The Adriatic turns this into a moving beach day. This private speedboat trip is built for maximum swim time and minimum hassle, with stops that take you from Dubrovnik’s coast to Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep—plus little bays most people never find. I like the way the pace is flexible and centered on your comfort, especially the rare sandy beach option at Šunj on Lopud. One thing to consider: lunch isn’t included, and there’s extra cost at the end for fuel.

I also like that you get proper time in the water, not just a quick dip: snorkeling equipment is included, and the skipper can steer you toward calmer, clear spots. You’ll have bottled water and plenty of drinks aboard—beer and soda/pop—so you can go from sun to swim without hunting down a café. The skipper is English-speaking, and it’s private, so you’re not stuck watching a group move at the pace of whoever needs the most time to find their sunscreen.

The main “watch your expectations” point: Koločep beaches are rocky or pebbly, so if you want soft sand under your feet the whole time, you may prefer focusing on Lopud. Also, fuel is paid on spot at the end, so check that budget ahead of time if you’re comparing tour prices.

Key Things That Make This Tour Worth It

• Private boat time with a skipper who can adjust around what you want to see and do
• Šunj on Lopud, one of the rare sandy beaches in the area, with about an hour to enjoy it
• Snorkelling equipment included plus extra swim/photo chances in hidden bays
• Šipan’s inhabited port area (Luka Šipanska) for an easy lunch or drink break
• Sikirica Bay turquoise water and a quieter, hard-to-reach-feeling stop
• Blue Cave on Koločep for photos and another chance to swim and snorkel

From Dubrovnik: A Private Speedboat Day That Actually Feels Like Vacation

This tour runs for 8 hours and starts at 10:00 am, with your private skipper waiting to take you out by boat. It’s a simple premise: ride the Adriatic, stop when the water looks good, and spend your time where you can swim, snorkel, and relax. The “private” part matters because you’re not stuck with a big group’s timing, and the skipper can work the day around your preferences—something that comes up clearly in real feedback about the experience.

On the way into the islands, you pass through the Elaphiti Channel. Even before you reach the islands, the scenery changes quickly—coastlines, small coves, and open sea viewpoints. If you’re the type who likes to get your bearings fast, a boat route helps. You see the Elaphiti area from the water, not just from a ferry window.

Another practical win: you’re doing this with transportation included. That means you don’t have to plan ferries, figure out island schedules, or lose time on getting from one beach to another. In a place like this, time on the water is the whole point, so the day is structured to protect it.

Lopud and Šunj: The Sandy-Beach Reset You Didn’t Expect

Your first major island stop is Šunj on Lopud, reached in about 40 minutes. This matters because it gives you a quick “payoff” early in the day. After the sea ride, you land at one of the rare sandy beaches along the coast, which is a nice break from the more common rocky and pebbly shorelines you’ll see around the Adriatic.

You’ll have about one hour here. That hour is enough to do the essentials without feeling rushed: you can swim, have a drink, and sunbathe. You can also just sit and watch the water—this is one of those places where the light makes everything look sharper. Even if you’re not planning a big snorkeling session right away, the beach stop works as a reset. You’ll likely want that after the morning on the boat.

Small consideration: since this is a beach break, your comfort depends on basic beach prep. Bring a hat and sunscreen, and have your swimwear accessible. You don’t want to spend your sandy-beach hour changing in the wrong spot.

Hidden Bay Stop: The Best Kind of Detour for Swimming and Photos

Next up is Šipan, the largest of the Elaphiti islands. The boat ride is your in-between time, but the skipper doesn’t just “transit and forget.” On the way to Šipan, there’s a short stop in a hidden bay where you can choose your own style of fun—swim, snorkel, or take photos. The water here is described as crystal clear, which is exactly what you’re hoping for when snorkeling is part of the plan.

This kind of stop is valuable for two reasons:

1. You get a break in the day before the island time, so you’re not saving all your water fun until later.
2. You’re not stuck with a single “fixed” beach. When the skipper finds the right spot, you benefit from better visibility and easier swimming conditions.

Practical note: jumping off a speedboat is fun, but it’s not an accident-proof sport. If you’re unsure of entry points or you’re carrying snorkeling gear, take a second to get your footing and confirm where you’ll land in the water.

Luka Šipanska on Šipan: Where Lunch and Island Life Actually Happen

After the bay stop, you reach Luka Šipanska, one of the two inhabited areas on Šipan. This is where the day shifts from pure beach time to island life time. You’ll have free time for lunch or drinks in local spots near the port, and you can also take a walk to see how people live on the island.

Here’s what makes this portion feel special: only about 200 people live on the entire island. That low number changes the atmosphere fast. Instead of a crowded “tourist island” vibe, you get something closer to real daily rhythm—small boats in the port, little bays, and traditional island scenes at a slower pace.

About lunch: it’s not included, but the tour is designed so you won’t be forced to eat fast or hunt with no plan. You can choose what fits your taste once you’re there. If you want a simple meal, this is a good moment to grab something easy and sit down.

One small drawback to keep in mind: you’re not doing a full island tour on foot. This stop is “walk around and enjoy,” not “see every corner.” So if you want a deep guided hike, you may find this part a bit brief—but for most people, it’s the right length inside an 8-hour boat day.

Koločep and the Sea Scooter-Friendly Water Feeling

From Šipan you continue to the smaller island Koločep, described as nature’s oasis and noted for being mostly clean and untouched. Less than 150 people live there in winter, which explains why it feels quiet and open even if you’re visiting in warmer months.

On the way, there’s another swim time stop at Sikirica Bay. The key detail here is that it’s hard to locate on a map, which is usually a sign you’re heading to a more secluded feel than the obvious spots. The water color is mentioned as turquoise, and that color effect is one of the big reasons snorkelers love these stops: the sea looks like it’s lit from under the surface.

