Dubrovnik Boat Rental: Maestral 500, Brand NEW Yamaha 115 hp.

The Adriatic looks different at RIB speed. You rent the Maestral 500 and spend a long, flexible day on the water around the Elaphiti islands, Lokrum, and the Dubrovnik coast, with a brand-new Yamaha 115 hp engine making the ride feel light and controlled.

I love the combo of speed and comfort here: you can get to quieter coves fast, yet still sit comfortably for photos, cruising, and swimming. I also like that you’re not boxed into a rigid bus-style schedule, because the plan focuses on islands, bays, caves, and sea views from right under the city walls. One consideration: the boat day runs 7–9 hours, and key stuff like water and food aren’t included, so you’ll want to plan your stops (or bring your own).

Key highlights you’ll actually care about

• Brand-new Yamaha 115 hp (Oct 2023): a modern engine you can feel in the smoothness and quick access to the best viewpoints.
• Private group up to 4: more room to talk, move, and set your own pace instead of playing “follow the guide.”
• Elaphiti island coastline with swim-and-photo stops: bays, beaches, and caves are part of the point.
• Lokrum plus Dubrovnik wall views from the sea: you get that skyline look without climbing for it.
• Free loan of masks and snorkels (from past trips): handy if you want to spend time looking at underwater life.
• Skipper service may help with the day: some trips include a guide/driver who can recommend swim spots and even help arrange lunch in Lopud.

A Dubrovnik boat rental that feels like your own day

If you only do Dubrovnik from streets, you miss the best angles. From the water, the city walls look huge. The coastline turns into a string of cliffs, beaches, and hidden inlets. This boat rental is built for that perspective.

I like that the experience is straightforward: you’re getting a RIB-style speedboat for hours, plus the freedom to spend time swimming and photographing where it looks best. This isn’t a “sit and watch” tour. It’s “go see” with practical, coast-hugging access.

The vibe fits a lot of groups. Families like it because it’s comfortable and fast enough to keep kids engaged. Couples like it because the coastline is made for private photo moments. Friends like it because you can move together, spread out, and still enjoy a calm pace.

Maestral 500 + new Yamaha 115 hp: comfort and control

The Maestral 500 with a brand-new Yamaha 115 hp engine is the kind of upgrade that changes the whole day. Newer power means quicker repositioning when the sea is changing, and a more relaxed ride when you’re bouncing between coves.

Comfort matters on a 7–9 hour day. This isn’t an all-day “white-knuckle” type of boat experience. It’s described as comfortable for families, couples, or groups of friends, which lines up with what you want when the plan includes stops for swimming and long scenic stretches.

Safety gear is also mentioned in past trips, and you’ll be in the hands of a provider focused on getting you out and back smoothly. If you’re planning to swim, it helps to know the boat comes with the practical mindset you’d expect on a day at sea.

Meeting at Lapadska obala 4: start your day without stress

Your start point is Lapadska obala 4, 20000 Dubrovnik, and the tour begins at 9:30 am. The end returns you back to the same meeting point, so you’re not doing complicated logistics at the finish.

Lapadska obala is an easy area to orient yourself in because it’s near the seafront—useful when you’re meeting a boat and trying to keep your morning simple. The experience is also described as being near public transportation, which is a real comfort if you don’t want to wrestle with parking.

For your morning routine, I’d aim to be ready at least a little early with your swim plan in mind. Once you’re on the water, the day moves fast.

What your 7–9 hour day is really about

The core idea is simple: explore islands, enjoy fantastic views, swim in the Adriatic, and take photos that don’t look like every other travel postcard. The “hidden spots” are the point, and the itinerary is structured around that coast.

The experience focuses on:

• The Elaphiti islands area (often including Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan)
• Lokrum island
• Bays, beaches, and caves where you can stop, stretch, and swim
• Sea-level views of Dubrovnik’s city walls
• Time for a relaxed coast cruise, and in the right timing, sea-sunset viewing

Because the tour runs 7–9 hours, you’re not rushing through it. You can spend real time at swim stops, then still keep enough daylight for viewpoints.

Elaphiti island coastline: Kolocep, Lopud, Šipan, and the cave-and-cove stops

This is the heart of the day. You’re heading into the Elaphiti island group, where the coastline changes every few minutes. Instead of one “destination,” you get a string of mini-moments.

Here’s what to expect from that kind of route:

• Hidden beaches and caves: These are the stops that make a RIB tour worth it. You can’t really recreate this from land easily.
• Swim-and-photo time: The plan is built around you getting out for the water and taking pictures from the most flattering angles—right at sea level.
• Multiple island flavors: Kolocep, Lopud, and Šipan each bring their own feel along the coast, so you’re not looking at one kind of scenery all day.

One practical tip: pack your swim stuff so you can switch quickly between cruising and water time. You’ll enjoy the day more if you’re not hunting around for a towel or struggling to get ready mid-moment.

Past trips also mention snorkel extras. You can get a free loan of masks and snorkels, which is great if you want to spend time looking around during the swim stops rather than just floating.

Lokrum and the Dubrovnik wall view from the sea

After (or alongside) the Elaphiti area, you’ll add time near Lokrum island and the Dubrovnik coastline. The big payoff is seeing Dubrovnik’s walls from the water.

From land, the walls feel like a backdrop. From the sea, they become the main character. You get the scale right away, plus a view that’s hard to copy with phone zoom.

Lokrum also helps break up the day. It’s another chunk of coastline where you can slow down, take photos, and enjoy the calm side of the harbor area without being stuck in a walking route.

If you’re the type who loves a good “from this angle everything looks better” moment, this is where you’ll feel it most.

