Best Beaches Near Dubrovnik by Boat — 12 Hidden Gems Only Accessible by Water (2026)

The best beaches near Dubrovnik aren’t the crowded ones you can walk to — they’re the hidden coves and pristine shores only accessible by boat. When you rent a boat in Dubrovnik, you unlock access to crystal-clear waters, secluded swimming spots, and beaches where you might be the only visitors all day.

At Rent Boat Dubrovnik, we’ve spent 15+ years exploring every beach within a 2-hour boat ride of Marina Frapa. Our co-founders Gari and Mislav have personally scouted these locations and can recommend the perfect beach for your group. In this guide, we share our 12 favorite beaches — from famous stretches of sand to secret coves known only to locals.

Why Explore Dubrovnik Beaches by Boat?

Dubrovnik’s coastline is dramatic — steep cliffs, rocky outcrops, and hidden inlets carved by centuries of Adriatic waves. Most beaches are either crowded (Banje, Copacabana) or completely inaccessible by land. A rental boat changes everything:

• Access hidden coves with no foot traffic
• Arrive before the crowds at popular spots like Šunj Beach
• Hop between beaches throughout the day
• Anchor in turquoise water and swim straight off the boat
• Bring your own food and drinks for a private beach picnic

Ready to explore? Check our boat rental options — prices start at €150/day with fuel included.

The 12 Best Beaches Near Dubrovnik by Boat

1. Šunj Beach, Lopud Island — The Perfect Sand Beach

Distance from Marina Frapa: 40 minutes by boat

Šunj Beach is the crown jewel of Elafiti Islands beaches. Unlike the pebble beaches common to Croatia, Šunj offers fine sand, shallow water perfect for children, and a stunning horseshoe bay. The beach has a restaurant and sunbed rentals, but arriving by boat means you can anchor at the quieter ends.

Pro tip: Arrive before 10 AM to claim the best anchoring spot. The beach faces west, making it ideal for afternoon sun.

2. Pasjača Beach — Croatia’s Most Beautiful Beach

Distance from Marina Frapa: 35 minutes by boat

Voted Croatia’s most beautiful beach by European Best Destinations, Pasjača sits beneath 200-meter cliffs near Popovići village. By land, it requires a steep 30-minute descent. By boat, you anchor offshore and swim to pristine pebbles surrounded by towering rock faces.

Warning: The beach is narrow and can disappear at high tide. Check conditions before visiting.

3. Betina Cave Beach, Koločep Island

Distance from Marina Frapa: 25 minutes by boat

This tiny beach sits inside a sea cave on Koločep’s western shore. The cave provides natural shade, the water is impossibly clear, and you’ll likely have it entirely to yourself. It’s only accessible by boat or a difficult cliff scramble.

Best for: Couples seeking privacy, snorkelers, photographers.

4. Sveti Jakov Beach — Old Town Views

Distance from Marina Frapa: 15 minutes by boat

While technically accessible by stairs from land, Sveti Jakov is best reached by boat to avoid the 166-step descent. This pebble beach offers unobstructed views of Dubrovnik’s Old Town walls and Lokrum Island. The water is deep and perfect for jumping off rocks.

5. Arboretum Beach, Trsteno

Distance from Marina Frapa: 45 minutes by boat

Below the famous Trsteno Arboretum (a Game of Thrones filming location), you’ll find a quiet pebble beach with clear water and a small pier. Anchor here, swim, then walk up to explore the 500-year-old gardens.

6. Mrkan Island Coves

Distance from Marina Frapa: 50 minutes by boat

Mrkan is an uninhabited island south of Cavtat with several tiny beaches tucked into its rocky coastline. There are no facilities — just pure, untouched Adriatic nature. Bring everything you need for a true Robinson Crusoe experience.

7. Kupari Beach — Abandoned Resort Views

Distance from Marina Frapa: 20 minutes by boat

Kupari’s beaches sit below the famous abandoned Yugoslav-era resort hotels. The contrast of crumbling brutalist architecture against crystal water makes this a unique destination. The main beach has summer facilities; the surrounding coves are quieter.

8. Lokrum Island East Shore

Distance from Marina Frapa: 15 minutes by boat

While most visitors take the ferry to Lokrum’s main pier, boaters can explore the island’s wild eastern shore. Several rocky swimming spots offer privacy and excellent snorkeling. The FKK (naturist) beach is on the southeast corner.

9. Zaton Bay Beaches

Distance from Marina Frapa: 30 minutes by boat

Zaton Bay, northwest of Dubrovnik, has several family-friendly beaches with shallow, calm water. The bay is protected from waves, making it ideal for children and paddleboarding. Small restaurants line the shore for lunch stops.

10. Šipan Island — Multiple Beach Options

Distance from Marina Frapa: 55 minutes by boat

The largest Elafiti island has numerous small beaches scattered along its coast. Šipanska Luka bay is popular, but the quieter coves on the northern shore reward exploration. The island also has excellent restaurants for seafood lunch.

11. Cavtat Peninsula Beaches

Distance from Marina Frapa: 25 minutes by boat

The Cavtat peninsula has several beaches on its western side, away from the tourist crowds in the main harbor. Anchor in one of the bays, swim, and walk into town for coffee or lunch.

12. Blue Cave Beach, Koločep

Distance from Marina Frapa: 30 minutes by boat

After visiting the famous Blue Cave, don’t miss the small beach at the cave entrance. The water glows turquoise, and the setting is magical. Combine with Betina Cave Beach for a full day of Koločep exploration.

Which Boat to Rent for Beach Hopping?

For beach exploration, you need a boat that’s easy to anchor, has a swim ladder, and offers shade. Our recommendations:

Budget option: Pasara (€150/day) — Simple, no license needed, perfect for 2-4 people exploring nearby beaches.

Best value: Cap Camarat 6.5 (€300/day) — Spacious deck, bimini shade, swim ladder, fits 8 people comfortably.

Full day island hopping: Quicksilver 755 (€400/day) — Fast enough to reach Šipan, comfortable for long days, seats 9.

Beach Day Essentials

When heading to beaches by boat, pack:

• Reef-safe sunscreen (Croatian waters are protected)
• Water shoes for rocky entries
• Snorkeling gear (included with our rentals)
• Cooler with drinks and snacks
• Waterproof phone case
• Beach towels

Book Your Beach Adventure

Ready to discover Dubrovnik’s best beaches? Contact us to book your boat rental or call +385 91 600 1201. Our team can recommend the perfect itinerary based on your group size, experience level, and beach preferences.

All boats depart from Marina Frapa, Lapadska obala 21a, with free parking available.