REVIEW · DUBROVNIK
Sunset Cruise | Cocktail Experience on Board around Dubrovnik
Book on Viator →Operated by Dubrovnik Elafiti Cruise · Bookable on Viator
A sunset boat ride in Dubrovnik feels simple, until you get the timing right. This one is built around open-air views and a cocktail-and-snack flow that turns the last hour and a half into a proper evening. You’re on the water with a coast-hugging panorama, then back again before midnight makes you regret every decision you made with dessert.
What I like most is how the experience stays focused: you get the sunset colors, plus two cocktails and canapés without needing to hunt for anything. The crew also leans into the vibe, and several guests noted thoughtful touches like blankets when it cools off near dusk.
One thing to weigh: the boat can feel crowded, and the route may stay close to the harbor rather than doing big, long coastline sweeps. If you’re hoping for lots of photo stops and wide-open space, this might not match your expectations.
In This Review
- Key highlights to know before you go
- Dubrovnik in 90 minutes: what this cruise is really good for
- Where you meet and what boarding feels like
- Stop 1: Dubrovnik City Walls after dark and the cocktail-master rhythm
- Stop 2: Lokrum Island panorama and the real sunset payoff
- Cocktails, canapés, fruit, and the onboard WiFi you’ll actually use
- Timing, photo chances, and why where you sit matters
- Comfort on the water: choppy seas and keeping it pleasant
- Price in context: is $71.20 worth it?
- Who should book this cruise, and who should skip it
- When weather changes and plans get adjusted
- Final call: should you book the Dubrovnik sunset cocktail cruise?
- FAQ
- How long is the sunset cruise?
- What time does the tour start?
- Where does the cruise meet and end?
- What’s included in the ticket for food and drinks?
- Do I get a choice of cocktails?
- Is WiFi available during the cruise?
- Does the itinerary include Lokrum Island?
- Is there a limit on group size?
- What happens if the weather is poor?
Key highlights to know before you go

- Open-air deck sunset viewing with an easy view of the sky as it darkens
- Lokrum Island panorama right next to Old Town, with sunset timing designed around the view
- Two included cocktails plus canapés and fruit (and yes, onboard WiFi too)
- Small-to-midsize groups capped at 40 travelers
- Crew energy and comfort details, like blankets at the end of the sunset
- Quick 90-minute format that’s easy to fit into a cruise or a tight last night
Dubrovnik in 90 minutes: what this cruise is really good for
This is not a long “see-everything” outing. It’s a compact sunset experience designed for people who want a good view, a couple drinks, and a relaxed pace without arranging anything on your own. With an approximate 1 hour 30 minutes on the water, you can do this on a cruise day, or as your “last day in Dubrovnik” celebration.
The value shows up in how the time is used. Instead of spending an hour of it standing around, you board at 6:00 PM, then you’re already working toward dusk when the sky does its best work over the water. You return to the meeting point at 7:30 PM, so you’re not left wandering around in the dark afterward.
The tour is also the right kind of activity if you’re not trying to do a big walking plan after lunch. Dubrovnik Old Town is great, but it can be exhausting. A boat keeps your feet free and your mind on what matters: sunset, sea air, and something cold in your hand.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Dubrovnik
Where you meet and what boarding feels like

You’ll meet at Porat Dubrovnik on Ribarnica ul. 1 (20000 Dubrovnik). The nice part here is that it’s directly tied to the Old Town port area, which makes it especially convenient if you’re already near the water.
You’ll use a mobile ticket, and confirmation is provided at booking. The experience runs with a maximum of 40 travelers, so it’s not a huge floating party bus, but it can still be tight during peak sunset time. For most people, that’s fine because the deck is open and the views are the point. Just know that your horizon might be partly framed by other passengers if you’re seated toward the back or you show up late in the boarding flow.
Also, be on time. One painful note from real-world experience: some people arrived a bit late and missed the departure. If Dubrovnik is teaching you anything, it’s that “a few minutes” can still cost you something at the port.
Stop 1: Dubrovnik City Walls after dark and the cocktail-master rhythm

