About This Experience
Dubrovnik Shore Excursion: VIP Boat Tour with Lunch at Bowa
This private Dubrovnik shore excursion is built for cruise guests who want more than a standard island stop. Begin with pickup at the Gruž cruise port and a private boat departure, keep any swim or snorkelling moment secondary to the day, sit down for lunch at Bowa on Šipan, cruise back for a panorama of Dubrovnik Old Town from the sea, disembark at Old Town Port, enjoy a self-guided walk on Stradun, and return to the ship by private car with timing managed around your docking window.
Why This Hybrid Route Is Different
Most Dubrovnik shore excursions either stay island-first the whole time or switch into a city-only finish with no sea element. This page is designed for guests who want both: a polished private-boat experience with a destination lunch and an elegant Old Town ending before a ship-safe return transfer.
The Route
After embarkation in Gruž, your skipper heads out on the shortest practical private-boat line for your port window. If sea conditions and timing are comfortable, there can be a short swim or snorkelling stop in clear water before lunch, but the excursion is not sold as a snorkelling-led product. Bowa is the centerpiece of the middle of the day, with the lunch reservation coordinated in advance rather than left as an afterthought.
After lunch, the private boat returns toward Dubrovnik for the sea view that many cruise guests never get from land: the city walls, fortresses, and Old Town coastline from the water. Instead of ending back at the cruise port, the route is designed to finish at Dubrovnik Old Town Port so you can step directly into a short self-guided walk on Stradun.
Cruise Timing Without Shared-Boat Stress
The final part of the product promise is the private car return to the cruise ship port. That hybrid finish is what separates this page from generic Bowa boat tours, city-only excursions, and Elaphiti-only shore pages. If sea conditions, local port instructions, or vessel suitability make an Old Town Port drop-off impractical, the route is adjusted to the nearest sensible handoff without losing the core cruise-safe timing logic.
Details
- Destination / City
- Dubrovnik
- Minimum Group Size
- 1
- Maximum Group Size
- 8
- Ship Return Guarantee
- ✓ Yes
- Transport Included
- ✓ Yes
- Air Conditioning
- ✗ No
- Port Pickup
- ✓ Yes
- Port Drop-off
- ✓ Yes
- Guided Tour
- ✓ Yes
- Licensed Local Guide
- ✗ No
- Wheelchair Accessible
- ✗ No
- Kid Friendly
- ✓ Yes
- Advance Booking Required
- ✓ Yes
- Difficulty Level
- Easy to moderate
- Languages Available
- English
- Area / Neighborhood
- Dubrovnik cruise port (Gruž), Šipan / Bowa, Dubrovnik Old Town coastline, and Stradun.
- Available Days
- Daily, subject to ship schedule, Bowa availability, skipper availability, and sea conditions.
- Available Start Times
- Matched to your ship's docking or tender timing, with lunch pacing at Bowa and return-to-ship buffer built in.
- Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation may be available, but the exact cutoff and any Bowa reservation commitments are reconfirmed in your final booking setup.
- Guide(s)
- Private skipper and private return driver
- Cruise Port
- Dubrovnik cruise port (Gruž)
- Duration
- Usually around 5 to 6 hours, shaped around your docking window, lunch pacing at Bowa, and time reserved for the Old Town finish.
- Guide Speciality
- Cruise-timed private boat routing, Bowa lunch coordination, Dubrovnik Old Town sea panoramas, and ship-safe return planning.
- Highlights
- - Cruise-port pickup and direct private boat departure from Gruž - Optional swim or snorkelling stop only when timing and sea conditions support it - Reserved lunch timing at Bowa on Šipan - Panorama of Dubrovnik Old Town from the sea - Old Town Port drop-off and self-guided Stradun walk - Private car return to the cruise ship port
- Itinerary
- Cruise-port pickup and embarkation in Gruž → optional swim or snorkelling stop when conditions allow → lunch at Bowa → Dubrovnik Old Town panorama by sea → Old Town Port disembarkation → self-guided Stradun walk → private car return to the cruise port.
- Meeting Point at Port
- Dubrovnik cruise port in Gruž or a nearby dock handoff confirmed before your ship arrives.
- Physical Requirements
- Suitable for guests comfortable stepping on and off a speedboat and walking independently in Dubrovnik Old Town. Swimming is optional, and uneven stone surfaces in the Old Town can require basic balance and mobility.
