Mljet National Park boat tour from Dubrovnik, private day trip (8–9h).

Inside Mljet National Park.

Most of your time ashore is spent on foot around the two lakes, Veliko jezero and Malo jezero. The park was established in 1960 and covers the western part of the island, which is still mostly Aleppo pine and holm oak forest.

St Mary’s islet

The monastery on St Mary’s islet is reached by the park’s own small boat from Mali Most or Pristanište; the crossing is covered by the park ticket. Allow time to walk round the islet and see the church, and check the boat’s return times at the jetty so you are back at Pomena when your skipper expects you.

Polače

Ask the skipper about a stop at Polače, a village on the north coast where the walls of a large late Roman palace stand right on the waterfront. It is also a second park entrance, which can make the walk to the lakes shorter on a hot day.

When to go.

May, June and September are the most comfortable months for walking in the park. In July and August the lake paths are shaded but busy from late morning, so an early departure pays off. Outside the main season the park boat to the islet runs less often, so we check the schedule before your date.

Who it suits and how to adjust it.

• Walkers and cyclists: the lake paths are flat and easy to follow.
• Couples and friends: the long stretch of coastline each way leaves time for a lazy swim on the return.
• Families: best with children who enjoy walking; younger children may prefer a shorter route.

On a calm day the return can include Odysseus Cave on the south coast near Babino Polje, a sea cave linked to the legend of Calypso. If you are also thinking about a second island day, compare this with our Korčula boat tour. The run to Mljet suits a fast speedboat just as well as a motor yacht: the speedboat is quicker, while the yacht is the luxury choice, with shade, a saloon and more comfort on the open-water legs. For a full walking plan, see Mljet in a day. Prices are on request because they depend on the boat and group size; we send an itemised quote by email or WhatsApp.

Time on the island and how to get there.

The lakes path, the park boat to St Mary’s islet and a swim in the lakes take four to five hours on the island. Add the crossing and Mljet is a full day from Dubrovnik.

Without a private boat, the passenger catamaran from Dubrovnik stops at Sobra and Polače. The car ferry crosses from Prapratno on Pelješac to Sobra, on the far side of the island from the park. The private boat lands at Pomena or Polače, next to the lakes, at the time you choose. If you are staying on the island, we also run a one-way boat transfer to Mljet.