Quiet speedboat days beat loud buses. This private Mercan Excursion 34 tour is interesting because you get a coast-by-coast sea route plus cave time and sandy island breaks, not just one long transfer. I especially like the small-group feel (up to 12) and the way the day is built around swimming spots like the Blue Cave and sandy Lopud. One thing to consider: there’s a fuel surcharge paid in cash and the whole plan depends on good weather, so keep an eye on conditions.

In practical terms, you’re doing a classic Dubrovnik-area circuit, starting with the City Walls coast views and then shifting into swim-heavy sightseeing. Expect free entrance on the stops listed, snorkeling equipment included, bottled water, and a skipper. One detail that stands out from firsthand comments: the boat is reported as very quiet, which makes your own music and sunset vibes feel more natural.

Key moments that make this tour worth your time

• Private speedboat, up to 12 people, so you can move at a pace that feels like a day out, not a checklist.
• Blue Cave swim stop built around sea access, with short time blocks that keep the day from dragging.
• Koločep’s Three Green Caves pairing cave color with island atmosphere in about an hour.
• Lopud and Sunj Beach time for shallow, family-friendly swimming and a simple lunch situation.
• Pasjača Beach for a less predictable stop if you want something more natural than the classic island rhythm.
• Snorkeling gear plus drinks and water included, so you show up and start enjoying the day.

Why a private speedboat circuit from Dubrovnik really fits the coast

Dubrovnik’s shoreline is dramatic, but it can be a headache on land if you’re bouncing between viewpoints, buses, and crowds. This kind of private speedboat day makes the coast part of the experience instead of a detour.

I like the balance here: you get sightseeing at the start, then you shift into the stuff the Adriatic does best, swimming and exploring from the water. The tour also keeps the group manageable, and that matters because cave stops are tight and beach stops work better when you are not competing for space.

There’s another quiet advantage: a private day usually means fewer time-wasting pauses. Even with multiple stops, the schedule stays readable, about 8 hours total.

Meet the boat and skipper: how your day starts

You’ll set out from the Dubrovnik area on a private speedboat operated by Boat hire Dubrovnik, a company offering private speedboat tours around the Elafiti Islands. The tour includes a skipper, plus bottled water, soda/pop, and alcoholic beverages.

That inclusion sounds small until you are actually out on the water. Water keeps you comfortable, soda makes long stretches easier, and the option for alcohol is helpful if you want the day to feel like a real celebration rather than work.

One name that shows up in positive feedback is Antonio. He is described as very responsive before the tour, arriving on time, and genuinely helpful once you’re aboard. If you get a skipper with that kind of calm energy, it makes the whole day feel smoother, especially during cave and beach transitions.

Dubrovnik City Walls coast cruise: the best warm-up before swim time

The day begins with a private panoramic cruise around Dubrovnik’s coast, with the Dubrovnik City Walls as the big visual anchor. This is smart because the walls look best from sea level, and the approach by boat helps you orient quickly.

After the cruise, you move toward the Blue Cave area. The schedule includes a short drive segment before you hit the water portion. Think of this first act as getting your bearings, grabbing a few photos, then transitioning into the main event: cave swimming.

A practical note: even though this is a private experience, you should still plan for time spent moving between spots, turning, and positioning the boat. That is normal boat timing, not a delay.

Blue Cave: how the sea entry works and what 4 meters feels like

The Blue Cave stop is built around one simple fact: you can’t visit it like a museum. The only way in is by sea entry.

Here’s what you should expect:

• The cave entrance is small.
• You swim in, and the water depth is about 4 meters, so you can’t stand.
• The time block is about 35 minutes, which is enough to swim in, enjoy the light effect, and get out without rushing your whole day.

The key consideration is comfort and confidence in water. You do not need scuba gear, and it is described as possible without diving, but you should be comfortable with a swim-only entry where footing is not an option.

I also like that the stop is relatively short. Caves can feel visually amazing but physically tiring. A tight time window helps you enjoy the moment and still have energy for the next swim spot.

Three Green Caves on Koločep: a color chase with a clear time limit

Next you head to Koločep Island for the Three Green Caves stop, described as two green caves and one canyon cave. You get about 1 hour here.

This is the part of the day where you’re not just looking, you’re moving. If you’ve never tried cave swimming, it helps that the schedule is generous enough for a calm pace but still structured enough that the day does not stall.

What makes this stop appealing is variety. Two green caves promise that signature light-and-water look, while the canyon cave adds a different shape and feel. Even if you’re not a hardcore swimmer, you can often enjoy the view from the edge and choose how much time you want to spend in the water.

Free access is listed for these stops, so you are not paying extra to get the experience.

Sunj Beach on Lopud: the calm payoff after caves

After the caves, you land on a beach that is described as shallow and sandy, with a long stretch of coast and easy water access. This is Sunj Beach on Lopud, and it’s about 1 hour.

A few details matter here:

• The beach sits on the south side of Lopud.
• It’s almost a kilometer long.
• The water is so shallow that you walk roughly 100 meters before you are actually swimming.

That shallow setup is why Lopud works well for different comfort levels. If you want the fun of the sea without the stress of deep water, Sunj is a smart breather stop. It is also a good spot for families with kids, because the shore-to-swim transition is gentle.

