Welcome on Board!

In 1953, the keel of a wooden ship was laid at the Vranjic shipyard in Split. In 1955, the ship was completed and the cargo ship “Milna” was launched. After decades of transporting building materials and other cargo from the mainland to the Dalmatian islands, its new owner decided to convert it into a passenger ship in 1989. The ship was completed in time for the 1990 season and the owner christened it “Otac Ivan” (Father John) after his father.

30 years later, the young captain Dino – who comes from a family with a long seafaring tradition and grew up on ships – bought the M/S Otac Ivan together with his wife Larissa. While Dino holds the helm of the Otac Ivan with a steady hand, Larissa – who also speaks fluent English and German – looks after all the needs of her guests on board. As a psychology graduate who worked on various ships for several years during her university holidays, she decided to pursue a life in tourism after completing her studies.

Our guests appreciate the relaxed atmosphere on board a traditional wooden ship, which cannot be compared with modern steel ships. During the trip, you can sunbathe on one of the two sun decks, sit together at the large table in front of the wheelhouse or let the waves gently rock you in the hanging chairs at the covered stern. During the swimming breaks in the most beautiful bays of the Dalmatian islands, some guests dare to take a bold leap from the upper deck, drift across the sea on one of the air mattresses on board or try their hand at stand-up paddling. And if you're thirsty afterwards, Larissa will spoil you with an ice-cold beer, a glass of wine or a cocktail.

Even though we renovated all the cabins, bathrooms and the saloon in 2020 and come up with something new every year, you won't find any luxury here. But you will find excellent food and attentive service almost around the clock. We have only had the Otac Ivan for five years and are approaching our sixth season. Nevertheless, we have already welcomed some of our guests on board for the second, third or even fourth time. And some of them have already announced or booked for the next season. They obviously just feel at home with us…

Our Ship

Technical data

Length 33 m, Width 6.50 m
Engine: Cummins 317 kW (425 HP)
Power generators: 3

Cabins

16 cabins for maximum 35 passengers, all with private shower/wc and individually controllable air conditioning:
Lower deck: 1 double cabin with bunk beds, 2 triple cabins with queen-size bed and 3rd bed above.
Main deck: 3 double cabins with bunk beds, 3 double cabins with queen-size bed, 1 triple cabin with queen-size bed and 3rd bed above.
Upper deck: 6 double cabins with bunk beds.

Other facilities

Two sun decks (approx. 70 and 50 m²) with approx. 20 sunbeds and deck chairs. Sunbathing mattresses for 4 people, tables with bench, chairs and awning on the foredeck for approx. 20 people, 2 hanging chairs and tables with benches on the covered aft deck for approx. 12 people, saloon with air conditioning for 36 people. Two SUPs (stand-up paddle boards) and air mattresses etc. are available free of charge.

Cabins

16 cabins for maximum 35 passengers, all with private shower/wc and individually controllable air conditioning:
Lower deck: 1 double cabin with bunk beds (no. 14), 2 triple cabins with queen-size bed and 3rd bed above (no. 16, 17).
Main deck: 3 double cabins with bunk beds (no. 10, 12, 13), 3 double cabins with queen-size bed (no. 7, 8, 9), 1 triple cabin with queen-size bed and 3rd bed above (no. 11).
Upper deck: 6 double cabins with bunk beds (no. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6).

Saturday: Trogir – Split
Embarkation in the port of Trogir between 13:00 and 14:00 h. After embarkation, greeting with a welcome drink, introduction of the crew and information about the trip. During the lunch on board, we weigh anchor and head for a bay on the island of Čiovo, where we have the opportunity to enjoy our first swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic. The destination of our first cruise day is Split, the capital of Dalmatia. Split's main attraction is the old town centre, which was built on the site of Diocletian’s Palace. The World Heritage-listed complex is home to 1700-year-old Roman walls, residential buildings, churches, cafés… places full of flair! After a guided city tour, the rest of the evening is at your disposal to stroll through the old town. Overnight stay in the harbour of Split.

Sunday: Split – Island of Hvar – Island of Korčula
We leave Split early in the morning, pass the “Splitska Vrata” strait between the islands of Brač and Šolta and set course for Hvar – the island is known for its mild climate and extensive lavender fields. The harbour of the main town of the same name on the island of Hvar lies at the foot of a fortress, from which there is a fantastic view of the Pakleni islands archipelago off the coast. We dock in the harbour of the town of Hvar at around 9:30 h and you have two hours to get to know the town. We then continue towards the island of Korčula. Lunch during the journey, in the afternoon a one-hour swimming break in Lovište at the north-western end of the Pelješac peninsula. After another hour’s sailing, we moor directly at the old town of Korčula. Korčula is one of the most beautiful old towns in Dalmatia and is often referred to as “Little Dubrovnik”, due to its fortress-like appearance. Overnight stay in the birthplace of the famous seafarer and explorer Marco Polo.

