Outdoor & Sport Activities in Dubrovnik

Few cities around the world can claim the title of being a UNESCO World Heritage site; perched on the sparkling Adriatic sea and surrounded by ancient stone walls, Croatia's Dubrovnik is one of them!

But if you're looking for something a little more active than your typical sightseeing trip, you're in luck! Thanks to its location next to the ocean, and being a stone's throw from several national parks and beaches, the list of outdoor activities in Dubrovnik is second to none.

Take a leisurely stroll along Dubrovnik’s famous walls or explore the lush countryside on horseback. Dive beneath the surface of the Adriatic to discover its vibrant sea life or paddle your way through its shimmering waters in a kayak. Whether you’re an avid hiker or a novice climber, a scuba diver, a horse rider or a curious biker, the Pearl of the Adriatic offers an exciting range of activities to suit all tastes and skill levels.

Boat tours

Fun for all ages, boat tours in Dubrovnik offer a great opportunity to explore the Adriatic Sea and its surrounding untamed islands. You can choose from various boat tour operators who offer different packages, from half-day tours to full-day excursions – small group and private for a more VIP experience.

Some of the most popular destinations for Dubrovnik boat tours include the Elaphiti Islands, Mljet National Park, the Blue Cave, or Montenegro's Kotor Bay. For something a little more romantic, you can also take a sunset or dinner cruise around the city walls and the Dubrovnik Riviera. Choose from speedboats, pirate-looking Karaka ships, luxury catamarans and more!

Kayaking

With warm and relatively calm waters year-round, kayaking in Dubrovnik serves as a unique way to explore the hidden coves, caves and beaches that are inaccessible by land. Either join a guided tour, following around a local who will share the stories of Dubrovnik and its hidden gems along the way, or rent your own kayaking equipment for an independent adventure at your own pace.

Surrounded by picturesque islands, you can paddle your way through the beautiful Elaphiti archipelago – home to ancient olive groves, wild beaches and secluded bays – or check out beautiful kayaking locations like Betina Cave, Lokrum Island or Zaton Bay and Kolocep Island. You can also go on a kayaking adventure to the nearby island of Mljet, which is known for its stunning national park.

Snorkeling

If you're a fan of snorkeling, Dubrovnik's pristine waters present an ideal setting. There are several spots where you can don the mask, such as Lokrum Island, the Green Cave on Sipan Island, Zaton Bay, the Elaphiti Islands, the Blue Cave and Kolocep Island, to name a few.

Most snorkeling tours are combined with kayaking as well, giving you the chance to explore both above and below the surface. The area is teeming with marine life – from delicate coral, colorful fish and sea urchins to turtles, rays, octopuses and even the occasional pod of dolphins.

If you book a tour, all equipment and transport is provided, so all you'll need to do is jump in and enjoy!

Jet boat

Fast and furious, jet boat rides are an exhilarating way to explore the Adriatic Sea and take in the stunning city skyline – with its ancient walls, terracotta rooftops and imposing fortress – from a whole new perspective.

Depending on the tour you choose, your jet boat ride can take you around some of Dubrovnik's most iconic sites, including the Old Town Harbor, Lokrum Island or the nearby Blue Cave. Some tours also include stops at hidden beaches to take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters.

Whether group tours or more intimate private excursions, you'll have a friendly captain alongside you to provide an entertaining and informative run-down of the area.

Buggy tours

If you want to explore inland, there's no better way than to venture off-road in a buggy. These four-wheel drives can take you on an adventurous ride along the coast and up into the hills of Dubrovnik’s countryside.

Most buggy tours start from around the Gruž Port – then head off-road to explore the nearby countryside, passing through hidden olive groves and hillside villages. Depending on your chosen tour, you might climb up Mount Srđ, explore the peaks and troughs of the Konavle region or even make your way to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Bike tours

A fantastic way to see the city and burn a few calories at the same time, bike tours are becoming increasingly popular in Dubrovnik. You can take a guided tour or rent your own bike and cycle around independently – either way, you'll be able to explore parts of the city that other tourists might miss.

