7 Top Dubrovnik Boat Tours (To Elafiti Islands & Beyond!)

Last updated on April 5th, 2026 at 01:01 am

Looking for the best boat tours from Dubrovnik this summer? You’re in the right place! Exploring the coastline by boat is one of the highlights of visiting this part of Croatia!

Dubrovnik is known for its wonderful location along the Adriatic coast with lush island scenery and clear turquoise waters, and a boat tour from Dubrovnik’s Old Town harbour makes it super easy to get out there and do some serious exploring and island-hopping!

Whenever I’ve stopped in Dubrovnik, I always make sure to book a boat trip, there are so many incredible places nearby, including the stunning National Park on Mljet Island and the Elaphiti islands, my personal favourite area to visit by private boat tour away from the crowds for the most special day out with your loved ones!

Why take a boat tour from Dubrovnik?

A boat tour from Dubrovnik is the easiest way to escape the crowds and discover nearby coastal hidden gems – from tranquil islands, over water restaurants to secret swimming spots you can only reach by boat! It’s the perfect complement to cobbled lanes and busy heritage sites, and with departures right from the Old Town harbour, it couldn’t be easier!

BEST BOAT TOURS FROM DUBROVNIK

1. Elafiti Islands (Sipan, Lopud, Kolocep, BLUE CAVE)

• Tour Length: 8 Hours
• Tour Type: Private – custom

Island-hopping the scenic Elafiti islands is one of the most popular things to do off the coast of Dubrovnik, and this private boat tour in Dubrovnik is one of my personal favourites in the region for visiting tranquil bays, authentic villages, crystal clear water swim spots – you see so much!

A private boat tour from Dubrovnik town harbour is the best way to experience the Adriatic away from the tourist trail and overcrowded boat excursions (please avoid booking these at all costs). This private excursion is totally flexible and well-timed, so you can enjoy private bays, beaches and lunch spots!

As well as being amongst beautiful landscapes, you’ll get to explore the magical Blue Cave on Kolocep Island and on our trip, we included BOWA, a secluded boho-chic over-water restaurant with cabanas – a fantastic place only reachable by small boat!

This full-day Elaphiti Islands private speed boat tour includes:

• Speed boat
• Fully customised service
• Ice-box full of drinks (alcohol & soft)
• Floating devices
• Snorkeling masks
• Towels

Check out the full Elaihiti boat tour details & secure your spot in advance!

Tip! If you’re staying for 3 days in Dubrovnik or more, I recommend including a boat tour into your itinerary on the 3rd day after you’ve finished sightseeing!

2. Mljet National Park & ISLANDS

• Tour Length: 10 Hours
• Tour Type: Small group

If you are a nature lover, Mljet Island is unbeatable! This unique island is almost entirely within the National Park boundaries and is famous for its lush green interior, turquoise water lakes and serene atmosphere.

Mljet is a totally different landscape from anywhere else on this list, there’s truly nowhere else like it in this part of Croatia, which makes it one of the best boat tours from Dubrovnik!

At nearly 5,400 hectares of land, you can’t hope to see it all, but you will be able to discover the highlights on a small group tour, which covers the two striking saltwater lakes, hidden Saplunara Beach and the Odysseus Cave, set amongst rocky landscape!

I recommend a boat tour to Mljet Island if you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience with more adventure, where you can stop for a swim, go kayaking, explore the historic town of Lopud Island or walk around the chalky turquoise shoreline – a must do!

This boat tour to Mljet National Park includes:

• Speed boat
• Bottled water
• Snorkelling gear
• Wind jackets

I really enjoyed Mljet Island, it’s really special, and this tour does a great job of not only covering the highlights but also offering guests an adventurous yet tranquil day out on the water!

View the full Mljet Island tour details & availability!

3. ELAPHITI ISLANDS FULL-DAY SAILING TRIP

• Tour Length: 8 Hours
• Tour Type: Small goup

If you fancy sailing around the Adriatic’s turquoise waters instead of a speedboat, this Dubrovnik boat tour offers guests the delightful experience of touring the islands at a slower pace on a beautiful boat with just 6 passengers in total – a million miles away from the larger commercial boats!

