Chicago and Croatia

Black Yacht Week: A Luxury Experience on the High Seas

Imagine cruising through crystal-clear waters, surrounded by stunning views. The sun warms your skin, and a gentle breeze flows through your hair. Now, picture doing all of this on a luxurious yacht, accompanied by a rich community of like-minded individuals.

Contents

Quick Travel Snapshot
Who Goes?
Choosing Your Yacht Trip Destination
Black Yacht Week in Chicago
Black Yacht Week in Croatia
Community and Networking
Tips for Participating in Black Yacht Week
Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaways

Black Yacht Weekend in Chicago and Croatia are the same kind of outside, but with different passports. Chicago brings the all-Black everything energy to Lake Michigan for Juneteenth, while Croatia takes that same vibe overseas with island hopping, yacht parties, and an international experience you didn’t know you needed.

Key Takeaways

Chicago Yacht Week: A high-energy Juneteenth celebration on Lake Michigan with yacht parties, day events, and a strong sense of community. Perfect for a weekend getaway packed with culture, vibes, and networking.
Croatia Yacht Week: A full week of sailing, island hopping, and luxury experiences on the Adriatic Sea. Perfect for travelers looking to explore, unwind, and connect with a global Black travel community.
Both Boat Trips: Celebrate Black joy, luxury, and connection. Choose your pace: quick weekend turn-up or weeklong international vibes.

If you’re looking for a wild European adventure with international vibes, Croatia’s Yacht Week is the move. If you want a modern, culturally rich festivity closer to home, Black Yacht Weekend in Chicago is your scene.

Quick Travel Snapshot

Destination: Croatia & Chicago, USA

Trip Style: Luxury group sailing, themed yacht parties, and city exploration

Trip Length: 5–7 Days (per destination)

🏨 Where to Stay

Top Picks: Stay on yachts during the weeklong sail, then unwind at these curated Chicago hotels post-yacht.

Why: Each property sits near nightlife, marinas, and key attractions for easy transitions between sea and city.

Hotels Guide:
Sable at Navy Pier Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton →
Moxy Chicago Downtown →
Fairfield Inn & Suites Chicago Downtown/River North →

🍽️ Where to Eat

Must-Try: Adriatic seafood along Split’s coast, fine dining in Hvar, and Chicago’s waterfront restaurants like RPM Seafood.

Best For: Group dinners, sunset cocktails, or late-night bites after yacht events.

🎟️ Top Experiences

Yacht Week Croatia: Sail between Split, Hvar, and Vis with curated beach parties, swim stops, and island hopping.
Black Yacht Week Chicago: Summer yachting on Lake Michigan featuring DJs, themed cruises, and sunset parties.
Group excursions: Cultural city tours, marina nightlife, and on-deck celebrations under the stars.

💡 Coitraveler Tip

Pack coordinated outfits for themed yacht nights, bring motion sickness bands, and carry cash for small marina purchases.

📍 Essential Info

Nearest Airports: Split (SPU) in Croatia, O’Hare (ORD) or Midway (MDW) in Chicago

Best Travel Time: June to September for yacht week events and warm sailing weather

Currency: Euro (Croatia) & USD (USA)

Language: Croatian & English

Local Transport: Shuttle transfers to marinas, ferries between islands, and rideshare in U.S. cities.

Who Goes?

Affluent Professionals: Successful professionals from various industries, including finance, technology, entertainment, and entrepreneurship, frequently participate in Black Yacht Week.
Influencers and Celebrities: Influencers and celebrities from the worlds of entertainment, fashion, and lifestyle also attend Black Yacht Week.
Entrepreneurs and Business Owners: Many entrepreneurs and business owners are drawn to this event as vendors and participants.
Cultural and Community Leaders: Leaders and influencers within the Black community, such as activists, artists, and cultural ambassadors, are often spotted.
Travel Enthusiasts: Travel enthusiasts who love luxury and exploration and are usually a significant part of the Black Yacht Week community.
Socialites and Jetsetters: Socialites, jetsetters, and people who enjoy the finer things in life are generally attracted to Black Yacht Week.

Choosing Your Yacht Trip Destination

Chicago is ideal for:

A domestic getaway with culture
A shorter, high-energy weekend
Networking with Black professionals and entrepreneurs

Croatia is perfect for:

An international travel experience
A full week of sailing and exploration
Immersion in European coastal culture

Both events introduce opportunities to celebrate Black culture and community on the water. Choose the one that aligns best with your travel goals and vibes.