Choose from leisurely rides around Old Town and Sipan Island, or sign up for a more comprehensive day out with a bike and kayaking combination tour! With various terrains and routes to choose from, there's something for everyone.

Zip lining

Venture out of town and into the surrounding hills, where you'll find a variety of zip lines ranging up to 900 meters in length — both traditional and Superman-style lines are available too. Most zip lining tours are based on Srđ Hill above Dubrovnik's old town and take around three hours (including transport and post-zip wine-tasting), with multiple runs across different terrains.

Not only will you get spectacular views of the Adriatic Sea and nearby islands, but you'll also get to fly through the air at speeds of up to 80 km/h.

Jet ski

Great for a hot day, jet skiing is one of the most exciting ways to explore Dubrovnik's coastline. Most jet ski tours start off in the harbor with a safety briefing, before being let loose on the Adriatic Sea. You can then zip around at your own pace, enjoying views of Lokrum Island, Elaphiti Islands, Cavtat village and the Old Town — all while soaking up the sun.

Choose from guided jet ski safaris, where you'll get to explore some of the region's most beautiful bays and coves, or rent your own jet ski at places like Suj Beach and craft your own itinerary.

Quad tours

A highlight for adventurous travelers, Dubrovnik quad tours venture away from the tourist traps and deep into the countryside.

Choose from a range of half-day tours, where you'll get to explore the lush Konavle region and its hidden gems — including vineyards, olive groves, valleys, villages and rivers. Plus, you can even take a dip in some natural lakes along the way!

You can explore the Konavle Valley, Orašac village, Srdj Hill, and more – usually capped off with a drive down Napoleon's Road.

Hiking

Overlooking the city and its surrounding islands, Mt Srđ provides a slew of hiking trails just waiting to be explored. Take a guided hike up the mountain, passing remnants of fortifications built during the Napoleonic Wars and enjoying breathtaking views of Dubrovnik's Old Town along the way.

Or take things at your own pace and simply meander from one lookout point to another – either way, you'll get to see the city from a different perspective. For something even more special, consider one of the sunrise or sunset hiking tours.

Scuba diving

At street level, Dubrovnik might look impressive but it's nothing compared to what lies beneath the surface. As one of the most popular spots for scuba diving in Croatia, Dubrovnik offers crystal clear waters and a variety of dive sites — from reefs and walls to wrecks and caves.

You can dive at several locations near the city (on certified or uncertified programs), including Kolocep Island and the Blue Cave. Most tours include 2 dives and time to have lunch and relax on board the boat. Whether you're a first-time diver or an experienced pro, there's a diving tour to match.

Rafting

If you're looking for an adventure, then rafting in the nearby Cetina River should be high on the Dubrovnik bucket list. The Cetina River offers class II-III rapids, and the tour takes you through beautiful canyons and lush forests. For something further afield, you can choose from a handful of 12-hour day trips that take you rafting for the Tara River Gorge in Montenegro!

Horse riding

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, horse riding is a tranquil and enjoyable way to experience the beautiful scenery away from the city. You can take a tour of the Konavle Valley or the Dubrovnik Riviera and enjoy the gentle sway of the horse as you take in the stunning surroundings. Typically, horseback adventures last around 4 hours and include transport to the Konavle region from Dubrovnik.

Vjetrenica Cave

Since the Vjetrenica Cave is actually located across the border in Bosnia and Herzegovina, you'll need to join a day tour for this one. After an hour's drive from Dubrovnik, you'll enter one of the largest and most important karst caves in the Balkans and one of the most biodiverse caves in the world.

You can explore its many chambers, passageways and galleries, admiring the limestone formations and crystal-clear pools. You'll get to learn more about its geological features and archaeological discoveries — including the remains of prehistoric animals. Plus, you can marvel at the underground lake and discover some of the cave's rare animal species, like the white salamander!

On combination tours, you can also check off the Mostar Bridge and the Kravica waterfalls on the same day.

Flyboard

A modern water sport taking the world by storm, flyboarding is the latest adrenaline-pumping activity to make its way to Dubrovnik. You'll get to fly above the Adriatic Sea for about 20 minutes — propelled by a jetpack with water jets beneath your feet!