Montenegro Sailing - Dubrovnik to Dubrovnik
Introduction
Sail the Adriatic with this eight-day Montenegro tour, conveniently starting and ending in Dubrovnik. Witness the dramatic scenery and impressive Balkan landscapes as you move south along the Dalmatian coast, checking out a small fishing village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and some of the area’s nicest beaches for swimming, snorkelling, or simply relaxing. If you want to get some dancing in, make sure to save some energy for Budva — known as the regional capital of nightlife — because you’ll need it!
- Spend time exploring some of the area's nicest beaches
- Enjoy the seaside nightlife in Budva
- Swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Bigovo
- Witness the impressive Balkan landscapes
- Duration: 8 days
- Start/Finish City: Dubrovnik to Dubrovnik
- Service Level: Standard
- Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.
- Physical Grading: 3 - Average
- Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.
- Travel Style: Marine
- Small-ship adventures on the world’s great seas, rivers, and other places only accessible by boat.
- Trip Type: Small Group
- Small group experience; Max 8.
What's Included
Sailing the Dalmatian Coast. Fully licensed Skipper. Snorkelling equipment.
Highlights
Spend time exploring some of the area's nicest beaches, Enjoy the seaside nightlife in Budva, Swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Bigovo, Witness the impressive Balkan landscapes
Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
Itinerary Notes
This itinerary may need to change due to inclement weather conditions. This decision will be made solely at your skipper's discretion, based on the safety of the group and the yacht.
Important Notes
1. Space is limited on the boat and especially in your cabin. You can only take soft sided luggage on board, such as a mid-sized backpack or soft duffel bag. (Less than is 15kgs)
Suitcases are not appropriate for our Sailing adventures as they are not pliable enough to fit into the niches available for luggage.
2. Fresh water is very limited on board, and as such we ask for your understanding that showers are limited to one quick shower per person a day.
3. It's important to note that the beds in the cabins are not the usual length of a standard bed. The length is approximately 1.8 meters (6 feet)
4. Electrical outlets on board are European style with 2 pins (240V), and are only operational while in port. It is recommended to bring an external battery pack for charging personal electronics.
5. This is a self-catering trip, and everybody will be expected to participate, cleaning up after themselves, and keeping the boat ship shape at all times (including washing the dishes, and emptying the bins when ashore.)
6. Physical Rating:
- You should be able to climb up small steep ladders, or walk over a wooden plank (without a handrail) when boarding/disembarking the vessel, and be physically able to carry your luggage.
- You will often be climbing in and out of the yachts inflatable tenders at beach landing spots, and boarding/disembarking the tender from the yacht in sometimes challenging conditions.
- Moving around the yacht while under sail can be challenging as it moves in the waves or heels over to its side. You should be physically able, and comfortable, to move about in such conditions.
COMBO TRIP
Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.
Group Leader Description
A G Adventures skipper will be with the group throughout your journey. The aim of the skipper is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible, as well as taking complete charge of the sailing, your safety on board and the safety of the vessel. As this is a real sailing adventure, our skipper might also request your help on board and will be more than happy to impart some of their vast sailing knowledge during the course of the journey. Our skippers are all fully licensed with many years of experience sailing in the area. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and you can expect your skipper to have a broad general knowledge of the Montenegrin Islands you will visit.
Group Size Notes
Max 8.
Meals Included
No meals included
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
On our Montenegro sailing trip the G Adventures Skipper/CEO will help you make a food kitty, where 500 HRK (Croatian Kuna) per person, per week will be added to the kitty for small food items on board to cover breakfasts, lunches and the odd dinner.
Breakfasts and lunches are prepared by yourself, and most dinners are taken ashore at local restaurants.
Transport
16m (52 ft) sailing yacht.
About our Transportation
Our 54ft sailing boats are equipped with state of the art technology offering all travellers onboard a safe and enjoyable experience. Space is optimized – sleeping quarters are snug, meaning that more of the boat is open from everyone to enjoy. Cabins are allotted by the skipper based on the gender and traveller make-up of the group.
Solo Travellers
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Accommodation
4 twin/double bed cabins, 3 bathrooms, 2 showers (7 nts).
About Accommodation
A NOTE REGARDING SMALL SPACES ON SAILBOATS:
- Please note that the rooming for these boats is assigned upon arrival and neither particular cabins, nor berths can be guaranteed. You will be sharing a bunk or double bed with your travel partner or one of your fellow passengers of the same sex and sharing the bathrooms onboard.
- Please be aware that as this is a real sailboat and not a cruise vessel and the space on board is tight. The sleeping quarters on sailboats are generally kept to a minimum size in order to maximize public space and performance.
- It may be possible to smell engine and/or diesel fumes when in the cabins, due to their proximity to the engine room. Most travel is done during the day, so it is unlikely you will be in the cabin when the engine is running.
- Some people are not comfortable with the type of close quarter arrangements typically found on sailboats, however if a real sailing experience on a real sailboat is what you are after, then this experience should more than make up for cramped quarters.
