Dubrovnik Boat Trip Itineraries — 5 Routes You Can Do by Rental Boat

A Dubrovnik boat trip is the highlight of most visitors’ Croatian adventure. But with dozens of islands, beaches, and coves to explore, where do you actually go? If you rent a boat in Dubrovnik, the choices are yours — and that freedom can be overwhelming.

We’ve solved that problem. At RentBoatDubrovnik.com, we’ve been guiding visitors through these waters since 2010. Our founders Gari and Mislav have sailed every route countless times. In this guide, they share their five favorite boat trip itineraries — each matched to the best boat from our fleet.

Route 1: Lokrum Island Quick Trip (2–3 Hours)

Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 3 km round trip | Best for: First-timers, short on time

Lokrum Island sits just 600 meters from Dubrovnik’s Old Town — making it the easiest Dubrovnik boat trip you can take. Even with a small boat and no experience, you can reach Lokrum in 10 minutes.

The Route

1. Depart Marina Frapa (Lapad)
2. Cruise past the Old Town walls — Photo opportunity from the water
3. Circle Lokrum Island — Stunning views of the monastery and cliffs
4. Anchor in the western bay — Calm, protected water for swimming
5. Optional: Land at the pier — Explore the island on foot (botanical garden, “Dead Sea” lake)
6. Return to marina

What You’ll See

• Dubrovnik Old Town from the sea (the best angle for photos)
• Lokrum’s Benedictine monastery ruins
• The famous peacocks that roam the island
• Crystal-clear swimming spots with rocky seafloor

Best Boat for This Route

Pasara Small Boat — €150/day

The Pasara is perfect for Lokrum. It requires no license, handles calm waters beautifully, and costs less than a taxi tour. For couples or families of four, it’s ideal.

Alternative: Tiburon 180 (€200) — More modern design, same no-license ease.

Why Choose This Route?

• Perfect if you only have a few hours
• No boating experience required
• Cheapest boat rental option
• Great introduction before a longer trip tomorrow

Route 2: Koločep Island & Blue Cave (Half-Day, 4–5 Hours)

Difficulty: Moderate | Distance: 18 km round trip | Best for: Blue Cave enthusiasts, swimmers

The Blue Cave near Koločep is one of Dubrovnik’s natural wonders — a sea cave where sunlight creates an ethereal blue glow. This Dubrovnik boat trip combines the cave with excellent swimming beaches.

The Route

1. Depart Marina Frapa (08:30 for best light)
2. Head northwest to Koločep — 25-minute cruise
3. Blue Cave visit — Swim into the cave when conditions allow
4. Anchor at Donje Čelo bay — Main beach on Koločep’s western side
5. Swim, snorkel, optional lunch — Waterfront restaurant available
6. Explore the island’s small bays — Find your private swimming spot
7. Return to Dubrovnik — Via scenic Old Town route

What You’ll See

• The Blue Cave’s stunning natural light show (best 10 AM – 1 PM)
• Koločep’s car-free village with stone houses
• Hidden coves only accessible by boat
• Underwater visibility often exceeding 20 meters

Best Boat for This Route

Barracuda 530 — €180/day

The Barracuda 530 has enough power to reach Koločep quickly but is nimble enough to navigate near the Blue Cave entrance. License required.

Alternative: Barracuda 545 (€250) — More space for groups of 5–6.

Route 3: Full Elafiti Islands Circuit (Full Day, 7–8 Hours)

Difficulty: Moderate-Advanced | Distance: 50 km round trip | Best for: Adventurous explorers, island collectors

This is the classic Dubrovnik boat trip — a full day exploring all three main Elafiti Islands. It’s what most visitors dream of when they think about renting a boat in Dubrovnik.

The Route

1. Depart Marina Frapa (08:00–09:00)
2. Koločep Island — Blue Cave, quick swim (1.5 hours)
3. Lopud Island — Anchor offshore Šunj Beach, the region’s best sandy beach. Lunch here. (3 hours)
4. Šipan Island — Largest and quietest Elafiti island. Explore Šipanska Luka village, swim in uncrowded bays. (2 hours)
5. Return to Dubrovnik — Scenic coastal route past Old Town

What You’ll See

• All three Elafiti Islands in one day
• The Blue Cave (Koločep)
• Šunj Beach (Lopud) — rare sandy beach on the Croatian coast
• Medieval churches and olive groves (Šipan)
• Dramatic coastal cliffs and hidden anchorages

Best Boat for This Route

Quicksilver 675 — €300/day

For a full-day Elafiti circuit, you want a boat with range, speed, and comfort. The Quicksilver 675’s 150 HP engine handles the 50 km journey easily, and the deep-V hull manages open water between islands.

