Dubrovnik, Croatia is a top destination for travelers from around the world. The historic, UNESCO World Heritage city is balanced on the edge of the Adriatic Sea and confined within imposing stone walls.
With its ideal location in the southern Dalmatia Region of Croatia, fun day trips from Dubrovnik take visitors across borders, out to sea and to other Croatian coastal locations!
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Our Best Dubrovnik Day Trips
Dubrovnik, Croatia is a charming and enjoyable city to navigate. Once visitors have checked off their list of what to do, day trips from Dubrovnik are a fantastic way to see more of the region.
The city is situated near Montenegro, Bosnia Herzegovina and islands on the Adriatic Sea, which provides you the opportunity to take great Dubrovnik day trips. Travelers can join highly rated Dubrovnik excursions or plan their own DIY day trips.
Dubrovnik, Croatia Tours
While we often prefer traveling on our own, planning trips from Dubrovnik can be cumbersome and somewhat restricted without a rental car.
For instance, visitors can use public transportation for a Dubrovnik-Montenegro trip, but travelers will be limited to just one destination, likely Kotor.
Meanwhile, a popular organized Montenegro trip from Dubrovnik makes stops in three cities: Kotor, Budva and Perast.
When joining organized tours from Dubrovnik, we recommend reviewing the agenda prior to booking.
It’s equally important, however, to read online reviews to help get a better idea of what to expect on a Dubrovnik tour.
There are hundreds of trips to choose from – from bus trips to small-group adventures to Dubrovnik private tours – so let’s get started by picking a destination!
12 Best Day Trips from Dubrovnik, Croatia
We have rounded up the top destinations for the best Dubrovnik day tours. Our list is sorted into Land Trips, Dubrovnik Island Trips and Boat Tours.
For each of our featured Dubrovnik day trips, we detail the highlights along with information about how and when to visit them.
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Dubrovnik Day Trips for your vacation to Croatia!
Dubrovnik Tours By Land: Montenegro, Bosnia Herzegovina & Coastal Croatia
Being located near the borders of Montenegro and Bosnia Herzegovina, some of the best tours from Dubrovnik cross borders.
#1 Dubrovnik to Kotor, Montenegro
The most popular day tours from Dubrovnik are trips to Montenegro; and the top destinations in Montenegro are the towns of Kotor, Budva, Herceg Novi and Perast. Montenegro is located just south of Croatia and also features an extremely beautiful coastline.
The highlight of day trips to Montenegro is the historic city of Kotor, which is tucked into the corner of a vast Boka Bay where mountains plunge into the sea.
Perast, also on the Bay of Kotor, is breathtaking – especially with the picture-perfect islands that sit just off the shoreline.
The city of Budva faces the Adriatic Sea and boasts sandy beaches – as well as a historic Old Town. Herceg Novi is just a short distance from the Croatian Border and is a lovely town perched steeply above some wonderful beaches.
How Far is Montenegro from Dubrovnik?
The distance from Dubrovnik to the Montenegro border is about 30 miles; the border is about halfway between Dubrovnik and Kotor. Because of the border crossing, it takes about 3 hours to get to Kotor or Budva.
Pro Tip: Remember to bring your passport!
Read our Montenegro Guides: Things To Do in Kotor, Perast in a Day, and Tips for Visiting Budva and Herceg Novi!
Planning a DIY Montenegro tour from Dubrovnik
Devising a DIY Dubrovnik to Kotor Day Trip is fairly simple – especially for travelers driving from Dubrovnik to Montenegro.
Visitors planning Kotor day trips without a car can take a direct and inexpensive Dubrovnik-Kotor Bus. Likewise, there is a direct Dubrovnik to Budva Bus that likely makes a stop in Kotor.
It is possible to sort out public transport between Kotor, Perast and Budva once in Montenegro, but it would be challenging to try to figure it all out on a one-day trip to Montenegro.
Organized Montenegro day trip from Dubrovnik
Visitors who want to see three Montenegro destinations – Kotor, Perast and Budva – in one day can join an organized tour.
