Best of Dalmatian Islands Small Cruise

Possible to do in either direction, this cruise is your one-way ticket from Split to Dubrovnik or the other way around, visiting the quaint islands on the way.
Starting point
Split / Dubrovnik
Finish point
Dubrovnik / Split
Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Inquiry
Choose the direction of your cruise — from Split to Dubrovnik or the other way around
Discover medieval towns and charming fishing villages along the Dalmatian coast
Explore breathtaking national parks and enjoy activities like hiking, swimming, and canoeing
Visit the islands of Brač, Hvar, Vis, Biševo, Korčula, and Mljet
Indulge in delicious local cuisine and wine at traditional taverns and fine-dining restaurants
Taste the waters around the famous Golden Horn beach
Mljet island st mary church
Split
Mamatata cruise
Split riviera
Makarska
Makarska
Korcula
Stari grad
Premium ship dinner
Hvar
Beaches of vis
Dugi otok slano
Brodjedrenjakmadona o
Dubrovnik small streets

Itinerary

Day 1: Split - Makarska

If you opt to begin your journey in Split, the cruise will start by departing from Split harbor at 1:00 pm, but if you are running late, don’t worry, you can join the group in Makarska. For those looking for an adventure, there’s an optional zipline ride over the Cetina river canyon.

Our overnight stay will be in Makarska, a well-known tourist destination with great restaurants, bars, and a lively promenade. The Makarska Riviera offers plenty of magic and charm to explore, so be sure to take a walk through the city streets to visit its many churches and cultural sites.

Meals

Lunch

Zipline cetina river
Zipline cetina river
Town of makarska
Split sign
Split sign
Zipline cetina river
Split sign
Day 2: Makarska - Bol - Stari Grad

In the morning, we’ll set sail towards the beautiful island of Brač and the town of Bol, famous for its Golden Horn beach – a unique and striking natural phenomenon. After a refreshing swimming break and lunch, we’ll continue our journey to Stari Grad on Hvar Island, known as the sunniest Adriatic Island. You’ll have the rest of the afternoon at your leisure.

Stari Grad is home to the oldest field in Croatia, dating back to ancient Greek times, and it is still a remarkable example of the ancient Greek agricultural system. In addition to the old town, Stari Grad is also part of the world heritage sites protected by UNESCO. We’ll spend the night at one of the ports in Stari Grad.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch

Ps ship
Ps ship
Starigrad
Starigrad
Hvar swimming stop
Hvar swimming stop
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Starigrad
Hvar swimming stop
Day 3: Stari Grad - Hvar

Our next stop will be the picturesque town of Hvar. After enjoying a delicious lunch, we will take a break to swim, relax, and refresh in the crystal-clear blue sea at the nearby Paklinski islands. We’ll arrive in Hvar in the afternoon and join a guided tour of the town (included on Premium Superior).

Hvar boasts numerous cultural and historical sites, such as the Renaissance cathedral, the oldest communal theater in Europe founded in 1612, the Franciscan monastery, and the Benedictine convent, famous for their lace listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Spanjola fortress for breathtaking views.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch

Aerial view old town hvar with turquoise water bay with yachts islands croatia
Aerial view old town hvar with turquoise water bay with yachts islands croatia
Hvar
Hvar lavender
Hvar lavender
Aerial view old town hvar with turquoise water bay with yachts islands croatia
Hvar lavender
Day 4: Hvar - Vis

We’ll start early in the morning by cruising towards the small Biševo island to witness the magnificent Blue Cave, a truly breathtaking natural wonder. Please note that an 18€ entrance fee must be paid on the spot.

Our cruise will then take us to the island of Vis, which was once a strategic navy harbor due to its unique geographical position and was closed to the public until recently. Vis’ isolation gives it a distinct charm, offering a glimpse of the “Mediterranean as it once was,” making it particularly interesting to visit. We’ll spend the night in the town of Vis, located on the island’s northern side, built near the remains of the ancient Issa, the first urban center in Croatia.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch

Blue cave
Blue cave
Vis
Vis
Split
Split
Blue cave
Vis
Split
Day 5: Vis - Korčula

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we’ll head towards Korčula, the birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo. As we approach the island, you will feel like you’re arriving at a miniature version of Dubrovnik. Korčula is steeped in legends, tales, and monuments, making it a fascinating place to explore. Plus, it’s the only place in the world where you can witness the Spanish medieval knight’s game – Moreška.

