Private speedboat tour to the islands

The Adriatic is best seen from the water. This private speedboat tour gives you a flexible way to explore the islands near Dubrovnik, with stops for swimming, snorkeling, beaches, caves, villages, and quiet bays. You can choose a half-day or full-day outing around the Elaphiti Islands, or arrange a longer trip toward Korčula or Mljet.

I especially like the private format, since your skipper can adjust the pace instead of moving a large group from one scheduled stop to the next. I also like the mix of activities: the Blue Cave at Koločep, sandy Šunj Beach on Lopud, and the quieter scenery of Šipan. The main consideration is the extra fuel surcharge, which is listed separately and varies by booking.

This is a good pick if you want a day on the sea without organizing boat rentals, fuel, navigation, or snorkeling gear yourself. Captain Ivan received praise for making guests feel safe and relaxed, while Robert was able to cover the main sights even when a cruise schedule reduced the available time. The tour has a perfect 5-star rating from 38 reviews, with all recommending it.

Key points to know before booking

• Blue Cave swimming at Koločep: You can anchor near the cave and swim inside with snorkeling equipment provided.
• Private group of up to six: Your group controls the pace, the time at each stop, and the balance between swimming and sightseeing.
• Šunj Beach on Lopud: This is one of the better choices near Dubrovnik if you want sand, swimming, and time in the sun.
• Šipan offers a quieter finish: Expect pine and olive trees, turquoise water, village scenery, and local products such as wine and olive oil.
• Drinks are included: Bottled water, soft drinks, and beer are provided on the boat. The minimum drinking age is 18.
• Fuel costs extra: The listed surcharge may be €80, €100, €190, or €230 per booking, depending on the route.

Why a private boat makes sense around Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik’s nearby islands are close enough for a day trip but spread out enough that transport choices matter. A scheduled ferry can get you from one island to another, but it does not give you much say over when to stop, where to swim, or how long to stay ashore.

Here, the skipper handles the boat while you set the rhythm. You can spend more time at a favorite bay, shorten a stop that does not suit you, or ask to see more of the coastline. That freedom is the main reason to consider this experience instead of a standard group cruise.

The boat carries up to six people, so the advertised price of $395.43 is charged per group rather than per person. For a full boat, that is a strong value for a private outing. For two people, the cost is much harder to justify unless privacy and flexibility matter more to you than keeping the price low.

The duration is also flexible, from about four to ten hours. A half-day works for a quick swim and one or two island stops. A full day gives you enough time to visit all three Elaphiti Islands at a more relaxed pace, or to consider a longer route toward Korčula or Mljet.

Starting at Lapadska obala 4

The tour begins at Lapadska obala 4 in Dubrovnik and ends at the same meeting point. There is no pickup or drop-off service, so you need to make your own way to the marina area.

That detail is easy to overlook. If you are staying in Dubrovnik’s Old Town or elsewhere in the city, allow time to reach the departure point. The experience is offered in English, and confirmation is provided when you book.

Since there is no hotel transfer, this tour is most convenient for people who are already comfortable getting around Dubrovnik independently. The meeting point is near public transportation, which helps, but the exact transport plan is still yours to arrange.

The tour requires good weather. If conditions cancel the trip, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

Koločep and the Blue Cave swim

Koločep is about 20 minutes by boat from Dubrovnik, making it a quick escape from the city. The island has two villages, Gornje Čelo and Donje Čelo, but the main reason to stop is the Blue Cave on the southern side.

The boat anchors near the cave, and you swim from the boat into the opening. Snorkeling masks are supplied, and a GoPro camera is available on the tour. That makes this stop more active than a simple photo stop, though you should be comfortable entering the water from the boat.

The cave is not a walk-in attraction. You reach it by swimming, so this part suits confident swimmers best. Life jackets are provided for adults and children, but the experience still involves getting into open water and moving through the cave entrance.

I like that Koločep can be treated as more than a quick stop. You can choose how long to stay, and the skipper can cruise along the cliffs after the cave swim. That gives you two different views of the island: close-up water time and a wider look at the rocky coast from the boat.

The possible drawback is that the timing depends on what your group wants. If everyone wants a long swim and plenty of time with the cliffs, you may have less time for villages or later stops. Tell the skipper early if the Blue Cave is your priority.

Lopud and sandy Šunj Beach

Lopud is the most beach-focused stop on the Elaphiti route. Its main draw is Šunj Beach, a sandy beach where you can swim and sunbathe. Around Dubrovnik, a sandy shore is a welcome change from the region’s many rocky beaches.

You can remain on the boat or go ashore. That choice is useful for mixed groups. One person can stay close to the water on the boat, while others walk onto the beach for sun and swimming.

Cold water, beer, and soft drinks are available on board. This is practical rather than flashy, but it matters on a warm day when you do not want to leave the water every time you need a drink. The minimum drinking age is 18.

Lopud also offers more than beach time. In the village, you can visit the Dominican and Franciscan monasteries, small churches, and Đorđić-Mayneri Park. The tour can therefore work for a group split between swimmers and people who prefer a short cultural walk.

A useful tip is to decide in advance how much of your Lopud stop you want to spend ashore. Šunj Beach can easily absorb your available time, especially if you are enjoying the water. If you want lunch in the village or a look at the churches and park, tell your skipper before settling in at the beach.

One captain received particular praise for suggesting an excellent restaurant on Lopud. A restaurant recommendation from a local skipper can be valuable, but your meal is not listed as included, so plan to pay separately.

Šipan for quieter island scenery

Šipan is the largest and most populated of the Elaphiti Islands, but the description of the island points to a slower, more rural experience. You can expect turquoise water, olive and pine trees, and a quieter feel than Dubrovnik itself.

