Boat Rental Dubrovnik with Skipper

You want to see Dubrovnik from the water, not queue for cable cars with 400 other tourists. A boat rental Dubrovnik is the only way to dodge the crowds, reach hidden coves like Lokrum or the Elaphiti Islands, and actually relax. BoatHire24 lists private charters with a licensed skipper included, so you don't need a licence or any experience. You just turn up and decide where to go.

We cover the whole Adriatic coast from Dubrovnik to Cavtat and beyond. Prices start from around EUR 650 for a half-day on a motor yacht, up to several thousand for a full-day superyacht charter. Every boat is inspected and the skipper speaks English. You can book online in minutes.

Why Choose a Boat Rental Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik in summer is a zoo. The old town walls are shoulder-to-shoulder by 10am. A boat rental Dubrovnik gets you out of that madness. You can anchor off Lokrum island, swim in the turquoise water at Betina Cave, or cruise to the Elaphiti Islands (Koločep, Lopud, Šipan) where the beaches are quieter. The skipper handles navigation, anchoring and safety, so you can drink wine, sunbathe or jump off the bow. No queues, no stress, just the sea and a cold drink.

Most charters include fuel, insurance, snorkelling gear and a cooler with ice. You pay for food and drink separately, or ask the skipper to stop at a konoba on Lopud for lunch. The boats are typically 8-15 metres long, with sun pads, a shaded cockpit and a bathroom. For groups, catamarans offer more deck space and stability. For speed, a RIB or speedboat gets you to the Blue Cave in 20 minutes.

If you want to see the Dubrovnik Riviera in one day, a full-day charter covers the Elaphiti Islands, the old town harbour and Cavtat. Half-day options focus on Lokrum and the nearby cliffs. Sunset charters are popular for couples, with champagne and a view of the city walls lit up.

What's Included in Your Charter

Every boat rental Dubrovnik on BoatHire24 comes with a licensed skipper. That means you don't need a boat licence or any sailing experience. The skipper knows the local waters, the best anchorages and the weather patterns. They also handle mooring fees and fuel costs, which are usually included in the price. You get a safety briefing at the start, life jackets for everyone, and basic insurance cover.

Most boats have a Bluetooth speaker, a fridge and a sun deck. Catamarans often have a trampoline net at the front for lounging. Motor yachts tend to have a cabin with a bed and a small galley. RIBs are open boats, so bring sunscreen and a towel. You can request a paddleboard or snorkel gear at no extra cost. Some charters include a light lunch or snacks, but confirm when booking.

What is not included: food and drink (unless specified), transfers to the marina (though most are walkable from the old town), and gratuities for the skipper (10% is standard). You can bring your own food and drink, or ask the skipper to recommend a restaurant for a waterside lunch. The boat will have a toilet, but no shower unless it's a larger yacht.

Departure Ports for Dubrovnik Boat Rentals

The main departure point is Gruž Harbour, just north of the old town. It's a 15-minute walk from the Pile Gate, or a short taxi ride. There are several marinas there with cafes and parking. Some boats also depart from the old town harbour itself, but that is limited to smaller vessels due to depth and space. For larger yachts and catamarans, the ACI Marina Dubrovnik in Komolac is a common base, about 10 minutes by car from the centre.

If you are staying in Cavtat, you can charter from Cavtat marina, which is smaller but quieter. That gives you quick access to the Elaphiti Islands and the Konavle coast. Other nearby ports include Slano (north of Dubrovnik) and Mlini, but these are less common for tourist charters. Your skipper will confirm the exact meeting point when you book.

For a full list of available boats and ports, check our search page and filter by departure location.

Types of Boats Available

Motor yachts are the most popular choice for a boat rental Dubrovnik. They range from 8-metre day cruisers to 20-metre luxury yachts with multiple cabins. Top speeds are 20-30 knots, so you can cover distance quickly. Examples: Azimut 45, Bavaria 42, Jeanneau 35. Prices from around EUR 650 for half a day.

Catamarans offer more space and stability, ideal for families or groups of 8-12. They have two hulls, so they don't roll as much in a swell. The deck area is huge, with a trampoline at the front. Typical models: Lagoon 42, Fountaine Pajot 40. Prices from EUR 1,200 for a full day.

Sailing yachts are slower but quieter and more traditional. You can help with the sails if you want, or just relax while the skipper handles everything. They are good for a full-day charter with a relaxed pace. Prices from EUR 800 for a full day.

