6 Best Cruises and Boat Tours in Dubrovnik

Do you like sailing on the ocean? I invite you to experience the magic of Dubrovnik on an entertaining boat trip across the Adriatic Sea.
6 Best Cruises and Boat Tours in Dubrovnik

Other popular activities in Dubrovnik

More about: 6 Best Cruises and Boat Tours in Dubrovnik

From Dubrovnik, you can visit beautiful islands with medieval landscapes and diverse nature, and you will have the opportunity to explore villages, taste traditional food, and take the best photographs. Relax in the Adriatic Sea with the sound of the waves and the smell of the sea!

1. Sunset cruise on a 16th-century replica ship

Stari Grad|©Mario Fajt
Stari Grad|©Mario Fajt

Taking a night cruise on a 16th-century replica through the old town of Dubrovnik is undoubtedly one of the best things you can do in this wonderful city.

The cruise departs at 9 p.m. (although it is recommended to arrive at least 20 minutes early at Gundulićeva poljana) and lasts about 45 minutes, during which you can admire the most beautiful monuments subtly illuminated, as well as some Game of Thrones locations such as Lovrijenac Fortress (Red Fortress), Gradac Park (where Joffrey Baratheon's wedding banquet takes place) and Bokar Fortress, among others.

Details of interest

  • Price: £22.
  • Duration: approximately 45 minutes.
  • Advantages of this option: you can explore the historic centre at dusk.

Book a night boat trip around Dubrovnik

2. Full-day boat trip around the Elafiti Islands

Elaphiti Islands. Croatia.|©nel-ly
Elaphiti Islands. Croatia.|©nel-ly

A cruise around the Elaphiti Islands is a great way to spend a different kind of day, relaxing on board the boat and discovering the islands of Lopud, Sipan and Kolocep:

  • On the island of Koločep, you can stroll through the centre and take a dip in the waters of the charming village of Donje Čelo.
  • On the island of Lopud, you can explore the centre and its picturesque streets.
  • On Šipan, the largest of the Elafiti Islands, you will also have free time to explore its streets.

In addition, you can go snorkelling (equipment included) and enjoy a delicious lunch on board with unlimited drinks.

Details of interest

  • Price: £56
  • Duration: 8 hours
  • Advantages of this option: you can visit the three islands and go snorkelling.

Book a cruise around the Elafiti Islands

3. Boat trip to the Blue Cave and Sunj Beach

person walking near the beach|©SyrianSindibad
person walking near the beach|©SyrianSindibad

Among Dubrovnik's best treasures are the Blue Cave and Sunj Beach. These sites are located in the Elafiti Islands and can be visited on a half-day adventure.

To start, head to the port where you will board a boat bound for Koločep Island. On board the boat, you will surely enjoy a variety of drinks such as white wine, beers, juices and more. You will then arrive at your destination to visit the Blue Cave, where you can marvel at this natural paradise.

The next stop is usually the island of Lopud, where you can swim for a while and enjoy the warm waters. Take advantage of the opportunity to sunbathe on Sunj Beach and have lunch at one of the nearby restaurants. At the end of the tour, you will return to the port of Dubrovnik.

Details of interest

  • Price: £80.
  • Duration: 4 hours.
  • Advantages of this option: you will discover the most famous sites of the Elafiti Islands.

Book a boat trip to the Blue Cave from Dubrovnik

4. Game of Thrones cruise and tour from Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik's port|©Lawrence OP
Dubrovnik's port|©Lawrence OP

Do you like the famous Game of Thrones series? If your answer is 'yes', then you need to visit one of the places where this iconic TV show was filmed. Croatia is home to several locations where episodes of the series were filmed, and you can travel there easily from Dubrovnik.

Game of Thrones tours in Dubrovnik are one of the most popular activities in the city. What's more, if you include the option when booking your Game of Thrones tour of Dubrovnik, you can enjoy a one-hour boat trip on the Adriatic Sea.

Of course, before the walking tour ends, you can take a photo with the iconic Iron Throne.

Details of interest

  • Price: £25.
  • Duration: 2 hours.
  • Advantages of this option: you will be able to visit the actual locations where the acclaimed series Game of Thrones was filmed.

Book a Game of Thrones tour of Dubrovnik

5. Cruise to the island of Mljet from Dubrovnik

Mljet Island|©Jose Miguel
Mljet Island|©Jose Miguel

One of the reasons you'll fall in love with Dubrovnik is that you can take a boat trip to the island of Mljet from the city .

For this experience, the tour organisers usually pick up tourists from their hotels and take them to the departure point. There, they board a catamaran that takes them to the island of Mljet, one of the most beautiful islands in the Adriatic Sea. In this magical place, a professional guide awaits the group to begin the tour. It is a place full of large, lush forests with impressive medieval buildings.

The first stop on this island is usually at Mljet National Park, before continuing along the Dalmatian Coast. Before ending the trip and returning to your hotel, I recommend visiting the ruins of the Roman Palace of Mljet.

