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

Boat day beats Dubrovnik’s crowds every time. This private RIB outing lets you see Dubrovnik’s coast from the water, with a brand new Yamaha 115 hp engine (October 2023) and stops that often include the Elaphiti islands and Lokrum, so you can swim where the shoreline is too pretty for postcards. I love the sense of freedom that comes from moving fast between viewpoints and quiet coves, and I love how the boat setup makes it easy to get in the water for photos and a real Adriatic swim. One consideration: water and food are not included, so plan on bringing what you need or budgeting for lunch ashore if you want it.

This is the kind of day that fits families, couples, or groups of friends who want hidden bays and cave-like shoreline from the sea. In the reviews, the crews are praised for smooth handling and safety, and guide names like Toni, Niksa, and Antun come up often for their friendly, no-stress service. If you do choose the no-skipper option, you will need a boat license and know-how.

Key things to know before you go

• Brand new October 2023 Yamaha 115 hp engine for quick, stable rides between coves.
• Private group experience up to 4 means you are not sharing the boat with strangers.
• Elaphiti islands plus Lokrum are commonly part of the route, with swimming stops in bays and caves.
• Masks and snorkels can be loaned, plus full safety gear is part of the setup.
• Boat-only pricing means you should plan for water, drinks, and lunch separately.

The Maestral 500 RIB ride, and why the engine matters

This is a Maestral 500 RIB speedboat setup, and the headline is the brand new Yamaha 115 hp outboard installed in October 2023. For you, that translates into a boat that feels modern, responsive, and ready to move. On an Adriatic day, that matters because you are constantly hopping between viewpoints, coves, and swim spots, and you want the boat to feel confident when you shift course.

Comfort is also part of the point here. The boat is described as suitable for families, couples, and groups of friends, which usually means you can spread out and still feel like you have a proper seat and space for bags, cameras, and swim items. One review highlights that the boat condition and safety gear were excellent, and that masks and snorkels were available to borrow, which is exactly what you want if your plan includes underwater-looking photos and quick snorkeling.

If you are sensitive to motion, it is still a speedboat. You will want to dress smart casual, but also think about light layers, non-slip footwear if you have it, and a calm plan for getting in and out of the water.

Meet at Lapadska obala 4 at 9:30 am, then settle in for 7 to 9 hours

The meeting point is Lapadska obala 4, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia, and the start time is 9:30 am. The experience runs about 7 to 9 hours, and it ends back at the same meeting point. That full morning start gives you a big chunk of daylight for island hopping and swimming, and it sets you up to chase a sunset if your route includes later sea time.

You get a mobile ticket, so you can keep things simple on your phone. Dress code is smart casual, and the location is near public transportation, which helps if you are staying in the Old Town or up by Lapad and do not want a complicated transfer.

Physical fitness is marked as moderate, which I take to mean you do not need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable walking on a dock area and getting yourself into the water when the boat reaches a swim stop.

Elaphiti islands and Lokrum: the best way to see Dubrovnik from the sea

If you want the classic Dubrovnik views, the sea is where you get them. This trip is designed around the Dubrovnik coast’s offshore options, and the route typically focuses on the Elaphiti islands, with islands like Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan named as common stops. Lokrum is also mentioned as part of the mix, so you may get a chance to view that island from the water as part of your day.

Here is what that means in real terms for your photos and your sense of place.

Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan for coves, beaches, and cave-like shoreline

The itinerary is framed around bays, beaches, and caves, and that is not random wording. You will generally be looking for shoreline that you cannot reach easily from land, then stopping so you can swim and take photos from the boat. The practical benefit is time efficiency: you can see more coastline in one day without burning hours on transport and walking.

The drawback is that these stops are all about sea access. If you prefer long shore walks, restaurants at every stop, or slow sightseeing, the RIB format will feel more like a moving base than a traditional tour.

Dubrovnik city walls from the seaside, plus a sunset option

A big selling point is panoramic views of the city walls from the water. You may see the walls from angles you just cannot get from streets, and that changes how the whole place feels. It is also possible to watch the Adriatic sunset from the sea, which is a great reason to keep your schedule light on land that day.

If you are traveling with a camera, I suggest you plan to keep it accessible, because you will likely want quick shots during the travel sections too, not just at the moment the boat stops.

Swimming in the Adriatic, with snorkel gear ready

The trip is built around getting into the water. You explore islands and hidden spots, then you swim in the Adriatic, described as perfectly blue in the experience description. In practice, the value is simple: the water time is not an afterthought, it is part of the core plan, and the boat format makes it easy to reach the better-looking coves.

One review specifically mentions free loan of masks and snorkels, plus full safety gear. That is a big deal if you do not want to pack your own snorkel kit or you forgot it at home. I also like that the boat setup supports quick switches from sunning on board to getting in the water when the boat arrives.

