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Ferries to nearby islands from Dubrovnik

Posted by (Minnesota) on

We will be in Dubrovnik Jul 29-Aug 4. Staying in old town, not renting a car, first visit to Croatia. With the exception of a private day tour to Montenegro, we really just want to relax and soak up summer during the day (swimming, kayaking, hiking, etc.) -- we will have evenings to explore the old town since we're staying there. I know there are beaches/hikes within Dubrovnik -- which we will likely do -- but given we have the time, we'd like to visit nearby areas.

I have two questions related to island day trips from Dubrovnik (Gruz) - appreciate any/all guidance!

  1. Recognizing how long ferry rides can be, we will skip the further/more popular islands (e.g., Korcula), likely in favor of the closer Elaphiti Islands, to maximize time on the ground. Do we need to book these ferries in advance? If not, we will just "figure out as we go" (likely day/night before) to try to keep a more relaxed mindset, if that makes sense.
  2. Any recommendations for certain nearby islands over others? They all seem beautiful so I feel we can't go wrong, but thought I'd ask.
Posted by
4713 posts

I never managed to make it to the Elafiti islands on two trips to Dubrovnik, but I am sharing two websites I am familiar with that give you a brief overview.
https://www.frankaboutcroatia.com/elafiti-islands-day-trip-dubrovnik/
https://www.chasingthedonkey.com/elafiti-islands-dubrovnik-elaphiti-islands/#How_To_Get_To_The_Elafiti_Islands
It does not appear that G&V runs a route to the islands anymore, and that Jadrolinija will be the place to check schedules. I would compare with the private day tours on offer--I wonder if any depart from old town and not Gruz (check with a local tourist office--the day before should be fine, like you said).
A semi-educated guess is to prebook in high season.

I liked Lokrum quite a bit because it has beautiful views of Dubrovnik, but if I were you I would try to get to Elafiti--good luck!

Posted by
1006 posts

At the old port you’ll find a bunch of kiosks offering different trips to the Elaphiti Islands. Stroll down there and have a chat with them, it’s fun. It’s unlikely in high season to find something for that day, but a day or two ahead will be fine. See how you feel about them. I never ended up going myself, but they were attractive options.

Lokrum is a great way to escape Dubrovnik’s midday heat and crowds. Great swimming areas. In Dubrovnik itself, my favorite swimming was at Buza II cocktail bar. Fun scene, great swimming under the walls. Head back for drinks in the evening.

My other recommendation would be Cavtat. It’s a small resort town with hourly boat shuttles from the old port. There’s some terrific swimming areas on the peninsula just north of town (10min walk) and some nice restaurants. Technically not an island but island vibes.

Posted by
38 posts

Thank you! With 5 unplanned days, we may indeed have enough time to get to the Elaphiti Islands, as well as Lokrum (hoping to kayak there), and Cavtat. Great point about Cavtat - island vibes without being an island. The ferry option there sounds like a nice way to spend a day.

Posted by
38 posts

@Perun - thank you for that tip! Had read about Mljet Island but thought the journey might be too far for a day trip. Quick glance at that ferry schedule and it seems a return trip to Dubrovnik is only available during our visit at 6:15am.

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