Sailing Kastela & Split: An Active Family Review for 2025

You know, the idea of a family sailing trip along the Croatian coast sounds pretty amazing, right? We basically pictured ourselves gliding across unbelievably blue water, with the kids laughing on the deck and a historic town waiting for us at every stop. But honestly, planning a trip like that can feel, well, a little overwhelming with all the options and stuff. That is that we kept seeing this ‘Active & family sailing Kastela & Split’ for 2025 pop up, so we decided to figure out what it was really all about. It is arguably a trip that promises a perfect mix of relaxation and activity, but still, we had questions, as a matter of fact. Is it truly for families, or is it kind of for expert sailors? So anyway, we wanted to share what we found, to be honest, so your family can decide if this Croatian adventure is the right fit.

First Steps on Deck: Checking in at Kaštela

So, our starting point was the marina in Kaštela, which, by the way, isn’t just one place but a series of seven little towns strung along the coast just outside Split. Arriving there was actually quite a moment. You get this incredible view of all the sailboats, literally their masts looking like a forest against the green hills, and of course, you instantly feel like your vacation has started. The check-in process was, more or less, really straightforward and friendly. The staff there apparently are very used to families who are a bit excited and maybe just a little chaotic, like us. Actually, our skipper gave us a tour of the yacht, and you know, it almost immediately felt like our own little floating home for the week. The kids were, I mean, just so excited exploring their cabins, which were surprisingly roomy and kind of cozy at the same time. Frankly, spending that first night in the calm marina, with the gentle rocking of the boat, was a perfectly gentle way to begin.

A Day in the Life: Sun, Sails, and Sea

A typical day on this trip is, to be honest, a really great mix of doing things and doing nothing at all. You often wake up to the sun streaming into your cabin window and the smell of fresh coffee that someone else has made, which is, obviously, a fantastic start. After breakfast on deck, the skipper typically would talk through the plan for the day, maybe pointing to a spot on the map that would be our lunchtime swimming cove. The ‘active’ part of the trip is definitely there, but it’s completely your choice. For instance, the kids became pretty obsessed with the stand-up paddleboards that were on the boat. We would find these incredibly secluded coves, seriously, places you could never get to by land, and just drop anchor. The water is, literally, so clear you can see every little fish swimming around your toes. You can snorkel, swim, or just, like, float on a lilo with a good book.

I mean, at one point, my youngest, who is usually glued to a screen, just sat on the bow of the boat for nearly an hour, watching the coastline go by. That right there, as a matter of fact, made the whole trip worth it.

In the afternoons, we would often get a bit of sailing in, and the skipper was absolutely brilliant at getting everyone involved who wanted to be. The children really got a kick out of ‘helping’ steer the boat, you know, for a few minutes under very close supervision. It is that feeling of the wind catching the sails and the boat picking up speed, with almost no sound except the water, that is just sort of unforgettable. Anyway, it’s not demanding; it’s more like a really fun and engaging part of the experience, should you want to join in.

Island Hopping: Discovering Šolta and Brač

Okay, so one of the best parts of a sailing holiday is, obviously, the freedom to explore the islands. We had a couple of really memorable stops that were pretty much perfect for a family. Our first one was the island of Šolta, which is seemingly a lot quieter than its more famous neighbors. We moored in this tiny, sleepy fishing village called Maslinica, where it felt like time had, more or less, slowed right down. We actually rented some bikes and rode through these ancient olive groves, which was just a little bit magical. The air, seriously, smells like pine trees and rosemary. We stopped at a local family’s konoba, a sort of traditional restaurant, and tried their homemade olive oil, and honestly, it was incredible.

Next, we sailed over to Brač, which is of course famous for Zlatni Rat, that V-shaped beach you see in all the pictures. It’s definitely a sight to see, but with the boat, you can actually anchor a little way off and avoid the biggest crowds, which is a pretty big advantage. What we actually liked even more was exploring the island’s interior. We took a short taxi ride up to Škrip, the oldest settlement on the island, which has this tiny, fascinating museum about the island’s history of olive oil and stonemasonry. It’s these kinds of experiences, you know, the ones that are slightly off the main tourist track, that a sailing trip allows you to discover. It really feels like a proper adventure, in a way.

Grand Finale: Sailing into Historic Split

As I was saying, all good things move towards an end, and our final destination was the city of Split. Sailing into that harbor is, quite simply, an epic experience. You see the famous Riva promenade getting closer, and then the sheer scale of Diocletian’s Palace just sort of appears right in front of you. Honestly, it’s a view you won’t forget. Mooring up with that piece of ancient history as your backdrop is, well, pretty special. Exploring the palace is like walking through a living museum, except it’s also filled with cool little shops, buzzing cafes, and incredible restaurants. The kids were surprisingly into it, basically treating the winding alleyways of the palace like a giant maze.

What’s great about Split is how it blends its history with a really fun, modern vibe that’s actually very family-friendly. We spent hours just strolling the Riva, the main waterfront promenade, stopping for what my children declared was the “best ice cream in the whole world,” which they obviously said every single day. You can climb the Bell Tower of Saint Domnius for a totally amazing view of the city and the sea you just sailed across. In that case, it is a really nice way to see your whole journey from a different perspective. At the end of the day, it’s a very dynamic end to a week of quiet coves and sleepy villages, and the contrast works perfectly.

Practical Stuff: Is This Trip for Your Family?

Alright, so let’s get down to the really practical details. Basically, this trip is extremely well-suited for families with children, I’d say from about age six and up. Younger kids might find the space a bit restrictive, but school-aged children and teenagers will probably have a blast. The ‘active’ label is, frankly, flexible. If you want to spend your days paddleboarding and swimming, you totally can. On the other hand, if you prefer to read a book on the sundeck, that’s absolutely fine too. There is literally no pressure. In terms of food, our skipper was great at creating simple, fresh meals that even our picky eaters enjoyed, with lots of pasta, grilled fish, and fresh salads. Still, you eat many dinners ashore in the towns you visit, so you get to try plenty of local Croatian food.

What should you pack? I mean, less than you think. You will pretty much live in swimwear, shorts, and t-shirts. A couple of smarter outfits for evenings in Split or a nice port are a good idea, as a matter of fact. Don’t forget non-slip shoes for the boat (like deck shoes or trainers), lots of high-factor sun cream, hats, and sunglasses. And obviously, a waterproof bag for your phone and camera is a very smart move. It’s worth noting that life on a boat is about simple comforts, so don’t expect a five-star hotel. What you get instead is, you know, a five-billion-star view every single night, which is a pretty good trade-off if you ask me.

Read our full review: 2025 Active & Family Sailing Kastela & Split Full Review and Details

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