Dubrovnik boat tours guide: Detailed review of Adriatic sea adventures including island hopping, cave exploration, fishing trips with costs and itineraries
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Sea Tours from Dubrovnik: where people usually sail and why it's a convenient and popular starting point for Day Mini-Cruises
Dubrovnik is a true magnet for tourists, especially those who love sea adventures. Its location in southern Dalmatia, almost in the center of the region, makes this resort extremely convenient for day mini-cruises. In just a few hours, you can find yourself on Croatia’s most famous islands, such as Mljet, Korčula, or the Elaphiti Islands.
Dubrovnik also has a natural harbor protected from strong winds, making it ideal for small boats and catamarans. Another important point is that it’s easy to plan tours to several islands in one day. For example, as we did: in the morning we visited Mljet, and in the evening we strolled along the picturesque beaches of Lokrum.
Besides this, the port in Dubrovnik is modern and well-equipped. Both large cruise companies and local carriers operate here. The presence of an international airport near Dubrovnik and developed tourist infrastructure make the city even more attractive to visitors.
To better understand Dubrovnik’s advantages, let’s look at a comparison with other port cities in the region:
Travel time to the islands
| City / Travel time (hours) | Mljet | Korčula | Elaphiti Islands |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubrovnik | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Split | 3 | 4 | 7–8 |
| Makarska | 2 | 3 | 5–6 |
Table 1 – approximate travel time to interesting islands in southern Dalmatia, by ferry
Dubrovnik offers the ideal balance between convenience, travel time, and service quality for tourists. For example, Lokrum can be reached in just 10 minutes, and themed tours allow you to choose routes based on interests – from beach adventures to historical journeys. Competition among operators contributes to reasonable prices, and multilingual support makes trips maximally comfortable.
Comparison of Croatian cities
| City | Dubrovnik | Split | Zadar | Makarska |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advantages | Convenient logistics, many excursions, modern port | Greater choice of ferries | Easy access to the Kornati Islands | Close proximity to mainland beaches |
| Disadvantages | Very popular, so it can be crowded | Longer travel time to the southern islands | Very far from the southern islands | Less developed port infrastructure |
Table 2 – Advantages and disadvantages of Croatia’s most popular tourist cities with their own ports as starting points for sea journeys through the Adriatic
In the 2025 season, Dubrovnik is becoming even more attractive for sea travel. Thanks to the increased number of high-speed catamarans, you can now reach the most remote corners of the region in a matter of hours. New routes to small islands open access to the true treasures of the Adriatic that previously remained outside tourists’ attention.
The updated navigation and safety system makes journeys maximally comfortable and reliable. Additionally, expanded Tour programs take into account the interests of the most diverse travelers – from nature lovers to thrill-seekers.
Thanks to the ideal combination of logistics, modern infrastructure, and a wide range of offerings, Dubrovnik remains the most convenient departure point for sea adventures in the region.
A very beautiful photo with a view of Dubrovnik, or more precisely of the roofs of buildings covered with beautiful tiles (by the way, this is like Croatia’s calling card – there are quite a lot of such houses throughout the country)
Sea Tour Destinations
For those planning a trip to Dubrovnik, I’ll say right away: sea Tours are something that simply cannot be overlooked here. The Adriatic coast is not only beautiful to look at but also hides many interesting stories, cozy corners, and unique natural places. I’ll share my favorite routes – I’m sure there will be something worth everyone’s attention among them.
I’ll start with the shortest routes for those who don’t have much time for travel.
Short Tours (4 to 6 hours)
First on this list is Lokrum Island, located just 10 minutes from Dubrovnik’s Old Town. The island has many interesting natural places that harmoniously blend with historical buildings.
Here is a botanical garden with exotic plants, and a bit further – an ancient Benedictine monastery from the 11th century and the Royal fortress (by the way, this place has the best panoramic views of Dubrovnik). And you know what else is very interesting? This is where the world-famous series “Game of Thrones” was filmed. Because of all this, tours to Lokrum will definitely leave the best impressions and won’t be boring.
Still, the nature of Lokrum, and Croatia in general, captivates me
Next is a place for archaeology and architecture lovers – Cavtat. This town is rich in ancient Roman ruins and an underwater archaeological park. The promenade with Renaissance palaces and the Račić family mausoleum made a wonderful impression on me. I also recommend visiting the house-museum of artist Vlaho Bukovac. The tour lasts about 5 hours.
