Food, sea views, and lunch on a boat.

That is the whole appeal of this Dubrovnik gastro cruise, a short sailing that mixes sightseeing with a proper meal in front of the Old Town.

I especially like that the food is served right on board, so you are not rushing between sights and restaurants. The 3-course lunch is a fish-centered menu, plus a cold starter and dessert, with grilled seabass or gilthead sea bream and side dishes.

The other big win is the scenery, you get seaside viewpoints of the Old Town walls and a full loop around Lokrum Island. The one real consideration is weather: the experience depends on good conditions, so you may need a different date if the sea does not cooperate.

Key points before you go

• 3-course fish lunch served on board, with starter and dessert
• Drinks included, either 3 drinks or a bottle of wine per couple, plus water and soda
• City Walls from the water, with a seaside feel instead of a street squeeze
• Lokrum Island panorama loop, with views back to Dubrovnik
• Small boat group size, with a maximum of 40 travelers
• WiFi on board, which helps pass the time during the ride

Two hours of Dubrovnik sea views plus a real lunch

Dubrovnik can make you feel like you are sprinting, even when you are trying to slow down. This cruise is the opposite. It is built to be simple: you meet near the Old Town, you sail for about two hours, and you end back where you started.

What I like most is the pairing. You get a sightseeing route around Dubrovnik’s Old Town and the nearby island of Lokrum, then you sit down for lunch in the middle of it. That means the meal does not interrupt your day plans, it is part of the day.

And yes, the food is the point here. The onboard setup includes traditional local snacks and appetizers when you board. Then you enjoy a fish menu lunch while you are out at sea, with time later to swim or relax depending on what the water looks like and what the crew suggests.

The format also matters for value. At about $87 per person, you are paying for more than just a boat ticket. You are buying a short guided sightseeing loop plus an included lunch and drinks, which is exactly what you want in a place where meals outside the Old Town area can add up fast.

Getting oriented fast at the meeting point by the Old Town port

This starts at Porat Dubrovnik, Ribarnica ul. 1 (near public transportation). The start time is 1:30 pm, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

You do not need to spend time figuring out where your boat is. The cruise company uses a meeting point right by the Old Town port area, so you can walk in from sightseeing zones without complicated connections. If you like to avoid last-minute stress, show up a little early, especially in summer when the Old Town area can run busy.

You will also get a mobile ticket. That is practical when you are moving through multiple stops in one day.

The seafood lunch setup: what you actually get onboard

This is not a snack-and-hope situation. Lunch is served as a full 3-course meal onboard, and it is timed to keep you on schedule for the sightseeing.

Here is what is included:

• Cold starter and dessert, as part of the 3-course lunch
• A fish main course, listed as grilled seabass or gilthead sea bream, with side dishes
• Alcoholic beverages: 3 drinks included, or a bottle of wine per couple (plus water)
• Soda and bottled water
• Snacks at the start

One detail I appreciate is that drinks are not vague. The cruise price covers drinks in a structured way. If you are traveling in a pair, the bottle of wine per couple option is a nice upgrade.

Also, you are not stuck without options for downtime. The onboard experience includes WiFi, so you can check messages or just post a couple photos while the boat heads past the walls and toward Lokrum.

Part 1 on the water: Dubrovnik City Walls from a seaside angle

The cruise begins with the Dubrovnik Old Town waterfront, and then you spend time sailing around the City Walls area from the sea.

This is where the experience feels different from a standard land tour. The walls look dramatic from land, sure, but from the water you see how the fortifications hug the coastline. You also get that “main character” feeling of being surrounded by sea instead of walking into crowds on narrow streets.

During this first stretch, you are welcomed with traditional local snacks and appetizers. Then lunch comes onboard while you are in motion or positioned for scenic views.

There is also time described for dipping in the Adriatic Sea or resting in the shade on local beaches. I would treat that as flexible. If conditions are calm, you likely get more comfort for a swim. If not, you can still enjoy the views and the meal and keep your plans simple.

What to watch for at this stage

The city area can feel busy around ports. If you want a quiet start, arrive early for check-in so you can settle before boarding fills up. Also, you are on a boat for about an hour in this first segment, so bring what you need to be comfortable in sun or wind.

Part 2 around Lokrum Island: the panorama loop that breaks the crowds

After the first scenic wall views and lunch time, the cruise shifts to Lokrum Island, which sits just off the Old Town.

You get a panorama-style tour route from the Old Town port, and then you continue around Lokrum. The payoff is the contrast: the city walls give you the fortified Dubrovnik look, and Lokrum gives you a more open, island-ring feeling.

