The size of the group and ship was perfect for meeting new people and manageable for cycling and other activities. Our guides Ivica and Anita were outstanding and very helpful as well as very safety conscious during our rides. The Mali Ante was a comfortable ship. In general, in good shape with a little bit of wear and tear evident and could use an inside salon space for playing cards, etc., when the outside evening weather was cool and windy but this might be expected for our price range. The boat crew were exceptional. Friendly and helpful. We definitely had plenty of good quality tasty food for our breakfasts and lunches. Personally, I felt the price beverages were too expensive, being higher than restaurants. It encouraged going off the boat while lower prices would allow people to stay on board to relax and socialize. Hopefully, I don't come across as too negative as the whole experience was fantastic, that I would highly recommend.
- Greg, 21/05/2025 14:02, Travelled in a Couple
The ship was in great shape and the Captain very skilled. the crew worked hard to make our week a fun/safe time and they succeeded. However, meals are a big part of our annual boat and bike trips. Here they failed. The meals were far too heave generally and the BBQ night was substandard with much meat and few veggies...and they were buried under all that meat. The meal was awful. Equally as bad was the captains dinner of steak that was unchewable...oh, the coffee was worse than any I had in the Navy and I didnt thimk that woukd ever be possible...undrinkable sludge..this boat & bike towr tour 7th as a group. It was the also the first to not put out a nice happy hour food spread...only pretzels and biscuits. All in all, I won't recommend this trip .
- Dennis, 21/05/2025 13:13, Travelled with Friend/s
Thank you for taking the time to review us! We’re delighted to hear that you found our Captain very skilled, our crew hardworking, and the ship in a great condition. It’s always rewarding to know our team contributed to a safe and enjoyable experience. We're truly sorry to learn that the food during the Captain's dinner and BBQ did not meet your expectations. We understand how important meals are in shaping the overall travel experience. Your comments regarding the menu containing too much meat and poor quality of coffee are especially valuable, and we’ll be sharing them with our team as we work to refine and expand our offerings to better cater to a wider range of dietary preferences and expectations. While we regret that your experience didn't leave you feeling confident to recommend us based on the meals provided, we appreciate your honesty. Feedback like yours plays a crucial role in helping us to improve, and we hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back in the future with enhancements that reflect your input.
My expectations were exceeded at every level. Our guides Marin and Ivan were fun, approachable, and very knowledgeable. Their different styles in leading complimented each other very well and made us feel safe and special. The kitchen staff, Chef Marco and Sous Chef Maria prepared wonderful and delicious meals each day and young Ivan and Karlo delivered breakfast, lunch and cocktails with a smile and genuine enjoyment. The PD crew were all top notch and got us to each destination without worry! Bravo! The undulating Croatian countryside I saw from the ship and aboard my E-Bike (highly recommend) was breathtaking and beautiful!! The deep blue Adriatic Sea was stunning against an impressive mountain coast. The the cities we visited were historical wonders and each beautiful in their own way. My shipmates were amazing and I feel a few long time friendships have been born on this intimate experience! Zivjeli!!!
- Jimmy, 20/05/2025 18:55, Travelled with Friend/s
Cycling tour is the best way to experience and see islands. Itinerary was well planned and balanced between cycling and relaxation. Guides and crew were brilliant as was the dining on the boat. Wouldn't hesitate to do it, or similar, again.
- Neil, 20/05/2025 14:07, Travelled in a Couple
This was one of the best holidays we've ever had. Everything was great - the boat, the crew, the fellow cyclists, the cycling, the weather, the food. And the locations were almost too good to be true; every day we went from stunning island to stunning island - we were spoilt with beauty! So don't dither - book a Sail Croatia cycle cruise. If you like cycling, this is the holiday for you!
- Nick, 20/05/2025 10:44, Travelled in a Couple
We enjoyed our daily cycling trips on e-bikes on the major islands from Split to Dubrovnik. Miranda, Matilda and Lola took good care of our group while cycling and provided good info about each location. Any equipment issues were handled promptly. The water was a spectacular shade of blue but a little cold in mid May for swimming. We sailed on Dionis and appreciated the hard working crew and spacious cabin.
