Exclusive Yacht Charter in Croatia: A Family Trip That Changed How We Vacation

I didn’t fully understand what the phrase exclusive yacht charter meant until the morning I woke up somewhere between Hvar and Vis, with my kids still asleep in their cabin, and the sound of the sea gently brushing against the hull.

There was no rush to get anywhere. Just my partner and I drinking coffee on the aft deck while the sky turned soft pink and the sea mirrored everything back at us. That’s when it hit me - this was something far beyond a holiday.

Why We Chose an Exclusive Yacht Charter as a Family

We spent our vacations in resorts before, so this time, we wanted something private, flexible, and meaningful. A way to show our kids a different kind of travel, more connected to nature, culture, and each other. So we booked a private yacht charter in Croatia with a full local crew, not knowing quite what to expect. What we got was the most seamless, enriching trip we’ve ever taken together.

Living Aboard: More Than Just Luxury

Our captain was from Split and knew the coastline like his own backyard. We had a chef on board who prepared meals with local ingredients that felt like something out of a magazine, except we were eating barefoot on deck. He also prepared kid-friendly meals for our little ones, which made dining together easy and enjoyable for everyone. The deckhands made sure everything ran smoothly, assisted us with water toys, and took us for a swim in a secluded bay with the tender boat.

And yes, we even had a professional babysitter arranged by Goolets who joined us for the week. That single detail changed everything. My partner and I actually had time to relax, share slow dinners, and take swims together while knowing the kids were not only safe, but genuinely happy.

Every day, we had choices, not a fixed itinerary. Some mornings we’d sail early, anchoring for lunch in a bay where we could snorkel, paddleboard, or simply read on deck. Other days, we’d sleep in, then dock in little towns with no tourist buses in sight.

We also went on land-based excursions exploring historic towns, visiting local markets, and walking through old fortresses. One of our favorite memories was wandering through a stone-paved village, sightseeing and stopping for gelato with the kids under the shade of palm trees.

The yacht itself was a dream: spacious cabins, shaded lounging areas, and just enough tech to feel modern without taking away from the sea. Everything was tailored. Food preferences, pace, and activities. Our concierge took the time to understand what we needed and planned everything before we stepped on the yacht.

Real Moments With Real People

One evening, anchored near Šćedro Island, the chef grilled fresh fish on deck while the kids told stories about the dolphins they spotted that morning. Another day, we walked to a vineyard tucked into a hillside where the owner poured us wine while his dog slept under the table. None of it was staged. None of it was planned by an app, but by a real person-our concierge at Goolets. These were the moments that stick - the kind you can't capture on a travel brochure.

Is It Worth It for Families?

A hundred times, yes. Here’s why:

• Total privacy and safety for the kids
• Every day is custom-built for your pace and interests
• The crew handles everything, so you can actually relax
• Educational without being preachy (our kids still talk about ancient forts and sea caves)
• No crowds, no schedules, no compromises

It’s a rare feeling—being truly present, without distractions—and a private yacht in Croatia gave us that.

What Surprised Us Most

Honestly? How easy it all felt. We expected beautiful views. We didn’t expect to feel this rested, this reconnected, or this reluctant to return home. There was no need to entertain the kids; they entertained themselves. No restaurants to research or bookings to chase. And no need to share our holiday with strangers.

Thinking About It? Here’s What We’d Say:

If you're even considering an exclusive yacht charter in Croatia for your family, don’t hesitate. Do it while your kids are still curious. Do it before “someday” turns into “too late.” It’s not just a vacation. It’s an experience that becomes part of your family story.