Lokrum is also a practical choice for a cruise format. You are not trapped commuting on land or planning your own ferry schedule. You do a loop, you see the island from multiple angles, and you return.

This part is described as about an hour. That is a sweet spot if you only have a small window, because you still get a full change in scenery without losing half your day on logistics.

The best reason to do Lokrum this way

If you have only limited time in Dubrovnik, Lokrum can be one of those “maybe I should” activities. Doing it via this cruise keeps it easy. You get the island scenery plus the sea views of the walls, and the whole thing stays tied to the Old Town port where you started.

Drinks, WiFi, and onboard comfort: small details that improve the vibe

The cruise includes WiFi on board, which sounds minor, but it helps if you are planning dinner after. You can also check maps or confirm where you want to wander next, without draining your phone battery.

Another comfort factor is that the lunch and drinks are served in a way that reduces decision fatigue. You do not need to find a table, argue about menus, or track down a server. You just eat, drink, and look out.

The cruise also includes bottled water, plus soda. If you are not drinking alcohol, you still have what you need to stay hydrated and comfortable.

How much it costs, and why it can be good value

At $87.12 per person for a cruise around Dubrovnik’s Old Town and Lokrum with lunch and drinks included, the value comes from what is bundled.

You are not just buying a boat ride. You are getting:

• A sightseeing circuit of about two hours total
• A 3-course lunch onboard (cold starter, main, dessert)
• Alcoholic beverages (3 drinks included, or bottle of wine per couple)
• Water, soda, and snacks
• WiFi on board

Now, if you were only comparing this to a low-cost ticket for a boat ride, it will seem pricier. But Dubrovnik is not a bargain destination. Here, meals add up quickly, and “good view time” on the water often costs extra.

So for many people, this price makes sense because it reduces the number of separate purchases you would otherwise have to make during the day.

The crew and the tone: why this feels fun, not stiff

One of the strongest signals I see in the feedback is that the operators keep things friendly and easygoing. You can count on a kind, helpful crew and an onboard atmosphere that feels like it is meant for enjoyment, not formality.

That matters because the experience is short. When something lasts only about two hours, the mood you get right away has a bigger effect on the whole day.

If you like your tours with a bit of warmth, this fits. If you prefer long lectures and lots of structured stops, you may want a different format, because this one is built around food and the sailing loop.

Who this cruise suits best

This is a great fit if:

• You want Old Town views without hours of walking
• You want lunch included with a fish menu, not a separate restaurant search
• You have limited time and still want both City Walls and Lokrum
• You like small-group sailing, with a maximum of 40 travelers

It is also a solid option if you travel with someone who appreciates an included meal and drinks. The bottle of wine per couple option is specifically built for that kind of pairing.

You might skip it if you want more time on land, or if you get seasick easily and you are not sure how the water will feel during your dates. The cruise requires good weather, so plan to be flexible.

My practical tips to get the most out of it

Here are a few things I would do to make this day feel smoother:

• Bring sun protection. Even with breaks, you will be on deck for long enough to get caught by the Dubrovnik sun.
• Think about what you want for your swim window. If you plan to dip, wear swim gear you can change into quickly.
• Eat smart before boarding. You will have a full 3-course lunch onboard, so skip a big breakfast or early late snack that kills your appetite.
• Wear grippy shoes. Ports can be slick near the water, and you will be moving on and off the boat.
• Have a simple plan after. Since you return to the meeting point, you can head straight back into the Old Town for an easy evening.

Should you book the Dubrovnik gastro cruise?

If your goal is a short, high-reward day in Dubrovnik, I think this is a strong booking. You get City Walls sea views, Lokrum Island scenery, and an onboard 3-course fish lunch with drinks. The format is built for people who do not want to overplan.

Book it if you like your Dubrovnik experience to feel local, relaxed, and food-forward, with a crew that keeps the vibe friendly. Skip it if you only want land time, or if you know you are picky about boat movement.

If you are traveling during a season with good weather, this is the kind of activity that makes your day feel complete without stretching it thin.

FAQ

How long is the Dubrovnik gastro cruise?

It lasts about 2 hours.

What time does it start?

The start time is 1:30 pm.

Where do I meet for the cruise?

You meet at Porat Dubrovnik, Ribarnica ul. 1, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Where does the cruise end?

It ends back at the same meeting point.

What food is included during the cruise?

A 3-course lunch is included onboard, with a cold starter, dessert, and a fish menu main course.

Are drinks included with lunch?

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

Is WiFi available on board?

Yes, WiFi is included on board.

What is the group size?

The cruise has a maximum of 40 travelers.

What if the weather is bad?

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