- Ed, 20/05/2025 06:45, Travelled in a Couple
The entire staff, from the captain down, was excellent, doing their very best to give us an enjoyable experience. The boat was in excellent condition, and very clean. The cycling guides, Miranda and Lola, were always asking what the passengers preferred in cycling routes, and then delivering what was requested. They genuinely wanted to make us happy. Even Matilda, who was in training to be a cycling guide, helped with any difficulty we encountered.
- Dennis, 19/05/2025 20:05, Travelled with Friend/s
The guides were amazing. The lead Marin was so knowledgeable . Ivan was excellent at keeping the group together and organizing on shore reservations and suggestion for meals. The food was great and the servers Polite and accommodating Highly recommend this cruise
- Paul, 19/05/2025 17:04, Travelled in a Couple
Excellent crew (especially the kitchen staff) good crew and very good tour guides. lots of fun and met some great people.
- Aaron , 19/05/2025 16:43, Travelled in a Couple
The ship was beautiful, very well maintained and safe. Ante is an accomplished captain, very proud of his family’s ship and had us on the edge of our seats as we learned its history. He anchored up 3 times en route to let us jump in for a refreshing and relaxing swim. Our guides were awesome! Tonka and Lucija lead us all week, were fun and very knowledgeable, and kept us informed and organized. Their ‘stories’ of the islands and Croatian history were captivating! The group chat info was timely and a nice momento. Our crew were always prepared and ready to take care of us with cold drinks, hot coffee, meals, and wonderful friendly attitudes. Benjamin and Damir are a great team! And a special thanks to George, our chef. How he prepared what he did in his galley is a marvel to all! A yummy breakfast each morning and a three course meal for lunch were highlights for sure. We were powered up daily and ready to ride! My high expectations were exceeded! Do this trip - - go for it!
- Thom, 19/05/2025 16:35, Travelled in a Couple
Service
- Jacob, 19/05/2025 15:48, Travelled with Friend/s
Guides, ship's crew
- George, 19/05/2025 13:43, Travelled in a Couple
I enjoyed the entire trip!
- Don, 19/05/2025 11:15, Travelled with Friend/s
So many great things. Crew- friendly, accommodating and fun Bike Trips - spectacularly beautiful, well planned and challenging. Ship- classy, comfortable cabins with lots of space and extremely well maintained. Food- 10/10. Everyday the kitchen went out of its way to create something delicious We both thought it would be a wonderful adventure but we were wrong it was spectacular. Croatia is a natural beauty and her people are simply wonderful. Thank you Sail Croatia for making this one of our trips of a lifetime. Cheers from Canada. Tony & Jan
- Tony, 19/05/2025 09:38, Travelled in a Couple
A great way to see so much of the islands and ports at a leisurely pace. A wonderful blend of activity, moderate exercise, (if on an e-bike!), and relaxation. Plenty of opportunity to explore places on your own and enjoy dining at local restaurants. Ship’s crew and tour guides were very professional, friendly and really helped maximise the whole experience. The ship’s cabins are compact so don’t bring too much stuff. Everything on board was clean and well maintained with really good food. The crew and guides take great pride in the ship and country. Can’t wait to do another trip.
- Michael Hughes, 19/05/2025 07:20, Travelled in a Couple
The cycling was challenging in parts ( get an e-bike if you’re not a strong cyclist) but exhilarating on some of the long descents. The tour is NOT suitable if you’re not comfortable on long descents! Views were stunning and the guides were excellent and caring. The cabins were clean and comfortable, although LIGHTING is definitely needed in the dark cavernous wardrobe. Two comments on pre-tour notes : There was plenty of space for LARGE suitcases under our beds. We’d packed in medium size cases with no room for thicker clothes which were actually NEEDED as it was cool and windy on some evenings. Everyone else ( US and CANADA guests) had ignored this and brought large cases. Also, the TIPPING notes could be clearer; eg state explicitly “between 40-105 euros for the captain & crew and a similar tip shared between the 2 guides. “ We talked to a number of other guests who were confused by the guidance given. Plus it’s 40 euros port fees - not 30 as in the notes.
