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
We had a great trip. Sail Croatia was such a good choice for what we were looking for. We were welcomed to the boat “Columbo” by a great crew. It was very clean and had plenty of room. Loved sailing to the different islands, hiking, and best of all the swim stops. The water was warm and crystal clear. Meals were nice, Our hikes were led by Mate and Ante. They were fun, professional and shared so much information about Croatia and the villages on the islands. We made some good friends and loved the whole trip.
- Debbie , 20/09/2025 19:58, Travelled in a Couple
An incredible adventure! Our guides, Mate and Ante, the fabulous crew.... everyone worked together to make our experience special. They all shared their love of the natural beauty, history, food and culture of Croatia.
- Anonymous, 19/09/2025 20:54, Travelled with Family
Our room was very comfortable and functional and the ship was kept very clean. The crew were so friendly and we enjoyed hiking with Mate & Ante who were very knowledgable and helpful. Bruno also did an excellent job with meal and drink service. I will definitely be recommending Sail Croatia to others!
- Cheri, 18/09/2025 22:27, Travelled in a Couple
This was our very first cruise so we really didn't know what to expect, and lucky for us it couldn't have gone better! The friendly group of fellow passengers, the wonderful crew including the delighful cook and his tasty menu, and Ante & Mante our tremendous guides, all made our weeklong tour of the beautiful Croatian coast top notch. Ante was a wealth of information regarding history of the country, and Mante was an excellent hiking guide who kept a very close eye on everyone's condition to make sure we were all challenged but having fun too. Yes, the lower level cabin was cozy, but we didn't spend much time there other than sleeping so it really didn't matter.. Thumbs up to the closet space and surprisingly awesome shower water pressure! Thank you for a wonderful week of memories. Highly recommend Sail Croatia!
- Susan, 17/09/2025 20:51, Travelled in a Couple
The hiking cruise was sensational — an ideal blend of adventure, scenery, and seamless planning. Each hike offered breathtaking views and just the right level of challenge: enough to feel accomplished but never overwhelming. The hikes provided spectacular views of Croatia’s coastal beauty. What truly elevated the experience were our guides, Mate and Hana. They were outstanding—knowledgeable, warm, and incredibly attentive. Whether it was sharing local insights, adjusting pace for the group, or simply bringing great energy to each day, they made the journey feel personal and memorable. The itineraries were fantastic, striking a perfect balance between structured activity and time to relax or explore. Every detail felt considered, from the timing of hikes to the onboard experience. Highly recommended for anyone looking to explore Croatia in a unique, active, and deeply rewarding way.
- Andrew Hutchinson, 15/09/2025 13:25, Travelled in a Couple
We loved Sail and hike around the islands with sail Croatia because it was so well organised, the staff were friendly the Guides set the pace of the hikes just right and the captain of the boat kept us safe every step of the trip. We couldn’t recommend it more. If you are considering it, just do it. It was amazing.
- Rachel, 08/09/2025 07:15, Travelled in a Couple
This was a phenomenal adventure for my husband and I! We were on the hiking cruise aboard the Mali Ante. The daily hikes were challenging and stunning! Our hiking guide, Mate, shared his passion for Croatia along with his knowledge of the history and traditions of the islands. We had refreshing swim stops, great meals created by a fun chef, and we were surrounded by a happy / helpful crew. Being active while sightseeing beyond the touristy areas was rewarding and relaxing. It was better than I had hoped it would be! I absolutely encourage you to visit Croatia with 'Sail Croatia'!
- Sandy, 01/09/2025 19:37, Travelled in a Couple
We sailed in June on the Dubrovnik return itinerary with family and friends, The week was very enjoyable. The crew on the Colombo were terrific. Great food, great service and we really enjoyed our time on the boat. Our Sail-Croatia guides Mate and Ilona were excellent. They were very engaging, shared terrific stories and really made the trip enjoyable. The hikes were sometimes challenging (rocky, steep terrain), but there was great teamwork and we always ended with beautiful views. I have already shared many recommendations for this trip with family and friends. Thanks!
- Kelly, 08/07/2025 23:03, Travelled in a Couple
Everything was amazing about the sail and hike, the food, the service, the country. Especially impressive were the crew of the boat! Well done!!
- William, 03/07/2025 16:37, Travelled in a Couple
We just finished the Split/Return Hiking Tour. We were thrilled with the vacation. The Tour Leaders were personable and knowledgeable; the Cooks prepared Amazing food (and paid very close attention to my food allergies); and the Crew of the boat took very good care of us. The water was mostly very calm which was wonderful for swimming off the boat and on the beaches. This was my first time on a boat cruise, so I wasn't prepared for the smell of the bathrooms, but apparently this is normal. The weather was too hot for me to participate in most of the hikes, unfortunately, but I enjoyed swimming and sight-seeing in the towns while others were hiking. We went with a group of friends, AND enjoyed new friendships with the others on the boat. A very happy 7 days!
