Dubrovnik Game of Thrones Boat Tour

Exploring Dubrovnik’s Game of Thrones Secrets: A Detailed Review

If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones, the idea of walking through the actual filming locations that brought Westeros to life is tempting. This Dubrovnik-based Game of Thrones Boat Tour offers just that—a chance to see some of the most iconic spots from the TV series while enjoying a scenic boat ride around the Adriatic. With a duration of about 1 hour 30 minutes, the experience is compact but packed with memorable moments, including a walk through Lokrum Island’s enchanting gardens and a photo-op on the Iron Throne.

What I really like about this tour is the knowledgeable guide who strikes a good balance between storytelling and practical tips, making the tour both fun and informative. The Iron Throne photo opportunity is surprisingly popular—who wouldn’t want a snapshot on the real, albeit fake, throne? And the boat ride itself offers a relaxing way to enjoy Dubrovnik’s stunning coastline.

The only consideration? Since the tour is relatively short, you might find it a bit rushed if you’re hungry for a deep dive into Westeros or want to explore the island at leisure. But for a quick, engaging glimpse into the filming history of Dubrovnik, it hits the mark nicely.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Authentic Locations: The tour takes you to real filming spots used in Game of Thrones, like the City of Qarth on Lokrum Island.
• Expert-guided experience: Guides like Dorotea, praised for friendliness and depth of info, make the stories come alive.
• Photo Opportunities: The Iron Throne room is a highlight, giving fans a chance for a memorable photo shoot.
• Scenic Boat Ride: The 15-minute sail offers views of Dubrovnik’s coastline, villa Ehreza, and hotel Belvedere.
• Flexible Island Time: You can choose to stay on Lokrum or return with your guide, adding some flexibility.
• Good value: At around $145 per person, it includes everything—boat, guide, and entrance fees to Lokrum’s gardens and monastery.

Entering the World of Westeros: A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Starting from Dubrovnik’s Old Town port, the tour kicks off at the large pier, where a Horizon representative awaits with a sign. This convenient meeting point makes it easy to find your group and hop onto the boat. The boat ride itself is short but scenic, lasting about 15 minutes as you glide toward Lokrum Island. Along the way, you’ll pass notable landmarks like Villa Ehreza, where Tyrion was seen during his time in King’s Landing, and the Hotel Belvedere, adding a dash of local flavor to the Westeros-inspired adventure.

Lokrum Island is the tour’s heart. Once ashore, you’ll take a 30-minute walk through the lush gardens that represent the fictional City of Qarth—famous for its grandeur and mystery. Your guide will share snippets of fictional history and behind-the-scenes filming stories, making the location more vivid. The Benedictine monastery on the island is a highlight, especially as it served as the home to the Iron Throne in the series. Here, you get a chance to take photos on the Iron Throne itself—a moment many fans cherish.

Post-visit, you can either join the guided return or enjoy some free time to explore the island at your own pace before catching the next boat back. The flexibility is a nice touch, especially if you want to linger in the beautiful surroundings or snap extra pictures. The entire excursion, including the entrance fees and guided walk, offers good value considering how much it packs in.

The Guide and the Atmosphere: Making the Experience Special

Reviews consistently praise the guides like Dorotea for their friendly attitude and wealth of information. They manage to blend storytelling with helpful tips—like how best to snap a photo or where to get the best views. The tour maintains a relaxed pace, so you don’t feel rushed, which enhances the enjoyment.

What makes the tour stand out is not just visiting locations but understanding their significance to the show. The Iron Throne room is a crowd favorite, offering a perfect photo opportunity that often becomes a highlight in reviews. Roxanne_S called it a “fantastic day out,” emphasizing the “plenty of opportunity for photo memories,” which shows how well the experience hits the mark for fans.

The boat itself is a comfortable, small-group setting—limiting the crowd and making it easier to hear the guides’ stories. With a maximum of 15 travelers, it feels intimate, and you’re more likely to get personalized attention or ask questions.

Price, Logistics, and Practical Tips

At roughly $145 per person, including boat fare, guide, and entrance fees, this tour offers fair value for fans eager to see Game of Thrones filming locations without the hassle of self-organizing transport or entry tickets. It’s suitable for most travelers, given most can participate, and the tour is available with a mobile ticket—streamlining your check-in process.

The start time of 12:00 pm is convenient, giving you the morning free for wandering Dubrovnik’s Old Town. The tour is weather-dependent, so it’s wise to keep an eye on the forecast—poor weather could mean cancellation, but the company offers full refunds or rescheduling.

Be sure to print your confirmation document, which contains all necessary details—not just your ticket. And note that the tour requires at least four participants to run, so it’s best to book in advance if traveling in the shoulder season.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This boat tour is perfect for Game of Thrones enthusiasts who want to see the actual filming locations and enjoy a scenic boat ride. It’s also excellent for travelers who appreciate guided storytelling and want a manageable, half-day outing. If you’re traveling with kids, history buffs, or photo lovers, the Iron Throne photo-op and island walk will likely be highlights.

However, if you’re after a comprehensive Dubrovnik tour with in-depth history or extensive island exploring, this might feel a bit limited in scope. It’s best for those wanting a focused, fun experience that combines pop culture with local scenery.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

In my view, this tour offers real value for fans of Game of Thrones. It’s a relaxed, well-organized way to see iconic filming spots, get a few memorable photos, and enjoy an easy boat ride with friendly guides. The inclusion of Lokrum Island’s gardens and monastery makes it more than just a “set visit”—it’s a chance to experience Dubrovnik’s natural beauty intertwined with its pop culture fame.

If you’re a fan seeking a manageable, engaging activity that combines scenery, storytelling, and a bit of Westeros magic, this tour hits the sweet spot. It’s best suited for those who appreciate guided insights, want to avoid the hassle of organizing transport, and love capturing fun photos. Just remember to check the weather forecast and book in advance to secure your spot.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, including boat rides, walking, and sightseeing.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at the large pier in Dubrovnik Old Town Port, where a guide with a Horizon sign will meet you.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers the round-trip boat ride to Lokrum Island, a guided tour on the island, entrance to the gardens and monastery, and the Iron Throne photo opportunity.

Can I stay longer on Lokrum Island?
Yes. After the guided portion, you have the option to return on the next boat or stay longer and go back later on the following boat.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s best for families with children who are comfortable walking and sitting on a boat for about 15 minutes.

What should I bring?
Bring your confirmation printout, comfortable shoes, sun protection, and perhaps a camera for photos, especially at the Iron Throne.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How many people will be on the tour?
The maximum group size is 15 travelers, keeping the experience intimate and engaging.

In all, this Dubrovnik Game of Thrones boat tour offers a smart blend of culture, scenery, and pop-culture magic—perfect for fans and casual travelers alike. With friendly guides, stunning views, and the chance to sit on the Iron Throne, it’s an enjoyable way to spice up your Dubrovnik visit.