The island is associated with homemade goods, including wine, olive oil, marmalade, fruit, and vegetables. The tour does not promise a formal tasting, so you should think of these products as part of the local character rather than a guaranteed activity.

Šipan is a good final stop if you want the day to ease off after swimming at Koločep and beach time on Lopud. You can ask to stop in a bay, spend time on the coast, or adjust the schedule around your interests. The skipper’s role here is especially useful because the route is not locked into one rigid program.

The trade-off is that Šipan may feel less immediately dramatic than a cave or sandy beach. Its appeal comes from the setting, the quieter water, and the chance to see a less hurried side of the islands. If you want nonstop swimming and action, you may prefer to give more time to Koločep and Lopud.

Choosing between four and ten hours

The four-hour version is best for a compact outing. You might focus on Koločep and Lopud, with a Blue Cave swim followed by Šunj Beach. This suits you if your Dubrovnik schedule is tight or if you want time in the city later.

A longer day lets you include Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan without rushing each stop. You can spend time swimming, take a village walk, pause for lunch, and still enjoy the ride between islands. A full day also gives your skipper more room to respond to weather, your energy level, and your preferred pace.

There is no single perfect itinerary because the boat is private. Before departure, tell the skipper whether you care most about:

• Swimming and snorkeling
• Beaches and sunbathing
• Villages and churches
• Quiet bays and scenery
• A longer island route
• A restaurant stop

The available information also mentions possible day trips around Korčula or Mljet. Those routes are not the same as the Elaphiti outing, so ask which fuel surcharge and timing apply before booking. The farther route you choose, the more important the total cost and available hours become.

What is included, and what costs extra

The tour includes a skipper, local taxes, snorkeling equipment, life jackets for adults and children, bottled water, soft drinks, and beer. You do not need to arrange a separate boat rental or bring your own mask.

Fuel is extra. Four possible fuel surcharges are listed: €80, €100, €190, and €230 per booking. Because the route can range from a short Elaphiti trip to a longer day around Korčula or Mljet, you should confirm the exact surcharge for your chosen plan before paying.

That extra cost changes the value calculation. For six people sharing a private boat, the base price plus fuel can be reasonable for a full day. For a smaller group, compare the total with a standard group cruise, especially if you do not care about changing the route.

Food is not listed among the inclusions. If you plan lunch on Lopud or elsewhere, budget for it separately. The skipper can recommend a restaurant, but the meal itself is your responsibility.

Safety, comfort, and the practical details

Children must be accompanied by an adult, and life jackets are available for children and adults. Most people can take part, and service animals are allowed.

The Blue Cave stop requires swimming from the boat, so consider your comfort in open water before choosing that activity. You can also tell the skipper if you prefer more time aboard or at the beach.

The boat carries drinks, but you should still bring anything personal that you need for a day outside. The supplied information does not specify a toilet, changing area, or sun protection arrangements, so ask the operator if any of those matter to you.

The tour is offered in English. One captain, Robert, also speaks French fluently, which may be helpful if you are more comfortable communicating in French. Another captain, Ivan, was praised for strong boat-handling skills and for creating a safe, relaxed feeling during the day.

The perfect rating and consistently positive comments point to the crew as the strongest part of the experience. That matters on a private boat. A good skipper does more than steer. The skipper helps you judge how to use your limited time, find suitable swimming stops, and shape the day around your group.

The strongest reasons to book

I would choose this tour if I wanted more control than a group boat allows. You can combine a cave swim, a sandy beach, and a quiet island without spending the entire day following someone else’s timetable.

It also suits families and small groups with different interests. Swimmers can spend time in the water, history-minded visitors can explore Lopud’s religious buildings, and anyone wanting a slower day can stay aboard and enjoy the coastline.

The tour is also a good match for a special occasion or a group that values privacy. Up to six people can share the boat, so you are not paying for strangers to decide the pace.

The strongest praise has focused on the captains, especially Ivan and Robert. Ivan was praised for safety and local route choices, while Robert was praised for fitting in the main sights when time was limited and for speaking French. Those details suggest that the crew can make a real difference.

Reasons you might choose something else

This is not the cheapest way to see the islands, especially for one or two people. The base price is per group, and fuel is added separately. You need to confirm the final total before booking.

The flexibility can also work against you if you arrive without a plan. With so many possible choices, your group should agree on priorities before departure. Otherwise, time can disappear between swimming, beaches, lunch, and village walks.

You should also avoid booking if your day depends on perfect weather. The experience requires good conditions, and rough weather can lead to a cancellation or a date change. That policy is fair, but it means you should keep some flexibility in your Dubrovnik schedule.

Should you book this private island tour?

Book it if you are a group of up to six and want a private day built around your interests. The best version combines the Blue Cave at Koločep, Šunj Beach on Lopud, and a calmer stop on Šipan, with enough time for swimming and a village visit.

I would be more cautious if your budget is tight, your group is very small, or you only want a quick boat ride. In those cases, a shared cruise may cost less. Before booking, ask for the exact fuel surcharge, confirm the route, and decide whether your priority is caves, beaches, villages, or quiet bays.

For the right group, this is one of the more flexible ways to get beyond Dubrovnik’s walls and see the Adriatic at your own pace.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat tour start and finish?

It starts at Lapadska obala 4, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia, and returns to the same meeting point.

How many people can join the private tour?

The private boat is available for a group of up to six people.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately four to ten hours, depending on the route and the plan you choose.

Which islands can I visit?

The Elaphiti itinerary includes Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan. Longer options around Korčula or Mljet are also available.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and a GoPro camera is available for the tour.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled water, soft drinks, and beer are provided. The minimum drinking age is 18.

Is fuel included in the price?

No. A fuel surcharge is listed separately. The possible amounts are €80, €100, €190, or €230 per booking, depending on the trip.

What happens if the weather is poor?

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