RIBs and speedboats are the cheapest option, starting from EUR 400 for half a day. They are open boats with outboard engines, perfect for a fast trip to the Blue Cave or a quick swim stop. Not ideal for large groups or if you want shade. Maximum 6-8 passengers.

Fishing boats are available for anglers, with rods and bait included. They are usually 6-8 metres with a small cabin. Prices from EUR 500 for half a day. Licence-free day boats (under 5 metres) are also available for self-drive, but you still need a basic safety briefing. These are rare in Dubrovnik due to local regulations, so check before booking.

Superyachts (over 20 metres) are available for VIP charters. Prices on request, typically EUR 5,000 per day and up. They come with a crew of 2-4, including a steward and a chef. Book well in advance.

Pricing Guidance for Dubrovnik Boat Rentals

Prices vary by boat size, season and duration. Here are rough estimates (per boat, not per person):

• Half-day (4 hours): EUR 400-1,500 depending on boat type. RIBs from EUR 400, motor yachts from EUR 650, catamarans from EUR 900.
• Full-day (8 hours): EUR 700-3,000. Motor yachts from EUR 1,000, catamarans from EUR 1,200, sailing yachts from EUR 800.
• Sunset charter (2-3 hours): EUR 300-800. Often includes a bottle of wine or sparkling water.
• Multi-day charters: from EUR 1,500 per day for a motor yacht, with accommodation for up to 6 guests. You can island-hop to Korčula, Hvar or Mljet.

All prices include skipper, fuel, insurance and basic equipment. Food and drink are extra. Some charters charge a cleaning fee of EUR 50-100 if you leave the boat messy. Payment is typically 50% deposit at booking and 50% on the day, in cash or card. Cancellation policies vary, but most allow free cancellation up to 7 days before.

For exact prices, use our BoatHire24 search tool to compare boats and dates.

Best Time for a Boat Rental Dubrovnik

The main season is May to October. July and August are the busiest and most expensive, with temperatures hitting 35°C and sea water at 26°C. Book at least two weeks ahead. June and September are ideal: warm (28°C), fewer crowds, and lower prices. April and October are quieter, but sea temperatures are around 18°C and there is a risk of wind. The maestral wind (northwest) picks up in the afternoon, so morning charters are calmer.

If you want to see dolphins, the Strait of Gibraltar is not in Dubrovnik (that's southern Spain), but the Adriatic has bottlenose dolphins around the Elaphiti Islands and near Mljet. Best chance is early morning or late afternoon. Your skipper will know the spots.

Weather in Dubrovnik is generally sunny, but sudden thunderstorms can occur in summer. The skipper will monitor forecasts and may adjust the route or cancel if conditions are unsafe. You get a full refund if the charter is cancelled due to weather.

How to Book Your Dubrovnik Boat Rental

Go to the search page, enter your dates and group size, and filter by boat type and port. You will see available boats with photos, specs and prices. Click on a boat to see the full details, including the skipper's bio and cancellation policy. Select a time slot (morning, afternoon, sunset or full day) and add any extras like paddleboard or lunch. Pay the deposit online by card or bank transfer. The remaining balance is paid on the day to the skipper.

You will receive a confirmation email with the meeting point and the skipper's phone number. Arrive 15 minutes early. The skipper will do a safety briefing and then you are off. If you need to change the date or cancel, do it at least 7 days before for a full refund. For last-minute bookings (within 48 hours), contact us directly via the live chat on the site.

For more tips on what to expect, read our blog about Dubrovnik boating etiquette and hidden bays.

Who Is a Dubrovnik Boat Rental For

It is for anyone who wants to see Dubrovnik without the crowds. Couples, families, groups of friends, corporate events, weddings, bachelor parties. You do not need to be a sailor or a millionaire. The cheapest RIB charter costs about EUR 100 per person for a half-day, which is less than a guided tour on land. If you want luxury, you can spend EUR 5,000 on a superyacht with a chef. The middle ground is a motor yacht for EUR 1,200 split among 8 people, which is EUR 150 each for a full day of private boat time.

It is not for you if you hate the sun, get seasick easily (though the Adriatic is usually calm), or prefer a guided tour with a fixed itinerary. On a private charter, you decide the route. If you want to stay at one beach all day, that is fine. If you want to visit three islands, that is also fine. The skipper will advise on timing and fuel.

For a full list of available boats and to check availability, use the search tool on BoatHire24.

