“Since my last name is Kapitanski, I had to learn how to sail!” Boris Kapitanski laughed as he recounted chartering a 45-foot catamaran with his wife and friends to cruise the Croatian coast. They could have hired a captain, a chef and taken every water toy available, but they preferred a simpler approach. “We like to cook. The kitchen was enclosed with windows on the top deck. We sailed past the most beautiful surroundings,” he said, remembering jagged cliffs, textured forests and wildlife-filled shores as they grilled freshly caught fish.
Boris explained there are different ways to book a yacht: “You can go directly through a charter company, or you can use a yacht broker to get a better deal.” The Kapitanskis worked with a France-based broker who located the exact catamaran they wanted and negotiated a substantial discount on the charter. “It felt like an apartment at sea,” Anna Kapitanski said.
Your destination and planned activities shape the types of vessels available. The Kapitanskis and three friends chose Croatia for a week-long trip because Boris wanted to improve his sailing skills. “It’s an ideal destination for those starting to learn to sail. The islands offer protection and weather is fairly predictable,” he noted.
Croatia is among the most popular private yachting destinations, and experts recommend working with a travel adviser for complex trips. Several companies specialize in arranging private yachts worldwide and in tailoring itineraries to travelers’ preferences, from straightforward leisure charters to fully customized expeditions.
Yachts may be powered by sail, motor or a combination and are known for luxurious accommodations. Definitions vary, but vessels over 40 feet are generally considered yachts; those exceeding about 78 feet are labeled superyachts, and yachts over 200 feet are often called megayachts. The largest — around 300 feet and beyond — belong to the gigayacht class, representing the most extravagant and costly private ships.
Several operators offer yacht sailings that range in size and style, from intimate vessels to those resembling small cruise ships. These trips differ from traditional cruises through exceptional service levels, high crew-to-passenger ratios and a wide array of high-end amenities. Many yachts are also available for private charter to host weddings, corporate retreats or special celebrations.
The chosen destination, vessel size and passenger mix determine how social or private a voyage feels. “There were restaurants with moors where ships could dock. We’d go to dinner, dancing, and even spend the night,” Boris recalled. “You could make the trip as social or as private as you wanted.” At the same time, Anna remembers anchoring in secluded coves with crystal-clear water where they could see rocks 60 feet below. They discovered a floating oyster market near the ancient town of Šibenik, where the River Krka meets the Adriatic, buying mussels and oysters directly from local farmers. On the return trip they picked up the freshest oysters Anna had ever tasted. “The ocean was always our passion,” Boris said. “It wasn’t a matter of if, but when.”
EXCLUSIVE ADVENTURES
Expedition yachts open the door to remote and extraordinary locations. Some operators run voyages worldwide, while smaller specialists focus on a single region, offering deep local knowledge and curated experiences. For example, certain lines operate in places like the Galápagos Islands with ships designed for exploration, combining onboard comfort with expert-led activities. These itineraries often last around a week and concentrate on distinct themes — from volcanic landscapes to coastal ecosystems — and are tailored for travelers who want to snorkel with unique wildlife, encounter marine predators, or hike volcanic terrain. New expedition yachts continue to join the market, expanding options for immersive, small-ship adventures.