Dubrovnik’s magnificent old town is Croatia’s shining star, with incredible fortress walls that encircle an architectural marvel of a town. From its glorious polished limestone main street, to its Baroque palaces, grand domed cathedrals, and fountains punctuating all its beauty, Dubrovnik has more than enough to enjoy! But also not to be missed are the unbelievably clear, turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea around Dubrovnik – impossible to ignore and rated the cleanest in Europe.
To make the most of your Dubrovnik visit, why not devote a day to exploring the region by boat? This is especially advantageous in the high season when temperatures soar along with the number of visitors to the old town. A boating getaway is the perfect antidote!
Options are available for all budgets, schedules, and types of experiences, with the universal result: that refreshing feeling of being at sea.
Set sail and soak up the natural essence of Dalmatia with the salty sea breeze on your cheeks. Whether exploring aboard the local ferry, on a private yacht, or riding the wind on a sailboat – a day at sea is a Dubrovnik day to remember.
Boat trip options from Dubrovnik
Two new catamarans, two new adventures!
Two new lines have been launched in 2024, with very appealing connections for visitors. The first disembarks at the mystical gardens, a famous haunted island of mystery, nature, and Game of Thrones film locations. The second line is a very convenient, direct catamaran to Montenegro that eliminates the time spent at border control when travelling by car.
New hybrid boat to historic gardens & Game of Thrones locations
The Lacroma is Croatia’s first hybrid passenger boat connecting two of Dubrovnik’s loveliest preserved historic gardens. Each is a natural oasis with a side of pop culture – Trsteno Arboretum and Lokrum Island, in one tour! Both stops are significant preserved botanical gardens, filled with exotic plant species collected by ship captains and nobility during the Renaissance. After the hubbub of the old town, which has few public green spaces, the verdant landscape at these two stops make for the perfect escape.
In Trsteno, shady paths wind their way to hidden corners and a Baroque fountain of Poseidon with a pool brimming with crimson carp. On Lokrum Island, peacocks roam free – descendants of those brought over by Emperor Maximilian centuries ago.
The popularity of both locations has boomed recently after appearing in the famous Game of Thrones series. There is even a replica of the GOT throne on Lokrum Island for a photo op!
Practical info
- Reservations are required due to the ship’s limited capacity. Book by email at lacroma@lokrum.hr.
- Boats run Fri, Sat, Sun and Mon.
- Fare: €50 (not including park entrance fees)
- Departs and returns from Gruž harbour (not old town).
Catamaran line to Montenegro!
The perfect hassle-free solution to bypass the long wait at the Croatia-Montenegro border-crossing in the summer months. Plus, catch a bit more of this nearby country!
The Dubrovnik-Budva catamaran line sails along a gorgeous coastline for the entire duration of the 2-hour trip. Dramatic Boka bay, lined by towering mountains, is a monumental sight. Arrive at the hopping town of Budva, hemmed with beaches, bars, and a lovely historic quarter. Stay longer and explore Kotor, Perast, Sveti Stefan, and other highlights.
Practical info
- See options at https://adriatic-lines.com/dubrovnik-budva-ferry
- Fares: €50 one-way / €59 round-trip
Local ferry, group tour, or private boat to the Elaphite Islands
The trio of inhabited islands that are part of the Elaphite archipelago, west of Dubrovnik, are connected by a lively local foot-passenger ferry that departs daily from Gruz harbour. Get your people watching in on this journey that lasts 60-90 minutes (depending where you disembark). Each island has its own personality and special highlights. Pick one and visit for only 5 euros!
- Kolocep (Kalamota) – the island is a maze of lovely, ancient walking paths that wind through towering pine forests, small villages, emerald bays, seaside cliffs, and olive groves.
- Lopud – famous for its sandy beach, Sunj, Lopud is a car-free island where golf carts rule the road.
- Šipan – step back in time and truly slow down to island pace on sleepy, divine Šipan Island. Wander up the path to find wine and olive oil tasting at family farms.
Practical info
- For prices and timetables, please visit the Jadrolinija website.
- The Jadrolinija ticket office is located in Gruž port, across from the pier. Please purchase tickets 30 minutes before departure.
To explore the more hidden parts of the Elaphite Islands and enjoy jumping off your private boat to snorkel and swim in the blue grottos, hire a luxury speedboat for a superb sun-kissed day! You can also book a skippered sailboat with Dubrovnik sailing. These guys know all the secret spots and which island restaurants to moor at for lunch.
Or, if you don’t mind larger groups and stricter schedules, take a three-island group cruise. Several companies offer these excursions with varying levels of service, capacity, and prices.
Cavtat, a luxury island restaurant and lounge bar
East of Dubrovnik is the lovely village of Cavtat, accessible by boat from the old town harbour. Departures run throughout the day. Cavtat is a nice place to stroll along the waterfront promenade, have a leisurely lunch, and enjoy a swim.
Practical info
- Fare: €50 one-way / €80 round-trip
- For more info, visit the Adriana boat tours website
- Boat trip duration: 45 min.
If you’re seeking something extra special, look no further than St. Pietro restaurant and lounge bar on Supetar Island near Cavtat. Book yourself a breezy private cabana or table. A speedboat will pick you up in Cavtat (or Mlini) and whisk you away to this ultra luxurious island retreat. Hello James Bond!
Sunset cruises
Various agencies and boat companies offer sunset cruises where you can gaze at the towering city walls from the sea. Sip your bubbly as the sun sets. MAGIC.
Dubrovnik is truly a gem, but the sea that bathes this splendid city is equally unmissable. Our boat trips allow you to enjoy all the splendour of the Adriatic without drifting too far from Dubrovnik!
