Dubrovnik: Old Town and Lokrum Island Panoramic Cruise

Taking a boat cruise around Dubrovnik’s famed Old Town and Lokrum Island sounds like a charming way to see this coastal city from a different perspective. While this particular tour, offered by Europa Line, is quite short—just 45 minutes—it promises to deliver some of the most iconic sights of the city from the water.

We love the idea of seeing Dubrovnik’s towering medieval walls and historic forts from the sea, especially with the chance to spot the famous Lovrijenac Fortress. The scenic cruise past Lokrum Island, with its lush greenery and dramatic cliffs, might appeal to those looking for a quick but picturesque escape. The cost is very accessible at just $18 per person, making it an easy add-on to your Dubrovnik trip.

However, a key consideration is that the tour is quite brief and doesn’t include commentary or guided insights—some travelers might find this limits their understanding of what they’re viewing. This cruise suits those seeking a relaxed, photo-friendly experience rather than an in-depth tour. If you’re open to enjoying stellar views and don’t mind the short duration, this could be a worthwhile, budget-friendly option.

Good To Know

• Affordable Price: At $18, this cruise offers a quick view of Dubrovnik’s highlights without breaking the bank.
• Great Photo Opportunities: The views of city walls, forts, Lokrum Island, and Banje Beach are top-notch.
• Limited Duration: The 45-minute trip is brief, so don’t expect detailed narration or extensive commentary.
• Ideal for Relaxation: Its small-group setting provides a calm, intimate feeling on the water.
• Best for View Lovers: Perfect if your main goal is to capture stunning photos and see key landmarks from the sea.
• Potential for Disappointment: Some reviews mention the lack of information and that the boat may be unavailable without notice.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Itinerary and What You Can Expect

This tour is designed as a quick, scenic introduction to Dubrovnik’s coastline, making it ideal for travelers who want a taste of the city’s maritime beauty. Once you arrive at the Old Port, you’ll spot the wooden boat called ‘Europa Line’ docked at one of two near docks. The boat’s small size ensures an intimate experience, and you’ll likely be sharing the vessel with just a handful of other passengers.

Starting with Dubrovnik’s Old Town and City Walls

Your cruise begins with a view of Dubrovnik’s famed medieval walls and historic forts. These walls, stretching over 2 kilometers, are often considered the city’s most iconic feature. From the water, you’ll get a different perspective—seeing how the walls embrace the Old Town’s terracotta roofs and stone facades.

One of the highlights here is the Lovrijenac Fortress, perched on a 37-meter-high cliff just outside the city walls. This fortress is often called the “Gibraltar of Dubrovnik” and played a key role in defending the city. Today, it’s also a popular Game of Thrones filming location, which adds an extra layer of intrigue for fans. From the boat, the fortress looks impressive and offers great photo opportunities.

Passing Banje Beach and the Old Town

As you sail along, you’ll pass nearby Banje Beach, famous for its crystal-clear waters and lively atmosphere. While the tour doesn’t include stops, just seeing the beach from the water offers a glimpse of Dubrovnik’s vibrant seaside life. The tour’s short duration means you won’t get much time to linger, but this perspective is especially good for those wanting to see the city’s modern-day appeal alongside its historic architecture.

Lokrum Island: Nature and Legend

Next, your boat will glide past Lokrum Island, a lush, rugged island just off Dubrovnik’s coast. The island is famous for its wild peacocks, botanical gardens, and dramatic cliffs. Historically, Lokrum was home to Benedictine monks and is steeped in legends of curses and mystical stories.

From the water, you’ll enjoy a sweeping view of Lokrum’s greenery and rocky coasts, ideal for photos and quick sightseeing. Some reviews mention that seeing Lokrum from the sea highlights its natural beauty, with plenty of coves and outcroppings visible in just a few minutes. This makes it an excellent snapshot stop for those not planning to spend much time on the island itself.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Ending at Banje Beach

The cruise concludes as your boat approaches Banje Beach once more, providing a final stunning view of the Old Town from the water. This beach is a hotspot for swimming, watersports, and people-watching, making it a lively spot to consider visiting afterward.

The Practical Details

Duration and Group Size

This tour clocks in at just 45 minutes, making it suitable for travelers with tight schedules or those who prefer quick sightseeing. The small-group setting allows for a more relaxed atmosphere, which many travelers appreciate.