- Return to Ship Notes
- The route is designed around an Old Town Port finish and private car return to Gruž, with enough buffer to shorten lunch, swim time, or walking time if ship schedules, sea conditions, or port traffic change.
- Tour Name
- Dubrovnik Shore Excursion: VIP Boat Tour with Lunch at Bowa
- Tour Type
- Private VIP shore excursion by speedboat with a Bowa lunch, Old Town Port finish, and private return transfer.
- Vehicle Type
- Private speedboat with skipper for the sea segment, plus a private car return to the cruise port.
- What's Included
- - Private shore-excursion timing around your ship schedule - Dubrovnik cruise-port pickup and private boat departure - Private skipper service and flexible route pacing - Bowa lunch reservation coordination - Old Town Port finish when operationally practical - Private car return to the cruise ship port
- What's Not Included
- - Lunch and drinks at Bowa unless your final booking setup states otherwise - Personal purchases and gratuities - Guided walking tour inside Dubrovnik Old Town - Guaranteed Old Town Port drop-off when vessel suitability or port conditions require a fallback handoff
- What to Bring
- - Soft deck shoes or sandals suitable for boat boarding - Swimwear and towel only if you want the optional swim stop - Sun protection and water in warmer months - Comfortable shoes for Stradun and the Old Town stone streets - Cruise card and phone for day-of coordination
Gallery
Itinerary
Dubrovnik Shore Excursion: VIP Boat Tour with Lunch at Bowa Itinerary
Hybrid Dubrovnik cruise-port route with private boat departure, optional swim support, Bowa lunch, Old Town sea panorama, Old Town Port finish, Stradun walk, and private car return.
- Step 1
Cruise-port pickup and private boat departure from Gruž
⏱ 15-20 minMeet your skipper at Dubrovnik cruise port or a nearby dock handoff and move efficiently from ship logistics onto the water. The first step is about protecting your available shore time and starting the day privately from the outset.
Dubrovnik Port Gruz
Highlight PortMeet your skipper and board the private boat.
Private-yacht embarkation point in Dubrovnik for a seamless Adriatic departure with Tendo-style service.
Exact dock handoff is reconfirmed around ship logistics.
- Step 2
Optional swim or snorkelling stop before lunch
⏱ 30-45 minIf conditions are calm and your group wants it, the skipper can build in a short clear-water swim or snorkelling pause before lunch. If not, that time stays invested in relaxed cruising and the Bowa arrival rather than forcing a stop.
- Step 3
Lunch at Bowa on Šipan
⏱ 90-120 minBowa is the centerpiece of the route: a polished waterfront lunch stop reached by private boat rather than by road. Reservation timing is coordinated around your ship window so the meal feels like a signature moment, not a risky detour.
Bowa Restaurant, Sipan
Highlight RestaurantReserved lunch stop at Bowa.
Boat-access Sipan lunch stop for premium private tours.
Meal spend and reservation terms are confirmed in the final booking setup.
- Step 4
Panorama of Dubrovnik Old Town from the sea
⏱ 30-40 minAfter lunch, cruise back toward Dubrovnik for one of the defining views of the day: the city walls, fortresses, and Old Town coastline seen from the water. This keeps the route distinct from lunch-only island days and city tours that never include the sea perspective.
- Step 5
Old Town Port disembarkation and self-guided Stradun walk
⏱ 45-75 minThe planned finish is at Dubrovnik Old Town Port so you can step directly into a short self-guided walk through the center and along Stradun. If local conditions require a nearby fallback handoff, the city stop is still preserved as part of the shore-day logic.
Dubrovnik Old Town
Highlight Old townSelf-guided walk through Dubrovnik Old Town and along Stradun.
Historic center inside Dubrovnik's walls
Old Town Port finish remains subject to operational suitability on the day.
- Step 6
Private car return to the cruise ship port
⏱ 20-30 minClose the day with a private transfer back to Gruž instead of navigating port logistics on your own. This final leg keeps cruise timing under control and allows the sea finish and city walk to work together in one shore excursion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do we meet for this shore excursion?
The standard arrangement is pickup at Dubrovnik cruise port in Gruž, with the exact dock handoff or nearby meeting point reconfirmed before your ship arrives. The goal is to move you from port logistics onto the water quickly and smoothly rather than lose time waiting for a shared departure.
Is lunch at Bowa included, and how is the reservation handled?
