A private speedboat day beats the usual Dubrovnik routine. You’ll ride from Lapadska Obala into the Elaphite Islands for warm, clear water swims and a flexible, skipper-led route.

Two things I really like: the chance to swim and snorkel around Koločep’s caves and the Blue Cave, and then slow down at Šunj Beach on Lopud with calm water and space to relax.

One consideration: lunch is not included, and there’s also an extra fuel charge of €100 per booking, so plan your budget for food and the add-on.

Key highlights you can count on

• Blue Cave time for a quick swim and photo moment, with snorkeling gear available on board
• Šunj Beach on Lopud for a true beach break, with shallow water and sheltered swimming
• Monastery and gardens on Lopud (Franciscan monastery founded in 1483, plus a free botanical garden stop)
• Šipan’s Suđurađ area with stops tied to Stjepović-Skočibuha and Pakljena tower (dated 1563)
• Snacks, drinks, and snorkel equipment included, plus floaties and life jackets for comfort

A private Elaphiti Islands speedboat day that actually feels like yours

This is a tailor-made private speedboat tour from Dubrovnik that runs about 8 to 9 hours with travel time included. Your group is limited to up to 6 people, and it stays in English, which makes it easier to get real local guidance instead of just following a ferry schedule.

What I love here is the rhythm. You’re not just hopping from one dock to another. You’re spending real chunks of the day in water, beaches, and a couple of land stops where you can see islands that most visitors only pass by.

The value part is also practical. Your skipper handles the driving and timing, and the boat includes snacks, drinks, and snorkeling gear. That matters in Croatia, where a “drink stop” can easily turn into a pricey detour.

Lapadska Obala to Koločep: caves, snorkeling masks, and the Blue Cave swim

Your day starts at Lapadska Obala Pier, Lapadska obala 5, and it loops back there at the end. From the get-go, the tour is built around water time, and the first major stop is Koločep (also called Kalamota by locals).

This is where the cave route shows its best side. You get time to explore caves as you like, guided by your local skipper. The water is described as warm and very clear, and the cave highlight is the Blue Cave, which is reached by a short swim from the boat.

A key detail: there are a few rocks along the side where you can pause if you need to. That sounds small, but it’s a real comfort factor if you’re not a confident swimmer in open water. Snorkeling masks are provided, and you can use snorkeling gear if you want to look beneath the surface.

You’ll also have drinks on board, including beer, wine, soda, and bottled water. That keeps the vibe easy, because you’re not constantly trying to find a café before you can enjoy the views.

Time-wise, plan around about 2 hours for this first stop. Admission for this stop is listed as free, which is helpful if you’re trying to keep the day’s costs predictable.

One practical note: cave swimming can mean more steps and moving around on uneven edges. If you bring water shoes, you might feel more secure. If you don’t, just go slowly and use any safe handholds your skipper points out.

Šunj Beach on Lopud: the sheltered, sandy reset after the caves

After the caves, the tour heads to Šunj Beach on Lopud for another about 2 hours. This is the anti-rush stop, the one where you trade cave rocks for sand and calm water.

Šunj is known for its wide sandy shoreline and shallow, protected swimming conditions. The bay is naturally sheltered, so the water tends to feel more manageable than the open stretch between islands. It’s also described as family-friendly because kids can often wade without fighting waves.

Along the beach, you’ll find cocktail bars and food options. There’s even a place with hammocks strung between trees, which is perfect for slowing down with a cold drink and doing less, like actually less, for a while.

This part is also a good way to break up the day mentally. After cave time, your shoulders and legs might feel busy. On Šunj, you can float, swim easy, and let your body reset.

Lopud island time: Franciscan monastery (founded 1483) and a free botanical garden

Next up is Lopud again, but this time you shift from pure swim mode into a more cultural and scenic pace. Lunch is planned here at a local restaurant, but the tour price list says lunch is not included. So treat it as an on-site choice, not a guaranteed included meal.

The land visit is built around two main stops. First is the Franciscan monastery founded in 1483, described as the oldest part of Lopud. It’s the kind of place that works best when you have a bit of time to look around slowly, not when you’re trying to tick boxes.

Second is the botanical garden, listed as a free stop. This is the sort of quieter interlude that can be better than another photo stop. You get a change of pace, and it doesn’t feel like a rushed museum moment.

The time on this section is about 2 hours, and admission is listed as included for these stops. That’s valuable because it reduces the number of separate payments you have to manage during your day.

The one thing to watch: this is a boat day, so even the land parts are time-boxed. If you hate walking in the sun, bring a hat and plan for shaded breaks when possible.

Sudurad on Šipan: Suđurađ’s village vibe and fast history stops

Your itinerary then shifts toward Šipan, specifically the area of Suđurađ, with about 1 hour for this stop. This is where the tour blends a quick guided look at island culture with scenic viewpoints.

In Suđurađ, you’ll see remains tied to the renaissance castle of the noble family Stjepović-Skočibuha, also connected to the Skočibuha name. You’ll also hear about the Pakljena tower, which dates back to 1563.

What I like about this portion is the time efficiency. You get enough context to understand why the village layout and buildings matter, without turning the day into a long classroom lecture. Your skipper also shares myths and legends of Šipan and points out historical, natural, and cultural spots.

There’s also a chance to visit Šipanska Luka, mentioned as a place where locals still live by old customs. Even if you only see parts of it, it helps you connect the island to real daily life rather than treating it as a theme park of pretty views.

