You want a yacht charter in Dubrovnik because you’ve seen the photos of the old town from the sea, the crystal-clear water around Lokrum, and the sheer limestone cliffs of the Elaphiti Islands. The good news is that renting a yacht here is straightforward, and you don’t need a licence or any sailing experience. Every boat on BoatHire24 comes with a licensed skipper, so you can sit back, drink something cold, and let someone else handle the ropes. The bad news is that there are a lot of options, and prices vary wildly depending on the boat, the season, and how many people you bring. This page tells you what you actually need to know to book a yacht charter in Dubrovnik without getting ripped off or ending up on a cramped motorboat.
What’s Included in a Dubrovnik Yacht Charter
A standard yacht charter in Dubrovnik through BoatHire24 includes the boat, the skipper, fuel for up to 8 hours of cruising, and basic safety equipment. You don’t pay extra for the skipper’s fee or the insurance. What you do pay extra for is food and drinks (unless you bring your own), dock fees if you stop at a marina for lunch, and any special requests like a watersports instructor or a chef. Most charters start at 10am and return by 6pm, but you can arrange a half-day (4 hours) or a sunset trip (usually 3 hours) for less money. The skipper speaks English and knows the best spots for swimming, snorkelling, and avoiding the tourist crowds.
Dubrovnik Departure Points
Most yacht charters in Dubrovnik depart from the main harbour in the old town, specifically the Port of Dubrovnik (Gruž) or the smaller harbour near the Pile Gate. If you’re staying in a hotel outside the city, some operators offer a free transfer or a pick-up from a nearby dock. The most common departure points are: - Gruž Harbour (main port, easy parking, cafes) - Old Town Harbour (Pile Gate, more scenic but limited parking) - Dubrovnik Marina (near the Lapad peninsula, quieter) - Cavtat (a short taxi ride south, good for day trips to the Elaphiti Islands) Each port has its advantages. Gruž is the busiest but has the best facilities. The old town harbour is perfect for photos but can be crowded in July and August.
Boat Types for Your Dubrovnik Charter
You can choose from motor yachts, catamarans, sailing yachts, RIBs, and fishing boats. Motor yachts are the most common for day charters: they’re fast, stable, and have plenty of deck space for sunbathing. Catamarans offer more space and stability, ideal for groups of 8 to 12 people. Sailing yachts are slower but quieter and more romantic, good for couples or small families. RIBs and speedboats are cheaper and faster, but you get wet and there’s less shade. Fishing boats are equipped with rods and tackle, and the skipper knows the best spots for sea bass, bream, and tuna. Superyachts are available for those with a bigger budget, with prices on request.
Pricing Guidance for a Yacht Charter in Dubrovnik
Prices depend on the boat type, the season, and the duration. In low season (April, May, October), a half-day RIB charter starts from around EUR 350 for up to 6 people. A full-day motor yacht for 8 people costs from around EUR 1,200 in June, rising to EUR 2,000 in August. Catamarans for 12 people start from EUR 1,800 in high season. Sailing yachts are cheaper, from EUR 800 for a full day. Superyachts are price on request, but expect EUR 5,000 or more for a day. Fuel is included in the base price for up to 8 hours; if you go further, like to Mljet or Korčula, you pay extra for fuel.
Best Time for a Yacht Charter in Dubrovnik
The best time is May, June, or September. The weather is warm (25-28 degrees C), the sea is calm, and the crowds are smaller. July and August are peak season: hot (32 degrees C), busy, and expensive. You’ll need to book at least a month in advance for a decent boat. April and October are cooler (18-22 degrees C) and cheaper, but you might get rain or strong winds. The sea temperature is swimmable from June to October. If you want to see the old town without the crowds, go early morning or late afternoon, your skipper will plan the route accordingly.
Popular Routes and Destinations
The most popular route is the Elaphiti Islands: Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan. You can swim in the Blue Cave on Koločep, have lunch at a konoba on Lopud, and explore the vineyards on Šipan. Another favourite is Lokrum Island, just 15 minutes from the old town, you can swim, see the botanical gardens, and climb to the fort for views of Dubrovnik. For a longer trip, you can go to Mljet National Park (about 2 hours by motor yacht) or the Pelješac Peninsula for wine tasting. Some charters go as far as Korčula (3 hours), but that’s a full-day trip. Your skipper will suggest a route based on your preferences and the weather.