- Opportunities to sleep in open air on main deck are often available.
- Please note that the skipper may also be sharing the ship's quarters and amenities with you.
- Power onboard is 220V on European 2 pin sockets. Please note that this is not suitable for sleeping aid machines, as the power source may not always be operating. Bringing a battery pack is recommended.
Joining Instructions
Meeting Point: Azzurro Restaurant Ul. na Skali 2, 20236, Dubrovnik, Croatia
The meeting point is at Azzurro Restaurant, at Dubrovnik ACI Marina . As you arrive at the ACI Marina, it is the first restaurant you see.
Please wait here until 4pm when your Skipper will arrive. The Skipper will be wearing a G Adventures T-shirt, and/or have G Adventures purple flag at his table.
Toilets/showers are located in the round building 30metres other side of marina reception building.
Coffee/drinks/snacks are available here.
**Note - this yacht marina is in Komolac, 15mins by car/bus from Dubrovnik old city. It is located 3miles up the river Ombla.
The airport is located 30km from the old City of Dubrovnik. The airport is well connected in Europe with many transfer options internationally.
From the airport, take the bus for the old city of Dubrovnik. Here you will need to change to bus No. B1, which will take you to the ACI marina for 15HRK (2EUR); ask the driver to stop when at the marina. It is about 15min from the old city.
By Taxi: 250HRK (30EUR) and takes 30min.
By Bus: 35HRK (4EUR) and takes 30min. Buses depart hourly to and from the airport.
For passengers that would like to book pre and/or post-tour accommodation, we recommend the following:
Dubrovnik:
Old Town City Centre Apartments
Dropceva 13, Old Town, 20000
Dubrovnik, Croatia
From 60 EUR per night. Available on www.hotelbooking.com at discounted rates if G Adventures is quoted.
Split:
Villa Vice
Zrnovnicka, 12, Split, 21000
Split, Croatia
From approx. 70 EUR per night. Available on www.hotelbooking.com at discounted rates if G Adventures is quoted.
To arrange an arrival or departure transfer, we recommend you book through our preferred transfer provider - HolidayTaxis - using the following link:
https://partner.holidaytaxis.com/?ref=GADVE
Choose from a range of transport options including both private and shared transfers at a discounted rate.
We advise that you book both your arrival and departure transfers in advance. Please make sure you have the following details before booking:
- Flight number
- Flight Arrival Time and Date
- Flight Departure Time and Date
- Passenger's Name
- Number of Passengers
- Valid Mobile Telephone Number
- Drop off and/or Pick Up Address
Emergency Contact
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
Should you need to contact us during a situation of a dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Representative (listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.
In case of serious emergency, please contact:
Head Skipper +385 91 172 2944
Operations +94 777 353 606
Director of Global Sailing +353 87 660 0644
If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below which will connect you directly with our Sales team who will happily assist you. Hours of operation by region can be found here.
Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0344 272 2060
Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000
Calls from Australia: 1300 853 325
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 415
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
ALL OTHER EUROPEAN COUNTRIES: +44 207 243 9878
Finishing Point Instructions
Departure times from the boat may vary depending on weather conditions. Occasionally there can be delays getting into the Marina, so we would recommend booking onward transportation from 1pm onwards so that you have time to get from the Marina to the airport/bus station.
What to Take
There is limited space on the yachts. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack. A good size daypack is also essential. PLEASE NOTE: No hard suitcases are permitted.
Packing List
Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)
Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
• Quick Covid Test/Antigen Test
Marine:
• Drybag (Will help keep cameras and essentials dry)
• External battery pack
• Motion sickness tablets
• Sarong
• Snorkel gear (optional) (Only if own equipment is preferred.)
Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear
Laundry
Laundry facilities can be found in some harbours, ask your skipper for the best places.
Detailed Trip Notes
Welcome on board! We are happy that you decided to be a guest on board our sailing yachts for your holidays. To make sure it's a real one of a kind experience, your skipper wants to give you some information about the things you’ll meet on the yacht and on the trip.
No worries, we won’t make you spend your precious time on too much information, simply take it as a possibility to start your adventure at home.
Brief History of Yachting
Known since the old Egyptian Empires yachts were dedicated only to the pleasure of it’s passengers in the exclusivity of independence. A long time before tourism discovered the pleasure of big steamboat cruises around 100 years ago, the wealthy parts of societies enjoyed yachting in different ways: cruising the Nile, sailing the Greek Islands or enjoying huge parties on board of Caligula's yachts in a lake south of Rome.
Fortunately, technology developed allowing us the opportunity to sail the oceans in smaller yachts. Yachts of today are constructed under the rules of hydrodynamics, defining the shape of the hull, the needs of stability and comfort.
Running water and a stove were a pure luxury on board a yacht only twenty years ago, but you’ll find almost everything you need on your yachts today: electricity (12V offshore and only sometimes 220V when we’re moored) refrigerators, showers, hot water, music, and much more.
But never forget: a yacht always is "on a budget"; this means budgeting room and weight for mobility and stocks for ongoing comfort.
