Private Speedboat Tour | Caves Beaches Islands and more

REVIEW · DUBROVNIK

Private Speedboat Tour | Caves Beaches Islands and more

  • 5.0126 reviews
  • 2 to 8 hours (approx.)
  • From $302.34
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Operated by Nono Travel · Bookable on Viator

Traveller rating 5.0 (126)Duration2 to 8 hours (approx.)Price from$302.34Operated byNono TravelBook viaViator

Speedboat days in Dubrovnik feel like a cheat code. You jump from island to island fast, with snorkeling gear ready and a skipper who can steer the day toward what you actually want to see. From Kolocep’s cliff bays to Lokrum’s ruins and Game of Thrones props, it’s an easy way to get off the Old Town loop.

What I like most is how this stays genuinely private. With up to 6 people on board, you’re not stuck in a rigid schedule, and the experience is run in English with a professional skipper named Vincenzo in many accounts. The second big win: you get practical extras onboard like drinks and towels, so you show up prepared without overpacking.

One consideration: if caves are your top goal, crowds can turn them into a bottleneck. Blue Cave and Green Cave visits are possible, but timing matters, and Lokrum has an entry fee not included, which you’ll want to budget for.

Key highlights to plan around

Private Speedboat Tour | Caves Beaches Islands and more - Key highlights to plan around

  • Private speedboat for up to 6: more control, less waiting, better pacing for swimming stops
  • Snorkeling equipment included: less gear stress, more time in the water
  • Skipper-led customization: you can steer toward caves, bays, or calmer bathing spots
  • Big island mix in one day: Kolocep, Lopud, Sipan, and Lokrum options
  • Lokrum ruins plus Game of Thrones props: easy to combine sightseeing and beach time
  • Caves may be crowded: the skipper’s guidance can help you avoid the worst bottlenecks

Private speedboat value: up to 6 people, real control of your day

Private Speedboat Tour | Caves Beaches Islands and more - Private speedboat value: up to 6 people, real control of your day
This tour is priced per group (up to 6). That matters, because you’re not paying like a public tour where every hour is pre-spent and every choice is made for the average person. Instead, you pay for the boat time and the skipper, and then you spend that time your way.

In Dubrovnik, that kind of control is gold. The Old Town is famously compact and busy, but out on the Elaphiti Islands you can go from sightseeing to swimming with minimal fuss. The speedboat helps you cover ground quickly, and because you’re private, you can ask for shorter or longer stops depending on your group’s energy.

I also like that this isn’t just “sit and look.” You get snorkeling equipment, drinks, and towels as part of the included package. That’s practical value. When you’re on a boat, the small stuff gets expensive or annoying fast—so having it sorted lets you focus on water time.

Getting to the water: meeting point and how the itinerary feels in real time

Private Speedboat Tour | Caves Beaches Islands and more - Getting to the water: meeting point and how the itinerary feels in real time
You meet at Lapadska obala 4, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia, and the tour returns there. The duration is listed as 2 to 8 hours (approx.), which is a wide range—so you’ll want to treat it as a planning tool, not a promise of exact island-by-island timing.

Here’s what you should expect in the flow:

  • You start with islands close enough to make the day efficient.
  • You add or swap stops based on how your group is doing.
  • You can often shift the plan toward swimming and snorkeling time rather than checking boxes.

Some experiences with this operator include pickup from a hotel or apartment area shortly before departure, then a transfer to the new port to meet the boat. That can make life easier in Dubrovnik, where getting everyone together is usually the hard part. Still, stick with the meeting point address in your booking details as your baseline and confirm the exact start plan ahead of time.

Kolocep Island: cliff bays, Blue Cave access ideas, and flexible swim time

Kolocep (often spelled Koločep) is the first stop. This is the type of island that makes you understand why people come to the Elaphiti area in the first place—coastline views, walkable bits, and places where the water looks inviting even before you get in.

The tour time here is listed as 1 hour, and in that hour you can choose between land and water:

  • Short hike toward viewpoints over the bay
  • Quick walk toward a beach
  • Or back to the boat for a swim and snorkeling

One smart way to use the limited time on Kolocep is to decide early: are you there for a viewpoint, or are you there for water? If your group loves snorkeling, ask the skipper for a bay where you can swim through rocky formations and see fish close to the surface. You’ll also have the benefit of the included snorkeling gear and towels onboard.