How to Book a Yacht Charter in Dubrovnik
Booking is simple on BoatHire24. Go to the search page, enter Dubrovnik as the destination, pick your date and group size, and browse the available boats. Each listing shows photos, the boat type, capacity, and price. You can filter by price, boat type, and amenities (like a sound system, BBQ, or water toys). Once you find a boat you like, click to book, you pay a deposit online (usually 30-50%) and the rest on the day. The skipper will contact you a day before to confirm the meeting point and any special requests. Cancellations are free up to 48 hours before, after which you lose the deposit. For last-minute bookings (within 48 hours), call us directly.
Who Is a Dubrovnik Yacht Charter For
It’s for anyone who wants to see Dubrovnik from the water without being on a crowded tour boat. Couples celebrating an anniversary, families with kids (most boats have life jackets for children), groups of friends, or corporate events. It’s not ideal for solo travellers unless you join a shared charter, which some operators offer. If you get seasick easily, choose a catamaran or a large motor yacht, they’re more stable than RIBs or sailing yachts. Everyone on board must be reasonably mobile to step onto the boat from the dock; if someone has mobility issues, let us know and we’ll arrange a boat with a lower entry.
What to Bring on Your Charter
Bring sunscreen (SPF 50, the sun is strong), a hat, sunglasses, a towel, and a swimsuit. If you plan to snorkel, bring your own mask and fins, some boats provide them, but not all. A light jacket or windbreaker is useful even in summer, as the wind can pick up in the afternoon. Food and drink: you can bring your own cooler, or the skipper can arrange a lunch stop at a restaurant (you pay for the meal). Most boats have a fridge for drinks. Don’t bring glass bottles on board, plastic or cans only. And leave your high heels at home; boat shoes or bare feet are best.
Local Colour: Dubrovnik and the Coast
Dubrovnik’s old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, but from the sea you see it differently: the red roofs, the fortress walls, and the island of Lokrum just offshore. The water is so clear you can see the bottom at 10 metres. The Elaphiti Islands are covered in pine forests and olive groves, with hidden coves like the one at Šunj Beach on Lopud. If you’re lucky, you might see dolphins near the island of Mljet. The local cuisine includes fresh seafood, black risotto, and Dalmatian prosciutto. Your skipper will know the best konoba for grilled fish. For more tips on what to do in Dubrovnik, check our blog.
Why Book Through BoatHire24
BoatHire24 is a marketplace that compares multiple operators in Dubrovnik, so you see all the options in one place. We don’t own the boats, we list them from local companies, which means you get competitive prices. Every boat includes a licensed skipper, so you don’t need a licence. We verify each operator for safety and reliability. You can book online with a deposit, and the rest is paid on the day. If you have any questions, our support team is based in Spain but handles Dubrovnik bookings too. Start your search on the BoatHire24 homepage.
How to Choose the Right Boat Size for Your Group
If you’re a couple or a small family of four, a 7-8 metre motor yacht or a RIB is plenty. For six to eight people, go for a 10-12 metre motor yacht or a catamaran. Groups of 10 to 12 need a catamaran or a larger motor yacht, around 14-16 metres. The rule of thumb is one metre of boat length per person for comfort, but that’s a minimum. If you want space to sunbathe, eat, and move around, add two metres. For a party vibe with a sound system and a BBQ, a catamaran is better because the deck space is wider. Your skipper will confirm the boat can handle your group size safely, but it’s your call on comfort.
What to Expect from the Skipper in Dubrovnik
The skipper is a licensed professional who knows the local waters, the weather patterns, and the best spots. They handle all navigation, docking, and safety. You don’t need to tip, but it’s common to give 10-15% of the charter price if the service is good. The skipper will give you a safety briefing at the start, show you the toilet and the fridge, and then ask where you want to go. If you have no preference, they’ll suggest a route. They won’t join you for meals unless you invite them, and they usually eat separately. Most skippers speak good English, but some are Croatian with basic English, which is fine for practical communication.
Dubrovnik’s Weather and Sea Conditions by Month
In May, the average air temperature is 22 degrees C, the sea is 18 degrees C, and there’s a gentle breeze from the northwest. June brings 27 degrees C air, 22 degrees C sea, and light winds. July and August hit 32 degrees C air, 25 degrees C sea, and occasional afternoon gusts from the maestral wind, which is actually welcome for cooling down. September stays warm at 26 degrees C air, 23 degrees C sea. October drops to 20 degrees C air, 19 degrees C sea, and you might get a bora wind from the north, which can be choppy. The best swimming months are June through September. If you’re prone to seasickness, avoid the bora days in spring and autumn.
