Explorer Dubrovnik & Split Cruise
An Explorer Cruise is perfect for those looking for a blend of sightseeing, relaxing and socialising on a small ship cruise.
Best suited for couples, young professionals and 'young at heart' travellers, these multi-generational cruises depart from Dubrovnik and Split, island hopping along the Dalmatian Coast for 7 incredible days! Explorer Cruises are designed to have more of an emphasis on sightseeing than a Navigator cruise, whilst still offering socialising options in the evenings. Each ship within the Explorer fleet features a private ensuite bathroom, air-conditioned rooms and spacious sun decks, dining saloons and socialising areas.
Explore, unwind and experience the true beauty of Croatia on an Explorer Cruise!
Itineraries
SUMMARY
The Dubrovnik to Split itinerary covers Dalmatian highlights across 7 incredible days.
Starting in Dubrovnik, this one way itinerary travels north through the islands of Mljet, Korcula, Vis and Hvar, taking in famous Croatian destinations and quaint island towns. This route ends in the waterfront city of Split.
ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS
- Walk Dubrovnik's famous City Walls
- Cycle through Croatia's Greenest Island, Mljet
- Sip cocktails in a 15th Century turret in Korcula
- Step back in time in Vela Luka
- Become enchanted at the incredible Blue Cave, Vis
- Discover Hvar's famous nightlife including Carpe Diem & Hula Hula Bar
- Taste local wines at the UNESCO protected Stari Grad Plain
- Explore Diocletian's Palace in Split
SUMMARY
Check-in at Dubrovnik's Gruz Harbour from 10.30am, with lunch served onboard at 1pm, giving you the perfect opportunity to get to know your new shipmates! We’ll begin our cruise from Dubrovnik and head toward our first destination, Mljet.
Please Note: Your ship will dock in Port Gruz, which is located just outside of Dubrovnik Old Town. Port Gruz runs from South Gruz, to North Gruz Port which is under Dubrovnik Bridge. Public buses to Dubrovnik Old Town are available for €2 per person, one way (payable locally).
Please Note: Our Captains work hard to provide the best possible experience based on weather and port conditions. Our aim is to make sure you have an amazing week on your Sail Croatia cruise! In light of this, the itinerary and port locations may need to change during the week.
USEFUL INFORMATION
SUMMARY
We depart from the Port of Gruz at 1pm. We'll have lunch onboard, allowing you to get to know your fellow shipmates as we sail north through the beautiful Elaphite islands. A refreshing swim stop will be had before we continue to Mljet island and its National Park.
Once docked in the afternoon, you are free to explore the salt lakes within the National Park. Inside the Park you are able to visit the isle of St Mary, which is home to an ancient Benedictine monastery, an old abbey and a church dating back to the 12th century that are just waiting to be explored.
The National Park is best discovered using a bicycle or kayak that can be hired within the park grounds. We will overnight in the port of Polace or Pomena this evening and catch one of Mljet famous sunsets from the back of the ship.
Please Note: Guests looking to explore Mljet National Park, please be aware there is an entrance fee payable locally.
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
SUMMARY
From Mljet we'll set sail for the island of Korcula, the rumoured birthplace of Marco Polo. Lunch will be served onboard near Lumbarda bay, on the eastern side of Korcula island. We will overnight in the port of Korcula Town.
Explore this fortified town, with its narrow streets and lookout towers and spend your afternoon exploring and understanding the islands legends, myths and tales.
The town's stone walls were built over two centuries ago, and the Old Town is built in a fishbone structure that you have to see to believe.
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
SUMMARY
We set sail from Korčula town and head to the western side of the island, where we will stop at the port of Vela Luka. The name Vela Luka translates as ‘big harbour’ and the town lies in a deep sheltered bay, lined with small coves. The town dates back to prehistoric times and archaeological finds are on display at the cultural centre.
The most interesting site in Vela Luka is Vela Spila (Great Cave) - this vast rocky hideout was inhabited in the Neolithic Period and it is worth the 30-minute walk uphill from the port to investigate, whilst also taking in the beautiful views of the bay and its islands.
Vela Luka has a strong agricultural background, particularly in olive growing, from which its olive oil is locally recommended.
OPTIONAL EXCURSION
SUMMARY
Early this morning and subject to weather conditions (which are normally excellent), we will make our way across to the island of Vis, one of the most outer-lying islands on the Dalmatian coast.
Vis has been used over the centuries as a strategic military port and saw action by the Allied military through WWII against Italy and Germany.
Today it is an idyllic island, famous for its stunning Blue Cave, an island cave system accessible only by boat. The blue turquoise water and refracted light into the cave make for exciting and amazing photo opportunities. Please see FAQ Will I get to visit the Blue Cave?
Please Note: If by chance the weather and wind isn't suitable to visit Vis, an alternative stop will be made on the itinerary. The captain reserves the right to amend the itinerary, as his number one priority is always safety.
