Review · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS

Dubrovnik boat mixed fun tour

★ 5.0 · 5 reviews 8 hours (approx.) From $650 Operated by Dubrovnik Boat Fishing Charter · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

Sea freedom beats the usual Dubrovnik day trip. This private Elafiti Islands outing is built for your group, with a veteran captain named Srdan and a laid back rhythm that mixes fishing and swimming. I love the mix of morning fishing plus time ashore on beautiful islands, and I also like that the route can flex based on what the sea is doing that day. One thing to consider: the plan depends heavily on weather, so the farther stop and some snorkeling may be skipped if conditions are rough.

I especially like that you are not boxed into one set sightseeing list. You get to enjoy Lopud’s sandy beach break, then continue to Šipan for a slower, more local-feeling stop around Suđurađ with small restaurants and heritage. The tradeoff is that this is a boat day, not a walking-only tour, so you should be comfortable with time on open water and the small effort of getting ready for fishing and snorkeling.

Best fit: families, couples, and small groups who want a real sea day around Dubrovnik, not a crowded speed-run of photo stops.

Key points to know before you go

Dubrovnik boat mixed fun tour - Key points to know before you go

  • Private boat for up to 4 so you can keep the day moving at your pace
  • Morning fishing first, with fishing licenses, bait, gear, and a fishing guide included
  • Elafiti Islands hopping, typically Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan, with St. Andrew if weather allows
  • Šunj on Lopud for real sandy beach time in the Dubrovnik area
  • Snorkeling kit included, with a stop for snorkeling at the Blue Cave on Koločep when conditions are right
  • Fuel, water, and the essentials covered so you are not doing the add-on math mid-trip

Private Elafiti Islands, and Why It Feels More Local

Dubrovnik boat mixed fun tour - Private Elafiti Islands, and Why It Feels More Local
The Elafiti archipelago is the kind of place Dubrovnik travelers talk about for its calmer, more maritime vibe. Instead of staying on the Dubrovnik circuit, you get the sea-side version: islands like Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan, plus St. Andrew when the day allows. The tour’s goal is simple, feel the sea the way locals do, with more time actually living on the water and less time on scheduled sights.

I like that the day is designed around natural rhythm. You start earlier when the temperatures are lower, then shift into beach and island time when the sun climbs. That flow matters because it keeps the day comfortable, and it also gives the captain room to choose fishing spots and routes based on wind, water movement, and visibility.

It also helps that you are on a private boat. With a max of 4 people, you are not negotiating around a big group’s energy levels. You are more likely to get a genuine “our day” experience, especially if your group includes kids who need flexibility, or adults who prefer doing less rushing and more time where you are.

More Boat Tours in Dubrovnik

Meet at Lapadska Obala, Then Plan Your Own Sea Route

Dubrovnik boat mixed fun tour - Meet at Lapadska Obala, Then Plan Your Own Sea Route
Your day starts at Lapadska obala 4, 20000 Dubrovnik, and you return to the same meeting point. The location is noted as being near public transportation, which is handy if you are not using a car for Dubrovnik days.

The tour runs about 8 hours, and it’s offered daily during the listed window (8:00 AM to 4:00 PM). In practice, this kind of timing is perfect for a full sea day. You get enough hours for a morning activity, multiple island stops, and then a return before the day gets too late.

What makes this feel special is the routing. You can plan your own route to islands like Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud. That does two useful things for you. First, it lets you focus on what you care about most: fishing, beach time, or island wandering and lunch. Second, it helps the captain adapt on the fly when conditions shift.

If you want the most enjoyable day, think about what you want to prioritize before boarding. If you are all-in on fishing, you will be happier if you keep expectations realistic about what the sea gives you that morning. If your group is more beach and snorkel focused, the earlier start still works, because it sets you up for a gentler midday.

Morning Fishing With Licenses, Bait, and a Fishing Guide

This tour takes fishing seriously, but not in a stiff way. You start in the morning when you are fresh and the temperature is not high. Then fishing spots and techniques are decided based on weather conditions. That matters because fishing results depend on the basics: wind, water depth, currents, and where the fish are likely to be around that day.

The tour includes the full toolkit you need to participate:

  • fishing licenses
  • fishing equipment
  • bait
  • a skipper/fishing guide

You also get water on board, plus everything needed for the rest of the trip, like the snorkeling kit later.

I love this setup because it removes the common stress. You do not have to guess what gear you need, hunt down licenses, or figure out what bait is best. The captain and guide handle the practical side, and you can focus on enjoying the sea-time.