For active breaks, the beach area is noted as offering things like volleyball and tennis, plus picigin and other games. Even if you do not play, you get a lively but relaxed beach mood.

Lopud for lunch and loafing: where your time is best spent

Right after Sunj Beach, the itinerary includes Lopud itself for additional time, with lunch described as a natural fit. This is about 3 hours total for the Lopud segment including the return planning time afterward, and you then head back toward Dubrovnik.

I like this structure because it avoids the common problem of a beach stop where you have to sprint back to meet the group. Here, you get a beach moment, then you have time for food along the coast.

If you want to eat well without overthinking it, look for restaurants along the waterfront where the menu feels simple and local. Since your day is already swim-heavy, a straightforward lunch beats chasing an ambitious sightseeing schedule.

Pasjača Beach: when you want nature more than the usual islands

The final main stop is Pasjača Beach, listed as an option if you don’t want to go to the Elafiti Islands you may have already seen. It runs for about 2 hours.

Pasjača is positioned as an amazing natural beach, and this stop is valuable because it gives your day texture. Not every beach works for every group, but if you prefer a raw, outdoor feel, this is the segment that usually delivers.

Since you’re already doing caves and sandy beach time earlier, Pasjača is a chance to reset. Use the time for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the water without rushing through another set of cave entries.

Snorkeling gear and drinks: what’s included, and what that changes

This tour includes snorkeling equipment, plus bottled water, soda/pop, alcoholic beverages, and a skipper.

That setup is more than convenience. It shapes your day in a positive way:

• You can bring lighter gear because you’re not packing a full snorkel kit.
• You can stay hydrated without paying for bottles on the go.
• The drink inclusion supports the party-versus-adventure balance that many private tours promise.

Just be realistic. Even with gear included, you still need your comfort basics, especially for sun.

What to pack so the day stays easy

The essentials are not included, so pack for a full day outdoors and in the water. The tour information specifically lists items you should bring: bathing suit, towel, sunglasses, suncream, hat, change of clothes, camera.

Here’s how I’d think about it:

• Bring a dry layer for after the swims. You can get chilly when you switch from water time to boat time.
• Sun protection is non-negotiable. Even if clouds show up, the water and glare can still be intense.
• Sunglasses help with both comfort and safety when you are moving in and out of bright reflections.
• If you want photos, plan for camera handling around water. A case or protective bag can make life easier.

Price and value: $360.44 per group up to 12, plus cash fuel

The price is listed as $360.44 per group for up to 12 people, with a typical booking window of about 62 days in advance. That per-group structure is the biggest value lever. If you’re traveling with friends or a small family group, the cost per person drops quickly compared with per-seat tours.

Still, there’s an important add-on. Fuel surcharge is not included and is paid in cash depending on the tour timing:

• 30€ for sunset tour
• 80€ for half day
• 150€ for full day

You should treat that fuel amount as part of your real budget, not a surprise at the dock. The tour is listed at about 8 hours, which generally puts it in the full-day style cost category.

For the value check, I weigh three things:

1. Private speedboat transportation and the coast cruise.
2. Multiple swim-focused stops including cave time and beaches.
3. Included snorkeling gear and drinks.

If those match how you want to spend a day in Dubrovnik, the price looks fair for a private group day.

Who this tour suits best (and who might want a different style)

This is a private tour, and it’s designed for groups who want flexibility and water time. Most travelers can participate, which is useful to know if you’re comparing your comfort level to other adventure tours.

This tour is a strong fit if:

• You want a private group rather than a shared boat.
• You like swimming and want stops built around the water.
• You appreciate having drinks and snorkeling gear included.
• Your group includes people who want both caves and beaches, not just one type of stop.

It might be less ideal if:

• Your group gets stressed about water where you might not stand, like in the Blue Cave.
• You hate planning around weather and prefer fixed, indoor sightseeing.
• You don’t want to pay an extra cash fuel fee.

Should you book this Mercan Excursion 34 private tour?

If your idea of a great Dubrovnik day is sea views, swimming, and skipping the land logistics, I think this is a very smart booking. The itinerary is built around three kinds of payoff: cave adventure, beach relaxation, and island breaks with food time in Lopud.

Two reasons I’d feel confident recommending it: the day includes snorkeling equipment plus drinks and water, and the pace includes real breathing space, not just rapid-fire stops. One final nudge: bring the things that are not included, especially sun protection and a dry change of clothes.

If your dates are flexible, watch the weather. This tour requires good conditions, and your best chance for a smooth day is picking a day when the sea and sky cooperate.

FAQ

How long is the private speedboat tour?

The tour is listed at about 8 hours.

How many people can be in the group?

It’s priced per group up to 12 people.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are snorkeling equipment, bottled water, alcoholic beverages, soda/pop, and the skipper.

Are entrance tickets included for the stops?

Admission tickets are listed as free for the stops shown in the itinerary.

Is fuel included in the price?

No. A fuel surcharge is paid in cash, with amounts listed as 30€ for sunset tour, 80€ for half day, and 150€ for full day.

What should I bring?

Bring a bathing suit, towel, sunglasses, suncream, hat, change of clothes, and a camera.

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.