Hidden Coves and Quiet Anchorages Near Dubrovnik
Most tourists go to Lokrum or the Elaphiti Islands, but there are quieter spots. Just south of Dubrovnik, near Cavtat, is the cove of Pasjača, a small pebble beach at the foot of a cliff, accessible only by boat. North of the city, near the village of Trsteno, is the cove of Vrbica, with clear water and no crowds. On the island of Šipan, the bay of Sudurad is sheltered and has a couple of konobas for lunch. On Lopud, skip the crowded Šunj Beach and anchor near the ruined fort at the eastern end of the island, the water is just as clear. Your skipper will know which coves are calm on the day based on the wind direction.
Extra Costs to Budget For on a Dubrovnik Charter
The base price includes the boat, skipper, fuel for 8 hours, and insurance. Extra costs are: marina or port fees if you stop for lunch (typically EUR 20-50 per stop), food and drinks (bring your own or pay at a restaurant), a watersports instructor for jet skis or wakeboards (EUR 100-200 extra), and a chef or hostess (EUR 150-300 extra). If you want to go beyond the standard range, like to Mljet or Korčula, you pay for additional fuel, roughly EUR 50-100 per extra hour of cruising. Gratuities are optional but common. Always confirm what’s included in your booking confirmation to avoid surprises.
What to Do in Dubrovnik After Your Charter
After a day on the water, the old town is a short walk from Gruž Harbour or a taxi ride from the marina. Walk the city walls (2 km, about an hour, EUR 35 entrance fee), take the cable car to Mount Srđ for sunset views, or have dinner in the Gundulić Square market area for local seafood. For a quieter evening, head to the Lapad peninsula for beachfront bars and restaurants. If you’re staying in Cavtat, the waterfront promenade has good restaurants and a relaxed vibe. For more ideas, check our blog on Dubrovnik’s best post-charter activities.
How to Combine Dubrovnik with a Split or Hvar Charter
If you have a week, you can charter a boat in Dubrovnik and sail north to Split or Hvar, but that’s a multi-day trip, not a day charter. For a day charter, you stay local. Some operators offer a one-way transfer: you start in Dubrovnik, sail to Korčula (3 hours), and return by road or ferry. That costs extra for fuel and a return transfer. Alternatively, book a separate day charter in Split or Hvar on a different day. BoatHire24 covers both Dubrovnik and Split, so you can compare options on the search page for each city. For a longer trip, consider a week-long bareboat charter, but you need a licence for that.
Related guides
- Yacht Charter Mallorca, Book Your Boat Rental with Skipper
- Yacht Charter Bodrum, Book with a Licensed Skipper
- Yacht Charter Estepona: Relaxed Cruises with a Skipper
- Luxury Yacht Hire Marbella Week: 7-Day Charter with Skipper
- How Much Does a Yacht Charter in Marbella Cost?
- Whale Watching Marbella Winter: Seasonal Highlights
Own a boat? List your boat & earn.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a boating licence to charter a yacht in Dubrovnik?
No. Every charter through BoatHire24 includes a licensed skipper who handles the navigation. You just relax and enjoy the trip.
How much does a yacht charter in Dubrovnik cost?
Prices start from around EUR 350 for a half-day RIB for 6 people in low season, up to EUR 2,000 for a full-day motor yacht for 8 in August. Superyachts are price on request.
Can I bring my own food and drink on the boat?
Yes, most operators allow you to bring your own cooler with food and drinks. Some boats have a fridge. Glass bottles are usually not allowed for safety reasons.
What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my charter?
The skipper will decide if it’s safe to sail. If the trip is cancelled due to weather, you get a full refund or can reschedule for another day.
How many people can fit on a yacht charter in Dubrovnik?
It depends on the boat. RIBs typically take 6-8 people, motor yachts 8-12, catamarans up to 12, and superyachts up to 20 or more. Check the listing for the maximum capacity.
Can I choose my own route for the day?
Yes, you can discuss the route with the skipper before departure. Popular options include the Elaphiti Islands, Lokrum, or Mljet. The skipper will advise based on weather and time.
How far in advance should I book a yacht charter in Dubrovnik?
For July and August, book at least a month in advance. For May, June, and September, two weeks is usually enough. Last-minute bookings (within 48 hours) are possible but have limited availability.