RARA AVIS – Gulet Yacht Tour

Johan Maier

The RARA AVIS is a modern gulet with six cabins for twelve guests, based in Split. We were on board: the outdoor areas are really lovely, but the cabins aren’t so much. In winter, she is also extended by four metres.

The name is Latin and means ‘rare bird’. The RARA AVIS was built in 2018 as a one-off, modelled on classic Croatian gulets, with a dark hull and a handcrafted teak deck. She is 33 metres long and 8.40 metres wide, powered by two diesel engines, each producing 400 PS. As is customary on gulets, almost everything on board takes place outdoors. This is precisely where the RARA AVIS excels.

Aft deck and foredeck

On the aft deck, beneath the overhang, there is a long dining table for all twelve guests. Opposite is a long sofa bed with cushions in black, red and zebra print. You can sit in the shade whilst still enjoying the view of the water.

The foredeck is the second large outdoor area. There is a lounge area with sofas and a table, and the two jet skis are parked next to it.

Flybridge with jacuzzi

At the very top is the flybridge. It features a jacuzzi, a bar, sun loungers and a large lounge area under sun awnings. With a projector and screen, the flybridge transforms into an open-air cinema in the evenings. There is also an outdoor shower.

At the stern is a 32 m² hydraulic bathing platform. It folds out on two sides, which is a great deal of space right at the water’s edge for a gulet. This is also where the water sports equipment is launched: an 8.50 m-long Grand Golden Line tender with 2 x 200 PS, two Sea-Doo jet skis, Seabob F5 and F9 models, kayaks, SUPs, a wakeboard, water skis, and snorkelling and fishing gear.

Salon and cabins

Inside, the décor is in dark wood and grey, and there is air conditioning in all rooms. The saloon features a second dining table, a bar with stools and a sofa area with a TV. For rainy days, there’s a PlayStation and a Wii.

On the lower deck there are six cabins, all with en-suite bathrooms: a 30 m² master cabin, a 16 m² VIP cabin, two double cabins and two twin cabins, each measuring around 13 m². The size is fine, but we didn’t find the cabins particularly attractive; they’re also a little too dark.

The layout will change for the 2027 season. During the winter refit, the RARA AVIS will be extended to 37 m. The master and VIP cabins will be converted into two VIP cabins of equal size, each measuring 18 m², and an additional crew cabin will be added. The crew will increase from six to seven: captain, cook, steward, two hostesses and two deckhands.

Cruising area and rates

From Split, Brač, Hvar, Šolta and Vis are within easy reach; in a week, you can also reach the Elaphiti or the Kornati islands.

The charter rate through BlueSun Luxury Yachts is 80,000 euros from May to September 2027, by which time the yacht will be 37 metres long and feature a new cabin layout.

You can enquire about your preferred dates here: Gulet RARA AVIS in Split