Dubrovnik: Private Elaphiti Islands and Blue Cave Tour

Dubrovnik on a private boat beats the usual day-trips, and the Blue Cave snorkeling makes it feel special fast. This Elaphiti islands and Blue Cave tour mixes easy cruising, time to swim in clear water, and a human-scale pace where your skipper helps shape the day around what you want to do. It’s a great match if you like being out on the Adriatic without crowds steering the schedule.

What I like most is the flexibility. On the water, you tell the skipper your wishes, and he will try to make them happen, including choosing how long you stay at swim stops. I also really appreciate the practical setup: hotel pickup and drop-off, a boat with a ladder, shower, towels, and snorkel gear, plus cooled drinks like water, Coca-Cola, and beer.

One drawback to know upfront: this is not for people prone to seasickness, and fuel is paid in cash on the boat (it is not built into the price). If that bill would stress you out, plan for it early.

Key things to know before you go

• Private boat, group size up to 9: you’re not sharing the day with strangers.
• Snorkeling gear included: you can jump in at the Blue Cave without extra rental steps.
• Skipper-driven choices: you can steer the day toward more swimming or more sightseeing.
• Multiple island stops: Lopud, Koločep, Sjekirica, Šunj, plus the Blue Cave area.
• Lunch is not included: you’ll eat at a local restaurant your skipper recommends (often on Lopud).

Price and value: what $647 really buys

The price is $647 per group (up to 9 people) for a 4 to 8 hour private boat day. That matters because private tours often price per person and suddenly feel pricey once you add up a family or group. Here, the math gets friendlier fast as your group fills.

Still, there are two value points to consider.

First, fuel is not included. The tour lists specific fuel costs paid in cash on the boat, and they depend on the route length:

• 4 hour tour: 80€
• 6 hour tour: 90€
• 8 hour tour: 100€
• To Korčula: 230€
• To Hvar: 400€
• To Split: 500€

Second, lunch is not included, but you are not left guessing where to eat. The skipper recommends a local restaurant, and from the experience reports I saw, that recommendation tends to land well, often on Lopud. If you’re the type who likes a good meal with a view, that’s part of the value, even if you pay for lunch separately.

My advice: treat this as half boat rental, half day-plan. If you want maximum control over swim time and where you go, this is where you’ll feel the benefit.

How pickup and the boat setup make this feel easy

The day starts with hotel pickup and drop-off (pickup is optional, but the driver waits in front of your accommodation). You’ll be taken to the port, where your skipper is waiting with the boat.

On the water, the boat includes:

• Bimini for sun shade
• Snorkeling gear
• Towels
• Cooled drinks (water, Coca-Cola, beer)
• Sound system with Bluetooth
• Shower
• Ladder for getting in and out of the water

That ladder and shower are small details that pay off in real life. You’ll be wet, you’ll want an easy way back aboard, and then you might still have a dinner plan later. The Bluetooth sound system also changes the vibe: you can keep the day fun without blasting a speaker into everyone’s face, since it’s your private boat.

From the feedback I reviewed, the transport side is consistently smooth, including people noting punctual, comfortable drives to the boat. That’s not glamorous, but it’s one of the big reasons this tour works well with short on-island stays.

Lopud Island: an easy start with good coastal views

Lopud is usually the first real island flavor of the day. The plan includes sightseeing and scenic views on the way, and then time to enjoy Lopud at a relaxed pace.

Why Lopud works early in the tour: it helps you get oriented before you commit to the swimming-focused part of the day. You can stretch your legs, grab a drink, and enjoy that laid-back island feel that you don’t get from just passing by from shore.

What to do if you have energy: wander a bit near the waterfront and soak up the rhythm of island life. What to do if you want to go slow: sit with a coffee, then save your full effort for the water stops later.

Potential drawback: if your group is mainly chasing the Blue Cave and snorkeling, you might wish for more time specifically at the cave. The tradeoff is a smoother day overall. You’re not rushing from port to port with no breathing room.

Koločep and the Blue Cave: snorkeling where the water turns bright

Koločep is next, with a break time and scenic views on the way. Then the route includes a stop at the Blue Cave area (on the Koločep side of the action), with swimming time.

Here’s what makes this part worth it: the tour is designed around the natural phenomenon of the cave. You don’t just stop and look. You’re set up with snorkeling gear to swim around and see the formations inside and around the cave.

Practical tips for a better cave snorkeling experience:

• Bring your swimwear and sunscreen even if it looks cloudy. Boat days have a way of sneaking in sun.
• Keep your rhythm calm. Moving slowly is easier on you and helps you enjoy the view.
• Be ready for changing light. The cave experience depends on how the light hits the water.

If you get motion-sensitive, this segment is the point you should think about carefully. The cave stop is still part of a boat day, and the itinerary includes multiple swim breaks.

