Explore the Adriatic: Join Our Exclusive Dubrovnik and Montenegro Flotilla Cruise
A BRAND NEW COLGATE SAILING ADVENTURES® FLOTILLA CRUISE ON THE ADRIATIC SEA
Dubrovnik Harbor
September 21-28, 2025
Colgate Sailing Adventures® is thrilled to return to Croatia’s fabled city of Dubrovnik and, from there, set off to explore Montenegro – an entirely new destination – on this exciting cruise in the Adriatic Sea. Not only is this a fantastic flotilla adventure, but in 2025, you will sail the seas on lively Sunsail monohull yachts!
The Cruise Starts and Ends in Dubrovnik, Croatia
Known as “The Pearl of the Adriatic,” this fabled city dates back to Medieval times, with impressive walls to walk overlooking white stone buildings with terracotta roofs and incredible views of the port, the Adriatic Sea, and beyond. Our fleet of monohull yachts will be ready for boarding by 6 p.m. on September 21, 2025. Disembarkation takes place at 9 a.m. on September 28, 2025. We recommend planning your trip to spend some extra time in Dubrovnik, relax from your travels, take a guided tour, or explore the area on your own before you join the group aboard.
So Much to See and Do in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik Port from Old Town Walk
Dubrovnik’s ancient walls of Old Town are a terrific way to get an overview of the area. As you walk, you’ll see many ancient citadels, museums, and spectacular Renaissance palaces, with stairs leading to a warren of pedestrian-only streets. Old Town is a 10-minute taxi or 20-minute local bus ride from the marina. The top five places to visit include Dubrovnik City Walls, Fort Lovrijenac, Rector’s Palace, Tvrdava Minč, and the Church of St. Blaise. If swimming in crystal clear waters off local beaches sounds more enticing, there are many sandy and stone beaches in the area.
Then, Set Sail for Montenegro on Our Fleet of Monohulls!
Tiny Church in Montenegro
On this cruise to a new and super-interesting country, Colgate Sailing Adventures® flotilla participants enjoy living aboard and sailing on a fleet of three 44′ and one 47′ Jeanneau monohulls. Your trip leaders will assign a Designated Skipper, Designated Mate, and the rest of the crew on each boat based on submitted Sailing Resumes. On the sailing resume, you may request to sail with other confirmed participants, which will be considered by your cruise leaders, who will be at the base a couple of days early to ensure a great start to your week and choose the “final” itinerary. This and much more information will be provided at the fun welcome gathering and dinner on the first night of the cruise. Here are some Montenegro highlights.
So Many Places to Visit When Cruising Montenegro
Montenegro means “Black Mountain,” so named because of its many dark green dense forests. The country is famous for its spectacular mountains, glacial lakes, elegant beach resorts of Bedva Riviera, and the UNESCO World Heritage Bay of Kotor. With abundant natural, historical, and cultural gems to explore, it is said to be one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with apparently no mass tourism to crowd your visit. In June 2006, Montenegro declared independence from the State Union of Serbia & Montenegro, which was formed after the fall of Yugoslavia in 1989. Before you arrive, your cruise leaders will choose the final itinerary after discussing it with the base managers. Here are some highlights.
Herceg Novi
15 nautical miles from Dubrovnik is the “City of the Sun,” more than 600 years
World Heritage Site in Montenegro
old with many flights of stairs, mimosa trees, and cultural and musical events. A promenade that stretches across several miles connects to the idyllic mountainside Old Town – full of bars and cafes, elegant churches, squares, and fortresses. A pebble beach with a walkway below takes you to Igalo, renowned for its therapeutic mud. You will want to explore one of the most famous natural sites in Montenegro, the Blue Cave on the peninsula of Lustica, not far from Herceg Novi. If you go before lunch, you can capture the sun’s rays streaming through the cave, illuminating bright blue and turquoise waters.
