Sailing Tour Istria
Author's sailing tour in Croatia, Istria
A week with us at sea along the coast of Croatia on a sailing yacht means mornings with coffee on the deck, short passages between beautiful bays, and visits to historic Adriatic towns with a touch of Italy — places we enter directly from the water. Evenings are relaxed, when the crew already starts to feel like good friends. Our skippers and organizers explain everything in a simple way and plan the journey thoughtfully. That is why even your first time sailing Croatia can feel comfortable and exciting. If you have long wanted to try the sea and experience a yacht tour Croatia, this could be the perfect moment to raise the sails together with Let’s Boat.
Sailing & Catamaran Tour in Istria, Croatia
Istria – is that corner of the Adriatic where the sea looks especially clear, and the towns seem to grow straight out of stone and sunlight. Here, it’s easy to slow down: Croatian towns with Italian charm and Austrian structure, scented with wine, baked squid, olive oil, bread, truffles, and the sea. This is a land at the crossroads of cultures, peoples, and flavors.
During these 8 days, we won’t just explore the coastline. We will gradually become a crew: meeting amazing, vibrant people, learning simple sailing skills, and discovering Istria together — its towns, bays, style, taste, cuisine, and rhythm of life. Even if you have never been on a yacht before, this Istria sailing tour is a calm, clear, and professionally guided introduction to the world of yachting. And of course, you’ll have amazing photos and videos for your content.
This yacht tour Croatia offers a perfect mix of sea, culture, and adventure for beginners and experienced sailors alike.
Tour at a glance
- Country & Region:
- Croatia, Istria / Adriatic coast
- Starting location
- Pula
- Tour duration:
- 7 nights / 8 days
- Available boats:
- Monohull boats and catamarans
- Tour format:
- Yacht tour with skipper
- Tour type:
- Author's tour
- Skill level required:
- None (suitable for beginners)
The exact route may vary depending on weather and guests’ preferences. Daily sailing distances are flexible and adjusted for comfort
No night sailing. No long exhausting passages.
The Let’s Boat Team and Our Skippers
At Let’s Boat, we have been sailing the sea for many years and we know Istria very well. Actually… we love Istria! Our skippers do much more than just steer the boat — they tell stories about the places and people, explain the lifestyle and spirit of the coast, and help everyone feel confident on board from the very first day.
Before we go out to sea, we explain everything in simple language: how to behave and relax on a boat, how to enjoy local food, how to feel the spirit of Italy and the warmth of Croatian hearts. Most of our guests arrive without any sailing experience — and already on the first day they feel like part of the crew.
Our Istria sailing tour is designed so that even first time sailing Croatia feels easy and welcoming. It is a relaxed and inspiring sailing trip Croatia, where everyone can discover the sea at their own pace.
Together we raise the sails, moor in small harbors, cook breakfasts in the galley of a catamaran or yacht, open a bottle of local wine in the evening (and not only in the evening), and talk about important things, funny things, and heartfelt things. We take hundreds of great photos and videos. It is exactly this atmosphere that makes people return to sail with us again — whether in Croatia or in other countries and sailing regions.
PHOTOS from the tour
There will be many more beautiful photos that you will take for yourself during this tour.
What awaits you on this tour in Croatia
This is a journey where every day is a little different, but the rhythm always remains comfortable.
During the tour:
- 8 days and 7 nights of life on a sailing yacht or catamaran
- a thoughtfully planned route along the coast of Istria and the islands of the Kvarner Bay
- short sailing passages so there is plenty of time for swimming, exploring towns, and relaxing
- evenings in atmospheric port towns — Rovinj, Pula, and small islands
- bays with crystal-clear water where we anchor and swim directly from the boat
- oyster and olive oil tastings and знакомства with the local cuisine
And one more important thing: even if you feel a little nervous about the sea or a new group of people — on this kind of yacht tour Croatia, the feeling that everyone has known each other for a long time usually appears very quickly.
Tour Program of Sailing Tour in Istria
If you have the time and desire, you can arrive a few days before the tour begins or stay a little longer after it ends — and by prior arrangement we can organize even more excursions, discoveries, scenic places, adventures, and tastings for you (wine, local gin and distilleries, cheeses and sausages, fortresses, mosaics and ancient ruins, olive oil production and an olive oil museum… and many more).
We meet in the marina in Pula in the morning and get to know each other. We leave our bags so our hands and backs are free from extra weight. While the boat is being prepared for departure, you will have time to walk around the city: old streets, the Roman ancient arena, the olive oil museum, a sea view from the fort museum, the underground museum, the Aquarium museum, delicious restaurants, a colorful local market, galleries, and souvenir shops. We will give you all the recommendations and tips.