One of the best things about this small group boat tour from Dubrovnik is that you will get to enjoy more of the passing scenic landscapes and a lovely seaside lunch, making it an ideal choice for those who want to spend more time relaxing and soaking up the sun!

Your sightseeing stops include the picturesque islands of Šipan and Lopud, known for their charming villages and clear waters, perfect for swimming and depending on the month you might catch one of Dubrovnik’s magnificent sunsets on your return!

This Elafiti Islands sailing trip includes:

• Sail boat
• Small group (max 6)
• Bottled water
• Snorkelling gear

This highly rated full-day sailing trip is rare in Dubrovnik; it’s an amazing price for what feels like a private tour. If you’re lucky, you might even have the sailing boat all to yourselves if you book later on in the season!

View this premium Dubrovnik Islands sailing experience!

4. BLUE CAVE SMALL GROUP BOAT TOUR

• Tour Length: 4 Hours
• Tour Type: Small group

Just off the Dubrovnik coast, there’s a mystical Blue Cavern with crystal-clear blue waters to swim, which is a popular attraction for those exploring the Elaphti Islands.

As well as the Blue Cave you also get to experience some fantastic beaches and coves in the area including those on Lopud and Kolocep Islands for snorkelling and swimming, Sunj Beach for me was a real highlight, it’s the most beautiful lagoon!

If you have a morning or afternoon to spare in Dubrovnik, this four hour boat trip is ideal. Not only is it one of the top-rated Dubrovnik boat tours in the area, but you’ll see the coastal highlights just moments away, which is the perfect complement to sightseeing in Dubrovnik Old Town!

I recommend a morning tour – that allows you to organise your own lunch or even enjoy another activity like walking the walls at sunset!

This Blue Cave small group boat tour from Dubrovnik includes:

• Small group (max 12)
• Complimentary drinks
• Handy AM or PM departures!
• 3 Locations

View the full Blue Cave boat tour experience!

5. lokrum island & betina cave tour

• Tour Length: 4 Hours
• Tour Type: Small group

Lokrum Island is one of the most frequently visited places from Dubrovnik Old Town due to its handy location, just a 10-minute boat ride away from the harbour. While you can visit the island with a shuttle boat, this 4-hour Dubrovnik boat tour covers two more spots!

The unique thing about this tour is the glass-bottom boat, the only one of its kind in Dubrovnik, which allows you to see the underwater world as you pass by the old town walls to Lokrum, where you have free time to explore the Monastery, botanical gardens, and rocky beaches.

Two hours is plenty of time to see the highlights of Lokrum and on your return to Dubrovnik, you’ll stop by Betina Cave and St. Jacob’s Beach, one of Dubrovnik’s most beautiful swim spots, only reachable by boat and popular with kayakers.

This Lokrum and Betina Boat Tour from Dubrovnik includes:

• Glass bottom boat
• Snorkel equipment
• Entry ticket
• Sightseeing cruise
• 3 Locations

View this Lokrum Island boat trip from Dubrovnik!

6. luxury blue cave 4 hour small group

• Tour Length: 4 Hours
• Tour Type: Small group

For a more elevated experience, this small group boat tour from Dubrovnik offers a luxury catamaran with plenty of space to sit in the sun or shade and soft loungers to relax and enjoy the views – for a shorter tour, this one is unbeatable!

From your luxury abode, you can soak in the old town views from the coastline as you make your way to the stunning natural Blue Cave on Kolocep Island, one of the best attractions near Dubrovnik and lovely swim spots on the island of Lopud.

You’ll have time for a short swim and sunbathe in the crystal clear waters of the Elafiiti islands and bask in the warm sunshine, no wonder this Dubrovnik boat tour comes highly rated – I think it’s perfect if you’re after a little luxury and a beautiful excursion!