You’ll have options to snorkel and swim, and the water conditions are described as suitable for sea-scooter style exploring. Just remember: the tour includes snorkeling gear, not necessarily any rented equipment like scooters—so treat any scooter activity as something you might arrange on-site.

Then you arrive at Koločep and get a final set of water moments, including another chance to swim, sunbathe, and snorkel. Beaches here are rocky or pebbly, so consider packing footwear if you’re sensitive to rough entry points. The payoff is that the sea color is noted as incomparable.

Blue Cave on Koločep: The Photo Stop With Real Water Time Behind It

One of the most memorable moments on Koločep is a visit to the Blue Cave. The setup here is practical: you’ll have time to take photos with a strong background. That’s useful even if you don’t consider yourself a photographer. The cave area has a visual payoff, and you won’t just speed through it like a checkmark.

The better part is what comes with the photo moment: you also get time to swim and snorkel around Koločep. That keeps the day from becoming purely scenic. It’s scenic, yes—but the schedule is still built around you being in the water.

If you go in knowing you’ll spend some time at rocky edges and cave-adjacent areas, you’ll have a smoother experience. Keep your attention on footing and boat steps, and don’t rush the water entry.

What’s Included: Drinks, Snorkel Gear, Towels, and a Real Comfort Upgrade

This tour is generous with small comforts that matter when you’re spending hours outside.

Included items:

• Private speedboat transportation
• Private English-speaking skipper
• Snorkelling equipment
• Bottled water
• Alcoholic beverages, including beer
• Soda/pop
• Towels

That combination is a big deal for value. You don’t have to budget for every water-day expense, and you don’t have to bring half a beach kit. Towels are especially helpful because you’re coming from Dubrovnik and you’re likely traveling with limited baggage.

Also, even though lunch isn’t included, the tour is planned so you’ll have free time on Šipan at Luka Šipanska for food. You can make that decision on the spot based on your appetite and what looks good to you there.

Price and Value: When $500 Per Person Makes Sense

At $500 per person for an 8-hour private speedboat day, it’s not cheap. But it’s easier to judge value when you look at what you’re buying:

• You’re paying for privacy, not just a seat.
• You’re paying for a full day on the water with multiple island stops.
• Snorkelling equipment and drinks are included, which cuts down on add-ons you’d normally have to cover.
• You get a skipper who’s there for you, not a crowd.

This price starts to make sense if you’re traveling with a group of adults who want a high-comfort day and don’t want to spend energy coordinating ferries. It also fits well if you care about the sea time more than walking tours. In Dubrovnik, most “island trips” feel rushed. This one is built for long stops and clear water moments, especially on Lopud’s Šunj and around Koločep’s cave and bays.

One caution: fuel is paid on spot at the end of the tour. That means the final cost may be a bit higher than the base price you see.

Timing and Flow: How the Day Stays Relaxing Instead of Chaotic

The schedule is tight enough to hit the islands, but spaced to prevent “constant rushing.” You get:

• Morning transit through the Elaphiti Channel
• Early beach time at Šunj (about an hour)
• A mid-day hidden bay swim/snorkel/photo stop
• Island time at Luka Šipanska for lunch or drinks
• A secluded-feeling bay stop at Sikirica
• Blue Cave and final water time on Koločep
• Return to Dubrovnik after the last stop

This flow matters because it reduces downtime. You’re rarely waiting around. When you’re on the boat, it’s meaningful transit toward the next swim-and-relax window.

What to pack (based on what you’ll actually need):

• Hat
• Swimwear
• Sunscreen
• Beachwear

It’s a simple list, but it’s the difference between a day that feels easy and a day that feels like you’re battling small annoyances.

Who Should Book This Tour (and Who Might Prefer a Different Style)

I think this tour is a strong match for people who want:

• Private time on the water with minimal logistics
• Lots of swimming and snorkeling, not just sightseeing
• The chance to visit multiple Elaphiti islands in one day
• A comfortable setup with towels, snorkel gear, and drinks included

It’s also a good choice if you like the idea of a skipper suggesting stops that are worth it and not easily found on a map. That “find the good water” mentality is part of the experience.

You might choose something else if:

• You strongly prefer soft sandy beaches the entire time (Koločep is rocky or pebbly)
• You want a long guided walking tour on land (this is mainly water and short island time)
• You’re watching every cost and don’t want a fuel add-on at the end

Should You Book This Private Elaphite Speedboat Day?

Yes, if you want a high-comfort, water-first day and you’re okay paying for privacy and convenience. The best reason to book is how the day is organized around real swim time: Šunj on Lopud for sandy beach relaxation, hidden bays for quick snorkeling and photos, and Koločep’s Blue Cave for a standout photo moment plus more water time.

If you’re budget-sensitive or you hate the idea of rocky beaches, you can still enjoy it—but plan your expectations around the fact that this is an Adriatic sea experience, not a sand-and-stroll day.

FAQ

FAQ

What time does the Dubrovnik Elaphite Islands private speedboat tour start?

The tour starts at 10:00 am.

How long is the tour?

The duration is 8 hours.

Is this a private tour or a shared group?

It’s a private group.

Which islands and stops are included?

You’ll visit Lopud (including Šunj beach), Šipan (including Luka Šipanska), and Koločep, plus snorkeling and swimming stops in hidden bays suggested by the skipper.

Is snorkelling equipment included?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included.

What food and drinks are included?

Bottled water is included, along with alcoholic beverages (including beer) and soda/pop. Lunch is not included.

Is fuel included in the price?

Fuel is paid on spot at the end of the tour.

What should I bring for the day on the boat?

Bring a hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and beachwear.

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