While Croatia has seen a surge in tourists in the last decade, with growth accelerating following its accession to the EU in 2013, its reputation as a fashionable seaside retreat dates back to the 1800s, when aristocrats of the Austro-Hungarian Empire would seek respite on the edge of the Adriatic.
There’s little mystery to why it attracts visitors. Its dramatic terrain and convergence of Central and Southern European culture, not to mention 3,600 miles of coastline, lend it an unquestionable appeal. Frescoed monasteries sit on pine-clad hilltops, UNESCO-listed Old Towns rise from the water’s edge and secluded, jewel-like bays dot turquoise shores.
Today’s travellers, from oenophiles looking to its unique terroir for robust reds, to sun-worshippers hopping from one island to the next, will find plenty to sate a wide range of tastes.
As its popularity has grown, so too has the question of how best to see it. A small-ship yacht cruise along the Dalmatian Coast is, for our money, the answer – and Riviera Travel, the right cruise operator to do it well.
Why is a yacht cruise the best way to see Croatia?
The Dalmatian Coast is dotted by over 1,200 islands, alongside countless towns and bays, and a yacht allows you to visit many that are harder to reach on typical itineraries.
A land-based trip, for instance, means relying on ferries and public transport to get around, and managing the logistics can quickly lose its novelty, especially in high season when queues can be long.
Classic cruising doesn’t guarantee access either, as many mid-sized or large ships are not suited to navigating Croatia’s smaller ports and islands.
In contrast, Riviera Travel’s yachts, which carry under 40 guests each, are designed specifically to sail to lesser-visited spots. Take the Dubrovnik & Splendours of Dalmatia Yacht Cruise – as well as hitting marquee ports, it visits Hvar Island’s Stari Grad, one of the oldest towns in Europe, and the sleepy village of Trstenik, known for its generations of wine-making heritage.
Beyond being able to visit these quieter corners, which often have fewer crowds, you also get a richer sense of Croatia’s cultural and natural diversity. Unlike a fly-and-flop holiday, where you see just one part of the country, a yacht cruise reveals its many facets first-hand.
For example, on Riviera’s Opatija, Zadar & Northern Gems of the Adriatic itinerary, you’ll spend one day marvelling at the Roman ruins of Zadar, the ancient capital of Dalmatia, and the next among the Kornati Islands, which George Bernard Shaw described as created of “tears, stars and breath.”
Which yacht cruise operator is right for you?
Not all Adriatic yacht cruises are created equal. Stories of poor maintenance, overcrowded vessels and unexpected fees are not uncommon, which makes choosing carefully essential.
The multi-award-winning specialist operator Riviera Travel is a strong contender for several reasons. For one, it’s reliable, with seasoned tour managers overseeing seamless, stress-free yacht cruises from start to finish. That’s on top of 24/7 access to a UK-based team, available before and during your holiday.
The brand also offers a happiness guarantee. If, by day two of your Croatian cruise, things are not as you expected, you will be flown home with a full refund.
In practice, it’s something that guests rarely call upon, thanks in no small part to Riviera’s expertly planned itineraries, luxury yachts and standard of service.
Best of all, rather than squeezing you for extras along the way, a generous array of inclusions are bundled into the price. As a rule of thumb, you can expect the following on Riviera Travel yacht cruises to Croatia:
- Direct flights and transfers, with luggage included, departing from a range of regional UK airports
- A cruise aboard a luxury yacht with no more than 20 cabins
- Half board dining
- Guided excursions led by local experts
- An experienced tour manager throughout
- Swim stops in carefully chosen locations
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- All additional taxes
What are Riviera Travel’s yachts like?
Riviera Travel has a fleet of six four-star yachts sailing the Adriatic, with capacity ranging from 30 to 40 guests. It’s a boutique collection of cousins rather than sisters, each bringing a character all its own.
The twin-masted MS Mendula, for example, combines the glamour of a modern yacht with the experience of a classic sailing ship. MS Adriatic Sky, meanwhile, boasts a sun deck with loungers and a hot tub, for total relaxation as you watch what Alfred Hitchcock once called the most beautiful sunset in the world.
Despite their individual touches, there are a few things all the ships share. All have air-conditioning, which is no small comfort if you’re sailing in the height of summer. All six also have swim platforms with ladder access to the water, for taking dips in the brilliant teal waters. And each has a guest-to-crew ratio of 4:1, which translates to high-standard, personalised service.
Who are Riviera’s Croatian cruises best suited to?
Riviera Travel tends to attract well-travelled guests, many of whom are looking for destination immersion and excursions with cultural cachet as well as a chance to lounge with a cocktail (though there are plenty of opportunities to do that, too).
The company is focused primarily on the UK and Irish markets, so unsurprisingly, that’s where the vast majority of passengers are from. Among that cohort, you get plenty of couples, friends and multi-gen groups of parents and grown-up children.
