Gastro Cruise | Cruise around Dubrovnik Old Town with Lunch

REVIEW · DUBROVNIK

Gastro Cruise | Cruise around Dubrovnik Old Town with Lunch

  • 5.03 reviews
  • From $87.12
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Operated by Dubrovnik Elafiti Cruise · Bookable on Viator

Food and sea views in two hours. A Dubrovnik gastro cruise like this pairs lunch with a real boat ride, taking you past the Dubrovnik City Walls and over to Lokrum Island without turning your afternoon into a logistics project.

I love two things most: the meal is served right on board (so you’re not searching for lunch while you’re sightseeing), and the food is a straightforward fish-focused menu with cold starter and dessert, plus grilled options. You also get local snacks and appetizers to start, then time to enjoy the sea before the lunch hits.

One thing to consider: this outing depends on good weather, and the total time is only about 2 hours, so you’re doing “see and taste,” not a slow, in-depth look at everything.

Key points to know before you go

Gastro Cruise | Cruise around Dubrovnik Old Town with Lunch - Key points to know before you go

  • Lunch is the main event: a 3-course meal served on the boat right in front of the Old Town area
  • Seafood-forward menu: think grilled seabass or gilthead seabream with side dishes
  • City Walls viewing from the water: you get classic Dubrovnik angles with fewer sidewalk crowds
  • Lokrum is the calmer second half: a panorama ride around the island across from the Old Town
  • Drinks are built in: 3 included drinks, or a bottle of wine per couple, plus water
  • Small group size: up to 40 people keeps the vibe relaxed

Why this Dubrovnik lunch cruise is smart for a tight schedule

Gastro Cruise | Cruise around Dubrovnik Old Town with Lunch - Why this Dubrovnik lunch cruise is smart for a tight schedule
If your Dubrovnik days feel packed, this kind of cruise is a lifesaver. You get sightseeing in the same block of time as eating, and the boat format means you’re watching Dubrovnik from the sea instead of bouncing between viewpoints.

What makes it practical is the pace. You’re out there for about two hours, with a steady rhythm: start with snacks, move into lunch onboard, then finish with a boat loop that includes Lokrum. It’s the sort of plan that works well when you want a “wow” experience but you don’t want to give up your whole afternoon.

And honestly, the value angle is strong. At $87.12 per person, the price isn’t just for motion—it covers a full lunch and included drinks. That matters in Dubrovnik, where eating out can add up fast once you start factoring in drinks.

You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Dubrovnik

Meeting at Porat Dubrovnik: keep your start time close

Gastro Cruise | Cruise around Dubrovnik Old Town with Lunch - Meeting at Porat Dubrovnik: keep your start time close
This cruise meets at Porat Dubrovnik, Ribarnica ul. 1, 20000, Dubrovnik. The start time is 1:30 pm, and the experience ends back at the same meeting point, so you don’t need to plan a complicated follow-up.

You’ll have a mobile ticket, and the group limit is up to 40 people. That’s big enough that you won’t feel like you’re stuck in a tiny boat, but small enough that the flow onboard usually stays manageable.

Plan to arrive a bit early so you can settle in and get oriented before boarding. The whole experience is short, so smoothing out the start makes a noticeable difference.

Dubrovnik City Walls stop: snacks, sea time, then a fish lunch onboard

Gastro Cruise | Cruise around Dubrovnik Old Town with Lunch - Dubrovnik City Walls stop: snacks, sea time, then a fish lunch onboard
The City Walls segment is where the cruise turns into an actual “gastro” experience. The boat departs from the Old Town port area, and you’re welcomed with traditional local snacks and appetizers right away. Instead of waiting until you’re hungry, you’re fed early enough to enjoy the ride without that mid-afternoon crash.

Then comes the best part for many people: the combination of water views and time to cool off. The plan includes a chance to dip in the Adriatic Sea or relax in the shade on local beaches. If you want to swim, bring a swimsuit and a quick-dry towel. If you’d rather just kick back, you’ll still get a lot of payoff from being on the water while Dubrovnik looks its best.

Next up is lunch. You’ll be served a 3-course meal while you’re onboard. The structure is clear: a cold starter, then the fish course, then dessert. For the main, the menu features grilled seabass or gilthead seabream with side dishes.

There’s a drink element too. You get 3 drinks included, or you can get a bottle of wine per couple (depending on how you’re booked/organized). Either way, this is one of those lunches where you don’t feel like you’re rationing budget once you sit down.

From a sightseeing angle, the City Walls stop is about angles and timing. Watching the walls from the sea gives you a different perspective than standing on land. You also avoid the full-on crush that hits the most popular viewpoints.

Possible drawback here: because lunch is fish-based, seafood lovers will feel right at home, while anyone who doesn’t want fish should double-check if there’s an alternative. The tour description clearly points to a fish menu, so plan accordingly.

Lokrum Island: the panorama ride that breaks up Dubrovnik intensity

Gastro Cruise | Cruise around Dubrovnik Old Town with Lunch - Lokrum Island: the panorama ride that breaks up Dubrovnik intensity
After the City Walls portion, your cruise shifts to Lokrum Island, which sits across from the Old Town. This is the scenic breather of the itinerary.

The boat journey begins and ends back at the Old Town port area, and along the way you get more sea-level views of Dubrovnik’s City Walls. That matters because it turns the ride into a continuous “see it from here, then see it from there” moment rather than just a short transfer between stops.

Then you’ll do the boat segment around Lokrum Island. The tour description is straightforward: you’ll enjoy the island from the water, and the timing is designed to keep the total experience to around an hour for this segment.

