Dubrovnik or Cavtat: Lokrum Island and Betina Cave Boat Tour

Introducing the Dubrovnik or Cavtat: Lokrum Island and Betina Cave Boat Tour

If you’re visiting Dubrovnik and short on time but eager to experience its coastal beauty, this boat tour offers a fantastic glimpse of the area’s highlights. With a mix of scenic cruising, island exploration, and opportunities to swim and snorkel, it’s an efficient way to enjoy the Dalmatian coast’s natural charms. The tour, which operates from either Dubrovnik or Cavtat, typically takes about 4 to 5 hours, making it ideal for cruise ship guests or travelers with limited schedules.

What I love about this experience is how well it balances sightseeing with relaxation. The boat ride itself is a treat, offering unforgettable views of Dubrovnik’s iconic city walls and Lovrjenac Fortress from the water—perfect for photo buffs. Plus, spending time on Lokrum Island, with its lush botanical gardens and peaceful beaches, is a real highlight. The chance to snorkel in Betina Cave, accessible only by sea, adds a fun and adventurous touch to the trip.

One thing worth considering is the time allocated for each stop. As some reviews point out, the amount of time at Lokrum can feel a little tight—especially if you want to explore thoroughly or relax on the beach. It’s also worth noting that an entry fee to Lokrum—around 30 Croatian kuna for adults—is payable in cash on arrival, which can catch some travelers unprepared if they aren’t aware.

Key points / Takeaways

• Stunning Coastal Views: Expect breathtaking sights of Dubrovnik’s historic city walls and Lovrjenac Fortress from the water.
• Flexible Island Exploration: You get around 2 hours on Lokrum Island, allowing enough time to walk through gardens, see the monastery, and even sit on the Iron Throne from Game of Thrones.
• Ideal for Swimming and Snorkeling: Beaches like St. Jacob and Betina Cave offer crystal-clear waters perfect for a refreshing dip and underwater adventures.
• Unique Cave Experience: Betina Cave, accessible only by sea, provides a secluded spot for snorkeling and exploring within a natural setting.
• Expert Guides and Audio Commentary: Friendly guides help with local insights, and an audio guide enhances your understanding of the sights.
• Value for Money: For around 30 euros for adults (entry fee not included), this tour packs in scenic beauty, cultural sights, and aquatic fun.

When I hear about a boat tour in Dubrovnik, I expect a good mix of scenery, culture, and fun. This one doesn’t disappoint. Starting from either Dubrovnik or Cavtat, the journey begins with a cruise past historic sites like the city walls and Lovrjenac Fortress. These iconic landmarks look spectacular from the water, and I love how the boat ride offers a fresh perspective compared to walking the walls.

The boat itself is usually not crowded, as some reviews mention, giving you plenty of space to relax or snap photos. The guides, including captains like Ivo, are praised for their kindness and helpfulness—offering helpful tips and sharing stories that bring the surroundings to life. An English audio guide ensures you don’t miss out on the history and details of each stop.

Cruising Past Dubrovnik’s Landmarks

The first part of the tour is a gentle cruise along Dubrovnik’s coast, giving you uninterrupted views of the city’s fortress walls, the picturesque old town, and the Lovrjenac Fortress. If you’re a fan of filming locations, you’ll also recognize some scenes from Game of Thrones, especially the Iron Throne spot on Lokrum.

This part sets the scene beautifully and is perfect for taking photos. The fresh sea breeze, the shimmering water, and the sight of the medieval walls all combine to make the experience memorable. Many reviews mention how relaxing and scenic this cruise segment is, and it’s the perfect way to start your adventure.

Exploring Lokrum Island

Disembarking on Lokrum Island marks the beginning of the island exploration. You’ll have around 2 hours if departing from Dubrovnik, or slightly more if from Cavtat—plenty of time, many say, but some feel it could be longer to fully enjoy the surroundings.

Lokrum is a designated UNESCO Heritage site, and it’s easy to see why. Its lush Botanical Gardens and the monastery ruins are a highlight. I love how the gardens burst with vibrant colors, and the peacocks wandering freely add a whimsical touch. The monastery, dating back centuries, offers a quiet spot for reflection. If you’re into pop culture, you might recognize some filming locations from Game of Thrones, including the Iron Throne on the island.

The “Dead Sea” or Mrtvo More is another highlight—an inland saltwater lake that’s perfect for a leisurely dip. Many visitors enjoy sitting here, soaking in the tranquility, and snapping photos of the surrounding nature. The guides often help you spot interesting features, making your walk educational as well as scenic.

A common tip from reviews: bring cash for the Lokrum entry fee, currently about 30 kuna per adult and 5 kuna for children over 6. Some travelers were caught off guard, so a quick heads-up helps.