Full-Day Routes (8-12 hours)
- Elaphiti Islands – three islets for relaxation. This is one of the most popular destinations, which includes visiting three islands: Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan. A bit of information about each island:
- Koločep impresses with medieval churches and clean beaches;
- Lopud is famous for the sandy beach Šunj and monastery ruins;
- Šipan will greet you with vineyards and olive groves.
This route turned out to be very pleasant for me, because it’s fun and relaxing, you can learn about historical heritage (it definitely won’t be boring). The trip usually lasts a full day, about 9 hours. I want to note that all tours to the Elaphiti Islands have some special touch.
View of Šunj beach from a hill, a very beautiful bay
2. Mljet National Park. I highly recommend a tour to Mljet. This route is for those seeking unique nature and mythological legends. Over 10-12 hours, tourists explore two saltwater lakes, visit the island of St. Mary with an ancient Benedictine monastery, admire Odysseus’s caves and pristine Mediterranean forests. As they say, this is a place where legends come alive!
Here I managed to take an incredible photo of the bay in Mljet National Park
3. Korčula Island. This is my favorite route for true history lovers. It’s a medieval fortress city, known for Gothic and Renaissance palaces, Marco Polo’s house, and wineries where you can taste the most delicious local wines. And at the end of the day, I recommend visiting the beaches of Lumbarda. A tour to Korčula will be remembered for a long time.
And this is a panoramic view of Korčula town from one of the nearby hills
4. Blue Cave (on Koločep Island, Elaphiti archipelago). A tour to the Blue Cave is suitable for those who love active but secluded vacation. Transparent turquoise water, deserted beaches, swimming caves, and the opportunity to snorkel – all this can be obtained by visiting this natural wonder. The main thing is not to confuse this cave with the Blue Cave located on Biševo Island, which is inconvenient to reach from Dubrovnik.
Here they allowed me to climb on top of our boat to take a photo of the Blue Cave for our blog
Included Services and Activities
Most tours include lunch with seafood, swimming stops, a professional guide, and the opportunity to snorkel.
Cost of Sea Tours from Dubrovnik in 2025
I’ll start with the nearest and simplest route – Lokrum Island. This is a true pearl located literally 15 minutes from Dubrovnik. A ticket costs only 15-20 euros, and the price fully justifies itself. For this money, tourists are greeted by a nature reserve island where you can meet wild peacocks, explore secret paths, and admire unique nature. I personally spent almost the whole day there, and it passed very quickly because there’s so much interesting stuff.
Next, the Elaphiti Islands are my absolute favorite among sea Tours. For 45-60 euros, vacationers visit three incredible islands at once: Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan. Blue water, picturesque bays, traditional Croatian houses – all this is worth seeing there. The price includes lunch and drinks – meaning complete comfort and no additional expenses. Last time I was delighted with the delicious fish and local wine they served us on board.
For true adventure seekers, I recommend an Tour to the Blue Cave and Vis Island. This is something incredible: a full-day trip costs 90-120 euros (depending on the type), but believe me, it’s worth it. The incredibly beautiful cave where the water glows blue seems unreal. The twelve-hour Tour also includes plenty of time for swimming and relaxation.
Mljet is a true paradise for nature and active recreation lovers. A national park where you can explore incredible landscapes. An entrance ticket is about 20 euros, boat transfer – 40-50 euros. There’s an opportunity to rent a bicycle and kayak for an additional fee and view the island from all sides.
Let’s continue: Korčula – for true history and architecture lovers, a tour to a medieval city that resembles a smaller copy of Dubrovnik. A high-speed catamaran there and back costs 45-55 euros, and a tour of Korčula city with a professional guide costs an additional 25-35 euros.
A bit about price life hacks
High season (July-August) – prices are 20-30% higher. But in the off-season (May-June, September-October) you can catch great discounts of up to 10-15%.
Therefore, I recommend booking in advance – it’s economically beneficial and provides more guarantees. Additional expenses are also possible: entrance tickets, snorkeling, unexpected treats in local cafes. So I recommend taking some cash. Sunscreen and a good mood are mandatory!
Types of Sea Tours (croup and private)
Sea Tours in Dubrovnik are available for every taste: from budget group tours to exclusive private journeys. I’ll tell you about each format and also give some practical tips that will help you choose the ideal option.