Black Yacht Week in Chicago

Black Yacht Weekend (BYW) is the premier floating festival celebrating Black culture, community, and luxury on Lake Michigan. Since its inception in 2020, BYW has become a cornerstone of Chicago’s summer scene, attracting thousands of attendees for a weekend of unforgettable experiences.

Event Dates & Highlights

June 19–22, 2025 (Juneteenth Weekend) in Chicago, IL

Itinerary

Thursday, June 19: Juneteenth Kickoff Party featuring live music, DJs, and food.
Friday, June 20: Happy Hours, Beach Party, and R&B Cruise during the day; Nightlife Takeover at multiple venues in the evening.
Saturday, June 21: Black Yacht Day (11 AM – 6 PM) with a huge yacht gathering in the Playpen; Yacht Day Pre-Party and Afterparty to keep the energy going.
Sunday, June 22: ‘Week-END’ Celebration including a second boat day (11 AM – 4 PM) and the ‘Weekend Afterparty’ at one of Chicago’s top nightclubs.

Join the community to find a crew or boat at the Boat Matching Group

Registration & Booking

You can start making official plans and securing your spot on the waters and booking here:

Official Website: blackyachtweekend.com
Eventbrite Tickets: Black Yacht Weekend 2025 – Juneteenth Weekend

Note: Registration is required for access to events and to receive the official event boat flag. Each attendee must have their own ticket.

Boating Details

You can bring your own boat or rent through platforms like Boatsetter, GetMyBoat, or Sailo.
All boats must have a licensed captain.
Registration is necessary to be recognized as part of the official festivities.

Accommodation Partners

I suggest you choose to stay at one of these recommended hotels that offer special rates. Make sure you call to ensure that those rates still apply around the time you decide to reserve. Then book through the link below:

What You Need to Know

BYW is an adult-focused event; most activities are 21+.
Tickets are non-refundable; consider getting travel insurance.
The full itinerary will be released closer to the event date.
Early registration is recommended as events may sell out.

Black Yacht Week in Croatia

Black Yacht Week in Croatia is a unique and exclusive event that combines the joy of sailing with the luxury of international travel.

To join the “Croatia Yacht Week 2025” organized by Passport Heavy, follow Passport Heavy on Instagram. Look for updates and announcements regarding sign-up details.

Additionally, you can visit The Yacht Week’s official website to explore available routes and yachts for the 2025 season.

Dates & Highlights

Dates: August 16–23, 2025
Location: Croatian coastline
Vibe: An international, week-long sailing adventure with island hopping, beach parties, and cultural exploration.

Highlights

Island hopping through Hvar, Split, and more
Floating DJ booths and raft parties
Seaside yoga and wellness sessions
Cultural excursions and historic site visits

Booking: Options for solo travelers or groups; various yacht packages available.

The Experience

Black Yacht Week is more than just a party on the water; it’s an experience. You’re sailing with great people, in beautiful destinations, and living your best life from sunrise to sunset. Every expedition blends memorable beach moments, yacht-side turn-ups, and a little cultural flavor.

While Croatia doesn’t host an officially labeled “Black Yacht Week,” a lot of us still pull up to Yacht Week Croatia for that same community vibe, bringing the energy, the playlists, and the group trips that feel like a reunion at sea.

Think of it like Black Yacht Week in Chicago, just with a different backdrop. Either way, it’s all about the same thing: good vibes, good people, and amazing memories.

Luxurious Accommodations

At the core of Black Yacht Week? The yachts, obviously. You’re not just hopping on any boat, though; these are sleek, handpicked rides. You’ll either be floating on a sleek catamaran or a fully loaded motor yacht, with Bluetooth speakers, comfy lounges, and a crew that keeps the whole thing running smoothly.

Sailing Excursions

During Black Yacht Week, you get the chance to see a variety of destinations. You can visit islands and coastal towns each day on a new adventure. You might find yourself snorkeling or dining at waterfront restaurants, or even dancing under the stars at beachside parties.

Cultural Immersion

One of the highlights of Black Yacht Week is the chance to experience the local culture. At each destination, you can sample authentic cuisine and engage with local craftspeople and musicians. By joining, you gain a deeper appreciation for the rich diversity of each stop.