Monday: Island of Korčula – Dubrovnik
We continue southwards along the Pelješac peninsula, which is particularly famous for its excellent red wines. We anchor at the southern end of the Pelješac peninsula for a swimming break, and during lunch we continue our journey through the Elaphiti Islands archipelago to Dubrovnik, where we moor in Gruž harbour at around 14:00 h. Dubrovnik is not wrongly called the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, as it was one of the most important economic and cultural centres of the Mediterranean during its heyday in the Middle Ages. In the afternoon guided tour of the old town centre. The old town centre is just a few minutes away by bus, which departs from the immediate vicinity of our ship. Departure approximately every 10–20 minutes, fare € 1.73 (at the kiosk) or € 2.50 (on the bus), last return journey at around 1:00 am. After the city tour, you have the rest of the day to discover and enjoy the unique old town. Stroll along the famous “Stradun”, take a walk along the mighty city walls or take the cable car up the 415 m high Srđ mountain, from where you can enjoy a unique view of the old town and the sea. Overnight stay in Dubrovnik.

Tuesday: Dubrovnik – Island of Mljet
We leave the “Pearl of the Adriatic” and head north again. Our destination today is the island of Mljet. Part of the island has been declared a National Park – two saltwater lakes (in the larger of the two lakes there is an islet with a former monastery) are only connected to the sea by a narrow canal. At around 11:00 am we enter the sea part of the national park – a narrow passage between the island of Mljet and the offshore islets. We take a three-hour swimming break in the beautiful bay of Polače before heading to the small village of Pomena after lunch. Here you have the opportunity to visit the National Park (admission fee incl. boat trip to the islet with the monastery € 15 in May and October, € 25 from June to September, payable on site). We recommend a dip in the saltwater lakes, which are always around 2°C warmer than the sea temperature. Overnight stay in Pomena.

Wednesday: Island of Mljet – Makarska
Passing the island of Korčula, we first sail around the north-western end of the Pelješac peninsula to a bay on the island of Hvar. After an extended swimming break, we weigh anchor again and set course for the mainland – the Makarska Riviera. This stretch of coast is characterised by the 1,762 m high Biokovo mountain range in the background, at the foot of which lie extensive pine forests that extend to the countless bays with fine gravel beaches and crystal-clear water. Today we moor in Makarska, a lively little town with a promenade lined with restaurants and bars. Overnight stay in Makarska.

Thursday: Makarska – Island of Brač
We only set off after breakfast today and reach Puntica Bay at the south-eastern end of the island of Brač after a journey of just one hour. We drop anchor here and have around five hours to swim and snorkel or do a few long laps on a stand-up paddleboard. The island of Brač is the third largest of all the Adriatic islands and also the highest – the mountain Vidova Gora is 778 metres high. The island is world-famous for its limestone, which is quarried here. It has been used at buildings such as the White House in Washington, the Reichstag in Berlin and the Parliament in Budapest. This stone is still used today for many jetties and harbour piers in Dalmatia. It is also used to make souvenirs such as wall clocks, vases and fridge magnets. In the afternoon, we enter the small harbour of the village of Sumartin. One of the last traditional wooden shipyards in Croatia is located here, as well as a small museum of traditional wooden shipbuilding with an interesting presentation. Our Captain’s Dinner will also take place in this tranquil village this evening. Overnight stay in Sumartin.

Friday: Island of Brač – Trogir
We travel along the south coast of the island of Brač and after just under an hour and a half reach the famous “Golden Horn” (Zlatni Rat) near the village of Bol, probably the most famous beach on the entire Adriatic coast. It stretches almost 400 metres into the sea and its tip changes direction with the sea current. Every few years, the beach disappears almost completely during a winter storm, only to reappear in all its splendour a few days later. As anchoring close to the beach has not been permitted here for some years now, we sail past it very slowly so that you can at least enjoy the view. We continue to the western end of the island to drop anchor one last time in Lučice Bay for a two-hour swimming break. We then set course for Trogir, where we moor at around 15:00 h. Trogir is also known as the “museum city” due to its UNESCO-protected old town. It is simply an experience to stroll through the winding, cobbled streets in the afternoon or evening and marvel at the medieval vaults and beautiful courtyards. Guided tour of the old town centre, followed by the opportunity to dine in one of the countless restaurants.

Saturday: Disembarkation
Disembarkation at 8:00 am after breakfast.

Note: We endeavour to operate the route as described above. However, due to local circumstances and current weather conditions, changes to the route may be necessary.

Our Captain's Route does not follow a predetermined itinerary. As a result, it is up to Captain Dino, with his many years of experience, to put together an unforgettable cruise week. The most important thing here is not to follow the usual routes and, if possible, not to spend the night in the harbours together with a large number of other ships. Instead, the focus is on spending the night in small towns or bays. Below we describe the program that Dino has put together.

