Mljet Island: Day Trips and Tours from Dubrovnik

A day trip to Mljet island from Dubrovnik is a fantastic way to discover the scenery of the Adriatic coast! Take an exciting catamaran ride or private speedboat to explore hidden beaches, caves and historic sites.

From the sandy beaches and famous bays in the south of the island to the lush forest in the north, you will enjoy Croatian culture and the relaxing surroundings.

How to get to Mljet island from Dubrovnik?

Mljet island is 27 kilometers northwest of Dubrovnik in the southern Dalmatia archipelago. It can be reached by catamaran or by private speedboat. There is a ferry that takes vehicles on a limited schedule.

From Dubrovnik to Mljet island by high speed ferry

The catamaran tickets run from €16 to €20 depending on the departure time during the summer season. The ride takes an hour and 20 minutes. You can take advantage of booking your tickets in advance online.

Guided tour to Mljet island from Dubrovnik

Tour operators offer a variety of day trips from Dubrovnik to Mljet island by catamaran or speedboat. It takes 45 minutes to reach the south part of the Island with its amazing sandy beaches and beautiful bays. After another 45-minute ride to the north part of the island, you will arrive at the Mjlet National Park.

How much does the entrance ticket to Mljet island cost?

There is no entrance ticket to Mljet island, however, to visit the Mljet National Park you need to purchase tickets in advance or at the park.

High Season (May to October)

• Adults (19+): kn150 (€20)
• Children (8-18 ): kn70 (€9)
• Children (7 and under): Free

Low Season (November to April)

• Adults (19+): kn70 (€9)
• Children (8-18 ): kn50 (€7)
• Children (7 and under): Free

The entrance ticket for all visitors include a return boat ride by solar catamaran to visit St. Mary island, insurance for each visitor and transport by electric train.

It also allows you to visit inland Park sites and hike along marked walking trails and lookouts. Parking space for personal vehicles is available on Vrbovica for single-day visitors.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Mljet island from Dubrovnik?

Your pickup point is at your hotel or the port of Gruz. Your day excursion to Mljet island from Dubrovnik starts with a cruise by catamaran or private speed boat. On your journey along the Adriatic coast to the north part of the island, you will see popular bays and beautiful beaches.

You will disembark at Polace village to visit the Mljet National Park where you will visit two saltwater lakes, Veliko and Malo jezero. There’s time for a dip in the water or a scenic walk. Then, an electric boat trip takes you to the Benedictine monastery on the island of St. Mary.

The next stop will be a visit to the Odysseus Cave. You’ll have plenty of time for sightseeing, sampling local cuisine and shopping before returning to your hotel.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Mljet island?

You can choose either a group tour or a private tour for your excursion to Mljet island from Dubrovnik. With both choices, you will enjoy the sandy beaches, beautiful bays and nature at its best in the national park!

Guided tour to Mljet island from Dubrovnik

Your day excursion to Mljet island from Dubrovnik starts with a pickup from your hotel to the port of Gruz. Enjoy a cruise on a catamaran to Mljet island where you will tour the Mljet National Park.

Enhance your excursion with a boat ride to the Veliko and Malo jezero saltwater lakes. Then, take a second boat ride to the island of St Mary to visit the Benedictine Monastery. Enjoy lunch, a swim or a walk on the beach before returning to your hotel.

Private tour to Mljet island from Dubrovnik

You can choose a pickup point within Dubrovnik town. At the port of Gruz, climb aboard a speedboat for your private day tour to Mljet island from Dubrovnik.

You’ll take a tour of Mljet National Park, and see the saltwater lakes and the Benedictine Monastery on the island of St. Mary. Next, you will visit the Odysseus cave to swim, snorkel and see the sights.

Your leisurely tour allows time to visit a beach and have lunch at a local seaside restaurant. On your return trip, keep an eye out for a breathtaking Adriatic sunset.

How much does a tour to Mljet island from Dubrovnik cost?

A day trip to Mljet island from Dubrovnik starts at €90. This includes your pickup and drop-off in Dubrovnik, plus transportation on a catamaran and air-conditioned vehicles.

A private tour costs from around €800 to €1,000 for a group of up to six participants. In addition to being on a private boat with a flexible schedule, some of the extras include fuel, beverages (still and sparkling water, soft drinks and beer), and the use of snorkel equipment and underwater cameras.

What will you see and do on Mljet island?

After departing from the port of Gruz, you will cruise along the Elaphiti Islands on your journey to Mljet island. Along the way to the north part of the island, you’ll see the popular bays — Saplunara bay, Limuni Bay and Prozurska Luka. Some of the most popular beaches along your way are Limuni and Saplunara.

You’ll disembark at the village of Polace which features fifth-century ruins from an ancient Roman palace. Then, take a scenic drive to Pristaniste, the entrance to the Mljet National Park.

Mljet National Park

This is the oldest national park in the Adriatic. Among the rich forest of Aleppo pine, you will find exotic plants, including more than 25 different species of orchids. There are many well-marked hiking and walking paths. Keep an eye out for wildlife — it’s likely you’ll see mongooses during your jaunt.

Saltwater Lakes

Take an electric boat ride on the two inland saltwater lakes, Veliko and Malo Jezero. Take a swim or experience kayaking in the warm, turquoise water. You can go on a bike tour or take a leisurely stroll along the 4-kilometer stretch.

Then, board a boat ride from Lake Veliko to the small island of St. Mary where you will discover the 12th-century Benedictine monastery.

Odysseus Cave

The mythical Greek hero and King of Ithaca, Odysseus, was the only survivor of a shipwreck on the island of Mljet. After finding shelter in the cave, it is said the ruler of the island, Calypso, kept him hostage in the cave as her lover.  

This romantic setting is known for a natural lighting phenomenon that is photo-worthy. The sea provides a spectrum of colors in the cave around noon during the summer months.

Many of your skippers and guides are locals who know the area well. They will point out historical sites, points of interest and make your tour a special one to remember.

When is Mljet island open over the year?

You can visit Mjlet island all year-round. The National Park is open 8 AM to 8 PM from May to October and 9 AM to 5 PM the rest of the year. It is necessary to purchase tickets to visit the park.

When is the best time to visit Mljet island?

The best time of year to visit Mljet island is in May, June, September and October. Daytime temperatures range between 21 and 27 degrees Celsius.

It is less crowded than in July and August with people on the summer holidays — plus, the temperatures are milder. In July and August, daytime temperatures reach 30 degrees Celsius.

Travel tips

• Pack a beach bag for a swimsuit, towel and sun protection including sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
• Make sure to have your electronic equipment fully charged, as you will be taking lots of photos for your excursion to Mljet island.
• Remember to drink plenty of water and bring extra water bottles for the trip.
• Have some local money, Kunas, on hand for tipping and shopping.