Group Boat Tours from the Old Town Port

The Old Town Harbour (Stara luka, also called Gradska luka) is the historic port of Dubrovnik, tucked beneath the eastern city walls beside the Ploče Gate. It is the closest departure point for guests staying inside the Old Town, and where many of our sunset cruises and small-group boat tours set off, with daily departures from April to October.

Leaving from right beneath the city walls

There’s no more atmospheric place in Dubrovnik to step aboard than the Old Town Harbour. Tucked beneath the eastern ramparts beside the Ploče Gate, the little historic port — Stara luka to locals, sometimes Gradska luka — has been launching boats for centuries. You walk down through the warm stone of the Old Town, past the fish market and the cafés along the quay, and you’re aboard within minutes. As the boat eases out past the breakwater, the full sweep of the walls rises behind you. It’s the photograph everyone hopes for, and you’ll have it before you’ve even left the harbour.

For anyone staying inside the walls, this is the obvious choice. No taxi, no bus, no hauling bags across the city first thing — just a short stroll to the water. That convenience is exactly why so many of our guests pick an Old Town departure, and why the harbour is the natural home of our evening trips.

Best for sunset cruises

If there’s one tour the Old Town Harbour was made for, it’s the Dubrovnik sunset cruise. Pulling out beneath the walls as the light turns gold, then watching the city and the island of Lokrum glow on the way back, is hard to beat. The cruise runs about two hours, from €45 per person, with a glass in hand and the old stones lit up behind you. It’s a relaxed, romantic way to round off a day in Dubrovnik, and the short, sheltered route means it suits almost everyone, families included.

Our morning departures from here head out towards the islands. A half-day Blue Cave & Elaphiti tour takes in the sea cave near Koločep, swimming stops in clear water and a wander on one of the Elaphiti Islands, with snorkelling gear, drinking water and your English-speaking skipper all included. Lunch and drinks aside, the per-person price covers everything you need for the day at sea.

Getting to the Old Town Harbour

The harbour sits on the eastern side of the Old Town, a two-minute walk down from the Ploče Gate. From the Pile Gate at the other end, it’s a pleasant 10 to 12-minute stroll straight along the Stradun and out through the eastern quarter. If you’re walking down from the cable car or the Buža bars, you’re only a few minutes away.

A quick word on cars: there is no parking inside the city walls, so if you’re driving, leave the vehicle at the Ilijina Glavica car park above the Old Town or down at Gruž and walk in. Guests who need to park close by often find a Gruž Harbour departure easier, as there are public car parks right on the waterfront there. Whichever you choose, we send the exact meeting point and a map pin with your booking so the morning is completely stress-free.

What to expect on the day

Our shared tours run small — never more than twelve guests — so the boat stays sociable rather than crowded, and the skipper has time to point out the headlands, caves and quiet swimming spots you’d never find alone. We’re a family-run outfit, so you’ll always be dealing with the people who actually run the boats. Departures run daily from April to October, morning, afternoon and sunset, and cancellation is free up to 48 hours before you sail.

Aim to arrive about 15 minutes before departure so there’s no rush down at the quay. When you’re ready, check departures and book your seats, or message us on WhatsApp at +385 91 600 1201 and we’ll help you pick the right time to leave from the Old Town.

Leaving from the Old Town Port is especially lovely in the evening — see what to expect on a Dubrovnik sunset cruise before you go.

Highlights from this departure point

• Boarding right beneath the medieval city walls
• A two-minute walk from the Ploče Gate
• The classic photo as you glide past the harbour breakwater
• Where most of our sunset cruises depart
• No bus or taxi needed if you're inside the Old Town

Useful official resources

• Walls of Dubrovnik (Wikipedia)
• Dubrovnik tourist board