1. Group Tours (15-40 people). Let’s start with group Tours. One of the most popular is a tour to the Elaphiti Islands with lunch and swimming. Such an Tour costs from 40 to 60 euros per person. Another interesting option is a trip to Mljet National Park, known for its saltwater lakes and Benedictine monastery.
The cost of such a tour is from 65 to 85 euros per person. We can’t fail to mention Korčula, where you can see Marco Polo’s birthplace. This Tour will cost 55-75 euros per person.
I recommend choosing these options for those who want a well-organized trip at an affordable cost. Optimal for families with children, as well as extroverts who like meeting new people and actively communicating.
2. Small group Tours (6-12 people). For those who love a calmer and more comfortable vacation, there are small group Tours. Here the group usually has 6-12 people, and routes are designed to avoid crowds.
For example, fishing tours in the Adriatic Sea (70-100 euros) or a trip to the Blue Lagoon where you can swim with a mask in crystal-clear water (80-120 euros).
I especially enjoyed the trip to Lokrum Island – just 15 minutes from Dubrovnik, and you find yourself in a real nature reserve. Such a tour will cost 45-65 euros.
3. Private Tours (2-6 people). If you want something special, I recommend paying attention to private Tours. This is an option for two or a small company of up to six people. For example, you can rent a yacht for 400-800 euros and create your own route – visit several islands at once and enjoy privacy.
Or choose a speedboat to reach the distant islands of Lastovo or Vis with incredible beaches and caves (600-1000 euros). Romantics will definitely appreciate sunset cruises – an evening stroll along the coast that costs 200-350 euros per boat.
4. Specialized Tours. There are also specialized Tours – they’re suitable for those who want activities. For example, diving tours where you explore the underwater world with professionals (90-150 euros per person).
Or kayaking – an opportunity to see the coast and hidden bays while paddling among the waves (40-70 euros). And of course, tours for “Game of Thrones” series fans, which allow you to see filming locations like King’s Landing (70-100 euros).
Elaphiti Islands: journey to the Blue and Green Caves with a visit to Šunj Beach
For seekers of the ideal place for adventure and peaceful vacation, the Elaphiti Islands will be a true discovery. This is 13 islands, of which 3 are inhabited. That’s where tourists usually go.
Peak season is July-August. You can visit these pearls in a day, but if possible, I recommend devoting separate time to each. Look around the settlements, try local cuisine, and go on an Tour to the caves.
One of the archipelago’s main attractions is the Blue Cave (Modra špilja) on Koločep Island. It impresses with its bright blue glow created by sunlight reflecting off the sea surface.
The best time to visit it is between 11:00 and 14:00 when sunlight provides the strongest effect. However, it can only be reached from the water – by kayak or small boat, so you need to join an Tour or rent transport. I recommend the former more, because it’s better to go with a knowledgeable guide, plus tours include transportation and snorkeling equipment, which is convenient.
Near the Blue Cave is the less known but no less impressive Green Cave (Zelena špilja), which is distinguished by greenish glow and spacious inner halls.
Another popular location is Šunj Beach on Lopud Island. This is one of the few sandy beaches in the region. Its length is about 800 meters, and the gentle entry into the water makes it ideal for families with children.
There are several beach bars here, sunbed and umbrella rentals (approximately 10-15 euros), as well as the opportunity to ride water bikes or kayaks. From Lopud port to the beach you can walk (30-40 minutes) or take a golf cart (about 5 euros). I recommend taking water and snacks with you, as bar prices on the island are quite high.
Šunj Beach is quite a popular tourist place, so the infrastructure here is appropriate. There are sunbeds, umbrellas, and even water activities
You can get to the islands by regular Jadrolinija ferry from Dubrovnik port (ticket cost – 3-4 euros one way, journey duration – about 30-45 minutes). An important fact – despite being inhabited, there are no cars on the islands, so it’s difficult to move around on your own.
But for maximum convenience, it’s better to choose a group Tour to the Elaphiti Islands. Usually it includes transfer, visiting caves, the beach, and lunch with seafood. Tour price varies from 45 to 95 euros depending on the program.
Which tours to the Elaphiti Islands can we recommend
The Elaphiti Islands offer the ideal combination of activities and relaxation. Whether travelers are looking for adventures in caves or want to enjoy peace on the beach – there’s something for everyone here. Next, I’ve prepared a list of Tours that, in my opinion, are the best and most comfortable:
Tours to three islands:
- Comfortable boat trip to three islands, including lunch and guide services. Price – 65 euros per person (at the beginning and end of the season, small discounts of 5-8 euros are possible). Duration – 8 hours.
