CATAMARAN FREEDIVING WEEK

– in our element –

Freediving cruise | Croatia

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2250€ per person
Early Bird price (until April 15th) : 2090 €

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Duration : 8 days / 7 nights

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Dates : July 11-18, 2026

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Cabin charter : max. 6 participants

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Cruise type : Freediving cruise (Level 1 required)

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Designed and hosted by Ilaria & Francesca

Powered by Freediving Cruises

For the terms and conditions, please visit Ilaria Freediving

Inside the experience

A catamaran freediving journey in the Adriatic, built around daily dives, shared life on board, breathing and relaxation practices, and the kind of moments you remember long after.

Join Ilaria and Francesca for a 8-day catamaran freediving journey along the South Adriatic coast of Croatia. This trip is about living at sea, moving with the rhythm of summer, and exploring the Mediterranean from the water rather than from shore. We’ll sail from Dubrovnik to quiet islands, hidden coves, and clear-water anchorages that most travelers never reach. Days unfold between freediving sessions, swimming, snorkeling, and daily breathing and relaxation work, with time naturally moving between the water, shared meals, coastal towns, and stillness at anchor.

We’re sailing with captain Nico, founder of Freediving Cruises, who will be your skipper on board. Since 2021, he has run sailing and freediving expeditions across the Med, combining seamanship, safety, and deep familiarity with the environments we explore. Together, we’ve designed this trip for freedivers who care about solid fundamentals, real conditions, and shared experience.

It’s for people who want to train with intention, explore beautiful places away from the crowds, and enjoy the simplicity of good dives, good food, and long summer days on the Adriatic.

Highlights

Small-group sailing: 6 participants max on a modern 40 ft catamaran that feels like an apartment on the water: comfy, spacious, and perfect even if it’s your first time sailing

Discovering quiet islands, hidden coves, and national parks along the South Adriatic coast, far from the crowds

Equalization workshop for all levels, with precise, practical cues from expert eq trainer Ilaria

Plenty of shared moments, quiet time, and simple joys on the boat

Lots of freediving sessions, including drift dives, anchor dives, and line practice, guided safely by professionals

Fundiving and hands-on coaching to refine your technique and feel your progress in real conditions

Plenty of shared moments, quiet time, and simple joys on the boat

Real good vibes, the kind that make you laugh, relax, and connect

Who this trip is for

Freedivers and sea lovers with at least a Level 1 certification.

We dive up to 40 meters max, but beginners will find sessions approachable with plenty of personal guidance, and deeper divers will still gain tools and techniques to expand their toolkit and the quality of their dives.

About the catamaran

Our catamaran is a comfortable vessel that hosts 6 to 8 guests in double cabins. Each guest shares a cabin with a private bathroom. It’s fully equipped with a dinghy, hot water, Air Conditioning – in salon, Wi-Fi Internet. Before we set off, the captain will give a full briefing on safety, itinerary, and life onboard, so everyone feels confident and ready to enjoy the journey together.

freediving_sailboat_retreat_lagoon_catamaran

Meet the hosts

Ila

I’m someone who feels best when life slows down to the pace of the sea.

Swimming before breakfast, sharing meals, and letting days unfold without rushing is where I feel most present and alive. I’m a freediving coach, traveler, and organizer of adventures.

I love creating spaces where people can relax into the experience, connect with the ocean, and with each other, without pressure or expectations.

I can’t wait to share that way of living at sea with you.

Franci

I’ve been drawn to the ocean for as long as I can remember.
I grew up traveling and spending time on sailboats, always feeling most alive near the sea. Over the years, that connection evolved from scuba diving to freediving, drawn to the quiet space beneath the surface where everything slows down.
I’m also a Yin Yoga teacher, inspired by softness and presence, yet there’s another part of me that always seeks adrenaline and adventure.
I’m passionate about creating experiences where adventure and calm coexist, where we can dive deep, sail far, share meaningful conversations and reconnect with what truly matters.

Nico

I grew up by the ocean in Brittany, so being on the water has always felt like home. I started freediving in 2018 on Koh Tao, Thailand, and soon became a freediving instructor. In 2020, I became a professional skipper to make my dream of Freediving Cruises a reality.

Since then, I’ve been running sailing and freediving trips across the Mediterranean, from Croatia to Greece, Italy, and Türkiye. I love sharing the sea, hidden spots, and pristine waters with fellow sea lovers. Every trip is about connection, exploration, and enjoying the ocean at its fullest.

