Reviewed · PRIVATE

Private fishing tour

★ 5.0 · 5 reviews 4 hours (approx.) Operated by Dubrovnik Boat Fishing Charter · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

Dubrovnik’s coastline looks best from a small fishing boat, and this private charter gives you a practical reason to get offshore. Captain Srđan handles the boat and helps you use the right gear, from bottom-fishing rigs to trolling lures and Inchiku lures.

I like the private setup, since your group does not share the boat with strangers. I also like that the price includes the fishing equipment, bait, lures, and bottled water. The main thing to weigh is fishing’s one stubborn rule: there is no guarantee of a big catch, even with an experienced captain.

Key points to know before booking

Private fishing tour - Key points to know before booking

  • Captain Srđan leads the trip: His experience helps you choose suitable bait, tackle, and fishing positions for the conditions.
  • About four hours on the water: This is the half-day option, with a full-day choice also available.
  • Several fishing methods are possible: Conditions and season may allow bottom fishing, trolling, live-bait trolling, free lining, drifting, spinning, jigging, or Inchiku fishing.
  • The boat is private for up to four people: The listed price is $467.26 per group, not per person.
  • Gear is included: You receive sport-fishing equipment, bait, lures, and Inchiku lures, plus bottled water.
  • You return to Lapadska obala 4: The trip starts and ends at the same Dubrovnik meeting point.

Setting out from Lapadska obala 4

The meeting point is Lapadska obala 4 in Dubrovnik, and the activity ends there as well. That simple arrangement matters. You do not need to sort out a separate return transfer after several hours on the water, and the meeting point is near public transportation.

This is a private boat trip, so only your own group participates. The maximum group size is four people. That makes the outing a good fit for a family, two couples, or a small group of friends who want a more focused session than a shared excursion can provide.

The listed experience lasts about four hours. That gives you enough time to get beyond the harbor, learn the basic technique, and spend a useful stretch fishing without committing a whole day of your Dubrovnik visit. A full-day option is also offered, so you can choose based on your schedule and how seriously your group takes the sport.

The exact route and fishing spots are not set out in advance. That is sensible for fishing. Srđan can adjust the plan according to the season, water conditions, and technique being used rather than forcing every group through the same fixed program.

A few more Dubrovnik trips to weigh up

Learning the gear before the fishing starts

Private fishing tour - Learning the gear before the fishing starts

You do not need to arrive as an experienced angler. The trip is designed for different ability levels, and Srđan explains how to handle the equipment, bait, and lures before you begin.

That instruction is especially useful if you have only fished from shore or have never used a boat-based setup. The way you position bait in the water changes with the intended catch and the method in use. A short explanation at the start can save you from spending the whole trip guessing why your line is not working.

The equipment package includes the main sport-fishing gear, baits, standard lures, and Inchiku lures. Inchiku fishing uses a weighted lure designed for work near the bottom, so it gives the session a different feel from simply casting and waiting. You might use it alongside bottom fishing or another method selected for the day.

Bottled water is included. That sounds minor, but it is useful on a warm Croatian day when you are exposed to sun and wind for several hours. You should still plan sensible sun protection, though the supplied information does not specify whether shade or other onboard amenities are available.

Fishing methods change with the season and sea

Private fishing tour - Fishing methods change with the season and sea

One of the strongest parts of this charter is the range of techniques available. The list includes bottom fishing, trolling with lures, live-bait trolling, free lining, drifting, spinning, jigging, and Inchiku fishing.

That variety does not mean you will use every method in four hours. Instead, it gives Srđan several ways to respond to the conditions. If one approach is not producing results, he can explain another option rather than treating the day as a single repeated drill.

Here is what the named techniques mean for you:

  • Bottom fishing: The bait or rig is presented near the seabed. This can suit people who want a straightforward introduction to boat fishing.
  • Trolling with lures: Lures are pulled through the water as the boat moves. It keeps the boat in motion and may appeal to you if you prefer an active search.
  • Live-bait trolling: Live bait is used while trolling. This requires a different setup and gives Srđan another way to target fish.
  • Free lining: Bait is allowed to move with little or no added weight. It can be a lighter, more subtle approach.
  • Drifting: The boat moves with the water while you fish. Conditions will determine how useful this method is.
  • Spinning: You cast and retrieve a lure, which gives you something active to do rather than simply holding a stationary line.
  • Jigging: You work a lure through the water with repeated movements. It can require more effort, so your moderate fitness level matters.
  • Inchiku fishing: A weighted Inchiku lure is used, generally as part of a bottom-oriented approach.

These descriptions are not promises of a particular catch. They simply show why this is more than a one-method fishing lesson. Srđan chooses the approach for the day, and you get the chance to learn how the decision is made.

What the four-hour outing feels like

Private fishing tour - What the four-hour outing feels like

The trip begins with boarding and an explanation of the gear. From there, Srđan takes you into the open water and sets up the method that best matches the season and conditions.

There is no formal sightseeing stop or collection of scheduled attractions. The fishing itself is the main event. You should book this with the expectation of time spent handling tackle, watching the line, following instructions, and responding when something takes the bait.

That focused format suits people who want an activity with a clear purpose. It also means the outing may feel slow if you are hoping for constant action. Fishing includes waiting, changing position, and trying another technique. The captain’s experience can improve your chances, but it cannot control the fish.

The available feedback gives a useful, honest picture of the result. One group caught many small fish but did not land a large one, yet everyone still enjoyed the time on the boat. That is exactly the right way to judge this type of trip. A successful outing should include learning the methods and enjoying the sea, not only measuring the day by the weight of the catch.

