Luxury Yacht Experience
in Dubrovnik

The word "luxury" is used loosely in the travel industry. Hotel rooms are "luxury." Airport lounges are "luxury." In most cases, what's meant is simply comfortable, well-appointed, and more expensive than average.

True luxury, by contrast, is about something rarer: the feeling of having the world arranged exactly the way you want it, at least for a few hours.

On a private yacht in Dubrovnik, that feeling is surprisingly achievable. This is what it actually looks like.

The Ferretti Altura 44S: A Short Introduction

The Ferretti Altura 44S was built in 1989 by Ferretti Group — the Italian manufacturer that has been producing high-quality performance yachts since 1968. The Altura series was Ferretti's cruising line: designed not for racing but for long, comfortable voyages in the Mediterranean.

At 44 feet, she's a substantial yacht — large enough for a comfortable group experience, small enough to access the shallow coves and hidden beaches that larger charter yachts cannot reach. Her hull is designed for the Adriatic's characteristic conditions: light winds, calm seas, and occasional afternoon chop.

What makes her special today is precisely her age. In 1989, boats were still built with genuine craftsmanship: teak woodwork throughout, solid fiberglass construction, hardware that was designed to last decades. Modern production yachts are faster and more technically sophisticated, but they have a certain corporate uniformity that older yachts simply don't.

The Ferretti Altura has character. Guests notice it immediately when they step on board.

The Concierge Experience

A luxury yacht charter is, fundamentally, a concierge service on water. From the moment you confirm your booking, everything is handled:

• Your departure time is set around your hotel schedule or evening plans
• Champagne, drinks, and any special requests are arranged in advance
• The route is planned based on your preferences, the wind, and the tide
• Restaurant reservations on island stopovers can be coordinated
• For proposals and romantic occasions, every detail is prepared discreetly
• Snorkelling gear, towels, and any special equipment are on board

The captain functions as a host as much as a navigator — present when needed, invisible when you want privacy, full of knowledge about the local waters and the best spots for whatever you're looking for.

What a Full-Day Luxury Charter Looks Like

Here's a typical full-day charter on the Ferretti Altura, departing from Lapadska obala in Dubrovnik:

Morning — Departure and First Swim

Departure at 9:00 or 10:00 AM. Coffee and pastries on deck as you leave the harbor. The captain navigates west along the coast or directly toward the Elafiti Islands depending on your preference. First stop at a secluded morning cove — typically calm, nearly empty at this hour, with water so clear you can see the seafloor 8 meters down.

Mid-Morning — Island Arrival

First island — usually Koločep, the closest and smallest of the Elafitis. A small village, ancient churches dating to the 9th century, and quiet swimming bays. The boat anchors in a sheltered cove and guests swim, snorkel, or simply float and read.

Afternoon — Lopud and Sunj

The crossing to Lopud takes about 30 minutes. Lunch at a family-run restaurant in Lopud village, or a picnic on board with provisions arranged in advance. Then the walk to Sunj — the archipelago's only sand beach — or a direct approach by tender. This is often the highlight of the day: the only sand beach in the Elafitis, and one of the finest in Croatia.

Late Afternoon — Šipan

The largest and most unspoiled island. Šipan has almost no tourism infrastructure, which is exactly its appeal. The old bishop's palace, the olive groves, the tiny harbor where fishing boats still go out each morning. A swim in Šipanska Luka bay before the return passage.

Return — Sunset

The return to Dubrovnik is timed to coincide with sunset when possible. Champagne on deck, the city appearing on the horizon as the sky turns gold. By the time you step ashore, it's been one of the better days of your life.

The Add-Ons That Make It Exceptional

The base charter experience is already excellent. But certain additions elevate it into something genuinely extraordinary:

• Champagne package — A curated selection served at the right moments: departure, the best swimming cove, and sunset on the return passage
• Drone photo/video package — Documentary-quality footage of your day. The aerial perspective of the Elafiti Islands and the yacht is spectacular
• Private transfer coordination — Arranged hotel pickup and return so you never deal with taxis or parking
• Romantic decoration — For proposals, anniversaries, and honeymoons: flowers, candles, and personalized setup
• Island lunch reservation — Pre-booked table at the best local restaurant, so you're seated immediately when you arrive