Discover the Dalmatian coast on a fully equipped catamaran far from the crowds. We blend sophisticated sailing with regional food culture and local wines.
A luxury sailing vacation in Croatia combines the privacy of a modern catamaran with regional Dalmatian cuisine and custom routes away from the large fleets. You will sail on the fully equipped Lagoon 47 MANAIA. An experienced skipper takes care of the navigation while you focus entirely on slowing down at sea and enjoying authentic gourmet moments.
With its countless islands, the Dalmatian coast offers a diverse sailing ground. Karst landscapes, deep rock inlets, and small fishing villages define the scenery. Unlike a classic charter vacation where the crew handles navigation, provisioning, and technical issues themselves, our boutique charter prioritizes pure enjoyment. We take you to places that combine rich history with outstanding gastronomy.
The concept of luxury on the water has shifted. Today, it is less about gold-plated fixtures and more about time, space, and immediate proximity to nature without sacrificing familiar comforts. MANAIA, our brand-new premium catamaran from the Lagoon shipyard, embodies this exact philosophy. At 47 feet long, the vessel offers generous spaces with an intelligent layout. There is no cramped feeling, only fluid transitions between the bright salon and the expansive aft cockpit.
A critical factor for relaxing days at sea is technical independence.A powerful watermaker converts seawater into fresh water. High battery capacities, fed by solar panels, power the onboard systems silently. A generator only kicks in during peak loads. This allows us to wake up in a quiet bay off the island of Šolta, sip an espresso, and hear nothing but the water against the hull and the cicadas on land.
Each of the four double cabins features a 180 cm wide double bed and a private bathroom with a separate shower. Air conditioning can temper the rooms as desired. Up to eight guests can be accommodated on board. The aft VIP double cabin has its own entrance from the aft cockpit, while the owner cabin is accessed from the salon. The salon sits at deck level between the hulls, and only the cabins are below deck. A television is available on board, together with a Bluetooth sound system in the cockpit and salon.
We do not operate as an anonymous fleet agency. MANAIA is an owner-operated project. As the founding couple, we, Werner and Ines, bring decades of experience from aviation, industry, and hospitality into this concept. We know every bolt on the ship. Our approach to exclusive sailing experiences in the Adriatic is based on personal service, high quality, and a conscious approach to the environment. There are no single-use plastic bottles on board. Instead, we use filtered water and biodegradable personal care products.
Depending on your personal preference, you can choose between two travel formats. The Private Charter is designed for families or closed groups who want exclusive use of the entire ship. The route is discussed flexibly with the skipper based on nautical possibilities and current weather conditions. Alternatively, we offer Cabin Charters. Here, you book a single double cabin and share the experience with like-minded travelers. This model is ideal for couples or solo travelers who want to make new connections while still enjoying a high-end sailing experience.
Dalmatian cuisine is known for its simple complexity and excellent raw ingredients. Life on board reflects this tradition. We often prepare a hearty breakfast and light lunch snacks together in the well-equipped galley. We buy fresh ingredients at local markets in Split, Trogir, or on the islands. Ripe tomatoes, robust olive oil, freshly baked bread, and regional sheep cheese form the basis for meals enjoyed outdoors at the large cockpit table.
In the evenings, the culinary experience usually moves ashore. The Croatian coast is famous for its konobas. These small taverns serve dishes that have been deeply rooted in the culture for generations. A classic dinner often begins with Dalmatian pršut and Paški sir, a flavorful sheep cheese from the island of Pag. This is followed by fresh seafood. Škampi na buzaru, langoustines in an intense sauce of white wine, garlic, and parsley, is best eaten directly with your hands.
For those seeking traditional fare, Peka is a must. In this method, meat, usually lamb or veal, or octopus is slow-cooked with potatoes and vegetables under a cast-iron bell directly in the embers. The process takes several hours, so we reserve these meals well in advance. The slow cooking makes the meat incredibly tender, while the potatoes fully absorb the aroma of the juices.
Croatia looks back on nearly two and a half thousand years of winemaking tradition, established by the ancient Greeks on islands like Vis and Hvar. A sailing trip offers the rare opportunity to visit these historic wine regions directly from the water. We integrate targeted wine tastings into the itinerary, turning the sailing trip into a maritime wine journey.
Dalmatia primarily cultivates indigenous grape varieties that have adapted perfectly to the barren karst soils and intense sunlight. Each island has its own oenological profile.This full-bodied, mineral white wine pairs exceptionally well with grilled fish. On Hvar, the steep slopes of the Plavac mali variety dominate the south coast near Sveta Nedjelja and Ivan Dolac. The vines grow there under extreme conditions on stony ground, catching the sun's reflection from the water. The results are dense, deep red wines with aromas of dark cherries and Mediterranean herbs.
| Island | Famous Grape Variety | Wine Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Korčula | Pošip (White) | Full-bodied, mineral, notes of dried apricots |
| Vis | Vugava (White) | Golden yellow, ripe fruit, often a light honey note |
| Hvar | Plavac mali (Red) | Deep dark, rich in extract, fine tannins, often high alcohol content |
| Korčula | Grk (White) | Dry, slightly bitter finish, grown almost exclusively around Lumbarda |
Every trip begins and ends at Marina Baotić near Trogir. The historic old town of Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is located on a small island between the mainland and the island of Čiovo. The first leg is usually short and often leads us to the island of Šolta.
Šolta exudes a pleasant calm. A popular destination is Maslinica on the west coast. The small harbor town is protected by seven offshore islets. The scene is dominated by the 18th-century Martinis Marchi castle. It is a wonderful place to sit on the terrace and enjoy a first glass of local wine. From Šolta, the routes open up into the Central Dalmatian archipelago. Depending on guest wishes and wind conditions, we set course for Hvar, Brač, or Vis.
