Ston Seafood & Peljea Wine Boat Tour with Oysters and Mussels

A Taste of Croatia: Ston Seafood & Peljea Wine Boat Tour with Oysters and Mussels

If you’re craving a culinary adventure mixed with scenic sailing and authentic local flavors, the Ston Seafood & Peljea Wine Boat Tour offers an enticing half-day experience. It’s a carefully curated blend of fresh seafood tastings, charming village visits, and a visit to a prestigious winery—all set against the backdrop of Croatia’s beautiful coast. With a perfect 5.0 rating from 24 reviews, this tour clearly delivers on its promise of an authentic, relaxed, and delicious excursion.

What we really like about this experience is how it combines culinary delights with cultural insights — you’re not just tasting food, you’re discovering its origins and meeting local producers. One of the highlights is the oyster and mussel tasting straight from the farm, opening up in front of you, which means you’re getting fresh flavors unlike anything you’d find in a restaurant. The private boat adds a special touch, making the journey feel exclusive and intimate.

A minor consideration is that the tour lasts around 5 to 6 hours, which is quite full-on, so travelers who prefer a more leisurely or unstructured experience might find this pace a little brisk. But for those who love a mix of activity, good food, and scenic sailing, this tour hits the mark beautifully. It’s best suited for foodies, wine lovers, and anyone keen to explore Croatia’s coastal charm with a focus on local produce.

Key Points

• Authentic seafood experience: Fresh oysters and mussels directly from the farm, opened in front of you.
• Charming village visits: Hodilje offers a glimpse into traditional life and historic alleyways.
• Wine connoisseur delight: The visit to the Kurla family winery is a highlight, with guided tastings and personal touches.
• Scenic coastal sailing: Expect stunning views along the Croatian coast while savoring local flavors.
• Knowledgeable guides: Friendly, engaging, and full of interesting facts — reviewers love the guides’ storytelling.
• Well-paced itinerary: Short stops with ample time to enjoy each location, not rushed but efficiently structured.

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point and First Stop: Hodilje

The tour kicks off at 9:00 am from Dubrovnik, with pickup included, which makes logistics straightforward. Once on board, you’ll cruise along the coast, soaking in views of the shimmering waters and rugged coastline. The first stop is Hodilje, a quaint village known for its traditional oyster farms and old-world charm.

Here, you’ll explore the village’s alleys and stone walls, which are part of Europe’s largest fortification system, offering a slice of history amid the scenic surroundings. The star attraction is the oyster tasting at the farm, where the oysters are plucked fresh from the sea and opened right before your eyes. Reviewers note that the oysters have an incredibly mild, fresh flavor, far removed from supermarket varieties, with one guest commenting, “Oysters picked right in front of us” and “the oysters really tasted incredibly mild.”

The mussel preparation is also a hit — cooked carefully in a red tomato sauce, with some reviewers mentioning a “delicious red sauce by a young lady,” highlighting the care and skill in the kitchen. The experience isn’t just about eating; it’s about witnessing the process and understanding the local tradition of seafood harvesting.

The Winery Visit: Kurla Family Winery

Next, you’ll head inland to the Kurla family winery, a highlight for wine enthusiasts. Here, the hosts are praised for their friendliness and depth of knowledge, guiding you through the vineyards and cellar with stories that deepen your appreciation for Croatian wines. The tasting includes some of the finest wines from the region, paired with insights into the winemaking process.

Several reviews remark on the quality and variety of wines, with one mentioning they “loved visiting the family winery,” and others saying they plan to “stock up” on wine during their trip. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the personal approach makes this more than just a tasting — it’s a genuine connection to Peljeac’s winemaking heritage.

A Quick Stop in Ston

The final sightseeing stop is the historic town of Ston—known for its impressive city walls and salt lakes. The stop here lasts about 45 minutes, enough to stroll around, snap photos, and enjoy the scenery. Reviewers comment that Ston is beautiful, though some wish they had more time to explore, so if you’re a history buff or want to wander a bit more, consider this when planning your day.

The Sailing and Scenic Views

Throughout the trip, the boat provides a comfortable vantage point to admire the coastline, with plenty of space to relax, sip wine, or chat with fellow travelers. The vessel’s shade and air conditioning keep everyone comfortable, even on warmer days. Several guests mention how the views of the coast are “stunning” and that the experience of sailing along the Croatian water is a highlight.

Practical Details & What You Should Know

Duration & Group Size: The tour lasts approximately 5 to 6 hours, with a maximum of 15 travelers. This keeps the experience intimate, allowing for personalized attention from guides and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Transport & Pickup: Pickup is offered from Dubrovnik, simplifying logistics. The transfer is comfortable, with reviews praising the driver’s engaging personality and safe driving.

Pricing & Value: At $165.45 per person, this experience offers a well-rounded mix of food, wine, and scenic cruising. Considering the quality of the seafood, the private boat experience, and the winery visit, many reviewers feel the price reflects good value — especially for such a personalized, authentic trip.

Booking & Flexibility: Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours beforehand, allowing some flexibility if weather or plans change. The experience is suitable for most travelers, with some noting that even non-seafood lovers found the mussel and wine experience enjoyable.

What We Loved & What Could Be Better

What we loved: The knowledgeable guides — with Stefan and others providing engaging stories that add depth to each stop. The freshness of the seafood, with oysters and mussels served right from the farm. The scenic sailing providing a peaceful yet stunning backdrop. And of course, the wine tasting in a charming family-run winery, which many say turns the visit into a personal experience.

What could be improved: Some reviewers wished for more time in Ston to explore, but that’s a minor point given the overall relaxed pace. Also, the tour’s price is slightly higher than some might expect, but the quality and authenticity make it worth it for many.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for food lovers and wine enthusiasts eager to explore Croatia’s coastal cuisine and winemaking traditions. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy a bit of history and scenic sailing without the hassle of planning. Those interested in authentic, farm-to-table seafood and a chance to meet local producers will find this tour especially rewarding.

If you’re traveling with a small group or value personalized attention, the limited size makes this tour feel exclusive. Also, if you love picturesque coastal views combined with engaging storytelling, this is a great pick.

FAQs

Is transportation included? Yes, pickup from Dubrovnik is included, and the transfer is comfortable and convenient.

What is the duration of the tour? The entire experience lasts around 5 to 6 hours, making it a half-day adventure.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the tour, providing flexibility.

Is this tour suitable for children or non-drinkers? Absolutely, the tour is adaptable, and non-drinkers can enjoy the scenic boat ride and seafood tasting.

Do I need to know how to sail or row? No, the tour is primarily a sightseeing and tasting experience; you won’t need to operate the boat.

Are the oysters and mussels farm-fresh? Yes, many reviews confirm the seafood is plucked right from the farm and opened fresh in front of guests.

What should I wear? Casual, comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activity and possibly some walking in Ston.

Is there any flexibility in the itinerary? The stops are structured but designed to feel relaxed. The host guides keep things flowing smoothly.

In summary, the Ston Seafood & Peljea Wine Boat Tour offers a well-balanced mix of culinary delights, scenic views, and cultural insights. It’s a memorable way to experience Croatia’s coast beyond the usual tourist spots, perfect for those who appreciate good food, excellent wine, and authentic local experiences. Whether you’re a dedicated foodie or simply want a relaxed day soaking in Croatia’s seaside charm, this tour delivers.