Why Take a Private Boat from Dubrovnik to Cavtat?
Cavtat is a charming coastal town 12 nautical miles south of Dubrovnik. While you can drive there in 30 minutes or take a water taxi, nothing beats arriving by private boat — you control the pace, stop for swimming along the way, and dock right on the Cavtat promenade.
The route follows the stunning coastline past the Dubrovnik airport runway (planes land right over the water), through the sheltered Zupa Bay, and into Cavtat’s horseshoe harbour. With a boat from RentBoatDubrovnik.com, the trip takes 25-40 minutes depending on boat speed.
Best Boats for the Cavtat Route
- Barracuda 530 — €180/day, 80 HP. Reaches Cavtat in 35 minutes. Perfect for a couple or small group combining Cavtat with a morning at Lokrum.
- Barracuda 545 — €200/day, 100 HP. Slightly more powerful, seats 6. Good if you want extra speed for the return leg.
- Quicksilver 675 — €300/day, 150 HP. Reaches Cavtat in 25 minutes. Seats 7, comfortable for families or groups. Can easily combine Cavtat with the Elafiti Islands on the same day.
All prices include fuel for the round trip, insurance, and safety equipment. See the full pricing page for half-day rates.
What to Do in Cavtat
Cavtat is smaller, quieter, and more relaxed than Dubrovnik. Here is what makes it worth the trip:
- Riva promenade — palm-lined waterfront with cafes, gelato, and views back toward Dubrovnik. Dock your boat here and walk.
- Swimming — the beaches around Cavtat are less crowded than Dubrovnik. Try the pebbly beach below the Epidaurus hotel or the rocks near the monastery.
- Rector Palace — a small museum with works by Vlaho Bukovac, Croatia’s most famous painter, who was born in Cavtat.
- Lunch — Bugenvila and Leut are the best restaurants. Fresh fish, outdoor seating, harbour views.
- Mausoleum — the Racic Mausoleum on the hill is a masterpiece by Ivan Mestrovic. Five-minute walk from the harbour.
Suggested Itinerary: Dubrovnik to Cavtat Day Trip
- 09:00 — Depart Marina Frapa, Dubrovnik
- 09:15 — Quick swim stop at Betina Cave beach
- 09:45 — Continue south along the coast past the airport
- 10:15 — Arrive Cavtat, dock on the promenade
- 10:30 — Explore town, visit the mausoleum, coffee on the riva
- 12:30 — Lunch at Bugenvila or Leut
- 14:00 — Swim from the rocks below the monastery
- 15:00 — Depart Cavtat, stop in Zupa Bay for a final swim
- 16:00 — Return to Marina Frapa
This itinerary works great for families — Cavtat is flat, easy to walk, and has sandy areas for kids. Want to extend the day? Add a sunset cruise past the Old Town walls on your way back.
Tips for the Dubrovnik-Cavtat Boat Route
- No licence needed: Take a free skipper with any boat. Or read our guide on renting without a licence if you want to self-drive a smaller boat.
- Wind: The south-facing coast is sheltered from the Bura. The Jugo (south wind) can make the return choppy — check the forecast.
- Docking in Cavtat: Tie up on the town quay for free (no marina fee for short stays). Space fills up by noon in summer, so arrive early.
- Combine routes: Cavtat + Lokrum in one day is easy. Cavtat + Elafiti is ambitious but doable with a fast boat like the Quicksilver 675.
How long does it take to boat from Dubrovnik to Cavtat?
With a Quicksilver 675 (150 HP), the trip takes about 25 minutes. With a Barracuda 530 (80 HP), allow 35-40 minutes. The route is 12 nautical miles along the coast.
How much does a private boat to Cavtat cost?
A full-day private boat covering Dubrovnik to Cavtat and back starts at €180 with the Barracuda 530. Split between 4-5 people, that is €36-45 per person for an 8-hour private trip — much better value than a shared water taxi.
Can I dock for free in Cavtat?
Yes. The town quay has free docking for day visitors. Arrive before noon in summer to secure a spot on the promenade. The marina nearby charges a fee but is rarely necessary for a day trip.
Is the Dubrovnik to Cavtat route suitable for beginners?
The route follows the sheltered coastline with no open-water crossings. It is one of the easiest boat trips from Dubrovnik. If you are a first-time boater, take our free skipper or read our first-time rental tips.
Explore Cavtat your way. Browse all boats or call +385 91 600 1201 to book.
Related Guides
Looking to Rent a Boat or Book a Boat Tour in Dubrovnik?
Browse our fleet of 9+ boats starting from €150/day. Private boat tours, island hopping tours, half-day & full-day rentals with optional skipper.
View All Boats →
