Dubrovnik’s 16th-century walled Old Town and its sparkling Adriatic waters make the city a top sailing destination. This UNESCO World Heritage site (listed since 1979) combines historic charm with modern marinas, attracting travellers from around the globe. The climate is reliably Mediterranean, with warm, sunny summers ideal for sailing. From April to October the sea is usually calm and warm (around 22 °C). In particular, June to September offer the most settled conditions for chartering a boat. Boaters can easily reach the water: Dubrovnik Airport is only about 30 minutes’ drive from the main ACI Marina Dubrovnik. With dozens of islands nearby, boat hire in Dubrovnik lets you combine city sightseeing (walking the city walls or visiting Game of Thrones filming sites) with an Adriatic cruise.

Types of Boats Available in Dubrovnik

Sailing yachts Dubrovnik (monohulls) are popular for traditional sailors. These provide a peaceful experience of “gliding with the wind” – often described as serenity on the water. Modern sailing yachts are fully equipped for week-long trips, with cozy cabins, galleys and navigation gear. They are also relatively eco-friendly, since they run mostly on wind power. Crew or bareboat, a Dubrovnik sailing yacht charter is ideal for those who want the authentic sailing experience and don’t mind a little heel in the breeze.

Catamarans Dubrovnik (both sailing and power versions) are especially popular for families and groups. These twin-hull boats have a shallow draft and wide deck space, offering extra stability and comfort. A Dubrovnik catamaran charter gives you spacious cabins and living areas, plus the ability to anchor in shallow coves (even in only ~2 m depth) thanks to their low draft. Catamarans make it easy to explore hidden beaches around the Elaphiti Islands or Mljet. They are also very stable at anchor, so everyone on board – even children – can move about safely.

Motorboats Dubrovnik suit shorter day trips and water-sports. Rental motorboats in Dubrovnik are typically small to mid-size powerboats (20–40 ft) that are easy to drive. They let you cover large distances quickly, perfect for swimming, waterskiing or wakeboarding in the clear bays. RIBs are even faster and more manoeuvrable: ideal for shoals and tiny islands. In practice, RIBs and smaller motorboats are often used for half-day or day trips around Dubrovnik’s coast, while longer 3–7 day charters use the larger yachts or catamarans.

Charter Options in Dubrovnik

When booking a boat in Dubrovnik you can choose how it’s crewed. A bareboat charter Dubrovnik means you rent the boat alone and you must have a valid sailing licence (international skipper’s certificate) to take charge. This gives maximum freedom – you set the pace and route – but it requires sailing experience. Many charter companies offer the option of a boat with skipper in Dubrovnik (crewed charter): a professional captain stays on board to handle navigation and boat duties. Although skippered charters cost more, they let you relax and enjoy the voyage worry-free. A skipper can also suggest little-known anchorages and tailor the itinerary to your interests.

For the ultimate comfort, consider a luxury yacht charter Dubrovnik. These are large motor yachts or classic wooden gulets (motor-sailors) with multiple cabins and full crew. Such charters come fully serviced, often with extras like a chef, tender boat and water toys. Luxury motor yachts combine high speed with lavish interiors, so you can hop between islands in style. Traditional gulets provide a spacious deck and comfortable cabins for 8–12 people. In short, a luxury yacht charter (or gulet charter) offers space, amenities and a dedicated crew.

ACI Marina Dubrovnik as Your Base

Most charters in Dubrovnik operate out of ACI Marina Dubrovnik, located in the protected Rijeka Dubrovačka inlet (village of Komolac). ACI Dubrovnik is a large, modern marina with full facilities. It offers about 380 sea berths (for boats up to ~45 m) and another 120 slots on land. Every berth has water, electricity and free WiFi, and there is a fuel station on site. The marina also has restrooms/showers, laundry, a supermarket and some restaurants. A long breakwater shields the harbour from winds and currents, ensuring calm moorings. In short, ACI Marina Dubrovnik is well-equipped for yacht charter: it’s safe, has modern services, and it’s only about a 30-minute taxi ride from Dubrovnik Airport.

Suggested Dubrovnik Sailing Itinerary

Sailing from Dubrovnik opens up the southern Dalmatian islands. For example, a popular Dubrovnik sailing itinerary (about a week) might begin with a short hop to Šipan (the largest of the Elaphiti Islands). From there you can cruise along the Pelješac Peninsula into Mljet – in particular the village of Polače on Mljet’s north coast, where a Roman palace ruin awaits. Next, continue to the remote island of Lastovo, then sail north to Korčula, whose medieval walled town is a highlight. Finally, many sailors return to Dubrovnik via Mljet’s eastern bays (e.g. Saplunara) before the last leg back to the marina. This loop showcases sandy beaches, dense pine forests and historic harbours, all within easy reach of Dubrovnik.

Additional popular stops around Dubrovnik include:

• Elaphiti Islands (Koločep, Lopud, Šipan) – a tranquil cluster of pine-covered isles just offshore. Here you’ll find secluded coves and pebble beaches, with only a few small fishing villages. Lopud Island in the Elaphiti archipelago is car-free and edged by beaches – a frequent stop for sailing tours.

• Mljet National Park – an emerald-green island famous for its two saltwater lakes (Veliko and Malo Jezero). The park’s calm bays and dense woods are ideal for kayaking and anchoring.

• Korčula – a large island with a UNESCO-protected Old Town. Korčula Town has fortified walls, medieval streets and nearby vineyards. The surrounding coast has lovely beaches and quiet bays.

• Other highlights: Take a short boat ride to Lokrum Island (just off Dubrovnik’s Old Town) for swimming in its “Dead Sea” lagoon, or visit the fishing port of Cavtat to the south.

Book your Dubrovnik yacht charter with Boataround

Dubrovnik’s popularity means there’s a huge range of boats and options, from budget sailboats to luxury yachts. Boataround simplifies the search: our platform lets you compare boat rental Dubrovnik deals in one place, filter by boat type (e.g. yacht or catamaran), and read user reviews. There are no hidden fees or booking charges. Whether you need a bareboat charter Dubrovnik for an independent cruise or a boat with skipper in Dubrovnik for a hassle-free holiday, Boataround has listings to match. We also offer luxury yacht charter Dubrovnik packages for high-end sailing. In short, Boataround makes it easy to find the right boat hire in Dubrovnik at the best price. Start planning your Adriatic sailing adventure today – book your Dubrovnik yacht charter with Boataround and set sail!

Yacht charter and Boat rental in Dubrovnik

Charter a yacht and explore Dubrovnik! Prices start from 87 € per day. Choose from the largest selection of sailboats, catamarans, motor yachts, motor boats, power catamarans and gulets.

Popular marinas are ACI Marina Dubrovnik, Gruz Port, Marina Frapa Dubrovnik, Town port Dubrovnik, Batala Dubrovnik and Lapadska Obala Pier.