Private Speedboat Tour | Caves Beaches Islands and more

REVIEW · ISLAND HOPPING SPEEDBOAT TOURS

Private Speedboat Tour | Caves Beaches Islands and more

5.0 · 126 reviews 2 to 8 hours (approx.) From $302 Operated by Nono Travel · Bookable on Viator
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A fast boat, a few islands, and a whole lot of sea time. This private speedboat trip is built for people who want big-water views without the slow pace of buses and ferries. You get the freedom to move through Dubrovnik’s nearby islands, swim, snorkel, and hunt for the best spots for the day.

Two things I really like are the small-group feel (private for up to 6) and the way the skipper steers the day toward what you care about, from swimming bays to cave viewing. The included snorkeling setup and towels mean you can show up, get in the water, and go.

One possible drawback: the day depends on good weather, and cave stops can get crowded near peak moments. If you hate crowds, you’ll want the skipper’s help with timing and choosing which stops to prioritize.

Key things to know before you go

Private Speedboat Tour | Caves Beaches Islands and more - Key things to know before you go

  • Private boat for up to 6 people means fewer compromises and easier switching plans mid-day.
  • Snorkeling gear, towels, and drinks are included, so you are not paying extra just to get in the water.
  • Multiple islands in one hire window (2 to 8 hours) gives you options, but time limits which stops you can fully enjoy.
  • Lokrum Island admission is not included, so budget for that if you want to go ashore.
  • Kolocep, Lopud, Sipan, and Lokrum each have a different vibe, from cliff views to monasteries and Game of Thrones film locations.

Why a private speedboat is the best way to see Dubrovnik’s island world

Private Speedboat Tour | Caves Beaches Islands and more - Why a private speedboat is the best way to see Dubrovnik’s island world
Dubrovnik’s postcard views are great from land. But the real magic is what happens when the shoreline becomes your backdrop. On this tour, you are on the water quickly, which changes everything. Coves that are a hassle to reach by public transport become easy stops. And if you want to swim, you can actually choose where the water looks best rather than just where the schedule allows.

I also like the value math for this kind of day. The price is listed per group up to 6, not per person. That can make the day feel expensive if you are traveling solo, but if you have a family or a small friend group, it starts to make a lot more sense. You are paying for a boat, a professional skipper, fuel support, and the gear to enjoy the water.

Finally, I appreciate that the operator uses English and you get a mobile ticket. It makes the day feel organized, without turning it into a stiff tour. You are still the ones steering the vibe.

Kolocep Island: cliffs, bays, and the snorkeling-first feeling

Private Speedboat Tour | Caves Beaches Islands and more - Kolocep Island: cliffs, bays, and the snorkeling-first feeling
Kolocep is the kind of island stop that sets the tone for the whole day. It is described as Croatia’s southernmost inhabited island, and you can feel that in the mix of scenery and easy access to nature. The planned stop is about 1 hour, and you typically have the chance to get off the boat and explore.

What you can expect:

  • Time to walk around and take in dramatic views from higher spots
  • A chance to decide between a beach stroll or heading back to the boat for swimming

Why it’s worth it: Kolocep gives you that “get your eyes on the coast” moment fast. Then, when you are ready, you can shift into water mode. A lot of the best memories from this tour come from the swim parts, and Kolocep is one of the easiest places to feel that momentum.

A practical note: the tour includes snorkeling equipment, so if you want to snorkel, this is usually where you start using it. The included towels and drinks also help you recharge without scrambling to find a store.

Lopud Island: beaches, a monastery, and a garden you can actually stroll

Lopud is where the day slows down just enough to feel human. You get about 1 hour here, and the stop is built around two different types of enjoyment: beach time plus light history and architecture.

On Lopud, the experience focuses on:

  • Sunj Beach area time
  • Possible visits connected to the Ragusa Republic (Dubrovnik Republic) era
  • Options like a botanical garden or a monastery stop

Why I like this stop: it breaks up the “all sea, all the time” rhythm. After swimming and hopping from island to island, it is nice to stretch your legs and wander through something calmer. The botanical garden element also gives you shade and a slower pace if the sun is intense.

Possible drawback: if your group wants nonstop jumping into the water all day, Lopud’s hour can feel short. My advice is to treat Lopud as your reset. Take it seriously, even if you only do part of it. You can always spend longer later, if your hire time allows.

Sipan: local cuisine and a hidden-bay mood

Private Speedboat Tour | Caves Beaches Islands and more - Sipan: local cuisine and a hidden-bay mood
Sipan is the biggest Elaphite island on the plan, and it has a different feel from Kolocep and Lopud. You are allotted about 1 hour 30 minutes here.

The idea is:

  • Time to find good local food (the description calls out local cuisine)
  • A possible stop at Sipan’s Luka
  • Time near an “incredible hidden bay” setting, with swimming opportunities

Why it’s valuable: Sipan tends to be a better fit for people who want a mix, not just one type of activity. You can make it about a meal, about swimming, or about both. And if your group enjoys the “find a quieter place” feeling, an anchor bay setup usually delivers.

The reality check: not everyone will manage to do a full walk-around plus a long swim plus extra photos, all within the time window. If you care about swimming most, ask the skipper to keep your ashore time tight and your water time generous.

Set these Dubrovnik options side by side before you book

Lokrum Island: ruins, peacocks (maybe), and the Game of Thrones connection

Private Speedboat Tour | Caves Beaches Islands and more - Lokrum Island: ruins, peacocks (maybe), and the Game of Thrones connection
Lokrum is where your day can become part nature break, part pop-culture detour, and part “why did I wait so long to come here” moment. You get about 2 hours on this island.