Upon arrival, you’ll have the opportunity to take a guided walking tour through the old town’s streets, arranged in the shape of a fishbone (included on Premium Superior). You’ll also have plenty of time to explore the numerous taverns, restaurants, cocktail bars, and nightclubs within and around the city walls. We’ll spend the night in port.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch

Korcula
View korcula old town korcula island croatia
View korcula old town korcula island croatia
Img
Img
View korcula old town korcula island croatia
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Day 6: Korčula - Mljet - Šipan / Slano

We’ll keep cruising towards the beautiful island of Mljet, one of the greenest islands in the Adriatic. The western part of the island is home to the stunning Mljet National Park, where you’ll have some free time to explore and admire the park’s natural beauty. It features two salt lakes connected to the sea by a narrow channel. You can even take a boat ride to St. Mary Isle in the Great Lake to visit an old church and monastery.

If you’re feeling active, you can also choose to cycle around, canoe, or swim in the lakes. Afterward, we’ll head towards Šipan, part of the Elaphite islands, or Slano on the coastline. Both are small fishing villages where we’ll spend the night in port and enjoy a special captain’s dinner (included on Premium Superior & Premium vessels).

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Captain’s dinner

Extra

Mljet National park entrance fee

Sipan island
Sipan island
Mljet island st mary church
Premium ship dinner
Sipan island
Day 7: Šipan / Slano - Dubrovnik

We’ll start early in the morning to make our way to our last destination — Dubrovnik. We’ll stop for a quick swim after lunch. Upon arrival, we’ll embark on a guided tour of the city, followed by an optional cable car ride to the Srđ mountain for breathtaking views of the Old Town. 

We highly recommend walking along the city walls, which span an impressive 1940 meters and offer magnificent views of the old town and the surrounding islands. We’ll spend the night in the Gruž harbor.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch

Sipan
Sipan
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik
Sipan sunset
Sipan sunset
Sipan
Dubrovnik
Sipan sunset
Day 8: Dubrovnik

Finishing your cruise in the medieval town of Dubrovnik, it is time to check out and bid farewell to the crew and your newmade friends.

Meals

Breakfast

Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik
Extra days

Not enough? Why not spend a few more days here! Extend your holidays with a pre- or post-holiday extension. Accommodation, sightseeing, and activities can be arranged. Add as many extra days to your holiday as you wish.

Included in price

Buffet breakfasts
Three - course lunches
Guided tour of Dubrovnik, Hvar* and Korčula*
English speaking tour manager on board
Daily cabin service
Luggage handling
Afternoon tea and coffee with biscuits
Complimentary water
Free WIFI
Visitor's tax & port fees (60€/person/cruise)
*Included in Premium Superior vessels

Optional Extras

Entrance to the Mljet national park (25€/person)
Baby chair or baby cot rental
Parking
Airport transfers
Special day celebration package
Pre / Post cruise accommodation
Ferry tickets
Beach towels

Other information

Check in from 11.00h in Split harbour. Departure at 13.00h.
The captain of the vessel has the right to change the route due to weather conditions and the situation at the ports we visit. To ensure a better experience for our customers, the order of visits may be different from what was originally planned if the ports are too crowded and busy.

Important for the tour

Because of specific mooring requirements of some Croatian ports, our ships are docked side by side. This means that passengers will need to cross from one ship to another, with small gaps in between, to get to the shore. It's important for passengers to be cautious and cross at their own risk. Our crew members are available to assist those who need it. Please note that this cruise is not recommended for passengers using wheelchairs or with limited mobility.
DeparturesApr 29May 6, 13, 20Jun 3Jun 17, 24; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12; Sep 2
PREMIUM SUPERIOR Upper/Main deck900€1000€1200€1300€
PREMIUM SUPERIOR Lower deck800€850€1000€1100€
PREMIUM Upper/Main deck750€850€1000€1100€
PREMIUM Lower deck700€750€900€1000€

Imagine waking up to the sound of waves gently lapping against the boat, taking a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea, and visiting charming historic towns and stunning natural wonders between Split and Dubrovnik.

Our carefully curated itinerary balances guided tours with free time to soak up the local culture and flavors. And with all-inclusive service, you can focus on the experience, not the logistics. 

