Reviewed · SAILING

Sailboat tour to the islands

★ 4.5 · 6 reviews 6 hours (approx.) From $112.38 Operated by Butterfly Diving · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

Six hours of sailing, wind willing. This small-group sailboat tour from Tučepi sends you toward Hvar or Brač if the wind cooperates, with a planned swim and snorkel break along the way. You’ll also get a proper onboard intro, plus time to handle the tiller if you want.

I like the format: a small group (max 9) makes it feel more like a real day on a working sailboat than a crowded boat ride. I also like that the basics are handled, water, soda, fruit, and a glass of sparkling wine included.

One thing to factor in: snorkeling gear is not included, and the route depends on weather and wind. If you’re picturing a perfectly relaxed, no-moving-anywhere kind of day, sailing always brings a little motion and decision-making.

Key things you’ll want to know before you go

Sailboat tour to the islands - Key things you’ll want to know before you go

  • Small-group cap (max 9): more room to ask questions and actually help with boat basics.
  • English offered: you’ll meet an English-speaking setup for the tour.
  • Wind drives the plan: you sail under wind power if possible, and the island choice can shift.
  • Swim plus snorkel stop: a real pause for water time, not just a quick stop.
  • Take the helm if you want: you can steer, with the skipper right there.
  • Snorkel equipment is not included: bring your own or plan to go without it.

Tučepi check-in and the first hour on the Lady Butterfly

The day starts at the dive and water sports center in Tučepi (Kraj 83, 21325). You meet at 10:00 am, and the tour ends back at the same place, so you’re not stuck planning a complicated return.

Once you’re onboard, your skipper explains the boat and answers questions about sailing. This is the best part if you’re new to sailboats, because you’re not just watching rope and sails do their thing. You’re learning what matters, and you can ask the questions that usually pop up after you get home and try to explain it to friends.

In feedback, the boat name that comes up is Lady Butterfly. Either way, the experience is clearly built around a live skipper on deck, guiding the day in a way that keeps you involved without turning it into a test.

If you get seasick easily, the motion will be a real factor. Keep an eye on your own comfort level during the sailing portion, and remember you can choose how involved you want to be when things get active.

Hvar or Brač: how your skipper chooses the island

Sailboat tour to the islands - Hvar or Brač: how your skipper chooses the island
After leaving the harbor, the plan is to sail under wind, if possible, to one of the nearby islands: Hvar or Brač. That wording matters. It means the day you get is shaped by conditions, not by a rigid script.

For you, this is actually good news. Wind sailing on the Adriatic can be great when it’s right, and frustrating when it’s not. Building flexibility into the route helps keep the day fun and keeps the skipper focused on safety and comfort.

Also, this is the kind of trip where local knowledge can pay off. Some sailing days feel like you just cruise past scenery. Others feel like you’re getting real context for what you’re seeing: why this bay works, why that stretch of water is more protected, and what to expect from the wind. In the names that show up in feedback, skippers Jacob and Sebastian are both mentioned, with Jacob praised for being skillful and chatty about Croatia and sailing, and Sebastian mentioned with experiences that range from very positive to mixed depending on guest expectations.

That last point is worth keeping in mind. Sailing is hands-on, and docking and anchoring are part of the rhythm. If you want ultra-calm, teacher-mode vibes the whole time, you should know that some skippers run a tighter ship than others.

More Adriatic miles under keel:

The swim and snorkel stop, and what to bring

Sailboat tour to the islands - The swim and snorkel stop, and what to bring
This tour includes a swim and snorkel stop. Translation: you’ll get a real water break, not just a look from the deck.

What’s not included is snorkeling equipment. So if you’re planning to snorkel, plan ahead. Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them, or be ready to snorkel with whatever you can arrange on your side. Having your own gear also tends to mean better comfort, better fit, and less time fiddling around while everyone else is already in the water.

Practical tip: treat this stop like it’s the highlight. Swimwear, sun protection, and a simple way to keep your phone and valuables dry matter more than you think. Croatia sun is strong, and you’ll likely be out on deck for several hours before the water break.

You’ll also be able to take a turn at boat tasks if you want. That can be a fun contrast to the swim, especially if you like the idea of learning by doing rather than just watching. Just keep your own limits in mind. Moderate physical fitness is listed for a reason, and deck movement plus stairs and boarding can be more tiring than beach days.

Taking the helm without getting in the way

Sailboat tour to the islands - Taking the helm without getting in the way
One of the most appealing parts here is that you’re welcome to take the helm. And the skipper stays with you the whole time, so this isn’t about handing over control and hoping for the best.

For you, this is the sweet spot. You can try sailing basics during a calm moment, feel the boat respond, and ask questions in real time. For non-sailors, it’s also a confidence builder. For experienced sailors, it’s a way to steer without needing to manage the entire operation.

In the feedback, guests liked the chance to help with sailing tasks when offered. That means the skipper seems to create moments where participation is optional but encouraged. If you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys being active on tours, this matters.

One consideration: sailing maneuvering can be technical, and you may feel some pressure around docking and anchoring. That’s normal on boats, but the “stress level” can vary by skipper and by conditions. If you’re hoping for a fully relaxed, low-key vibe, keep that in mind and focus on your own comfort level.

