Dubrovnik has become one of the most popular tourist destinations, and recently exploded in tourism over the past 10 years.

This is probably largely due to it being used as a film set for iconic movies and series, like the infamous ‘Game of Thrones’. Walking through its old town is like being transported back in time, with its winding streets and delicious cafes.

However, if you really want to see it the way the city’s meant to be seen, you need to go on a boat tour! We’ve done the hard part for you, to bring you the top boat tours from Dubrovnik available!

Best Boat Trips From Dubrovnik

	Private Boat Tours in Dubrovnik: Hidden Beauties of Elaphiti Islands	Dubrovnik Sunset Tour By Boat With Local	Dubrovnik Speed Boat Private Tour - (Explore Secrets Of Elafiti Islands)
Departure Point:	Hotel pickup and drop-off is available	Ribarnica. 20000, Dubrovnik	Check with tour operator
Departure Time:	Variety available	7:00 pm	Variety available
Duration:	4 to 8 hours	1.5 hours	4 to 8 hours
Includes:	Luxury private boat according your group size, usage of all boat amenities (fridge, snorkel equipment, stereo, wifi etc.)	All fees and taxes, fuel, captain, bottled water, alcoholic beverages	Drinks ( beers, water, wine, soft drinks), fuel, skipper, snorkeling gear, towels, life jackets, fees and taxes
	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking

Quick Answer: The 5 Best Dubrovnik Boat Tours For 2024

1. Private Boat Tours in Dubrovnik: Hidden Beauties of Elaphiti Islands
2. Dubrovnik Sunset Tour By Boat With Local
3. Dubrovnik Speed Boat Private Tour – (EXPLORE SECRETS OF ELAFITI ISLANDS)
4. Private Boat Tour to Elafiti Islands
5. Elaphiti Islands Private Boat Tour

Dubrovnik Boat Trip Reviews

1. Private Boat Tours in Dubrovnik: Hidden Beauties of Elaphiti Islands

Let’s start things off right with the Private Boat Tours in Dubrovnik: Hidden Beauties of Elaphiti Islands. Lasting anywhere from 4 to 8 hours, you’ll be able to customize it to your liking and your group’s interests.

Traveling on speedboat, you’ll be able to see as much as possible in this time, while learning the whole way through. Hotel pickup is available, so you don’t have to deal with organizing a 3rd-party transportation service.

Once you’re picked up by your guide, you and the rest of your group will travel to your speedboat and get ready to zoom out to Lopud Island!

Lopud Island is a lovely island with no cars on it at all! Instead, you’ll find that many locals opt for a sunny walk around, along with tractors, electric bikes, golf carts, and buggies being more prevalent.

Experience all kinds of medieval adventures, featuring breathtaking architecture ranging from the Renaissance times all the way to the 1920’s!

Next up, head over to Koločep island, known for its natural beauty and tranquility, surrounded by warm, clear blue water.

Take advantage of their complimentary snorkeling equipment and GoPro Hero camera to take snaps of what you see in this underwater paradise! Make sure to visit the konoba for some great local dishes and beverages afterward!

Check out the ancient port of Sudjuradj, where you can hop onto land and check out all their fascinating history. Their Renaissance-era castle, fortified church tower, and expansive water views are not to be missed.

Before heading to Lokrum Island, make a stop at Bowa Restaurant, complete with the beach, lounges, and private cabanas. After, you’ll have time to cruise around Lokrum, see the infamous fort and monastery, as well as where they filmed scenes from Game of Thrones.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

2. Dubrovnik Sunset Tour By Boat With Local

Are you looking for a romantic evening with that special someone? Instead of heading to a fancy restaurant, you select a tour with some of the most beautiful views of the entire city. The Dubrovnik Sunset Tour by Boat with Local is also perfect if you don’t have time for a longer tour. 

Clocking in at 1.5 hours, this option is really easy to fit into a busy schedule or to go on before you head to your restaurant reservation. Meet up at the port, at 7:00 PM and hop on a spacious boat. The skipper will be there to escort you to your seat and make sure you have everything you need.

Before the sun sets, you’ll cruise by all kinds of amazing locations in Dubrovnik! Some of the most notable are the infamous Dubrovnik city walls, Lovrijenac fortress, as well as 2 of the largest caves in the city!