If your main goal is to bring home a trophy fish, no charter can promise that. If you want a private outdoor activity where the catch is a welcome bonus, the risk is easier to accept.

Same stretch of coast, a completely different day out:

Why the private boat changes the experience

Private fishing tour - Why the private boat changes the experience

A shared fishing boat can cost less, but it also means adapting to other people’s pace and skill level. Here, your group has the captain’s attention, and the activity can be explained at a level that suits you.

For beginners, that may mean more time learning how to bait a hook or position a lure. For experienced fishers, it may mean moving more quickly to the techniques they already enjoy. Families and mixed groups also benefit because nobody has to worry about slowing down strangers or dominating a shared boat.

The group limit is four, which is worth keeping in mind when you calculate the price. At $467.26 per group, four people would pay about $116.82 each before any additional personal costs. For two people, the effective per-person cost is much higher, but you still receive an exclusive boat and captain rather than two seats on a larger shared outing.

I would see the price as reasonable for a small group that values privacy and included equipment. It is less compelling for a solo angler or a couple focused only on catching the largest possible fish. The value comes from the private format, instruction, and gear as much as from the catch.

Heat, fitness, and comfort on the water

Private fishing tour - Heat, fitness, and comfort on the water

The activity requires a moderate level of physical fitness. You should be comfortable spending several hours on a boat and handling fishing equipment. Some techniques, particularly spinning or jigging, can involve repeated movement and effort.

The tour includes bottled water, which helps in warm conditions. Still, you should think about the practical side of a half-day outdoors: sun, wind, and the possibility of changing sea conditions. The supplied details do not promise particular seating, shade, meals, or restroom facilities, so ask the operator if any of those points are important to you.

Good weather is required for the activity. If poor weather forces cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. That policy is useful in Dubrovnik, where a clear forecast is important for both comfort and safety on the water.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off follows local time in Dubrovnik.

Who will enjoy this charter most

Private fishing tour - Who will enjoy this charter most

I would recommend this trip to a small group that wants to do something active and different from walking Dubrovnik’s old streets. It is particularly suitable for:

  • Friends who already enjoy fishing and want several techniques to try.
  • Beginners who would benefit from one-on-one help.
  • Families with older children who can manage a moderate physical activity.
  • Couples willing to pay more for a private boat.
  • People who enjoy being outdoors even when the catch is modest.

I would be more cautious if your schedule is packed with fixed sightseeing plans. A four-hour trip takes a meaningful part of the day once you allow time to reach the meeting point and get settled. It is also not the best match if you need a guaranteed catch, a meal, or a structured coastal sightseeing tour.

The captain’s role is central. Srđan’s experience can help you select bait, lures, and positions, but the weather, season, and fish remain outside anyone’s control. Go for the instruction and the time on the water first. Treat the fish as the reward, not the contract.

Booking details that matter

Private fishing tour - Booking details that matter

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. If your Dubrovnik visit is short, book early enough to leave room for a weather change or a different date.

The ticket is mobile, and the tour is offered in English. The start and finish are both at Lapadska obala 4, 20000 Dubrovnik. Since the meeting point is near public transportation, reaching the boat should be straightforward, though the provided details do not specify a hotel pickup service.

You can select a half-day or full-day outing. The listed price and duration describe the approximately four-hour option, so confirm the current price and schedule for the full-day choice before booking.

Should you book the Dubrovnik fishing tour?

Book it if you want a private, hands-on sea outing with included gear and a captain who can adapt the fishing method to the day. The small group size is its biggest practical advantage, and the range of techniques gives beginners and experienced anglers something to work with.

Skip it if you need predictable sightseeing, guaranteed fish, or a low per-person cost for a small party. The catch may be small, and waiting is part of fishing.

For a group of four, I think the value is strongest. You share the fixed price, receive a private boat, learn from Srđan, and get several hours away from the city. That combination makes this a solid choice for an active Dubrovnik day, provided you are happy to measure success by the experience as well as the catch.

FAQ

Where does the fishing tour start?

The tour starts at Lapadska obala 4, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Where does the activity end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point at Lapadska obala 4.

How long is the private fishing trip?

The listed trip lasts approximately four hours. A full-day option is also available.

How many people can join the private boat?

The private activity is for your group only, with up to four people included in the group price.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. The trip includes sport-fishing equipment, bait, lures, and Inchiku lures, along with bottled water.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the activity to be canceled.

More like this

Private, compared.

The full Private list →
Mostar and Kravice Waterfalls Tour from Dubrovnik (Semi-Private)
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 3,125 reviews· from $134

Mostar and Kravice Waterfalls Tour from Dubrovnik (Semi-Private)

Read our review →
Blue & Green Caves Private Boat Tour with Drinks
★★★★★★★★★★4.7· 814 reviews· from $73

Blue & Green Caves Private Boat Tour with Drinks

Read our review →
Private Tour: Montenegro Day Trip from Dubrovnik
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 495 reviews· from $296

Private Tour: Montenegro Day Trip from Dubrovnik

Read our review →
Tour The Game of Thrones – Private Walking Tour
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 464 reviews

Tour The Game of Thrones – Private Walking Tour

Read our review →
Private Krka Waterfalls tour with 30min Boat Cruse
★★★★★★★★★★4.0· 458 reviews· from $301

Private Krka Waterfalls tour with 30min Boat Cruse

Read our review →
Private Boat Tours to Elaphite Islands
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 437 reviews

Private Boat Tours to Elaphite Islands

Read our review →
Scroll to Top

Explore Croatia

Pick a harbour, a rampart or a waterfall.