Price and Value

Priced at $18 per person, this cruise is quite affordable. While it doesn’t include food, drinks, or guided commentary, its main value lies in the scenery and the experience of viewing Dubrovnik from the water.

What’s Included and Not

You’ll get a panoramic cruise with views of the city walls, forts, Lokrum Island, and Banje Beach. However, no food, drinks, or hotel transfers are included. The boat operates hourly until sunset, so you can choose a departure time that fits your plans.

What to Bring

To maximize your experience, pack a hat, sunscreen, and a camera. The boat ride is outdoors, and the weather can be hot, especially in peak season. Note that smoking is not allowed on the vessel, which keeps the environment pleasant for everyone.

Potential Downsides

The main concern from reviews is the lack of commentary—meaning you won’t get much historical or contextual information during the cruise. Also, some travelers reported that the boat was not available or cancelled without notice, so always check in advance or be prepared for possible changes.

Authentic Experiences from Reviews

One traveler from the Netherlands mentioned, “The boat was not available because it was broken,” highlighting that availability can sometimes be an issue. Conversely, someone from Ireland described it as a “lovely” experience, emphasizing its relaxing, picturesque qualities.

A UK traveler appreciated the stunning views but noted the absence of any commentary, which might be a missed opportunity if you’re hoping to learn about Dubrovnik’s history or legends.

Another reviewer mentioned, “It’s a nice ride,” reinforcing that the cruise is generally pleasant—even if it’s not the most in-depth tour.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This cruise is best suited to photography enthusiasts who want iconic shots of Dubrovnik’s walls and forts, or travelers seeking a relaxing, no-fuss view of the coast. It’s ideal for people with limited time, or those who want a quick introduction to the city’s maritime scenery.

If you’re interested in historical narration or a more detailed tour experience, you might find this cruise somewhat lacking. It’s purely scenic, with no guided commentary, so be prepared to enjoy the views quietly or bring your own audio guide.

The Sum Up

This 45-minute cruise around Dubrovnik’s Old Town and Lokrum Island offers an affordable and visually stunning way to see some of the city’s most celebrated landmarks from the water. Its compact size and small-group setting make it a peaceful, intimate experience, perfect for capturing memorable photos.

While the lack of detailed commentary and potential availability issues are worth considering, it remains a good option for travelers who prioritize scenic views, a relaxed vibe, and a quick overview of Dubrovnik’s coastline.

If you’re after a budget-friendly, photo-worthy excursion with minimal hassle, this cruise can fit the bill. It’s especially well-suited for first-time visitors wanting to tick off Dubrovnik’s top sights from a different angle, or couples looking for a quiet moment with panoramic views. Just keep in mind, it’s a short ride—so set your expectations accordingly and enjoy the stunning vistas.

FAQ

How long does the cruise last?
The cruise lasts approximately 45 minutes, making it a quick and easy scenic experience.

What is included in the tour?
You’ll enjoy views of Dubrovnik’s walls, forts, Lokrum Island, and Banje Beach. No food or drinks are included.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the short duration and outdoor nature make it generally suitable for families, but always check with the provider if you have specific concerns about age or suitability.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if plans change.

Does the cruise include a guide or commentary?
No, the tour does not include guided narration, so you’ll enjoy the sights in silence or with your own guide/audio.

What should I bring?
Bring a hat, sunscreen, and camera to make the most of the experience, especially since it’s outdoors and sunny.

Are there any age or health restrictions?
The tour is not suitable for those prone to seasickness, and no specific age restrictions are mentioned.

Where do I meet the boat?
At the Old Port of Dubrovnik, at one of the nearby docks. The boat called ‘Europa Line’ will be docked there depending on availability.

What if the boat is unavailable?
Some reviews mention cancellations without notice, so it’s wise to confirm the schedule ahead of time or consider alternative scenic options in Dubrovnik.

This boat cruise offers a brief but visually rewarding glimpse of Dubrovnik’s coastline and UNESCO-listed walls. While it may not satisfy those craving detailed historical insights, it’s a lovely, affordable way to see some of the city’s most photogenic spots from the water. Perfect for relaxed mornings or quick sightseeing in your Dubrovnik itinerary.

You can check if your dates are available here: