Family Boat Day Trip from Dubrovnik — Kid-Friendly Itinerary (2026)

A family boat trip from Dubrovnik creates memories that children will treasure forever — swimming in crystal-clear water, discovering sea caves, and having an entire beach to themselves. With the right planning, boat rental is one of the most rewarding family activities in Dubrovnik.

At Rent Boat Dubrovnik, we’ve helped thousands of families — from toddlers to teenagers — enjoy safe, fun-filled days on the water. Our co-founders Gari and Mislav are both fathers who understand what works with kids. This guide shares our recommended family itinerary, best boats for children, and essential safety tips.

Why Take a Family Boat Trip?

• Escape crowded beaches — Find your own private cove
• Kids love boats — The adventure of steering, anchoring, and exploring
• Flexible timing — Nap time? Head back. Kids energetic? Stay longer.
• Swimming freedom — Jump off the boat into warm, calm water
• Quality time — No distractions, no schedules, just family

Family-Friendly Itinerary (6 Hours)

This itinerary is tested and approved by hundreds of families:

9:00 AM — Departure from Marina Frapa

Start your adventure with a gentle cruise past the Lapad peninsula. Kids can help with the ropes (supervised) and watch Dubrovnik shrink behind you.

9:30 AM — Lokrum Island East Cove

First swimming stop at a calm, shallow cove on Lokrum’s eastern shore. The water here is protected from waves — perfect for younger children. Bring pool noodles (we provide them) for extra confidence.

Time: 1 hour
Facilities: None — bring snacks and water

10:30 AM — Cruise to Koločep Island

Older kids can help navigate as you cruise to Koločep (25 minutes). Point out the Blue Cave entrance as you approach.

11:00 AM — Blue Cave Visit

The Blue Cave mesmerizes children — the glowing blue water seems magical. Swimming into the cave is safe for kids who are comfortable swimmers (life jackets available for those who aren’t).

Time: 30 minutes
Best light: 10 AM – 1 PM

11:30 AM — Sandy Beach on Koločep

Anchor at the main village beach, which has sand — rare in Croatia! Kids can build sandcastles, paddle in shallow water, and explore tide pools.

Time: 1.5 hours
Facilities: Restaurant, toilets, small shop

1:00 PM — Lunch

Either eat at the Koločep restaurant (kid-friendly menu with pasta, pizza) or enjoy a picnic on the boat. We recommend bringing a cooler with sandwiches, fruit, and plenty of water.

2:00 PM — Lopud Island (Optional Extension)

If energy levels are still high, continue to Lopud for Šunj Beach — the best sandy beach near Dubrovnik. Otherwise, begin the return cruise.

3:00–3:30 PM — Return to Marina Frapa

Kids often fall asleep on the return journey — the combination of sun, sea, and activity is the perfect recipe for tired (happy) children.

Best Boats for Families with Children

Cap Camarat 6.5 — €300/day (Best Overall)

• Spacious, stable deck — room for kids to move safely
• Bimini shade cover — protection from sun
• Easy swim ladder — kids can get in/out independently
• Seats 8 — fits extended families

Quicksilver 675 — €300/day

• Similar size and stability to Cap Camarat
• Good shade coverage
• Comfortable seating layout

Pasara — €150/day (Budget Option)

• Simple, traditional boat
• No license required
• Best for short trips with young children (2-3 hours)
• Maximum 4 passengers

Safety Equipment for Children

All our boats include:

• Child-size life jackets — Multiple sizes from infant to teen
• Adult life jackets — For everyone on board
• First aid kit — Including children’s band-aids
• Sun shade (bimini) — On most boats
• Swim ladder — Easy water access

We also provide on request:

• Pool noodles and floats
• Snorkeling gear (children’s sizes)
• Waterproof phone pouches

Family Packing Checklist

• Reef-safe sunscreen (reapply every 2 hours)
• Hats for everyone
• Rash guards/swim shirts for sun protection
• Water shoes (rocky beaches)
• Plenty of drinking water
• Snacks — fruit, crackers, sandwiches
• Towels
• Change of clothes
• Waterproof bag for phones/valuables
• Motion sickness medication (if needed)

Tips from Family Boat Trip Veterans

Start early: Kids have more energy in the morning, and you’ll beat the afternoon heat.

Keep trips shorter for younger children: 4–5 hours is ideal for under-5s. Extend for older kids.

Bring entertainment: Snorkeling gear, underwater camera, fishing line, or waterproof toys.

Plan food carefully: Hangry kids = unhappy boat trip.

Book a skipper for your first trip: You can focus entirely on the kids while our captain handles navigation.

Don’t over-schedule: The best moments happen when kids have time to explore freely.

Book Your Family Adventure

A family boat trip is the highlight of many Dubrovnik vacations. Let us help you plan the perfect day for your children.

Contact us with your children’s ages and interests, and we’ll recommend the ideal boat and itinerary. Or browse our family-friendly boats to start planning.

All boats include child life jackets at no extra charge. Depart from Marina Frapa, Lapadska obala 21a — free parking available.