From Tuepi: Makarska Riviera Private Sailing Day Trip

Imagine spending a full day on the water, cruising along Croatia’s stunning Makarska Riviera, with the wind in your hair and scenic vistas all around. That’s exactly what this private sailing day trip offers. Operated by Butterfly Diving & Water Sports, the experience combines relaxed sailing, beautiful island stops, and plenty of opportunities to swim and snorkel. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a day of peaceful exploration, this trip packs a punch for lovers of the sea.

What we love about this experience is how customizable it feels. The skipper — described as “clever, calm, and pleasant” — is attentive and eager to make sure everyone gets the most out of the day. We also appreciate the flexibility of bringing your own drinks and food onboard, making this a truly personalized outing. One potential consideration is that the trip lasts around 3.5 hours of actual sailing and swimming, which might feel a bit short for some travelers craving a full day at sea. Still, it’s ideal for those wanting a taste of Croatia’s maritime beauty in a comfortable, intimate setting.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate calm, scenic days on the water with a friendly, knowledgeable crew. It’s perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone eager to combine relaxation with the chance to get involved in sailing. If you’re after a private, flexible, and scenic escape, this trip fits the bill.

Key Points

• Private experience: Small group, fully customizable to your preferences.
• Expert skipper: Knowledgeable and attentive crew making the trip smooth and enjoyable.
• Scenic views: Stunning vistas of Biokovo Mountain and the surrounding islands.
• Flexible itinerary: Options to sail to Hvar or Bra, based on weather.
• Swimming & snorkeling: Stops in secluded bays for jumping in and exploring.
• All-inclusive: Fruits, soda, water, and a glass of sparkling wine included.

An In-Depth Look at the Makarska Riviera Private Sailing Day

Starting Point and General Atmosphere

Your day begins in the harbor of Tucepi, where you’ll meet the boat — a fully equipped sailing vessel operated by Butterfly Diving & Water Sports. The boat, known as the Lady Butterfly, is noted for being clean, tidy, and spacious, with a kitchen onboard for snacks and drinks. Once everyone is onboard, your skipper will offer a sailing introduction while pouring a glass of sparkling wine — an excellent way to kick off the day and get everyone comfortable. This initial briefing is not just practical but also a chance to learn a bit about sailing, should you wish to steer the wheel later.

The Sailing Experience

Once underway, the real magic begins. Depending on weather conditions, your skipper will suggest heading to either Hvar or Bra — some of Croatia’s most attractive islands. The decision hinges on the wind and weather, which the skipper expertly monitors to optimize your experience. This flexibility ensures you get the best possible views and conditions.

The highlight for many is the sensation of sailing with the wind — feeling the boat glide effortlessly through the water and taking turns at the wheel if you wish. Several reviews mention how the skipper is attentive and relaxed, making the experience both educational and fun. One guest noted, “We got to sail along Hvar and saw what we wanted to see,” emphasizing the personalized touch.

Swimming and Snorkeling Stops

A key part of the trip is the scheduled stops in secluded bays. The boat anchors, giving you the chance to jump into the clear waters for swimming or snorkeling. The reviews consistently praise these moments, with one traveler stating they “sailed to a secluded bay and jumped into the ocean.” The onboard kitchen is fully equipped, so you can bring your own drinks and snacks, with a warning to avoid glass bottles for safety.

Snorkeling gear isn’t explicitly provided, but the beautiful, calm waters make for an enjoyable dip. Keep in mind, the swimming stop lasts for about an hour or so, which may feel brief for those wanting a long day in the water. However, the focus remains on the sailing experience and scenic views.

The Views

One of the standout features of this trip is the view of Biokovo Mountain, which provides a dramatic backdrop to your cruise. As you sail along the coast, you’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas of rugged cliffs and lush greenery. The scenery alone justifies the trip, especially for photographers or nature lovers.

Food and Beverage

Fruits, soda, and water are included, and a glass of sparkling wine is provided at the start. The onboard kitchen allows you to bring your own food and drinks, making it easy to customize your picnic. However, it’s worth noting that the trip does not include alcohol beyond the one glass of sparkling wine, so if you’re planning a celebration or just want more drinks, bring them along.

Duration and Price

The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours, which many reviewers find to be a good balance — enough time to relax and enjoy the surroundings without feeling rushed. At $469 per group (up to one person), the price reflects the private nature of the experience, making it a good value for those seeking exclusivity and personalized service. The price includes the boat, the skipper, drinks, fruits, and the introductory sailing lesson, which adds value compared to larger group tours.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who value personalized attention, want to learn about sailing, or simply enjoy scenic, calm days at sea. It’s particularly suited for small groups, couples, or families who prefer a relaxed pace over a high-energy adventure. It’s not designed for those seeking a full day or more energetic water sports, but rather a gentle, scenic escape.

Authentic Experiences from Reviews

Travelers consistently highlight the knowledge and professionalism of the skipper, with one describing him as “clever, calm, and pleasant.” The views are described as “fantastically nice,” and the boat’s cleanliness and spaciousness are often praised. One reviewer even called it the “best day of the vacation,” emphasizing how special and memorable the trip was.

A less positive review pointed out that some parts of the trip felt like just swimming without much guidance, and that it might not be suitable for travelers looking for a longer or more active experience. However, most reviews focus on the relaxed, scenic nature of the trip and the friendly, attentive crew.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Experience?

If you’re after a peaceful, scenic sail with a friendly crew and a chance to see Croatia’s stunning coastline from the water, this tour offers genuine value. The private nature of the trip means you can tailor the experience to your preferences — whether that’s sailing, swimming, or simply soaking up the views.

It’s especially well-suited for those who want a taste of sailing without the complexity or cost of a larger group tour. The inclusion of the skipper, drinks, and fruits makes it a relatively stress-free, all-in-one package. But if you’re looking for a full day or more active water sports, you might want to explore other options.

In summary, this Makarska Riviera private sailing trip offers an unforgettable blend of scenic beauty, relaxed sailing, and personalized service. It’s perfect for travelers craving a calm and intimate escape in Croatia’s gorgeous coastal waters.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a private sailing boat, a glass of sparkling wine, a sailing introduction, the opportunity to steer the boat with the skipper, and fruits, soda, and water.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Yes, you’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks onboard. The boat has a fully equipped kitchen, but glass bottles are discouraged for safety reasons.

Where does the tour start and end?
The experience begins at the harbor of Tucepi, with the boat named Lady Butterfly, and ends back at the same meeting point after the trip.

How long does the trip last?
The sailing and swimming experience lasts around 3.5 hours, offering enough time for sailing, relaxing, and swimming without feeling rushed.

Is this tour suitable for children or older adults?
It is generally suitable for most ages, but people over 95 years or over 264 lbs (120 kg) are not recommended to participate. Small children should be supervised during water activities.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, a windbreaker just in case, and some shoes with white soles if you prefer to wear shoes onboard. Remember to protect yourself from the sun.

Do I need to pay in advance?
You can reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility if your plans change. Full cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

This private sailing trip along the Makarska Riviera offers a delightful mix of sailing, scenic views, and relaxed swimming in Croatia’s beautiful waters. Whether you’re celebrating a special moment or simply want a peaceful day on the sea, it promises a memorable and authentic experience.