Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Croatia protected the experience of Gajeta falkuša – Komiža's traditional historical fishing boat – as the national cultural  intangible good.

A Falkuša is a traditional fishing boat used by fishermen from the town of Komiža on the island of Vis. Falkuša is a subtype of gajeta, a traditional Dalmatian fishing sailboat. Its design was adapted to specific needs of Komiža fishermen, who went to long fishing expeditions in the open seas, providing them sailing speed and practical characteristics for fish transport. This was a unique practice in the Adriatic and Mediterranean. In the 16th century in Komiža bay more then hundred falkuša's were operating. Komiža was the center of fishing industry in the Adriatic. On each boat there were 5 crew members and they were sailing to the most distant locations using sails and rows. Sailing to distant island of Palagruža is the oldest known off-shore regatta in Mediterranean!

Today, three falkuša's are present and only few people know how to manage them. We invite you to join the specific and renowned programs based on experiencing the local tradition. This is a story about local people, maritime heritage, island customs and values. On request original local food and island delicacies in konoba Professor Joško Božanić (leader of the Gajeta Falkuša heritage project). More info  – www.gajetafalkusa.com

Over the centuries, the sardines marked the fishing world of Komiža, being the foundation of existence on the territory of the Vis Archipelago. Until the end of the 20th century, Komiža was the epicentre of the fish industry. This is a unique story that reveals its identity and begins back in 1177. 

We will meet you in Komiza and have short presentation of gajeta Falkusa, its design and characteristics, its meaning and importance in the past. During the tour you will hear interesting and amusing fishermen and pirate stories. Optionally, you can try your hand at traditional fishing tools and ropes, learn the original terms for the parts of the gajeta, tie nautical knots and, of course, sail on falkuša. We will sail towards Bisevo island or Barjoska bay, depends on the wind direction. Duration: 3-4 hours. 

This is the perfect tour to explore natural phenomenon of Bisevo island, to learn all about the island and to have unique whole day Falkusa experience!

The Island of Biševo is located five nautical miles from Komiža. The island is the birth place of the founder of the US fishing industry. The renowned Plavac grape variety from the island is used to produce the world famous wine that was enjoyed even at the Vienna Imperial Court. The first inhabitants of the island were Benedictine monks, and until 1961, the island had its own primary school. Today, there are only about a dozen of permanent residents. It is best known for it's rare natural phenomenon, Modra špilja (‘Blue cave’).

Departure from Komiža in the morning hours. Short presentation of gajeta Falkusa, its design and characteristics followed by interesting and amusing fishermen and pirate stories. Optionally, you can try your hand at traditional tools and ropes, learn the original terms for the parts of the gajeta, tie nautical knots and, of course, sail to the Island of Biševo. In this tour we will sail around Bisevo island with stops for swimming, Monk seal cave visit and optional Blue cave visit. Swimming break and fisherman's snack on the boat. Return to Komiža in the afternoon. Duration: 6-7 hours

Sail on the gajeta falkuša toward this unusual islet, admire its Moon-like relief and walk around its Cyclops' beach! The islet of Brusnik is protected as a Natural monument special for its geological structure as well as its flora and fauna including some endemic species. It lies 13 nautical miles west of Komiža. This is whole day experience.

Sailing to the volcanic islet of Brusnik in the morning hours. Presentation of the gajeta – design, characteristics and purpose, getting acquainted with lateen rig sailing and traditional fishing tools (fish traps, longlines, fishing lines and hooks). Anchoring, setting fish traps and longlines, hiking around the islet of Brusnik, exploring the flora and fauna, listening to fishermen's stories and visit to jastožera (basins for keeping lobsters in the natural cleft which divides the islet in two), angling from the gajeta, assigning tasks on the boat – teamwork, break, hauling of fish traps and longlines, preparing lunch (traditional fish stew, brujet), swimming. Return to Komiža. Duration: 8-9 hours.

ACTIVITIES: Handling ropes and fishing tools, setting and hauling fish longlines and traps, angling, hiking around the islet of Brusnik, teamwork, preparing a traditional dish, sailing

Gajeta falkuša is an ancient wooden fishing boat, a central symbol of a thousand year old fishermen tradition in Komiža and also a symbol of the Croatian maritime heritage. It is 9 m long and 2.55 m wide (without the removable strakes ). It has a lateen sail and a jib, which make a 90 m² sail area.