Keep in mind that swimming at caves or rocky shoreline points can be physically tricky depending on water conditions. You do not need to be a strong swimmer for all of it, but you should be prepared to follow crew guidance and move carefully.

Toni and Niksa: service that makes the day feel easy

The best boat days are not just about the route, they are about the humans running it. In the feedback you provided, the crew names Toni and Niksa show up with clear praise for making the day smooth, fun, and safe.

Toni, in particular, is mentioned for recommending amazing swim locations and for arranging lunch at a restaurant in Lopud for the group. That matters for you because lunch is not included in the standard list of what comes with the trip. So when a guide helps set up a meal ashore in Lopud, it turns a boat-only day into a fuller experience without you scrambling for plans once you are on the water.

Niksa is praised for friendliness, helpfulness, and being just in time. Another review also highlights a painless handover and handback, plus the overall safety gear and loaned masks and snorkels. If you care about how the day begins and ends, those details matter, because boat rentals that are disorganized can ruin the first hour and last hour.

Bottom line: you are not just buying a boat, you are buying a well-run flow, and that is what makes the day feel like a vacation instead of a task.

What is included, and what you should budget for

Included in the price is the boat and speedboat use. Not included is water and food and drinks, plus lunch unless specified. This is where value comes down to how you plan your day.

If you bring your own water and snacks, you can keep costs stable and focus on swimming and viewpoints. If you want lunch, you should expect it to be an add-on unless your guide lines something up while you are out, as described in the Toni example for Lopud.

Also check your own drink plans. Even if the route includes a stop where it is easy to grab food, you still want to have a plan for the hours you are actually on the boat.

Price and value for a private group up to 4 people

The price is $509 per group, for up to 4 people. Since it is private, that means the cost is spread across your group rather than per person like many public sightseeing boats.

Here is the quick math:

• Up to 4 people: about $127 per person
• If you are 2 people: about $254 per person

That can still be good value if you want a day that feels custom, with island-hopping, swimming stops, and Dubrovnik city wall views from the sea. You are paying for time, flexibility, and direct access to coves that would be hard to reach any other way.

But the boat-only nature of the included items matters for value too. You will likely spend extra on water, drinks, and lunch. If you are traveling with a group and split the cost, the overall day often feels like a strong deal for what you get. If you are solo or just two, it becomes more of a splurge, so I would pair it with a day where you do not also need to pay for extra tours.

Practical planning tips for your RIB day

Because swimming is built in, plan around it. If you have a swimsuit, water-friendly shoes, and a dry bag, it will make your life easier. You can also rely on loaned masks and snorkels mentioned in the reviews, but do not count on that as your only plan if you have a personal preference for gear.

If you go without a skipper, you need a boat license and know-how. That is a key decision point, especially if you are used to exploring on foot. Make sure you are comfortable with the responsibilities of operating a small speedboat and following crew guidance.

Also remember the format: you are on the water for 7 to 9 hours. Bring a simple snack plan and think about sun time, especially if your route includes sunset from the sea.

Who should book this Dubrovnik boat rental, and who might skip it

This experience fits best if you check several boxes:

• You want Elaphiti islands and Lokrum style scenery, not just an Old Town walk.
• You love swimming and want the ability to stop at bays and caves.
• Your group is comfortable with a private day plan and splitting the cost across up to 4 people.
• You value safety gear and support, with crew service that has earned strong mentions of Toni and Niksa.

I would be cautious if you strongly prefer shore-based sightseeing with long stops on land, because this day is structured around the boat and the water. If you do not have the physical comfort for dock-to-water movements, or you expect an easy, hands-off, fully guided land-style day, this might not feel like the right fit.

Should you book the Maestral 500 Yamaha 115 hp RIB tour?

I think this is a smart choice if you want a private, flexible Dubrovnik day with real coastline views and time in the water. The brand new Yamaha 115 hp setup and the emphasis on swim stops make it feel purpose-built, and the service notes about Toni and Niksa suggest the experience is run with care, not chaos.

Book it if your group is 3 to 4 people and you want maximum fun per hour on the Adriatic. If you are 1 to 2 people, I would book it only if you are genuinely committed to the sea part of Dubrovnik, because water, drinks, and lunch are not included in the base price.

If that sounds like your kind of day, you will probably come back happy, with photos you could not get from anywhere else in town.

FAQ

How many people can join this private boat experience?

It is a private activity, with only your group participating, and the price is for a group up to 4 people.

What is the price for this Dubrovnik boat rental?

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

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as 7 to 9 hours (approx.).

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:30 am.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You meet at Lapadska obala 4, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Is a skipper included?

The boats are available without skipper if you have a boat license and know-how.

What is included in the price?

The included items are the boat and speedboat.

What is not included?

Water and food and drinks are not included, and lunch is not included unless specified.

What should we wear?

Dress code is smart casual.

What is the cancellation policy?

You get free cancellation, with a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.