Saturday: Trogir – Primošten
Embarkation in the port of Trogir between 13:00 and 14:00 h. After embarkation, greeting with a welcome drink, introduction of the crew and information about the trip. During a snack on board, we weigh anchor and head north. Today’s destination is the picturesque town of Primošten, which we reach in the late afternoon after a break for a swim. The old town is located on a small island that was connected to the mainland by a dyke in the 16th century. Opportunity for dinner in one of the local restaurants or konobas. Overnight stay in Primošten.

Sunday: Primošten – Kornati Islands National Park – Island of Levrnaka
After a good two-hour drive, we arrive at the Kornati Islands National Park. ‘On the last day of creation, God desired to crown His work, and thus created the Kornati Islands out of tears, stars and breath,’ wrote the Irish writer George Bernard Shaw. They are the largest and densest island group in the entire Mediterranean – 147 uninhabited islands, islets and reefs, 89 of which belong to the national park, stretching over a length of about 35 km. Today we will pass through the largest part of the national park and first drop anchor in one of the beautiful bays of the island of Kornat with its crystal clear water, where we will have an extended swimming break and lunch will be served. In the afternoon we will head for the island of Levrnaka, where we will moor at the small jetty. Just 200 metres from the jetty, on the other side of the island, is Lojena beach with a sandy seabed. Overnight stay in the bay of Levrnaka.

Monday: Island of Levrnaka – Zadar
We leave Levrnaka and pass through the northern part of the national park to reach the only 25 m wide and 4 m deep passage ‘Mala Proversa’ between the islands of Dugi Otok and Katina. Along the islands of Dugi Otok, Lavdara and Iž, we sail to the northern end of the island of Ugljan, where we head for a bay for a swim. Afterwards, we continue to Zadar, the capital of Northern Dalmatia. We dock directly at the old town, which is situated on a peninsula and whose mighty city walls were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017. Enjoy the atmosphere of the old town, whose main street is Kalelarga, and see sights such as the round church of St. Donatus, the cathedral of St. Anastasia, the Roman Forum and much more. Listen to the melodies of the unique sea organ, which are created solely by the sea waves. And after sunset, the ‘Greeting to the Sun’ installation is a unique experience – 300 glass plates are set into the floor, containing solar cells and coloured lights that charge during the day and shine in bright colours when it gets dark. You will have the opportunity to have dinner in one of the numerous restaurants and spend the night in the port of Zadar.

Tuesday: Zadar – Island of Murter
Today we are heading south again. Along the islands of Ugljan, Pašman and Vrgada, we first set course for the islet of Babac, where we enjoy a swimming break in a bay. After lunch on board, we continue to the island of Murter, which is connected to the mainland by a lift bridge. We will head for Podvrške Bay, where we will moor at a jetty and enjoy a beach of fine gravel. The Captain's Dinner will also be served here today. Overnight stay in Podvrške Bay.

Wednesday: Island of Murter – Island of Šolta
Our destination today is the island of Šolta. The island is characterised by extensive olive groves, which form the basis for the island's excellent, extremely dark olive oil. We will first head for one of the islets on the way and then anchor in a bay for a swim and lunch. In the late afternoon, we will arrive at the small harbour of Stomorska. You will have the opportunity to have dinner in one of the restaurants in Stomorska.

Thursday: Island of Šolta – Island of Vis
We set course for the island of Vis. The island of Vis is the most remote inhabited island in Croatia from the mainland and was closed to foreign visitors for decades because a military base was located here during the time of the former Yugoslavia. It has only been possible for foreign holidaymakers to visit the island since 1989. The island has therefore retained its unspoilt character and is a true oasis of calm with lush Mediterranean vegetation. Where the runway of an air force base once was, wine is now grown. After lunch on board and a swim stop, we will arrive at the harbour of the small town of Vis, located in a deeply cut sheltered bay on the north side of the island of Vis. Overnight stay in Vis.

Friday: Island of Vis – Island of Drvenik Veli – Trogir We leave the island of Vis and first set course for the island of Drvenik Veli. After about three hours of sailing, we drop anchor for the last time in a bay where we will enjoy the crystal-clear sea for about four hours and where lunch will be served. In the early afternoon, we weigh anchor and return to the starting point of our journey – Trogir – where we moor at around 3:00 pm. Trogir is also called the ‘museum city’ because of its UNESCO-protected old town. It is simply an experience to stroll through the winding, cobbled streets in the afternoon or evening and marvel at the medieval vaults and beautiful courtyards. Guided tour of the old town, followed by an opportunity to dine at one of the countless restaurants.

Saturday: Disembarkation
Disembarkation at 8:00 am after breakfast.

Hinweis: We endeavour to sail the route as planned by Captain Dino and described above. However, changes to the route may be necessary due to current weather conditions.