From the tour description, Lokrum includes:

  • Exploring ruins of an old monastery
  • Seeing Game of Thrones film-related props (depending on what is available during your visit)

Important detail: Lokrum Island entry is not included. So even though it is part of the plan, you will want to budget the admission fee separately. Plan for time to handle that at the island.

Why I think Lokrum is worth protecting in your schedule: it gives variety. Kolocep and Lopud can be mostly “views plus swimming.” Lokrum adds walking, ruins, and a unique island feel that you do not get from just staying on the boat. It also sits close enough to Dubrovnik that you are not losing the whole day to travel.

One consideration: if you skip Lokrum and pack in more island time elsewhere, you may miss one of the most varied parts of the tour. For many groups, Lokrum ends up being the island they remember beyond the swim spots.

Snorkeling and caves: how to get the cool experience without the worst crowds

Private Speedboat Tour | Caves Beaches Islands and more - Snorkeling and caves: how to get the cool experience without the worst crowds
The tour includes snorkeling equipment, towels, and drinks, so you’re set up to spend real time in the water. That matters because the caves and rocky swim spots are only as good as your willingness to be in and out of the water.

Caves show up in the experience through stops geared to cave viewing. The tour mentions classic cave areas and the idea of cave systems in the region. In practice, the most talked-about moments from this kind of day are:

  • Swimming through rocky openings
  • Getting close to cave entrances by boat
  • Snorkeling where fish and underwater shapes are easier to see

But caves also come with a crowd reality. Cave entrances can bunch up boats fast, and that affects the experience. You cannot control other groups, but you can control timing and where you spend your limited time.

Here is my practical advice:

  • If your group cares most about snorkeling quality, aim to do your best water time when fewer boats are around.
  • If a cave entrance looks packed, ask your skipper to adjust your route. Your skipper is there for exactly that kind of decision-making.
  • Don’t force every cave stop. It’s better to hit one or two well than rush through all of them.

Also, bring the right mindset. Cave boat rides plus swim time can be a lot. Drink the included soft drinks while you’re drying off, then get back in when you are ready.

What Vincenzo and the skipper setup brings to the day

Private Speedboat Tour | Caves Beaches Islands and more - What Vincenzo and the skipper setup brings to the day
This tour’s biggest strength in the real world is the human part: the skipper. In the reviews tied to this experience, Vincenzo gets strong praise for being friendly, informative, and flexible with the day. You can feel the difference when the guide is not just driving, but actively thinking about your preferences.

What that means for you:

  • You get history and island context in a way that stays practical, not a lecture.
  • The day can adjust if your group wants more swimming, less walking, or different pacing.
  • You get recommendations for what to do and where to eat during the island time.

The other value lever is the included items. Having snorkeling gear, towels, and drinks ready reduces friction. You spend your time being on the water, not managing logistics.

One thing to keep in mind: the tour includes drinks, but it is still a boat day. You will likely feel warmer and windier than you expect, so think about sunscreen and a swimsuit even though those specific items are not listed as included. (The tour notes you should bring your own.)

Timing, duration, and how to plan what you actually want

Private Speedboat Tour | Caves Beaches Islands and more - Timing, duration, and how to plan what you actually want
The tour duration is listed as 2 to 8 hours, depending on what you book. That matters because the island list is multiple stops. In a shorter hire window, you will likely choose fewer stops or spend less time ashore. In a longer one, you can afford more wandering, more swimming, and a more relaxed pace.

A good planning trick is to decide your top two priorities before you go:

  • Option A: swimming and snorkeling quality
  • Option B: island walking and viewpoints
  • Option C: specific stops like Lokrum or a lunch focused on local cuisine

If you are booking closer to the shorter end, focus on the islands that match your priorities and accept that you may not cover all four named stops deeply.

Weather is the other big driver. The experience notes it requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you should expect a different date or a full refund.

Price and value: is $302.34 per group a good deal?

At $302.34 per group up to 6, the price is easiest to judge by asking who you are traveling with.

  • If you are 2 people, it can feel pricey compared to public ferries, but the private boat time and snorkeling gear change the math.
  • If you are 4 to 6 people, it can start to feel like a smart splurge, especially because it includes the skipper and the water gear.

The value comes from three buckets:

  1. Boat + skipper + fuel support (listed as included)
  2. Gear and comfort basics (snorkeling equipment, towels, drinks)
  3. Time on the water where Dubrovnik looks at its best

If your group wants a flexible day that includes swimming and cave viewing, you are paying for convenience plus access. You are not just booking transport, you are booking time.

Should you book this private speedboat tour?

If you want fast access to multiple islands, you care about swimming and snorkeling, and you want a day shaped around your preferences instead of fixed tour pressure, I think this is an excellent match.

I would book it if:

  • Your group includes at least a few people, so the per-group price feels more reasonable
  • You want both water time and at least some shore exploring
  • You like the idea of cave and bay moments where timing can matter

I might skip or rethink it if:

  • Your group hates crowds and you are visiting during peak cave-heavy hours
  • You only want one island and prefer to travel slower by ferry
  • Weather is uncertain for your trip dates, and you know you will feel disappointed if plans shift

If you do book, do one simple thing: before the day starts, tell the skipper your top priorities (swimming, walking, Lokrum, or food). With a private boat, that conversation can turn the whole day from a schedule into your day.

FAQ

How much does the private speedboat tour cost?

The price is listed as $302.34 per group for up to 6 people.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as 2 to 8 hours (approx.), depending on what you choose.

Where do we meet, and where does the tour end?

You start at Lapadska obala 4, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It is a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

What’s included in the snorkeling and comfort setup?

It includes the use of snorkeling equipment, drinks, towels, and a professional skipper.

Is Lokrum Island entry included?

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

Is cancellation free, and what happens if weather is bad?

Cancellation is free. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.