- David, 19/05/2025 06:29, Travelled in a Couple
Hi David, thank you for your 5 Star review and for sharing your valuable feedback and experience with us. We're so pleased to hear you enjoyed the stunning views and appreciated the care and professionalism of our guides. We’re glad you found the cabins clean and comfortable, and we appreciate your note about the wardrobe lighting — this has been passed along to the team. Regarding the pre-departure information, we do include details about luggage guidance, tipping, and port fees, and we note that the local tax is €40 per person. The tipping guidance clarifies that gratuities for the crew and the Tour Manager/cycle guides are separate. We appreciate your feedback on how tipping is received. Thank you again for your helpful suggestions and for joining us on tour — we hope to welcome you back soon!
Our guides, Dora, Josip and “J” were outstanding. They were accommodating, gracious, fun and worked very hard to be sure all passengers were safe and had a good time. The excursions were well planned and they always built in extra time for us to do what we want.
- Joe, 19/05/2025 06:25, Travelled in a Couple
Good organization. Bikes in good shape. Clean cabin.
- Anonymous, 19/05/2025 06:03, Travelled in a Couple
Excellent guides, wonderful food, terrific service and friendly engagement!
- Dennis, 19/05/2025 05:33, Travelled with Friend/s
The crew and guides went out of their way to ensure we had an unforgettable experience. The rides were spectacular. The countryside beautiful. We were all sad it came to an end.
- Andre, 19/05/2025 04:16, Travelled with Friend/s
First was the team supporting us. Sonja and Hrvoje did a great job leading (and following) the bike ride. They provided a nice route and lots of information about each island. Plus good suggestions for where to get dinner and explore. Andrea made each meal a real pleasure. His attention to our needs was top notch. He and our cook provide food that tastes great, was got and freshly served. Our crew was friendly, curtious and always helpful. They worked so hard and made our ship clean and beautiful. Finally, the captain shows us amazing skill as he parked the so or took of for our next destination. A true master! Sail Croatia is a fantastic your organization and everything from our state rooms to our food to our last day party provided memories to be charged. I highly recommend you sail with them on your next Adriatic vacation.
- Rudy, 15/05/2025 16:25, Travelled in a Couple
A fantastic holiday around the beautiful Croatian islands with Sail Croatia. The e-bikes made the island tours relaxing and the routes were well thought out with plenty to see along the way, with our excellent guides explaining everything before, during and afterwards. Back onboard, we were well looked after by the crew and staff, who could not do enough to make the holiday extremely enjoyable.
- SB, 15/05/2025 09:44, Travelled with Friend/s
Our guide Ivica and Martin were exceptional! Ivica went out of his way to ensure everyone on board had a great experience at all times. He set up an extra bus tour in Dubrovnik and also got up early in the morning to accompany two passengers to the ferry and to ensure they got to were they needed to go! Martin, for his first trip was also great. He told several stories and shared many facts about the history of Croatia. Both men made the trip fantastic. The entire crew aboard the Mali Ante made each and every one of feel at home. The food was great and the two chefs were amazing!
- James, 14/05/2025 22:02, Travelled in a Couple
Great hosts, Mario and Ivan, friendly ship crew. We would have liked longer rides and more swim stops but you cant please everyone.
- Richard, 14/05/2025 10:42, Travelled in a Couple
Sail Croatia cycling, May 5th 2025 Afrodita, Sonja and Hrvoje keep are friendly and knowledgeable, and kept us safe and on time. Thanks/hvola!
- Grant, 14/05/2025 07:47, Travelled in a Couple
All i can say is how great the holiday was from start to finish - from the great crew - Andre,H,Sanja and the rest of the crew and how great our fellow travellers were - what a week :) have already recommended it to various friends who are booking for next year
- paul, 14/05/2025 07:28, Travelled with Friend/s
From start to finish, this was a top notch operation. Mario and Ivan were incredible guides, and the crew kept us comfortable and well fed on the boat. Will definitely recommend this to others!
- Tom, 13/05/2025 19:59, Travelled in a Couple
This was just a great trip -- it truly exceeded our expectations. My wife, a relatively unsure bicycle newbie with no prior e-bike experience learned so much and can't wait to do more tours. Being a more experienced adventure biker, I also thoroughly enjoyed the trek on a classic bike. The excellent guides and breadth of cycling experience within the friendly group easily accommodated our disparate skill levels, so we both had excellent, positive experiences. The boat was beautiful, the crew, including the bartenders, chefs, sailors, and captain, were always extremely helpful. Our guides, Ivan and Mario, were exceptional and really made our trip, both biking and boating, smooth and effortless. They fostered a warm camaraderie among the group that really made the trip a joy for everyone. In sum, we'd recommend this bike/boat cruise to anyone who knows how to ride a bike and wants to tangibly experience an amazingly beautiful part of the world.
