A 5-Day Solo Sailing Trip in Croatia: More Sailing Review

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Ever looked at sailing holidays in Croatia and assumed they were either too expensive, too exclusive, or only for experienced sailors or the super-rich? Yeah, me too!

Before this trip, I’d walked past fancy catamarans in marinas, wondering what it’s like to live that life. Then I received an email from More Sailing inviting me on a 5-day sailing trip in Croatia, and before I knew it, I was sipping sparkling wine on the back of a 51-foot catamaran.

I was about to discover that sailing holidays aren’t quite as inaccessible as I’d imagined, even as a solo traveller.

I hadn’t known entirely what to expect stepping onboard a catamaran for 5 days with a group of people I’d never met.

Was it going to be awkward as a solo traveller? Would I spend five days trapped on a boat with strangers? And would it actually live up to the photos?

As it turns out, this sailing trip is one of the most enjoyable solo travel experiences I’ve had. Over five days with More Sailing, we explored some of Croatia’s most beautiful islands, including Hvar, Šolta and Brač, swam in crystal-clear coves, watched sunsets from the deck and shared the experience with a group of fellow travellers from around the world.

One of the things I liked most about More Sailing is that they offer dedicated solo traveller spaces, making it possible to enjoy a sailing holiday without having to charter the entire boat.

If you’ve been looking for a different kind of solo adventure that combines relaxation, great food, beautiful scenery and the chance to meet like-minded people, this could be exactly what you’re looking for.

Whether you’re completely new to sailing or simply looking for a new way to experience Croatia, here’s what you can expect from an island-hopping trip with More Sailing. I’ve also got a juicy discount code for 5% off a More Sailing trip below if you decide to book!

Disclosure: I was hosted by More Sailing on this trip. As always, all opinions are my own and More Sailing had no input into this review.

Quick Verdict: Is More Sailing Worth It?

I pride myself on writing honest and transparent reviews, but I’m struggling to find much to criticise about this trip. I was, honestly, so impressed with More Sailing. From start to finish, the whole team were friendly, professional and very welcoming.

Our onboard skipper and host, Noah and Axel, were amazing, and felt like they were just part of the group from the outset.

From the food to the rooms on board our catamaran, our 5-day sailing trip in Croatia was superb. If I’m being super picky, as a coffee snob, I’d have loved a proper coffee in the mornings, but that’s the only thing I’d change.

If you’re looking for a unique solo travel experience and some affordable luxury, I highly recommend booking a solo space on a More Sailing trip in Croatia.

This kind of trip would really suit solo travellers looking to meet new people, and who are comfortable living in a small space with others. It’s also a great option if you are happy to go with the flow, as daily plans and destinations remain flexible and adapt to weather conditions.

With a dedicated onboard crew who take care of everything, all you need to do is sit back and relax. So, if you’re looking for a relaxing trip that isn’t just lying by a pool, I would highly recommend a trip with More Sailing.

Who Are More Sailing?

More Sailing is a Swedish sailing company, operating in various locations around the world, including Croatia, the Caribbean, Italy, Sweden and Greece.

You can charter an entire boat, complete with onboard host and skipper, or you can book a solo spot in a shared cabin. If you’re an expert sailor, you can also hire the boat without the onboard crew and enjoy being at the helm yourself.

Our 5-Day Sailing Trip Itinerary: Where We Went

More Sailing skippers plan a bespoke route based on weather conditions, the amount of time you have, and any specific interests you have or places you really want to see, so your route may differ from ours. To give you an idea of the sort of places you might visit, this is the route we followed on our 5-day solo sailing trip in Croatia.

Day 1: Boarding in Trogir and Setting Sail

I was picked up by the friendly More Sailing team on arrival at Split Airport. More Sailing operates its Split sailing trips from Trogir Marina, and I was taken there by mini-bus with another member of the group who had arrived at the same time as me.

As we’d arrived on an early flight, we stored our bags at the Marina and headed into Trogir to explore for a few hours before our boat departed later that afternoon.

Trogir is a gorgeous little town with plenty to keep you busy for a couple of hours, so we had no trouble filling our time. When we headed back to the boat at 4 pm, we boarded the boat and waited for the rest of the group to arrive.

Once everyone was on board and cabins had been selected (some people had to share, but I ended up with my own cosy cabin), we were setting sail for our first overnight spot in a pretty little cove just an hour or so from Trogir Marina.

Was it awkward hopping on a catamaran with a group of strangers? Maybe, a little. But the initial awkwardness soon faded as the wine started to flow.

