Boat transfer Dubrovnik to Mljet, private speedboat to the park.

Dubrovnik to Mljet boat transfer: the crossing.

A Dubrovnik to Mljet boat transfer heads north-west through the Koločep channel, past Koločep, Lopud and Šipan, and then crosses a stretch of open sea to the western end of Mljet. The island is long and narrow, and almost all of its western third is the National Park. That means you land within walking distance of its two saltwater lakes, rather than at the far end of the island.

Pomena or Polače: which landing suits you.

Pomena

A small harbour village at the western tip, with a handful of hotels, guesthouses and restaurants on the waterfront. From here a short path leads to Malo jezero, the smaller lake, and on along the shore of Veliko jezero.

Polače

A village in a deep, sheltered bay, built around the remains of a large Roman palace. It is another entrance to the park, and the road from Polače climbs over a ridge to the lakes.

Tell us where you are staying and we will use the closer of the two. If your accommodation is elsewhere on the island, send the address and we will confirm the best option.

Visiting the National Park.

Mljet National Park has an entrance ticket, bought at the park ticket kiosks in Pomena and Polače. The ticket includes the park’s boat to the islet of St Mary in Veliko jezero, with its Benedictine monastery and church. Walking and cycling paths run around the lakes, and swimming in them is popular in summer because the water warms up faster than the open sea.

Wind and sea on the open stretch.

The crossing between Šipan and Mljet has no shelter from a south-easterly, so a few days of jugo can bring a long swell, mostly in spring and autumn. In summer the maestral usually rises in the late morning and fades in the evening, which makes early departures the smoother choice. Bura arrives in gusts off the mainland. If the skipper judges the sea unsuitable, the arrangements in the FAQ below apply.

Practical tips.

• Pack soft bags where possible; they stow more easily than large hard cases.
• Shops in Pomena and Polače are small, so bring anything specific from Dubrovnik.
• A swim stop on the Elaphiti coast fits naturally on the way.
• If you are coming back to Dubrovnik, a return crossing can be booked with the same quote.

For a day on the island without luggage, the Mljet National Park boat tour covers the lakes and St Mary’s islet, and our Mljet in a day guide explains how to plan the time ashore. Other routes are on the boat transfers page; quotes are itemised and sent by email or WhatsApp.