Practical tip: plan on getting a bit involved. Even if you are not trying to “make a catch,” being near the action helps you get the hang of it fast. Bring a swimsuit, and make sure sunscreen goes on before you settle into the boat rhythm.

If the weather is right, you may also fish around St. Andrew, which is described as a good fishing spot and is a little further out on the sea. That is the kind of detail that can make the day feel like a real detour off the usual tourist path, because it rewards flexibility.

Koločep Island Stop and the Blue Cave Snorkel Check

Dubrovnik boat mixed fun tour - Koločep Island Stop and the Blue Cave Snorkel Check
Koločep is one of the core islands on the day, and it also ties into the snorkeling portion. Your day includes a stop at Kolocep Island, and on the way back there is a snorkeling stop for the Blue cave on Kolocep, if conditions are suitable.

Here is what you should know so you do not go in expecting a perfect postcard stop every time. The cave snorkeling depends on weather conditions. When the sea is rough or visibility is poor, the captain may skip or adjust the plan. The tour is upfront about this style of day: good weather is required, and the itinerary adapts.

The tour includes the snorkeling kit, so you do not need to rent anything. That’s a real value point because rentals and add-ons can quietly inflate the price of “fun in the water” plans.

What you can do to get the most out of it:

  • Wear your swimsuit and be ready to rinse off afterward
  • Bring a towel (you will want one after water time)
  • Keep an eye on the captain’s guidance about what is safe and comfortable in the cave area

If snorkeling is high on your list, this is a good reason to choose a date when Dubrovnik weather typically cooperates. When it does, the Blue Cave stop is one of those “you can see why people talk about this place” moments.

Lopud’s Šunj Sandy Beach Break for True Swim Time

Dubrovnik boat mixed fun tour - Lopud’s Šunj Sandy Beach Break for True Swim Time
After the morning fishing, you shift into island time. On Lopud island, you go to Šunj, described as the largest and one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in the Dubrovnik area.

This is exactly the kind of pause your body usually wants after time on the boat. It’s also where the day becomes more “vacation,” less “activity.” You get space to spread out, swim, and reset without the constant transitions that come with bigger island-hopping tours.

A sandy beach stop is useful for groups, especially families, because it is easier to manage than rocky shores. Kids and non-snorkelers can still enjoy the water, and you can spend time in a way that feels relaxed rather than rushed.

Possible drawback: you will still be on a boat, so you need to accept that this is a moving day with a schedule. If you want an all-day beach only plan, you may find yourself itching to stay longer on land. But if your ideal day includes beach time plus at least one big sea activity, Šunj fits the balance well.

Sipan and Suđurađ: Small-Place Flavor and Lunch Pace

Dubrovnik boat mixed fun tour - Sipan and Suđurađ: Small-Place Flavor and Lunch Pace
Next up is Šipan, with a stop in a small place called Suđurađ. This part of the day is about heritage and simple local life, with a few nice small restaurants nearby.

What makes Suđurađ a smart stop is the pacing. After Koločep and Lopud, you get a change of scenery and a slower feel. Instead of sprinting from viewpoint to viewpoint, you have time to land, wander a bit, and eat at your own speed.

The tour’s structure supports that. You do not just motor past. You reach the island, you spend time there, and you keep moving only when it makes sense.

If you enjoy eating while traveling, Suđurađ is the kind of place where lunch can feel like part of the trip instead of an interruption. The restaurants are described as small and nice, which usually means fewer crowds and a more local atmosphere than bigger hubs.

Weather, Timing, and How the 8 Hours Really Works

Dubrovnik boat mixed fun tour - Weather, Timing, and How the 8 Hours Really Works
This is not a “set it and forget it” schedule tour. It’s a whole day on the sea, and the sea has the final say.

The day is built around:

  • a cooler, morning start for fishing
  • island hopping through Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan
  • snorkeling on the Blue Cave on Koločep during the return when conditions are right
  • a possible added fishing stop on St. Andrew if weather allows

Because of that, you should plan for flexibility. If the weather is good, you get more variety, like St. Andrew and the Blue Cave snorkeling. If not, the captain may adjust the route or skip one of the farther or more delicate stops.

Also note the tour’s overall rhythm: about 8 hours. That is long enough to feel like you did something meaningful, but short enough that you are not exhausted by the time you get back. You will likely return with sand and salt on everything, in the best way.

