A private boat changes how you see the coast. This Dubrovnik tour takes you across the Adriatic to the Elaphite Islands with a skippered, just-for-your-party pace—so you’re not stuck waiting behind other groups for the next swim or cave stop. On top of that, captains like Orsat and Marin are known for tailoring the day and keeping things smooth in English.

I especially like two things: the drinks included all day (beer, wine, soft drinks, bottled water) and having snorkeling gear and life jackets ready to use. One thing to consider: the boat is a speedboat option sized for the booking (up to 2), so you get a fun ride, but not a huge deck like you’d find on larger private yachts.

Key Takeaways Before You Go

• Private, just-your-party format: you set the tone with your skipper and can shift the order or time spent at stops
• Kolocep’s cave swim potential: the Blue and Green Caves area is a highlight, especially earlier in the day
• Lopud’s car-free beach time: plan for sandy swims and an easy island lunch break
• Drinks handled for you: beer, wine, soft drinks, and water included—minimum age for alcohol is 18
• Full-day adds more island variety: Šipan can come into play on the longer itinerary
• Extras cost cash on the water: pickup/drop-off and fuel surcharges are paid separately in euros

Why a private speedboat works so well off Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik’s shoreline looks dramatic from land, but from the water it gets personal fast. Speedboat travel keeps the itinerary flexible and gives you the kind of access that’s hard to match with buses or ferries—short hops, quick swims, and the ability to spend time where the water looks best.

The private setup matters. You’re not negotiating for space in a crowded group, and it’s easier to match your pace—slow and swim-heavy, photo-focused, or a balanced mix. In practice, that’s why captains like Tony, Ante, and Marin tend to stand out: they’re not just “driving a route,” they’re adjusting the day to fit how your group feels.

There’s also a very practical payoff: you spend less time getting from point to point and more time with your feet wet. On an island-hopping day, that’s where the memories come from.

Kolocep Island: Blue and Green Caves and a turquoise swim stop

Koločep (often written Kolocep) is the closest Elaphite island to Dubrovnik, so it’s the perfect “first hit” after leaving the mainland. The tour starts with a brief panoramic look at the Old Town—enough to get your bearings—then you move quickly to Koločep.

What makes Koločep special is the cave zone. It’s famous for five caves, with the Blue and Green Caves among the best known. The tour window is about 1 hour, so you’ll want to use that time for what speedboats do best: jump in, check the lighting, and grab photos while the water is calm.

You can also snorkel here since snorkeling gear is included. Even if you’re not a pro, it’s a nice way to experience the “clear turquoise” feeling that draws people in. And because you’re on a small private boat, you’re not stuck behind a slow-moving line at the water’s edge.

A small consideration: cave areas can get busy in peak hours. If your schedule allows, going earlier can make the experience feel quieter—this is the kind of timing trick skippered tours can help with.

Lopud Island: car-free sandy beaches and real lunch options

Lopud is built for easy beach time. It’s car-free, which means the vibe stays relaxed: sandy stretches, casual lounging, and the kind of island pacing that feels a bit removed from mainland life.

Your stop is about 2 hours, and the island gives you options:

• One larger sandy beach in the main village area
• Another famous sandy beach on the southern side: Šunj Beach

Šunj Beach is great for classic Mediterranean beach moments—swimming, sunbathing, and even games like picigin. There are also cocktail bars nearby, so you can switch from swim mode to “sit and watch the water” mode without relocating.

If you want lunch, your skipper can help with a reservation at a top island spot known for freshly caught fish. A specific favorite that comes up is Obala on Lopud. Lunch isn’t included in the tour price, but having the option to book it through your skipper saves you time and helps you avoid guessing.

Drawback to flag: Lopud is great, but it’s not a theme park stop. If you’re expecting constant “stops and starts,” this part is more about beach time and lingering.

Sudurad and Šipan: the longer day adds more island life

Here’s how the itinerary changes depending on tour length. The base plan hits Koločep and Lopud, but Šipan can be included on the full-day (8-hour) tour due to the distance.

On the way toward the Šipan side, you may pass the Šikirica Lagoon, which is a striking swim-and-photo spot—again, because water visibility is the star of the show here.

Then there’s the Šipan stop itself (about 1 hour). Šipan feels calmer and more local than the busier postcard spots. You’ll find a small fishing harbor, and the island is known for:

• high-quality olive oil
• excellent local wine

If you’re a “taste it on site” person, this is where you can use that island-food angle—your skipper can point you to a seaside wine bar, or you can simply walk the harbor area and enjoy the slower pace.

Practical thought: if you want more stops and more variety, go full-day. If your goal is mostly swimming and beach time, half-day can still feel like the right amount of island without over-scheduling.