We’ve selected only the best local partners, so you’ll discover the real Croatia — from exploring the winding streets of Korčula, the birthplace of Marco Polo, to swimming in the emerald-green saltwater lakes of Mljet National Park and enjoying a glass of local wine while watching the sunset over the sea.

This cruise also provides the flexibility to choose the direction of the journey. You can start your adventure from Split and cruise down to Dubrovnik. Alternatively, you can begin your journey in Dubrovnik and head north to Split. Either way, you will enjoy the same stunning scenery, visit the same remarkable destinations, and experience the same onboard treatment.

The ship boasts modern amenities and is designed to provide maximum comfort and convenience during your stay on board. Enjoy a drink on the deck, dip in the refreshing waters, or indulge in delicious meals by our talented chefs.

With expert guides, you will learn about Croatia’s rich history and culture as you stroll through the charming streets of ancient towns, lush forests, and national parks and enjoy spectacular views above the Adriatic.

Pick the location you want to start this adventure from, and indulge yourself in the pleasures of this small-ship cruise along Croatia’s scenic coast!

Boats

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Premium

These steel-hulled boats blend traditional and modern aesthetics and provide comfortable accommodation in spacious, air-conditioned en-suite cabins with double or twin beds, a hairdryer, and a safety deposit box. The premium vessels are between 29 to 35 m long, with cabins ranging from 8 to 14 m2. Your stay on board includes a range of services, such as buffet breakfasts, three-course lunches, a guided tour of Dubrovnik, an English-speaking tour manager, daily cabin service, luggage handling, afternoon tea and coffee with biscuits, complimentary water, and free WI-FI.

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Ps ship
Ps ship
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Ps ship
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Ps ship
Mb moonlight ps
Mv olmissum ps
Mv olmissum ps
Seagull ps
Seagull ps

Premium Superior

These sleek and contemporary boats are newly constructed mini deluxe vessels that range in length from 35-41m. The extensive sun deck, air-conditioned salon, and comfortable lounge area provide ample space for guests to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery. The cabins are cozy and range in size from 8 to 14 m2, contain double or twin beds, and come equipped with safety deposit boxes and hairdryers. A range of services is included with your stay, including buffet breakfasts, three-course lunches, a guided tour of Dubrovnik, an English-speaking tour manager on board, daily cabin service, luggage handling, afternoon tea and coffee with biscuits, complimentary water, and free WI-FI.

Map

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Things to know

If privacy, luxury, and comfort are essential to you, you may want to consider selecting a vessel from the Premium Superior or Premium categories. Alternatively, the Traditional Ensuite vessels would be more suitable for younger passengers, including friends or special interest groups like alpinists or bikers, who are comfortable sharing small spaces and bathrooms for an extended period. However, it’s important to note that Traditional Ensuite vessels typically do not have air-conditioned cabins, and most have bunk beds.

The number of passengers per vessel can range from 20 to 40 individuals, depending on the size of the boat.

The electrical outlets found in the cabins of our vessels in Croatia are standard Type F sockets, which have two pins and are grounded. These outlets are compatible with plug types C, E, and F and can deliver a power output of 16 A and 220 V. Some newer vessels may also feature USB sockets.

All vessels are equipped with life-saving boats and life jackets found in designated wardrobes on the deck, in the salon, or under beds in the cabins. If you cannot swim, you need to inform the crew and captain. Additionally, passengers must be mindful of the following safety guidelines while on board: 

  • Take caution when navigating the steep and narrow staircases on the vessel. The decks may also be slippery, particularly in damp conditions, so passengers should hold onto the railings and watch their step.
  • Climbing the foremast, jumping off the deck during the cruise, or swimming too far from the vessel during swim breaks are strictly prohibited. 
  • During the busy peak season, harbors can be crowded, and vessels may have to dock alongside one another, so passengers must be vigilant when moving between them. Crew members are available to assist passengers, but the cruise is not recommended for individuals with limited mobility or those in wheelchairs.

The primary currency accepted on the ship and throughout Croatia is the Euro, but it is advisable to exchange money at a bank or withdraw cash from an ATM where possible. The local currency is required for drinks onboard and all additional services such as transfers, excursions, and accommodation. Premium and Premium Superior vessels offer credit card payment options.

