Mljet National Park boat tour from Dubrovnik, private day trip (9h).
Two saltwater lakes and a 12th-century monastery in Mljet National Park, with swim stops in the Elaphiti Islands on the way.
This private tour takes you from Dubrovnik to Mljet National Park in about 90 minutes. The park has two connected saltwater lakes surrounded by pine forest, and a 12th-century Benedictine monastery on an islet in the larger lake. We dock at Pomena, a ten-minute walk from the park entrance.
Tip. Bikes can be rented at Mali Most for the 9 km flat loop around the large lake, about an hour.
The route, stop by stop.
Indicative route. Every trip is private, so you can swap, skip or add a stop.
Hotel pick-up
Included on most boats. Boarding at Cavtat, Lapad, ACI Marina Komolac or the Old Port.
- 1
Elaphiti
First swim in a quiet cove on the way out.
- 2
Mljet National Park
We dock at Pomena, a ten-minute walk from the park gate. Then the two saltwater lakes and the 12th-century monastery on its islet.
Back to Dubrovnik
Cruise back with a final swim.
“Mljet was unreal. Two salt lakes, the monastery, a long lazy swim. Our skipper knew exactly which coves to hit before the crowds.”Claire L. · Canada · Google
Inside the park on a Mljet National Park boat tour from Dubrovnik
On a Mljet National Park boat tour from Dubrovnik, 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. For a full walking plan, see Mljet in a day. Prices are on request, with an itemised quote by email or WhatsApp.
Questions about the Mljet tour.
All FAQsHow do you get from Dubrovnik to Mljet by boat?
Is the Mljet National Park entrance fee included?
Can you swim in the Mljet lakes?
Is it suitable for children?
What should we bring?
How far ahead should we book?
Other boat tours.
Dubrovnik Sunset Cruise
Two hours along the Old Town walls at sunset, with a swim stop and a glass of wine.
View the tour
Montenegro by Boat
Into the Bay of Kotor, Perast, Our Lady of the Rocks and Kotor, all by sea.
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Elaphiti Islands
Koločep, Lopud and Šipan in one day, with swim stops in quiet coves and lunch at a konoba ashore.
View the tourEnquire about the Mljet tour.
Send your date and group size. We reply with a plan, the right boat and an itemised quote, with no obligation to book.
