/2025 18:26, Travelled in a Couple
The reps Ilona and Natasha were wonderful and the other passengers really fun. Croatia is a beautiful country and I loved the small destinations we visited . The weather was perfect too.. The swim stops were brilliant. The crew on the boat were great.
- Catherine, 22/09/2025 06:47, Travelled in a Couple