REVIEW · DUBROVNIK
Rent a Traditional Wooden Boat (64 pax)
Book on Viator →Operated by Dubrovnik Islands Tours · Bookable on Viator
Adriatic wind beats any sightseeing plan. This traditional wooden boat rental is built for big days on the water, with a capable crew and snorkeling equipment so you can jump straight into the Adriatic. I especially like how the experience is set up for real groups (up to 64 on board) and how host support shows up with names like Emily and Ivan making the day feel organized, not chaotic.
Two things I love most are the 64-person boat setup and the way the crew keeps the mood friendly while you’re moving between beaches and small islands. One thing to consider: it’s weather-dependent, and pickup is only offered for places more than 700m from the start, so you’ll want to plan to get to Port Gruž easily if you’re nearby.
In This Review
- Key highlights to know
- Why a Traditional Wooden Boat Works So Well in Dubrovnik
- Boat Size, Comfort, and What “64 Pax” Means for Your Day
- From Port Gruž to Island-Hopping: The Day’s Real Flow
- Snorkeling Equipment Included, So You Can Skip the Small Hassles
- Food and Drinks: What’s Included vs. What You’ll Likely Add
- Crew With Real Names: Emily, Ivan, Ranta, and the Hosting Style
- Price and Value: $2,304.79 per Group, and How to Make It Make Sense
- Pickup, Meeting Point, and Timing That Keeps the Stress Low
- Weather Rules: The One Thing You Can’t Control
- Who This Dubrovnik Wooden Boat Rental Suits Best
- Should You Book This Traditional Wooden Boat Rental?
- FAQ
- How long is the wooden boat rental?
- Where do we meet for the tour?
- Is pickup available?
- What’s included in the price?
- Is food included?
- What’s the boat capacity?
- How soon will I get confirmation after booking?
- What if the weather is poor?
- Are service animals allowed?
Key highlights to know
- Traditional wooden boat feel with a full crew handling the sailing side
- Snorkeling equipment included for quick swims and easy beach time
- Up to 64 people on board, great for celebrations and group get-togethers
- Optional catering is possible, since food is not automatically included
- Crew support in the mix, including hosts such as Emily and Ivan
- Operates within listed daytime hours, so timing matters for your day plan
Why a Traditional Wooden Boat Works So Well in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik isn’t just about old stone and city walls. It’s also about being out on the water, when the coast looks bigger and the air turns salty and warm. A traditional wooden boat rental gives you that slower rhythm: no bus windows, no crowds in a hurry, just sailing time and swim time.
On this style of outing, the “trip” is really the coastline experience. You’re heading for beaches, little islands, and the open-water views that people can’t see from the promenade. And because it’s a crewed charter, you’re not stuck managing logistics while everyone else is getting hungry, warm, or bored.
I also like the practical angle: you’re paying for a full boat experience (captain and crew included), with the essentials handled. Then you get to spend your energy on enjoying the sea—especially if your group wants pictures, calm water moments, and time to relax without switching gears every hour.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Dubrovnik
Boat Size, Comfort, and What “64 Pax” Means for Your Day

A 64-person capacity changes the vibe. It’s big enough for groups to feel festive—weddings, reunions, celebrations—yet it’s still a boat day, not a bus day. If your group is larger (or just wants more space than a tiny speedboat), this kind of capacity can feel like the sweet spot.
Included equipment matters here, too. You get snorkeling equipment, which makes the water-access part of the day easier and more flexible. Also, the boat includes what you’d expect for comfort on a long outing: an air-conditioned vehicle is listed as included, which likely ties into pickup/transfer service rather than staying on the boat itself.
The main thing to expect is a bit of “organized beach chaos” in a good way. With 64 people, you’ll want a simple plan: sunscreen early, water handy, and keep track of when everyone regroups. If your group prefers a quiet, couples-only atmosphere, this format may feel more social than you want—but if you’re celebrating or traveling with a crew, it’s a strong fit.
From Port Gruž to Island-Hopping: The Day’s Real Flow