- Full-day boat trip to the Elaphiti Islands, costing 56 euros per person (unchanged throughout the year). This amount includes cold snacks and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic). Duration – 8 hours.
- Full-day sightseeing cruise with drinks and lunch to the islands of Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan costing 65 euros.
Next is a list of Tours in the format – Blue and Green caves + Šunj beach on Lopud Island:
- Boat ride with various drinks around the Elaphiti archipelago with a visit to Šunj beach, Blue Cave, and Sunj beach. Costs 84 euros and lasts 4 hours. The journey includes hotel transfer, drinks at each stop, and diving equipment.
- Blue Cave Tour with panoramic view of the Old Town and the opportunity to try snorkeling. Visiting 4 caves will leave fairy-tale impressions, and the opportunity to admire the underwater world will add unforgettable color to the walk. Such entertainment costs 60 euros per person and lasts 4 hours (I recommend taking sunscreen and comfortable shoes).
- Picturesque Elaphiti Islands and a journey to the famous Blue Cave during an exciting speedboat Tour from Dubrovnik costing 78 euros per person. Lasts 4 hours. Soft drinks, diving equipment, and swimming on Šunj beach are pleasant features of this tour.
- Private speedboat tour to the Blue and Green caves with unlimited drinks and the opportunity to jump off cliffs. Cost – 73 euros per adult (off-season) and 90 euros per adult (peak season). Duration – 4 hours.
All these tours we saved while planning our trip, so we selected them as for ourselves. I’m sure that among them anyone will find something that suits them.
Lokrum Island
Lokrum Island is one of my favorite places near Dubrovnik. I sincerely recommend dedicating at least one day to visit this island – I promise, it’s worth it. And now a bit of useful and interesting information about this place.
The nature of Lokrum Island is incredible, probably one of the reasons why we loved Croatia so much. They take very good care of natural monuments here
How to get to Lokrum?
Getting here is easy and convenient. The only route is from Dubrovnik’s Old Port, near St. John’s Fortress. Ferries run constantly (except November-March, because it’s off-season), and the journey itself takes only 10-15 minutes. Departures every 30 minutes, and it’s ideal because you can plan your day without unnecessary rush.
Round-trip tickets are also very affordable:
- For adults – 27 euros.
- For children (from 3 to 12 years old) – 14 euros.
- Babies up to 3 years old travel for free.
Another bonus – entrance to the reserve is already included in the cost.
You can buy tickets right at the port or even online – it’s very convenient, you won’t have to waste time in queues. By the way, tickets work on an “open ticket” principle – you can return on any ferry the same day. The first ferry departs at 9 am. It’s important to know that the last ferry from Lokrum leaves at 6 pm (during peak season – at 7 pm), and overnight stays on the island are not allowed.
Rocky shores and incredible nature of Lokrum Island
What’s interesting on the island?
Imagine olive groves, cypresses, pines, and peacocks walking among them and rabbits running around. They’re literally everywhere and absolutely not afraid of people – such a cute wild atmosphere. And there’s also a botanical garden with exotic plants – an ideal place for walks and photos.
One of the peacocks in the Lokrum Island reserve
One of my favorite places is the “Dead Sea” – a small saltwater lake connected to the sea by an underground tunnel. The water here is calm, warm, and ideal for swimming. If you want to enjoy the sea, the beaches on the island won’t disappoint either. The most popular are Portoč Bay and Paradise Bay, as well as a nudist beach that can be recognized by the “FKK” sign.
For those who love active recreation, there are hiking trails of varying difficulty, rock climbing spots, and even kayaking. And if you want something calmer, you can always have a picnic in the shade of olive trees – I do this almost every time I come here.
Historical Curiosities
I can’t fail to mention Lokrum’s historical monuments. There’s a Benedictine monastery from the 12th century – a very atmospheric place with interesting legends. I was also impressed by Maximilian Habsburg’s summer residence – a building that literally breathes history. I also recommend climbing to Fort Royal, located at the hilltop. From there, a wonderful view of Dubrovnik opens up.
For “Game of Thrones” series fans, there’s a bonus – a replica of the Iron Throne stands on the island.
Inner courtyard of the Benedictine Monastery on Lokrum Island. Even looking at this photo reminds me of scenes from the series
After searching a bit, I found tours that can best convey this atmosphere:
- Tour into the world of “Game of Thrones”. Cost is 26.92 euros per adult (13.46 euros per child 5-12 years, and children under 4 years – free). Duration about 3 hours.
