Dubrovnik or Cavtat: Lokrum Island and Betina Cave Boat Tour

Dubrovnik’s walls are impressive from the land, but seeing them from the water gives you a fresh view of the city’s stone ramparts and Lovrjenac Fortress. This half-day outing pairs that coastal cruise with time to roam Lokrum and two chances to swim.

I like the freedom to explore Lokrum at your own pace, and the contrast between its gardens and monastery grounds and the clear water at Betina Cave. One point to weigh: Lokrum’s entry fee is extra, and the beach and cave stops depend on your comfort in the water.

At a glance

• Dubrovnik from the sea: Cruise past the City Walls and Lovrjenac Fortress, with an English audio guide along the way.
• Time to explore Lokrum: You get about two hours from Dubrovnik, or about two and a half hours from Cavtat, to walk, swim or visit the island’s sights.
• Three different water settings: Swim at Lokrum, St. Jacob’s Beach and Betina Cave, with snorkeling gear included.
• A cave you can reach only by boat: At Betina Cave, you enter the water from the boat to reach the small beach inside.
• A separate island fee: Lokrum entry costs €30 for adults and €5 for children over six, paid in cash at the meeting point.

The boat ride sets the scene

The tour begins at the historic port of Dubrovnik or in Cavtat, depending on the option you book. The vessel differs by departure point: Dubrovnik trips use a glass-bottomed boat, while trips from Cavtat use a speedboat. Check your selected option carefully, since the meeting point and the boat style are not the same for every departure.

From Dubrovnik, the first leg is a roughly 30-minute sightseeing cruise along the coast. You’ll see the City Walls from below, where their height and scale read differently than they do from the streets above. Lovrjenac Fortress, set on its rocky perch, is another striking landmark from the water. The audio guide is in English and provides information about the sights and local history.

A glass bottom offers a different way to look at the water beneath you, though this is still principally a boat-and-swimming trip, not a dedicated marine wildlife excursion. The focus is the coastline, the island and time in the sea. Some trips may have music on board, so if you prefer a quiet ride, keep in mind that the atmosphere can vary.

Lokrum: two hours to wander or swim

Lokrum is the longest stop, and that is useful: this is not a quick photo stop followed by a rush back to the boat. From Dubrovnik, plan on about two hours ashore. The Cavtat option allows roughly two and a half hours. You can use that time to explore the gardens, monastery grounds, caves and beaches, or choose one or two things and take them slowly.

The Botanical Gardens and the old Benedictine monastery grounds give you a reason to walk beyond the shore. Peacocks roam freely around the island, and the Game of Thrones filming locations include the Iron Throne. If that is on your list, you can look for it during your free time rather than joining a guided walk.

The island’s Mrtvo More, or Dead Sea, is a small saltwater lake where you can take a dip. Lokrum also has rocky swimming spots, so bring a towel and beachwear if you want to make the most of the stop. With only a couple of hours, you’ll need to choose: a longer walk, a swim, a visit to the garden and monastery areas, or some combination. The island’s restaurants can be pricey, so bringing lunch is a sensible option if you want to save time and money.

The entry fee is a significant extra to budget for. Adults pay €30, and children over six pay €5; the fee is not included in the tour price and must be paid in cash at the meeting point. That changes the cost calculation: the advertised $45 is the boat tour price, not the full cost for an adult who plans to go ashore on Lokrum. Bring enough cash for the fee, and remember that you’ll also want it for any other purchases.

St. Jacob’s Beach: a short swim break

After Lokrum, the boat stops at St. Jacob’s Beach, also called Plaža Sveti Jakov, for about 40 minutes. The appeal is the setting: clear water, a natural shoreline and views back toward Dubrovnik. You can swim or snorkel, or stay on the boat and enjoy the view if you’d rather not get in.

This is a relatively short stop, and the beach can feel crowded. The shore area is small, so don’t expect a long, secluded beach visit. Think of it as a refreshing pause between the island and the cave, not a full afternoon by the water. Water shoes may make getting in and out of the sea more comfortable, particularly where the shore is rocky.

Betina Cave: the final swim

The last main stop is Betina Cave, a secluded beach reached only from the sea. The boat stays outside, and you enter the water to reach the small beach inside the cave. You have about 30 minutes to swim and snorkel, with the cave itself providing a memorable setting for the final stop.