Relaxing at St. Jacob’s Beach

After exploring Lokrum, the boat heads to St. Jacob’s Beach, a favorite for swimming and snorkeling. The water here is crystal-clear, and many reviewers say it’s among the best swimming spots they found during their trip. You can float around, snorkel the seabed, or just lounge with a drink or an ice cream—many say it’s the perfect place to unwind after walking around the island.

The beach is small and can get crowded, especially in peak season, but the calm waters make it worthwhile. The shallow seabed is gentle for kids and non-swimmers, though some reviews suggest that a little extra time here wouldn’t hurt.

Betina Cave: A Secluded Seaside Treasure

The final stop is the Betina Cave, accessible only by boat. This secluded spot is a natural wonder—inside the cave, you can snorkel around and even swim into the beach inside the cave itself. Many travelers find this the highlight of the trip. The chance to explore a cave, snorkel with fish, and enjoy a peaceful setting is a big draw.

Some reviews mention that jumping into the sea from the boat into Betina Cave is an adventurous option, though not everyone is comfortable with it. If you’re a confident swimmer, it’s a memorable way to end your aquatic adventure.

Returning to Dubrovnik or Cavtat

As the tour wraps up, the boat glides back along the coast, passing by landmarks like Villa Sheherezade and Lazarets, giving you one last chance to enjoy the scenery. Most travelers agree that this part of the journey is a lovely, relaxing way to conclude the trip.

The entire experience, with its combination of scenic cruising, island exploration, swimming, and cave snorkeling, offers a well-rounded taste of the Dalmatian coast’s natural beauty. Many reviews praise the friendly guides, the good value for money, and the opportunity to see parts of Dubrovnik that are hard to reach on foot.

This trip suits travelers looking for a short but scenic escape from Dubrovnik’s bustling old town. It’s a great choice if you love water-based activities like swimming and snorkeling, and want to see some of the most beautiful spots without spending all day on it. Families with children over 6 will enjoy the safe, calm waters, and those who appreciate authentic island scenery and quiet beaches will find plenty to love.

However, if you’re a hardcore hiker or history buff wanting deep dives into cultural sites, this tour may not satisfy your curiosity fully. Also, if you’re not comfortable swimming or have mobility challenges, parts of the experience—like Betina Cave—might be less suitable.

The tour costs around €30 for adults, but note that entry to Lokrum Island is not included and must be paid in cash—around 30 kuna per adult. This fee grants you access to the gardens, monastery, and other island facilities. Since many reviews note the trip’s good value for the price, this extra fee is a small addition considering the scenic boat ride, island exploration, and swimming opportunities.

The tour departs from two locations: Obala, Lokanda Peskarija and a starting point in Cavtat. Duration varies from 4 to 5 hours, depending on the starting point and the itinerary, so check available times to fit your schedule. The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers or those with mobility issues, given the swimming and cave exploration aspects.

Weather plays a role—this experience requires good weather conditions to operate smoothly. In case of wind or rough seas, the tour might be canceled or rescheduled, so stay flexible and keep an eye on weather updates.

• Remember to bring beachwear, a towel, and cash for the Lokrum entry fee.
• Consider water shoes for the swimming stops and cave snorkeling—many reviewers recommend them.
• Arrive at the meeting point early to avoid missing your departure.
• If you want a more leisurely experience, ask about the possibility of extending your time on Lokrum or at the beaches—some reviewers think the current timing is a little tight.
• Take advantage of the audio guide to learn about the sights while you cruise.
• Pack some snacks or drinks for the trip, as options at Lokrum can be pricey.
• Young children over 6 will enjoy the calm waters and sheltered beaches; younger kids or non-swimmers might prefer other activities.
• Be prepared for a bit of a boat ride—some say the boat is comfortable, but bring motion sickness remedies if needed.

This boat tour in Dubrovnik offers a well-rounded, scenic experience packed into just a few hours. You’ll get stunning views of the old city from the water, explore the lush, peaceful Lokrum Island, and enjoy swimming in some of the clearest waters around. For travelers who appreciate a mix of nature, culture, and aquatic fun, it delivers remarkable value.

The experienced guides and well-organized stops make it a relaxing and enjoyable option—especially if you’re short on time but don’t want to miss the highlights. Whether you’re keen on snapping photos, sitting on the Iron Throne, or snorkeling in Betina Cave, this trip has something for water lovers and landscape admirers alike.

It’s particularly suited for families, small groups, and solo travelers who want a taste of Croatia’s coastal magic without the hassle of planning multiple excursions. Just be sure you’re comfortable swimming and prepared for the cash payment for island entry. This tour gives you a memorable, authentic glimpse of Dubrovnik’s stunning coast—perfect for making your trip special.