Dubrovnik Boat Tour: Lokrum Island, Betina Cave & St.Jacobs Beach

If you’re looking to enjoy Dubrovnik’s stunning coastline without the hassle of large, crowded tours or pricey private charters, this small-group boat trip might just fit the bill. It’s an accessible way to see some of the area’s most beautiful spots with a relaxed vibe. We’ve come across plenty of reviews and info that suggest this tour offers a good balance of scenery, activity, and affordability — especially if you’re keen on swimming and snorkeling.

What we really like about this experience is how it emphasizes ease and simplicity — the included snorkel gear and smooth transfers make it straightforward, even for those new to sea adventures. Plus, the chance to see iconic sights like Dubrovnik’s walls from the water and visit a tiny, hidden cave are definite highlights. On the flip side, some might find the timing a bit rushed, especially at the beaches, or feel the need to budget extra for entrance fees. Still, if you’re after a laid-back, scenic cruise with opportunities to cool off, this tour is worth considering.

It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and discovering new coastal spots without the fuss of large groups. If you don’t mind paying a little extra for entry to Lokrum or want to spend time exploring at your own pace, this trip could be a good pick. However, if you’re particular about having a guide to explain everything in depth or prefer longer stops, you might want to explore other options.

Key Points

• Affordable price point makes it accessible for most travelers.
• Small-group setting ensures a more personal experience and less crowding.
• Includes snorkel equipment, making water activities more convenient.
• Visit to Lokrum Island offers a chance to walk, swim, and explore gardens and rocky beaches.
• Two scenic swimming stops at Betina Cave and St. Jacob’s Beach showcase Croatia’s natural beauty.
• Timing might feel a bit rushed at some stops, especially if you’re keen on longer exploration.

An Honest Look at the Dubrovnik Coastal Experience

When considering a boat tour around Dubrovnik, the main appeal is obvious: you get to see the beautiful coastline and islands from the water, away from the crowds on land. This particular tour, which lasts about four hours, offers a compact, manageable way to sample some of the area’s top sights without breaking the bank. It’s operated by Lokrum Island Tour, which has good reviews and a reputation for providing reliable, friendly service.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The tour begins at the City Harbor, right in Dubrovnik, where you’ll board a small boat with a maximum of 12 travelers. This intimate setting makes it easier to chat with the crew and enjoy the scenery without the noise of big tour boats. Once on board, the first stop is to admire Dubrovnik’s famed city walls and Fort Lovrijenac from the water — a fantastic way to see the city’s fortifications before you even step ashore.

From there, the boat heads toward Lokrum Island, a lush, rocky island just a short ride away. The stop here typically lasts about two hours, giving you enough time to walk around, enjoy the botanical gardens, or take a dip in the lakes or rocky beaches. Reviews mention that Lokrum can be quite rocky, so water shoes are highly recommended, especially if you plan to swim or explore the rocky shoreline. One traveler noted, “Lokrum is very rocky — wear shoes or good water sandals with straps.” The island is popular and reportedly busy, with some guests mentioning that signage is clear and navigation is straightforward, even with over a million visitors annually.

After exploring Lokrum, the boat makes its way to St. Jacob’s Beach, directly accessible from the water. This area is relatively serene, with clear waters perfect for swimming or snorkeling. Guests get around 40 minutes to relax here, but that’s often enough to dip in, take some photos, or just enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Reviewers say “be sure to bring water shoes as the beach is pebbly,” and some found the stop to be quite short, wishing for more time to soak up the sun.

The final stop is Betina Cave, a hidden gem accessible only by sea. Here, you get about 30 minutes to explore a cave with a small beach inside — a perfect spot for swimming and snorkeling. The cave’s secluded nature makes it appealing, although some reviews mention it can get crowded. Still, most enjoy the chance to see something off the beaten path.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

The tour includes snorkeling gear, boat transfers, life vests, and a glass-bottom boat, which means you can easily see the underwater life if snorkeling isn’t your thing. An English audio guide is also part of the package, helping to add some context as you cruise along.

However, one key point to keep in mind is the Lokrum Island entrance fee of €30 per person, which isn’t included in the ticket price. This fee covers the botanical gardens, monastery, and some attractions, so you’ll need cash on hand if you want to explore beyond just walking around. Several reviewers pointed out this extra cost, with one traveler saying, “the price to enter Lokrum was nearly the price of the tour.” It’s worth budgeting for this additional expense.