One more practical consideration: bring towels and think about sun protection. Even if the morning is mild, the day can warm up fast when you are out on open water.

Price and Value: What $650.61 Covers for Up to 4

Dubrovnik boat mixed fun tour - Price and Value: What $650.61 Covers for Up to 4
The price is listed as $650.61 per group, with a maximum of 4 people. That sounds steep until you see what’s included, because this is a full boat charter style day, not a standard multi-passenger excursion.

Your package includes:

  • the boat
  • fuel
  • skipper/fishing guide
  • snorkeling gear
  • fishing licenses
  • fishing equipment
  • bait
  • water

That bundling matters. If you were to assemble a similar day yourself, you would pay for many separate items, and you would still have the question of who handles the practical logistics on the water.

Value math is simple:

  • If you fill it with 4 people, you’re paying roughly $162 per person for a full sea day with equipment included.
  • If it’s only 2 people, it becomes closer to $325 per person, which is still reasonable when you consider the boat and licenses are part of the deal.

I also like the “group capped at 4” angle. It makes the day feel personal, and it keeps the experience from turning into a crowded compromise.

Who Should Book This Boat Fishing Day, and Who Should Skip It

This works best for people who want a sea-first day. You should consider booking if you:

  • like hands-on activities like fishing
  • want sandy beach time without giving up island hopping
  • care about snorkeling and have a date in mind where weather is likely to cooperate
  • prefer a smaller group experience where your day can match your energy level

The experience is also a great fit for families. One key reason is flexibility: you can keep the day “easy going” and organized around what your group wants at each moment.

Skip it if you want a purely land-based sightseeing day with lots of walking. This is a boat day, and you should be comfortable with water time, short swims, and the practical flow of being on a vessel for hours.

Should You Book This Dubrovnik Boat Fishing Tour?

If you want a Dubrovnik day that actually feels like you left the mainland routine behind, this is a strong choice. The combination of private boat time, included fishing gear and licenses, and a planned sandy beach stop makes it more than just a novelty boat ride.

Book it if your group likes the idea of a day built around the sea, with a veteran captain like Srdan helping the day run smoothly and keeping things relaxed. And do yourself a favor, pick a date where weather is more likely to be cooperative, because the farther stop and snorkeling depend on it.

FAQ

How many people can join this private Dubrovnik boat tour?

The tour is private and has a maximum of 4 people per group.

What is included in the tour price?

It includes the boat, fuel, the skipper and fishing guide, snorkeling gear, fishing licenses, fishing equipment, bait, and water.

Which islands are visited during the tour?

The tour visits Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan, and it may also visit St. Andrew if weather conditions are right.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Lapadska obala 4, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia, and ends back at the same meeting point.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Do I need good weather for this experience?

Yes, this experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

More like this

Cruises & Boat Tours, compared.

The full Cruises & Boat Tours list →
Krka Waterfalls Trip with Boat Cruise and Swimming
★★★★★★★★★★4.8· 10,519 reviews· from $31

Krka Waterfalls Trip with Boat Cruise and Swimming

Read our review →
Blue Cave Small-Group Boat Tour from Dubrovnik
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 9,360 reviews· from $84

Blue Cave Small-Group Boat Tour from Dubrovnik

Read our review →
Full-Day Dubrovnik Elaphite Islands Cruise with Lunch and Drinks
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 8,823 reviews· from $78

Full-Day Dubrovnik Elaphite Islands Cruise with Lunch and Drinks

Read our review →
Elaphiti Islands Full-Day Cruise with Lunch
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 5,938 reviews· from $78

Elaphiti Islands Full-Day Cruise with Lunch

Read our review →
Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands Cruise with Lunch from Split
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 5,756 reviews· from $78

Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands Cruise with Lunch from Split

Read our review →
Blue Lagoon Boat Party with DJs, Shots & After Party
★★★★★★★★★★4.9· 4,610 reviews· from $47

Blue Lagoon Boat Party with DJs, Shots & After Party

Read our review →
Elaphite Island Cruise w/ Drinks & Optional Lunch
★★★★★★★★★★4.7· 4,517 reviews· from $50

Elaphite Island Cruise w/ Drinks & Optional Lunch

Read our review →
Krka Waterfalls Tour, Boat Cruise & Swimming
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 4,489 reviews· from $32

Krka Waterfalls Tour, Boat Cruise & Swimming

Read our review →

Browse the lists this tour appears in

Scroll to Top

Every kind of Croatian day

Boats, waterfalls, walls and wine — and the best of each.