Beautiful medieval walls rise from the crystal-clear waters of Dubrovnik’s coastline. The view is breathtaking from the sea. Walking along the city walls gives you one point of view, but private boat tours show you Dubrovnik’s coastal grandeur from a completely different angle.
The city’s waters have a wealth of hidden gems you can explore. You might want a romantic sunset cruise near the city walls or an adventure to secret caves and quiet beaches. The mystical Blue Cave and Mljet Island’s untouched shores are just some highlights that make boat tours special. Land tours can’t match these experiences. Here are four exceptional private boat tours that will make your Dubrovnik trip an amazing sea adventure.
Sunset Boat Tour
Your magical 2-hour sunset cruise starts from Old Town port or Port Gruz, timed perfectly about an hour before sunset. This private adventure showcases Dubrovnik’s coastline in its most enchanting golden hour light.
The cruise glides beneath the majestic city fortifications while the sun bathes ancient stones in warm hues. Your expert skipper will direct you around the lush Lokrum Island and share fascinating stories about its mysterious curse and rich history.
The boat heads to the breathtaking Betina Cave, where turquoise waters create a mesmerizing sight. You’ll get a chance to take a refreshing swim in the Adriatic – don’t forget your swimwear!
Your private sunset tour has:
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- English-speaking skipper
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- Refreshments (wine, beer, juice, water)
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- Towels and snorkeling equipment
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- Fuel costs
The moderate cruising speed lets you capture perfect photos as you sail past Porporela and beneath Fort Lovrjenac, which sits dramatically on its 37-meter-high rocky pedestal. The experience ends with a glass of chilled wine as the sun sets, painting spectacular red and orange hues across the water.
A private tour gives you the flexibility to adjust your route based on weather conditions, so you stay comfortable throughout the experience. Your captain can modify the course to give you the most spectacular views of Dubrovnik’s walls as daylight fades into evening.
Mljet Island & Odysseyus Cave Boat Tour
Mljet Island sits just ninety minutes from Dubrovnik, a green paradise that stands as the most forested island in the Adriatic. This natural wonder features Croatia’s oldest National Park, which has protected its unique ecosystem since the 1960s.
The adventure starts at Dubrovnik’s port. A skilled skipper will guide you to the mythical Odysseus Cave. Ancient tales tell of this remarkable sea grotto serving as the legendary hero’s shelter after his shipwreck, where the nymph Calypso kept him captive for seven years. You’ll get a chance to snorkel in the cave’s pristine waters or try thrilling cliff jumps.
The next stop takes you to the heart of Mljet National Park, where two stunning saltwater lakes await. The charming St. Mary’s Island sits in the middle of the Large Lake, and you can reach it by a short boat ride. The park’s remarkable features include:
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- Two mesmerizing saltwater lakes with coral reefs
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- Ancient Roman palace remains from the 3rd century
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- Rich biodiversity with abundant local wildlife
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- Traditional Dalmatian seafood restaurants
You’ll spend about 1.5 hours at the National Park and 20 minutes exploring Odysseus Cave. The final stop is the port of Šipan, where the stunning surroundings and crystal-clear waters offer an idyllic spot for swimming and relaxation.
Professional skippers provide snorkeling gear, towels, and refreshments at no extra cost to ensure your comfort. The tour’s flexible schedule lets you fully enjoy each location’s unique charm.
Elaphiti Islands & Blue Cave Boat Tour
The stunning Elaphiti archipelago sits in the sparkling Adriatic with three unique islands: Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan. A private boat tour reveals these hidden gems and shows you the best each destination has to offer.
Your trip starts at Kolocep with its spectacular Blue Cave. Swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters await you as sunlight creates a magical blue glow throughout the cavern. Your experienced skipper guides and supervises you at the remarkable Three Green Caves.
The boat then takes you to Lopud Island, where the famous Sunj Beach welcomes you. This sandy paradise is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The western side of Lopud shows off its medieval architecture and historical monuments.
Sipan, the largest of the Elaphiti Islands, is your final stop. The old port of Sudjuradj village and its impressive Skocibuha castle await your visit. You can also enjoy local wine and olive oil tasting sessions.
The tour has:
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- Professional skipper guidance
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- Complimentary snorkeling equipment
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- Refreshing drinks
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- Customizable itinerary
This 8-hour trip gives you plenty of time to discover hidden bays, swim in secluded coves, and feel the authentic charm of these remarkable islands. Your friendly skipper adjusts the cruising speed and route based on your priorities to create a customized adventure through this beautiful archipelago.
Šunj Beach & Blue Cave
Find an exciting half-day trip that combines natural wonders with beach time. The Blue Cave on Koločep Island is a chance to swim where sunlight creates amazing effects in the crystal-clear waters.
Your trip starts at Gruž port, and you can choose between 10:00 AM or 2:00 PM departure times. The first stop is the Blue Cave, where guides show you how to dive under rocks to enter this natural wonder. The adventure takes you to Three Hidden Caves next, and each cave gives you great spots to swim and take photos.
Šunj Beach is the main attraction, where you get 90 minutes to unwind. You can:
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- Swim in pristine waters
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- Sunbathe on golden sands
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- Snorkel in crystal-clear depths
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- Visit waterfront bars and ice cream shops
To stay comfortable, bring these items:
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- Swimwear and towels
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- Beachwear
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- Camera to capture cave photos
This 4-hour trip works best for people who love adventure. All the same, note that people with mobility issues or non-swimmers should skip this tour. An English-speaking guide will boost your experience by sharing interesting facts about each spot you visit.
Conclusion
Private boat tours will revolutionize your Dubrovnik visit into an amazing sea adventure. You can watch the sun paint the ancient walls golden. You might want to check out mysterious caves or find hidden island gems. These well-planned trips have something special for every visitor.
Each tour has its own charm. The sunset cruises capture evening magic. Mljet Island’s adventures mix nature with mythology. The Elaphiti Islands show you authentic Croatian island life. Blue Cave trips give you unforgettable swimming spots. Expert skippers keep you safe and share local knowledge throughout your trip.
These private tours let you explore freely, far from tourist crowds. Your adventure adjusts to weather, your priorities, and interests. This makes each trip special. Book a Private Boat Tour to see Dubrovnik’s coastal beauty from the best spot – the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea.