Taking a boat around Dubrovnik’s iconic Old Town with a delicious local meal sounds like a perfect way to soak up the city’s beauty and flavors in a short time. This Gastro Cruise promises a blend of sightseeing, authentic Croatian cuisine, and a relaxing vibe on the water—all wrapped into approximately two hours. From the reviews and tour details, this experience seems ideal for travelers seeking a taste of Dubrovnik’s coastal scenery paired with genuine food without dedicating an entire day.

What we love about this tour is its combination of stunning views, delicious, freshly prepared dishes, and the added bonus of local drinks. Plus, the boat ride offers a unique perspective of the city walls and Lokrum Island that can’t be experienced from land alone. An easy, short excursion, it’s perfect for those with limited time but still wanting to enjoy a memorable and authentic taste of Dubrovnik.

On the flip side, this tour’s main limitation might be its duration—just two hours—which leaves little room for extensive sightseeing. If you’re after a more comprehensive experience or a quiet, intimate meal, you might find it slightly rushed. But for most, the value-packed experience suits a wide range of travelers, especially those who want a blend of light sightseeing and good food in a convivial setting.

This gastro cruise is best suited for food lovers, short-stay visitors, and anyone keen to see Dubrovnik from the sea while indulging in local flavors. If you prefer a quiet, leisurely meal over a lengthy tour or are a fan of scenic boat rides, this experience might be just right.

Good To Know

Gastro Cruise | Cruise around Dubrovnik Old Town with Lunch - Good To Know

  • Short but sweet: A two-hour trip combining sightseeing and dining.
  • Authentic Croatian cuisine: Fish dishes like seabass and gilthead seabream served on board, with wines or drinks included.
  • Scenic views: Offers a unique perspective of Dubrovnik’s city walls and Lokrum Island.
  • Value for money: The price includes a 3-course meal, drinks, WiFi, snacks, and a scenic boat ride.
  • Reviews highlight: Delicious food, friendly operators, and stunning views.
  • Considerations: Limited time might mean a quick pace; ideal for a snack-sized adventure.

An Authentic Dubrovnik Experience on the Water

Gastro Cruise | Cruise around Dubrovnik Old Town with Lunch - An Authentic Dubrovnik Experience on the Water

If you’re searching for a way to combine sightseeing with a genuine taste of local cuisine, this gastro cruise offers a compelling option. It’s not just about ticking off tourist sights—it’s about experiencing Dubrovnik’s essence from the water, tasting the flavors that have been part of local life for generations, in a setting that’s both scenic and intimate.

The tour begins at Porat DubrovnikRibarnica, right in the heart of the Old Town’s port, making it super accessible whether you’re arriving by foot or public transport. The departure time of 1:30 pm positions it perfectly in the afternoon, allowing you to enjoy the sun and sea without a long-time commitment.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Stop 1: Dubrovnik City Walls
The tour kicks off from the Old Town’s port, giving you an immediate glimpse of Dubrovnik’s famed walls. As you set sail, you’ll be greeted with traditional local snacks and appetizers—a nice touch that sets the tone for the meal. From the boat, you get a spectacular view of the walls, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the lively streets below.

During the cruise, you’ll enjoy a delicious 3-course fish lunch served directly on board. The menu features grilled seabass or gilthead seabream, accompanied by side dishes. Reviewers like Debbie noted that she found the food delicious and the operator friendly and caring. The emphasis on local, fresh seafood makes this meal stand out, especially in a city renowned for its maritime cuisine.

Drink options include three drinks per person or a bottle of wine per couple, making it a relaxed, convivial experience. The inclusion of water, soda, and WiFi ensures you stay refreshed and connected, adding to the comfort.

Stop 2: Lokrum Island
After your tasty meal, the boat continues along the coast to Lokrum Island, offering panoramic views of the city walls. The island, just across from Old Town, is a favorite for its lush landscapes and tranquil atmosphere. The cruise around Lokrum lasts about an hour, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, take photos, or simply relax on the deck.