The island of Vis spent a long time as a restricted military zone, which preserved its nature and historic town centers from urban sprawl. When we enter the wide harbor of Vis Town, we often dock in the Kut district. The narrow alleys, old stone houses, and excellent fish restaurants provide a very authentic picture of the region. A detour to the nearby small island of Biševo is also on the agenda if weather conditions permit. The Blue Grotto there glows in intense blue tones due to a natural light refraction underwater. The outdoor areas of the Lagoon 47 are designed so that you can always find the right spot for yourself. On the foredeck, the large trampoline stretches over the water. It is the perfect place to feel the wind on your face while sailing and watch the coastline pass by. The flybridge, the helm station on the roof of the catamaran, offers large sun loungers with a fantastic panoramic view alongside the skipper's workspace.
While underway, the lowerable swim platform carries the dinghy. At anchor or on a buoy, it lowers to provide easy access to the water. Two stand-up paddleboards, snorkeling gear, and the dinghy with 30 hp are always on board and included with every cabin charter and private charter. Only the Seabob F9 and AWAKE Ravik Jet Board can be booked individually for an additional fee.
The Mediterranean climate in Dalmatia is characterized by warm to hot, dry summers and milder winters. Understanding local wind systems is crucial for a sailing vacation. They shape not only the sailing conditions but the entire travel experience. The skipper always monitors meteorological developments and adjusts the route accordingly.
In high summer, the Maestral often prevails. This thermal fair-weather wind from the northwest usually starts in the late morning. It picks up in the afternoon, providing excellent sailing conditions and a welcome breeze on deck.The Maestral makes sailing in Dalmatia particularly pleasant during the summer.
Two other significant winds are the Bora and the Jugo. It is cool, dry, and extremely gusty. While more frequent in the winter half-year, it can also blow for a few days in the summer. It clears the air and provides excellent visibility but requires attentive trip planning. If forecasted, the skipper will head for sheltered bays or well-equipped marinas early. It builds up over the sea, often carries moisture, and brings swells if it persists.
The season runs from April to late October. Spring is ideal for guests seeking absolute peace and the blooming macchia. The water is still fresh, but the harbors are empty. High summer reliably provides high temperatures and warm water, ideal for long swimming sessions in the bays. Late summer and early autumn offer a warmed sea and slightly milder air temperatures.
Transparency is elementary when planning a charter vacation. Costs consist of the base price for the ship, mandatory additional costs, and variable expenses from the onboard kitty. The new Lagoon 47 MANAIA starts her season in July 2027. Available weeks can be requested directly through the contact form.
Prices for private charters vary by seasonal week. In the low season, exclusive use of the entire yacht starts at 5,900 EUR per week and reaches up to 16,500 EUR in the high season. Two mandatory items are added: the skipper's fee is 1,750 EUR per week, and the Premium Charter Package is 610 EUR. This package includes linens, towels, final cleaning, tourist tax, and snorkeling gear. On request, we gladly help organize the transfer between Split Airport and the marina.
Variable costs are settled via the onboard kitty. Each guest pays an amount into the kitty to finance ongoing operations. Experience shows that fuel costs run between 250 and 300 EUR per week, depending on how much the engine is used. For catering on board (breakfast, snacks, drinks), we estimate about 200 EUR per guest per week. Costs for harbor or mooring buoy fees are additional and depend heavily on the chosen route.
Those opting for a cabin charter book an all-inclusive base package. Prices per cabin for the 2027 season range from 2,669 EUR for a standard cabin in the low season to 6,689 EUR for a VIP cabin in the high season. The skipper, the Premium Charter Package, and the use of two SUP boards are already included in this price. The variable onboard kitty for food and harbor fees is shared fairly among all guests present here as well.
Space on a yacht is well-designed but limited. Hard-shell suitcases cannot be stowed on board. We therefore ask our guests to use soft, foldable travel bags or backpacks. We send out a detailed packing list well before the trip. Important items include light, quick-drying clothing, a warm sweater for cooler evenings or windy days, non-slip shoes with light soles for the deck, and sufficient sun protection. We provide high-quality, biodegradable personal care products in the bathrooms to reduce the impact on the marine environment.
Arrival is usually via Split Airport. We will be waiting for you at the pier in the marina. After a brief introduction to the ship, safety equipment, and the functioning of the marine toilets, we set sail. Sailing experience is not required for our guests. If you wish, you are welcome to assist the skipper with maneuvers or take the wheel. If you prefer to lie on the trampoline with a book, you are equally invited to do so. This freedom is exactly what makes a true luxury sailing vacation in Croatia.
No, you do not need any sailing experience. A professional skipper accompanies you on MANAIA and handles all nautical duties. You can relax, swim, or watch the skipper and learn a few basics if you are interested.
Food is paid for via a shared onboard kitty. Based on experience, you should budget about 200 EUR per guest per week for breakfast, snacks, and drinks on board. Dinner at local konobas is paid for individually by each guest on-site.
Two stand-up paddleboards, snorkeling gear, and the dinghy with 30 hp are always on board and included with every cabin charter and private charter. Only the Seabob F9 and AWAKE Ravik Jet Board can be booked individually for an additional fee.
The route starts and ends in Trogir. We frequently visit islands such as Šolta, Brač, Hvar, and Vis. However, the exact itinerary is flexible and depends on current weather conditions and the individual wishes of the crew.
No, there is no room for hard-shell suitcases on a catamaran as they cannot be stowed in the cabins. Please pack your belongings in soft, foldable travel bags or backpacks.
Yes, the Lagoon 47 MANAIA is fully air-conditioned and features a powerful watermaker that converts seawater into fresh water. This keeps the fresh water supply on board reliable at all times.
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