Everything You Need to Know Before Renting a Boat in Dubrovnik
Renting a boat in Dubrovnik for the first time can feel overwhelming — which boat, where to go, do you need a licence, what about fuel? This guide answers every question so you can focus on enjoying the water, not worrying about logistics.
At RentBoatDubrovnik.com, we have rented boats to thousands of first-timers. Here is everything we tell them before they leave the marina.
Step 1: Choose the Right Boat
Your boat choice depends on three things: group size, where you want to go, and whether you have a boating licence.
- 2-4 people, no licence, staying near Dubrovnik: Small Boat Pasara (€80/day) or Tiburon 180 (€130/day). See our no-licence guide.
- 2-5 people, want to explore further: Barracuda 530 (€180/day) with free skipper. Great for Lokrum + Cavtat.
- 4-7 people, full-day island hopping: Quicksilver 675 (€300/day). Perfect for the Elafiti Islands.
- 6-8 people, special occasion: Quicksilver 755 SD (€400/day). Cabin, sun deck, premium comfort.
For families with children, the Tiburon 180 is our top recommendation — high sides, stable hull, no licence needed.
Step 2: Understand What Is Included
Every rental at RentBoatDubrovnik.com includes:
- Fuel — unlimited for the full rental period
- Insurance — full coverage for boat and passengers
- Life jackets — adult, child, and toddler sizes
- Safety equipment — fire extinguisher, first aid kit, rope
- Safety briefing — 15-minute hands-on demonstration before departure
- Skipper — free professional local skipper on any boat
- Phone support — call us anytime during your trip
There are no hidden costs, no deposit on most boats, and no fuel surcharges. The price you see on our pricing page is the price you pay.
Step 3: Pick Your Destination
Here are the most popular routes for first-time boaters, ranked by difficulty:
- Easiest: Lokrum Island — 10 minutes from marina, sheltered waters, beginner-friendly.
- Easy: Hidden beaches near Dubrovnik — Betina Cave, Copacabana coves, Old Town walls.
- Moderate: Dubrovnik to Cavtat — 25-40 min coastal route, no open water.
- Moderate: Blue Cave on Kolocep — 20 min, some open water, skipper recommended.
- Full day: Elafiti Islands — all three islands, 8 hours, skipper recommended for first-timers.
Step 4: Know the Basics of Boat Handling
If you are self-driving a no-licence boat, here is what we cover in your safety briefing:
- Throttle: Twist to accelerate, release to slow. Start slow until you get comfortable.
- Steering: The tiller (handle) moves opposite to the direction you want to go. Push left to go right.
- Anchoring: Drop anchor in 3-5 metres of water over sand. Let out rope equal to 5 times the water depth.
- Right of way: In general, yield to larger vessels, boats on your right, and any sailing boats.
- Speed: Go slow in harbours and near swimmers. Open throttle only in open water.
If any of this sounds intimidating, just take a skipper. They are free and handle everything while you enjoy the ride.
Common First-Timer Mistakes to Avoid
- Starting too late: Leave by 9 AM. The sea is calmest in the morning and popular spots fill up by midday.
- Forgetting sun protection: Sunburn on the water is twice as fast due to reflection. Bring SPF 50, a hat, and a rashguard.
- No reef shoes: Most beaches near Dubrovnik are rocky. Reef shoes prevent painful injuries.
- Overplanning: Do not try to visit 5 destinations in one day. Pick 2-3 and enjoy them properly.
- Booking through middlemen: Marketplace sites add 15-30% commission. Book directly with us for the best price.
What happens if the weather turns bad during my rental?
If conditions become unsafe, call us and we will guide you to the nearest sheltered area. If the trip must be cut short due to weather, we offer a partial refund or free reschedule. We check the forecast every morning and will call you before your trip if conditions look unfavourable.
Do I need to refuel the boat before returning?
No. Fuel is included in every rental. Just return the boat to the marina — we handle refuelling.
Can I cancel my booking?
Yes. Cancel up to 24 hours before your rental for a full refund. Weather-related cancellations are always free regardless of timing.
What should I bring on my first boat rental?
Sunscreen (SPF 50), reef shoes, a hat, snorkelling gear, water, snacks, a waterproof phone case, and a light jacket for the return trip. We provide everything else — life jackets, safety gear, fuel, and a map.
Ready for your first boat day? Browse all boats or call +385 91 600 1201 for personalised advice.
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