This is not an all-day hike segment. It’s a short, guided feel for another island personality, and that keeps the overall day balanced.

Osmoliš beach on the coastline: turquoise water and one last swim

After Šipan, the boat heads along the coastline to the turquoise beach of Osmoliš. This part is another about 1 hour, and it ends with a swim at the beach.

If you’re the type who loves closing a day with one more water moment, Osmoliš is a strong finish. The tour description emphasizes turquoise water and a final swim, which tends to land well because it’s still active but not as logistically intense as the earlier cave stop.

The day is described as concluding your full-day adventure here, but the operator notes you can extend your stay to savor the waves and have another glass of local wine. I’d take that option if the weather stays kind and you still have energy, because it’s the rare moment where you can slow the clock down.

Just remember, extension depends on conditions and timing, so ask your skipper what’s realistic once you’re there.

Included stuff that makes the day easier (and what to bring anyway)

This tour includes a lot of small things that add up on a boat day. You’ll get a skipper, snacks, bottled water, and drinks like wine and beer, plus soda (including Coca Cola and Coca Cola Zero). Life jackets are included, and so are floaties.

Snorkeling equipment is included too. That means you’re not hunting for rentals or trying to remember your own mask at the last second. With the Blue Cave swim and the chance to look beneath the water, this gear inclusion matters.

What’s not included is simple. Fuel is an extra charge of €100 per booking, and lunch is not included.

So what should you bring?

• A swimsuit plus something you can dry in, quickly
• Sunscreen and a hat (sun can be intense even when you’re on the water)
• A small bag or dry bag for phones and documents
• Cash or card for lunch, since you’ll likely order at the restaurant stop

Also, get your bearings on arrival. The meeting point is Lapadska Obala Pier, and it ends back there. Having that in mind saves you stress when you get off the boat.

Price and value: $409.72 per group, plus a couple of extras

The price is $409.72 per group for up to 6 people. That structure is often the real value on Dubrovnik boat days, because you’re not paying per person. If you’re traveling as a couple or a small group, the math tends to be kinder than many larger group options.

But there are two add-ons you should plan for upfront. Fuel is listed as €100 per booking, and lunch is not included. That doesn’t make the tour bad, it just means your total day cost is not fully locked in.

Here’s how I’d think about the value:

• You’re paying for a private boat, a skipper, and multiple swim-and-sight stops across the Elaphite Islands
• Snacks and drinks reduce the need for extra purchases during the day
• Snorkeling equipment and life jackets remove rental hassles

If you budget for lunch and the fuel charge, you’re basically covering the “core package” plus your personal food choice. That’s fairly straightforward for an 8 to 9 hour day.

What this day feels like in practice, with a skipper-led pace

The tour is described as tailor-made, which shows up in how the day can feel. The stops aren’t rigid in a way that forces you to sprint. You spend time at each island segment, and your skipper helps set the pace based on conditions and your interests.

One thing I’d call out from the overall vibe: the experience is strongest when you lean into it. If you treat it like a photo-only tour, you’ll miss the point. The best parts are the swims, the cave access, and the beach downtime where you actually get to breathe.

It also helps that the tour runs in English, so you can ask questions without switching to a translation app.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, the boat is a speedboat, so it can feel active. You might want to sit in a spot that feels steadier to you and bring any motion-sickness remedy you normally use.

Who should book this private Elaphiti Islands tour?

I’d book this if you want:

• A private boat day without worrying about ferry schedules
• Real water time, including snorkeling and a Blue Cave swim
• A good mix of beach relaxation plus a bit of island culture
• A smaller group size, up to 6, where the day can feel personal

I’d think twice if you:

• Want lunch to be fully included, with no meal decisions
• Dislike swimming and prefer only shore sightseeing
• Are traveling when weather is unpredictable, because the experience depends on good conditions

If you’re traveling with kids, this can work well because Šunj Beach is described as shallow and calm, which is one of the main challenges on island beach days.

Should you book this tour?

Yes, if your priority is a great swim day with a flexible skipper and you’re okay budgeting lunch separately. This is the kind of tour that feels like a break from “stand in line, then move on” sightseeing.

No, if you want a fully all-inclusive package where every meal and cost is prepaid. The tour includes snacks and drinks, but lunch is not included, and fuel is extra.

My quick checklist before you book:

• Pick this if you’re excited by caves, snorkeling, and a beach reset
• Confirm you’re comfortable with an 8 to 9 hour full-day format
• Plan for lunch spending and the fuel add-on so nothing feels surprise-y

FAQ

How long is the Private Elaphiti Islands boat tour?

It runs about 8 to 9 hours, and that total includes travel time.

How many people are in a group?

It’s a private tour. Your group size can be up to 6 people.

What is the price?

The price is $409.72 per group.

Where does the tour start and end?

You meet at Lapadska Obala Pier, Lapadska obala 5, Dubrovnik, Croatia, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s included in the tour?

It includes the skipper, snacks, all fees and taxes, snorkeling equipment, floaties, alcohol (wine and beer), bottled water, soda, and life jackets.

What is not included?

Fuel is an additional €100 per booking, and lunch is not included.

Is the tour in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

Does the tour require certain weather conditions?

Yes. It requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Do you get a ticket on your phone?

Yes, you receive a mobile ticket.