- Walking Tour “Game of Thrones” + relaxation on Lokrum Island. Cost – 35 euros, children under 12 years – free. Lasts – 3 hours.
Both Tours start in Dubrovnik, the city that became King’s Landing. They include such iconic places as Blackwater Bay, the Red Keep, and Qarth. Tourists also visit St. Lawrence Fortress. After the walk – a ferry to Lokrum (for those wishing) with free time for relaxation.
Mljet Island and National Park
Mljet is a unique place where nature plays the main role. The island’s highlight is the national park, which occupies almost a third of the territory. Two incredible saltwater lakes, luxurious Mediterranean forests, and so many amazing places that your eyes run wild! I want to tell you about all the most interesting things so that the trip to Mljet will be as unforgettable as mine.
How to get to Mljet. You can get to the island in several ways:
- If you need to quickly reach the national park, choose a catamaran from Dubrovnik to Pomena – the journey takes only 45 minutes, and a ticket costs approximately 20 euros.
- If you need an economical option, it’s better to use a ferry to Sobra (cost – about 10 euros, duration – 2 hours). Tickets can be bought online, but also at the port.
The waters around Mljet Island are quite shallow, so you can swim here calmly
Mljet National Park
From Sobra to the national park you can take a bus (cost – 3 euros, travel time – 30 minutes). In season, flights are more frequent, but in the off-season the schedule can change, so I recommend checking the timetable in advance.
The national park is a true paradise for nature lovers. Its main “highlight” is two saltwater lakes – Veliko and Malo, where the water is so transparent that you can see the bottom. Here they offer not only swimming but also kayaking (rental – about 10 euros/hour).
And in the middle of Veliko Lake there’s the island of St. Mary with a Benedictine monastery from the 12th century. Boats go there, and this small route is included in the cost of the entrance ticket to the park (about 20 euros).
Incredible landscapes of Mljet National Park
Odysseus Cave
One of the island’s most impressive corners is Odysseus’s Cave. According to legend, this is where the ancient Greek hero spent seven years captive to the nymph Calypso. You can only enter the cave from the sea, so I recommend renting a kayak or joining an Tour (rental cost is approximately 25 euros). The best time to visit is morning when the sea is calm and the sun creates a fantastic play of light in the water.
View of the entrance to Odysseus’s Cave in Mljet National Park
And now let’s talk about activities: there are many options for active recreation on the island. You can rent a bicycle for 15 euros per day, or a kayak for 10 euros per hour. There’s also an opportunity to dive near coral reefs, windsurf, and canoe. For hiking lovers, there are wonderful routes under the canopy of Mediterranean forests.
Among historical monuments, it’s worth visiting the Benedictine monastery from the 12th century, a Roman palace from the 3rd century, and an early Christian basilica. It’s also interesting to see Venetian fortifications and Illyrian fortresses that preserve ancient secrets and legends.
If you want to go with an Tour, here’s a good option:
- Full-day speedboat trip to Mljet National Park and the Elaphiti Islands, including diving and bike ride. Costs 130 euros per person. This is a wonderful opportunity for active recreation. Tourists visit the Blue Cave and Odysseus’s Cave, explore Mljet and Koločep, and enjoy local cuisine.
Practical Tips
Finally, some tips for the journey. It’s better to visit Odysseus’s Cave in calm weather when the sea is peaceful. Morning is the best time for this. I recommend buying tickets online in advance, especially in season. In the off-season, the schedule is sparser, so it’s better to check it on carriers’ websites.
Sea Sunset Cruises along the Walls of Dubrovnik's Old Town, fishing in open sea, Kayak Tours along the coast
Sea cruises, fishing in the open sea, and kayaking along Dubrovnik’s coast are activities that are definitely worth trying. With their help, we were able to discover the city from a completely new, unusual perspective, and I’ll gladly share my impressions and useful tips.
Sunset Cruises along Dubrovnik's Walls
There’s nothing more romantic than a sunset cruise along Dubrovnik’s ancient walls. This is a unique opportunity to see the city illuminated by golden light, take stunning photos, and simply enjoy the moment.
Usually the cruise includes a glass of local wine or champagne and light snacks. Walk duration is about 2 hours, and the cost starts from 30-40 euros. The best time for such trips is summer, from June to September, when warm evenings make them even more pleasant. After reviewing many Tour options, I’ve highlighted the best in each type of activity:
- Sunset kayaking trip with guide, snacks, and wine – 45 euros in season (for children 6-12 years: 40 euros, 6-18 years: 43 euros). Duration: 3 hours.
