Private boat tour- explore the islands, find hidden caves and try snorkelling

Blue cave swims beat Dubrovnik crowds. This private 8-hour day strings together Kolocep, Sipan, Lopud, and Šunj with snorkelling time and cave swimming spots, which is exactly the kind of change of pace you want on the Adriatic. I also like how the boat gives you a flexible, private rhythm instead of a crowded herd, so the captain can work around real conditions at sea. One thing to consider: the day’s order of stops can vary, since not every itinerary runs exactly as written in every weather situation.

What makes it feel like good value is the mix of included basics and on-water comfort. You get hotel pickup (within their radius), drinks during the ride, a restroom on board, and snorkeling equipment, so you are not spending your whole day chasing logistics. The only catch is that lunch is not included, so plan for an extra meal cost when you hit Šipan.

Key highlights worth planning for

• Blue cave and Kolocep caves with time set aside for swimming and snorkelling inside cave areas
• A private boat for up to 6 so you can spread out and set your own pace
• Drinks on board like beer, wine, soda, and bottled water, plus a restroom for long hours
• Four island stops in one day including a lunch break on Šipan and beach time at Šunj
• Captains who adapt when the sea gets choppy, finding safe swimming spots anyway
• Snorkelling gear included, but I suggest double-checking what’s available in the moment

Price and what is actually included on an 8-hour private boat

At $302.46 per group (up to 6), this tour is priced like a “private day” rather than a seat on a big catamaran. If you fill the boat with 4 to 6 people, the per-person cost suddenly looks pretty reasonable for a full day plus pickup plus drinks. If you are traveling as a couple or solo, you should treat it as a splurge you are buying for privacy and time on the water.

The included perks matter more than you might expect on a long coastal day. Snorkelling equipment is included, along with beer or wine, soda, and bottled water. You also have a restroom on board, and that alone can make an 8-hour outing feel calmer, especially with kids.

One more practical note: fuel is listed as an add-on for some departures. If you see a fuel charge tied to your exact option, it is not a surprise hidden in the fine print. Build it into your mental budget so you are not doing math mid-holiday.

Also remember the tour needs good weather. If conditions are too rough, they will offer an alternate date or a full refund, so it is worth locking in early if your schedule is flexible.

Your day at sea: Kolocep, Sipan, Lopud and Šunj

This is built like a classic island loop with short, high-impact stops. You start with Kolocep Island for about 1 hour, then move on to Šipan for around 2 hours (including the lunch stop where lunch is not included). Next comes Lopud for about 1 hour for walking and beach time, and then the day often closes at Šunj for about 1 hour of sandy relaxation and beach bar vibes.

The stop lengths are short enough that you can fit in multiple settings, but long enough that swimming and photos do not feel rushed. In real life, the captain’s calls on where to anchor and how long to stay can matter even more than the posted schedule, especially when wind kicks up.

One careful consideration: the posted plan calls out Lopud. On at least one day, an unhappy booking reported that the trip did not go to Lopud and only visited Kolocep. That does not mean it will happen to you, but it is a good reminder to ask the captain what you can realistically expect once you are on board and the sea state is clear.

Blue cave and Kolocep snorkelling: how to make the most of cave time

If you are doing this tour for one reason, it is the water time around Kolocep. This stop is specifically set up for the caves in the Dubrovnik area, including the Blue cave plus additional cave areas on Kolocep. The magic is that sunlight reflects in a way that turns cave water into that unforgettable blue glow you see on postcards, without needing a long drive or a crowded viewpoint.

Practically, you should treat cave time like a mini adventure with a simple plan:

• Go early in the stop if you want the best sense of calm before the crowd of boats
• Use the provided snorkelling equipment during the allotted swimming windows
• Expect a bit of movement from waves, because this is the Adriatic, not a swimming pool

A big plus here is that the captain can often find swim spots even on wavier days. Multiple trip notes highlight that when the sea got rough, the skipper still picked good places to swim. That matters if your dream is a mix of caves and open water, not just sitting on the boat looking out.

Safety also comes up in the details. One account notes life jackets and even noodles were provided for a traveler who was not a confident swimmer. If anyone in your group is nervous around water, ask right away for flotation support and use it without shame. It is part of making the day enjoyable for everyone.

One more reality check: snorkelling setups can vary day to day. While the tour includes snorkeling equipment, at least one person said there were no snorkels. You do not want to fight with gear at the dock. If snorkelling is a priority for you, I would ask the captain to confirm what you will have on your boat before you step in.