Potential drawback: Kolocep can also be the starting point for cave-hopping later. If caves are high priority, you may end up spending more time coordinating around cave access and crowding. In that case, stay flexible here and let the skipper help you position the day.

Lopud Island: Sunj Beach time plus quieter historical stops

Private Speedboat Tour | Caves Beaches Islands and more - Lopud Island: Sunj Beach time plus quieter historical stops
Next is Lopud, with 1 hour on the island. Lopud is a popular name in Dubrovnik boat days for a reason: it feels calmer than the mainland areas, and it’s easy to mix a scenic walk with beach time.

The tour description calls out Sunj Beach, plus historical sightseeing tied to the Ragusa Republic (Dubrovnik Republic). It also mentions options like a botanical garden or a monastery. Even if you don’t do everything listed, this stop gives you variety: beach atmosphere on one side, older institutional buildings and gardens on the other.

Why this stop is worth it: it breaks up the day so you’re not only in and out of the water. A one-hour Lopud visit can work well for:

  • a sandy beach break
  • a short garden/monastery walk
  • a calm pause before the later islands

Where it can be tricky: one hour passes quickly once you’re on an island. I’d plan with your group to pick one “main thing” for Lopud—either beach or a longer walk toward sights—so nobody feels rushed.

Sipan Island: longer island feel and a hidden-bay style swim

Private Speedboat Tour | Caves Beaches Islands and more - Sipan Island: longer island feel and a hidden-bay style swim
Sipan is the tour’s third stop, with 1 hour 30 minutes allocated. Sipan is described as the Dubrovnik area’s largest Elaphiti island, and the vibe shifts from quick beach-and-go to a slightly more island-like experience.

The stop mentions local cuisine and a more adventurous option: visiting Sipan’s Luka, described as a hidden bay with breath-taking views and swimming bays. Even without overplanning, the key value here is that you’re more likely to find room to settle into swimming rather than chasing views only.

If your group loves water time, Sipan tends to be a good place to ask for a swap toward a quieter bay. With a private speedboat, you can often move to the better-feeling water spot without the whole day falling apart.

What to watch for: trying to do too much can squeeze your later stops. If you’re aiming to fit all possible islands, remember that travel time between islands eats into actual “on island” minutes. That’s why this is such a good day to be honest about your group’s energy level.

Lokrum Island: ruins, peacocks, beaches, and Game of Thrones props

Private Speedboat Tour | Caves Beaches Islands and more - Lokrum Island: ruins, peacocks, beaches, and Game of Thrones props
Lokrum is the big capstone stop here, with 2 hours allocated. It’s easy to understand why Lokrum gets attention: it sits close enough to Dubrovnik to feel connected, but it still feels like a separate world once you’re there.

The tour description highlights:

  • ruins of an old monastery
  • props from Game of Thrones

Reviews add a few practical details that help you plan. Lokrum includes access tied to the ferry cost, which means you can spend more time on the island without that nagging feeling that you must return immediately. One account also points out peacocks in the botanical garden, plus options like hiking toward a fort and swimming off one of Lokrum’s beaches—so you can build a day that works for different paces.

One thing to know before you go: Lokrum entry is not included. So part of your value math is that this is a “pay later” island stop. It’s still often worth it because the time window is long enough to do more than one thing, and Lokrum is one of those places that rewards lingering.

Caves and snorkeling: how to avoid a crowd jam

Private Speedboat Tour | Caves Beaches Islands and more - Caves and snorkeling: how to avoid a crowd jam
This is the portion of a Dubrovnik boat day that can swing from amazing to annoying based on timing.

The tour includes cave territory in the general plan—Kolocep and later islands put you in range for the Blue Cave and Green Cave experiences. But here’s the practical advice: cave entrances can get packed fast. Even if you plan carefully, you may find yourself in a crowd with lots of boats and swimmers.