Bowa is the planned lunch anchor for this route, and the reservation timing is coordinated as part of the private shore-day setup. Meal spend is confirmed in the final offer rather than assumed automatically, so any reservation conditions or minimum spend are clarified before the day is locked in.
Is snorkelling required on this excursion?
No. A short swim or snorkelling stop can be added when sea conditions, timing, and guest preference all line up, but it is treated as a supporting moment rather than the main reason to book the day. If your group prefers to stay dry, the route can stay focused on cruising, lunch, and the Old Town finish.
What happens if sea conditions are poor or Old Town Port is not practical?
The route is adapted rather than forced. If open-water conditions are not comfortable, the skipper can shorten or remove the swim segment and keep the day focused on smoother cruising and lunch timing. If vessel suitability, port traffic, or local instructions make an Old Town Port drop-off impractical, the finish shifts to the nearest sensible handoff while preserving the city time and private return logic.
How much time do we usually have for the Stradun walk?
The Old Town walk is meant to be flexible inside your ship window, not a fixed group march. In most cases there is time for a short self-guided stroll along Stradun and a quick look around the center before the private car return, but the exact duration can be trimmed if lunch runs long or port timing changes.
How much return buffer do you keep before the ship sails?
Cruise-safe timing is part of the product promise. The private boat segment, Old Town stop, and car return are paced with a practical buffer, and the team can shorten swim time, city time, or lunch pacing if docking updates, tender timing, traffic, or weather shift on the day.
Why choose Tendo luxury travel
Tendo luxury travel is a regional expert and leading specialist for holiday planning and provision of complete tourist services in southern Dalmatia, the Dubrovnik area, and wider. Our business is based on quality presentation and complete tourist offers, professional and individual service oriented to client wishes and needs.
We are an active member of UHPA ( ACTA /Association of Croatian Travel Agencies) which guarantee of the service quality and authenticity of products and services. We’re taking special care of our clients during their stay at their destination or use of our services and we are always at your disposal ready to help and share useful and helpful information.
Throughout the past, we had countless satisfied and returning clients which present our success and pride and we hope that you will become one of them in a near future. Our goal is satisfied clients and professional service which goes beyond your expectations!
You can count on our kind and knowledgeable staff to offer you the attention, care, and service necessary to have a trip that is both memorable and trouble-free.
Where can I learn more about your agency?
Our business is based on quality presentation and complete tourist offers, professional and individual service oriented to client wishes and needs. You can read reviews about our agency on our Reviews page or on official our TripAdvisor page.
What do you have in your offer?
Offer program
Includes the most tourist products and services in Croatia and we would like to point out the services :
Private boat tours
Tendo Luxury Travel is an industry leader when it comes to providing speedboat tours in the Dubrovnik region. Participate in our Private Cave Tours as well as our Private Boat Trips to the Islands in the Area. We will make arrangements for an enjoyable day spent at sea in the vicinity of Dubrovnik, and you will have the option of paying a private visit to one of the islands in the area. There are a variety of boat rental alternatives available, ranging from moderate to high to luxury. To create the ideal day at sea for you, one that you will never forget, we will not only show you the greatest areas to swim and snorkel but also recommend the best eateries on the islands.
If you decide to go with our company to find a boat rental service in Dubrovnik, you will only be one click away from a memorable experience on the water in this city.
Tailor-made private excursions
Private day tours/excursions in Dubrovnik are taken by one or more passengers (all in the same party) on the date of their choice, subject to schedules and availability. In other words, our private excursions in Dubrovnik are just you (and/or your group) and adriaticGlobal.Net guide or/and driver/skipper - there are no join-in travelers. Private excursions offer the following benefits : they are flexible with itinerary, so you can enjoy trip planning with your own tour guide, and enjoy boats & vehicles that cater to only you for sightseeing popular attractions in comfort way.
Yacht and boat charter
We all dream of the right day on a boat! Would you like to engage in the adventure of exploring the Adriatic sea and enjoying its true beauty by boat? The Adriatic Sea has over 1000 islands and that's why it is often called the nautical paradise, and most southern part of the Adriatic sea, is well known as the most exciting one.
The actual advantages of a brand new yacht charter would be the flexibility to visit in which you want, within the cruising a part of the yacht, moreover as accomplish what you want after you need. To realize a charter vacation on the Adriatic coast, you will need to rent a yacht to explore 1000 (one thousand) islands on the Croatian side of the Adriatic, starting from Dubrovnik, Hvar, Kornati, Split, Zadar, Brijuni, Pula, Rovinj.