The Group Size and Timing

With a maximum of 12 travelers, the tour is quite personal — a nice change from larger boat groups. The tour operates with two departure times, giving some flexibility to fit your schedule. The timing is generally well-organized, but some guests have noted that stops can feel a little rushed, especially if you want more time at each location.

The Experience: Pros and Cons

Pros:
– The scenic views from the water are stunning, with plenty of opportunities to snap photos of Dubrovnik’s famous walls and forts.
– Lokrum Island is a lush, inviting place for walking, swimming, or just relaxing.
– The snorkeling stops at Betina Cave and St. Jacob’s Beach provide a chance to cool off and explore underneath the water.
– The small group size makes it a more relaxed and personable experience.
– The included gear makes water activities easy and hassle-free.

Cons:
– The timing can be tight, and some reviewers mention feeling rushed at the beaches or caves.
– Extra costs such as Lokrum’s €30 entrance fee can add up, especially if you’re traveling on a budget.
– The beaches on Lokrum and elsewhere are rocky or pebbly, so water shoes are almost essential.
– The tour doesn’t include a live guide explaining the sights in detail — the audio guide is functional but not particularly engaging.
– The boat driver, while friendly, might not interact much with the group, which can make the experience feel a bit impersonal at times.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and scenic boat rides, this tour offers good value and memorable views. It’s particularly suited for those who want a relaxed, small-group experience rather than a crowded, hurried trip. Travelers who appreciate the flexibility to explore independently and are comfortable with paying extra for some attractions will likely enjoy it most.

It’s less suited for travelers who prefer guided tours with detailed historical commentary or for those who want more extensive beach time. If you’re traveling with young children who are non-swimmers or prefer sandy beaches, this might not be ideal, given the rocky shoreline and the limited beach stops.

Final Thoughts

This Dubrovnik boat tour delivers a compact, scenic foray into some of Croatia’s best coastal spots. The combination of stunning views, opportunities for swimming and snorkeling, and a small-group setting makes it a solid choice for many travelers. While it’s not perfect — the timing can feel rushed, and extra costs exist — the overall experience offers a relaxed, enjoyable way to see the coastline and enjoy some of Croatia’s beautiful outdoor spots.

If you’re after a straightforward, budget-friendly trip with a focus on water-based activities and scenic views, this tour is worth considering, especially if you value smaller groups and hassle-free snorkeling. Just remember to bring water shoes, cash for Lokrum’s entry, and enough time to enjoy the stops without feeling hurried.

FAQ

Is snorkeling equipment included?
Yes, snorkeling gear is provided on the boat, making it easy to enjoy the underwater spots without bringing your own.

How long are the stops at each location?
You’ll have approximately 2 hours on Lokrum Island, 40 minutes at St. Jacob’s Beach, and 30 minutes at Betina Cave, with the entire tour lasting around four hours.

Do I need to pay extra to visit Lokrum Island?
Yes, the entrance fee to Lokrum Island is €30 per person, which isn’t included in the tour price. You’ll need cash to cover this if you want to explore the island beyond just walking around.

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?
It’s not recommended for non-swimmers, especially since some stops involve swimming and snorkeling. If you’re not comfortable in the water, you might want to consider other options.

What is the group size?
The tour is small, with a maximum of 12 travelers, so you get a more personalized experience.

What should I bring?
Water shoes are highly recommended due to rocky beaches, along with sun protection, a towel, and cash for extra expenses like Lokrum’s entrance fee.

Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate; however, non-swimmers may find some activities challenging, and the tour isn’t specifically designed for children.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

How do I find the meeting point?
The tour starts at Lokanda Peskarija, Na ponti bb, Dubrovnik. The location is near public transportation and easy to find.

To sum it up, this Dubrovnik boat trip is a solid pick if you’re looking to enjoy Croatia’s coast with a small group, stunning views, and opportunities to swim and snorkel. It strikes a good balance between price and experience, especially if you’re prepared for a bit of a time squeeze and extra costs. Whether it’s your first visit or a repeat trip, it’s a relaxed way to see some of Dubrovnik’s best seaside spots without the hassle of larger tours.