Private Speedboat Tour- Blue cave, sandy beaches and snorkelling

REVIEW · DUBROVNIK

Private Speedboat Tour- Blue cave, sandy beaches and snorkelling

  • 5.062 reviews
  • 2 to 8 hours (approx.)
  • From $362.05
Book on Viator →

Operated by Adriatic Boat Tours · Bookable on Viator

Traveller rating 5.0 (62)Duration2 to 8 hours (approx.)Price from$362.05Operated byAdriatic Boat ToursBook viaViator

A speedboat day off Dubrovnik feels like a cheat code. You’ll cruise between Koločep, Šipan, Lopud, and the sand-and-drinks stops, with snorkel gear and plenty of time in the water. I especially like the way the skipper tailors the route to what you want to see, and the onboard comfort: bottled water, soda, and adult drinks help the day feel effortless. One thing to plan for is the fuel add-on at the end, so your final cost depends on the time option you choose.

Two standout touches in the real-world vibe: the guides (like Toni and Rocco) make the day feel personal, and the snorkeling setup is ready to use when you get to the caves and stops. Still, don’t assume a fully flexible schedule—this is weather-dependent, and you may trade off certain islands (like Lokrum) for more time elsewhere.

Key things to know

  • Snorkel gear is included, so you can jump into cave water without hunting for rentals
  • Blue Cave light matters, and timing inside the caves is part of the fun
  • Lunch on Šipan is not included, so budget for a meal you actually want
  • You’ll pay fuel extra at the end (amount depends on tour length)
  • Lokrum is optional on request, but it changes what you can cover that day
  • The boat has drinks on board, including beer and wine, plus bottled water and soda

Private Speedboat Comfort From Dubrovnik (And Why It Changes the Day)

Private Speedboat Tour- Blue cave, sandy beaches and snorkelling - Private Speedboat Comfort From Dubrovnik (And Why It Changes the Day)
This is a private, up-to-4-person speedboat format. That matters more than it sounds. In Dubrovnik, you can burn a lot of time moving between viewpoints, boats, and schedules. Here, you’re focused on the sea from the start—fewer moving parts, more actual time enjoying the islands.

The tour includes a skipper and snorkel equipment, plus bottled water and soft drinks. Alcoholic beverages are also part of the package (beer and wine), and if you book a sunset option, there’s a bottle of champagne. The net effect: you don’t feel like you’re rationing your day. You can swim, snack, and cool off without constantly buying your way through the afternoon.

One logistics note: the tour mentions air-conditioned round transfers, but pick-up and drop-off aren’t listed as included. In practice, you’ll likely meet at a pickup point that’s reachable from Old Town with a short taxi ride (I’d plan on sorting that for yourself).

Koločep Island and the Blue Cave: The Moment You Came For

Private Speedboat Tour- Blue cave, sandy beaches and snorkelling - Koločep Island and the Blue Cave: The Moment You Came For
Koločep is where the day turns from sightseeing into something you feel in your body. The route includes a visit to the most popular caves in the Dubrovnik area—starting with the Blue Cave plus three more caves on Koločep.

The key detail here is what the tour promises: inside the caves, sun reflection creates that famous blue color. That’s not just a marketing line. Blue Cave light depends on conditions—sun angle and weather. So the skipper’s timing and your ability to get into the right spot at the right moment can make the difference between wow and just pretty.

You’ll have time to swim and snorkel inside the caves, which is the best way to experience the water rather than just looking at it. If you’re snorkeling for the first time, this is a good place to practice gently because you’re not dealing with open-ocean conditions; you’re still in sheltered cave environments. If you’re an experienced snorkeler, you’ll likely enjoy the variety—caves plus in-between swim spots.

Potential drawback: cave time can make the day feel a bit more active than a pure beach cruise. If you want a fully relaxed “lie on the sand all day” vibe, you’ll need to balance swim stops with your downtime. Also, there’s no toilet on board listed as included, so plan your bathroom break before the water time begins.

Šipan Island Lunch Break: Island Life Without the Rush

Private Speedboat Tour- Blue cave, sandy beaches and snorkelling - Šipan Island Lunch Break: Island Life Without the Rush
After Koločep, you head to Šipan, the next island stop. This is where the pace shifts. You get time for lunch (not included in the price) in a restaurant, and then some breathing room.