Why this stop is worth it, even if you’ve seen Dubrovnik already: it adds variety without forcing you onto a busy walking schedule. You’re staying on the water, taking in the coastline and island shape, and getting a break from moving around through crowds.

Food and drinks: what’s truly included (and how to plan your appetite)

Gastro Cruise | Cruise around Dubrovnik Old Town with Lunch - Food and drinks: what’s truly included (and how to plan your appetite)
This is not a “snacks and a view” cruise. The meal is built into the experience, and it’s served on board in front of the Old Town area.

Here’s what’s included:

  • 3-course lunch with a cold starter and dessert
  • Fish menu lunch, featuring grilled seabass or gilthead seabream with sides
  • Alcoholic beverages: 3 drinks included, or a bottle of wine per couple
  • Soda/pop
  • Bottled water
  • Snacks at the start
  • WiFi on board

That combo is exactly why it often feels like good value. You’re getting a sit-down style meal experience without the usual Dubrovnik friction: finding a restaurant, dealing with menus, then paying separately for drinks.

How to plan your appetite: since lunch is a main event, you don’t need to eat a heavy meal right before boarding. A light snack earlier in the day is plenty, and then let the onboard meal be the highlight.

One practical note: since the lunch is fish-focused, it’s a good fit for people who like seafood. If you’re picky with fish, plan to confirm what’s available, because the description doesn’t mention a meat or vegetarian swap.

Price and value: $87.12 for a two-hour “see + eat” plan

Gastro Cruise | Cruise around Dubrovnik Old Town with Lunch - Price and value: $87.12 for a two-hour “see + eat” plan
At $87.12 per person, this cruise isn’t the cheapest thing on the Adriatic. But it also isn’t trying to be. The price includes the lunch and multiple drinks, and it wraps that food around two sightseeing blocks: City Walls and Lokrum.

So the value question becomes simple:

  • If you were going to pay for lunch plus drinks anyway, this can start looking like a straightforward package deal.
  • If you only want a boat ride and you’re not into the food plan, the price might feel less attractive.

The sweet spot is when you want a short, scenic experience with a real meal attached. The schedule is also a plus: with the whole trip around two hours, it fits well into a day that also includes walking the Old Town.

Also, the booking pace gives you a hint about demand: it’s commonly booked about 21 days in advance. If you’re traveling during peak summer, earlier booking is a smart way to avoid last-minute disappointment.

Group size, onboard comfort, and what the vibe is likely like

Gastro Cruise | Cruise around Dubrovnik Old Town with Lunch - Group size, onboard comfort, and what the vibe is likely like
The cruise caps at 40 people, which usually means the mood stays friendly and not chaotic. It’s also the kind of group size where the staff can keep an eye on service without feeling rushed.

WiFi onboard is included, which is handy if you want to send photos quickly while you’re still out on the water. And because it’s a short ride, you’re not signing up for hours of sitting through paperwork-like schedules. It’s food, views, then back to the port.

Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. It’s also near public transportation, which is helpful if you’re using transit to move around Dubrovnik.

Tips to get the most out of your 1:30 pm departure

Gastro Cruise | Cruise around Dubrovnik Old Town with Lunch - Tips to get the most out of your 1:30 pm departure
A few practical moves can make the experience smoother:

  • Eat lightly before you go so you can enjoy the full 3-course lunch without feeling stuffed.
  • Bring a swimsuit or cover-up if you want to take advantage of the chance to dip in the sea.
  • If you’re sensitive to sun, consider taking shade when the option is offered during the City Walls stop.
  • Keep your phone ready for the mobile ticket, and arrive a bit early since the total trip is only about two hours.

And small but important: remember that tips aren’t included. If you liked the service, budget something for it.

Who should book this cruise (and who might skip it)

This is a great fit if you:

  • Want a boat-based Dubrovnik experience without spending all afternoon on logistics
  • Like seafood and you’re happy with a fish-menu lunch onboard
  • Prefer “see it from the water” over competing for space on land viewpoints
  • Want included drinks so you can keep the day’s spending predictable

It may not be the best match if you:

  • Don’t eat fish, since the lunch is described as a fish menu with grilled options
  • Have a strong need for a long, slow sightseeing day (this is short and snack-to-lunch-paced)
  • Travel when weather is iffy, since good conditions are required for the experience to run

Should you book? My quick decision guide

I’d book this cruise if you want Dubrovnik in a compact package: City Walls views + Lokrum scenery + a real onboard lunch. The biggest win is that you’re not choosing between sightseeing and eating—you’re doing both, and the meal is a central part of the plan.

I would hesitate only if seafood isn’t your thing or if you’re traveling in a window where weather is often rough. The good news is that the experience runs only when conditions are suitable, and you’ve got flexibility if plans change.

If you’re on the fence, think like this: you’re paying for a two-hour experience that already includes lunch and drinks. That’s usually the right logic when you want value and you’d otherwise be spending that money separately.

FAQ

How long is the Dubrovnik gastro cruise?

It’s about 2 hours total.

What time does the cruise start?

The start time is 1:30 pm.

Where does the cruise meet and where does it end?

It meets at Porat Dubrovnik, Ribarnica ul. 1, 20000, Dubrovnik, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

Is lunch included?

Yes. You get a 3-course lunch served onboard, including a cold starter and dessert.

What drinks are included with lunch?

You’ll get 3 drinks included, or a bottle of wine per couple, plus water and soda/pop.

What will I see besides the Old Town?

You’ll have a boat tour that includes views around the Dubrovnik City Walls and a ride around Lokrum Island.

What happens if the weather is bad or the schedule changes?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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