Exploring the Elaphiti Islands by Boat

The Elaphiti Islands are the main draw for any boat rental Dubrovnik. Koločep is the closest, 15 minutes from Gruž harbour. It has a small village, a couple of konobas and a pebble beach called Donje Čelo. Lopud is the most popular, with the sandy Šunj beach on its south side. The beach is a 20-minute walk from the harbour, or you can anchor and swim ashore. Šunj has a shallow gradient, so it is safe for children. Šipan is the largest, with two villages, a few vineyards and a 15th-century castle. Your skipper can recommend a konoba for grilled fish and local wine. A full-day charter typically visits two or three islands, with stops for swimming and lunch.

Hidden Bays and Caves Near Dubrovnik

Beyond the Elaphiti Islands, the Dubrovnik Riviera has several hidden spots that a boat rental Dubrovnik can reach. Betina Cave is a sea cave on the island of Šipan, with a small opening that leads to a turquoise pool. You can swim inside when the sea is calm. The Blue Cave on the nearby island of Koločep is smaller than the one on Biševo, but still worth a look. The cave is lit by sunlight reflecting off the white sand bottom. Other spots include the cove at Pasjača beach, near the village of Popovići, which is only accessible by boat or a steep cliff path. The beach is a narrow strip of pebbles at the foot of a 30-metre cliff. Your skipper will know the best timing to avoid other boats.

Sunset Charters and Evening Cruises

A sunset charter is a popular option for a boat rental Dubrovnik. You leave around 17:00 or 18:00, cruise along the old town walls, and anchor off Lokrum island as the sun sets behind the city. The light on the terracotta roofs and the fortresses is worth the price alone. Most sunset charters last 2-3 hours and include a bottle of sparkling wine or prosecco. Some boats have a Bluetooth speaker for music. The sea is usually calm in the evening, and the maestral wind drops. Prices start from EUR 300 for a RIB and go up to EUR 800 for a motor yacht. You can also book a dinner charter that stops at a restaurant on Lopud or Cavtat, but that requires a longer booking (4-5 hours).

What to Bring on Your Dubrovnik Boat Charter

Packing smart makes your boat rental Dubrovnik more comfortable. Bring sunscreen (SPF 50, water-resistant), a hat, sunglasses with a strap, and a light long-sleeve shirt for sun protection. Towels are not always provided, so bring your own. Swimwear, obviously. A dry bag for electronics and valuables is useful, because the boat can get wet from spray or splashing. Snorkel gear is usually included, but if you have your own mask, bring it for a better fit. Food and drink are not included, so stop at a supermarket near Gruž harbour before boarding. Ice is provided in the cooler. Avoid glass bottles on board, as broken glass is dangerous. Most skippers allow wine and beer in cans or plastic bottles. Bring cash for lunch at a konoba, as some places do not accept cards.

Multi-Day Charters and Island Hopping

If you have more than one day, a multi-day boat rental Dubrovnik lets you explore further. You can head south to Cavtat and the Konavle coast, or north to the Pelješac peninsula and the island of Mljet. Mljet National Park has two saltwater lakes, a 12th-century Benedictine monastery, and hiking trails. The park entrance fee is around EUR 12 per person. From Mljet, you can continue to Korčula, a walled town with a cathedral and wine bars. Korčula is about 2 hours by motor yacht from Dubrovnik. Multi-day charters include accommodation on the boat, usually in a cabin with a bed and a bathroom. The skipper sleeps in a separate cabin or on deck. Prices from EUR 1,500 per day for a motor yacht sleeping 6. Food and marina fees are extra. Book at least a month ahead for multi-day trips in July and August.

Practical Tips for First-Time Charterers

If you have never done a boat rental Dubrovnik, here are a few things to know. Arrive at the marina 15 minutes early to meet the skipper and do the safety briefing. The briefing covers life jacket locations, emergency procedures, and the toilet flush system. Do not flush anything other than toilet paper. The skipper will ask for your preferred route and any special requests, like a stop for lunch or a specific beach. Be honest about seasickness. The Adriatic is usually calm, but if you are prone to motion sickness, take a tablet an hour before departure. The skipper can adjust the speed and route to minimise rolling. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. 10% of the charter fee is standard, paid in cash at the end. If the boat has a music system, keep the volume low near other boats and beaches. Respect the environment: do not drop anchor on seagrass or coral, and take all rubbish back to shore.

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