Private Elaphiti Islands Tour-Explore Blue and Green Cave

Crystal caves and calm coves, no crowding. This private day on the Elafiti Islands is built for boat-only viewpoints, with time to swim around the Blue & Green Caves and explore island villages at a relaxed pace. I especially like the private format, because you are not squeezed into a herd, and I also like that drinks and snorkel gear are handled for you. One thing to weigh is it is a full 8-hour outing, so if you want a short stroll and off-to-dinner schedule, this may feel long.

You start from Dubrovnik at 10:00 AM (or a customized time if you ask), with pickup and drop-off from your accommodation. The boat comes with a crew, beach towels, an underwater camera setup, and masks and snorkels, so you can focus on swimming and photos instead of logistics. If you are sensitive to sun and water time, pack smart because the day includes multiple swim stops and plenty of exposure.

From the service side, the tone is attentive and safe. In my notes from past guests, the crew names that come up are Dominika and Ivan, plus Joseph and Dominic, and the common thread is clear competence and lots of care in how the day runs. Still, it’s worth confirming any fuel payment details up front, since one part of the info says fuel is included while another mentions extra fuel money paid in cash.

Key things I’d call out before you go

• Blue Cave and Green Cave stops are a highlight, with swim time built into the schedule.
• Private group format means you control your pace and avoid feeling rushed.
• Modern boat + good included gear, including drinks, beach towels, masks, and snorkels.
• Island-hopping that makes sense: Koločep, Šipan, then Lopud in a smooth day loop.
• Onboard flexibility, including music from the boat system and time choices during the day.
• Bring cash just in case, since fuel details can vary in the provided info.

Dubrovnik pickup and your 10:00 AM start

The day begins in Dubrovnik, with pickup from your accommodation to the dock. You ride in a van for about 15 minutes, then you’re on the water and moving toward the Elafiti Islands. The start time is 10:00 AM, with an end time around 6:00 PM, so plan your evening meal accordingly.

This is also the type of tour where the “how it starts” matters. If you arrive early, you can get settled without a frantic scramble for swimwear and cameras. Since your time is protected by the private setup, you also spend less effort trying to meet other groups or match someone else’s schedule.

The driver and crew are listed as English and Croatian, so communication should be straightforward even if your Croatian is limited. And because this is private, you can usually ask for small adjustments, like where you want extra swim time or photo stops, within reason.

Koločep and the Blue Cave: where the water turns electric

Koločep is the first island stop, and it centers on the famous Blue Cave. This is the part of the day that most people picture when they think of “wow” Adriatic water. Your time here includes time to visit the island area, plus a chance to swim in the clear water around the cave.

What I like about this stop is that it is not just a quick look from the boat. You get time to be in the water, plus time on land to enjoy the calmer island feel. If you want photos, this is where you’ll likely spend the most effort, since the cave and surrounding shoreline create strong light and color.

Practical note: you’ll be in and out with swimwear on. Comfortable shoes help for the island walk, and water shoes can help if you hit rocky edges while getting back on board.

Šipan’s Green Cave and sandy beaches: more space, more swimming

After Koločep, the tour heads to Šipan, the largest of the Elafiti Islands in this itinerary. Here, the focus shifts from the Blue Cave look to the Green Cave experience, plus time for snorkeling and swimming. You also get a chance to enjoy a secluded sandy beach and a stroll through the village at the island’s heart.

This stop is valuable because it gives you balance. If Koločep feels like the “spectacle” stop, Šipan feels like the “settle in” stop. You’re not only passing through, you’re spending enough time to actually do water time well, not just a quick dip.

The included diving set matters here. You get masks and snorkels, plus towels, so you do not have to guess what to pack for a day on the water. If you like taking underwater photos, the underwater camera setup included on board can help you capture the water colors without trying to wrestle your own gear while you swim.

Lopud and Šunj Beach: village vibes and a lunch break

Lopud is where you wrap up the island-hopping, with Šunj Beach and local cuisine as the key experiences. Šunj Beach is known for shallow, turquoise water, and it tends to be one of the easier places to enjoy a long swim without fighting deep water immediately after you step in.

Your time here includes free time, plus time for lunch. In practice, this means you can slow down, watch the water, and eat without rushing through a tightly timed checklist. If your group enjoys seafood, this is the part of the day where that craving tends to land hardest.

One caution: lunch at island restaurants can take longer than you think, especially if you have swim time right before. Plan to treat lunch as part of your “slow the day down” moment, not as something you squeeze in between two frantic activities.

The boat, crew, and included gear that actually change the experience

This is a private boat tour with a crew, and the boat matters. In guest feedback, the boat is described as modern and well maintained, even noted as newer and clean. That matters because comfort is not a luxury on an 8-hour ride, it’s part of the day working well.