Drinks, snorkeling gear, and the skipper’s role in making it feel private

This is not a BYO-water situation. Drinks are included—beer, wine, soft drinks, and bottled water—and the boat also includes towels, life jackets, and snorkeling gear. That means you can show up, get geared up quickly, and spend your brainpower on where you want to swim.

It also helps that the tour is built around a real skipper-led rhythm. People often say the same thing in different words: when the captain pays attention to what you want, the trip feels way better.

For example:

• Some skippers are praised for taking guests to hidden swimming spots and coves you’d never reach on your own.
• Others are praised for safe driving and smart cave timing—especially helpful if you’re visiting for the cave experience and want the smoothest route.
• Several captains are specifically noted for good English and for customizing the number of caves versus how much time you want to be in the water.

Small but real detail: alcohol has a minimum drinking age of 18, so if you’re traveling with younger teens, plan around that.

One more tip: if you want a little fun, bring your phone/music preferences. People report using the boat speakers and adding their own soundtrack, which makes the day feel even more “yours.”

Price and logistics: what $386.98 (plus surcharges) really means

The advertised price is $386.98 per group (up to 2) for a private tour. That’s the part that makes sense for couples and small groups because you’re paying for the boat and skipper rather than per person.

Two extras are important:

• Pickup/drop-off: Sheraton, Mlini, and Cavtat pickup/drop-off is €60 cash
• Fuel surcharge (cash on the boat):
• Half-day (4 hours): €70
• Full-day (8 hours): €150

Lunch is not included, so budget for that if you want it on Lopud (or elsewhere your skipper suggests).

So is it good value? For many people, yes—because:

• you get a private format
• drinks and snorkeling gear are handled
• the time on the water is the main event

If you’re comparing to larger-group tours, the price starts to look more reasonable when you add up what you’d pay for individual boat transfers, separate activities, and drinks.

On-the-water reality checks: crowds, water temps, and boat size

Let’s keep expectations grounded. A few practical points can make your day go smoother:

1) Water temps can be cool early in the season.

Some early-season swims can feel chilly, even when the skies are nice. If you’re sensitive to cold, plan for a slower first entry and expect the water to feel different once you’re in.

2) The Blue Cave experience can be crowd-dependent.

Caves are famous for a reason, and that can mean more boats. The good news: timing often helps, and a private skipper can sometimes plan around busier windows.

3) Boat size may feel compact for the booking.

One review flagged that, for the option for two people, the boat felt smaller compared with other private boat rentals elsewhere. That doesn’t mean it’s uncomfortable—it’s just not a giant floating lounge. If you hate cramped quarters, ask your operator what boat option your group size corresponds to before you lock in plans.

The upside: it’s still a speedboat day—smooth enough ride, quick access to the water, and plenty of action time.

Who this tour suits best

This tour is a strong fit for:

• Couples who want a private day at sea rather than a crowded catamaran
• Families with older kids/teens who can handle short travel hops and enjoy swimming
• Cruise-day visitors who want to maximize island time with fewer logistical headaches
• Anyone who likes a mix of cave views, snorkeling, and beach breaks without fixed “tour-trap” timing

If you’re the type who wants to choose how long you swim versus how much you explore on shore, private speedboat tours are the way to go. The best versions of this day happen when the skipper matches your energy level—more caves, more beach, more photos, or more quiet time.

Should you book the Dubrovnik Elaphite Islands speedboat tour?

Book it if you want a simple equation: boat + caves + sandy beach time + included drinks + your own pace. The Elaphite Islands are beautiful, but the private speedboat format is what makes the day feel personal instead of scheduled.

Skip it (or change your approach) if you need:

• a long, multi-stop day with lots of land sightseeing
• a huge luxury deck with lots of open lounging space
• fully included meals (lunch isn’t included)

If you’re deciding between half-day and full-day, think about what you’re really chasing. If it’s mostly swimming and the two closest islands, half-day is efficient. If you want more island variety and the chance to include Šipan, go full-day.

Either way, you’ll be out on the water where Dubrovnik looks different—and that’s the whole point.

FAQ

How long is the private speedboat tour?

The tour runs for about 4 to 8 hours, depending on whether you choose the half-day or full-day option.

What islands are included?

Koločep and Lopud are part of the itinerary. Šipan can be included on the full-day tour due to the extra distance.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, and life jackets are also provided.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Beer, wine, soft drinks, and bottled water are included. The minimum drinking age is 18.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, though your skipper can help arrange a lunch reservation on Lopud if you want one.

Are there extra costs besides the group price?

Yes. There may be a fuel surcharge paid in cash on the boat (€70 for half-day and €150 for full-day). Pickup and drop-off to certain areas also costs €60 cash.

Where does pickup and drop-off happen?

Pickup and drop-off are available for Sheraton, Mlini, and Cavtat for an added €60 cash.

What if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

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