This fast-paced excursion is a full-day adventure that includes guided tours of Kotor and Budva, a boat ride to the islands off Perast and a little free time, too. Find out more!
Dubrovnik to Bay of Kotor and Boat Trip
Rather than squeeze in all three destinations, visitors who don’t mind eliminating Budva can embark on a tour into the Bay of Kotor by boat.
Guests travel by bus to the Montenegro border, then hop on a boat to sail into the Kotor Bay, visiting the towns of Perast and Kotor. Get the Details!
#2 Dubrovnik to Mostar, Bosnia Herzegovina
Also incredibly popular, the Dubrovnik to Mostar day trip is a fabulous way to see the fascinating country of Bosnia Herzegovina.
A multicultural city with a complicated past, Mostar features a dazzling bazaar, centerpiece Old Bridge (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and incredible cuisine.
Not far from the city are the picturesque Kravice Waterfalls and the peaceful Blagaj Tekija, which are both absolutely must see places when visiting Mostar!
Read about the Best Things To Do in Mostar!
Getting from Dubrovnik to Bosnia Herzegovina
The Dubrovnik to Mostar drive takes about 3 hours, depending on the route and wait time at the border crossing(s).
Pro Tip: You will also need your passport for this trip!
Planning a DIY Mostar Tour from Dubrovnik
It is not especially difficult to plan a day trip from Dubrovnik to Mostar; however, it is essential to get an early start in order to make the most of it.
There are public buses that transport passengers from Dubrovnik to Mostar – however, there is no bus that goes from Dubrovnik to Kravice Waterfalls.
Organized Dubrovnik to Bosnia Day Trip
Visitors who want to see both Mostar and the Kravice Waterfalls from Dubrovnik should join an organized group tour.
The Mostar trip from Dubrovnik includes city exploration in Mostar and visiting the waterfalls – all with a knowledgeable guide. Reserve your seat!
More Dubrovnik to Bosnia and Herzegovina Tours
The Mostar trip from Dubrovnik is not the only tour in Bosnia-Herzegovina. On a Bosnia tour from Dubrovnik, it is also possible to reach the city of Sarajevo and the pilgrimage site of Medjugorje.
Day Trip to Sarajevo from Dubrovnik
Sarajevo is an intriguing city, with a long history and marked by the recent war. Although a fair distance from Dubrovnik, it is possible to reach Sarajevo on a day trip.
We recommend hiring a private driver – check prices and availability – so that you can make the most of your time sightseeing in Sarajevo.
Pro Tip: Get more information about the sights with our Sarajevo Walking Tour.
Day Trip to Medjugorje from Dubrovnik
In 1981, six kids in Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina claimed to have witnessed the apparition of the Virgin Mary.
Since then, the town has become a pilgrimage destination for Catholics and the curious. To get to Medjugorje, it is best to join an organized tour.
#3 Day Trips From Dubrovnik to Split or Makarska
The distance between Dubrovnik and Split is about 140 miles and it takes at least 3 hours driving each way. We love Split, so trust us, that won’t leave enough time to truly enjoy it!
If you can fit it into your schedule, an overnight trip from Dubrovnik is just enough time to get a glimpse of the city, although we really recommend at least 3 Days in Split.
Check out the Top Things To Do in Split.
Makarska, a lovely riviera town between Dubrovnik and Split, is another possible day trip from Dubrovnik.
Visitors who want to use the scheduled bus to take a day trip to Makarska from Dubrovnik will be in for a 3 hour ride each way.
For more information read about What To Do in Makarska.
Dubrovnik Island Tours: Korcula, Mljet or Hvar
Of course, some of the best day trips are Dubrovnik island tours. The best islands near Dubrovnik are Korcula, Mljet and Hvar.
Rather than spending the day at sea, these Dubrovnik tours are focused on exploring the sights on the islands. Don’t worry though, we also highlight the best Dubrovnik boat tours below.
It is possible to arrange DIY Dubrovnik day trips to islands using the public ferries – but only in the summer season. For each destination, we note if island trips from Dubrovnik are possible by ferry.