The best move is to treat caves as a “do if it feels good” option. In real conditions, crowds can make the experience less relaxed, and swim safety can get harder when the water is busy. If your group is strong swimmers, you can still aim for it—just be ready for a bottleneck at the entrance.

If the cave experience looks crowded when you arrive, don’t panic. Ask the skipper about alternative caves or nearby swim-through spots. A private boat day is flexible for a reason. You can keep the excitement of snorkeling while skipping the stress of peak congestion.

Also, note that you don’t need to bring snorkeling equipment. It’s included, and you’ll have towels on board. Sunscreen and a swimsuit aren’t included, so pack them. You’ll feel better if you have sunscreen on hand even on overcast days—salt air and reflected light can sneak up on you.

Food and drinks: what’s included, what to plan for, and where lunch fits

Private Speedboat Tour | Caves Beaches Islands and more - Food and drinks: what’s included, what to plan for, and where lunch fits
The tour includes drinks onboard and snorkeling/towel support, but lunch is not included. That’s typical for boat tours, but it still impacts your comfort and budget.

Here’s a sensible approach:

  • If you choose longer time on Lopud or Sipan, use the island time to find a meal there.
  • If your plan leans more toward caves and swimming, be ready for a later or lighter lunch.

In at least one account, the skipper helped with a lunch recommendation on Lopud, and the restaurant choice worked out well—especially because it matched the local seafood vibe rather than forcing a generic tourist stop. That’s a benefit of having a skipper who knows the islands, not just the route.

Value check: paying extra for lunch is normal, but the big value here is that the included drinks help you avoid constant onboard purchases. If you’re doing a full half day to full day, that matters.

Who should book this Elaphiti Islands speedboat day

This is a strong fit for groups who want variety without planning every minute. It’s especially good for:

  • Couples or small families who want a private outing with swimming and sightseeing
  • Groups of friends who value flexibility
  • Travelers who care about water time and want included snorkeling gear
  • People visiting Dubrovnik who want more than Old Town streets and city walls

It may be less ideal if:

  • You’re expecting a calm, uncrowded experience at the Blue Cave entrance no matter what time you go. Cave traffic can be unpredictable.
  • Your group hates boat rides or gets seasick easily. Water conditions can change, and at least one experience notes choppy water—though the captain’s approach was described as careful.

Practical tips to make the day smoother

A few details will improve your day more than you’d think:

  • Bring a swimsuit and sunscreen. Those aren’t included, and you’ll likely want them before the first real swim.
  • Pack light. Towels are provided, but you don’t want a heavy bag bouncing around all day.
  • Ask the skipper early what matters most. This isn’t a fixed “one pace for everyone” tour. A good match between your priorities and the route can make hours feel shorter.
  • Be ready to trade a cave for a better swim. Crowds can change the plan on the fly, and the best moment might be the quiet bay you didn’t expect.
  • Plan your time for Lokrum. Two hours goes fast if you try to do everything. Pick ruins/hike or beach/time in the garden area and you’ll enjoy it more.

Should you book this private speedboat tour?

Yes, if your idea of Dubrovnik includes water time and island variety. The best reason to book is the combo of private speedboat comfort plus included snorkeling gear, towels, and drinks—so you can focus on real experiences instead of logistics.

I’d book with extra attention if you’re cave-focused. If Blue Cave is the centerpiece for your trip, ask questions before you go about how the skipper handles crowded entry times, and be open to alternatives. And remember Lokrum entry is not included, so budget for that piece when you plan your total day cost.

If you want Dubrovnik from the water, plus a mix of island walks, ruins, and swim breaks, this is one of the more efficient and enjoyable ways to do it.

FAQ

How many people are in the group?

The tour is private for your group and is listed as up to 6 people per group.

Where does the speedboat tour start?

The meeting point is Lapadska obala 4, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as approximately 2 to 8 hours, depending on the option you choose.

Which islands are included in the planned route?

The tour description lists stops for Kolocep Island, Lopud Island, Sipan, and Lokrum Island.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with towels.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Drinks are included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

Is Lokrum Island admission included?

No. Entry or admission for Lokrum Island is not included.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. It is offered in English.

What should I do if weather is bad?

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

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