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So you're in Dubrovnik and thinking about doing a boat party? Good call. The water here is ridiculous – like, stupidly blue and clear. But you've got two ways to do this.
Jump on a public boat with a bunch of strangers, or shell out more cash for a private one with just your crew.
Both are fun, but they're totally different experiences. If you've never done a party boat before, you might not know what you're getting into. Let me break it down.
Public Boats: Chaos in the Best Way
Public boats are like floating nightclubs. There will be 50 people you've never met, all slightly drunk, all trying to take the same Instagram photo of Dubrovnik's walls. It might sound kinda scary, but it’s actually kind of amazing.
The vibe is nuts. Everyone's on holiday, nobody knows each other, and within an hour you're sharing drinks with some German backpackers and teaching a group of Australian girls how to say "cheers" in your language. The music's loud, and people are dancing badly.
Most boats hit the same spots. The crew knows exactly where to go and when. They've done this a thousand times, so they know which spots are too crowded at 2 PM and where to find the best photo ops.
And if you like this idea, then you’ll love our party boat. You can book us pretty easily through GetYourGuide or check what people are saying on TripAdvisor.
Private Boats: Your Own Little Kingdom
Private boats are the opposite – controlled chaos. You rent the whole boat, bring whoever you want, and do whatever you feel like. Want to spend three hours at one swimming spot? Go for it. Want to blast music from 2005? Nobody's stopping you.
The privacy thing is real. Sometimes you want to celebrate something without strangers watching. Birthday parties, proposals, bachelor trips – these work better when you're not competing with 40 other people for space and attention.
You can customize everything. The route, the music, the food, the drinks, even the timing. Some groups bring their own DJ, others prefer to keep it chill. You can pack fancy food or just grab a bunch of beer and call it a day.
Group Size and Dynamics
Your group matters more than you think. If you're traveling with just your partner or one friend, public boats make way more sense. The energy's already there, and you'll meet people.
But if you've got a big group – say 6 or more – private boats start making sense. You can actually talk to each other without shouting, and you're not split up across the boat trying to find seats together.
Families are tricky. Kids love public boats because there's always something happening and other kids to play with. But parents often prefer private boats because they can control the music, the alcohol situation, and the safety.
The Planning Game
Weather's everything. Summer's obviously safer, but shoulder seasons can be amazing if you get lucky. Just have backup plans. Nothing worse than paying for a boat trip and spending it hiding from rain.
Booking timing is different for each option. Public boats often have spots available the day before or even same-day. Private boats need advance booking, especially in July and August. If you're flexible with dates, you might get better deals.
One thing about Dubrovnik – the local customs are pretty chill, but showing up respectful never hurts. The boat crews are usually locals who know the area inside and out.
What Actually Happens
Public boats are predictable in their unpredictability. You know there'll be music, swimming stops, and chaos, but you don't know if you'll love or hate the crowd. Sometimes you get lucky with a great group, sometimes you're stuck with people you'd avoid at home.
Private boats put all the pressure on you. If the day sucks, it's probably your fault. But if it's great, you get all the credit. You're the entertainment director, the DJ, and the social coordinator all at once.
Both options show off Dubrovnik's coastline equally well. The water's just as blue, the islands just as pretty, and the old town just as photogenic. The difference is in how you experience it all.
Making the Choice
Most people overthink this. If you're young, social, and broke, go public. If you're celebrating something special or have a good-sized group, go private. If you're somewhere in between, flip a coin – you'll have fun either way.
The occasion matters. Random vacation day? Public boat's fine. 30th birthday? Maybe splurge in private. Honeymoon? Definitely private (unless you're really into meeting people).
Some people do both during longer stays. Start with a public boat to get the lay of the land and meet people, then do a private trip later with your new friends. If you're spending five days in Dubrovnik, you've got time for both.
Your Call
Don't stress about making the "right" choice. Both options give you access to Dubrovnik's incredible coastline and that perfect Mediterranean vibe. Public boats offer energy and spontaneity, private boats offer luxury and control.
Think about what you actually want from the day. Meeting new people? Go public. Intimate celebration? Go private. Just want to swim in beautiful water and drink in the sun? Either works.
The memories you make depend more on your mindset than your boat choice. Show up ready to have fun, be flexible with expectations, and enjoy one of Europe's most beautiful coastlines. Everything else is just details.
