Luxury speed boats make the Elaphiti Islands feel easy. You get pickup and drop-off plus onboard snorkeling equipment, so you can go from harbor to open water without fuss. The trip also comes with beer, wine, soda, and water already waiting on the boat.

I also like that you’re not stuck on the water the whole time. Lopud’s sandy Šunj beach, plus the island’s old stone lanes and garden time, make it feel like a real island day, not a quick stop.

One drawback: this is weather-dependent. If the sea is rough, the experience may be adjusted or canceled, and you’ll want to be ready for a bouncier ride than a calm-morning ferry.

Key Things I’d Watch For

• Private-group speed boat (up to 12) for a more relaxed pace
• Pickup and drop-off arranged by phone/Viber/WhatsApp
• Drinks included: beer, white wine, soda, and bottled water
• Snorkeling gear included, so you can pack lighter
• Stop choices depend on your timing, with flexible island time on Lopud/Šipan

Luxury Speed Boat Energy, With Real Island Time

If you’ve ever done one of those boat days where you spend most of the time racing between viewpoints, this feels different. You’re on a luxury speed boat, which means the ride is quick and fun—but the point is the islands. You get a day that’s built around swimming, strolling, and lingering.

What makes it work for me is the combo of comfort and freedom. You’ve got shade on board, a sundeck, and a fridge. Then, instead of being herded through a checklist, your captain can steer the day toward where you’ll enjoy your time most—especially on Lopud and Šipan, where you can decide how long you stay.

Also, it’s a private experience. A maximum of 12 people per group keeps the day from feeling crowded. You’re more likely to hear the captain’s explanations, ask questions, and get a moment to cool off when you want it.

Price and Value: Counting What’s Actually Included

$842.05 per group (up to 12) sounds like a lot until you list what you’re getting. You’re paying for a luxury speed boat experience plus several “normally extra” items: pickup/drop-off, bottled water and sodas, beer and white wine, and snorkeling equipment. Those add up fast if you were piecing things together on your own.

Here’s the simple way to think about value. If you book for a full group of 12, the cost works out to roughly $70 per person for the boat day with drinks and snorkeling gear included. Even at smaller group sizes, you’re still usually better off than buying boat access, renting snorkel gear, and then paying for drinks separately.

One more practical angle: the tour gives you a large block of time (about 4–8 hours), and once you’re back, the rest of your day is yours. For Dubrovnik, that matters. It’s easy to overbook yourself here. This tour helps you get a big highlight without swallowing your entire vacation.

Meeting Point and Pickup: How to Keep Day One Calm

You meet at Yacht Club Orsan, Ul. Ivana pl. Zajca 4, Dubrovnik. It’s a clear landmark in the city, and it also helps that it’s near public transportation if you need a Plan B.

Pickup is offered, but you should note the fine print: pickups less than 1 km from the starting point aren’t included. That means if you’re right nearby, you might simply meet at the yacht club instead of being driven up.

For pickup arrangements, contact the operator on the phone. Viber and WhatsApp are supported too, which is handy if you’re navigating Dubrovnik in the middle of the day. My advice: message or call the moment you have your confirmation, so you’re not guessing what time to arrive.

On Board: Shade, Drinks, and Snorkeling Setup That Saves You Time

This isn’t a bare-bones speed boat with you scrambling for supplies. You’ll have a fridge, sunshade, and a sundeck. That sounds small, but it changes how you feel 30 minutes into the ride. You’re not overheating, and you’re not balancing a drink on your knee.

The drink selection is straightforward: white wine and beer, plus soda/pop and bottled water. You can treat the boat time like the pre-game, then switch into swim mode when you hit the islands.

The biggest practical win is snorkeling equipment is included. You don’t need to bring your own mask or snorkel. That matters because packing snorkeling gear takes up space and often becomes an afterthought—until you’re at the boat and realizing you forgot it.

Quick reality check: bring a swimsuit. It’s not included. If you want to snorkel or jump in at any stop, you’ll be glad you planned for it.

Lopud: Sandy Beaches, Old Forest Paths, and the Temple of Sun

Lopud is the island that feels like a breath of calm. It’s known for sandy beaches, rocky paths through older forests, olive groves, and vineyards. If you like gentle wandering, this is where the day slows down.

On Lopud, you’ll also find old stone houses and a more village-like feel. That’s why people come here: you get beaches, but you also get atmosphere. If your group wants a mix—sun time plus walking time—Lopud is the balance point.

One highlight is Šunj beach, described as a famous spot for romance. Even if you don’t buy the legend, it’s exactly the kind of beach that makes you understand why the Elaphiti Islands became a favorite escape from Dubrovnik.

There’s also a strong culture-and-quiet vibe. You can visit one of the oldest botanic gardens in Europe, plus multiple small churches. And on top of a hill, there’s the Temple of Sun—an area where the light changes as you move, and the view can shift depending on where you stand.

A tip from how this sort of island day typically plays: wear comfortable shoes. Lopud’s paths sound scenic, but they’re not always flat. If you want photos, bring a phone-ready grip for low steps and stone edges.