Sjekirica Beach and Šunj Beach: the swims you can actually linger at

After the cave, the tour shifts into a more beach-and-water rhythm. The itinerary includes:

• Sjekirica Beach (break time, swimming, scenic views on the way)
• Beach Šunj (break time, swimming, scenic views on the way)

These are the stops where the private boat format really shows. Instead of a strict group schedule, you often get room to choose how long you stay in the water. Many people like splitting their time between:

• One longer swim for full relaxation
• One shorter swim for taking photos and checking out the water clarity

Why these beaches matter in the overall day: they let you decompress. The cave is a natural spectacle, but beaches give you the simple pleasure of warm water and slow time.

Also, these stops are ideal for different comfort levels. If someone in your group wants to snorkel longer, you can do that. If someone just wants to float and swim, that works too.

Lunch on Lopud: you eat well because the skipper chooses

Lunch is not included in the price, but the skipper plans it for you at a local restaurant recommended by him. The tour notes that lunch is likely on Lopud, and that the restaurant is chosen by the skipper.

From the experience reports I saw, the lunch end of the day often lands as a highlight. People specifically called out waterfront settings and fresh seafood meals, including a restaurant name that came up often: La Villa in Lopud.

What I like about this approach is it saves you decision fatigue. You don’t need to figure out where to eat while juggling swimming logistics. You also benefit from someone choosing a place that fits your time and mood, like where you can find a relaxing spot to lie down or swim afterward.

One consideration: because lunch isn’t included, factor that cost into your overall budget. But if the meal is part of the reason you’re paying for a premium day, this is usually money spent well.

What the tour feels like in real life: pace, flexibility, and control

This is a private group boat day, which means the big luxury is control. You can share what you want to focus on, and the skipper will try to build the day around it.

That shows up in:

• How long you stay at each stop
• Whether you prioritize swimming time
• How the schedule fits your group energy

If you book the longer duration (toward 8 hours), you’ll generally have more breathing room to do both sightseeing and a slower swim rhythm. If you’re short on time, the 4 or 6 hour versions still include the core moments: Lopud, Koločep, the Blue Cave area, and then the beach stops.

My practical tip: if you’re a first-timer in Dubrovnik and you want one water day that feels like a proper plan, pick the duration that matches your group. Busy families usually love the 6 hour option because it gives enough time to feel relaxed, not rushed.

Also, tell the skipper any priorities before you hit the water. If you want more beach time, say it early. If you want a more relaxed vibe, say that too. This tour is designed for those conversations.

What to bring, and what to think about on a boat day

This is a swim-first, sun-on-the-water type of outing, so come prepared.

Bring:

• Sunscreen
• Swimwear
• Hat
• Sunglasses

And think through these boat-day realities:

• You will get wet, so plan clothes accordingly if you want to head out after.
• Consider a quick-dry towel or extra dry shirt for later, even though the tour provides towels.
• If you hate sun, use the bimini when you’re not swimming. Shade helps a lot on long water stretches.

Health and comfort notes from the tour info:

• Not suitable for people prone to seasickness
• Not for wheelchair users

If anyone in your group has mobility needs, you should check the boat setup carefully before booking. The presence of a ladder suggests it’s not built for wheelchair access.

Who should book this Elaphiti and Blue Cave tour

You should book this if:

• You want a private day on the water out of Dubrovnik
• You care about swimming and snorkel time, especially at the Blue Cave
• You like having a local skipper help shape the day
• You’re traveling with a group up to 9 people and want the value of a group-priced private boat

You might skip it if:

• You or someone in your group gets seasick easily
• You want a mostly cultural, on-land sightseeing day
• You dislike unplanned spending, since fuel is paid in cash on the boat and lunch is extra

Should you book the Dubrovnik Private Elaphiti Islands and Blue Cave Tour?

In my view, this is a strong choice when you want one well-structured sea day that mixes natural sights and actual swimming time, without the stress of navigating everything yourself. The big strengths are the private control, the included snorkeling gear, and the practical boat amenities that make the day comfortable from pick up to drop off.

If you’re budgeting, don’t just look at the headline price. Add the listed fuel cost for your duration and plan for lunch. Once you do that, the value usually makes sense, especially for groups close to the 9-person limit.

My call: book it if your group is excited about water time and you want a local skipper to steer the day. Skip it if seasickness is a concern or if you’d rather spend your time walking old streets than floating in clear Adriatic water.

FAQ

How long is the Dubrovnik Private Elaphiti Islands and Blue Cave Tour?

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

How many people are in the private group?

The price is for a group of up to 9 people.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and pickup is optional with the driver waiting in front of your accommodation.

What is included in the price besides the boat ride?

Included are the skipper/tour guide, snorkeling gear, cooled drinks (water, Coca-Cola, beer), bimini, towels, a Bluetooth sound system, shower, and a ladder.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, but the skipper recommends a local restaurant and stops for lunch during the tour.

Do I have to pay fuel during the tour?

Yes. Fuel is not included in the price and is paid in cash on the boat. Fuel costs vary by tour length and destination (for example 80€ for a 4 hour tour, 100€ for an 8 hour tour).

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included.

What should I bring for the tour?

Bring sunscreen, swimwear, a hat, and sunglasses.

Is this tour suitable for seasickness or wheelchair use?

No. It is not suitable for people prone to seasickness, and it is not for wheelchair users.