- Anonymous, 01/07/2025 18:25, Travelled in a Couple
Our recent 7-day hiking cruise with tour leaders Mate and Ilona was fantastic. They were absolutely the best--so knowledgeable and friendly, and they knew how to set a crowd-pleasing pace for activities. Ilona offered to make dinner reservations at almost every port of call--so helpful. The ship was comfortable and well-maintained, and the crew were responsive and professional. The food was plentiful and tasty. We were with a large group of friends, and I think everyone in our group had a great time. My husband and I were able to complete all the hikes. Not everyone was able to. I think some guests would have benefited from having more info about the hikes when considering whether to book the trip--not just length of hike and elevation gain, but a bit about the technical aspects: e.g., gravel/scree, occasional boulder-scrambling, etc. Mate provided these descriptions the day of the hike, but having the info earlier might have been helpful. Overall, though, 5-stars all the way!
- Kelley, 25/06/2025 21:23, Travelled in a Couple
We had an outstanding week with Sail Croatia Hiking. Mate and Ilana went above and beyond to guide us through the beautiful country on this fun trip. We were celebrating our birthdays and it was such a great way to do so. The price was very reasonable and entire crew was excellent. Highly recommend this hiking adventure, especially with Mate and Ilana.
- Jennifer , 18/06/2025 16:49, Travelled in a Couple
The Dalmatian Coast is beautiful, and sailing on the Colombo was a great experience. The crew was awesome: great food (thanks Ivan), great service (thanks Bruno) and great sailors (thanks to Mislav and Mikula).
- Gordon, 17/06/2025 17:46, Travelled in a Couple
- Crystal, 17/06/2025 16:52, Travelled in a Couple
If you are looking for a memorable and unique experience to explore Croatia then the Sail and Hike on Sail Croatia is the way to go. From the incredible staff on board to the amazing views, this was a trip of a lifetime!!
- Tracie, 17/06/2025 14:30, Travelled in a Couple
Everyone on the Afrodita works so hard, the ship was very well maintained and the food was great. The hike guides very good and well informed. The trails were not maintained by any standards basically goat paths. I slipped and fell on first hike injured my leg, cuts and bruised on the loose sharp rock. The guides Martin and ILona were great. Martin applied bandages to my leg to stop the bleeding then helped me finish the last kilometer back to the boat. I had to skip the hike the next day and only did 5 of the 7 hikes opting to do the easiest. Looking back I wish I knew the trail conditions, the length and elevations were all that I remember and the hikes were moderate. Next time we will do the elegant cruse. I wish I could give 5 stars.
- Brandon Weder, 08/06/2025 14:35, Travelled in a Couple
We loved moving to a new island each day. The hikes were enjoyable. The guides were knowledgable and fun. The food was great.
- Monica, 07/06/2025 06:41, Travelled in a Couple
Great guides took us on some great walks., followed by relaxation in the water and local village. The boat, food and staff were terrific. Thank you
- Mike, 06/06/2025 08:42, Travelled in a Couple
We had a great time on and off the boat. We traveled as a couple with a set of friends. The hikes were good and guided very well by Illona and Martin. The only thing I would recommend to change is the fixed lunch as we could have enjoyed a few longer hikes without having to rush back for lunch on the boat. It was especially the case with the hike from Makarska after an hours bus drive to the national park. That day we also had the captains dinner on the boat so we could have had lunch on the mountain in the national park. All in all we had a wonderful holiday!
- Elke, 05/06/2025 15:35, Travelled in a Couple
We loved our adventure aboard the Salve di Mare and the time spent with new friends. The other passengers were easy to connect with and lots of fun. The crew worked seamlessly to keep the ship sparkling, anticipated our needs, and made everything look effortless and natural. Together they created a fun and relaxed environment. Tour manager Ioana was enthusiastic and upbeat. She ensured we understood the logistics for upcoming activities and provided alternatives for those who needed to skip a hike. Hike leader Mate shared his knowledge about Croatian culture and Island history. As an experienced local hiking guide with a background in Search and Rescue, we knew we were in good hands as he led us to beautiful vistas and interesting historic locations. Sail Croatia was informed of my food allergies in advance. The chef provided creative alternatives and the waitstaff made sure I received the right items. The entire cruise was top notch due to the exceptional staff!
- Aaron & Alice, 02/06/2025 02:25, Travelled with Family
The ship, the crew and the company were all superb. A beautiful ship, which was constantly being looked after by the enthusiastic crew, and a group of travellers from the far corners of the world who met and mixed throughout the week and who all became friends. Beautiful islands and interesting walks, led by Mate who was an excellent and experienced local guide and who gave us so much information about the history of each area. He really was an important part of the trip. And not to forget the breakfasts and lunches which were really good and gave us the calories to complete the walks and at a pace that suited all levels. Altogether a memorable week and a great way to mark our Golden Wedding.
- Hugh, 30/05/2025 09:50, Travelled in a Couple
The boat was immaculate. A credit to the skipper and crew. The guides Mika and Lola were fantastic.