Šipan: Olive Trees, Rector’s Palace Ruins, and a Port That Feels Untouched

Next up is Šipan, the biggest island on this route. This is the island that leans more historic and less beach-only. It’s famous for a Guinness record tied to the number of olive trees on one island—so if you love food culture and agriculture, this stop gives you that context quickly.

Šipan also has built-in variety for different interests. You can relax near the old fishermen’s port with coffee, or you can do a bit of sightseeing while your captain keeps the schedule moving.

Historically, Šipan shows its age in a very visible way. The late-Gothic Rector’s Palace and ruins of archbishop palaces are part of what you’ll hear about as you move through the area. You’ll also pass toward Suđurađ, the port area where tradition has stayed stronger because it’s farther from the main city flow.

That distance matters. You’ll see small fishing boats, older stone houses, and even kids selling seashells right in the port area. It’s a reminder that this isn’t just a backdrop for day-trippers.

There’s also a defensive story layer here: a castle dating from the 16th century (Stjepović-Skočibuha family) and a tower described as built as protection against pirates. If you like your history with a bit of drama, Šipan gives you that.

Koločep: Clear Water, Hidden Caves, and a Quick Swim-and-Explore Window

Koločep is built for people who want to get in the water. The sea is described as clear, and it’s known for fish and seashells. There are also hidden caves and high cliffs, which means the scenery isn’t just along the shoreline—you get more to look at while the boat moves.

You’ll stop for about an hour, and it’s designed around swimming and snorkeling. During the excursion, you’ll get an opportunity to explore the underwater of Koločep. There’s also a short break on the beach, which is your chance to dry off, snack, and just watch the water.

Koločep has another nice angle: small settlements like Gornje and Donje Celo, described as typical Mediterranean places in south Dalmatia. It’s a good change of pace if you’re tired of staring at your own reflection after snorkeling.

And yes, there’s a big weather claim here: Koločep is said to have about 250 sunny days per year. That’s the kind of promise you’ll feel as soon as the sun hits your shoulders and you realize you picked the right day.

Because the Koločep stop is short, I recommend a simple strategy: snorkel first while you’re fresh, then spend the beach break relaxing instead of trying to squeeze everything in.

4 Hours vs 8 Hours: Choosing Your Pace

This tour comes in two main time windows: about 4 hours or about 8 hours. The stops are similar, but the experience shifts based on how long you stay.

In a shorter window, expect less wandering and more “pick a favorite and enjoy it.” You’ll still visit Lopud and Šipan, and you’ll get the Koločep swim stop. But you’ll need to be a bit more decisive about where you spend your time once you land.

In the longer window, you can slow down. Lopud can be timed to your preference, and Šipan is described as flexible—spend as much time as you want before moving along. That flexibility is key if your group has mixed interests, like one person who wants beach time and another who wants to walk to viewpoints and gardens.

My practical advice: if this is your first visit to the Elaphiti Islands, go longer. The extra time helps you do the “island thing” properly—slow strolls, more than one swim moment, and enough breathing room to avoid rushing for the boat.

Who This Private Speed Boat Day Best Fits

This tour fits best if you want an easy, high-comfort day at sea without giving up real exploring.

You’ll probably love it if:

• You’re traveling with friends or family and want your own group pace (max 12).
• You care about swimming and snorkeling but don’t want gear hassles.
• You’d rather enjoy island time than waste hours on a rigid route.
• You like the idea of drinks included while you switch between sun and shade.

It may not be for you if:

• You hate boat rides in choppy water. This experience needs good weather.
• Your group wants a very structured, museum-heavy itinerary. The value here is outdoors time and coastal exploration.

Should You Book This Elaphiti Islands Speed-Boat Tour?

I think you should book if you want a Dubrovnik highlight that feels fun and relaxing. The reason is simple: you get a luxury speed boat, included snorkeling equipment, and onboard drinks, then you’re placed on islands where you can actually spend time—Lopud’s sandy beach and gardens, Šipan’s olive-and-history vibe, and Koločep’s clear-water swim stop.

If you’re on the fence, choose based on your group mood. If you’re craving sun, swimming, and a slower island pace, go for it—especially the longer option. If your plans are tighter, the shorter timing still covers the core islands, but you’ll spend less time wandering.

The final check I’d do: pick a day with good weather in your schedule. This tour runs on sea conditions, and when the water is friendly, the whole day turns into the kind of memory you can’t replicate with a busy bus tour.

FAQ

How long is the Elaphiti Islands speed boat tour?

It runs for about 4 to 8 hours, depending on the option you choose.

How many people can be in a group?

A maximum of 12 people per booking, and it’s private—only your group participates.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are provided, and they’re arranged via air-conditioned minivan or car. Pickup is not included for locations less than 1 km from the starting point.

What’s included on the boat besides the boat ride?

You get sunshade, a fridge, and access to the sundeck. Drinks included are white wine and beer, plus soda/pop and bottled water.

Are snorkeling supplies included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you don’t need to bring it.

Which islands do you visit?

You stop in Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep.

Do I need to bring a swimsuit?

Swimsuit is not included, so you should bring your own if you plan to swim or snorkel.

What are my cancellation options if the weather is bad?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and 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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