#4 Dubrovnik to Korcula Day Trip (with Croatian Wine Tasting)
Korcula Island is a top destination in Dalmatia – and one of the best islands near Dubrovnik. The historic walled city (which is often referred to as a miniature Dubrovnik) is said to be the birthplace of Marco Polo and Korcula is well-known for its wine production.
Read our article: Korcula Island Things To Do.
Korcula Island sits close to the Croatian mainland and the Peljasac Peninsula, which is one of the most prominent wine regions on the Dalmatian Coast.
The peninsula is covered with vineyards and is home to the town of Ston, which is famous for its impressive city walls, salt flats and oysters.
DIY Day Trip to Korcula from Dubrovnik
There are fast ferries that travel to Korcula from Dubrovnik and from the Peljasac Peninsula. In the summertime, visitors can use the Jadrolinija catamaran to take a Dubrovnik day trip to Korcula Town.
In the off season, you would need to catch the car ferry from Orebic on the Peljasac Peninsula, but it docks at the Domince Ferry Terminal, rather than Korcula Town.
Also, travelers first need to get to Orebic, which is about an hour and 45 minute drive from Dubrovnik, making this day trip in the off-season only possible by car.
Full Day Trip from Dubrovnik to Peljesac and Korcula
On a well-organized day trip from Dubrovnik, participants can see all of the highlights of the region.
The first stop is a visit to the town of Ston, then guests travel by ferry to see the beautiful Korcula Old Town and, once back on the mainland, visitors are treated to a Croatian wine tasting in a cellar. Book it!
#5 Dubrovnik to Hvar Day Trip
Hvar is the most famous Croatian Island in the Adriatic Sea and visitors have long been attracted to the sunny shoreline.
While the nightlife on Hvar is notorious, day trippers will find an abundance of things to do in Hvar Town – from seeking out beaches along the coastline to trekking up to the hill topping fortresses.
Check out our article: Things To Do in Hvar Town.
Ferry Ride to Hvar from Dubrovnik
There are not many organized Dubrovnik boat tours to Hvar Island, however, visitors can get to Hvar during the summertime by using the local Jadrolinija Ferry.
The ride takes about 3.5 hours each way (passing Korcula Island enroute). However, because of the ferry timing, visitors will still have about 7 hours to explore Hvar Town.
Pro Tip: If you have more time, be sure to also visit Stari Grad, Hvar; it’s one of our favorite Croatian Towns!
#6 Dubrovnik to Mljet Day Trip
Mljet is an enchanting Croatian island with lakes and hiking trails; in fact, most of the island is under protection as the Mljet National Park.
On Veliko Jezero (Big Lake), there is an island that is home to a 12th century monastery, which can only be reached by a small boat. Other top activities on Mljet are biking and swimming.
Pro Tip: We visited Mljet as part of our week-long Croatia Island Hopping Cruise from Dubrovnik to Split; however, it is possible to take Mljet day trips from Dubrovnik.
A Self-Guided Mljet Island Day Tour from Dubrovnik
Visitors who want to visit Mljet Island from Dubrovnik on a day tour without a guide can do so using the TP Line – but it only runs in the summertime.
Guided Mljet Tour from Dubrovnik
Guided tours to Mljet Island eliminate all the hassle of planning a trip on your own. Guests are collected at their Dubrovnik accommodations and taken to the ferry port with tickets already arranged and purchased.
Once at Mljet, tickets to the park are provided and, after a brief overview, visitors are given time to bike, hike and swim on their own. Get all of the details!
#7 Elafiti 3 Island Tour Dubrovnik
The Elafiti Islands (or Elaphite Islands) are just north of Dubrovnik – making them some of the best islands to visit from Dubrovnik on a day trip.
The three main islands of the six-island archipelago are Kolocep, Sipan and Lopud. The islands are accessible via public ferry boats, but island hopping is best done by tour boat.
While there are several companies that offer excursions from Dubrvonik to Elafiti Islands, the wooden Karaka ship offers a unique experience.
The full day cruise from Dubrovnik includes visiting the three most popular islands, swimming, snorkeling and an included buffet lunch. Reserve your space!