What’s included in the ticket, and why it’s good value

Sailboat tour to the islands - What’s included in the ticket, and why it’s good value
The listed price is $112.38 per person for about 6 hours. You’re not just paying for time on the water. You’re paying for boat operation, a skipper, and the onboard comfort extras.

Included items:

  • water and soda
  • fruit
  • a glass of sparkling wine

That combination is small, but it’s smart. It means you don’t have to solve the “what do we eat and drink on the water” problem mid-journey. Fruit and drinks are also a good way to keep energy steady until the swim stop and during the sail back.

There’s also a bit of a price puzzle in the information: Skipper 150€ is listed under not included. At the same time, the tour description clearly implies you sail with your skipper and the skipper explains the boat and stays with you. So before you assume you’ll pay nothing extra, check exactly what your booking includes. It could be a listing detail tied to a specific arrangement, or it could apply only in certain cases.

Value-wise, the main deal is this: small-group time on a sailboat, with a built-in swim and snorkel break, and basic refreshments. If you want a “day on the water” experience without turning it into a logistics project, this is priced like a practical outing, not a bare-bones boat rental.

More mainsails up the channel:

How the 6 hours tends to feel on the day

Sailboat tour to the islands - How the 6 hours tends to feel on the day
Even without a written minute-by-minute itinerary, the rhythm is pretty clear from how the tour is described:

  • Start in Tučepi at 10:00: meet, board, get a boat intro.
  • Sail toward Hvar or Brač if wind allows: enjoy the sailing portion and ask questions.
  • Swim and snorkel stop: gear matters here, and this is where the day slows down.
  • Head back to Tučepi: end where you started, no complicated transport planning.

Because the islands are chosen based on wind and conditions, you should mentally plan for “a sailing day shaped by nature.” That’s not a downside. It’s what makes sailboat tours worth doing.

The fact it’s limited to 9 travelers also affects how it feels. When the group is small, it’s easier for everyone to get attention from the skipper, for the boat to run smoothly, and for participation to stay personal instead of scripted.

Who should book this sailboat tour

Sailboat tour to the islands - Who should book this sailboat tour
This tour fits best if you want:

  • a hands-on sailing experience with the option to take the helm
  • time on a small boat with a skipper who answers questions
  • a day that includes real water time, swim plus snorkel

It may not be the best match if you:

  • need snorkeling equipment provided for you
  • prefer a completely hands-off experience where you never touch anything
  • are extremely sensitive to motion, since sailing and deck movement are part of the experience

It also works well as a couples or family activity, mainly because the group size stays small and the skipper can manage different comfort levels. In feedback, families have been happy with how the day was planned and adjusted based on weather, which is exactly what you want from a skipper who’s thinking on the fly.

Should you book this sailboat tour from Tučepi?

Sailboat tour to the islands - Should you book this sailboat tour from Tučepi?
If your dream is a half-day sail with a swim stop, and you like the idea of learning something practical on the water, I’d say this is worth booking. The included fruit and drinks help keep it comfortable, and the small group size makes it feel more personal than most mass-market boat trips.

Book it with two clear expectations: weather and wind shape the island choice, and snorkeling gear is on you. If you’re good with that, you’ll likely leave with the kind of day you can describe in a few sentences, then still feel it in your body when you get back to shore.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the sailboat tour?

The tour starts at Makarska Riviera, Kraj 83, 21325, Tučepi, Croatia, at the diving and water sports center in Tucepi. It ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 10:00 am.

How long is the tour?

The duration is approximately 6 hours.

Which islands might we sail to?

If possible, you’ll sail to one of the islands of Hvar or Brač.

Is there a swim and snorkel stop?

Yes, a swim and snorkel stop is planned.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Use of snorkeling equipment is listed as not included.

What’s the group size?

There is a maximum of 9 travelers.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

What is the cancellation and weather policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

More like this

Sailing, compared.

The full Sailing list →
Full-Day Sailing Trip to Kornati
★★★★★★★★★★4.6· 563 reviews· from $81

Full-Day Sailing Trip to Kornati

Read our review →
Boat Tour to Pakleni Islands on a Comfort Yacht
★★★★★★★★★★4.8· 424 reviews· from $94

Boat Tour to Pakleni Islands on a Comfort Yacht

Read our review →
Zadar Half Day Sailing Trip
★★★★★★★★★★4.7· 413 reviews· from $49

Zadar Half Day Sailing Trip

Read our review →
Sunset & dolphin group tours with Catamaran
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 262 reviews· from $41

Sunset & dolphin group tours with Catamaran

Read our review →
Blue Cave Catamaran Tour with Drinks and Snorkel
★★★★★★★★★★4.6· 139 reviews· from $76

Blue Cave Catamaran Tour with Drinks and Snorkel

Read our review →
Romantic Sunset Sailing Experience On A Comfort Yacht
★★★★★★★★★★4.9· 119 reviews· from $76

Romantic Sunset Sailing Experience On A Comfort Yacht

Read our review →

Browse the lists this tour appears in

Scroll to Top

Explore Croatia

Every kind of day out, and the best of each.