You’ll have plenty of time to take photos of everything you see, with an excellent perspective from the water.

The sun will start going down, creating a brilliant golden reflection off of the blue Adriatic Sea. Watch as it shines off of the ancient city walls, and admire the impressive architecture that’s held up for so many hundreds of years.

While you can definitely bring the whole family along, we recommend this tour more for couples or smaller groups of adults.

The general vibe seemed to be geared more towards adults and a more serene experience which may be boring to younger children. However, it’s a tour that’s open to all backgrounds and ages.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

3. Dubrovnik Speed Boat Private Tour – (Explore Secrets Of Elafiti Islands)

Dubrovnik is a city with a lot to offer, however, 2 of the biggest reasons why tourists end up here is due to the incredible history and great partying.

Why not just have both on the Dubrovnik Speed Boat Private Tour – Explore Secrets of Elafiti Islands)? Lasting anywhere from 4 to 8 hours, this private tour is fully-customizable to your schedule and interests. 

This tour lets you bring along a group of up to 6 passengers, which is perfect if you want to go with the whole family or with a bunch of friends.

Everything you could possibly need for a good time comes included – even beer, wine, soft drinks, and bottled water. 

Meet your skipper at the Dubrovnik Old Town Port, where you’ll set off on your adventure. Once you’re on the water, you’ll be able to see an incredible panoramic view of Old Town, which is a really unique perspective.

Koločep is home to 5 different caves, with the Blue Cave being the star of the show. The Blue Cave is known for, well, being blue. It’s a pretty hot tourist spot, but as you’ll arrive early, you’ll beat the crowds.

Take photos, snorkel around the translucent turquoise waters, and swim at your leisure before hopping back on the boat to go to Lopud Island.

Lopud island is free of cars, and wonderful for strolling around to admire the harbor, remnants of old monasteries and churches, as well as other interesting cultural finds. If you like Game of Thrones, make sure to let your guides know, as they can show you some cool filming locations.

The guides ended up making some lunch reservations at a quaint local restaurant renowned for its freshly-caught fish and great drinks. Take a breather and relax before sailing towards Lokrum Island.

Lokrum island houses the largest of the area’s caves, called “The Pidgeon’s Cave”. Shielded by steep rocks and lush greenery, the elements over thousands of years have made the cave what it is today.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

4. Private Boat Tour to Elafiti Islands

Would you like to escape the hustle-and-bustle of Dubrovnik for the day? How about have a personal tour guide taking you on a route personalized according to your interests? Both are possible with the highly-rated Private Boat Tour to Elafiti Islands!

Accepting groups of only up to 4 passengers, this tour will make you feel like a best friend is leading you around to all the best local spots. Check out the hidden gems that only locals know about, and tourists typically don’t get to see. 

Communication right after booking was wonderful, and they answer any questions you may have. You get to choose your tour start time, tour length, and they also offer hotel pickup so you aren’t left with organizing transportation yourself.

Traveling by speedboat, you’ll head first to Koločep island which is known for its 2 beautiful villages: Forgnje Celo and Donje Celo. The Blue Cave located on the south side is where you’ll stop to admire its natural beauty, and the blue waters. With snorkels and GoPros available to use, it’s a recipe for fun.

Lopud Island is another place where you can relax and enjoy a drink, or hang out in the warm water. Cold water, beer, and soft drinks are all included for you!

After plenty of time exploring under the surface, head to the actual village of Lopud, where you’ll see the stunning Dominican/Franciscan monastery, Dordić-Mayneri park, various small churches, and boutiques.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

5. Elaphiti Islands Private Boat Tour

With a flexible itinerary, talented captain and guide, and the entire day, the sky’s the limit! You’ll get all that and more with the Elaphiti Islands Private Boat Tour ideal for a pair of travelers to check out all the best spots around Dubrovnik.

Instead of partaking in a cookie-cutter activity, you’ll be able to customize yours depending on your specific interests! Now, depending on what you choose to add to the itinerary, your tour will range in length.

You can more or less select when to start the tour, but the guides will add input to make sure you avoid the majority of crowding. Their chauffeur will pick you up at your hotel or other accommodations, so make sure you’re ready on time.

The boat is beautiful and clean, and there will be complimentary drinks waiting for you in a cooler once you arrive. Just like most other tours on this guide, Koločep Island is the first stop of the day due to its proximity to Dubrovnik.