Swim time in the Adriatic: make it count

Swimming is a core part of the experience, and the description emphasizes water time in the Adriatic at the stops around these islands. You’ll be able to get out at the coves and bays where the water looks inviting.

Here’s what I’d do to make swim time feel effortless:

• Bring swimwear you can put on fast.
• Bring a towel or plan for drying.
• Keep your phone protected so you’re not rushing to manage gear while everyone else is in the water.

Past trips specifically note you can get masks and snorkels on loan, plus safety gear on board. That makes it easier to turn a quick swim into a more memorable stretch of time.

Also, think about timing. If you want that soft-light look for photos, position yourself while you’re cruising—not just after you stop. The sea-level perspective is at its best when the boat moves through open sightlines.

Photos and sunset: the sea-level angles you can’t fake

The best Dubrovnik photos often come from standing still in the right place at the right time. This tour gives you something better: you can shoot while the boat is moving, then pause at swim stops to get close-up coastline shots.

You’ll likely capture:

• Dubrovnik’s walls from the sea
• Island shorelines from angles that show depth and distance
• Wide horizon views when you’re cruising between stops
• Waterline shots where cliffs and buildings feel “layered” rather than flat

If the day runs later in your specific timing, you may also get a chance to enjoy sunset from the water. Even if you don’t chase sunset as a goal, watching the light shift on the coastline is part of why boat days stay in your memory longer than standard city walks.

The no-skipper option (and what it means for you)

This boat rental is available without a skipper if you have a boat license. That changes the feel of the day in a big way.

If you have the license and you enjoy piloting, you’ll like the privacy factor. You control the pacing and can decide when to linger. It’s the kind of freedom that makes the itinerary feel optional instead of pre-programmed.

If you don’t have the license, this specific offer still tells you one important thing: your ability to drive the boat is part of the deal. So be honest with yourself before you book. A boat day should feel relaxed, not stressful.

Also, even when people go without a skipper, you still benefit from the provider’s setup and safety mindset. The goal is that you feel comfortable enough to focus on the coast, not on logistics.

Price and value: $509 per group up to 4

Let’s do the math and the real comparison. The price is $509 per group (up to 4), with a duration of about 7–9 hours. That’s roughly $127 per person for a full sea day if you split it evenly.

Is it a bargain? Not really. But it’s also not the price of a cheap bus tour. You’re paying for:

• A private group format
• A speedboat experience
• Access to coves and cave-like stops you can’t easily reach
• Long hours of sea time with a modern engine

Where the value gets strong is when you fill the group. With 3–4 people onboard, the per-person cost drops, and you stop feeling like you’re “buying” time you’ll waste on a crowded schedule.

Also, plan your own spending. Water and food aren’t included, so bring your own plan (snacks, drinks, or arrangements) if you want to keep costs predictable. Some past trips mention lunch arrangements in Lopud via the skipper/guide, which suggests food can be handled during the day if you want it—just don’t assume it’s automatic or included.

What’s included, what’s not, and how to plan your day

Included:

• Boat / speedboat

Not included:

• Water
• Food and drinks (and lunch isn’t listed as included)

This is why the “smart casual” dress code matters too. You’ll be switching between cruising and swim-ready moments, and you don’t want to show up in something that’s a hassle to deal with on a boat.

I recommend treating this as a semi-self-guided day at sea. You can still keep it simple, but you’ll get the best experience if you think ahead:

• Decide if you want lunch on the water or on one of the island stops.
• Bring what you’ll need for comfort during the long hours.
• Plan for swim essentials since you’ll likely use them.

Who should book this Dubrovnik RIB rental

This works especially well if you fit one of these profiles:

• You want private time on the water with flexibility
• Your group includes people who want to swim and take photos, not just watch
• You’re a family or a small friend group that wants comfort without big-tour crowd dynamics
• You have a boat license and want to go without a skipper for maximum control

If you’re traveling as a solo or as a couple with spare budget, it can still make sense if you’re okay paying for the private group setup and not splitting with others.

It may feel less ideal if you want a full-service meal included or you’re looking for a long structured history talk. This is not a museum day. It’s a “coast + water” day.

Quick practical notes before you go

Dress code is listed as smart casual. You’ll probably want to dress in a way that can handle sun and movement.

The experience is described for moderate physical fitness. That usually means you’ll manage getting in and out at swim stops and moving around on a boat without expecting an effortless wheelchair-style setup.

The tour provides a mobile ticket, and it’s a private activity, so only your group participates.

And yes, it’s worth thinking about timing in Dubrovnik. A 9:30 start helps you get out while the morning is calmer and you still have plenty of daylight to enjoy island stops and water time.

Should you book the Maestral 500 boat rental?

Book it if you want Dubrovnik the way locals probably wish they could experience it: from the sea, with time to swim, photograph, and move between islands without feeling trapped by a fixed route. The fact that it’s built around the Elaphiti islands + Lokrum + wall views makes it a strong choice if you care about scenery over checklists.

Skip it (or look for another option) if you expect food and water included or you want a fully guided, land-based sightseeing schedule. Also, if you’re leaning on the no-skipper option, be sure you’re comfortable with a boat license reality before you commit.

If you want one clear decision rule: if your ideal Dubrovnik day includes salt air, fast coastal cruising, and swim stops, this one fits.

FAQ

How much does the Dubrovnik boat rental cost?

The price is $509.00 per group (up to 4).

What is the duration of the tour?

The tour runs about 7 to 9 hours.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is Lapadska obala 4, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:30 am.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It is a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

Is a skipper included?

The boats are available without skipper if you have a boat license.

Do I need a boat license?

If you want to go without a skipper, you’ll need a boat license.

What’s included and what’s not included?

Included: the boat/speedboat. Not included: water and food and drinks (including lunch unless specified otherwise).

What are the cancellation terms?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.