We anchored up in Mala Maslinica, where we enjoyed an amazing dinner, prepared by Axel, a gorgeous sunset and seemingly unlimited wine!

Day 2: Mala Maslinica to Jelsa

Waking up in the gorgeous bay of Mala Maslinica and diving in for an early morning swim was bliss. Who needs coffee when you can wake yourself up with a refreshing dip? Actually, turns out I do still need the coffee, but the swim was lovely anyway!

After an amazing breakfast, we set off from Mala Maslinica, with the aim of getting to the marina in Jelsa, a charming and quiet coastal town on the island of Hvar.

Along the way, we anchored in a little bay where we were able to go for a swim, enjoy the sunshine on deck and have lunch before heading off for our final stop. I quickly realised this would become our daily routine.

Once we arrived in Jelsa, we were free to explore the town before having dinner in a harbour restaurant. On Noah’s recommendation, we walked along the coastline as a group to the church before getting caught in a downpour.

Once back on board later that evening, Noah explained to us that there was a storm coming in that night. This meant the water might be a bit choppy, even in the marina. But honestly, I barely felt a thing in my cabin and slept through it all!

Day 3: Jelsa to Maslinica

Waking up in port, I was able to get a coffee from a cafe near our boat. We enjoyed another great breakfast before heading off to explore for the day.

Another day of eating, drinking, relaxing onboard and finding lovely swimming spots lay ahead of us! We quickly became accustomed to life onboard our luxury catamaran – not that it was hard!

After recently discovering a love for being at sea, I asked Noah if I could help him on board the boat that day. He was so happy to teach us how to put the sails up, how to drive the boat and the technicalities that come with sailing!

That evening, we headed into a very beautiful bay near the town of Maslinica on the island of Solta. Although similarly named, this was a different bay to the one we stayed in on our first night.

We hopped in the dinghy as Noah ferried us to a restaurant called Šišmiš nestled into the hillside. Another great day came to a close.

Maslinica

Day 4: Maslinica to Trogir

On day four, we had time to walk into the quaint town of Maslinica, on the crew’s recommendation. A gorgeous little town, Maslinica, has quite the story to tell.

Once a small, unassuming fishing village, Maslinica was transformed after a wealthy German businessman invested 14 million euros into purchasing and restoring the Martinis Marchi mansion and hotel and rebuilding the marina with marble, no less!

If you’re island hopping in Croatia, Maslinica is well worth a short visit. It’s pretty, quaint and has a lovely atmosphere. After a coffee and a walk, we were picked up by Noah and Axel in the marina.

After leaving Maslinica, we headed to a place Noah called the ‘Blue Lagoon’. As usual, our last day followed the now familiar routine that we’d become so accustomed to.

After lunching in the ‘Blue Lagoon’, we set sail for Trogir – back to base for our final night in our floating home.

On our final sail back to Trogir, the Adriatic decided to give us one last taste of adventure. While we were relaxing on the deck, a strong gust of wind suddenly hit the catamaran from the side. Within seconds, our skipper, Noah and the crew sprang into action, securing the sails and bringing the situation under control.

While it was a little dramatic for a few minutes, it was fascinating to see how the crew handled the changing conditions calmly and professionally. It certainly added a little excitement to our final day and reminded me that sailing is a real adventure, not just a floating hotel experience.

Day 5: Leaving Trogir

On our final morning, we had to check out by 9:30 am, after one final breakfast and plenty of goodbyes.

As ever, the More Sailing team were professional and helpful, coordinating transfers to the airport as needed.

I left the catamaran that day with mixed feelings – grateful to More Sailing for an incredible experience, but sad that it was over so quickly.

What Was a Typical Day Like?

Each day followed a familiar rhythm. The day started at 7:30 am with breakfast on deck, before setting sail for a couple of hours.

At 11 am, a morning snack was served with a selection of wine, beers and other drinks. We quickly started to look forward to ‘elevensies’.

At lunchtime, we’d anchor in a quiet bay, and enjoy a swim before lunch was served on deck. We’d spend another hour or two relaxing in this spot before leaving for our evening destination.

Around 3 pm, Axel would serve an afternoon snack while travelling. At some point in the early evening time, usually around 5-6 pm, we’d anchor in a secluded bay, or a town marina for the evening.

Depending on where we anchored for the night, we’d either enjoy dinner on board, or we’d eat at a restaurant in the town.