The stunning blue waters surround this calm island, which houses the Blue Cave and the Green Cave – both of which are hot tourist spots.

Take a moment to try out the provided snorkeling gear and GoPro camera, and have a blast taking photos of everything you come across in the water! The staff will email you all the photos you take the next day.

As you cruise around, your guide will tell you all about the history of the area which is very entertaining. Check out Lopud island, which features all kinds of churches from the 15th and 16th centuries. These include the Rector’s Palace and fortress ruins.

After trekking around all day, it’s time to take a little rest at the renowned Bowa restaurant before seeing Sipan. Sipan is the ultimate place for relaxation and serenity. With homemade wine, fresh-grown fruits and veggies, and other natural food items, you’re sure to enjoy it there.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

Why You Should Take a Boat Trip From Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik Travel Guide

Getting There

Until relatively recently, there were no direct flights from the US to Croatia and you’d have to have a connecting flight from a major European city. Now, that’s definitely not the case, as Lufthansa, Delta, United, British Airways, Air France, KLM, Swiss, Qatar Airlines, and US Airways all offer direct flights to Dubrovnik.

To get to Split from Dubrovnik, the easiest way is by plane. The plane ride is about 40 minutes, so it’s not bad at all.

Getting Around

Getting around Dubrovnik is quite easy, thanks to their solid public transportation system. While there aren’t any trams, trains, or metros like you may find in larger cities, it’s still very accessible.

Bus – Routes 1A, 1B, and 1C are probably the ones you’ll use the most, as they connect the harbor and bus station at Gruž to the Pile Gate. The latter being one of the main entrances into the Old Town (which is probably where you’ll spend the most time). Route 4 is also a solid option as it services most hotels and ends around Hotel Dubrovnik Palace.

Taxis – Located right outside both Pile and Ploče gates, along with Gruž, the bus station, and Lapad. You can grab an Uber too, if you prefer an app-based service.

Car – We don’t recommend this option, for various reasons. One, due to the high quantity of tourists running around, you don’t want to deal with the chaos it can cause due to the one-way system. Two, parking is pretty expensive, especially during high season (summertime). Three, Old Town is pedestrianized anyway.

Getting around Split is quite different, but there are still many reliable options.

Car – This is a little bit easier and less stressful than it is driving in Dubrovnik. However, it’s definitely going to be more expensive to rent a car than to take public transport or even call a cab.

Bus – Called Promet Split, the local bus system is a bit difficult as there’s no English translation for anything. However, it’s super affordable and you can get all the way to the medieval town of Trogir for less than 4 bucks!

Walking – If you’re going to be hanging around Old Town, you’ll find that just walking is enough. It’s also incredibly efficient, as the tourist-heavy areas can get packed with cars. Not to mention, Marmontova Street and Riva are both car-free so you will want to walk here anyway.

Ferry – If you want to go to any nearby islands, you can simply take a ferry from the Old Town terminal.

Taxi – Taxis are pretty cheap anyway, so if you don’t feel like walking back to your hotel it’s a nice alternative. Even longer rides will still probably clock in at less than 10 bucks. Uber is an option as well, but prices can vary quite a bit.

Where to Stay

There are a lot of great places in Dubrovnik, but as it’s so spread out, you will really want to focus on what your priorities are and stay around there.

Old Town – Old Town is our personal favorite, and is where you’ll find incredibly well-preserved medieval structures like churches, squares, and a naturally beautiful background for it all. Boutique Hotel Stari Grad and The Pucic Palace are ultra-luxe, while Palacio Celeste and Bota Palace are nice middle-of-the-road options. Leonarda Baroque House and Villa Monte Santo are absolutely gorgeous and very affordable.

Ploče – Ploče is very close to Old Town’s southern entrance, and features some of the most impressive hotels in the city. Not only that, but you have great museums, a cable car up to the summit of Mount Srd, and amazing coastal views. Apartments Fortes Fortuna, Skywalker Oasis, Villa Paulina, Hotel Excelsior, and Villa Dubrovnik are all luxurious options located very close from Old Town.

Pile – If you’re a history junkie, you’ll love the incredible medieval wall views, along with an old fort and various beaches. Just about any kind of budget flies here and you can grab a bus to any part of town from Pile. Not to mention, the hotels tend to be more affordable. Atento Apartments, Room PlaceForYou, and The Peak of The 13^th Century Walls are all stunning hotel options.