After lunch we meet again, bring our things on board, take our cabins, get acquainted, and have a short briefing. If everything is ready and the weather allows, we head out to sea. (If it is more comfortable or necessary for us to stay in the marina, we spend the night in the marina.) The first sailing passage is short — a gentle introduction to the rhythm of life on a yacht. In the evening we anchor in a quiet bay. An evening of знакомства, conversations, and the first sunset on the water.
The morning begins simply: coffee, breakfast, and the sea all around. After that, we set off by boat across the Adriatic Sea along the coast toward the town of Rovinj, passing near the legendary Brijuni Islands. Along the way we will see two beautiful old lighthouses that look romantic, impressive, and majestic.
The town of Rovinj appears on the horizon gradually: the bell tower, narrow streets, and stone houses by the water. After mooring right next to the historic center of the town — either in the marina or on buoys in the bay — we will organize going ashore. You will have the opportunity to climb to the very top of the town where the famous Church of St. Euphemia (Croatian: Crkva sv. Eufemije), with beautiful views over the bays, the town, and dozens of yachts.
The walk through the town itself will definitely stay in your memory: it is truly charming and almost like a fairy tale. And of course there are restaurants, shops, galleries, taverns, taverns, taverns…
We spend the night on the boat in the harbor.
In the morning, the town is still quiet. Some of us manage to grab fresh pastries for coffee — and then we head out to sea.
We stop at the Lim Channel — a narrow bay with turquoise water and green shores. Here we swim, take photos, and there will be an opportunity to try local oysters and shellfish. Alternatively, we can take mussels with us and continue out to sea towards the town of Medulin.
By evening, we arrive in a calm bay: a walk along the shore and dinner either at a tavern or on board.
Today we sail along the beautiful coastline to the north. The sea is calm, and the scenery changes: cliffs, green hills, and small bays.
We spend the night in Raša River Bay — a quiet spot surrounded by nature. The river didn’t choose its name; it’s not to blame. It’s very beautiful and pleasant there. The name comes from Roman times and has evolved since then. This is almost a wild area, perfect for feeling how the rhythm of the journey changes: less city, more sea, and open space.
We will spend this day in the Kvarner Gulf. We sail to Cres Island. Along the coast — forests, rocky bays, and clear water.
We stop at the Blue Cave, where the water glows with a vivid color on sunny days. Some dive inside, while others swim nearby or watch from the boat.
After that, we head to the town of Valun. A quiet harbor, the chance to stroll along the promenade, visit a local tasty tavern, and enjoy the evening on board under the starry sky above the sea.
A slow sea day in the Kvarner Bay. We stop by the small historic town of Osor, which connects the two islands: Cres and Lošinj. Quiet streets, old buildings, an ancient monastery, and the canal between Cres and Lošinj, which only opens a few times a day. A strategic point since ancient times, it now mostly serves a tourist role.
After the stroll, we head further out to sea and by evening arrive at the island of Unije. Overnight in a wild spot, where there is almost no noise from civilization — just the sea and us.
The final leg of the route. A day at sea, conversations on deck, another lunch together, and lots of photos. We pass by a large old lighthouse and the protected shores of Kamenjak.
In the evening, we return to Pula at the home marina. We hand back the boat and have the option to spend one more night on board. Farewell dinner — either on the boat or at a local konoba. We exchange contacts, photos, and plans for new journeys.
A calm morning, breakfast, and final packing. We leave the boat by 9:00. If there’s time before departure — one more stroll around the town, coffee, or souvenirs from Istria.
If you plan to stay a couple more days in Pula, there’s plenty to do, places to visit, and sights to see.
Tour Pricing & Yachts
Prices are indicated per person in a double cabin (usually one double bed). There is also the option to book the entire cabin for yourself at a special rate, or to reserve it for two (you + the person you plan to travel with). When registering, please choose the package and dates that suit you best.
For this tour, we select the most comfortable sailing yachts or catamarans. You can expect modern interiors, thoughtfully designed cabins, and spacious decks for relaxing in the sun. With a professional skipper on board, each yacht provides the perfect balance of privacy, safety, and ease of handling, allowing you to fully enjoy the journey.
1 person — €1190
Double cabin — €2280
1 person — €880
Double cabin — €1600
Istria’s Culinary Delights and Cultural Heritage
Istria is a place where food and travel go hand in hand. The region is full of small family-run restaurants, markets, and farms. You’ll have the opportunity to taste, try, savor, and even take home as souvenirs:
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fresh seafood and oysters
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Istrian prosciutto and sausages
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local wines and gin
-
rakija and distilled spirits
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local beers
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olive oil from family farms
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truffle dishes
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local and Italian cheeses
Some of these dishes are prepared on board — the kitchens on our catamarans or yachts make this easy. In the evenings, you can go ashore in search of the best dinner and Croatian hospitality. Finding it won’t be difficult.