In between travelling and eating, there was plenty of time to read, relax, sunbathe, get involved with sailing tasks, chat with the group, or nap in your cabin.

The Boat: What Was the Catamaran Like?

For my first real sailing experience, I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by how spacious our boat was. We ended up on More Sailing’s largest catamaran, which comfortably fit eight guests and two crew members.

With six cabins onboard (plus two crew cabins), two bathrooms, a top deck, seating and dining areas both inside the cabin and at the back of the boat, and ample space on the front deck, it never felt cramped.

As a solo traveller and someone who needs some alone time to decompress from group settings, I was initially worried that it would be quite intense spending 5 days with a group of strangers on a boat. But in between group meals, there was plenty of time to chill, read a book, or sunbathe on deck.

With a variety of outdoor seating places, I was able to choose whether to sit with other members of the group and chat, or to grab a book and relax on deck quietly. It really was the perfect balance of group time vs me time.

Sleeping Arrangements and Cabins

While spacious, it’s true that there’s a chance you will need to share a cabin, or even a double bed, with another member of the group, especially if you’re travelling solo.

On this particular trip, I ended up with my own cabin, but other members of the group had to share. Honestly, I was nervous about this before the trip. I don’t sleep particularly well, so was worried I’d struggle to sleep in a small double bed with a stranger.

If this is a concern for you, you can pay extra for a solo cabin, but after spending 5 days with this wonderful group of people, I quickly realised sharing a bed wouldn’t have been as much of an issue as I’d first thought.

This is boatlife after all! And you quickly get used to living in close quarters with people you only met a few days before.

One important tip to note is that there isn’t a lot of storage space in the cabins, so pack lightly and don’t expect to bring your whole wardrobe with you.

The Food and Drinks on Board

The food and drinks were a real standout feature of my Croatia solo sailing trip. Our onboard host, Axel, worked so hard to look after us, serving us incredible meals and endless drinks and snacks.

I don’t think I was hungry once in 5 days. The food was constant and delicious, and the wine and beers flowed without limit.

Breakfasts included a buffet selection of pastries, fruit, cereals, eggs and oats. Morning and afternoon snacks often included cheese, crackers, chutneys and charcuterie platters. Lunches and dinners ranged from colourful salads to Mediterranean platters and an abundance of different dishes.

On two evenings, we ate dinner ashore, which we paid for ourselves. But aside from this, the sailing trip was all-inclusive of food and drinks on board.

What I Loved About Sailing Croatia With More Sailing

It’s hard to pick a favourite moment, as every day offered something memorable. Looking back, though, the highlights weren’t just the places we visited, but the overall experience of spending five days at sea with a great group of people, who quickly went from strangers to friends.

Before stepping on board, I’d always assumed sailing holidays were reserved for the super-rich. Instead, I found myself enjoying a side of travel I’d never considered possible, watching the Croatian islands drift by from the deck of a catamaran and waking up in a different beautiful location each morning.

The scenery was another standout. From the turquoise bays of Šolta to the historic streets of Hvar and the rugged coastlines along the way, Croatia is a stunning country to explore by boat.

I also loved the slower pace of life on board. There was something incredibly peaceful about spending hours surrounded by nothing but open water, reading on deck, swimming in secluded coves and watching the sunset with a drink in hand.

Then there was the food. Whether it was leisurely breakfasts on deck, fresh lunches after a morning swim, or evenings spent enjoying local Croatian food and wine with the group, eating became part of the experience.

More than anything, though, it was the people who made the trip special. Spending five days with a group of like-minded travellers created a sense of camaraderie that’s hard to replicate on a typical holiday.

Is More Sailing Good for Solo Travellers?

Absolutely. In fact, I’d go as far as saying that More Sailing is one of the best solo travel experiences I’ve had, and is a fantastic way to build your confidence to start solo travelling.

If the idea of travelling alone appeals to you but you’re worried about safety while solo travelling or feeling lonely, this trip offers a great middle ground. You still get the independence and confidence boost that comes from booking your own flights, navigating a new country and stepping outside your comfort zone, but once you arrive, you’re part of a small group of like-minded travellers.

What I particularly liked was the balance between social time and personal space. If you wanted to spend an hour reading on deck, listening to music or watching the Croatian coastline drift by, nobody batted an eyelid.

Equally, there was always someone around if you fancied a chat, a swim or a drink. You could be as social or as independent as your energy levels allowed.

If you have any questions about travelling with More Sailing on a solo sailing trip in Croatia, please get in touch via the contact form. I’d love to hear from you!