The cruise starts with a classic Dubrovnik backdrop: the City Walls view as the light fades. After dark, the mood shifts fast. You go from warm orange light on stone to that deeper purple-blue sky that makes everything look cinematic.
This first segment is where the tour’s main structure kicks in:
- you board
- you’re served cocktails
- you get snacks (canapés and fruit)
- you watch the color changes in the sky as you cruise along the coast of Old Town
The experience is described as having a professional cocktail master, and the drink service style matters here. When it works well, you don’t feel stuck in a line waiting for your turn. Several guests highlighted that the bartender/cocktail maker was skilled and that drinks kept coming.
One more thoughtful detail from the experience: at sunset, the captain/crew provides throw blankets to help with the chill. If you run cold easily, bring that thought to the front of your mind. You can still enjoy the open deck when temperatures drop.
What to keep realistic expectations about: the focus here isn’t on guided history or cultural storytelling. If you want a lecture about Dubrovnik’s past while you sip, you may feel like this cruise is more “views + cocktails” than “walking tour, but on water.”
Stop 2: Lokrum Island panorama and the real sunset payoff

Lokrum Island is the star of the second act. It sits next to Old Town, which is exactly why this route works. You’re not crossing huge distances or relying on a distant horizon. You’re set up for sunset because Lokrum is close enough to make the timing feel intentional.
The schedule is straightforward:
- embark from Old Town’s Port at 6:00 PM
- the cruise continues as a panorama around Lokrum
- you get back to Old Town’s Port by 7:30 PM
In other words, you’re not waiting hours for the best part. The sunset is the planned moment, not a surprise bonus.
A big practical note: some guests felt the boat didn’t sail far enough to see lots of coastline variety, and others specifically called out circling in the harbor. That doesn’t cancel out the beauty, but it can change the feeling of the trip. If you’re the type who wants new scenery every few minutes, you might notice repeats.
On the flip side, if what you want is the sunset itself—sunlight fading, clouds glowing, the lights coming up—staying closer can actually help. You’ll spend more time in the exact conditions that make dusk magical.
And sometimes the sea adds its own show. One guest reported dolphins swimming alongside the boat, which is the kind of moment you only get when a route actually puts you in the right water at the right time.
Cocktails, canapés, fruit, and the onboard WiFi you’ll actually use

Let’s talk about what you’re really paying for on this cruise: the drinks and the snacks.
You get two cocktails included, with choices like:
- Cherry kiss
- Slavia
- True blue
- Mystic mango
- Ferrospritz
You also get two courses of snacks, including canapés and fruit. In the real-world experience, that has often meant a few different small bites rather than a large buffet-style grazing platter. Some people loved it as perfectly snackable. Others wanted something more substantial or served earlier.
Here’s the balanced takeaway: the food is meant to keep you comfortable while you enjoy the deck time. It’s not a meal replacement, and it’s not guaranteed to match every photo you might see online. If you’re hungry, plan to have eaten beforehand.
Drink sweetness is the other big theme. Several guests said the cocktails can be very sweet. That doesn’t mean the drinks are bad. It just means you may want to pick something that matches your palate—or be ready to sip slowly. One person even mentioned that when they didn’t like sweet drinks, they were offered a local white wine instead, which is a good sign that the crew can be flexible.
Now, the “why this is modern” detail: free WiFi onboard. The tour mentions using it to live stream your cocktail cruise, and in practice that’s exactly what it’s for. If you want to post the sunset as it happens (or send a quick message to someone at home), this makes the timing easier. Just don’t expect high-speed perfection.
You can also read our reviews of more evening experiences in Dubrovnik
Timing, photo chances, and why where you sit matters

For sunset cruises, timing is everything, and this one is designed around it. Boarding is 6:00 PM, and the overall run ends at 7:30 PM, which generally lines up well for Dubrovnik’s evening light when you get the last warm colors and then the first wave of “city lights on” mood.
But photo logistics can make or break your enjoyment.
Some guests reported there were no stops long enough for everyone to get a great photo, and that the boat didn’t slow down much in scenic spots. Another detail to watch: if the boat is crowded, your view can be partly blocked depending on where you’re seated. A few people noted they ended up separated from their group because the boat was busy.
So here’s what I’d do if you book:
- Aim to be early at the port so you get a better seating position.
- If you care about photos, prioritize the area with the least head blockage.
- Don’t count on multiple quick pull-ins to get perfect shots at every angle.
Also, sunset doesn’t last long. If you want the full color arc, it helps when the cruise starts with enough time to watch the sky change. Several guests appreciated that the sunset moment was actually covered, not rushed.
Comfort on the water: choppy seas and keeping it pleasant

Even in a calm port city, the sea can get choppy. One review flagged that the water was rough at times, and the boat swayed back and forth enough to feel uncomfortable for them. That’s a reminder that you should treat this as a boat ride, not a cruise-ship lounge.
If you get sea sick easily, plan for it. Bring your usual remedy. Pick a seat that feels stable (often toward the middle), and keep your eyes on the horizon when possible.
The good news: crews on these kinds of short sunset runs usually move fast with comfort support, and you’ll have the warmth option—blankets at sunset were specifically mentioned. That’s the difference between “nice evening” and “why did I forget a layer.”
Price in context: is $71.20 worth it?

At $71.20 per person, you’re paying for three things:
1) a boat ride timed for sunset from the Old Town port area
2) two cocktails plus snacks and fruit
3) the convenience of not planning transport, route, or timing yourself
Is it cheap? No. Dubrovnik isn’t cheap. But it’s also not a random add-on. For a relatively short outing, the included drinks matter. If you were going to buy cocktails and snacks anyway, this turns into a “pay once, enjoy the setup” choice.
That said, price satisfaction depends on your expectations:
- If you want a long sightseeing circuit with lots of new angles, you may feel it’s overpriced.
- If you’re happy with the sunset view and a couple good drinks, it can feel like a smart use of money—especially on your last day when time is limited.
One review called out value as excellent, while another felt it was overpriced because the trip stayed mostly in the harbor area. That means your best bet is to be clear with yourself: you’re buying sunset deck time, not a full tour of every coastline highlight.
Who should book this cruise, and who should skip it
You’ll probably love this if:
- you’re already at/near Old Town’s port and want an easy plan
- you care about the sunset view more than long-distance sightseeing
- you want a low-effort night activity with cocktails included
- you’re traveling as a couple or group that enjoys social energy on a deck
You might skip it if:
- you want a quiet, adults-only vibe (crowding can be an issue)
- you expect a lot of historical narration or cultural context
- you hate very sweet cocktails and don’t want to negotiate with the bartender
- you’re sensitive to motion on boats and don’t want any risk of choppy water
If you’re the planner type, also consider this as a “short evening win.” It’s ideal when you don’t want to commit to a longer tour, or when you’re juggling cruise ship timing and dinner reservations.
When weather changes and plans get adjusted
This experience depends on good weather. If conditions aren’t right and it’s canceled for weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
There’s also a practical upside: one guest mentioned that when adverse weather hit, the itinerary changed and the update was communicated via WhatsApp. That’s exactly what you want to see—clear updates, not silence.
Final call: should you book the Dubrovnik sunset cocktail cruise?
Book it if you want a simple, scenic, sunset-centered evening from Old Town with onboard snacks, two cocktails, and a deck you can actually enjoy while the sky changes color. It’s a strong pick for cruise ship passengers and for anyone who wants a short night activity that feels like a real event.
Skip it if your top priority is a long sightseeing route, frequent photo stops, or a less crowded boat. For the best odds, arrive early, pick your spot wisely on the deck, and go in knowing this is about sunset and cocktails—not a deep history tour.
FAQ
How long is the sunset cruise?
It runs for about 1 hour 30 minutes.
What time does the tour start?
The embarkation is at 6:00 PM from Old Town’s Port.
Where does the cruise meet and end?
It meets at Porat Dubrovnik, Ribarnica ul. 1, 20000 Dubrovnik, and it ends back at the meeting point.
What’s included in the ticket for food and drinks?
You get snacks (including canapés and fruit) plus alcoholic beverages in the form of 2 cocktails.
Do I get a choice of cocktails?
Yes. The listed options include Cherry kiss, Slavia, True blue, Mystic mango, and Ferrospritz.
Is WiFi available during the cruise?
Yes, WiFi is included onboard.
Does the itinerary include Lokrum Island?
Yes. The cruise goes around Lokrum Island next to Old Town, with sunset typically appearing during this part.
Is there a limit on group size?
Yes. The tour has a maximum of 40 travelers.
What happens if the weather is poor?
If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.