Lapad – If you’re going with the entire family, you may want to check out Lapad first. It not only holds the longest beach in all of Dubrovni, but has beautiful seafront hotels, with buses that’ll take you right to Old Town.

As the second-biggest city in the country, it balances modern with the old perfectly. There are a few neighborhoods that we recommend.

Old Town – Old Town is always the favorite, especially if it’s your first time here. You’ll be close to all the main attractions, great restaurants, cafes, and activities. Cornaro Hotel is the best luxury option, while Centro di Centri Rooms is a nice middle-of-the-road, and Ćiri Biri Bela is great if you’re on a budget.

Radunica – If you’re on a budget, check out Radunica. It’s super close to Old Town, is absolutely beautiful with stone walls, stunning architecture, and has many solid hotels. Ellure Luxury Suites and Marvie Hotel & Health are best for luxury options. House Sandra is a nice middle option, and Apartments Veky 3 is the go-to for a budget option.

Bacvice – If you’re in search of beachside living, it’s hard to beat Bacvice. Located just 15 minutes walking from Old Town, you have the best of both worlds! Not to mention, if you’re into nightlife, you’ll have tons of beach bars and clubs nearby. Check out Hotel Park Split for high-end stays, Best Location Rooms for a mid-range option, and Apartment Simone or Dreams Apartment Bacvice if on a budget.

Restaurants and Eating Out

Kopun – If you’re looking for traditional Croatian food, Kopun is a top option. There are tons of old recipes, ensuring that you’ll always have something new to try.

Konoba Jezuite – This breathtaking location is perfect for gathering with friends and making new ones! Konoba is a word referring to a place of getting together, and that’s exactly what this is. It’s a very traditional, beautiful experience on a lovely terrace and gorgeous buildings!

Orsan – If you’re by the sea, you have to enjoy the seafood and views! Located right on the water, it’s fresh and perfect for day or night. Even if you’re not a seafood fan, there are delicious homemade cakes and vegetarian dishes available!

Lokanda Peskarija – Great for any budget, it is located in the old local harbor, taking you back in time. You’ll find, as the name suggests, fish and seafood dishes and black risotto.

Nautica – In the mood for fine dining or date night? Then check out Nautica, with phenomenal views of the Adriatic Sea, along with 2 fortresses!

Split is no different than Dubrovnik, in that the vast amount of restaurants essentially serve the same thing: pizza, pasta, risotto, or it’s a grill. Traditional food here is Mediterranean for the most part, but there are some with Balkan influences.

Fine Dining – Check out Zrno soli for beautiful views close to the beach, amazing food, and friendly locals. Kadena features interesting dishes with twists on traditional food. Konoba Nikola has fresh seafood, and is located in a more hidden area.

Mid-Scale – Konoba Fetivi is a tavern-type space with regional dishes mainly consisting of seafood, though some meat dishes are offered. It’s very small and family-run, but the atmosphere is hard to beat. Plus, their outdoor terrace is a wonderful way to spend a summer evening. Villa Spiza is another little charmer located in a tiny alley. It seats less than 15 people, but the flavors are rich and authentic.

Wine Bars – There are tons here, but MoNika is particularly cozy with friendly staff (and the owner!). You’ll also get some delicious tapas to pair with!

Nightlife and Entertainment

There are a ton of bars in Dubrovnik, though a bit lacking on the club side. However, you can find plenty an underground rave located in an old fortress!

Revelin Culture Club – Speaking of fortresses, this one is a 16^th-century one with insane party vibes! If you want to go all out with bottles of champagne and dance until daylight, this is the place to do it.

Copacabana Beach – This is a place for partying at just about any hour, but is great if you are looking to sip on cocktails during daylight.

Lazareti – Live DJs are found almost every night here! You have the main building with DJs and live acts, a dancefloor, a balcony with a bar, and an open courtyard.

Latino Club Fuego – It may seem a bit random, but you can find all kinds of mainstream dance music here, along with some live Croatian rock-pop bands, and more.

Banje Beach Club – You can get here either by land or sea. In the daytime, it serves as a fine dining restaurant, and at night, a cocktail bar club!