What’s included

8-day / 7-night catamaran cruise with accommodation onboard
Professional skipper & freediving training
Somatic and breathing practice
Breakfast
Coffee & tea
Personalized coaching + Equalization masterclass
SUP
Bed linens & towels
Check-out cleaning

GOT QUESTIONS ? GO TO FAQ

What’s to be planned

Flight tickets to Dubrovnik
Breakfast included. Other meals are planned together, with a mix of shared onboard cooking and local restaurants.
Land excursions and visit entrance fees & visa related fees
Fuel (approximately 90€ per person)
Any overnight marina fees (if it’s not possible to stay at anchor)
Travel insurance (including freediving, we recommend DAN but you may find other providers)
Dive gear (mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit are necessary) possible to hire on location
Tipping & personal expenses (souvenirs, alcohol)

Bonus

Content folder with group shots, drone footage, and filming your dives

SUP available for the group to explore the coastline

Fishing and spearfishing opportunities for those who enjoy it (not scheduled, but welcome)

Underwater modeling tips and guidance. Ilaria has modeled for numerous underwater photographers and is happy to share practical advice

Dubrovnik & South Adriatic route overview

Departure / Return : Dubrovnik, Croatia

During this week we’ll sail along the breathtaking southern Croatian coastline, starting and ending in Dubrovnik.

Our route includes the Elaphiti Islands and Šipan, the wild beauty of Mljet National Park, the historic town of Korčula, the peaceful harbours of Polače and Okuklje, and Ston, famous for its oysters and impressive stone walls.

The itinerary remains flexible so we can adapt to weather and sea conditions, ensuring the safest and most enjoyable experience for everyone on board.

Dubrovnik

Sipan

Pomena

Korcula

Polace

Okuklje

Ston

Useful information

How to get to the marina of Dubrovnik ?

Closest airport : Dubrovnik international airport, Croatia
From Dubrovnik airport to the marina : 23 km (30-40 minutes)

Departure and return times

Meeting on Saturday at 1pm for the grocery run, departure scheduled around 5pm
Return on Friday at 5pm (docked), possibility to sleep on the boat
Check-out on Saturday at 9am

Weather

You can expect warm summer weather with daytime highs around 28–30 °C and nights cooling to roughly 24–25 °C.
The sea is very swim‑friendly in July, with average surface temperatures typically around 24–26 °C, making the water warm and pleasant for freediving, swimming, and extended water time.

Visas requirements

European citizens can enter Croatia with a valid ID or passport

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a lot of sailing involved?

Not really. We stay close to the coast and move at an easy pace. There’s enough sailing to enjoy being at sea, but this isn’t a long navigation-heavy trip.
If you’re curious, you’re welcome to get involved onboard.
If not, you can just relax.

Can you help me with freediving gear rental?

Yes. We can help you arrange gear rental locally.
Just let us know in advance what you need so we can organize it smoothly.

What if I’m a freediver but my partner isn’t certified?

That’s totally fine. This trip isn’t only about freediving. There’s plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling, relaxing at anchor, exploring islands, and enjoying life on the catamaran together.
Your partner just won’t take part in the freediving training sessions, as this isn’t an intro-to-freediving trip. As long as they’re comfortable in the water and happy to enjoy the sea, they’re very welcome to join.

What’s the food plan during the trip?

Breakfast is included and enjoyed together on board to start the day slowly and well-fed. For the rest of the meals, we keep things flexible and fun. Before departure, we’ll do a group food shop and plan meals together based on preferences and vibes.
Lunches and dinners will be a mix of easy shared meals on the boat and eating out in local restaurants when we’re ashore. The idea is to keep it relaxed, tasty, and budget-friendly, while enjoying good food and the social side of life at sea.

I’m a vegetarian / vegan. Is that okay?

Absolutely. Vegetarian and vegan meals are no problem at all.
Just tell us in advance so we can plan properly.

I get seasick. Should I be worried?

Probably not too much. We’ll be sailing mostly along the coastline with short crossings, and we’ll be on a catamaran, which is a very stable type of boat. If it helps, Ila also gets seasick sometimes, so moral support is included. We still recommend bringing whatever usually works for you.

Is the boat booking confirmed?

Yes! You just have to secure your spot, the boat is already fully booked for the group.

How do I reserve my spot?

To secure your spot, a deposit of €600 is required. You’re welcome – and encouraged – to pay more at the time of your deposit if you wish. The full balance is due 60 days before the start of the trip (12th May 2026).
Before you make your deposit, we offer a free 15-minute onboarding call with your hosts. This is a chance to meet us, ask any questions about the trip, and make sure it’s the right fit for you.

What should I bring onboard?

Camera and underwater case if you like taking photos or filming your dives
Enough clothing for a week on the catamaran, including swimsuits, bikinis, and light layers. Bring a warm sweater or jacket for cooler evenings. Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and beach towel or poncho towel. Personal hygiene products.

What should I know about sleeping arrangements?

Cabins will be shared, we’ll arrange them based on gender and, whenever possible, also considering age or common interests, to create the most comfortable and harmonious experience for everyone.

BOOK YOUR ONBOARDING CALL

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