Cavtat/Mlini: Lokrum, Betina Cave, & St. Jacobs Beach Tour

Exploring the Dalmatian Coast with the Cavtat/Mlini: Lokrum, Betina Cave, & St. Jacobs Beach Tour

If you’re visiting Croatia and love the idea of combining scenic boat rides with swimming and sightseeing, this tour from Cavtat could be a solid pick. It promises a mix of nature, history, and relaxation, all wrapped into a six-hour adventure. While it’s not a full-day expedition, it hits enough highlights to make it feel like a well-rounded experience — especially if you enjoy stunning views and a laid-back vibe.

Two things we genuinely like about this tour are the opportunity to explore Lokrum Island’s botanical gardens and historic sites and the chance to snorkel in Betina Cave, a secluded spot with clear waters. Plus, the unlimited drinks on board—water, beer, wine, and rakija—add a nice touch to the journey. However, one thing to keep in mind is that Lokrum’s Entrance fee isn’t included in the price, so you’ll need some cash on hand if you want to visit the island’s attractions.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a relaxed, scenic day on the water with opportunities for swimming and sightseeing. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable on boats and enjoy a social atmosphere, especially with unlimited drinks. It’s less suited for those who need a more structured or family-friendly experience, as some parts involve swimming or walking around uneven terrain.

Key Points

• Scenic Coastal Views: Cruise along Dubrovnik’s coastline with stunning vistas of the Old Town and surrounding islands.
• Lokrum Island Highlights: Explore botanical gardens, a monastery, and the Iron Throne from Game of Thrones.
• Unique Snorkeling Spot: Betina Cave offers clear waters and a secluded setting for swimming and snorkeling.
• Relaxation Time: St. Jacobs Beach provides a chance to unwind and take in more views of Dubrovnik.
• Unlimited Drinks: Enjoy onboard water, beer, wine, and rakija, making the trip more convivial.
• Flexible Options: Multiple pick-up points and the option to book with flexibility (reserve now, pay later).

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Points and Ease of Access

Depending on where you’re staying in the Dubrovnik area—Cavtat, Mlini, or Srebreno—you can choose from three pick-up locations. This flexibility makes it easier to plan your day without extra stress. The meeting point from the provided coordinates is straightforward, and the tour providers are fluent in English and Spanish, which helps in case you have questions before setting sail.

The Journey Begins: Coastal Cruising and Lokrum Island

Once on the boat, you’ll start with a cruise along the stunning coast of Dubrovnik. This is a real highlight, especially if you’re a fan of scenic waterscapes. The boat is described as comfortable, making the roughly 30-minute ride to Lokrum Island quite pleasant.

Lokrum itself is a UNESCO-listed site, and you’ll get about 2 hours and 15 minutes to explore. The highlight here is the Botanical Gardens, which are lush and peaceful, perfect for a gentle walk. The historic Benedictine Monastery offers a glimpse into the island’s past, and the Iron Throne from Game of Thrones is a fun spot for photos.

Travelers often mention that Lokrum’s natural beauty makes it a peaceful escape from the busy mainland, and many appreciate the chance to take photos or just wander the scenic paths. One reviewer said, “We loved the way Lokrum’s gardens offered a quiet retreat with beautiful views of the sea.”

Snorkeling at Betina Cave: A Hidden Gem

Next comes the exciting part—swimming and snorkeling at Betina Cave. It’s described as a secluded and tranquil spot, perfect for those who want to avoid crowded beaches. The waters are clear, and the cave itself lends a touch of adventure and discovery.

The one-hour stop here includes an opportunity to meet fellow travelers, enjoy some drinks, and, of course, take a dip. Several reviews note that snorkeling here was a highlight, with one guest remarking, “The water was so clear, and swimming in Betina Cave was like discovering a private paradise.”

More Great Tours Nearby

Scenic Cruise and Beach Relaxation

After Betina Cave, the boat continues along the coast, offering more scenic views and some downtime. The boat ride itself is part of the experience, with many guests appreciating the chance to relax and soak up the scenery.

Finally, the boat docks at St. Jacobs Beach for around an hour, giving everyone time to relax, swim, or simply enjoy the view of Dubrovnik’s Old Town from afar. The beach is described as a lovely spot to wind down, with some reviews mentioning the calm waters and picturesque setting.

Practicalities and What to Bring

You’ll want to come prepared with comfortable shoes, swimwear, sun protection, and cash (to pay the Lokrum entry fee). Bringing your camera is a must for capturing the stunning scenery, and packing some food might be a good idea since the island’s kiosk has limited options and prices tend to be higher.

Since drinks are unlimited on board, you can relax with wine or beer, but if you prefer non-alcoholic options, water is also plentiful. Travelers have appreciated the friendly, laid-back vibe and the unobstructed views throughout the trip.

The Verdict: Is This Tour Worth It?

If your idea of a good day involves a mix of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing on the water, this tour hits the mark. The scenic cruise along Dubrovnik’s coast is truly breathtaking, and the stops at Lokrum and Betina Cave offer enough variety to keep things interesting. Plus, the unlimited drinks make it feel more like a social adventure than a strict sightseeing tour. Many reviews praise the overall experience, calling it “relaxing and beautiful,” though some note that the island’s entry fee is an extra cost to keep in mind.

On the downside, the tour’s duration—about six hours—means you’ll spend a good chunk of time on the boat, which might be tiring if you’re not a boat person. Also, since the tour involves swimming in natural spots, it’s not suitable for everyone, especially those with mobility issues or pregnant women.

In terms of value, it’s a relatively affordable way to see some of the key highlights around Dubrovnik with a relaxed pace. You get to enjoy the scenery, the water, and some history without the hassle of planning each stop yourself.

This tour is best for travelers who want a chill, scenic day with plenty of opportunities to swim and take photos. It’s a good choice if you prioritize views, a friendly atmosphere, and a bit of adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Lokrum Island entry fee included in the tour price?
No, the Lokrum entry fee is not included. You’ll need to pay cash to enter and explore the island’s attractions, and it’s recommended to buy your ticket online in advance if possible.

How long do we spend on Lokrum Island?
You’ll have about 2 hours and 15 minutes to explore Lokrum, which gives enough time to walk around the gardens, visit the monastery, and take photos.

Can I bring my own food?
Yes, you’re encouraged to bring your own food for a picnic, as the island has picnic spots, but note that the kiosk has limited options and prices tend to be higher.

What should I bring on the tour?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, cash, and any food or drinks you want to enjoy during the stops.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
The tour isn’t specifically marketed as family-friendly, and some activities involve swimming and walking on uneven terrain, so consider your children’s comfort and safety.

How long is the boat ride between stops?
The cruise from Cavtat to Lokrum takes about 30 minutes, with additional cruise time between stops. The entire tour lasts around 6 hours.

Are drinks included?
Yes, you can enjoy unlimited water, beer, wine, and rakija while on board, making for a relaxed, social atmosphere.

If you’re after a flexible, scenic way to see Dubrovnik’s coastline, explore Lokrum, and swim in more secluded waters, this boat tour offers a good mix. Just remember to come prepared, especially with cash for the island fee, and enjoy the views and laid-back vibes.

You can check availability for your dates here: