Private Speedboat Tour

Dubrovnik looks different from the sea. This private speedboat trip gives you a brisk ride past the old town, Lokrum, and the Elaphiti Islands, with time for swimming, snorkeling, caves, beaches, and a local lunch stop. I like the flexible route, since you can choose which stops matter most, and I like the personal guiding from Damir, who adds local stories instead of simply pointing at the scenery.

The boat takes up to six people and costs $737.53 per group, so it makes the most sense when shared by a full party. The main drawback is the fixed four-hour window: with several islands, caves, and a meal option on the wish list, you will need to choose rather than see everything at length. The sea can also affect the schedule, since good weather is required.

Key details at a glance

• Swim inside the Blue Cave and Green Caves: You can get into the water at several striking cave and lagoon locations, with snorkeling equipment provided.
• See Dubrovnik from offshore: The ride gives you fine views of the old town and Lokrum that you cannot get from the city walls.
• Choose your own island mix: Lopud, Šipan, Sunj Beach, the caves, and a restaurant stop can be arranged around your interests.
• Private boat for up to six: You share the speedboat only with your own party, making it easier to stop, swim, or change plans.
• Captain Damir earns strong praise: His friendly manner, local knowledge, humor, and willingness to adjust the route are a major part of the outing.
• Drinks are included: Water, soda, and alcoholic beverages are supplied, while lunch at a recommended restaurant costs extra.

Leaving Dubrovnik by speedboat

The meeting point is at Ribarnica ul. 1, in Dubrovnik, and the tour returns there after the outing. The location is near public transportation, which helps if you are staying outside the old town, though you should still allow time to reach the departure point.

The first minutes on the water are part of the reward. From a boat, Dubrovnik’s walls, towers, and stone roofs form a compact picture against the coast. You also pass near Lokrum, the wooded island just offshore, before the open-water ride toward the Elaphiti Islands.

I like this start because it changes your view of Dubrovnik quickly. The old town can feel crowded on land, especially during the middle of the day. Out on the water, you get space, wind, and a wider sense of how the city fits into its coastal setting.

A speedboat also covers ground faster than a standard small boat. That matters on a four-hour outing. You spend less of your limited time simply getting from Dubrovnik to the islands, although the ride itself can feel lively in choppy conditions.

Blue Cave and Green Caves: swimming with a plan

The caves are the main reason many people book this trip. The Blue Cave offers the familiar bright-water effect created by light entering the cave, while the Green Caves provide a more enclosed setting for swimming and snorkeling.

You should bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a secure way to store anything you do not want splashed. Snorkeling equipment is supplied, so you do not need to bring your own mask and gear. The water stops are not just photo breaks. They are the moments when the trip becomes active and personal.

The private format helps here. One family found it useful when their 11-year-old son felt nervous about entering the Green Cave. Captain Damir went with them a second time, giving the child another chance without the pressure of a large group waiting behind them. That is a small detail, but it shows the practical value of booking a private boat.

Your party can spend more time at a preferred swimming spot or move on if the water is not appealing. You should not expect every cave to feel easy for every swimmer, though. Entering a cave from a boat requires comfort in the water, and conditions may vary with the weather.

The water is also a good reason to consider the tour’s timing. An afternoon departure, such as 3 to 7 p.m., can work well if you want to spend the morning in Dubrovnik and swim later. Still, the operator lists the trip as approximately four hours, while the stop section allows about three hours at the islands. Ask about the exact departure and return time when booking if your schedule is tight.

Lopud Island and Sunj Beach

Lopud gives the outing a change of pace. After the speed of the boat and the enclosed caves, its port offers a chance to walk around, look at the waterfront, and take in island life at a slower speed.

The stop at Lopud is optional, which is useful. If your party wants more swimming, you can keep the day centered on the water. If you would rather step ashore and see a port, Lopud is the natural choice on this route.

Sunj Beach is another strong option, especially if you want a sandy shore. Many Croatian beaches are rocky or made of small pebbles, so a sandy beach can feel like a welcome break. The information provided does not promise a long beach stay, so I would treat Sunj as one choice among several rather than assume you will have hours there.

This is where the private arrangement earns its keep. A large scheduled boat often has to follow a set pattern. Here, you can tell the captain if your group cares more about a sandy beach than a village visit. The tradeoff is simple: every extra stop reduces time elsewhere.

Šipan’s fishing village and a local meal

Šipan is included as a possible stop, with a fisherman village listed as the point of interest. This offers a quieter look at island life than a quick swim alone. You can use this part of the trip to walk, take photographs, or simply enjoy the waterfront before returning to the boat.

The captain can recommend a local restaurant, including Bowa Restaurant as one possible choice. Lunch is not included in the price, so plan for that extra expense. You should also remember that a restaurant visit uses part of your four-hour schedule.