Budva
This is the place to go for lively nightlife and stunning beaches. The Budva Riviera has sandy, stone, and pebbly beaches sheltered by small bays or protected by pine trees. Budva Old Town has a unique architecture with walls dating to the mid-century when Venetians ruled. Across from Budva is Sveti Nikola, the largest sea island in Montenegro, referred to as “Hawaii near Budva,” with pristine beaches and good swimming in crystal clear waters. In the evening, stroll along the promenade and enjoy a BBQ dinner, perhaps with music.
Bar
This modern port town known for cultural events and festivals has many green
Sueti Stefan in Montenegro
areas where you will find one of the oldest olive trees in the world (over 2000 years old). The regions largest lake, Skadar Lake, is a great place for bird watching, and also boasts a great beach at a small village called Murici. Stari Bar (Old Town), is 3 miles up a hill with stunning scenery, cliffs and small farmers villages below.
Bigova
This charming fishing village on the southwest side of the Bay of Kotor is an ideal stop for swimming, snorkeling, and many other water sports. A couple of shops and restaurants serve the freshest fish caught by local fishermen. Chorba fish soup is a national dish, well worth the try.
Tivat
Once a navy base, a multimillion-dollar investment has transformed its marina and surroundings into one of the most luxurious yachting destinations in the Med. Not only is it a destination for the rich and famous, but Tivat is also known for its sports tourism, with over 40 active sports clubs that feature hiking, mountain biking, and extreme canyoning. It’s Big City Park, with botanical gardens, is a great place for a long walk. On Prevlaka peninsula west of Tivat is Sveti Marko Island with a stunning beach.
Herceg Novi in Montenegro
2025 Dubrovnik-Montenegro Package Costs
The Grad Discounts below apply only to those individuals who currently hold the specified certification and certificate. If you are traveling with someone who does not meet the Category 1 or Category 2 requirements below, they must pay the Category 3 package cost. Offshore Sailing School grads with US Sailing Bareboat Cruising certification designated as “skipper” or “mate” must hold the US Sailing International Proficiency Certificate (IPC), to cruise on a charter yacht reserved by Offshore Sailing School.
Category 1: Offshore Sailing School Graduates with US Sailing Bareboat Cruising Certification, US Sailing IPC, and willing to be a Designated Skipper if asked
- $3,495 single in a private cabin
- $2,995 per person, sharing a cabin
Category 2: Offshore Sailing School Graduates with US Sailing Bareboat Cruising Certification Only (No US Sailing IPC or unwilling to Skipper if asked)
- $3,695 single in a private cabin
- $3,195 per person, sharing a cabin
Category 3: Other Qualified Sailors
- $3,995 single in a private cabin
- $3,495 per person, sharing a cabin
Sailing the Adriatic Sea
Payment Schedule
When your completed resume is provided and approved, payments are due. If you book anytime up to May 24, 2025, a deposit of 30% of the total package cost – and your sailing resume – are required to hold your spot on the cruise. Final payment is due no later than May 24, 2025. If you book May 24, 2025, or later, the full amount is due. You must sign the cruise Terms & Conditions when you sign up, which spells out cancellation and transfer policies. No refunds or changes are allowed on any cancellations on May 24, 2025, or later for any reason.
BUY TRIP INSURANCE, PLEASE!
Your Dubrovnik-Montenegro Flotilla Cruise
Dubrovnik Old Town
Package Includes:
- 7 nights in a private or shared cabin on one of the flotilla monohulls, assigned in advance by your cruise leaders
- Welcome meet and greet party and dinner first night of trip
- Gala group dinner ashore during the cruise or at end of cruise
- Starter pack of provisions and bottled water
- Wi-Fi aboard your yacht
- Full fuel and water tanks upon departure, no need to replenish and pay for fuel upon return
- Damage waiver
- Commemorative Colgate Sailing Adventures® Flotilla Cruise shirt and hat
- Comprehensive e-book prepared by Offshore to help you plan your trip
- Hosted by expert cruise leaders Nate and Heather Atwater, with the fleet throughout the cruise
Not Included:
- Beverages you wish to consume while aboard, including bottled water, beer, wine, spirits, juices
- Mooring and docking fees
Budka in Montenegro
- Park permits, if any
- Beverages and meals purchased ashore
- Food, drinks, and expendables you purchase on your own to use or consume aboard or elsewhere
- Sightseeing tours
- Rental cars, taxis, and other rentals or other costs you may incur
- Ground transfers, air, and other travel costs
- Immigration or other entry fees when entering from one country to another
- Departure tax (usually included in air ticket costs)
As with any Colgate Sailing Adventures® Flotilla Cruise, all crew on each boat contribute equally to a kitty to cover shared costs during the cruise, usually starting at $100 per person. To discover Montenegran food and cuisine, and the hospitality of those who live there, plan on shopping local markets for goodies to share aboard. Most nights, you will enjoy dining ashore at the seaside and inland eateries.
Who Can Participate on a Colgate Sailing Adventures® Flotilla Cruise?
If you are an Offshore Sailing School graduate with Bareboat Cruising
Sailing Into Port in Croatia
Certification (OSS 104 or 104/114) or higher, and love sharing sailing adventures with like-minded sailors, Colgate Sailing Adventures® flotilla cruises are a fabulous next step in your sailing adventures. If you took OSS 101 or OSS 102 you are also welcome, but we do hope you’ll continue your education on larger yachts, getting the feel of what cruising is all about with one of our great instructors. You are also welcome if you are not an Offshore Sailing School graduate and are an experienced sailor with cruising boat experience. All participation acceptance is based on a review of the required sailing resume.
SAILING RESUME FOR FLOTILLA CRUISES – 2024
888-454-7015 or 239-454-1700
Sail@OffshoreSailing.com
Why is a Sailing Resume Required?
All Colgate Sailing Adventures® flotilla cruises are hands-on activities that require unaided mobility on the yacht you live and sail on. On the dinghies, you must board to go ashore and back to the boat, regardless of how choppy the seas and harbor waters might be. You must complete a sailing resume before being confirmed for this trip. There are many questions, all of which must be answered, including information about medical or physical conditions that may hinder your full participation. Only the cruise leaders and
Sailing Back Into Dubrovnik
Offshore management sees these resumes.
Each Yacht is Assigned a Designated Skipper and Designated Mate
Many charter companies, like us, require two people on each boat to have an International Proficiency Certification (IPC). Based on completed resumes and possession of the IPC, a designated Skipper and Designated Mate will be assigned to each boat. The IPC is easy to obtain if you have Bareboat Cruising Certification! Learn how to get it here.
Your Cruise Leaders
Heather and Nate Atwater are your guides as you sail the Adriatic Sea along the coast of Montenegro. They have led Colgate Sailing Adventures® Flotilla cruises since 2016 and enjoy cruising their 49′ Hylas when not sailing with you. They must have your completed resume to assign crews to each boat and choose the designated “skipper and mate” from the information you provide on the resume. When you are ready to book, please print, fill out, and email the form using the link provided on this page and send it to Cheryl@OffshoreSailing.com.
Svar in Montenegro
How to Get to Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik International Airport (also called Cilipi Airport because of its proximity to the village of Cilipi) is approximately 9.6 miles from Dubrovnik city center and 15.5 miles to the yachts in ACI Marina. Taxis and mini-van transfers are available at the airport, as well as car rentals. More information, including hotel recommendations, will be available in the e-book you receive when you book this cruise.
To find the best flights from your home base to Dubrovnik and the best connections to the marina, we highly recommend you email flights@thlmarine.com or call the Moorings/Sunsail travel service (866-649-2003). They have tremendous experience helping sailors get to Sunsail/Moorings destinations. Check your passport now! It must be valid for six months after your return home.
