A Day on a Gulet

Life on a gulet has its own rhythm, and it’s nothing like a traditional holiday. 

There’s no checking in, no strict schedules, no long drives or crowded sightseeing. Instead, it’s all about waking up on the water, swimming in hidden coves, eating fresh, locally prepared meals, and deciding how you want the day to unfold.

It’s slow travel in the best sense—sun-soaked, scenic, deeply personal, and absolutely unforgettable.

So, what can you expect from a typical day aboard a gulet in Croatia? Here’s a glimpse.

Morning: Wake Up in a Dream

You roll out of bed, step onto the deck—and boom. You’re anchored in a peaceful bay, the water is glassy, and the only sound is the sea gently lapping at the hull.

First thing you do? Jump in. Morning swims hit different out here. Then it’s breakfast—coffee, eggs, fresh fruit—served by your smiling crew while you dry off in the sun. Can you imagine a better start?

Or maybe you’ve spent the night docked in a small island port, right in the heart of an old town. You wake up to the smell of espresso drifting from a nearby café and the quiet charm of stone alleyways just steps from your gulet. 

Two completely different vibes—equally perfect.

Late Morning: Cruise, Swim, Repeat

As you sail along the coast, it’s all about soaking it in. One moment you’re sunbathing with a book, the next you’re diving into a hidden cove. Want to paddleboard? Snorkel? Just say the word. Your captain knows the best spots.

Lunch: Fresh, Local, Delicious

Hungry yet? Lunch is cooked onboard and served alfresco—maybe grilled sea bass, a crisp salad, some local wine. It’s simple, super fresh, and honestly? Way better than most restaurants.

Afternoon: Do Something… or Nothing

Feeling curious? Step ashore in a medieval town like Korčula or Hvar and get lost in cobbled streets. Or stay onboard and claim the best lounge spot with a glass of wine. It’s your charter—nobody’s rushing you.

Sunset: Golden Hour at Sea

Around 5 or 6 PM, the gulet drops anchor for the night—usually in a peaceful bay or right outside a harbor town like Hvar, Vis, or Korčula. The breeze cools off, people grab drinks, music might be playing low in the background. 

It’s that golden hour moment: everyone’s relaxed, snapping photos, rinsing off the saltwater, and getting ready for dinner.

Evening: Dinner & Downtime

If you're staying onboard, the chef serves a warm, homemade meal—think grilled sea bream, potatoes with rosemary, or pasta with prawns. If you're near a town, you can head ashore for dinner in a local konoba, usually organized in advance.

You’ll eat fresh, simple Dalmatian food—octopus salad, black risotto, local wine—and come back to the boat just in time to catch the stars. Some people stay up chatting on deck, others head to bed early.

Later, it’s all about stargazing on deck or a quick night swim to cool off. The sea is calm, the boat gently sways, and the whole day slowly winds down. You head to bed and already looking forward to doing it all over again tomorrow.

Sounds like your kind of day?

 Let’s start planning your gulet escape!