Solivagant:
Thus, when I tried to book in Mid May, it was only to discover that the boats were already fully booked until late August
Wow, I had feared that may be the case. A decade ago I was able to book up the week before for a visit over a May Bank Holiday, so things have changed a fair bit.
Yep a landing is a must, just sailing around doesn't really get to the heart of what is special about the site, which is essentially the ascent and arrival at the monastery.
Incidentally it does look rather magnificent in the the latest Star Wars (and the upcoming episode 8 will also feature it), so I can fully understand why people are wanting to go there, and I can imagine it having quite a long lasting impact.
They do seem to have recreated the full enclosure for additional filming in Kerry. Perhaps a future visit to this ersatz monastery will be the best we can hope for.
Future visitors to Dubrovnik may also have a fair few more Star Wars fans to content with as well, as it will also
feature in Episode 8.