What to Pack for a Dubrovnik Boat Tour

The good news about a shared boat day out from Dubrovnik is that it asks very little of you. You’re not camping or hiking — you’re sitting in the sun, swimming in clear water and stepping ashore for lunch. Pack a small bag well and you’ll spend the day comfortable instead of fishing about for things you forgot. Here’s exactly what we’d take ourselves, plus what we already carry for you on board.

Wear your swimsuit before you leave

The single best piece of advice: put your swimsuit on under your clothes before you head to the harbour. Most of our boats are open day boats without a private changing room, and the first swim stop usually comes within the first hour. Arriving ready means you can slip off a shirt and shorts and be in the water in seconds rather than wrestling with a towel. Bring a light cover-up or a sundress to throw on for the ride and for any lunch stop ashore.

The essentials to bring

These are the things that genuinely change your day if you forget them:

• A towel — a quick-dry travel towel is ideal because it packs small and won’t stay soggy in your bag. One per person.
• Reef-safe sun cream — and plenty of it. Sun reflects off the sea and you’ll be exposed for hours, so reapply after every swim. Reef-safe formulas are kinder to the water you’re snorkelling in.
• A hat and sunglasses — the breeze on the water hides how strong the Adriatic sun really is. A brimmed hat and decent sunglasses make a long day far more pleasant.
• A light layer — even in high summer the wind across open water can feel cool, especially on a morning departure or the ride home. A thin fleece or windbreaker is enough.
• Water shoes — many of the best swim spots and pebble beaches around the Elaphiti Islands aren’t sandy. Slip-on water shoes save your feet on the rocks getting in and out.
• A waterproof phone pouch — for photos at the swim stops and peace of mind near the water. A simple dry bag for valuables works too.
• Some cash in euros — for lunch, drinks ashore and gratuities. Small island restaurants don’t always take cards.
• Motion-sickness tablets — if you’re prone to it. Take them before you board, not after you feel queasy. The Adriatic is usually calm in summer, but it’s cheap insurance for a happier day.

What we provide on board

You don’t need to lug everything yourself. On every shared tour we carry snorkelling masks and snorkels and drinking water, all included in your fare alongside the skipper, fuel and harbour fees. So you can leave your own gear at home unless you have a mask you particularly love. For the full breakdown of what’s covered, our Blue Cave & Elaphiti Islands tour page lists exactly what’s included and what isn’t.

What to leave behind

Just as useful as the packing list is the “don’t bother” list:

• Heavy bags and hard suitcases — space on a small boat is limited and there’s nowhere to stow them. A soft daypack is all you need.
• Glass bottles — bring drinks in cans or plastic if you bring your own at all; glass and bare feet don’t mix on a boat.
• Lots of valuables — leave anything you’d hate to lose with the salt water at your accommodation. Bring one card, a little cash and your phone in its pouch.
• Your own lunch, usually — most tours include a stop at an island restaurant, so you don’t need a cool box. A few snacks are fine if you have children with you.

Packing for the season

What you pack shifts a little with the calendar. In April, May and October mornings can be fresh, so that light layer earns its place and the water is bracing rather than balmy. In July and August the sea is at its warmest and sun protection becomes the priority — extra cream, a hat you won’t lose to the wind, and plenty to drink. If you’re still deciding when to come, our guide to the best time for boat tours in Dubrovnik breaks down each month so you can pack with confidence.

Travelling with children

Families do brilliantly on our trips, but little ones need a touch more thought. Bring a rash vest for extra sun cover, a brimmed hat that stays on, and a few snacks for the quieter stretches between swims. Buoyancy aids are sensible for non-swimmers; if you’d like us to confirm what’s on board for your group, just ask when you book.

Ready to go?

Pack the swimsuit, the sun cream and a sense of adventure — we’ll handle the rest. When you’re set, check availability and book your seats, and message us with any questions about your group. We’ll make sure you step aboard with everything you need for a perfect day on the Adriatic.