A meal can be a fine choice if your group wants a relaxed social break. It is less attractive if you have booked the tour mainly for caves and swimming. I would decide before departure how much time you want to spend ashore, then tell Damir clearly. The route is flexible, but the clock is not.

One positive detail is that the captain can arrange the recommendation around your outing rather than leave you guessing where to eat. Still, do not treat the restaurant as a guaranteed part of the tour unless you request it. Stops are optional, and the meal is at your own expense.

What the private format really gives you

The price is $737.53 for the group, not per person. That is a serious amount for a four-hour boat ride, but the calculation changes with group size:

• Six people would pay about $123 per person.
• Four people would pay about $184 per person.
• Two people would pay about $369 per person.

For a full group, the value is much better. You are paying for a private boat, a captain, fuel and transport on the water, snorkeling gear, and included water, soda, and alcoholic drinks. You also gain control over the pace, which is often the most useful part of a private excursion.

For two people, the price is harder to justify unless you place a high value on privacy and convenience. A shared boat would likely cost less, though the supplied information does not give a comparison price. I would book this mainly for a family or group of friends who can divide the cost.

The stated capacity is up to six people. One account describes five adults and two children fitting on the boat, but you should not use that as a promise that seven is the normal capacity. If your party is larger than six, confirm the arrangement directly before paying.

Captain Damir makes the difference

The strongest praise is directed at Damir. His style appears to combine relaxed hospitality with information about Dubrovnik, Croatian culture, and the country’s past. You are not simply dropped at a cave and left to work out the rest.

He is also praised for being attentive to different needs. He adjusted stops on request, helped a hesitant child try the Green Cave again, and arranged a restaurant that one party found excellent. Another outing included a second guide, Mislav, who handled a pickup and shared information before the boat ride, but the tour information centers on Damir as captain and guide.

I would value this most if you enjoy conversation and questions. If you want a silent boat ride with no commentary, his friendly guiding may feel more than you need. The reviews describe him as personable, humorous, and easy-going, so the tone seems more like a day with a local host than a formal lecture.

The boat itself is described as modern, clean, and immaculate. Drinks are kept available, and the supplied snorkeling gear removes one more thing from your packing list. Those are practical comforts, especially for families spending much of the outing in and out of the water.

Timing, weather, and what to pack

The tour lasts about four hours. That is enough for a satisfying taste of the islands, but not enough for a leisurely visit to every listed stop. You will need to choose among Blue Cave, Green Caves, Sunj Beach, Lopud, Šipan, and lunch rather than expect a full day at each.

Good weather is required. If poor conditions cancel the tour, you can take a different date or receive a full refund. That protection is useful, but you should avoid placing an important airport transfer or another nonrefundable activity immediately afterward, since sea conditions can affect plans.

Bring:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Comfortable clothing for the boat ride
• A phone or camera with secure storage
• Cash or a payment method for lunch, since the restaurant is not included

Water, soda, and alcoholic drinks are included. Even so, you should not rely on the supplied drinks for every personal need, particularly if you have dietary or family-specific requirements.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour period are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off uses local time in Dubrovnik.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most?

I think this is a strong fit for a group that wants control. Families can adjust the swimming stops around children. Friends can spend more time in the caves or add a meal. Couples may like the privacy, but the high total price makes it better value when shared.

It suits people who want several kinds of scenery in one outing: Dubrovnik’s old town from offshore, open-water speed, caves, a sandy beach, an island port, and a fishing village. It also works well if you want to avoid spending your whole day in the city’s crowded streets.

You should think twice if you dislike fast boat rides, are not comfortable entering the water, or want a slow island tour with long walks. The outing is built around movement and choice. It is not a conventional sightseeing cruise with a fixed script and plenty of time at every stop.

Should you book the private speedboat tour?

Book it if you have a group of up to six, want a private boat, and care more about freedom than the lowest price. The most useful advantages are the adjustable route, snorkeling stops, included drinks, and Damir’s personal attention. A full group can make the $737.53 price reasonable, especially when compared with booking several separate activities.

I would be clear about your priorities at the start. Say if caves, swimming, Sunj Beach, Lopud, Šipan, or lunch matters most. With only four hours, that simple conversation can turn a pleasant ride into a well-shaped Dubrovnik day.

FAQ

How long is the private speedboat tour?

The tour lasts approximately four hours. The island stop portion is listed as about three hours, with the remaining time used for the boat ride and return.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at Ribarnica ul. 1, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia, and returns to the same meeting point.

How many people can join the private boat?

The advertised capacity is up to six people per group. Only your own group takes part in the private activity.

What islands and locations can be visited?

Possible stops include the Blue Cave, Green Caves, Sunj Beach, the port of Lopud Island, a fisherman village on Šipan, and Bowa Restaurant. Stops are optional, so you can choose the itinerary.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided for use during the water stops.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Water, soda, and alcoholic beverages are included. Food at a recommended restaurant is not included.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

No. The captain can recommend a local restaurant, but any meal is at your own expense.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.