Korula: Sail Away – tour with traditional craftmanship boat

If you’re dreaming of a laid-back day on the water exploring the Korula archipelago, the Sail Away tour with its beautifully restored 1973 wooden boat might just be what you’re looking for. This experience offers a chance to glide around islands, dip into crystal-clear waters, and enjoy some quality local bites—all with the comfort of a family-run operation.

Two things we really appreciate about this tour are the authentic charm of the boat itself—a lovingly restored vessel with a story—and the generous swimming and snorkeling stops. Both make it feel less like a commercial excursion and more like a friendly day out with local hosts. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that this isn’t a private experience, so you’ll be sharing the boat and stops with other travelers, which might be a bit of a mixed bag depending on your vibe.

This tour suits those who want a straightforward, relaxed day of island hopping, swimming, and eating well—without the fuss of large groups or rigid schedules. It’s especially appealing for folks who love local craftsmanship, enjoy crystal-clear waters, and appreciate hearty, fresh snacks.

Key Points

• Authentic vessel: The boat, named MIAMI, was built in Korula in 1973 and lovingly restored, carrying a story and craftsmanship that adds a special touch.
• Variety of stops: Visit multiple islands, each with unique features—from wild nature and monasteries to pebble beaches.
• Swimming and snorkeling: Plenty of time for dips in clear waters, with equipment provided.
• Local food and drinks: Snacks, drinks, and refreshments are included, with reviews highlighting tasty local offerings.
• Family-friendly: Not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or non-swimmers, but perfect for those who love water-based activities.
• Flexible booking: Reserve now, pay later, with full cancellation up to 24 hours before.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Korula Sail Away Experience

When it comes to exploring the Korula islands, there’s something quite charming about doing it aboard a vessel that’s more than just a boat—it’s a piece of local history. The MIAMI, a wooden ship built in 1973 by local craftsmen, symbolizes the island’s shipbuilding tradition. Its name is an acronym for the names of the builders’ grandchildren, which adds a personal touch that many travelers find endearing. It’s now brought back to life for leisure, offering a window into Korula’s seafaring past while serving as a comfortable platform for today’s visitors.

What to Expect on the Tour

Most tours start from The Shell Bay in Korula Town, where you’ll meet your skippers—Vinko and David—whose friendly attitude is often highlighted by guests. The boat’s vintage charm immediately sets the tone for a relaxing day, and many reviews emphasize how welcoming the crew is. Once aboard, you’ll set sail around the archipelago, visiting several notable islands.

The journey includes stops at islands like Badija, known for its wild animal nature and Franciscan monastery; Vrnik, famous for its historic stone quarries; and Sutvara, with its stunning pebble beach. Each of these locations offers a different flavor of Korula’s diverse landscape, making for a varied and interesting trip. The boat’s slow pace and careful navigation allow for plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery and take photos.

Swimming and Snorkeling

One of the main highlights, and what many guests rave about, is the chance to swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters. The tour provides snorkeling equipment, making it easy to explore underwater life. Reviewers consistently mention how beautiful and inviting the waters are, perfect for cooling off after a few hours of sunbathing on deck. The stops are well spaced out, giving everyone enough time to enjoy the water without feeling rushed.

Food, Drinks, and Refreshments

A big plus of this experience is the inclusion of snacks and drinks. Guests report that the snacks are carefully prepared, with some describing them as “top quality local tapas” and “amazing fresh meat and cheese platter.” The crew keeps everyone refreshed with cold drinks and offers a relaxed atmosphere for socializing. Naomi’s review highlights an extra touch of kindness from the guides, including helping arrange a taxi boat and sharing tools like a corkscrew.

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The Vessel and Group Size

Because the boat is a vintage vessel with character, it might feel a bit more intimate or cozy—especially if you get lucky and have the boat to yourselves, as some reviews suggest. The tour isn’t private by default, but the sense of camaraderie and friendly crew make it feel personalized. The group size tends to be manageable, enabling a relaxed vibe, which is ideal for travelers who enjoy a more laid-back experience.

Duration and Cost

At around $106 per person, this tour offers a good value for a full day of activity, including multiple island stops, swimming, snacks, and drinks. It’s not a lengthy full-day cruise but provides enough time to explore, relax, and enjoy the sea without feeling overwhelmed. The booking process is flexible—reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead—which is handy if you’re still finalizing your plans.

Why This Tour Stands Out

The stories behind the vessel and the island stops give this tour a genuine, local feeling. Guests love the knowledgeable guides, with reviews praising Vinko and David for their friendliness and interesting commentary. It’s clear that the crew are genuinely invested in providing a memorable experience, which really enhances the trip.

Many travelers also highlight how high the quality of the snorkeling and swimming spots is—crystal-clear water, peaceful surroundings, and enough time to dip in multiple locations. Plus, the food and drinks are consistently praised, adding a tasty, social element to the day.

Considerations Before Booking

While this tour offers a lovely experience, it’s important to note that it isn’t suitable for everyone. Pregnant women, wheelchair users, non-swimmers, and those prone to seasickness should think carefully before booking. The tour also emphasizes respect for the environment—littering, making fire, or bringing sharp objects are not permitted.

If you prefer a very private, customizable experience, this might not be the best fit, as it is shared with other travelers. However, if you’re happy to mingle and enjoy a friendly, communal atmosphere, you’ll find it quite enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

The Korula Sail Away tour with its traditional craftsmanship boat offers a relaxed way to see some of Croatia’s beautiful islands. It’s perfect for travelers who value authentic stories, enjoy swimming in clear waters, and love tasting local snacks in a friendly environment. The combination of historic vessel, scenic stops, and caring guides make it a worthwhile choice for those seeking an uncomplicated, charming day at sea.

This experience is especially well-suited for anyone looking to connect with Korula’s maritime spirit, enjoy good company, and soak up the natural beauty of the islands—without the rush of larger, more commercial tours. If you’re after a genuine, laid-back way to explore the archipelago, this could very well be your ideal day out.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not explicitly designed for children, and some activities like swimming and snorkeling require non-swimmers to be cautious. Small children should be supervised at all times, and the experience might be best suited for older kids comfortable in the water.

Do I need to bring anything?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and beachwear. Make sure to have your ID or a copy for check-in. It’s also wise to bring a towel if you plan to swim.

Are there any restrictions on what I can bring aboard?
Yes, weapons, sharp objects, alcohol, drugs, and explosive substances are not permitted. Also, climbing on the boat’s outside structure is discouraged for safety reasons.

How long does the tour last?
The tour duration isn’t explicitly specified, but based on the itinerary and reviews, expect a full day of island stops, swimming, and cruising.

Can I book a private tour?
The tour is not private by default, but the operator offers the option to customize and book a private experience if desired.

Is it possible to cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
No, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users due to the vessel and activity nature.

Will I see specific attractions or islands?
Yes, you’ll visit islands like Badija, Vrnik, and Sutvara, each with its own unique appeal, from monasteries to beaches and quarries.

If you’re after a genuine, friendly, and scenic day on the water exploring Korula’s islands, this Sail Away tour offers a warm welcome, beautiful views, and memorable swimming moments. It’s a straightforward way to enjoy the archipelago without fuss—great for travelers who value authenticity and a relaxed pace.

You can check availability for your dates here: