Dubrovnik in summer is simply stunning. Its marble streets gleam in the sun, the Adriatic sparkles just beyond the city walls, and the energy is electric. But with beauty comes popularity, and Dubrovnik’s Old Town can quickly become a victim of its own charm. As the temperature rises, so do the crowds. By midday, you’ll be standing shoulder-to-shoulder with cruise ship passengers, tour groups, and Instagrammers trying to get that perfect shot.
But this isn’t the only way to see Dubrovnik in the summer. Outside the city walls, tranquil islands, breathtaking coves, and hidden beaches await. Skip the crowded buses and ferries and escape the masses on a private Dubrovnik boat tour!
Keep reading to learn more from Rewind Dubrovnik about why booking a boat tour is the smartest way to escape Dubrovnik’s summer crowds. If you already don’t need much more convincing, get in touch with us about our tours.
Beat the Dubrovnik Crowds with a Private Boat Tour
During peak months, Dubrovnik draws thousands of tourists a day, especially from cruise ships. While many join public boat excursions, those often end up just as crowded as the city streets, with limited space, tight schedules, and prescribed itineraries.
Private boat tours put you at the helm (not literally — our skippers still take charge of the steering). But instead of being shuttled from stop to stop, you set the pace. You choose how long to swim, when to linger at an island café, and which hidden bay to explore. The boat is also reserved exclusively for you and your group, allowing you to enjoy a much more intimate and personal experience.
Looking for more tips to avoid the crowds? Check out our guide on How to Prepare for Summer in Croatia.
The Best Way to See Dubrovnik: From the Water
From the deck of your private boat, Dubrovnik transforms. The city walls look even more impressive when viewed from the sea, rising dramatically from the rocks. The din of the crowds fades. In its place, the sound of waves, seagulls, and maybe clinking glasses for a toast of champagne.
This isn’t just about avoiding the Dubrovnik crowds. You’ll get to experience the region in a way most visitors never do. The coastline, the islands, and the hidden caves all become part of your personal adventure. And if you want to really go off the beaten path, consider these Underrated Coastal Towns of Croatia.
Discover the Elaphiti Islands: Secluded Beaches and Authentic Charm
One of the major highlights of taking a boat tour from Dubrovnik is the Elaphiti Islands, a chain of small, green islands northwest of the city. These islands offer everything Dubrovnik in summer often can’t: space, calm, and unspoiled nature.
Because you’re on a private boat, you can skip the tourist traps and head straight to the island spots that fit your vibe — whether that’s sipping wine by the water or diving off the back of the boat into a turquoise bay.
We offer a variety of tours to these islets, from our Ston & North Elaphiti Exclusive Boat Tour, which includes a visit to the uninhabited Jakljan Island, to our Elaphiti Islands Wine Tour, where you get to taste some of Croatia’s most enticing blends. Of course, our Elaphiti tours also include a stop at some of Dubrovnik’s most captivating attractions…
Explore the Blue and Green Caves: Dubrovnik’s Hidden Natural Wonders
Koločep Island is home to some of Croatia’s most astounding natural phenomena — the Blue and Green Caves. These sea caves glow with ethereal light, thanks to sunlight refracting through underwater openings.
Public tours often rush visitors through in a matter of minutes. But with our Elaphiti Islands Half-Day Tour with Blue Cave Visit and our Full-Day Elaphiti Islands Tour with Blue Cave Visit, you get to enjoy it at your own pace. Grab your complimentary snorkeling gear from the boat, float quietly, and take it all in. We also make sure that we visit the caves outside of peak hours to ensure you can enjoy it all to yourselves! It’s a magical moment that deserves to be savored. You can learn more about these natural wonders with our Blue Cave & Green Cave Guide.
Avoid the Summer Heat with Style
Let’s be honest: Dubrovnik in July and August is hot. Standing in line under the sun or squeezing through alleys with a hundred other tourists isn’t exactly relaxing. But on a private boat, the breeze cools you down, the water is always close, and the stress disappears.
You won’t need to search for a spot on a crowded beach or queue for overpriced drinks. With Rewind’s tours, everything’s onboard — champagne, beer, wine, sodas, water, beach towels, floaties, and fruits! All you could possibly need to enjoy Croatia’s exceptional coast in luxury.
Rewind Dubrovnik: Your Premium Escape from the Dubrovnik Crowds
At Rewind Dubrovnik, we believe summer travel should be full of joie de vivre. That’s why our private Dubrovnik boat tours are designed for travelers who want more: more freedom, more comfort, and more meaningful memories.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to make the most of your time here, our tours are the smartest way to escape Dubrovnik’s summer crowds, without missing a single moment of its beauty. Ready for your dream Dubrovnik summer? Get in touch with us today!