Interesting details

  • Price: £100.
  • Duration: 10 hours.
  • Advantages of this option: you will discover a very popular destination near Dubrovnik.

6. Cruise around Koto Bay in Montenegro

BAY OF KOTOR, BUDVA|©Carlos Soria
BAY OF KOTOR, BUDVA|©Carlos Soria

If you are thinking of taking a tour from Dubrovnik, I recommend one to Kotor Bay in Montenegro. This experience usually lasts around 11 hours. Get ready for an unforgettable trip!

To travel to Kotor Bay in Montenegro, I recommend going with a private guide who can provide you with personalised transport. After travelling around two hours to Koto, you can take a cruise around the bay. This trip includes a tour of the island of Our Lady of the Rocks. Admire the incredible views and don't forget to take the best photos!

After the tour, you can take a tour of this ancient city. Admire the Baroque architecture and houses with orange roofs. After the short tour, you will have some free time to explore the site on your own and have lunch. At the end of the tour, your guide will take you and your group back to the starting point.

Details of interest

  • Price: £75.
  • Duration: 11 hours.
  • Advantages of this option: you will discover a famous destination on the outskirts of Dubrovnik.

Tips for taking a boat trip in Dubrovnik

Boat on the sea|©Michael Gwyther-Jones
Boat on the sea|©Michael Gwyther-Jones

I recommend booking your boat trip around Dubrovnik in advance, especially if you are travelling to Dubrovnik in September, July or August, as these are the months when Croatia receives the most tourists.

During boat trips you will generally be exposed to the sun, so it is important to bring sunscreen. Accessories such as sunglasses or hats can help you stay comfortable in the sun. Don't forget to wear comfortable clothing to avoid excessive sweating, as well as ergonomic shoes that allow you to walk comfortably around the cities you visit.

Finally, keep in mind that not all tours include lunch or dinner. You can buy snacks and drinks, or talk to the tour organisers to find out where to eat.

Book a night boat trip in Dubrovnik

Why is a boat trip in Dubrovnik recommended?

Port in Dubrovnik|©Alfredo Avalos
Port in Dubrovnik|©Alfredo Avalos

Among the reasons why it is recommended to take a boat trip in Dubrovnik are the incredible views you can enjoy from the sea. You will have the opportunity to appreciate the city and its surroundings in all their splendour. Admire the details of its walls and rooftops. Take as many photos as you can of this beautiful landscape!

Boat trips in this city will give you the opportunity to discover beautiful nearby islands. These include the Elafiti Islands, Lokrum, Mljet and Korčula. On a cruise around the Elafiti Islands, you can visit each one, swim at their beaches, explore nature and enjoy a different kind of day in settings that even appeared in the famous series Game of Thrones.

Another great advantage of this type of experience is the additional activities that usually accompany boat trips. The most appealing of these is probably snorkelling. The organisers will usually provide all the equipment you need for this experience and explain how to practise this sport correctly.

Book a cruise around the Elafiti Islands

Let's compare the options

Aerial view of Dubrovnik|©Derek Durie
Aerial view of Dubrovnik|©Derek Durie
  • Night cruise through the old town of Dubrovnik
  • Price: £22
  • Duration: 45 min
  • Advantages: exploring the historic quarter at dusk is the best way to end a day of sightseeing.
  • Full-day boat trip around the Elafiti Islands
  • Price: £56
  • Duration: 8 hours
  • Advantages: you can visit the three islands and snorkelling equipment is included
  • Game of Thrones cruise and tour from Dubrovnik
  • Price: £25
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Advantages: you can visit the actual locations where Game of Thrones was filmed
  • Boat trip to Mljet Island from Dubrovnik
  • Price: £100
  • Duration: 10 hours
  • Advantages: you can discover this spectacular natural landscape
  • Boat trip to the Blue Cave and Sunj Beach
  • Price: £80
  • Duration: 4 hours
  • Advantages: you can discover the most famous sites of the Elafiti Islands
  • Day trip to Koto Bay in Montenegro
  • Price: £75
  • Duration: 11 hours
  • Advantages: you can discover a famous destination on the outskirts of Dubrovnik

Reviews from other travellers

4.7
· 5482 Reviews
  • S
    S. L.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    The kayaking experience was amazing with spectacular views, but it would be better if they included more historical explanations during the tour.
  • C
    C. M.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    The experience of paddling a kayak along the Dubrovnik coastline was amazing, the views were breathtaking and the guide was very friendly!
  • N
    N. J.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    I loved paddling and seeing the views of the city from the water, it was a unique experience. I did the tour with my sister and we had a great time.
  • D
    D. V.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    The kayak tour in Dubrovnik was the best, beautiful views and the guide was a crack. Highly recommended, don't miss it.
  • Z
    Z. Z.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    I went with my brother on the boat trip to the Blue Cave and it was amazing, the water looks like it's from another world! A great plan not to forget.