Speedboat or Yacht — Which Should You Rent in Dubrovnik?
This is the most common question we get at RentBoatDubrovnik.com. The answer depends on what kind of day you want: adventure and flexibility, or comfort and relaxation. Here is an honest comparison to help you decide.
Speedboat Rentals: Fast, Flexible, Affordable
A speedboat in Dubrovnik typically means a 5-8 metre open boat with 80-250 HP. These boats are fast, nimble, and can reach places larger yachts cannot — shallow coves, narrow cave entrances, and small island harbours.
- Price range: €130-400/day (full fleet on our pricing page)
- Speed: 20-40 knots — cover more distance in less time
- Best for: Island hopping, Blue Cave visits, hidden beach exploration
- Group size: 4-8 passengers
- Fuel: Included in all our rentals
Our Top Speedboats
- Barracuda 530 — €180/day, 80 HP, seats 5. The best value speedboat for couples and small groups.
- Quicksilver 675 — €300/day, 150 HP, seats 7. Most popular for Elafiti Islands day trips.
- Quicksilver 755 SD — €400/day, 250 HP, seats 8. The fastest boat in our fleet with a small cabin.
Yacht Charters: Luxury, Space, and Style
A yacht in Dubrovnik usually means a 9+ metre vessel with a cabin, sun deck, onboard toilet, and sometimes a galley. Yachts move slower but offer a completely different experience — think champagne on the bow, not splashing through waves.
- Price range: €400-1,500+/day depending on size and crew
- Speed: 8-15 knots — slower pace, more time on the water
- Best for: Celebrations, proposals, corporate events, multi-day charters
- Group size: 8-12+ passengers
- Amenities: Cabin, toilet, sun deck, sound system, sometimes a captain and hostess
Our Quicksilver 755 SD sits between speedboat and yacht — it has a cabin and sun deck but the speed and agility of a larger speedboat. At €400/day with free skipper, it is the most affordable “yacht experience” in Dubrovnik.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Here is how speedboats and yachts compare across the factors that matter most:
- Price per person (group of 6): Speedboat €30-67 vs Yacht €67-250
- Islands covered in 1 day: Speedboat 3-5 islands vs Yacht 1-2 islands
- Can enter Blue Cave: Speedboat yes vs Yacht no
- Comfortable in rough seas: Yacht wins — deeper hull, more stability
- Shade: Some speedboats have T-tops (Cap Camarat), all yachts have full cover
- Swimming platform: Both have rear swim ladders
- Best for photos: Both are photogenic, but a yacht at anchor with the Old Town behind it is hard to beat
When to Choose a Speedboat
- You want to visit multiple islands (Elafiti, Lokrum, Cavtat)
- You want to enter the Blue Cave
- You have 4-7 people and want the best value
- You prefer adventure over luxury
- Budget is under €400/day
When to Choose a Yacht
- You are celebrating something — birthday, anniversary, proposal
- Your group is 8+ people
- Comfort matters more than distance covered
- You want to anchor and relax, not island-hop
- You need an onboard toilet (especially with children)
Not sure? For most visitors doing a first-time Dubrovnik boat day, a speedboat offers better value and more flexibility. Read our first-time rental guide for more advice on choosing. For families, the mid-range Quicksilver 675 hits the sweet spot.
Is a speedboat or yacht better value in Dubrovnik?
For groups of 2-7 people, a speedboat is significantly better value. A full-day Quicksilver 675 costs €300 (seats 7) — that is €43 per person for 8 hours with fuel included. A comparable yacht charter starts at €800+.
Can a speedboat handle rough seas?
Modern speedboats like the Quicksilver 675 and 755 SD handle moderate chop well. In strong winds (Bura above 25 knots), we will recommend rescheduling regardless of boat type. Your skipper monitors conditions throughout the trip.
Do yachts include a captain?
At RentBoatDubrovnik.com, every boat — speedboat and yacht — includes a free professional skipper. You never need your own licence unless you specifically want to self-drive.
Can I rent a speedboat for a sunset cruise?
Absolutely. A sunset cruise on a Barracuda 530 or Quicksilver 675 is one of our most popular bookings. Bring your own drinks, play your own music, and watch the Old Town walls glow from the water.
Compare boats side by side. Browse the full fleet or call +385 91 600 1201 for advice.
Related Guides
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