Reviewed · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS

Rent a Traditional Wooden Boat (64 pax)

★ 5.0 · 8 reviews Operated by Dubrovnik Islands Tours · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

The best part of this Dubrovnik boat rental is the freedom to turn one day into your own Adriatic outing. You can gather a wedding party, family group, company team, or reunion aboard a traditional wooden boat built for up to 64 people, then spend the day seeking beaches and small islands rather than squeezing into a standard sightseeing boat.

I like the crew included in the price, so you are not left to manage navigation, and I like the included snorkeling equipment, which makes a swim stop easy. The main caution is cost: at $2,304.79 per group, this makes the most sense when shared by a sizable group, not by a couple or small family.

Key points to know before you book

Rent a Traditional Wooden Boat (64 pax) - Key points to know before you book

  • A private boat for up to 64 people: This is designed for celebrations and organized groups, not a small intimate cruise.
  • An open day on the Adriatic: You can discuss beaches, islands, swimming, and timing with the operator rather than follow a tightly fixed sightseeing route.
  • Captain and crew included: You get professional help on board, with service praised for being friendly and attentive.
  • Snorkeling equipment provided: You can use the gear during suitable swim stops without arranging a separate rental.
  • Food costs extra: Catering is not included, though fish, chicken, or vegetarian meals and drinks have been arranged for some outings.
  • Port Gruž is the base: The boat leaves from Obala Ivana Pavla II 13 and returns there after roughly eight hours.

Why this wooden boat works best for a big Dubrovnik group

This is less a standard excursion and more a private floating venue. The boat has room for up to 64 people, and the operator specifically presents it for weddings, reunions, celebrations, and other events. That capacity changes the value calculation completely.

At $2,304.79 per group, a full boat works out to about $36 per person before food and private spending. With 32 people, it is about $72 per person. With only eight people, the cost rises above $288 per person. I would therefore consider this a strong group purchase and a poor fit for a small party unless privacy matters more than price.

The traditional wooden design should appeal to you if you want something with more character than a plain modern transfer boat. The trip is built around the pleasures of the coast: warm wind, sun, clear water, swimming, snorkeling, beaches, and small islands. It is a good way to make the sea the main event rather than a brief view from shore.

You should also understand what this is not. The information does not promise a fixed set of islands, a particular beach, or a guaranteed three-island route. The destination choices can be discussed with the operator, but exact stops depend on the plan, conditions, and the day you arrange. Ask for the proposed route before paying if a specific island is important to you.

More Boat Tours in Dubrovnik

Starting at Port Gruž

Rent a Traditional Wooden Boat (64 pax) - Starting at Port Gruž

The meeting point is Port Gruž, at Obala Ivana Pavla II 13 in Dubrovnik. This is the practical starting point for the day, and the boat returns there at the end.

Pickup is offered only for locations more than 700 meters from the starting point. That detail is easy to miss. If your accommodation is close to Port Gruž, you should plan to reach the port yourself rather than assume a hotel transfer is included.

The package information also mentions an air-conditioned vehicle. Since the core product is a boat rental, I would confirm how that vehicle applies to your booking before you rely on it for transportation. The clearest included services are the boat, captain, crew, snorkeling equipment, fees, and taxes.

The published opening hours show 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM from April 1 through November 1, 2025, while the activity itself lasts about eight hours. That timing does not fully explain when an eight-hour departure begins or ends. Confirm the exact departure time after booking, especially if you are organizing a meal, wedding schedule, airport transfer, or evening event.

What your eight hours can include

Rent a Traditional Wooden Boat (64 pax) - What your eight hours can include

The day is built around the Dubrovnik coast rather than a long list of formal sightseeing stops. You board at Gruž, meet the captain and crew, and set out toward beaches and small islands selected for your outing.

Some published outings have used a three-island format, with time for beaches, views, food, and swimming. That route is not stated as a fixed promise for every private rental, so treat it as an example of what can be arranged rather than a guaranteed schedule.

I would ask these questions before departure:

  • Which islands or beaches are planned?
  • How long will the boat stay at each stop?
  • Will there be time for swimming and snorkeling?
  • Is lunch served on board or at a stop?
  • What time will you return to Gruž?
  • Can music or a celebration setup be arranged?