The day starts and ends at the same place: Port Gruž, at Obala Ivana Pavla II 13, Dubrovnik. The activity runs for about 8 hours, and it returns you back to the meeting point. That matters because it keeps you from having to coordinate separate transportation later.
The typical structure of a day like this is simple:
- You depart and sail along the Dubrovnik coast for a while, giving you the big-view time early.
- Then you hit island and beach stops where you can swim and use the snorkeling gear.
- You regroup for another sailing stretch.
- You pause for a lunch moment onboard or via an added catering arrangement (food isn’t automatically included in the base listing).
- Finally, you finish with more sea time before heading back.
One of the clearer signals from the experience feedback is the focus on “stops you can actually enjoy.” The outing is often described as a 3-island style cruise, with strong emphasis on beaches and views rather than just passing by scenery from a single position. That’s exactly what you want if you’re going for the Adriatic coastline, not a sightseeing slideshow.
Possible drawback of this flow: you’re on the water most of the day, so if your group hates heat or sun exposure, you’ll need to bring shade solutions and take breaks. The good news is that the pacing is built around access points—swim, snorkel, regroup—so you’re not stuck “doing nothing” while the boat moves.
Snorkeling Equipment Included, So You Can Skip the Small Hassles
It’s the small details that turn a boat day into a good boat day, and snorkeling equipment is included. That means you don’t need to shop, rent, or guess if it’s a hassle at the last minute. You can decide once you’re onboard: quick snorkel now, or wait until you find a better swim spot later.
In practical terms, this helps two types of people:
- First-timers who don’t want gear anxiety.
- Experienced swimmers who want time in the water without turning the day into errands.
Keep in mind that snorkeling is easiest when you can confidently step into the water and stay oriented. If your group is mixed in confidence, I’d plan for a buddy system and a simple rule: snorkel when you’re ready, regroup when you’re done. With 64 people, it’s especially helpful to keep your group together so nobody gets separated during swim windows.
Also, the experience is weather-dependent. When conditions are right, snorkeling tends to feel effortless. When conditions are not ideal, the operator may adjust the day, so it’s worth keeping your expectations flexible.
Food and Drinks: What’s Included vs. What You’ll Likely Add

Food and catering are listed as not included. That’s important, because a lot of people book thinking lunch is automatic. It isn’t guaranteed in the base package.
That said, catering can be extra agreed, and you can often shape your day with meal and drink options. One shared experience noted a package where alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and a meal came with an add-on amount around 60 EUR, plus a choice like fish, chicken, or vegetarian. In other words, the operator’s catering options aren’t just a small snack—they can turn the day into a full-service lunch break.
So here’s how I’d plan:
- If you’re okay bringing your own snacks and keeping lunch casual, you might keep the add-ons minimal.
- If your group wants the classic “boat day meal” with a proper sit-down vibe (even if it’s informal), ask about catering options that match your budget and dietary needs.
Practical drawback to watch: since food isn’t included by default, your total cost depends on what you decide to add. The good part is that you get flexibility, instead of paying for a set menu that might not suit your group.
Crew With Real Names: Emily, Ivan, Ranta, and the Hosting Style