What Sets This Tour Apart

Authentic Food
The fresh seafood menu—specifically grilled seabass or gilthead seabream—is a highlight. Reviewers like Jeff mention that the food was fantastic and appreciated the authentic local flavors. Having drinks included, especially wine, elevates the experience, making it feel more like a celebration than just a tour.

Intimate and Scenic
With a maximum of 40 travelers, the boat cruise maintains a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. The views of Dubrovnik’s walls and Lokrum Island are truly stunning, especially if you love scenic coastlines and historic landmarks.

Convenient and Efficient
At just two hours, it’s easy to fit into a busy itinerary. You get a good balance of sightseeing and dining without feeling rushed. The tour’s location and short duration make it accessible, even for travelers with limited time.

The Experience in Practice

From Debbie’s review, we learn that the cruise was fun and the operator was kind and friendly. Jeff appreciated the authenticity and fantastic food, suggesting the tour doesn’t cut corners on quality. The inclusion of local wine and snacks adds a touch of authenticity and comfort.

The boat’s free WiFi and snacks are small details that travelers appreciate, making the experience enjoyable and convenient. The tour’s price of $84.50 per person offers good value considering the food, drinks, scenic views, and unique experience of seeing Dubrovnik from the sea.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

Gastro Cruise | Cruise around Dubrovnik Old Town with Lunch - Practical Details: What You Need to Know

Duration & Timing
The two-hour cruise departs at 1:30 pm from Porat DubrovnikRibarnica and ends back at the same point. Its short length makes it a perfect afternoon activity, especially if you want a break from sightseeing or beach lounging.

Group Size & Atmosphere
Limited to 40 travelers, the group feels intimate without being crowded. Reviews suggest a friendly atmosphere, ideal for couples, small groups, or solo travelers wanting a social yet relaxed vibe.

Price & Value
At $84.50, the tour includes a three-course meal, drinks (wine or spirits), WiFi, snacks, and the scenic boat ride. Compared to other Dubrovnik activities, this combo offers a balanced mix of sightseeing and tasting—good value for those who want a taste of romance, local flavors, and coastal scenery.

Accessibility & Convenience
The meeting point is close to public transportation, and service animals are allowed, making it accessible for most travelers.

Weather & Cancellation
The tour is weather-dependent, with a a full refund or rescheduling if canceled due to bad weather. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance adds flexibility, important for unpredictable coastal weather.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This gastro cruise offers more than just a boat ride. It’s a chance to see Dubrovnik from a different angle, enjoy authentic seafood, and relax with drinks in hand. The short duration makes it perfect for travelers who want a quick but meaningful experience, especially if they’re pressed for time or looking for a fun, casual outing.

If you’re passionate about good food, scenic views, and a relaxed atmosphere, this cruise delivers all three. It’s also well suited for couples, small groups, or solo travelers eager to meet others while savoring local flavors. The friendly operator, authentic menu, and beautiful scenery make this a memorable addition to any Dubrovnik trip.

For those who prefer in-depth tours or extensive sightseeing, this might feel brief, but it’s an ideal snack-sized adventure that captures the essence of Dubrovnik’s coast.

FAQ

Gastro Cruise | Cruise around Dubrovnik Old Town with Lunch - FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. The focus on seafood and scenic views makes it family-friendly, but check with the provider if you have specific needs.

What is included in the price?
The price covers a 3-course lunch, 3 drinks or a bottle of wine per couple, water, soda, snacks, and WiFi on board.

How long is the cruise?
It lasts approximately two hours, including sightseeing around Dubrovnik walls and Lokrum Island, and the meal.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothing suitable for a boat trip. Bring sun protection like hats and sunglasses, especially in summer.

Can I cancel if the weather turns bad?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is it easy to get to the meeting point?
Yes, the starting point at Porat DubrovnikRibarnica is near public transportation, making it accessible for most visitors.

In summary, the Dubrovnik gastro cruise offers a delightful way to combine scenic views, authentic seafood, and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere—all in a short, manageable outing. Whether you’re a foodie, a lover of coastal scenery, or just want a break from land-based touring, it’s a memorable experience worth considering during your Dubrovnik stay.