Croatia: Pickleball on the Adriatic
Seven nights aboard the Aretha, a 46-meter luxury yacht cruising Dubrovnik to Split: five islands, two UNESCO World Heritage sites, chef-driven tasting menus, and the world's first floating pickleball court.
Here's how we describe it: a 5-star international yacht charter with pickleball as the cherry on top. The itinerary doesn't revolve around the game; it includes it, when weather permits and for the guests who want to indulge. Everyone else simply gets one of the world's great yacht trips.
The week rotates between island stops, guided shore tours, and three kinds of pickleball: one full floating-court day at anchor in a private cove, land sessions at Milna's courts on Brac, and a finale at Split's brand-new 12-court complex, the largest outdoor pickleball facility in Europe.
In between: a private oyster tasting off Peljesac, golden-hour walks through Korcula and Hvar, Brac's olive oil museum, water toys off the stern, and long chef-driven dinners aboard. On floating-court day the crew spends about two hours inflating, anchoring, and tensioning the court off the ship while you swim, paddle, and watch the show.
Your week on the courts.
A 5-star yacht charter first, with pickleball as the cherry on top. Sessions run when weather permits, for every guest who wants them, with Coach Daniel Winter running the program.
One full day at anchor in a private cove. The crew spends about two hours inflating, anchoring, and tensioning a full-size court off the ship, then the water toys come out. Three viewing decks turn every rally into a social event.
Two courts a short walk from the port in Milna on Brac, and a finale at Split's brand-new 12-court complex, the largest outdoor facility in Europe. Local players drop in, friendly smack talk included.
Coach Daniel Winter provides one-on-one and group coaching throughout the trip and coordinates matches, keeping games level-matched from 3.0 to tournament players.
Doubles on the floating court feels rock solid; singles demands balance and a little bravado. Jet-ski ball retrieval adds theater, fishing every stray ball straight out of the Adriatic.
A taste of the itinerary.
Each itinerary varies but here's a taste of what's possible during your charter.
The full trip film.
The whole week aboard the Aretha, from Gruz Harbour to Diocletian's Palace.
"I never had Croatia on my list of places I wanted to see, but my mind is blown. I've looked in every direction and it feels like I'm on a movie set. The pickleball is the cherry on top, honestly, of the whole trip."
Getaway guest, May 2026"Touring the Adriatic aboard a yacht is an incredible experience. Add pickleball to it and it's a trip of a lifetime for any pickleball fanatic. 10/10, would recommend!"
Paul Lemley, Pickleball UnionHow booking works.
Two minutes on the form. Tell us who's coming and how to reach you.
Our dedicated vacation specialists confirm current availability, walk you through cabin categories, and answer every question.
Per person, with the balance not due until January 1, 2027. Then all that's left is packing a paddle and a swimsuit.
Questions, answered.
Everyone from 3.0 to tournament-level is welcome. Sessions and games are grouped by level, and the floating court is exactly as fun at 3.0 as it is at 5.0.
This is the trip where that matters least. It's a luxury yacht charter first: guided tours, oyster tastings, water toys, hot tubs, and chef-driven menus. The pickleball is an optional indulgence.
If you're optimizing for pickleball, think spring and fall: May, June, September, and October. In peak summer heat the crew may keep the floating court packed away, and note that May water can still be crisp.
Yes. Individual cabins, group blocks, and full-boat charters are all available. Our specialists will walk you through the options and open dates on your call.
Two chef-driven plated meals a day aboard, plus the welcome reception, the captain's dinner, and the beer and wine package. Island stops are your chance to eat your way through Croatia's old towns for the third meal. Vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-aware menus are handled without drama.
Premium spirit packages, massage treatments, and select powered toys are available a la carte. Tipping is customary, typically $150 to $250+ per guest for the crew at week's end. Airfare is separate: fly into Dubrovnik (DBV) and home from Split (SPU).
Your own paddle and a few balls. The yacht carries loaner equipment, but nothing swings like your personal paddle. Pack a light layer too; Adriatic evenings run cool.
Adriatic sailing is generally gentle, but light swell means a subtle dock-rock feeling that can linger a day after you disembark. It's part of the charm.
Starlink keeps you connected enough to reassure everyone back home. Beyond that, we recommend letting the Adriatic win.
The balance isn't due until January 1, 2027. Deposit and refund terms for the yacht differ from our resort trips; our specialists will walk you through them before you commit.
The Adriatic. A yacht. A floating court.
May 2 to 9, 2027, Dubrovnik to Split. A 5-star yacht charter with pickleball as the cherry on top.
Reserve Your Spot