OPTIONAL EXCURSION
SUMMARY
Today we'll head toward the island of Hvar, the longest and one of the most popular islands in the Adriatic. We will dock in Hvar Town for our first night on Hvar island.
The 16th century walls with fortifications towering above the township, fascinating outer-lying Islands, waterfront restaurants and famous bars make it a popular stop on the itinerary.
We dock in prime position along the waterfront, providing the perfect base to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of restaurants, cafes and bars. Stunning sunsets, incredible nightlife, well-preserved architecture and inviting waterfront cafes mean Hvar has something for everyone.
Please Note: The docking time in Hvar can be early evening in peak season due to Port Authority restrictions. If guests would like to arrive to Hvar town earlier, water taxi transfer will be arranged for one time slot for the boat, which will be included for all guests.
SUMMARY
We depart Hvar Town and sail towards the quaint town of Stari Grad or the port of Jelsa (depending on local harbour traffic).
Situated on the northern side of the island, Stari Grad literally means 'Old Town' and it is one of the oldest towns in Croatia, dating back to the 1300's. Stari Grad boasts an attractive network of old narrow streets, vineyards and olive groves that surround the town, as well as the Stari Grad Plain; a UNESCO protected World Heritage site.
Both ports have plenty of restaurants and bars to explore, with some overlooking the harbour itself and others tucked away in the side streets.
This evening we will have our Captain’s Dinner onboard, the perfect opportunity to get to know your fellow guests and Captain!
Please Note: Due to Port Authority restrictions your ship may be docked in the ferry port.
OPTIONAL EXCURSION
SUMMARY
We leave the island of Hvar behind this morning and start to make our way back to Split. We'll stop for a swim and lunch along the way at one of the hidden coastal bays, perfect for diving right off the ship.
Our arrival into Split will be in the early afternoon, giving you plenty of time to explore the abundance of Roman architecture found here, particularly the 4th century, UNESCO protected - Diocletian's Palace.
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
SUMMARY
Enjoy an early onboard breakfast, after which it is time to say goodbye to the crew, your new friends and leave your Dubrovnik to Split cruise behind.
Please Note: It is possible for you to leave the ship as early as needed on the morning of departure to catch flights, as all ships will be in port the previous night.
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
Inclusions
Tour Manager Your dedicated Tour Manager will assist you with any questions onboard
Daily Swim Stops Dive into crystal clear water, straight off your ship!
Daily Buffet Breakfast Wake up to a freshly prepared breakfast daily
7 Nights Accommodation Choose your comfort level with a variety of modern, spacious ships available
Wi-fi Wi-fi is available on your cruise (subject to download limits)
Captain’s Dinner Evening Experience traditional Croatian cuisine, as your Captain puts on an evening complete with local entertainment!
Optional Excursions Optional activities, such as zip-lining and wine tasting, are available on all Explorer Cruises
3 Course Lunch Daily Enjoy a 3-course lunch daily
Pricing
Explorer Ships
Salve Di Mare is a luxurious small ship that accommodates 40 guests onboard. This custom-built ship features a splash pool, multiple sun deck areas, and generous spaces to socialise and dine onboard.
Princeza Diana is the perfect ship to cruise in comfort and style, comfortably accommodating 32 guests onboard. The ship features an onboard jacuzzi, spacious sun decks and an elegant dining salon.
Almissa is an ideal vessel for intimate small ship cruising, accommodating 38 guests onboard. There are plenty of opportunities to socialise and relax onboard this ship, thanks to spacious sundecks and relaxing lounge areas.
Mali Ante is a charming small ship that accommodates 38 guests onboard. This modern and comfortable ship features an onboard jacuzzi, wide open decks and a large dining salon.
Tempera is an elegant ship that accommodates 36 guests onboard. This elegant ship features spacious sundecks, modern cabins, a large dining salon and a swimming platform for easy access in and out of the sea.
Katarina is a deluxe small ship that accommodates 36 guests onboard. This deluxe super-yacht is one of the latest ships to join the Elegance fleet and features spacious sun decks, a well appointed dining salon, terrace lounge and onboard bar.
Explorer Deals
Experience total serenity at sea with our serene Yoga Cruise. Enjoy sunrise and sunset yoga sessions with a certified yoga instructor and guide.
You will also get to experience a yoga practice in a vineyard amongst the vines, before enjoying a traditional Croatian dinner with wine tasting.
Our Yoga Cruise will have you feeling revitalised and refreshed!
If you're travelling with a group, a triple or quad cabin may be the perfect way to share & save!
These cabins are perfect for groups of friends, or families, that would prefer to share a cabin rather than share with other travellers.
As these cabins are a similar size to our twin-share cabins, we offer a 10% discount per person for these cabin types.
We offer a 5% discount on our cruises and Flotilla tours to all Sail Croatia clients that have travelled with us in the past, or have booked multiple Sail Croatia Cruises in the same year.