Pula, Rovinj, Cres Island, Lošinj — where history lingers in every corner. Roman ruins, Venetian influences, medieval streets — narrow alleys, stone walls, mosaics, temples, fortresses, and charming waterfronts. We won’t just sail past these towns. We’ll wander through them, listen to their stories, climb winding staircases, and step inside intimate galleries. This is how you experience Istria — not as a tourist on a map, but from the inside out.
What’s Included in the Tour Price
Our tours vary in program and level of intensity. The price of this particular tour includes the following:
✅ What’s Included
- Yacht charter and all necessary documentation
- Skipper services
- Bed linen, towels, and kitchenware (Each participant receives a blanket, pillow, bed linen, and a towel for the duration of the trip. No need to bring these with you — everything is clean, comfortable, and beautiful.)
- Our guidance in the towns
- Final cleaning of the yacht
- Tourist tax (required by Croatian law)
❌ What’s Not Included
- logistics to the starting point
- purchase of food and drinks for the boat
- tastings and museum visits (if desired)
- single accommodation (upon request)
- insurance and personal expenses
- fuel for the yacht (approximately €200–300 per boat for the entire trip)
- marina berths or paid mooring buoys
- Shorts
- Sports trousers / lightweight pants
- 2–3 short-sleeve T-shirts
- 2–3 long-sleeve T-shirts
- Fleece sweatshirt or hoodie (it can get cool in the evenings)
- Windbreaker or waterproof jacket to protect from wind, spray, or rain
- Deck shoes with light, non-slip soles (or dedicated sailing shoes)
- Shower slippers (Crocs are fine)
- Swimsuit / swimwear (for women, we recommend a closed one for swimming and an open one for sunbathing)
- Cap or sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Personal items
- Power bank, chargers
- Personal first-aid kit
Optional Extras
- Snorkel mask / goggles (the water is very salty)
- Fins
- Thin wetsuit for swimming
- Sailing gloves (or regular sports/work gloves)
- Coral shoes (sea urchins sit on the rocks)
- Musical instruments, if you play — evenings will be more fun
- It’s best to use a soft bag or backpack instead of a suitcase. We are happy to provide additional tips and advice if it’s your first time on a yacht.
Important Conditions for Croatia sailing
International flights are purchased by guests independently. We will suggest convenient routes to Pula, but all flight-related matters are handled directly with airlines or agents.
The itinerary may change depending on the weather. The final decision is always made by the captain — this is a matter of safety. However, we always maintain the spirit of the journey and include interesting locations.
If cancellation occurs more than 2 weeks in advance, 50% of the payment will be refunded. Less than 2 weeks in advance — unfortunately, no refund is possible due to already made reservations.
Usually, within the first few days of the trip, someone among the guests starts saying: “Now I understand why people love yachting.”
It’s not as difficult or intimidating as it may seem before the first day. There is a skipper who explains everything, the sea gradually becomes familiar, and each day of the journey is a little different.
If you would like to experience Istria from the water, live on a yacht, and spend a week in good company — we will be happy to welcome you on board Let’s Boat.
Ready for a journey where the sea meets wine?
Join the “Istria” sailing tour. Eight days after which Istria and yachting will forever hold a special place in your memories and heart.
FAQ
We accept payments by credit card, bank transfer, and through online payment systems. All transactions are official, secure, and protected.
Yes, nothing inspires confidence in the future like a prepayment. To confirm your booking, a prepayment is required, with the amount depending on the chosen tour or charter. The remaining balance is paid according to the agreed terms. We can discuss this individually.
Safety is our top priority. In case of unfavorable weather during a tour, the route may be adjusted or supplemented, and we will inform you. In any case, your journey and experiences remain complete. For boat rentals, the skipper or you (if you have a license) are responsible for safety. It is always wise to choose safe locations considering the weather forecast. Sometimes it’s better to stay in a safe marina, enjoy local restaurants, museums, and attractions, and head out to sea the next day.
Absolutely! Our tours and training programs are designed for both experienced sailors and first-timers. We pay attention to every detail to ensure everyone enjoys a comfortable and safe experience. If a course, program, or tour requires additional preparation or specific experience (for example, a tour to Antarctica, diving with sharks, or climbing a volcano), we will inform you in advance.
Yes, we offer gift certificates for any amount or specific services. This is a perfect surprise or gift for family, friends, or colleagues. For you, it’s convenient and prestigious; for the recipient, it’s valuable, exciting, and offers new experiences. A gift certificate for a boat rental is a ticket to a pleasant boat vacation. A gift certificate for a tour offers new seas and lands, allowing you to see beautiful locations and experience the culture of one or several countries. Tourism – is always a good idea.. A certificate for a course provides new knowledge, skills, and experience, which is always an investment in the future. Clothes wear out, chocolate is eaten, jewelry can be lost, but yachting and travel last forever.
You can reach us via the contact form on the website, WhatsApp, phone, or email. We respond quickly and are always happy to help!
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