Island hopping in Croatia is primarily done using a combination of public ferries and fast catamarans, with the most popular routes connecting the mainland cities of Split and Dubrovnik to islands like Hvar, Brač, Korčula, and Vis. The largest state-owned operator is Jadrolinija, which runs large car ferries and smaller passenger catamarans year-round. For a more efficient trip, private fast-ferry companies like Krilo operate high-speed catamarans that are much quicker than the traditional ferries, though they do not carry vehicles. Another popular method is booking a "Sailing Week" or a small-ship cruise, where you live on a boat for 7 days and stop at a new island every morning. For those who want maximum flexibility and have the budget, private boat charters (either bareboat or with a skipper) allow you to explore hidden coves and smaller islands like the Pakleni archipelago or the Blue Cave on Biševo. In the peak summer months of July and August, it is essential to book your ferry tickets online in advance, as popular routes often sell out.