Islands by Yacht

The Elaphiti isles and hidden coves, by crewed yacht from the old port.

Two coastlines of walled cities, wine-terraced islands and hidden coves, all close enough to weave into a single seamless journey by water.

When to go

Late May through September, when the Adriatic is warm, the light is long and the islands are at their most alive before the autumn quiet returns. Your advisor times it to the light, the crowds and your own calendar.

The experiences

A sense of what this journey can hold — each one arranged privately and shaped to you:

• Cast off from the old port by crewed yacht for the Elaphiti isles and their empty coves.
• Anchor off Sipan for a swim in water so clear the shadow of the hull falls to the seabed.
• Lunch on deck on the morning's catch as the crew reads the wind for the afternoon.
• Slip into a hidden inlet at dusk with only the anchor chain and the cicadas for sound.

A sense of the rhythm

This is the coast at its most unhurried, measured in anchorages rather than hours. Mornings open with a slow crossing to the next island, the sails set as the mainland falls away; afternoons are for swimming, shade on deck and coves reachable only from the water. Evenings settle over a quiet dinner at anchor, the lights of a fishing village trembling across the bay.

Day sails or a week aboard?

Basing yourself in Dubrovnik and taking day charters keeps you close to comfort and the walled city each night. Living aboard for the week turns the yacht itself into the journey, waking in a different cove each morning and reaching islands the day boats never touch. For the Elaphiti and beyond, the week aboard is the finer choice.

How to do it well

The counsel our advisors give travelers planning this journey:

• Match the yacht to your pace; a gulet is convivial and roomy, a sailing yacht swifter and more private.
• Let the captain choose anchorages by the day; the best coves depend entirely on the wind.
• Provision through your crew for the local wines and the morning market catch.
• Leave a full day unplanned; the finest swim of the trip is usually the one no one scheduled.

What only your advisor can open

The difference between a good trip and an unrepeatable one is access — and access is a relationship, not a booking. Every guide, room and moment is chosen and sequenced for you.

Who it's for

Travelers who value privacy, time and doing it once — beautifully — and who would rather have one trusted advisor orchestrate every detail than assemble it themselves.

Estimated investment

From US$11,800 per traveler, based on double occupancy — scaled to your dates, party size and level of privacy. A starting point, not a final quote; confirmed once your advisor tailors the itinerary.

Designed entirely around you

Nothing here is a package. A Forest Travel advisor shapes the whole journey and stays one message away before and throughout your trip.

Your Virtuoso privileges

As a Virtuoso member, Forest Travel includes benefits reserved for Virtuoso guests at the finest luxury hotels, at no added cost: a room upgrade on arrival when available, daily breakfast for two, a property credit toward dining or spa, and early check-in with late check-out when the hotel allows.

Continue exploring Dubrovnik

Part of our Dubrovnik travel guide. Related private journeys:

• The Old City
• The Adriatic Honeymoon
• Coast for Families

Begin the conversation

Tell a Forest Travel advisor how you like to travel and they will design Islands by Yacht around you — privately, every Virtuoso privilege included. Request your private consultation →