- Warwick , 28/05/2025 10:50, Travelled with Family
Our guides Mila and Lola were fabulous and passionate about what they do and Croatia. Well organized and ready with an alternative plan when the weather affected the original plans. Learnt a lot about Croatia. Hikes were really enjoyable. I especially loved Biokovo Nature Park. Great crew on our boat Emanuel which was spotless throughout our week.
- Jennifer, 28/05/2025 06:06, Travelled with Family
What a great itinerary, with a fabulous bunch of people! Everyone was so friendly. Our hikes were a good variety, ranging from flat to vertical (possibly a slight exaggeration, but there were some steep bits!) We hiked along clifftops, over rocks, through woodland, in National Parks with waterfalls galore (and some very noisy frogs!), and through small towns. All different, all gorgeous. Our guides Ivica and Lucija were brilliant, watching out for everyone, giving us lots of snippets of information, and sharing their obvious love for their beautiful country. They gave us some pretty good restaurant recommendations too!
- Paula, 27/05/2025 17:33, Travelled in a Couple
Everything was near perfection. The Sail Croatia Reps, Mila and Lola were fantastic, knowledgeable, knew how to keep things moving with grace and good does of humor. The Cabin Crew and Deck Crew were super friendly and acted with concern as a was recovering from a bout of food poisoning (not Sail Croatia's or the Emanuel's Fault). Fellow passengers were super friendly and everyone got along well. Suggestions: 1: Cabins are a bit Spartan and could use a design refreshment 2: Make hiking poles available (I could not bring mine due to carry-on luggage rules) 3: Serve lunch after the hikes
- Ken, 27/05/2025 15:54, Travelled with Family
The small cruise experience was wonderful. We went into small ports that large cruise ships could not go and were able to explore many more fabulous destinations. The food on the ship was plentiful and top notch. The hiking tour was a good mixture of easy walks and challenging hikes. Our guides were well informed and a pleasure to spend time with. My only constructive feedback would be to better describe the terrain and required fitness level for some of the hikes because I feel they were too challenging for a few of our companions and it required that the more able hikers were spending their time assisting rather than enjoying the hike. Thank you for a fabulous vacation!!
- Joy, 27/05/2025 06:15, Travelled with Family
Great crew and good company with fellow travelers
- Gwyn, 27/05/2025 04:02, Travelled in a Couple
From making the reservations to answering our questions to providing us with fantastic reps, Mila and Lola.... everything was fantastic and we can't wait to explore more of this beautiful country using Sail Croatia. The Emanuel ship and crew were comfortable and made our experience top- notch. 5- stars all around!
- Jodi, 26/05/2025 20:32, Travelled in a Couple
Our sail/hike Split Southern Islands week was a perfect mix of activity on our hikes and time to relax either onboard beautiful Emanuel or onshore at one of the picturesque towns in which we spent the night. Food provided onboard for breakfast and lunch was plentiful and tasty (thanks to our on-board Chef). Our cabin was roomy and well presented. The whole crew and our two guides looked after us really well and Croatia and the Adriatic Sea were just stunning. We could not have asked for a better week. Thank you to our crew and our awesome guides and thank you Sail Croatia.
- Andrea and Gary, 26/05/2025 18:51, Travelled in a Couple
Salve di mare is a beautiful ship with an amazing and professional crew. They looked after us with attention and care. The food on board was delicious, a big thank you for the chef and his team! Our hiking guide Matte was very knowledgeable and provided full description not only about the hikes but also about the villages visited. Ioana, leading the guests was very approachable and friendly.. Despite the extra charge for the upper cabin booked, we found out that it was on top of the engine making it very noisy and other cabins at a cheaper rate, were way more spacious than ours. Tea and coffee was free of charge only until 1pm, which we did not understand the reason, as it was an average coffee maker, not a barista style at all for the extra charge. We definitely recommend our hiking tour and we will be happy to come back and choose Sail Croatia again!
- Anonymous, 26/05/2025 11:24, Travelled in a Couple
The crew was friendly and helpful. The boat was well appointed. We had fantastic fellow travelers. The destinations were beautiful
- Julie, 26/05/2025 05:53, Travelled in a Couple
Sail croatia put together an amazing journey along the Dalmatian coast. We were aboard the Mali Ante with a experienced and skilled crew. The chef prepared excellent Croatian cuisine for breakfast and lunch that rivaled many of the excellent restaurants we tried for dinner. We were on a new hiking cruise, designed by our guides, that included national parks and islands north of Split, including Plitvice and Krka. The guides, Ivica and Lucija, carefully selected trails to suit the abilities of the group and were very attentive to the needs of each guest. I would love to come back and do a hiking tour of the southern islands in the future. We primarily stayed in small villiages on the islands and Lucija was very kind to tell us all about the towns and their history and every night she provided excellent recommendations for dinners. Swim stops were great and refreshing! Best part of our month long vacation so far!
- Carolyn, 26/05/2025 05:52, Travelled in a Couple