- Jay, 13/05/2025 19:54, Travelled in a Couple
The Caption, Ante, server/bartender, Benjamin, chef, George and three other crew were friendly, skilled and always helpful. Jasko and Anna were superb professional bike guides. The classic, but beautifully detailed ship Emanuel was immaculate, showing pride of ownership. Early May weather was ideal while island visits were adjusted according to sea and port conditions. Overall, the best voyage we’ve ever done.
- Warren , 13/05/2025 04:24, Travelled in a Couple
The cycling and the boat both exceeded expectations. Food likewise.
- Jeff, 12/05/2025 21:36, Travelled in a Couple
Comfortable , clean accommodations, great food , amenities and staff
- Dave, 12/05/2025 18:51, Travelled in a Couple
Sights, e-bikes. History
- Geary, 12/05/2025 12:06, Travelled with Friend/s
Miranda and Lucija were amazing guides, They knew the territory and gave great advice for activities on the islands. They were ALWAYS smiling and made the trip so fun. I highly recommend this trip. Croatia Split/Split southern route.
- david, 12/05/2025 10:20, Travelled in a Couple
The personnel are top notch. Extremely flexible and proactive. Liked how trip plan was modified to avoid bad weather. Seems guest scheduler's are careful to group similar age and fitness levels together. Crew very courteous, respectful and friendly. Considering returning for northern sail.
- Robert, 12/05/2025 08:12, Travelled with Friend/s
Great crew , beautiful boat. Great food. And everyone on the boat got along really well.
- Anonymous, 12/05/2025 04:19, Travelled in a Couple
The combination of cruising, cycling and exploring the islands along the southern Dalmatia was perfect. The experienced guides were the best! Thank you Jošco and Ana. The captain and his crew were always helpful and accommodating. The chef's dishes were always tasty. I will Sail Croatia and cycle again!
- Frederick , 07/05/2025 14:52, Travelled Solo
Friendliness of the staff and the size of the ship
- Ray, 07/05/2025 13:22, Travelled in a Couple
We both had a wonderful time , Our upper deck cabin was spacious and cool . The boat crew very professional and friendly. All meals were delicious and well presented. We chose Ebikes , we're on holiday so hills were easy . Bikes great to ride , internal hub gears foolproof and great brakes for the long decent . The daily rides good balance of terrain and scenery . Our guides Tonka and Anita were wonderful, Tonka at the front keeping an course and safe and Anita at the back motivating the stragglers. They also did ride briefings in the morning and suggestions for restaurants and things to see when in port . Thanks to all , great fun 😁
- Bob, 06/05/2025 15:53, Travelled in a Couple
Anita and Tonka as well as the crew on the boat made this an incredible trip! The bike rides included a good mix of challenge as well as “Story Time” to learn about the area and sights we were seeing. I really appreciated their mix of humor and kindness on the trip. These two ladies truly made this a memorable experience. I’d highly recommend this trip. For those worried about the biking aspect, the e-bikes are a great option.
- Eric, 06/05/2025 12:54, Travelled with Friend/s
I travelled solo, on the Emanuel boat on the Cycling cruise from Split to Dubrovnik. Cycling was a great way to see the different islands of Croatia. The guides (Ana and Josko) knew the area really well, and organised a fun ride on each island with beautiful views. The e-bike allowed me to sweat or relax as much as I wanted. There were 3 people who got a regular bike (no e-assist) but they were pretty serious cyclists. I'd recommend an e-bike unless you want a difficult bike ride on your holiday. I appreciated the daily stops for swimming off the boat too! I really enjoyed the schedule of breakfast and lunch on the boat - With a 2-3 hour cycle in between. And then you get your own free time to explore an island after lunch. Great way to explore, relax, eat local, and experience each island. As a solo traveler, I paid a 50% extra to have my own room. It's worth it for me, but to each their own. I'd highly recommend this cruise, and hope I get to go again soon!!