- Romantic sunset with a bottle of wine on a sailing yacht – 285 euros (for a group of 6 people). Duration: about 3 hours.
- Sunset cruise from Dubrovnik – 38 euros per person. A one-hour sightseeing walk will allow you to see all the beauties of Dubrovnik from the sea. Evening glow will add lyricism and romance.
Fishing in open sea
For those who dreamed of trying fishing in the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik has ideal conditions. Catching tuna, sea bream, or sea bass is a real challenge, but thanks to professional guides, everything becomes clear and accessible even for beginners.
Organizers provide all necessary equipment, including a fishing license. Tour duration is from 4 to 8 hours, and the cost starts from 70 euros. By the way, you can take your catch with you! The best season for fishing is from April to October when the sea is richest in fish.
- Tuna fishing in Dubrovnik – an opportunity to learn and catch fish yourself. Such pleasure costs 1000 euros for a group of 6 people. Duration: 4 hours. Local fishing methods combined with a sightseeing Tour, swimming, wildlife watching, delicious snacks. Equipping the boat with modern electronics for finding fish guarantees a catch and enjoyment of the process.
Kayaking along the coast
Kayaking in Dubrovnik is not just active recreation but also an opportunity to see hidden bays, caves, and beaches inaccessible to other transport. I especially recommend the route to Betina Beach, hidden in a cave, and Lokrum Island, famous for its wild nature.
This activity is suitable even for beginners, as an instruction is conducted before starting. The cost includes: equipment, instructor supervision, and insurance. Walk duration is 3 hours, and prices start from 35 euros. The best time for kayaking is May-September, especially early morning or closer to evening when the sun is soft and the sea is calm.
Tours that are the best and most comfortable:
- During this route you can visit Lokrum Island, Betina Cave, and the Dubrovnik coast. What to bring? Flip-flops or water shoes, hat, sunscreen and sunglasses, swimsuit and towel. This pleasure costs 60 euros per person for 3 hours.
- Private boat tour including snorkeling, scuba diving, and unlimited drinks. Price – 390 euros for a group of up to 3 people. Duration – 2 hours.
- Two-hour afternoon kayak tour, snorkeling for any level, with a visit to Lokrum Island for only 38 euros.
- Morning kayak tour and snorkeling in Dubrovnik.
3-hour option (April-May) – 40 euros per adult (for children 6-12 years – 36 euros, 6-18 years – 38 euros). 1.5-hour option costs 35 euros per adult (for children 6-12 years – 33 euros, 6-18 years – 34 euros).
Tourists with a guide explore shores and caves, stop for swimming and snorkeling. Equipment, life jackets, insurance, and bottled water are included in the price.
One-Day Boat or yacht rental in Dubrovnik with skipper
Boat or yacht rental in Dubrovnik is something I recommend trying at least once in a lifetime. Imagine: transparent water, hidden bays, freedom to choose a route, and absolute relaxation. And now I’ll share details so everything goes flawlessly.
Types of yachts for rent in Dubrovnik and their features
- Motor yachts and speedboats – ideal for small groups of up to 8 people. Basic models can be rented from 400 euros per day, while premium yachts cost from 700 euros per day. The rental includes skipper services, fuel, insurance, and drinks.
- Sailing yachts designed for groups of up to 10 people. Standard models start from 350 euros per day, while luxury models from 600 euros. The price includes skipper services and basic equipment.
- Catamarans – an ideal choice for large groups of up to 12 people. Rental cost starts from 800 euros per day. Catamarans are equipped with two cabins, a kitchen, and a shower, which adds comfort to the vacation.
A small harbor of Šipan Island, which I managed to photograph from a rather beautiful angle during our cruise
Now about my own tips: to save money, you need to book in advance – two to three months before the Tour you can get a discount of up to 15%.
Half-day options will cost even cheaper – approximately 30%. It’s better to book a vessel through verified companies, such as Dubrovnik Boats or Croatia Yachting, they’ve been working in the market for a long time and always offer quality service. It’s worth clarifying whether there’s an extra charge for additional equipment, for example, for fishing or snorkeling – (usually this costs about 50 euros).
