Why a Private Boat Is the Best Family Activity in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik’s Old Town is spectacular but it is also crowded, hot, and not particularly child-friendly in peak summer. A private boat rental flips the script — you get open water, swimming stops, and a pace that suits your family. No queues, no timetables, and kids can jump off the boat as many times as they want.
At RentBoatDubrovnik.com, every boat comes with child-sized life jackets, fuel, insurance, and a safety briefing. You can self-drive or take a free skipper so you can focus entirely on the kids.
Top Boats for Families with Children
Best Budget: Small Boat Pasara — from €80/day
The Pasara is the most affordable family boat in Dubrovnik. It seats 4, requires no licence, and is perfect for a gentle trip to Lokrum Island. The low sides make it easy for kids to see the water, but we recommend it for children aged 6 and up.
Best All-Rounder: Tiburon 180 — €130/day
The Tiburon 180 is our top recommendation for families. It has higher sides than the Pasara (safer for toddlers), a stable fibreglass hull, comfortable seating, and no licence is required. Great for Lokrum, Betina Cave, and nearby coves.
Best for Island Hopping: Barracuda 530 — €180/day
The Barracuda 530 seats 5 and has an 80 HP engine — fast enough to combine Lokrum in the morning with Cavtat in the afternoon. Licence required or take a free skipper.
Best for Bigger Families: Quicksilver 675 — €300/day
The Quicksilver 675 seats 7, making it ideal for families with grandparents or two families sharing. Powerful enough for a full-day Elafiti Islands trip, with a sun deck where kids can lie down and nap.
Best Family-Friendly Destinations by Boat
- Lokrum Island — 10 minutes away, peacocks, the Dead Sea salt lake, shaded walking paths. Best for ages 3+.
- Sunj Beach, Lopud — the only sandy beach near Dubrovnik. Shallow water, perfect for toddlers. Part of the Elafiti Islands route.
- Betina Cave Beach — small hidden beach west of Lapad, reachable only by boat. Calm, sheltered, no crowds.
- Cavtat — charming waterfront town with ice cream shops, a promenade, and shallow swimming from the town beach.
Family Boat Rental Tips
- Take a skipper: Free with any boat. You focus on the kids while the skipper handles navigation and anchoring.
- Start early: Leave by 9 AM. Kids do better in the morning, and the sea is calmest before noon.
- Pack snacks: Bring water, fruit, and sandwiches. Restaurants on islands can be slow and expensive.
- Reef shoes: Most beaches near Dubrovnik are rocky. Reef shoes prevent tears and tantrums.
- Shade: Boats like the Cap Camarat 6.5 have a T-top for shade. Otherwise, bring a sun tent for the bow.
- Half day option: 4-hour rentals are available at roughly 65% of the full-day price. See our pricing page.
What is the safest boat for kids in Dubrovnik?
The Tiburon 180 is the safest choice for families. It has high sides, a stable fibreglass hull, comfortable seating, and requires no licence. Child-sized life jackets are included with every rental.
Can toddlers go on a rental boat?
Yes. We provide infant and toddler life jackets. For children under 3, we recommend taking a skipper and choosing the Tiburon 180 or Quicksilver 675 for maximum stability and space.
Is a half-day boat rental enough for a family?
A 4-hour half-day rental is perfect for families with young children. You can comfortably visit Lokrum Island, swim, and return before anyone gets too tired. For the Elafiti Islands, plan a full day.
Do boat rentals include child life jackets?
Yes. All boats at RentBoatDubrovnik.com include life jackets for adults, children, and toddlers at no additional cost.
Plan your family boat day. Browse all boats or call +385 91 600 1201 to book.
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