Dubrovnik to Hvar by Private Boat
Skip the 8-hour ferry and cruise the Dalmatian coast. Travel from Dubrovnik to Hvar in 3.5-4 hours with your own local skipper and swim stops along the way. Send one request and we pass it to local boat operators who run this route.
Why a Private Boat Tour Beats the Ferry
Getting from Dubrovnik to Hvar by public transport is notoriously difficult. There is no direct ferry — you will need a catamaran to Split (4+ hours), then another ferry or catamaran to Hvar (1-2 hours), plus waiting time. The total journey often exceeds 8 hours, and you spend the day staring at ferry schedules instead of the crystal-clear Adriatic.
A private boat tour transforms this transfer into the highlight of your trip. Cruise along one of the most beautiful coastlines in the Mediterranean, stop at hidden coves for a swim, explore islands most tourists never see, and arrive in Hvar refreshed rather than exhausted.
Your local skipper handles everything — navigation, anchoring, finding the best swimming spots — while you sit back and enjoy the ride. It is not just a transfer; it is a private boat tour through paradise.
Save 4+ Hours
3.5 hrs vs 8+ hrs by ferry.
Swim Stops
Jump in wherever you like.
Island Stops
Mljet, Korčula, and more.
100% Private
Just your group on board.
Scenic Coastal Route
Dubrovnik → Hvar
3.5 - 4 hours of pure Adriatic beauty
The Dubrovnik to Hvar Route
One of the most scenic coastal journeys in Croatia. Your skipper can customize the route to include any combination of these stops.
Dubrovnik Departure
0 hrsBoard your private boat at Gruž harbor. Your skipper briefs you on the day's plan, settles luggage, and you set off along the stunning Dubrovnik Riviera.
Mljet Island (Optional Stop)
~1.5 hrs from DubrovnikCroatia's greenest island and home to Mljet National Park. Stop for a swim in the famous saltwater lakes, explore a 12th-century Benedictine monastery on a tiny island within the lake, or simply admire the untouched coastline.
Korčula Island (Optional Stop)
~2.5 hrs from DubrovnikKnown as "Little Dubrovnik," Korčula boasts a beautiful medieval walled old town. Walk the narrow fishbone-patterned streets, visit the alleged birthplace of Marco Polo, or enjoy a waterfront lunch with local wine.
Swim Stop in a Hidden Cove
FlexibleBetween the islands, your skipper knows dozens of secluded bays inaccessible by land. Drop anchor in crystal-clear Adriatic waters, swim, snorkel, or simply float and take in the scenery.
Arrival in Hvar Town
3.5-4 hrs (direct)Pull into the iconic Hvar Town harbor with its Renaissance-era buildings, buzzing waterfront cafes, and the Spanish Fortress watching over you. Your holiday on Hvar begins immediately.
Duration & Pricing
The Dubrovnik to Hvar private boat tour is priced per boat, not per person — making it good value for families and groups. The more people in your party, the better the per-person cost. Final price comes from the skipper and depends on boat, season and group size.
Direct Transfer
With Island Stops (Full Day)
What's Included
Licensed Skipper
A local skipper who drives the boat, so you do not need a boating licence.
Fuel
Fuel for the agreed route is usually included in the quoted price. Check the offer before you confirm.
Safety Equipment
Life jackets, first aid kit and the safety gear licensed boats must carry.
Water & Refreshments
Bottled water is usually on board for the crossing.
Luggage Storage
Space for standard holiday luggage — one large bag plus one carry-on per guest.
Arrive by Transfer, Stay for Adventures
Many travelers use the Dubrovnik-to-Hvar private boat tour as a scenic one-way transfer, then book island tours from Hvar for the following days. Arrive by sea, then explore the Pakleni Islands, Vis, the Blue Cave and hidden beaches with a local skipper.
Best Boats for the Dubrovnik-Hvar Route
For the Dubrovnik-to-Hvar crossing, pick a boat that combines comfort for a longer journey with enough power to handle open water. These are the three main boat types.
Local Tips for the Dubrovnik-Hvar Crossing
Practical advice based on the usual sea and wind conditions on this route, to make your private boat tour as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Best Departure Time
Plan to depart between 8:00 and 9:00 AM. The sea is typically calmest in the morning, and an early start gives you time for island stops along the way. If you prefer a direct transfer, afternoon departures work well too — arriving in Hvar for sunset is a magical experience.
Weather Considerations
The Pelješac Channel between Dubrovnik and Korčula can get choppy when the Maestral (northwest wind) picks up in the afternoon. Morning departures avoid this entirely. The stretch between Korčula and Hvar is more sheltered. A good skipper chooses the route that gives the smoothest ride based on that day's conditions.
Luggage Tips
Pack your swimsuit and sunscreen in a separate day bag that you can access easily during the journey. Main luggage will be stored securely but is not always easy to reach mid-trip. Soft bags are much easier to stow than rigid suitcases. Bring a light jacket or windbreaker — even on warm days, the breeze on the water can be refreshing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the private boat trip from Dubrovnik to Hvar take?
The direct route takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours depending on sea conditions and the boat chosen. If you add stops at Mljet or Korčula, plan for a full-day journey of 6-8 hours. Either way, it is much faster than public transport, which takes 8+ hours with connections.
How much does a private boat from Dubrovnik to Hvar cost?
A direct transfer is typically from €1,200 per boat (not per person). This usually includes the skipper, fuel, water and safety equipment. Adding island stops along the way raises the price. Final price comes from the skipper and depends on boat, season and group size. For groups of 4-8 people, the per-person cost compares well with several ferry and catamaran tickets.
Can we stop at islands along the way?
Absolutely! The Dubrovnik-to-Hvar route passes some of Croatia's most beautiful islands. Popular stops include Mljet National Park (famous for its saltwater lakes), Korčula (Marco Polo's birthplace with a stunning old town), and various secluded bays for swimming in the crystal-clear Adriatic. Tell us the stops you want in your request and the skipper will plan the route around them.
What happens if the weather is bad on our scheduled day?
Skippers watch the forecast closely and will not make the crossing in unsafe conditions. Cancellation terms are set by the skipper or boat company that runs your trip. You see them in the offer before you pay, including what happens if bad weather stops the trip. Moderate wind or clouds typically do not stop the trip — the skipper simply adjusts the route to find calmer waters.
How much luggage can we bring?
Most boats used for this route take standard holiday luggage: about one large suitcase and one carry-on bag per guest. Soft bags are easier to stow than hard-shell suitcases. If you have oversized items (golf clubs, surfboards), mention them in your request so the skipper can pick a suitable boat.
Where exactly do we depart from in Dubrovnik?
Most boats leave from the Gruž harbor area in Dubrovnik, about 10 minutes by taxi from the Old Town. Some operators can also collect you from other points along the Dubrovnik Riviera. The skipper sends the exact meeting point before your departure day.
3.5-4 hrs
Direct by Private Boat
8+ hrs
By Public Transport
~1.5 hrs
Dubrovnik to Mljet
~2.5 hrs
Dubrovnik to Korčula