Private Boat Tour to Island Lokrum St Jackob Beach Betina Cave

Experience the Beauty of Dubrovnik from the Water: A Review of the Private Boat Tour to Lokrum, Sveti Jakov Beach, and Betina Cave

Imagine gliding over crystal-clear waters, surrounded by rugged cliffs and lush islands, all while your own expert skipper navigates the Croatian coast. That’s exactly what this private boat tour offers—a chance to see Dubrovnik’s spectacular scenery without the crowds, in a comfortable and intimate setting.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the personalized attention from a knowledgeable local skipper, Mato, who adds personality and insider tips to the experience. Second, the diverse stops—from exploring Lokrum’s caves to swimming at Sveti Jakov Beach and Betina Cave—each spot offers a different way to enjoy Croatia’s stunning coastline. Third, the value for money—for around $322 per group (up to six people), you get two hours of private cruising, swimming, and sightseeing that’s far more flexible than group tours.

That said, this experience is a shorter 2-hour trip, which might limit how much you can see if you’re eager to explore extensively. It’s ideal for travelers looking for a quick, relaxed escape with family or friends, especially if you love swimming and discovering lesser-crowded spots. If you’re after a full-day adventure, you might want to consider longer tours or multiple bookings.

Good To Know

• Private and personalized experience with a knowledgeable local skipper.
• Flexible itinerary including Lokrum, Sveti Jakov Beach, and Betina Cave.
• Ideal for swimming with several stops for a dip in crystal waters.
• Short but sweet 2-hour tour perfect for a quick cruise.
• Good value when considering a private guided experience for up to 6 people.
• Easy to book with pickup service and mobile ticket options.

Overview of the Tour Experience

This private boat tour is designed to give you a quick yet memorable taste of Dubrovnik’s coastal beauty. Starting from the historic port of Old Town, you’ll be picked up directly at a convenient meeting point, making the whole process smooth and hassle-free. Once aboard, your skipper Mato, who consistently earns praise for his friendliness and local knowledge, will take you on a tailored adventure.

The big selling point here is personalization—since it’s a private tour, you won’t be stuck with a large group or rigid schedule. Mato is known for his flexibility, which means if you want to spend more time swimming or exploring a particular cave, he’ll likely accommodate that.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Lokrum Island – The Star of the Show

The journey begins by cruising around Lokrum Island, a lush green haven just a short boat ride from Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Known for its botanical gardens and medieval ruins, Lokrum is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. But for this trip, the focus is on the caves and bays around the island.

Most travelers, like the reviewer who noted Mato’s excellent knowledge, appreciate how he highlights Lokrum’s hidden gems. You’ll visit the Pigeon Cave, where you can peer into a natural formation often used as a retreat for local birds, and cruise past Portoc Bay, a sheltered spot perfect for a quick swim.

Sveti Jakov Beach – The Popular Swim Spot

Next, the boat heads toward Sveti Jakov Beach, one of Dubrovnik’s best-kept secrets that’s often praised for its clear waters and scenic setting. It’s a lovely place for a swim, and there’s a restaurant and coffee bar right on the beach, making it easy to relax and refuel after a dip.

Reviewers highlight how the boat pulls up to local swimming areas—Mato loves stopping here for guests to jump off the boat into the inviting water. One reviewer remarked, “He pulled up to one of the swimming areas on Lokrum so the kids could swim over and jump off the cliffs.” This spot is ideal for families or anyone who appreciates the chance to enjoy a sandy stretch with amenities.

Betina Cave – A Hidden Swimming Niche

Finally, the tour ventures toward Betina Cave, a lesser-known but stunning spot perfect for a final swim. The cave itself is a striking natural feature, and the calm waters make for a peaceful ending to your short cruise. Multiple reviews mention how Mato’s flexibility allows for extra swimming or exploring time, which guests find enhances the experience.

Return to Old Town

After around two hours of exploring, swimming, and sightseeing, the boat comfortably makes its way back to the port of Old Town, leaving you with plenty of time to continue your Dubrovnik adventures or relax after your aquatic excursion.

What Travelers Say About the Experience

The consistently high ratings—five stars across five reviews—speak volumes. Many reviewers praise Mato’s friendly demeanor, local expertise, and ability to adapt the trip to their interests. One noted, “No Title—Really fantastic time spent with Mato! He is a knowledgeable and friendly host and adds great value to the experience.”

Guests also appreciate the good value for money. For about $322, the entire group gets a private, customizable two-hour tour with swimming stops, making it a cost-effective way to enjoy Dubrovnik’s coast without the crowds or rigid schedules of larger tours.

The fact that admission tickets are not included is worth noting, but since the stops are primarily outside caves or beaches, this shouldn’t pose a problem for most travelers.

Practical Details: Transportation, Timing, and Booking

The tour departs from Porat Dubrovnik, Ribarnica ul. 1, a well-known location close to the Old Town. It’s easily accessible by public transport, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point, making logistics straightforward.

This is a private experience, meaning only your group will participate, which ensures a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere. The duration is approximately two hours, making it perfect for a quick escape or a break between more extensive sightseeing.

Booking is flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour. This makes it a low-risk option in case your plans change or the weather doesn’t cooperate—if canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What To Keep in Mind

While the tour offers a fantastic snapshot of Dubrovnik’s coast, the short duration might not suit travelers seeking an in-depth exploration. If you want longer or multiple stops, consider booking a longer tour.

The price point reflects the private, tailored nature of the experience. For groups up to six, it offers good value, especially considering the personalized attention from Mato.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for families with young children, couples looking for a romantic and private experience, or small groups of friends eager to discover local hideaways. It’s particularly suitable if you enjoy swimming and relaxing in scenic spots, without the hassle of large tour groups.

Travelers who value local insights and flexibility will appreciate Mato’s approach—he’s known for his friendliness and willingness to customize the trip to your interests.

Final Thoughts

A private boat tour from Dubrovnik to Lokrum, Sveti Jakov Beach, and Betina Cave offers a quick but richly rewarding way to see the area’s coastline from the water. It combines scenic cruising, swimming in clear waters, and insider tips—all in a relaxed, intimate setting.

While it may not cover every possible highlight, it’s a fantastic option for a focused, personalized escape that balances sightseeing with leisure. Perfect for those who want to see Dubrovnik’s waters without the crowds or rigid schedules, this tour delivers a genuine taste of Croatia’s maritime charm.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a perfect short activity to fit into your day.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews mention swimming stops that are great for families, and Mato is known for being friendly and accommodating.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers the private boat ride, the services of the local skipper, and swimming stops. Admission tickets to caves or beaches are not included.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a private tour, Mato is flexible and willing to adapt the stops and pace based on your preferences.

Where does the tour start and end?
It departs from Porat Dubrovnik, Ribarnica ul. 1, and returns to the same point, making logistics easy.

Is there a minimum group size?
Yes, the price is based on a group of up to 6 people. Larger groups may need to inquire for availability and pricing.

What if the weather is bad?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour. If canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

How do I book this experience?
Booking can be done easily online, with options for mobile tickets and direct contact with the provider.

In summary, this private boat tour provides a personal, flexible, and scenic way to explore Dubrovnik’s coastline. It’s perfect for travelers who value authentic experiences, enjoy swimming, and want an intimate glimpse of Croatia’s beautiful waters—all with the guidance of a friendly local skipper.