Private transfers on land and sea
Transfers with the boat - Transportation from the airports to the islands (direct). Your captain will pick you up and transport you directly to your destination, making your transfers a unique experience. Depending on the length of your stay, we may also transport you back to the airport. Avoid standing in line for the ferry. You decide to book a private transfer, so the entire boat is reserved just for you. You might take a private car from the port where you arrive at your destination to your residence, and then have the same car take you back to the port when you leave. We cover all major destinations such as : Dubrovnik, Mljet, Korcula, Hvar, Brac, Vis, Kornati, and Split in the Croatian part of the Adriatic, and we can organize transfers from Croatia to Montenegro (Budva, Kotor, Porto Montenegro, Porto Novi) or Montenegro to Croatia.
Check our private boat transfer offer.
Transfer with the car - If you are traveling with family, in a group, or on business, for example, and you would prefer your own vehicle to go straight to where you need to go with a registered driver, then a private transfer may be the ideal choice for you. With a private service, you can make arrangements to meet your driver at a location that has been predetermined in advance, pre-book seats for youngsters, or pre-book space for more luggage. We cover all major destinations such as : Dubrovnik, Split, Zagreb, and Rovinj in the Croatian part of the Adriatic, and we can organize transfers from Croatia to Montenegro and Italy
Check our private ground services (car transfers) offer.
Corporate travel events
Tendo Luxury travel is a full-service agency offering complete tour planning for individuals and groups of all sizes. We will provide you with professional tailor-made tours and destination services. As your partner, it is our duty to make your group event fun and memorable, therefore we will help you to plan your next event from start to finish and achieve your objectives by designing imaginative special events, fun-filled tours, and unique theme parties that make a lasting impression.
How do a pay for confirmed reservation?
Payment with credit card / OFFLINE
If you choose this method of payment, our customer service will send you a calculation and credit card authorization form, you will need to fill it in and return it to the agency by email. Be advised that only a signed form authorizes us to charge the booking balance of your reservation according to the chosen payment terms. For security reasons, you can call us to dictate your credit card number. Upon charging your credit card, the same amount is converted into your country's currency according to the exchange rate of credit card associations. There is a possibility of a slight difference from the original price stated on our website due to this conversion!
Payment with credit card / ONILE
In co-operation with our business bank Raiffeisenbank Austria, we have provided you with online credit card payment. If you choose this payment method, upon granted inquiry our customer service will send you an email, quote, and link for credit card authorization pages through our payment gateway secured with an SSL key : https://pos.adriaticglobal.net. Clicking on a link you will be redirected to adriaticGlobal.Net TA pages on which you must enter the required information and follow the application instructions to complete the payment. adriaticGlobal TA and Raiffeisenbank Austria guarantee the security of your online purchases by using 3D safety standards laid down by Visa International (Verified by Visa) and MasterCard Worldwide (MasterCard Secure Code).
Payment from abroad via bank transfer:
This method of payment refers exclusively to foreign customers/guests. If you choose to pay by bank transfer, please transfer the confirmed amount of service to the account of Tendo luxury travek agency.
Our bank beneficiary details are :
| Full name of receiving bank | Raiffeisenbank Austria d.d. / https://www.rba.hr |
| Full address of receiving bank | Petrinjska 59, 10000 Zagreb, Croati |
| Full name of beneficiary | Tendo d.o.o. |
| Full Address of beneficiary | Andrije Hebranga 106A, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia |
| Iban Code | HR2524840081107216972 |
| Account No. | 1107216972 |
| SWIFT | RZBHHR2X |
PayPal payment
We accept payments with PayPal. Please inform us if you like to process payment via the PayPal service.
Notes:
- Certain payment options do not apply to all products and services.
- Transaction fees are paid by the customer/guest and it is included in prices.
- After payment is done, the customer/guest may be asked to send confirmation of payment by e-mail.
- After payment is done, the customer/guest may be asked to send confirmation of payment by e-mail.
- The moment of reception of payment confirmation or credit card authorization form will be considered as accrued benefit and confirmation of reservation
What is the current currency of payment in Croatia?
The euro
As of 01 January 2023, the currency of Croatia is the euro.
What is your cancellation policy?
For all our services mostly you can cancel up to 48-24 hours before the tour check-in. Always In case of client illness, physical condition, accident, or injury prior to service star agency will in good manners offer a full refund.
Do you offer any discounts?
Yes! Contact us to find out more about discounts.
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