- Andrew, 05/05/2025 12:34, Travelled Solo
Our group of six experienced an amazing week of beautiful scenery and wonderful people. We had 26 other tourists from six countries, and we all enjoyed each other's company. The tour guides -- Miranda and Tonka -- made it all happen. From the start, they encouraged mingling. They challenged us with the rides, and they engaged us with their stories. Super memorable trip. Pomalo!
- David, 22/10/2024 01:24, Travelled with Friend/s
I have done a lot of travelling. This is one of the best trips I have ever been on. The boat, staff, food and staff were excellent. The key to the trip was Ivan and Lucy as group leaders. They did an excellent job and worked together very well. It was obvious that they had spent considerable time the previous evening organizing events for the following day. They were always very upbeat and made a point of socializing with us during. Ivan was a great bike leader. He ensured our rides were as safe as possible. He was very helpful when people had trouble with their bikes. He was a good first aider when there were minor injuries (the accidents were not his fault). He organized a special trip at the request of one of our group. Lucy did a very good job with presentations during our various rides. She also ensured that everything was done safely. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone with intermediate biking skills, as long as the group leaders were Ivan and Lucy.
- Phil , 19/10/2024 08:24, Travelled in a Couple
Ivice and Anita did a fantastic job planning our cycling activities, telling us about the various towns and their highlights, and providing considerable assistance with restaurants, additional experiences, and answering innumerable questions. They were SO customer focused and really went above and beyond to make sure we had a great time. The ship's crew was similarly helpful - from Captain Ivan's thoughtful route updates to keep us in good weather to Paola's friendly service in the galley/bar and Olga's attention to detail in keeping our cabins clean and comfy. The meals were tasty and nutritious, and the e-bikes were new and very effective at assisting us up the sometimes steep inclines. This was a great way to see the Croatian islands - highly recommend!
- Bill, 17/10/2024 16:05, Travelled with Friend/s
A well organised week with a lovely boat and great crew. Our cabin was clean and tidy and the food was plentiful. Rides were challenging and well organised. We spent time with friends and met plenty of new ones. A great bunch of people onboard.
- Mike, 17/10/2024 07:46, Travelled in a Couple
Not only was the location - scenery, natural beauty, food etc. - memorable, the way the biking tours were planned and the exceptional guides - Ivica and Anita - were a major part of this amazing trip. I can’t say enough about the friendliness and the warmth both demonstrated. It’s line all of us made new friends. They were an integral part of the fun we had. I wouldn’t mind doing the trip over again but only with these 2.
- Arvind, 16/10/2024 21:01, Travelled with Friend/s
All the people on board, especially Ivica and Anita made this trip a memorable one. There was nothing that they could not find solutions for. Ivica and Anita you are the best
- Kristján, 14/10/2024 08:19, Travelled in a Couple
Cycling is a fantastic way to see the beautiful scenery of the Croatian coast and islands. E-bikes make it easy and being based on a boat means you don't have to re-pack every night. The crew were fantastic; cheerful and helpful at all times. Our fellow passengers were also great - I guess self selecting for an activity based trip. Our cabin was small but clean and comfortable - with a bit of engine noise in the bottom of the boat. Food on the boat was plentiful and fresh, if a little basic. We loved the trip and are trying to decide which route to do next.
- Richard, 14/10/2024 08:06, Travelled with Friend/s
Ivica and Anita are what makes Croatia great! Warm Welcomes, Safe and on schedule planning. Informed and endearing. You will enjoy the rides but we think you will love the people even more. Excellent communication throughout the trip, including when plans needed to pivot for our best enjoyment. Interested in feedback I can only imagine each year trips with them will get better and better. They are pros.
- Chris, 14/10/2024 07:49, Travelled in a Couple
Wonderful itinerary, staff and crew, bikes, and food. Could not have had a better time. Thanks you Sail Croatia.
- Mark, 14/10/2024 05:37, Travelled in a Couple
The whole setup was just what I hoped Accommodation was comfortable/worked well The crew could not have been more helpful Both the Team leaders were clearly very experienced. They were delightful people to deal with always a watchful eye on our safety, and being flexible and adaptable I have been very impressed with Sail Croatia and I’ll be back (Different route next time !)
- John, 11/10/2024 19:32, Travelled in a Couple