Dubrovnik Boat Trips
Spend the day at sea on one of the phenomenal Dubrovnik boat excursions. These are the best tours in Dubrovnik for a day of sun and fun!
#8 Dubrovnik Cave & Island Tour by Speedboat
Set sail on a full day of discovery on a popular Dubrovnik cruise. Stop at the Odysseus Cave on Mljet and the Blue Cave on Kolocep Island. At the Elafiti Islands, go snorkeling and eat lunch by the sea. Get the details!
#9 Dubrovnik Sailing Tours
Hop aboard a skippered yacht for a day of sailing in the Adriatic Sea. Limited to six people, tour participants can help sail the ship to the Elafiti Islands.
The skipper will navigate the boat into hidden coves, where guests can go swimming and snorkeling. Reserve it now!
#10 Dubrovnik Kayak Tour
Experience the Adriatic Sea by kayak on a guided tour. Take in the scenic views as you paddle your way to a secluded beach – only accessible by water. Book it now!
Culinary Dubrovnik, Croatia Tours
The Dalmatian Coast is known for its delectable cuisine and numerous wineries. Learn and indulge in the local fare on one of the culinary tours in Dubrovnik, Croatia.
#11 Dalmatian Cooking Class
Travel from Dubrovnik to a rural country estate where you will learn about the flavors, spices and ingredients used in Dalmatian cooking.
Prepare traditional, time honored recipes made with fresh-from-the-garden ingredients. When the meal is complete, sit down to the feast with regional wine. Reserve your seat!
#12 Konavle Valley Wine Tour
Discover the Konavle Valley and all of its charms on a half-day Dubrovnik tour. Learn about the history of the area and take a train ride through the picturesque vineyards before tasting wine from 3 different wineries. Check availability!
Dubrovnik Sightseeing Tours
Looking for tours in Dubrovnik? Check out our easy-to-follow Dubrovnik Self-Guided Walking Tour.
At the end of that article, we highlight popular guided Dubrovnik city tours – including food tours, Game of Thrones tours and Old City Walls tours.
What You Will Need For Dubrovnik Day Trips
Whether you are planning to organize your own exploration or joining a guide for a Dubrovnik excursion, there are a few things you will want to make sure you pack in your suitcase!
Travel Camera for Dubrovnik Photography
We think Croatia is one of the most beautiful countries in the world! Make sure you have a good travel camera to properly capture the sights.
We shoot with a Canon Rebel with a 18-135mm lens, which takes fantastic photos and is ideal budget camera for beginner photographers.
Of course, on trips out to sea, you may want to invest in a GoPro, but we use a less expensive underwater camera.
Sun Protection for Croatia
Whether touring Croatian cities by foot or seeing the Adriatic Sea by boat, it’s important to protect your skin from the sun.
Don’t forget to bring sunscreen on your Dubrovnik day trip. A wide-brimmed travel hat and a travel umbrella to provide shade are good ideas, too!
Entertainment & Day Pack
Some of our recommended Dubrovnik day trips require long road trips. While a guide will likely be chatting with tour participants on the way to the destination, it can sometimes be a long, quiet and dark ride on the way back.
Don’t forget earbuds and your Kindle for the ride home and a great day bag to organize all your everyday essential travel items!
Croatia Travel Insurance
Trip insurance may help with costs in unfortunate situations, like lost luggage or delayed flights, but it could also be crucial for travelers who get sick or hurt abroad. Check rates and coverage at World Nomads.
More Tips For Visiting Dubrovnik
We have visited Dubrovnik multiple times and spent months touring Croatia! Read our complete and honest guides for What To Do in Dubrovnik, where to find the Best Dubrovnik Beaches, how to get to Mt. Srd, and visiting the most Beautiful Dubrovnik Viewpoints!
Visiting other Top Croatian Cities like Zagreb, Osijek, Rovinj, Sibenik or Zadar? Find all of our detailed guides for things to do on our Croatia Travel Guides Page.
Final Tip: Get (and stay) organized for your Vacation to Croatia by using our Trip Planning Printables!
Start planning your trip to Croatia! Begin searching for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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