catamaran freediving week
-in our element-
11th - 18th JULY 2026
Inside the experience
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.
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.
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.
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.
Depth exploration, technique, relaxation, and presence develop alongside daily life at sea, making the experience feel grounded, embodied, and complete.
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.
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
- Daily somatic and breathing practice, and drills that improve both freediving and everyday body awareness
- 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.
whats to be planned:
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
- 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)
Got questions?
dubrovink & south adriatic
Route overview - Departure / Return: 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.
About the Catamaran
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.
Weather
bonus
Content folder with group shots, drone footage, and filming your dives
Fishing and spearfishing opportunities for those who enjoy it (not scheduled, but welcome)
SUP available for the group to explore the coastline
Underwater modeling tips and guidance. Ilaria has modeled for numerous underwater photographers and is happy to share practical advice
meet the hosts
Ila | I’m someone who feels best when life slows down to the pace of the sea.
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, 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, 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. Every trip is about connection, exploration, and enjoying the ocean at its fullest.
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.
FAQ
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.
Yes. We can help you arrange gear rental locally.
Just let us know in advance what you need so we can organize it smoothly.
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.
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.
Absolutely. Vegetarian and vegan meals are no problem at all.
Just tell us in advance so we can plan properly.
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.
Yes! You just have to secure your spot, the boat is already fully booked for the group.
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.
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.
Closest airport : Dubrovnik international airport, Croatia. From Dubrovnik airport to the marina : 23 km (30-40 minutes)
On 11/7 we meet at the marina at 1pm for the grocery run, departure scheduled around 5pm.
Return to the base on 17/7 at 5pm (docked), possibility to sleep on the boat.
Check-out on 18/7 at 9am.
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.