And finally, the skipper is a separate advantage. He not only takes care of safe movement but also shows the most beautiful hidden bays. Thanks to him, we were able to visit several more beautiful and little-known places.
And now a bit about Tours with boat or yacht rental:
- Private motorboat rental with skipper for 4 hours to explore the Elaphiti Islands: 400 euros for a group of up to 9 people.
- Unique full-day sailing yacht tour around Elaphiti, where you can try real sailing (for only 572 euros).
- Mljet Island during a full-day private boat trip from Dubrovnik, with stories of Odysseus’s legends – 920 euros (for a group of up to 5 people). Wonderful walk along the coast and past picturesque islands + visit to the national park. Diving equipment and various drinks included.
- Exploring the Elaphiti Islands aboard a unique UFO boat from Dubrovnik – 1400 euros (group of up to 14 people), duration – 4 hours. Combines sea riding, snorkeling on Koločep, beach relaxation on Lopud, and a walk on Šipan. A refrigerator is provided, so you can bring snacks to your taste. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included in the price.
View of the bay on Lopud Island, there are many different yachts and boats here, so renting one of them won’t be difficult
Where near Dubrovnik is best for snorkeling and where for Scuba Diving
Next, let’s talk about one of the most popular activities in Dubrovnik – underwater swimming. There are incredible locations here for everyone – both for beginners and experienced divers. But where is it better to dive with a snorkel and where with scuba gear? Let’s figure it out.
Snorkeling is a great choice for light underwater explorations with a mask and snorkel. My favorite is Lokrum Island. Transparent water with visibility up to 20 meters, bright fish, sea urchins and starfish – there’s plenty to see here. In my opinion, this is an ideal place for beginners and families. I especially recommend coming in the morning when the sea is calm.
Another wonderful option is Bellevue Beach. It’s near the Old Town. The beach is convenient for beginners, and equipment can be rented right on site. The shallow water is ideal for observing marine life.
Since there’s quite a gentle entry into the sea here, Bellevue Beach is a wonderful place for beginners who want to try snorkeling
Diving opens a new level of underwater adventures with scuba gear. Mljet Island offers dives to depths of up to 40 meters with coral reefs, caves, and even sea turtles. There’s an option for history lovers, namely the Elaphiti Islands – there are sunken ships from World War II here. And in Cavtat you can see ancient amphorae in an underwater archaeological park at depths of 6-12 meters. For enthusiasts, they also offer interesting night dives.
As for difficulty, Cavtat is suitable for beginners, while the islands are for more experienced divers.
Practical tips from me:
- The best season for snorkeling and diving in Dubrovnik is June-September when water temperature reaches 22-25°C.
- Several certified dive centers operate in the city where you can take training or rent equipment.
- I recommend booking dive tours in advance, especially during high season.
- It’s also important to know that for scuba diving, a PADI certificate or equivalent is mandatory.
Overview of prices for different types of Tours with diving in various locations in the Dubrovnik Area
If you want to dive into the underwater world near Dubrovnik, here’s what you should know about prices and tour duration for 2025.
Where is it better to snorkel or dive?
In this table, I’ve collected information about the best places for snorkeling and diving near Dubrovnik. Here are prices, Tour duration, and even additional bonuses – for example, discounts or what’s included in the cost.
Table 3 – Comparison of diving and snorkeling prices in different locations around Dubrovnik
Additional services for diving
- PADI Open Water Course: in 3-4 days (400-450 euros) the student receives a certificate that provides access to diving worldwide.
- Equipment rental: full set – only 45 euros per day if you plan to organize the dive independently.
- Video recording of the dive: will preserve memories of underwater beauty – from 35 euros.
- Individual instructor: personal approach and maximum attention for 70 euros per day.
A bit more information about seasonal features:
Table 4 – seasonal features of diving tours in Dubrovnik
I recommend booking tours in advance, especially during high season, to avoid disappointment and ensure the best vacation. All prices are current for 2025 and may vary depending on the season and number of participants.
And now, finally, I recommend a few more Tours that interested us:
Diving in the Dubrovnik area:
- Incredible marine wildlife and crystal-clear waters off the Croatian coast during a 2.5-hour diving tour from Dubrovnik priced at 73 euros.
- Blue Cave Tour with panoramic views of the Old Town and snorkeling – 60 euros, duration – 4 hours.
Snorkeling in the Dubrovnik area:
The majestic walls of Dubrovnik’s old town, in the photo you can even see a group of enthusiasts kayaking in not the most pleasant weather