This is one of the strongest parts of the experience. When the crew is sharp, your whole day feels smoother—boarding, timing, and getting everyone comfortable in the “boat rhythm.”
In particular, names came up like Emily and Ivan, plus hosts such as Ranta, and references to crew members including Nataša and Renata. The common thread: people described the crew as friendly, helpful, and attentive—asking if everything is okay and checking in during the day instead of disappearing into the background.
That style matters because it affects moments you don’t think about until you’re on the water:
- helping with snorkeling gear use
- making sure you know when to head back onboard
- keeping lunch or food pacing from turning into a scramble
- handling the small mood stuff that keeps a group day enjoyable
If you’re planning a celebration, a good crew is part of the value, not just the “nice extra.” And if you’re traveling with people who don’t speak much of your language, a crew that stays present and practical makes the day feel easy.
Price and Value: $2,304.79 per Group, and How to Make It Make Sense
The price is listed as $2,304.79 per group (up to 1). That wording usually means this isn’t a per-person ticket—it’s a boat rental/charter cost, where value improves as your group fills the boat.
So how do you decide if it’s worth it?
You’re getting:
- captain and crew included
- snorkeling equipment included
- all fees and taxes included
- a full 8-hour outing with the boat returning to the meeting point
- air-conditioned vehicle listed as included (tied to pickup service)
The “not included” side:
- food and catering can cost extra
- private expenses are on you
- pickup is limited by distance (only for locations further than 700m+ from the starting point)
Here’s the value logic I’d use: if you can travel with a group large enough to split the charter cost in a way that feels fair, then the per-day experience can compare very well to stacking multiple smaller tours in Dubrovnik. You’re essentially buying a private, crewed day of sea time plus access to beaches and islands.
If you’re traveling solo or as a small pair, the cost may feel steep compared to smaller excursions. In that case, consider whether you really want a full-group charter experience or whether a smaller boat option would suit your budget better.
Pickup, Meeting Point, and Timing That Keeps the Stress Low
Meeting point is Port Gruž (Obala Ivana Pavla II 13). The trip ends back at the same point.
Pickup is offered, but only for locations further than 700m+ from the starting point. That’s a key detail because it determines whether you can relax and be collected, or whether you’ll need to handle your own transit to the port. Since the included vehicle is air-conditioned, it’s likely part of that pickup approach—so it’s worth double-checking your exact pickup feasibility based on where you’re staying.
There’s also a listed operating window for the season: 04/01/2025 – 11/01/2025, Monday to Sunday, from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM. The day itself runs about 8 hours, so your booking time affects your plan. Build in a bit of buffer for getting to the meeting point and handling sun-ready basics.
Finally, you’ll get confirmation within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability, and you’ll use a mobile ticket. In practice, that means you should book with enough lead time so the schedule locks in.
Weather Rules: The One Thing You Can’t Control

This experience requires good weather. If it gets canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s the kind of policy you want to see for a sea-based day.
The best strategy: keep your Dubrovnik schedule flexible if you can, and don’t plan a tight chain of other outdoor activities on the same day. If your trip dates are firm and you can’t shift around, it’s worth thinking about how important this boat day is compared to other plans.
The good news is that Dubrovnik’s sea season usually gives you options. If you can adjust your day slightly, you’ll maximize the odds of getting that clear, calm conditions that make snorkeling and beach stops feel effortless.
Who This Dubrovnik Wooden Boat Rental Suits Best
This is a strong choice if:
- you’re traveling with a group and want a coordinated, single-day sea plan
- you’re planning a reunion, wedding, or celebration and want the boat to do the work
- you want snorkeling gear included
- you value crew hospitality that actually checks in (names like Emily, Ivan, and Ranta show up in the story)
- you prefer the coast experience—beaches, small islands, and wide views—over museum stops
It’s less ideal if:
- you want a quiet, low-social vibe
- you’re unwilling to spend extra for food/catering
- you’re staying close to Port Gruž and expect guaranteed pickup at every nearby hotel (pickup has distance limits)
If your goal is to turn a day into a “we’ll remember this” Adriatic experience, this format is built for it.
Should You Book This Traditional Wooden Boat Rental?
I’d book it if you’re going to make the group size work and you want a full, crewed day on the Adriatic from Dubrovnik. The big wins are the included snorkeling equipment, the 64-person charter style, and the crew’s hands-on hosting approach with memorable names like Emily and Ivan.
I’d think twice if your group is small, your budget is tight once you add catering, or your schedule can’t flex for weather. If you can handle those two realities, this boat day has a lot going for it: easy access from Port Gruž, a long time on the water, and a format that naturally turns into photos, swims, and relaxed conversation.
FAQ
How long is the wooden boat rental?
The duration is listed as about 8 hours.
Where do we meet for the tour?
You meet at Port Gruž, Obala Ivana Pavla II 13, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia. The activity ends back at the meeting point.
Is pickup available?
Pickup is available, but only for locations further than 700m+ from the starting point.
What’s included in the price?
Included items are an air-conditioned vehicle, all fees and taxes, captain and crew, and use of snorkeling equipment.
Is food included?
Food and catering are not included, but catering can be extra agreed.
What’s the boat capacity?
The boat capacity is fit for 64 people.
How soon will I get confirmation after booking?
Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.
What if the weather is poor?
If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are allowed.



