The value of a private rental is that these details can be discussed. A family with children may want longer beach time. A wedding group may care more about a smooth meal service and open space on board. A company group may prefer several swimming stops and less time sitting at lunch.

The main drawback is that the experience depends on clear communication. A regular group cruise usually gives you a printed route. Here, you are paying for a larger private service, so you should be specific about what you want.

Beaches, small islands, and open-water time

Rent a Traditional Wooden Boat (64 pax) - Beaches, small islands, and open-water time

The coast around Dubrovnik is the star of the day. You are signing up for clean blue water, rocky shorelines, warm sun, and access to places that are easier to reach by boat than by road.

A beach stop gives you a break from the boat and a chance to swim. Snorkeling equipment is included, which is useful if you want to look below the surface without bringing your own mask and fins. The information does not promise particular marine life or underwater sights, so I would treat snorkeling as a welcome activity rather than the sole reason to book.

Small islands provide the most appealing change of pace. Instead of spending the whole day on one long cruise, you can see several pieces of the Adriatic and compare their beaches and views. The exact stops are not named, and that is both a benefit and a limitation. You may get a route suited to weather and group wishes, but you cannot judge the specific beaches in advance.

The boat itself is also part of the pleasure. A traditional wooden vessel gives a celebration more atmosphere than a basic transport boat. You can sit together, talk, listen to music if arranged, eat, and move between stops without repeatedly packing up your group.

Still, the scale matters. A boat built for 64 people is a large social setting. If you are hoping for quiet, private conversations with only a few companions, this is probably too much boat and too much cost. For a reunion or wedding party, the same size becomes the point.

Same stretch of coast, a completely different kind of day:

Crew service, from Emily to Ivan

The crew is one of the strongest parts of the offering. The names Emily, Ivan, Nataša, and Renata appear in connection with warm hosting and attentive service. Emily is specifically praised for being friendly and helpful, while Ivan is described as nice and funny. Nataša and Renata are also singled out for making the day feel welcoming.

That matters on a private charter. With a large group, the captain and crew handle the boat while you focus on your family, friends, or event. The service described includes regular checks that everything is all right and that people have what they need.

Do not read that as a promise of a personal attendant for every passenger. A boat carrying 64 people is still a sizable operation. Service quality will depend on your final headcount, catering plan, and event requests. Share dietary needs, meal timing, music plans, and swimming preferences early.

The crew can also make a difference when the sea or weather changes the plan. Since the activity requires good weather, the operator may need to move the date or cancel. A captain’s judgment matters when deciding how long to remain at a stop or when to return.

Food and drinks are a separate decision

Rent a Traditional Wooden Boat (64 pax) - Food and drinks are a separate decision

Food is not included in the listed price, and catering must be arranged separately. That gives you flexibility, but it also means you should not assume lunch, soft drinks, or alcohol are part of the $2,304.79 rental.

Some arranged outings have included a meal with a choice of fish, chicken, or vegetarian food, along with alcoholic and soft drinks, for an additional charge. That suggests useful catering options, but you should get the current price and menu in writing for your own event.

For a group this large, catering deserves more attention than a quick snack stop. Ask whether food is served aboard, how many courses are provided, whether drinks are unlimited, and how dietary requests are handled. Also ask whether you may bring your own food or drinks. The available information does not answer that question.

A meal can turn the cruise into a full-day celebration, but it also takes time away from swimming and island stops. I would decide what matters most to your group. If the boat is mainly a wedding reception, plan food carefully. If you want maximum time in the water, keep lunch simple.

Price, group size, and real value

Rent a Traditional Wooden Boat (64 pax) - Price, group size, and real value

The $2,304.79 price is for the group, up to one booking party, with capacity for 64 people. It includes the boat and crew, all fees and taxes, and snorkeling equipment. Food, catering, and personal spending are extra.

This is not priced like a normal seat on a shared day cruise. You are paying for control, space, and a private setting. The cost becomes reasonable when spread across a large group, especially for an event where hiring several smaller boats would be awkward.