This luxury blue cave 4 hour small group boat tour from Durovnik includes:

• Luxury catamaran with sunbeds
• x 3 drinks per passenger
• Snorkel equipment

Explore this luxury 4-hour Dubrovnik boat tour!

7. PRIVATE DUBROVNIK SUNSET & PROCESCCO CRUISE

• Tour Length: 1.5 Hours
• Tour Type: Private

If you’re looking for a sunset cruise, this luxury Dubrovnik boat experience is hard to beat! Sunsets are an occasion to be celebrated in Dubrovnik; they are spectacular and for couples, it’s especially romantic!

On board, you’ll receive flowing prosecco, snacks and a beautiful private charter with plenty of space on the comfortable sofas to relax with your party!

It’s the perfect length of tour to fit in perfectly before dinner in Dubrovnik old town, staring from the harbour you’ll glide past, the old town before arriving at Lokrum Island where the magical sunsets are best!

Whether you’re celebrating an occasion with friends or family or enjoying a romantic sunset cruise to finalise your itinerary in Dubrovnik, you can’t go wrong with this private boat trip; it’s the best of all the sunset Dubrovnik boat tours!

This Dubrovnik Sunset Boat Tour includes:

• Private luxury charter
• Snacks
• Unlimited drinks & bubbly
• Up to 7 guests

View the private sunset tour details & availability here!

TIPS FOR BOOKING DUBROVNIK BOAT TOURS

When To Visit The Coast

For the best experience, great weather and fewer crowds, May to September are the best months to visit Dubrovnik’s coast and islands! The smaller islands are very seasonal, which see a lot of closed attractions and restaurants either side of these months – not to mention the sea is too cold to swim!

When To Book

Popular Dubrovnik boat tours like Elafiti island-hopping tours sell out quickly in summer. Pre-booking saves hassle – at least 1-2 weeks in advance, scroll up and check availability!

Tip! I recommend one of the above curated tours over any advertised from the old town harbour, which often means larger group tours and little space!

What To Bring

Most boats come with a cooler box, so I recommend bringing a few drinks and snacks of your own – check with your provider as some private boats include all of this as well as alcoholic drinks!

What To Pack

• Swimsuit, towel, water shoes (for rocky beaches),
• Sunscreen, cover-up and water bottles.
• Cash & cards for payments for lunch stops
• Swimsuit, towel, water shoes (for rocky beaches),
• Sunscreen and water bottles.
• Phone charger for the longer tours!
• Trainers for National Parks.

BOAT TOURS FROM DUBROVNIK: FAQ

Are the Elafiti Islands worth going to?

Yes absolutely! Boat tours from Dubrovnik to the Elafiti Islands are one of the most popular day trips from Dubrovnik, offering a blend of beaches, bays, caves and authentic villages!

What are the best private boat tours from Dubrovnik?

One of the best private boat tours from Dubrovnik is this wonderful Elafiti boat tour, I mentioned above, which is completely customisable and if you love sailing, I highly recommend this sailing trip!

Can you do short boat trips from Dubrovnik?

Yes! You can definitely do short boat trips from Dubrovnik, either morning or afternoon 4-hour boat tour around the islands or a 2-hour sunset experience!

What are the best boat tours from Dubrovnik old town?

All boat tours in Dubrovnik leave from the old town harbour, making it super easy if you are staying for around 3 days in Dubrovnik!

Still planning your itinerary?

Still building your Dubrovnik trip? I’ve linked my most helpful Dubrovnik planning guides below – from where to stay, to day trips, to how to plan your days in the old town!

• Dubrovnik Travel Guide – top tips & need to know for first time visitors!
• Where To Stay In Dubrovnik – the best areas, boutique hotels & luxury stays!
• How To Spend 3 Days In Dubrovnik – top itinerary planning tips for Dubrovnik!
• Best Things To Do In Dubrovnik Old Town – heritage sites, attractions & experiences!
• Day Trips From Dubrovnik – heritage town, islands, & waterfalls worth visiting!

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