Dubrovnik Sunset Cruise: Karaka Ship, Sparkling Wine & Old Town Views

Summary

Sunset on the Adriatic with city walls and Lokrum island passing by

You’ll board the Karaka at Dubrovnik’s harbor, greeted with sparkling wine as you set off along the ancient city walls and glide past Lokrum Island at sunset. Listen to local stories from your host, enjoy music (and maybe laugh at a joke or two), and watch as golden light spills over the Adriatic — a relaxed evening you’ll remember long after.

What’s the experience like?

You step onto the Karaka and it’s hard not to feel a bit like you’re in some old movie — wooden decks, that kind of salty air that clings to your skin, and everyone sort of quietly excited. I grabbed my glass of sparkling wine (they hand it to you right away, which is honestly perfect) and just leaned against the rail. The city walls of Dubrovnik looked different from out here — less postcard, more real. Our host was this guy named Marko who had that dry Croatian humor; he’d turn down the music every so often and throw out these little stories about the ships or the city. Some were funny, some I’m still not sure if they were true, but I liked that.

It’s only 90 minutes but time moves weirdly slow when you’re watching the sun drop behind Lokrum Island. You could hear gulls now and then, and there was this moment where the water went almost gold — I remember someone next to me just whispering “wow” without even meaning to. The breeze picked up a bit after we passed Lokrum (which is apparently a nature reserve — Marko said something about peacocks but I didn’t spot any). There’s WiFi onboard but honestly, I forgot about my phone until we were heading back toward the harbor lights.

I didn’t expect to feel so calm out there. Maybe it was the gentle rocking or maybe just being surrounded by strangers all quietly soaking up the same view. If you’re looking for a Dubrovnik sunset cruise that feels grown-up but not stuffy (it’s adults only), this is it. Still think about that last orange streak over the old town roofs sometimes… you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dubrovnik sunset cruise experience

• Board the Karaka ship
• Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine
• Listen to relaxing music
• Hear historical facts and anecdotes
• Cruise around Dubrovnik City Walls
• Pass by Lokrum Island nature reserve
• Watch the sunset over the sea

Top questions

Is this Dubrovnik sunset cruise adults only?

Yes, minimum age required for this tour is 16 years old.

How long does the Karaka sunset cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately 90 minutes.

What sights do you see during the cruise?

You’ll see Dubrovnik’s ancient city walls from the sea and pass by Lokrum Island.

Is a drink included on this sunset cruise?

Yes, you get a welcome glass of sparkling wine plus one additional drink (water, juice, soda, wine or beer).

Is there WiFi available on board?

Yes, free WiFi is included on board.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

How early should I arrive before departure?

Boarding closes 5 minutes before cruise start time.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near the boarding point.

What’s included

Your evening includes boarding the replica 16th-century Karaka ship in Dubrovnik harbor with a welcome glass of sparkling wine waiting for you. You’ll have one additional drink (water, juice, soda, wine or beer), free WiFi throughout the cruise, air-conditioned saloons if you want to duck inside for a bit, and stories shared by your onboard host as you pass Lokrum Island and circle beneath Dubrovnik’s old city walls before returning to port.