Sipan for lunch and Lopud for churches and sandy walking

After Kolocep, the pace shifts to an island break at Šipan. You get about 2 hours there, with time for lunch at a nice restaurant. Lunch is not included in the price, so your best move is to pick a restaurant plan early in your mind: either you go with whatever the captain recommends, or you budget for a sit-down meal and a drink.

What makes this stop valuable is the change in scenery. You go from cave swimming to an island lunch break where you can slow down, get out of the water, and let your group recover a bit. On longer boat days, that “breather” is not optional. It keeps the second half of the outing fun instead of exhausting.

Then you head to Lopud for about 1 hour. Lopud is described as an island with churches and a monastery, plus sandy beaches. That means it is not only a swim stop. It is a walk-and-look stop, good for stretching your legs and getting photos that feel more “island town” than “rock and water.”

If you love beaches but also like a little sightseeing texture, this is a nice pairing. If you are traveling with kids, sandy areas tend to be easier than rocky shores, and Lopud’s focus on beaches can make the day feel less intimidating.

Because the schedule can shift under real conditions, I recommend treating Lopud as a bonus if you get it, not the only reason you booked. The water highlights are still centered on Kolocep.

Šunj beach time for sun, drinks, and that last swim

The last stop is often Šunj Beach, about 1 hour. Šunj is described as the most popular sandy beach in the Dubrovnik area, and that usually translates to a beach that feels easy. You can lie down, walk a bit, and use the time for one more swim if the weather is still cooperating.

This is also where beach bar culture kicks in. The tour includes drinks on the boat, but Šunj is a chance to switch gears to a more casual beach break. Even if you do not buy anything at the bars, just having sandy time near the end keeps the day from feeling like nonstop movement.

Timing wise, landing here near the end works well for groups. If you spent the morning and early afternoon in and out of the water, an hour of beach relaxation lets everyone re-group before heading back.

If your group includes someone who gets tired of boats, this beach window is where they might actually enjoy the day most.

Captain skills, boat comfort, and packing for real conditions

The biggest strength of this experience is how much the day depends on the captain, and the notes from different days consistently point to good captain work. Names like Bruno, Ivan, and Lovro appear in the accounts, and the common thread is adaptability. On windy or wavy days, captains still found spots to swim, and some were happy to help with photos.

That adaptability shows up in small ways that make your day smoother. One account mentions the skipper stopping when people got sea sick. Another highlights how the captain took kids in stride and kept the mood friendly. This is why a private tour can feel less stressful than a rigid group schedule.

On-board comfort also gets praised. People mention areas for sun and shade, and a smooth ride depending on the day. Drinks are part of the experience rather than a token, with beer and wine plus soda and water. There is also a restroom on board, which is a big quality-of-life detail on a long outing.

What you should pack is simple, and it is based on what is not included. Bring a swimsuit, towels if you want to avoid relying on whatever you can improvise, and sunscreen. Also consider reef-safe habits if you plan to snorkel in concentrated areas, though the tour info itself does not spell out reef guidance. If you run cold, bring a layer. One review noted it was too cold to swim at a certain time, yet the captain still managed the schedule well.

Finally, if you are the type who gets hungry on the water, remember lunch on Šipan is not included. Build in that expectation so you are not surprised later, especially if you have kids on board.

Should you book this private boat tour from Dubrovnik?

If you want a water-first day with caves, real snorkelling time, and a private boat feel, this is an easy yes. The combination of included snorkelling equipment, onboard drinks, hotel pickup, and multiple island settings in one go is strong value, especially when you have 3 to 6 people sharing the group price.

I would think twice if your top priority is ticking off a fixed list of stops exactly as written, because at least one experience reported that Lopud was skipped. I would also plan for extra spending on lunch, since that part is not included.

Overall, this is the kind of Dubrovnik outing that turns the volume down on the city and turns the focus to the Adriatic. Book it when you have good weather in your forecast, and you will likely remember the cave water long after the shore-side views fade.

FAQ

How much does the private boat tour cost?

It costs $302.46 per group, up to 6 people.

How long is the tour?

It runs about 8 hours (approx.).

What is included with the tour?

Snorkelling equipment, private transportation, a restroom on board, beer and wine, soda (Coca-Cola), bottled water. For sunset tours, a bottle of champagne is included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch during the Šipan stop is not included in the price.

Do you offer pickup?

Yes. Pickup is offered from any hotel, apartment, and address they arrange. If pickup is outside their radius, extra charges apply.

What happens if the weather is poor or I cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.