Alternative: Cap Camarat 6.5 (€300) — Better for families with bimini shade.

Full details: Elafiti Islands Day Trip by Boat

Route 4: Dubrovnik to Cavtat Coastal Cruise (Half-Day, 4–5 Hours)

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate | Distance: 22 km round trip | Best for: History lovers, lunch enthusiasts

Cavtat is a charming coastal town 12 km south of Dubrovnik. Going by boat transforms a simple visit into a memorable Dubrovnik boat trip along stunning coastline.

The Route

1. Depart Marina Frapa
2. Cruise south past Dubrovnik Old Town
3. Pass the cliffs below Župa Dubrovačka — Dramatic coastal scenery
4. Enter Cavtat harbor — Easy anchoring or tie-up at the quay
5. Explore Cavtat — 2 hours for lunch, walking the promenade, visiting the Račić Mausoleum
6. Swim at Rat Beach — On the peninsula south of town
7. Return via same route — Different light in the afternoon

Best Boat for This Route

Fisher 20 — €250/day

The Fisher 20 is a comfortable, stable boat perfect for a cruising itinerary. Its 115 HP engine easily handles the distance, and the spacious layout is great for couples who want to stretch out.

Route 5: Pelješac Peninsula Wine & Swim Day Trip (Full Day, 8+ Hours)

Difficulty: Advanced | Distance: 70 km round trip | Best for: Wine lovers, experienced boaters, adventure seekers

The Pelješac Peninsula is Croatia’s premier wine region and home to the famous Dingač vineyards. This ambitious Dubrovnik boat trip combines stunning coastal scenery with world-class wine tasting.

The Route

1. Early departure Marina Frapa (07:30)
2. Cruise north through Koločep channel
3. Open water crossing to Pelješac — 25 km, requires confidence and calm conditions
4. Anchor near Trstenik or Potomje — Access to Dingač wine cellars
5. Wine tasting at a local vineyard — Arrange in advance via local contacts
6. Lunch in Ston — Famous for oysters and ancient walls
7. Swim at Prapratno Beach — One of the best on the peninsula
8. Return to Dubrovnik — Arrive by sunset

Best Boat for This Route

Quicksilver 755 SD — €400/day

This is a long day on the water. You want a powerful, comfortable boat with 250 HP to handle the open crossing and make the journey enjoyable rather than exhausting.

Important: This route requires experience and favorable weather. Check conditions with our team before attempting.

Which Dubrovnik Boat Trip Is Right for You?

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best boat trip routes from Dubrovnik?
The most popular Dubrovnik boat trips are: Lokrum Island (easy, 2–3 hours), Koločep & Blue Cave (half-day), and the full Elafiti Islands circuit (full day). For adventurous boaters, Cavtat and the Pelješac Peninsula offer excellent alternatives.

How long does it take to reach the Elafiti Islands by boat?
From Marina Frapa Dubrovnik, it takes approximately 25 minutes to reach Koločep, 35 minutes to Lopud, and 50 minutes to Šipan by speedboat (20–30 knots). Smaller boats take longer.

Can I visit multiple islands in one day by rental boat?
Yes — that’s the main advantage of renting your own boat. The full Elafiti circuit covers all three main islands (Koločep, Lopud, Šipan) in 7–8 hours. We recommend the Quicksilver 675 (€300) or Cap Camarat 6.5 (€300) for this route.

Which boat is best for a half-day Dubrovnik boat trip?
For a half-day trip (4–5 hours), the Barracuda 530 (€180) offers the best value for 2–4 people. For families or groups of 5–6, consider the Barracuda 545 (€250) or Fisher 20 (€250).

Plan Your Dubrovnik Boat Trip Today

Ready to explore the Adriatic on your own terms? Whether you choose a quick Lokrum adventure or the full Elafiti Islands circuit, a Dubrovnik boat trip with RentBoatDubrovnik.com means freedom, flexibility, and unforgettable memories.

Contact us at +385 91 600 1201 or info@rentboatdubrovnik.com to discuss your perfect route. Gari and Mislav can help match you with the right boat and share local tips that aren’t in any guidebook.

Book direct at RentBoatDubrovnik.com — boats from €150/day, fuel included, departing daily from Marina Frapa.