Mountain Bike Croatia
Private Catamaran
DEtails:
2025 DATES: Private Groups Only
Duration: 7 Nights, 8 Days
Joining In: Split, Croatia
Land Cost: $3995 USD/person | Currency Conversion Single room supplement: NA
Activity Level: Beginner-Advanced | more info »
With the success of our Croatia trip aboard our 101-foot yacht we thought that it was time to launch a version of this trip for smaller private groups seeking flexibility and a more intimate experience. Cue the SABA 50, a fifty-foot luxury catamaran that will take you to small turquoise coves away from busy marinas and perfect for swimming, and allow the group to ride as much or as little as they want. And with two ride guides on board riders can opt for easy rides or challenging, on eMTB or MTB. Croatia’s Southern Dalmatia islands is one of Europe’s most beautiful destinations, to explore this region aboard a private catamaran with bikes on board is close to perfect. Join us and experience complete island bliss. Max group size 8 riders in four en-suite cabins.
Note: this trip operates from Wednesday to Wednesday which allows us to avoid busier times. Per person price is based on a full boat (8 riders), price increases for high-season weeks, pls inquire with us for more information.
Photo: Leslie Kehmeier.
Trip Highlights:
- The excitement of yachting from island to island on a beautiful private boat. Unpack once, ride, eat, sleep & enjoy.
- Exploring the town of Stari Grad on Hvar Island, one of Europe’s oldest towns that dates back to 3500 BC and is a UNESCO world heritage site.
- Riding beautiful and little-known Vis island followed by a swim in turquoise waters and then tucking into a fresh seafood lunch.
- Stepping off the ship to explore the captivating city of Split and its Roman-built Diocletian’s Palace. Then stopping at a café in a little courtyard to watch the world go by.
- Conquering the Vidova Gora climb on Brač Island and then descending to Zlatini Rat, one of the top beaches in Europe for a deserved gelato.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
- Two expert local leaders.
- Daily guided riding groups (two distances if needed) & daily ride briefing.
- Basic tool kit & floor pump.
- Bike case storage during trip.
- Seven nights on the ship including harbour fees.
- Meals included: all breakfasts, one dinner + fruit & snacks.
- Linens and towels.
- Wine tasting at a local winery.
- Welcome Reception with drinks & snacks.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?
Your bike & related equipment to ride (see rental bike details below).
All lunches & six dinners (expect to pay €20 per person lunch, €30 for dinner and drinks on board.
Entrance fees to sights not included with the trip.
Flight to/from Split, Croatia, airport taxes and excess baggage charges (if any).
Additional hotel stays pre/post trip.
Return taxi from Split Airport to port (approx.€15-20 one way).
Tipping to local guides and boat crew.
Energy supplements; gels, powders & bars.
Personal travel & medical insurance.
Bike and equipment
High-performance rental bikes and eMTB’s are available on this trip. As it is on most of our trips it is recommended that riders bring their own bikes. A current lightweight full-suspension trail bike with 130-140mm travel that climbs and descends capably is best for this adventure. As the terrain is rocky tires should be tubeless, 2.30” or above, aggressive tread, one to two-ply casing for durability, puncture resistance and added control. Eye protection and knee pads that you can comfortably pedal in are highly recommended. Helmets are mandatory when on your bike. A 16L backpack is recommended.
Suggested Bike
Trek Remedy
Suggested pack
EVOC Trail Pro 16
ACTIVITY LEVEL
The minimum technical ability required for Croatia is Intermediate. This trip is suitable if you have been riding consistently for one to two years or more and are keen to improve your riding skills. You can climb and descend in control on mildly steep singletrack with loose rocks (Croatia is generally rocky). This trip is a Level 3/6 or 4/6 for fitness. On all days there are longer and shorter ride distance to choose from. The accumulation of multiple days of riding will add up, as it is on all of our trips the fitter you are, the more fun you’ll have.
THE RIDING
All rides start with a climb from sea level on asphalt, gravel or double- track and descents are mostly singletrack. Stronger groups will ride singletrack descents on surfaces that are dry with fixed and loose rock gardens and rocky sections, sometimes flowy, on old hiking paths. Less-technical groups often descend on doubletrack and gravel roads. Excluding the first ride, each day will feature two guided ride distances. Riders can expect mostly singletrack but also some doubletrack, gravel roads and some quiet ashphalt sections. The riding on the Dalmatian Islands is generally rocky, but there will be some buffed sections also.
LODGING AND CUISINE
The San Snova ship is very comfortable and the cuisine is prepared by our full-time on board chef. You can expect great home-cooked meals typical of Croatia. Launched in 2009, the MS San Snova is an entirely oak ship that stands at 101- feet long. All 13 spacious cabins (eleven above deck, three below deck) feature air conditioning, private bathroom with shower and hair dryer. Cabins are 30 to 45 square feet in size. Two-person beds are 200 X 140 cm (slightly bigger than a double size), single beds are 200 X 80 cm.
CLIMATE
Depending on the time of the year you visit Croatia, it can be hot for riding. The best times to visit are mid-May through end of June and September through mid-October. There can be rain but it’s minimal.
YOUR SAFETY
Our trips take place in remote regions with limited evacuation options available. Our guides have basic first aid training, if a serious injury is suspected they will call helicopter search and rescue at the cost of the participant. Personal medical travel insurance is mandatory for all riders. If you choose to participate in our trips it is up to you to ride well within your limits, to ride conservatively, to walk sections if needed and to be safe as mountain biking is a dangerous sport. There are always risks and hazards on all trails that we ride. It is your responsibility to inspect your bike or rental bike daily and keep it in excellent condition. Helmets are mandatory and alcohol and drugs are not permitted while riding your bike.
THE NEXT STEPS
Please read and understand our Terms and Conditions and our Waiver. Then, email or call us to make sure that your desired departure is confirmed and there’s still space available. We’ll then send you a short Rider Questionnaire to learn about your riding experience and ensure that you are suitable for the trip. The last step is to complete our secure online Registration Form and pay your 25% deposit, and we’ll send you detailed Trip Preparation Guide that includes steps on preparing for your adventure.
A Travel Protection Plan protects your travel investment, your belongings, and most importantly, you. We strongly advise travelers to enroll in a Travel Protection Plan in case an unexpected event causes you to cancel or leave your trip. Please review Big Mountain Bike Adventures’ Cancellation Policy:
A Travel Protection Plan should be purchased once a deposit or any payment is made for a trip. Insurance must provide coverage for personal accident, death, emergency remote evacuation including helicopter evacuation, medical expenses and emergency repatriation. We advise travellers to confirm that it covers trip cancellation, curtailment, personal liability and loss of luggage and personal effects. You will be asked for proof of insurance in lead up to your trip; you will not be able to join the trip without it. If you choose to travel without adequate insurance coverage, Big Mountain will not be liable for any losses howsoever arising, in respect to insurance coverage that would have otherwise have been available.
“Dream trip! We had so many memorable experiences. A huge thanks to our amazing guides and boat crew for everything.”
