Our story with these Dubrovnik galleons started a few years ago. As we are professional photographers, we were booked to film a special birthday event on a Dubrovnik Karaka galleon. This event included many actors who dressed up like pirates and involved a lot of acting and storytelling. It was like we were transported back to some other, more turbulent times. A few years later, we had a chance to document a wedding on a Karaka in Dubrovnik again. Finally, now we decided to write about the Dubrovnik galleon cruise that can be done on either Karaka or Tirena, replicas of old 16th-century ships.
If you are to visit Dubrovnik, you’ll notice these ships sail around it every day. In the morning, they leave on the tours to explore the nearby Elaphiti Islands, while in the afternoon they have a sunset tour through which you can observe the sunset over Dubrovnik and the walls of the Old Town in a golden glow.
Booking a galleon cruise tour in Dubrovnik is a great way to revive the vibe of the past times when ships such as these were part of the large fleet of trading vessels of the Dubrovnik Republic. Ships like Karaka and Tirena used to sail all across the world and Dubrovnik sailors were known as some of the best sailors in the world.
What is a Galleon Cruise in Dubrovnik? This article will be all about the Dubrovnik galleon cruise, a one-of-a-kind experience in Dubrovnik that can be done on 2 ships – Karaka and Tirena. I still remember how we used to look at Tirena being built whenever we drove through Omiš. We didn’t know it at that time, but we witnessed the birth of the wooden ship that would become Dubrovnik’s Tirena.
A galleon cruise in Dubrovnik offers you the unique chance to sail aboard a faithful reconstruction of a 16th-century ship . The ships look like they used to look centuries ago, complete with wooden decks, sails, and a romantic natural vibe of such vessels. These galleon cruises often include:
Scenic tours of the coastline around Dubrovnik Island-hopping adventures to nearby Elaphiti islands (Koločep, Šipan, Lopud)Sunset dinner cruises with music and wineGame of Thrones-themed tours
Meet the Ships: Karaka and Tirena As you might already notice from the beginning of this article, there are only 2 such ship replicas in Dubrovnik – Karaka and Tirena. Both of them are faithful replicas and look absolutely stunning and add so much vibe to the overall Dubrovnik ambiance. We always like to see them sailing around Dubrovnik, and we like even more sailing on them. It’s truly once in a lifetime experience. Let’s meet Dubrovnik’s Karaka and Tirena more closely.
Karaka Karaka is the boat we’ve been on several times, once as a photographer of a large Dubrovnik birthday event of a foreign multimillionaire, and a few times for weddings on Karaka. It’s a beautiful ship and sailing on such a vessel is an experience to remember for a long time.
Design: Inspired by the 16th-century merchant ships that were common for the Dubrovnik RepublicFeatures: Large open decks, restaurant/bar, shaded seating, and restroomsExperiences Offered: Sunset cruises, island tours, Game of Thrones cruises, weddings, and private eventsFun Fact: Dubrovnik’s Karaka was featured in the Game of Thrones series!
Tirena We never set foot on Tirena, but we have to admit that it’s a beautiful ship, especially when it opens its sails. We watched Tirena being built in a shipyard in Omiš every time we passed through this Dalmatian town, although we never knew what kind of ship was being built there.
Design: A true replica of a traditional wooden sailing galleonFeatures: Authentic aesthetics with classic wooden rigging and sailsExperiences Offered: Shorter cruises, pirate-themed tours , and family-friendly adventuresBest For: Anyone looking for a charming and relaxed sailing experience
Why Choose a Galleon Cruise in Dubrovnik? As you already can see from the images we provided in this article, these Dubrovnik galleons are truly a work of art and one of the best ways to observe Dubrovnik from a different vantage point. For a more exploration vibe, we suggest booking a day trip with any of these galleons to the nearby Elaphiti Islands .
Here are a few reasons we believe that these galleon cruises in Dubrovnik might be a worthy experience:
Unique historical ambiance Great photography opportunities with Dubrovnik’s Old Town in the backgroundThe perfect option for families with kids visiting Dubrovnik, couples, and small groups These tours are a blend history, nature, and entertainment , all delivered in a single experience
Before You Venture Sailing on Tirena or Karaka in Dubrovnik A Dubrovnik galleon cruise aboard the Karaka or Tirena is a great way to feel the vibe of the old Dubrovnik Republic. You don’t need to be a history lover to appreciate such an experience. If you’re visiting Dubrovnik with children, these galleon tours are among the top activities your kids will love . Even if you don’t go on any such tour and decide to stay on land, stop for a moment whenever you see a Karaka or Tirena and be transferred into some other Dubrovnik when these ships are a regular sight.
Enjoy your time in Dubrovnik!