Why this stop is valuable: Šipan gives you a quieter feel than the most iconic cave moments. You’re not racing from view to view; you’re stopping long enough to eat well and reset. Even if you’re not a big “sit down for lunch” person, using this segment for food and water refills makes the later beach time more enjoyable.

What to keep in mind: because lunch isn’t included, you should decide in advance what you want to spend. That way, you won’t end up paying for something less appealing just because the option is nearby.

Lopud Island: Churches, Monastery, and Walkable Beach Time

Private Speedboat Tour- Blue cave, sandy beaches and snorkelling - Lopud Island: Churches, Monastery, and Walkable Beach Time
Next up is Lopud, an island known here for two things: walks and sandy relaxation. The itinerary calls out churches and a monastery, plus sandy beaches. This is the stop that works for almost everyone because it doesn’t depend on being in the water.

You’ll have around an hour here, which is enough for a short stroll and a quick look around without dragging the day into “we’re still traveling” territory. If you like your island time to include some culture and atmosphere—simple architecture, old stone, and calmer streets—Lopud fits that bill.

Possible drawback: with only about an hour, this is not a deep exploration stop. If you want hours of walking, you’ll likely want an additional land-based afternoon in Dubrovnik or a separate island plan later.

Sunj Beach: Where the Day Becomes a Beach Day

Private Speedboat Tour- Blue cave, sandy beaches and snorkelling - Sunj Beach: Where the Day Becomes a Beach Day
Usually the tour finishes with Šunj Beach, described as the most popular sandy beach in the Dubrovnik area. This is your wind-down stop: relax, swim at the beach, and grab drinks in beach bars.

Why this stop earns a spot at the end: by this point, you’ve had caves and island hopping. Ending with sandy beach time is smart because it’s the easiest kind of fun to sustain. You can dry off, reapply sunscreen, and settle into the rhythm of the water rather than constantly changing environments.

The drink side matters too. Since bottled water, soda, and alcoholic beverages are included, you can treat Šunj as the relaxed finale it’s meant to be.

If you’re picky about beach conditions, keep an eye on the weather. Wind and waves can change how comfortable it feels, especially if you’re switching between boat and shore a few times.

Lokrum Island on Request: Great If It Matches Your Priorities

Private Speedboat Tour- Blue cave, sandy beaches and snorkelling - Lokrum Island on Request: Great If It Matches Your Priorities
Lokrum Island is special because it sits in front of the Old Town Dubrovnik area. It’s also clearly treated as optional: you go there only if it’s on request, and if you include Lokrum, you may not be able to see all the Elaphiti islands.

This is a classic tradeoff. Lokrum can be a strong add-on if you care about getting a different kind of scenery near Old Town. But if your priority list is specifically the Elaphiti island route, then skipping Lokrum keeps the day more focused.

Another detail: the itinerary says the admission ticket for Lokrum is not included. So if you do choose Lokrum, expect a separate cost.

Mljet National Park Option (8 Hours): The Long Cruise and the Big Nature Moments

Private Speedboat Tour- Blue cave, sandy beaches and snorkelling - Mljet National Park Option (8 Hours): The Long Cruise and the Big Nature Moments
If you pick the 8-hour option, you add Mljet National Park, which is a longer day and a bigger payoff if you want nature-style highlights.

Mljet is about 50 km away from Dubrovnik and takes roughly 2 hours by speedboat each way. That’s a real commitment. It’s not just “a quick add.” You’re buying time on the water and trading some other island stops for national park experiences.

Inside Mljet National Park, the tour notes several must-sees:

  • Limuni, a sandy beach
  • Odysseus cave
  • Salty lakes

Tickets are not included for this portion, so budget for admission. Still, this option can be worth it if you want something that feels distinct from the Elaphiti island hopping—more “park day” and less “cave and beach carousel.”

One practical consideration: because you’re spending more time traveling, you’ll want to plan your energy. If your goal is lots of frequent swims in caves, the 8-hour route might feel like a different style of adventure. If your goal is a full-day highlights tour that mixes beach, cave, and nature, it’s a strong match.

Drinks, Snorkeling Gear, and the Real Value of the Inclusions

Private Speedboat Tour- Blue cave, sandy beaches and snorkelling - Drinks, Snorkeling Gear, and the Real Value of the Inclusions
Let’s talk about what you actually get, and why it matters for value.

