Can You Rent a Boat in Dubrovnik Without a Licence?
Yes. Under Croatian maritime law, boats with engines under 5 HP do not require any boating licence. At RentBoatDubrovnik.com, we have several boats in this category that anyone over 18 can drive — no certification, no course, no paperwork.
For larger boats that do require a licence, we include a professional local skipper free of charge. Either way, you are getting on the water today.
No-Licence Boats Available in Dubrovnik
- Small Boat Pasara — from €80/day, seats 4. Traditional Croatian wooden boat with a small outboard. Perfect for Lokrum Island and nearby coves.
- Tiburon 180 — €130/day, seats 5. Modern fibreglass hull, more stable than the Pasara, and fast enough for short coastal trips.
Both boats include fuel, insurance, life jackets, and a safety briefing before departure. We show you the controls, demonstrate anchoring, and give you a laminated map of recommended routes.
What If I Want a Bigger, Faster Boat?
No problem. Every boat in our fleet is available with a skipper at no additional cost. The skipper handles all navigation while you relax, swim, and choose where to go. Our most popular skippered boats:
- Barracuda 530 — €180/day, seats 5, 80 HP. Great for Lokrum plus nearby beaches.
- Barracuda 545 — €200/day, seats 6, 100 HP. Slightly larger, good for Cavtat day trips.
- Quicksilver 675 — €300/day, seats 7, 150 HP. Perfect for full-day Elafiti Island hopping.
- Cap Camarat 6.5 — €300/day, seats 7, 150 HP. Premium comfort with T-top shade.
- Fisher 20 — €250/day, seats 6. Versatile boat for fishing and sightseeing.
- Quicksilver 755 SD — €400/day, seats 8. Cabin cruiser for larger groups.
Where Can You Go Without a Licence?
With the no-licence Pasara or Tiburon 180, we recommend staying within the sheltered waters near Dubrovnik:
- Lokrum Island — 10 minutes from the marina. The easiest and most rewarding destination.
- Betina Cave Beach — hidden beach west of Lapad, accessible only by boat.
- Copacabana area coves — sheltered swimming spots near Babin Kuk.
- Old Town walls — cruise past the iconic city walls for photos, then anchor for a swim.
For longer routes like the Elafiti Islands, Cavtat, or hidden beaches, book a skippered boat so you can enjoy the trip without worrying about navigation.
Safety and Insurance
Every rental includes:
- Full insurance coverage for the boat and passengers
- Life jackets for all passengers (including children’s sizes)
- Fuel for the entire rental period
- 15-minute safety briefing and boat demonstration
- Laminated waterproof route map
- Phone support throughout your trip — call us if you need anything
For families with young children, the Tiburon 180 is the safest choice — it has higher sides, a more stable hull, and a comfortable seating layout.
What boats can I rent without a licence in Dubrovnik?
At RentBoatDubrovnik.com, the Small Boat Pasara (from €80/day) and Tiburon 180 (€130/day) can be driven without any boating licence. Both include fuel, insurance, and a safety briefing.
Is it safe to drive a boat without experience?
Yes. Our no-licence boats are small, stable, and easy to control. Before departure, our team gives you a hands-on demonstration of steering, throttle, and anchoring. We also provide a waterproof map and phone support throughout your trip.
Can I get a skipper instead of driving myself?
Absolutely. Every boat in our fleet is available with a free professional skipper. This is the best option for the Elafiti Islands, Blue Cave, and other longer routes.
What is the minimum age to rent a boat in Dubrovnik?
You must be 18 or older to operate a rental boat. Passengers of any age are welcome on all boats with appropriate life jackets provided.
No licence? No problem. Browse all boats or call +385 91 600 1201 to book today.
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