Each yacht comes with the safety gear and instrumentation required by law to assure you a safe and successful holiday.
Here are some technical terms for you to learn to help you orient yourself:
Boat
Hull: The ‘body’ of the boat
Keel: The stabilizing part of the hull under the waterline to prevent capsizing
Deck: Upper level of the boat
Cockpit: The area in the back where we are operating the boat
Bow: Forward area of the boat
Stern Backward area of the boat
Helm: The steering facility
Helmsman: Person at the helm, not necessarily the skipper
Starboard: Right side of the boat looking forward from aft
Port (side): Left side of the boat looking forward from aft
Rigg: All fixed equipment standing up above the deck
Mast: A massive vertical pole to fix the sails
Boom: horizontal massive pole going backward from the mast
Mainsail: sail at the rear of the mast
Foresail/Genua/
Headsail: sail in front of the mast
Fender: A sort of ‘bumper’ to avoid damage of the hull when moored
Winch: A sort of drum to operate loaded lines or anchor chain
Beaufort: International scale for strength of winds, starting with 0 up to 12
Operations
Manoeuvre: Changing the course of the boat or doing several operations
Tacking: Turning the bow through the wind
Gibing: Turning the stern through the wind
Round up: Turning the boat exactly into the wind to stop moving
Fetch sth.: Pulling tight a line
Ease sth.: Detaching a line
LINES
There are only "lines" on a boat, no ropes etc.
Furling lines: Used to set and take away the sails
Sheets: Used to adjust the sails during sailing
Mooring lines: Connects the yacht to the peer
Ground lines: Fixes the bow when moored ‘stern too’ (the peer)
KNOTS
Figure-eight knot: Belongs to the end of certain lines to avoid going by the run
Half hitch: Fixes a line somewhere, not very strong one
Clove hitch: Fixes various lines like mooring-, fender- etc.
Reef knot: Connect two lines of same size to each other
Bowline: Creates a strong and everlasting loop to a line
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Money Exchange
Euros (EUR) are accepted everywhere. When exchanging currency, or deciding what to bring, keep in mind that you can withdraw money from an ATM when you arrive. If you need to exchange USD for EUR, hotel exchange rates are usually quite poor, so try to avoid changing your money at your hotel. You will probably be better off changing your money in a bank or in one of numerous Bureaux de Change that you will find in towns.
Emergency Fund
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Tipping
While conventions can vary from country to country, tipping is customary in Europe. A general rule is 10% of the bill for wait staff, and a smaller amount (€1 or €2) for other service providers.
Tipping is expected - though not a compulsory - component of your tour program, and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides. You may do this individually, or collectively and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from €3-5 per day, depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.
At the end of each trip, if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is expected and appreciated. The precise amount is a personal preference, however it is suggested 10EUR per person, per day can be used as a guideline.
Optional Activities
Herceg-Novi
- Tito's Villa Tour (15-25EUR per person)
Kotor
- Kotor - Tivat Inland Tour (40EUR per person)
Tivat
- Buća-Luković Museum & Gallery
- Tivat Botanical Gardens
Health
Please note: We do not have a constant power source onboard, and cannot facilitate the use of Sleep Apnea/CPAP machines. Bringing a suitable battery pack is required.
Inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.
No particular health issues in Croatia or Montenegro, just that in some more remote islands bottled water is more recommended to drink. Just keep in mind that some heat waves are possible from June to October all over the country. People who are sensitive to seasickness should come prepared.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit, hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements.
Safety and Security
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your CEO has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your CEO will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.
Protests and Demonstrations- Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately.
Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).
Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk.
We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety. For ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling, please visit:
Trip Specific Safety
Croatia and Montenegro are relatively safe countries if you take the same precaution you would back home in any major and/or touristy cities, use common sense and do not hesitate to ask your skipper about specific areas to avoid. Also it is recommended to carry with you only the money and documentation you need for the day. Always keep an eye on your belongings, while having a drink, while at the internet café, and while waiting at the bus station, for example.
A Couple of Rules
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Planeterra Foundation - the non-profit partner of G Adventures
Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. Planeterra connects underserved local communities to the benefits of tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses. These businesses support Indigenous people, empower women, grant youth access to employment opportunities, and protect the environment. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating their projects into G Adventures’ itineraries globally.
G Adventures is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.
G Adventures Dollar-a-day Program - Make Every Day Count - Turn your travel into impact with Planeterra Foundation.
Did you know? Most communities around the world do not benefit from tourism. Give back to the places you visit on your travels by creating opportunities for local people to earn an income, and protect the environment.
Make every day count by donating $1/day for the length of your trip, and join us in empowering the communities you will visit when you travel. 100% of your donation goes directly to Planeterra projects.
Newsletter
Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G Adventures, subscribe at www.gadventures.com/newsletter_signup
Stay current on how our company invests in our global community through our foundation – Planeterra. Sign up for Planeterra's monthly news to learn more about how to give back and support the people and places we love to visit.
Minimum Age
Minimum age of 16 years for this trip.
International Flights
Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.