Memories of a Great 2024 Sailing Vacation in Croatia
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There’s something magical about sailing the Adriatic Sea, and in the summer of 2024, we embarked on an unforgettable sailing adventure through Croatia’s stunning islands. Our route was a dream come true: Šolta, Hvar, Vis, and Brač. Each island had its own charm, and every day felt like a new discovery. But the real magic of the trip came from the people we shared it with—a group of fun-loving guests from Jamaica and our incredible skipper, Seadin, who quickly became part of our little floating family.
Setting Sail from Šolta: A Perfect Beginning
We began our journey on the island of Šolta, a peaceful and lesser-known gem just a short sail from Split. As we boarded the boat, the excitement in the air was undeniable. We were ready for a week of adventure, laughter, and relaxation. The Jamaican ladies, with their infectious energy, immediately set the tone for the trip. Music from the islands filled the boat as we loaded up supplies—fresh fruits, seafood, local wines, and, of course, a speaker for all the impromptu dance parties we knew were coming.
Our skipper, Seadin, welcomed us with a big smile and an easy going attitude that instantly put us at ease. He had sailed these waters countless times, but his enthusiasm made it feel like it was his first time all over again. He seemed just as excited as we were, especially when he realized how much fun we were going to have with the Jamaican crew. From the start, it was clear that this wasn’t going to be a typical sailing vacation in Croatia. This was going to be an experience full of joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
Šolta was the perfect place to ease into the rhythm of life at sea. We spent our first afternoon swimming in secluded coves, the clear, turquoise waters inviting us to dive in and leave the world behind. There were no big crowds here, just the sound of the waves and the occasional seagull. It felt like we had found our own private paradise.
Hvar: Where the Party Begins
The next day, we set sail for Hvar, the island known for its chic nightlife, glamorous vibes, and stunning architecture. As we approached the island, we were greeted by the sight of its historic harbor, filled with sleek yachts and bustling waterfront cafés. The contrast between Hvar’s vibrant energy and the tranquility of Šolta was striking, but we were ready for it.
Once we docked, the Jamaican ladies brought their energy to the island’s cobblestone streets. Their laughter and singing echoed through the old town as we wandered around, soaking in the sights. Hvar has a way of making you feel like you’re in the heart of the Mediterranean glamour. Between the luxurious restaurants, ancient forts, and the beautiful lavender fields just outside the town, there was no shortage of things to explore.
That night, we dined at a local restaurant with a terrace overlooking the harbor. The seafood was, as expected, incredible—fresh octopus, shrimp, and mussels, paired with local wine that seemed to get better with every sip. But the highlight of the evening was what followed. After dinner, we headed to one of Hvar’s famous beach clubs. With the sound of the waves behind us and music filling the air, it wasn’t long before we all found ourselves on the dance floor. The Jamaican ladies were the life of the party, and we danced until we could barely stand, our faces sore from smiling.
Vis: A Step Back in Time
After the excitement of Hvar, we were ready for something a bit more laid-back, and Vis delivered in every way. Vis is an island that feels like it’s been frozen in time. It’s less developed than Hvar, with a slower pace and a raw, untouched beauty that is rare to find these days.
We sailed into Vis and immediately fell in love with its quiet charm. The island’s history as a former Yugoslav military base has kept it somewhat off the radar for tourists, and we were grateful for that. It felt like we had discovered something secret.
Our day on Vis was spent in complete relaxation. We anchored in a secluded bay, surrounded by cliffs and pine trees, and spent hours swimming, snorkeling, and simply floating on our backs, letting the gentle waves carry us. Seadin, always up for a good time, joined us in the water, showing off his diving skills and sharing stories about his years of sailing in Croatia. The camaraderie on the boat was undeniable at this point. We weren’t just guests on a sailing trip; we were friends, united by the sea, sun, and the shared experience of something truly special.
That evening, we explored the small town of Komiža, one of the most picturesque places we had ever seen. Narrow streets lined with stone houses led down to a peaceful harbor where fishermen were returning with their catch of the day. We found a cozy little restaurant by the water and enjoyed a simple, yet perfect, dinner—grilled fish, local vegetables, and fresh olive oil. There was no rush, no hurry, just good food, good company, and the beauty of the Adriatic all around us. After dinner, we sat on the deck, watching the stars come out and listening to reggae tunes that transported us to Jamaica, if only for a moment.
Brač: The Perfect Finale
Our final stop was Brač, home to the famous Zlatni Rat beach. After a morning of smooth sailing, we arrived at this iconic spot, where the white pebble beach stretches out into the blue-green sea, constantly changing shape with the tides. It was the perfect place to spend our last full day together.
We anchored just off the beach and spent the afternoon swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying each other’s company. By this point, the group felt like family. The Jamaican crew, with their endless energy and smiles, had brought so much joy to the trip. We had shared so many laughs, so many meals, and so many moments of pure happiness that it was hard to believe our time together was coming to an end.
That evening, we had our final dinner aboard the boat, a feast of local specialties we had picked up during our travels. We sat together on deck, toasting to the incredible week we had shared. Seadin, always with a story to tell, recounted some of his favorite moments from the trip, and it was clear that this adventure had been just as special for him as it had been for us. We laughed, sang, and reminisced about the week—the fun we had in Hvar, the peace of Vis, the beauty of Brač, and the countless hours we had spent swimming, sailing, and simply enjoying life.
A Journey We’ll Never Forget
As we sailed back to Šolta to conclude our journey, we couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions. The week had been everything we had hoped for and more. The islands of Croatia had given us their best—stunning scenery, warm waters, delicious food—but it was the people we sailed with who truly made the trip unforgettable.
The Jamaican ladies, with their laughter and endless positive energy, had brought a sense of joy to every moment. Seadin, our skipper, had not only guided us safely through the Adriatic but had become a friend, sharing in our fun and creating memories with us.
As we said our goodbyes, we knew that this was more than just a vacation. It was an experience that had brought us all closer together, one that we would carry with us long after we left Croatia behind. From the dancing in Hvar to the peaceful swims in Vis and the sun-soaked days on Brač, this sailing adventure had given us memories we would cherish for a lifetime.
Here’s to the perfect sailing vacation in Croatia—and to the hope that one day, we’ll set sail again.