While guests aged 12 and over are welcome, families with children are relatively rare, as there are no facilities on board specifically geared towards them.
It’s worth noting that Riviera Travel was named the Best for Solo Travellers at the 2025 Wave Awards, marking the fourth consecutive year it won the accolade, one that it more than earns in the Adriatic. The brand has long championed those travelling independently, and that includes waiving solo supplements on select dates, as well as yacht cruises exclusively for solo travellers.
If you’ve never sailed before, you’ll also likely find yourself in good company. Riviera Travel’s small-ship approach means it often appeals to guests who wouldn’t consider themselves classic cruisers.
What are Riviera Travel’s Croatian itineraries like?
Riviera Travel has 11 Croatian yacht itineraries to choose from, each with a wide range of departure dates from London, Manchester, Bristol, the East Midlands, Edinburgh and more.
You can find eight-day itineraries where you’ll spend the entire holiday on the yacht, as well as longer ones which combine cruising with a land-based tour, extending to Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Here are three itineraries to consider:
Dalmatian Islands Yacht Cruise plus Plitvice Lakes & Šibenik
Highlights:
- Sailing on the twin-masted, classic sailing yacht MS Mendula, with plenty of chances to swim directly from the ship.
- A wine tasting in Jelsa, one of the lesser-visited spots on the island of Hvar, which has a history of viticulture stretching back 2,000 years to the Ancient Greeks.
- A guided walking tour of Split, including the huge Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, constructed from Italian marble, with columns and sphinxes from Egypt.
- Exploring Brač, with chances to visit the Golden Horn beach, one of the best in Europe, and visit an olive oil museum dedicated to the production of ‘liquid gold’.
- Visiting Plitvice Lakes, Croatia’s oldest and largest national park, with around 90 thundering waterfalls and turquoise-hued lakes.
Splendours of Dalmatia Yacht Cruise with Dubrovnik & Montenegro Tour
Highlights:
- Sailing to Mljet, Croatia’s “Greenest Island”, featuring fragrant pine forests, monastery ruins and dramatic caves, some of which are thought to have inspired Homer’s Odyssey.
- A visit to Pučišća, one of the Dalmatian Coast’s prettiest towns, and its celebrated stonemasonry school.
- Exploring the moated town of Kotor and getting to grips with Montenegro’s history.
- Staying in a four-star hotel in Dubrovnik so you can explore at your leisure and enjoy the city from a different perspective, thanks to a cable car ride to the top of Mount Srd.
Zadar and Islands of the North Yacht Cruise with Krka Waterfalls Tour
Highlights:
- A guided tour of the ancient Dalmatian capital of Zadar, which was ruled by the Venetians for centuries and boasts Roman ruins and medieval churches.
- A visit to Telaščica nature park, with a chance to enjoy Lake Mir, a natural salt lake known for its mineral-rich water, said to have therapeutic qualities.
- Sailing to the Kornati Islands National Park, known for its starkly barren islands and crystal-clear waters, as well as plenty of secret bays, caves and grottos.
- Driving inland to Krka Valley, where a sequence of lakes cascade dramatically into interlocking waterfalls, with dissolved minerals turning the water brilliant shades of emerald and blue, against a rainbow mist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the food like on Riviera Travel yachts?
For many, food is a highlight of a Riviera Travel yacht cruise, thanks to the mix of international dishes, Mediterranean staples and Croatian classics. Breakfast is typically a buffet, with a range of cold and cooked dishes, while lunch and dinner on board are set three-course menus, frequently featuring local dishes and ingredients. The Captain’s Dinner tends to be a standout of the week.
Dietary requirements can be catered for, but it’s important to provide details in advance so the crew can prepare accordingly. While alcoholic drinks are not included in your fare, they are available for purchase at the well-stocked bar.
Half board dining is usually included, leaving you free to sample local Croatian cuisine on shore. Peka, the country’s signature dish, is worth seeking out, while the oysters and wine of the Pelješac Peninsula are a draw for foodies.
What are the best cabins on Riviera Travel’s yachts?
As Riviera Travel’s yachts are each unique, it’s advisable to check the deck plan before booking. That said, cabins on the upper decks have the advantage of more natural light, while those on lower decks are frequently cooler and quieter.
How likely is it that I will experience seasickness?
Riviera Travel’s yachts tend to moor overnight, so seasickness is unlikely to disrupt your sleep. When you are sailing, how much movement you will feel depends on factors like the weather, and seasickness affects some people more than others. For more advice, see our guide to seasickness remedies.
What is the dress code on a Riviera Travel yacht?
There is no official dress code, and the atmosphere tends to be relaxed. During the day, casual, comfortable options are the norm, from shorts and beachwear to linen trousers and sundresses.
In the evening, particularly at the Captain’s Dinner, some guests opt for smart casual attire, but there is no obligation. Even then, it’s nothing too formal – think blazer, not ballgown.
Note: All information is up to date as of April 2026.
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