Here is the rough per-person math:

  • 64 people: about $36 each
  • 32 people: about $72 each
  • 16 people: about $144 each
  • 8 people: about $288 each

Those figures exclude catering. They are useful because the advertised total can look high until you divide it among a full party.

I like the fact that taxes, fees, captain, and crew are included. Those costs can otherwise create unpleasant surprises. I would still request a final written quote for catering, transfers, decorations, music, and any special event needs.

Who should book this boat

I would recommend this to you if you are organizing a large group and want the boat itself to be part of the occasion. Weddings, milestone birthdays, family reunions, work events, and school or club outings all fit the design.

It also suits people who want a flexible coastal day. You can plan beach time, snorkeling, island stops, lunch, and a relaxed return rather than follow a rigid sightseeing program.

Families may appreciate the ability to keep everyone together, though parents should decide how comfortable their children are with a full day on a boat. The information says most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. It does not provide details about child equipment, wheelchair access, or specific swimming support, so ask before booking if those needs apply.

I would not choose it for two people, a quiet honeymoon, or anyone seeking a tightly documented route with named stops. The capacity and group price point toward a social event. For a small party, a smaller boat would likely give you better value, though that option is not part of this experience.

Weather, confirmation, and planning details

Good weather is required. If poor conditions force cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. That is useful protection for a sea trip, but the general cancellation policy is strict: the experience is otherwise non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.

Booking confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability. I would avoid building a wedding or large event around the boat until you have that confirmation.

The cruise is near public transportation, and most people can participate. Service animals are permitted. Since the boat returns to the same meeting point, you can plan your day around Port Gruž rather than arrange a separate ending location.

Bring the practical basics: swimwear, sun protection, a towel, and any personal items you need for a full day outside. Snorkeling equipment is supplied, but personal preferences may make your own mask worthwhile. These last suggestions are common-sense preparation, not listed inclusions, so confirm what the operator recommends for your group.

Is this Dubrovnik boat rental worth booking?

Book it if you can fill a good portion of the 64-person boat and want a private Adriatic day built around your group. The included crew, snorkeling gear, return to Gruž, and flexible approach make it a useful choice for celebrations. The consistently warm service associated with Emily, Ivan, Nataša, and Renata is another reason to expect a friendly day on board.

Before you commit, confirm the exact route, departure time, catering price, pickup details, and what is included in the air-conditioned vehicle reference. If your group is small, the total cost is hard to justify. If your group is large, the price per person can be quite fair, and the boat gives you something a standard beach day cannot: a shared day at sea with room for the whole party.

FAQ

How many people can the boat hold?

The traditional wooden boat can accommodate up to 64 people.

How much does the boat rental cost?

The price is $2,304.79 per group, for a booking listed as accommodating up to 64 people. Food, catering, and personal expenses are extra.

What is included in the rental?

The package includes the boat with captain and crew, all fees and taxes, snorkeling equipment, and an air-conditioned vehicle as stated in the inclusions.

Is food included?

No. Food and catering are not included in the rental price, but catering can be arranged separately. Some outings have offered fish, chicken, or vegetarian meals with alcoholic and soft drinks for an extra charge.

Where does the boat depart and return?

The boat departs from Port Gruž, Obala Ivana Pavla II 13, Dubrovnik, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is available only for locations more than 700 meters from the starting point. If you are staying closer to Port Gruž, you should plan to reach the meeting point yourself.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The activity requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. The normal cancellation policy is otherwise non-refundable and does not allow changes.

More like this

Cruises & Boat Tours, compared.

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

Split: 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 →
Dubrovnik: Elaphiti Islands Full-Day Cruise with Lunch
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 5,938 reviews· from $78

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

Dubrovnik: Elaphite Island Cruise w/ Drinks & Optional Lunch

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

From Split: Krka Waterfalls Tour, Boat Cruise & Swimming

Read our review →
Montenegro Full-Day Trip from Dubrovnik with Optional Boat Trip
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 3,212 reviews· from $72

Montenegro Full-Day Trip from Dubrovnik with Optional Boat Trip

Read our review →

Browse the lists this tour appears in

Scroll to Top

Croatia, by the kind of day

Pick a deck, a park or a cellar.