This is often the most distinctive swim of the trip, but it is also the one that asks the most of you in the water. You need to be comfortable swimming from the boat toward the cave. If you’re unsure about jumping or swimming in, you can still enjoy the view from the boat, but you may miss the beach inside. The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers, so take that warning seriously rather than treating the water stops as optional details.

Snorkeling gear is included, which saves you from packing your own mask and snorkel. The tour description does not promise flotation aids, so don’t assume those will be available. If you have concerns about swimming, ask the operator before booking.

What the timing means for your day

The total outing takes four to five hours, with starting times varying by availability. That makes it a practical choice if you’re short on time, including if you’re visiting Dubrovnik on a cruise stop. It gives you a coastal overview, time on Lokrum and two swimming breaks without taking up a full day.

The balance is weighted toward Lokrum: around two hours from Dubrovnik, followed by about 40 minutes at St. Jacob’s and 30 minutes at Betina Cave. That gives you time to get a feel for each place, but not to linger. Some people would gladly trade a beach stop for more time on the island; others will be glad the tour gets them to several swimming spots. Consider which kind of day you want before you book.

The Cavtat departure gives you a little longer on Lokrum, at about two and a half hours, but uses a speedboat rather than the glass-bottomed boat used from Dubrovnik. If the underwater view is part of the appeal, the Dubrovnik departure is the one to check. If you’re staying in or starting from Cavtat, the extra island time may suit you better.

Is the $45 price good value?

At $45 per person, the tour includes boat transport, a sightseeing cruise, an English audio guide, and swimming and snorkeling gear. You’re paying to link places that are spread along the coast and to reach Betina Cave, which is accessible only by sea. For a half-day outing with several stops, that can be good value, especially if you plan to swim at each one.

The separate Lokrum charge makes the adult total notably higher. Add €30 in cash for entry, and factor in food or drinks if you intend to buy them on the island. The boat fee is easier to justify if you want both the coastal cruise and the swimming stops; if your main goal is simply spending time on Lokrum, compare the cost and convenience with other ways to visit the island.

A key part of the value is the variety. You get a close view of Dubrovnik’s landmarks, free time on an island with gardens and historic grounds, a beach stop and a cave swim. It is more than a straight transfer, though the experience is still centered on transport and free time rather than a guided tour on land. The audio guide covers the cruise commentary; once you’re on Lokrum, you explore independently.

Practical details before you go

Pack beachwear, a towel and cash. The Lokrum fee is collected in cash at the meeting point, and entry is required but not included in the price. Swimming and snorkeling gear are included, so you do not need to bring your own unless you prefer to use it.

The activity depends on good weather, and trips may be rescheduled or canceled if conditions are unsuitable. Keep some flexibility in your plans if you can, especially if the boat trip is a priority. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option may help if your plans are still taking shape.

Pets are not allowed, and the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. The swimming stops also make it a poor fit for non-swimmers. Check the exact meeting point on your booking, since it varies by option, and expect to return to that meeting point at the end.

Who should book this tour?

I’d choose this outing if you want to combine Dubrovnik scenery with time in the water, but don’t have a full day to spare. It is especially useful if you want a convenient way to visit Lokrum and add St. Jacob’s Beach and Betina Cave without arranging separate boat trips. The island’s free time also suits you if you prefer to set your own pace rather than follow a guide through every stop.

It is less suitable if you want a long, quiet visit to Lokrum, dislike swimming from a boat, or need a fully accessible excursion. The short beach stop can feel crowded, and the entry fee means the true cost is higher than the headline price. If you’re comfortable with those trade-offs, the mix of city views, island paths and sea swims makes for a rewarding half-day.

FAQ

How long does the tour take?

The tour lasts about four to five hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for your chosen date.

Where does the tour start?

It departs from Dubrovnik or Cavtat, depending on the option you book. The meeting point can vary, so check your booking details.

What kind of boat is used?

The Dubrovnik departure uses a glass-bottomed boat. The Cavtat departure uses a speedboat.

How much time do I get on Lokrum?

You get about two hours on Lokrum from Dubrovnik, or about two and a half hours from Cavtat.

Is Lokrum’s entry fee included?

No. Entry costs €30 for adults and €5 for children over six, payable in cash at the meeting point.

What swimming stops are included?

The boat stops at St. Jacob’s Beach for about 40 minutes and Betina Cave for about 30 minutes. You can also swim while exploring Lokrum.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Swimming and snorkeling gear are included.

What should I bring?

Bring beachwear, a towel and cash. Cash is needed for the Lokrum entry fee.

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for non-swimmers, and access to Betina Cave’s beach requires entering the water.