D’Vino – Perhaps you’re looking for a more intimate setting or are simply looking for delicious wines. You’ll find both here, and be able to try some of the countries best vinos.

Cave Bar More – If you ever had the desire to have some drinks in a cave, this one’s for you. You have to try it at least once!

Split is definitely a party town, with tons of options available!

Charlie’s Bar – All the backpackers seem to go here, making it a great place to meet other travelers and people from around the world. If you’re looking for cheap but strong drinks, here you go.

Square/Lvxor – You could always take your own drinks and sit in the main town square and enjoy the local company and live music.

Gaga Bar – This small bar features incredible cocktails with indoor/outdoor seating (and standing) that’s always full of people!

Fabrique – This trendy place is relatively new, with a more upscale vibe. If you’re looking for a nice cocktail accompanied by some delicious BBQ, you have to check it out.

Inbox Club – If you’re a fan of electronic music and massive parties, check out Inbox. It’s located right on the water and is always an adventure!

Central the Club – The kind of club you’d expect to find in Miami, it sports an enormous disco ball, lasers, with the possibility to reserve tables.

Weather

Dubrovnik definitely has seasons, with short, warm summers and long, cold, wet winters. The summers can get pretty hot, but in September and October you can still enjoy warm weather without it being too hot or cold. Split is pretty similar, though it has hotter summers and wetter winters!

Attractions

The Old City Walls – While they’ve always been a popular tourist attraction, they exploded in popularity after being featured in the huge TV series, Game of Thrones. Originally built in the 10^th century, they were made to protect against invaders. Here, you’ll find the Bokar Tower, Fort Lovrjenac, Revelin Fortress, and Minceta Tower.

Walk Through Straden – You’ll find some of the most picturesque views here, from cafes and restaurants, to the white limestone paving itself that dates back to the 1400s!Make sure to check out the War Photo Limited located just steps away.

Dubrovnik Cathedral and Treasury – Built on top of the site of the original cathedral that dated back to the 6^th century (unfortunately destroyed by earthquakes), this Baroque-style cathedral features 3 aisles, apses, and incredible interior décor.

City Gates – The infamous Pile Gate has been the main entrance for hundreds of years, and used to be surrounded by a moat with a drawbridge built in the 1500s! The Ploce Gate is also very interesting!

Fort Lovrijenac – Often referred to as “Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar”, it sits 37 meters above the Adriatic Sea and managed to defend itself quite well against various Venetian sieges starting in the 11^th century. With thick walls, 2 drawbridges, and 3 terraces, it’s now used for festivals and theatrical performances at times.

Split also has a ton of sites to see!

Diocletian’s Palace – This UNESCO World Heritage Site is incredibly well-preserved and its basement was even one of the set locations for Game of Thrones! Protected by at towers located at each of the 4 entrances, it is enormous. You’ll also find the Temple of Jupiter, Cathedral of St. Domnius, and Brace Radica Square here.

Ivan Mestrovic Gallery – This amazing Croatian artist started his residence in the 1930s, and his gallery began a bit over 20 years later. It includes 86 statues consisting of marble, stone, bronze, wood, and gypsum, and there are plenty of drawings.

Marjan Stairway and Forest Park – Want to burn some calories without going to the gym? Hike up the 314 steps to enjoy the wonderful Telegrin vantage point. The forest park has enormous pine trees, and relaxing walking trails, with incredible views.

Split Archaeological Museum – If you’re into history, you have to make a visit here. Founded in 1820, it houses over 150,000 items including stone carvings from Salona, Greco Hellenistic ceramics, Roman glass, tons of ancient clay lamps, and much more.

Storm Klis Fortress – This is another one that made an appearance in Game of Thrones, located on a limestone bluff. The small museum on-site teaches you all about its brutal past, and they even let you climb over fortifications inside!

Tips

1. Be prepared for crowds. This goes for Dubrovnik and Split. There will be crowds, especially in the summertime. If you go in September or October, you’ll still have nice weather with much fewer tourists.
2. Try to get out of the Old City. There is so much beauty outside of the town centers, even though you definitely need to spend time there as well.
3. Give yourself enough time. There’s a ton to do, like villages and islands located all around these cities.
4. Make sure to tip in restaurants. Just like in the US, 10 to 20 percent is appropriate. However, feel free to tip more than that if you’d like!