Dubrovnik, the most visited destination in Croatia, has a lot to offer. Not only when it comes to Old Town and history, which is a crucial part of its popularity, but also when it comes to activities of all kinds. This article brings you some of the best private boat tours in Dubrovnik. We have enjoyed Dubrovnik on a boat many times now, sometimes through a tour on a larger boat such as Karaka – a replica of an old ship which was characteristic of the Dubrovnik Republic, but most times through a Dubrovnik private boat tours such as the ones we’re going to present in this article.
Dubrovnik is surrounded by the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea, stunning islands such as Elaphiti, hidden caves and bays, and has some of the most mesmerizing sunsets you’ll ever see. All this makes it an ideal destination for private boat tours. We tried to include a bit of something for everyone, couples, families, adventurers… Our plan is to update the list of the best private boat tours in Dubrovnik constantly as new tours and experiences emerge.
Why Book a Private Boat Tour in Dubrovnik?
Dubrovnik from the sea is a different experience than Dubrovnik from a land. When it comes to such boat tours, you have a few options – Dubrovnik kayak tours, group boat tours, and private boat tours in Dubrovnik. The choice depends on how active you want to be and which places would you like to visit. For example, kayaking tours in Dubrovnik only cover a small area compared to boat tours but are still one of the most famous experiences in Dubrovnik.
Here’s why booking a private boat tour in Dubrovnik is a good idea:
Personalized Itinerary – Unlike similar group tours, private boat tours allow you to customize your experience and enjoy with no one else on board (except you, your group, and skipper).
Exclusive & Intimate Experience – Perfect for couples, families, or small groups who want to enjoy carefree exploration.
Access to Hidden Places – Visit secluded beaches, unreachable bays, and hidden caves .
Ultimate Comfort – Through tours like these, you can avoid crowded boats and enjoy a luxurious ride at your own pace.
Best Private Boat Tours in Dubrovnik
As we already mentioned, we did our best to include different boat experiences in Dubrovnik and made a list with 4 tours we believe are the best to enjoy Dubrovnik and its nearby places through a private experience.
1. Explore the Elaphiti Islands – A Classic Island-Hopping Experience
We are starting with the group of islands located near Dubrovnik. This private boat tour takes you to the Elaphiti Islands . The tour includes visits to Lopud, Koločep, and Šipan , where you can enjoy beautiful beaches, hidden bays, and picturesque coastal villages .
Highlights:
Swim in the famous Blue Cave on Koločep Island.
Enjoy free time on Šunj Beach , one of the best sandy beaches in southern Croatia.
Visit historic villages and try authentic Dalmatian cuisine.
Who It’s For:
Perfect for families, couples, and nature lovers who want to experience multiple islands in just one trip.
2. Hidden Beauties of the Elaphiti Islands – A Unique Boat Charter
Still experiencing the Elaphiti, but through a bit different tour. If you’re looking for a tailor-made adventure , this boat tour offers an itinerary that can change according to your interests. No matter if you prefer snorkeling, swimming, sightseeing, or just relaxing , the captain will adjust the tour according to your preferences.
Highlights:
Cruise along the stunning Elaphiti archipelago.
Discover the hidden sea caves of Koločep .
Try local seafood restaurants on Šipan Island.
Who It’s For:
Ideal for those who want a fully customizable experience and off-the-beaten-path exploration.
3. Sunset City Walls Private Speedboat Tour
In this tour we return to Dubrovnik to observe some of the most stunning sunsets you’ll ever see. This tour offers the perfect romantic getaway or relaxing sunset experience perfect for couples visiting Dubrovnik. As the sun sets over this city, you’ll get the chance to see the Old Town walls glowing in golden hues while cruising on a speedboat featured in this experience.
Highlights:
Enjoy a private, peaceful sunset cruise .
Witness spectacular views of Dubrovnik’s city walls from the sea.
Enjoy a glass of champagne while watching the sunset over the Adriatic.
Who It’s For:
Couples, honeymooners, or anyone looking for an unforgettable sunset experience in Dubrovnik .
4. Mljet & Odysseus Cave Private Boat Tour
This one is one of our favorites since it explores the southernmost national park in Croatia. This private boat tour to Mljet National Park and Odysseus Cave is the perfect experience for nature lovers. Enjoy one of the greenest islands in Croatia and a place that offers plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and hiking .
View of the Mljet National Park
Highlights:
Explore Mljet National Park , home to two saltwater lakes and a 12th-century monastery .
Swim in Odysseus Cave , a magical sea cave with crystal-clear water and a unique setting.
Visit the secluded beaches and the untouched nature of Mljet Island.
Explore the unique coastline of this island in southern Croatia.
Who It’s For:
This tour is perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and travelers seeking a serene escape through one of the best day trips from Dubrovnik.
Which Private Boat Tour is Right for You?
Did you manage to find the best private boat tour in Dubrovnik for you? We didn’t want to stuff this article with all kinds of similar tours. If you haven’t found what you were looking for, keep in mind that there are more tours on offer so you can search for the one that suits you best.
Let’s conclude this article with a short review of which of the given tours is the best fit for what kind of people:
Explore the Elaphiti Islands – Best for a classic island-hopping experience. It’s also a family-friendly adventure.
Hidden Beauties of Elaphiti – Best for customized experiences and exploring hidden gems at your own pace.
Sunset City Walls Tour – Best for romantic getaways and breathtaking sunsets. If you’re a couple visiting Dubrovnik or you came here for your honeymoon, this tour is perfect for you.
Mljet & Odysseus Cave – Best for nature lovers who want to explore the best places of the southernmost national park in Croatia.
Before You Venture on any of the Private Boat Tours in Dubrovnik
Booking a private boat tour in Dubrovnik is one of the best ways to explore the stunning Adriatic Sea coastline around Dubrovnik as some of the most famous islands near it. Tours such as these can lift your overall experience of Dubrovnik and take you to the places you might not even know exist. Vacation is a great opportunity to make everlasting memories, and activities such as these can make all the difference.
Enjoy your time in Dubrovnik.