Included items that genuinely improve the day:

  • Snorkeling equipment, which saves you time and avoids finding rentals
  • Bottled water and soft drinks, so you stay hydrated without extra hassle
  • Beer and wine, plus alcoholic beverages generally included as part of the experience
  • A skipper who handles the driving and (based on feedback) actively suggests spots

That last part—the skipper’s suggestions—is where private tours can earn their keep. When your captain asks what you want and then adjusts the timing and stops, you stop feeling like you’re on rails. You’ll notice it most at the cave segments and the beach time, where conditions and your preferences can shape what’s best.

Also, keep your expectations realistic about what’s truly “included.” Fuel is not. That’s where many people feel the surprise at the end.

Price, Fuel Surcharges, and Avoiding Surprise Costs

Private Speedboat Tour- Blue cave, sandy beaches and snorkelling - Price, Fuel Surcharges, and Avoiding Surprise Costs
The price is listed as $362.05 per group (up to 4), with tour durations ranging from about 2 to 8 hours. That pricing structure can be good value if you’re traveling as a small group, because you’re paying for a private boat rather than sharing a bigger crowd.

But there’s an extra cost you should factor in immediately: fuel for the booking.

  • For 4 hours: €50.00 per booking
  • For 8 hours: €70.00 per booking
  • For 10 hours (NP Mljet): €120.00 per booking

This is the biggest “read the fine print” moment. Even if the boat day is great, the fuel add-on can feel annoying if you expected it to be bundled. I’d treat it like part of your budget from day one.

One more money note: lunch on Šipan isn’t included, and park and Lokrum admission can be extra depending on what you include. So the total cost is really the base private price plus fuel plus any admissions and meals you choose.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Prefer Something Else)

This is ideal if you want:

  • A private speedboat day with up-close cave and sea time
  • Snorkeling without the hassle of renting gear
  • A mix of caves, sandy beaches, and island walking in one afternoon
  • A skipper who takes your preferences seriously (you’ll feel this in how spots are prioritized)

It may be less ideal if you want:

  • A slow, fully land-based day with minimal water time
  • No extra budget beyond the headline price (because fuel and admissions can add up)

If you’re traveling as a couple, this can still be a strong pick because you’re paying for a small private group instead of a mass-boat experience. If you’re a family, it’s also workable—just remember cave swimming and sun exposure are the main physical activities, and there’s no toilet on board listed.

Practical Tips to Make the Day Smoother

A few things I’d do before you go, based on how this day is structured:

  • Bring swim-ready basics: sunscreen, a hat, and something easy to wear on and off the boat
  • Ask the skipper early what matters most to you (caves, snorkel time, or beach relaxation)
  • Plan your budget for fuel and lunch, not just the base price
  • If you’re sensitive to sun, consider that cave light can mean you’ll want to time water entries carefully

And one more: because the tour depends on good weather, don’t schedule this as your only plan for the day. If the weather turns, you’ll want a flexible mindset.

Should You Book This Private Blue Cave Speedboat Tour?

Yes—if your Dubrovnik idea of a perfect day includes water time, cave snorkeling, and a private setup where the skipper can shape the itinerary around what you want. The included snorkel gear, drinks, and the way captains like Toni and Rocco tailor the route to preferences are the heart of the experience. Ending with sandy beach time at Šunj is also a smart, satisfying closer.

I’d only hesitate if you’re strict about total cost predictability. Between fuel add-ons, lunch not being included, and possible admissions for Lokrum or Mljet, you’ll want to treat this as a premium experience with a few extra line items.

If you want a fun, fast, sea-focused day that feels personal rather than packaged, this is a solid booking.

FAQ

How many people are on this private tour?

It’s a private tour/activity, and the group size is up to 4.

What’s included for snorkeling?

The tour includes the use of snorkel equipment.

Are drinks included on the boat?

Yes. Bottled water, soft drinks (Coca-cola), and alcoholic beverages (beer and wine) are included.

Is lunch included on Šipan?

No. Lunch on Šipan is not included in the price.

Do I pay extra for fuel?

Yes. Fuel is charged per booking, with different amounts depending on the tour length.

What islands and stops are included?

The itinerary includes Koločep (Blue Cave and three more caves), Šipan, Lopud, and usually Šunj Beach. Lokrum may be added on request. Mljet National Park is only included on the 8-hour option.

Are admission tickets included?

For Koločep, Sipan, Lopud, and Šunj the admission ticket is listed as free. Lokrum and Mljet National Park admission tickets are not included.

What if weather is poor?

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

Scroll to Top