Community and Networking

It’s not just about the views or the yachts, Black Yacht Week is really about the people. You see folks from all walks of life, different cities, and cool careers all coming together for a few memorable days.

The energy’s unmatched, and by the end of the trip, you’re walking away with real connections, new friends, and maybe even a few future collabs.

Empowerment

Black Yacht Week is committed to creating an inclusive and empowering environment where Black travelers can feel celebrated and represented.

Black Yacht Week also attracts a diverse range of travelers from various locations who are united by a common interest in luxury travel, adventure, and cultural immersion. While the event is specifically tailored to celebrate Black culture and community, participants come from all walks of life are welcome.

Tips for Participating in Black Yacht Week

Luxurious yacht deck with an elegantly set dining table overlooking the tranquil sea.

Plan Ahead: Book your yacht and accommodations well in advance to secure your spot for this exclusive event.
Pack Wisely: Bring appropriate clothing for both daytime sailing and evening social events, including swimwear, casual attire, and formal wear.
Stay Connected: Follow Black Yacht Week on social media, join online communities to stay updated on event details, and connect with fellow participants.
Embrace the Experience: Be open to new experiences. Seek opportunities for adventure. Try a new water sport. Explore a hidden gem off the beaten path.
Celebrate and Connect: Take advantage of the opportunity to celebrate Black culture and community and build lasting connections with other participants.

Black Yacht Week offers luxury travelers a unique experience of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. The dynamic community makes it more than just a vacation. It’s a celebration of Black excellence and empowerment on the high seas.

If you’re not sure which one you would like to visit or attend, compare the dates and see which one is best suited for your current timeline. Make sure you decide soon because tickets do sell out, and you don’t want to look back and wish you had planned sooner.

Would you like to join an upcoming group trip with Coitraveler? Go sign up and let’s travel together!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dates and locations for Yacht Week in Croatia and Black Yacht Weekend in Chicago?

Yacht Week Croatia happens throughout the summer, with popular weeks in July and August. Routes typically depart from Split or Trogir and include stops like Hvar, Vis, and more.

Black Yacht Weekend Chicago 2025 is set for Juneteenth Weekend, June 19–22, and will feature boating on Lake Michigan and events across the city.

How much does it cost to attend, and what’s included?

Croatia: Prices for Yacht Week Croatia vary, but expect $900–$2,000 per person, depending on the yacht, route, and extras like hostesses. This includes your yacht, skipper, and parties, but not food or tips.

Chicago: Black Yacht Weekend has different packages for day cruises, full yacht rentals, and VIP event access. Expect a range from $150 for single-day access to $1,000+ for full weekend experiences with boat shares or private bookings.

Do I need to bring my own crew, or can I join a group?

Croatia: You can book an entire yacht with friends or join a “cabin” booking as a solo traveler or couple.

Chicago: You don’t need your own boat! You can join existing crews through their Facebook Group or partner platforms that connect individuals and groups.

Should we hire a hostess or bring our own food?

Croatia: A hostess handles cooking, cleaning, and groceries, making the experience easier, especially for first-timers. If you’re on a tighter budget, DIY is doable with some planning.

Chicago: Most boats include coolers or light drinks, but you’re usually expected to BYOB or bring your own snacks unless otherwise stated.

What’s the vibe, and how do the two events compare?

Yacht Week Croatia is a full-on international sailing adventure with daily parties, swims, and cultural stops across the Adriatic.

Black Yacht Weekend Chicago is a U.S.-based luxury lifestyle event celebrating Black culture and excellence on the water. It mixes yacht parties with city nightlife.

Croatia = international escapade.
Chicago = cultural celebration with city vibes

What should I pack and how should I prepare?

When you subscribe to Coitraveler, you get a detailed packing list, flight tracker, spreadsheet, and more in your inbox, all for Free, to help you start preparing for your trip.

For Both Events: Swimsuits + coverups, sunglasses + sunscreen, casual day outfits, and dressy clothes for parties

Boat-safe shoes: (no heels onboard!), power banks, dry bags, and personal medications

Extra for Croatia: Seasickness meds, Euros, water shoes, passport
Extra for Chicago: Clubwear, weather-friendly layers (June can shift fast), photo-ready outfits

Black Yacht Week: A Luxury Experience on the High Seas

Key Takeaways