While ATMs linked to international networks are available in major towns and islands like Opatija, Dubrovnik, and Split, smaller ones may not have ATM facilities. Most tourist areas accept major credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard, but it is recommended to have some cash on hand if you plan to travel off the beaten path.

Tips are not included in the tour price, and they are discretionary. They are usually given to show appreciation for good service and satisfaction with the crew, guide, and overall tour. If you choose to tip, it is recommended to use your own currency or Euro, and the crew gratuities are equally distributed among all members.

Cabins on Premium Superior and Premium ships come with either twin or double beds, and some can accommodate up to three people with an additional bed above or beside the double bed. However, it’s important to note that bed availability is limited, and we cannot guarantee a specific type. We do, however, aim to assign cabins based on guest preferences and requests, so please let us know your bed preference when booking, and we will try our best to accommodate it.

Cabins on Premium and Premium Superior ships come with either twin or double beds, with twin beds measuring approximately 90/100 cm x 190/200 cm and double beds measuring around 150/160 cm x 190/200 cm. Traditional Ensuite cabins often have bunk beds, but twin or double beds may also be available on some vessels. Double beds in these cabins are typically 130/140 cm x 190/200 cm, while bunk beds are about 80/90 cm x 190/200 cm in size.

The ship’s cabins are distributed on two levels, the deck and the lower deck. The on-deck ones can be found either on the main or upper deck, while below-deck cabins are in the ship’s hull. Rooms on the deck provide the advantage of direct access to the sea and better ventilation, while cabins below the deck may be quieter since only passengers who booked lower deck cabins pass by. These cabins are also comfortable due to their location at sea level, which keeps them naturally cool, and the below-deck hallways are typically air-conditioned, affecting the temperature. Lower-deck cabins usually come with small portholes.

Lower deck cabins are located in the boat’s hull and usually have a small porthole, but Croatian law and vessel regulations require them to be closed while sailing to prevent water from entering the cabin. The portholes can be opened when the boat is docked. However, on newer ships like those in the Premium Superior and Premium categories, which have air-conditioned cabins and steel hulls, the portholes are fixed and cannot be opened.

Air conditioning is available in Premium Superior and Premium cabins, except for times with limited access to electricity. Traditional Ensuite cabins do not have air conditioning, but lower deck hallways and salons typically do. Air conditioning is only operational when the motor or generator is running, or the vessel is connected to shore power while docked at the harbor. In certain smaller fishing harbors without electricity, air conditioning may be turned off to maintain a tranquil environment.

If you plan to sleep on the deck and enjoy the stars, it is suggested to bring a sleeping bag, as removing mattresses, pillows, and sheets from cabins is prohibited.

The boats have limited capacities for electricity and water. While there is a generator on board for generating electricity, it is not operational during the night or while the boat is in a quiet bay to prevent noise pollution. The water tanks on board have sufficient capacity to match the number of cabins and beds, and they are always filled with enough water, provided that everyone uses water conservatively. Moreover, the vessels are fitted with central heating systems that offer hot water.

It is not allowed to bring and consume your own drinks on the ship. However, you can buy various alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from the vessel’s salon, which functions as a restaurant, living room, and bar. In case the drink of your preference is not available at the moment, kindly notify the crew, and they will try their best to procure it for you at the next stop.

The onboard bar accepts payments for drinks made in Euros. At the end of the trip, guests will receive a report showing the total amount spent on drinks, which can be settled during the checkout process. For guests on deluxe and premium vessels, credit card payments are also accepted.

Ava
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Hassle-Free

Convenient and comfortable tour organization — we handle all the logistics and activity-planning while you are having the time of your life.

Handpicked Experiences

Our local team with vast experience has cherry picked the best locations to visit along the Adriatic coast for all sorts of travelers.

Expert Crew

Our friendly crew and professional guides know the local waters and terrain and are trained to make this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity both safe and enjoyable.

Trusted by Many

We are a financially protected company, fully bonded and insured, keeping your money safe and allowing you to travel with confidence.

Unbeatable Support

Our 24/7 customer support is where we show our passion, bringing you a better experience by making your well-being our number one priority.

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Small Ship Cruises Croatia offers unique and intimate all-inclusive cruising experiences with diverse and fun-filled itineraries along the sunny Adriatic coast.
Portfolio company of World Discovery.