Here’s what’s included, and why it’s worth caring about:

• Drinks: water, beer, wine, and juices are included.
• Beach towels: you do not need to bring your own.
• Masks and snorkels: included, so you can snorkel without shopping first.
• Underwater camera: included for underwater photos.
• Transfer from accommodation: you are not stuck figuring out how to get to the dock.

A smaller but meaningful detail: one guest described having cell reception during the cruise, and another mentioned using the boat’s music system with their own music throughout the day. That combination can make the day feel less disconnected, even though you’re out on the water.

Also, safety comes up in the service notes. Guests specifically mention feeling safe and secure the entire time, and that the captains were capable and attentive. For a private speedboat day, that confidence is a real value.

Timing, customization, and how to make the day feel “yours”

The day runs about 8 hours, with visits and stops on the three islands. Because it is private, you’re not forced into the same exact pattern as a larger group. The plan includes photo stops, visits, coffee and lunch, free time, boat cruising, walking, swimming, and snorkeling.

The best way to think of this schedule is as a menu, not a stopwatch. You get a standard route: Koločep first, Šipan next, Lopud last. But you also get room to shift your attention between swimming, photos, and island wandering.

There are also optional activities mentioned, including hidden swimming spots and cliff jumping. If your group likes adrenaline, you’ll probably want to ask the crew whether the conditions are right for cliff jumping that day. If you’d rather keep it relaxed, treat cliff jumping as optional entertainment rather than a requirement.

One more comfort factor: you’ll likely be in strong sun. Even if the sea looks inviting, the day still includes long stretches of time outside the shade. Bring a hat and sunglasses, and use sunscreen before you get too warm.

Price, value, and the one detail to confirm before you book

The price is listed at $2,127 per group up to 8, for an 8-hour private tour. For a private boat day, this can be reasonable value, especially since drinks and snorkeling gear are included and you’re not sharing the boat with strangers.

One guest described choosing this type of private setup because fuel and drinks are included on this tour, noting that those items can cost a lot more on bigger boats. That aligns with how I evaluate value: if the “nice extras” are already handled, your money buys time on the water instead of a pay-to-continue feeling.

That said, there is one inconsistency you should clarify directly with Azure Voyage Dubrovnik. The info includes fuel in the price, but it also mentions an additional fuel cost paid in cash after the tour: 350€ for a full day. Before you lock it in, send a message asking whether you will owe fuel cash on the day, and if so, confirm the exact amount.

If you want to make this easy for yourself, decide which scenario you prefer:

• If fuel is fully covered, you get a more predictable total cost.
• If fuel is payable in cash, you still get great inclusions, but you’ll want that cash ready.

What to bring for a comfortable day on the Adriatic

The packing list is very practical, and it matches the day you’re likely to have. I’d treat it as your baseline:

• Swimwear, change of clothes, and a T-shirt you can throw on between swims.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat.
• Comfortable shoes for island walking and water shoes or flip-flops for getting on and off the boat.
• Camera and a charged smartphone.
• Snacks if you like having options beyond what you order for lunch.

Even though drinks are included onboard, bringing snacks can help if you get hungry between stops. Also, if you like snorkeling, the included masks and snorkels are great, but a swim cap can still make the experience more comfortable for some people.

Onboard rules are clearly stated: no pets, no smoking in the vehicle or indoors, and no glass objects. There are also restrictions on bikes, skateboards, scooters, and fire-related items. If you’re traveling with anything fragile, skip it and travel light.

Who this tour suits best in real terms

This tour is perfect if you want a private Dubrovnik boat day with real water time and cave-and-color experiences. It’s also a strong fit for families or groups who want Šunj Beach’s shallow swimming and an easy lunch stop without a complicated itinerary.

It is less ideal if you:

• Want a half-day only.
• Dislike long sun exposure and moving between islands.
• Prefer a land-heavy itinerary, since most of your time is on the water with swim stops.

Where it shines is groups of up to 8 who want their day to feel flexible. The private setup means you can breathe, swim when you want, and get your own set of photos without waiting for a crowd.

Should you book the Private Elaphiti Islands Tour to explore Blue and Green Caves?

If you’re deciding between a standard group boat and a private format, I’d lean private for this route. You spend the day with fewer interruptions, you get included snorkel and photo support, and you can shape the pace between Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud.

Book it if you care about:

• Swimming time at both Blue Cave and Green Cave areas.
• A modern, maintained boat and an attentive crew.
• A full-day experience that still feels calm because it is not crowded.

Before you hit reserve, do one quick confirmation message about the fuel payment detail. Once that’s clear, this tour is a smart way to experience the Elafiti Islands from Dubrovnik with less hassle and more time in the water.

FAQ

What islands are included on this private Elaphiti tour?

The tour includes stops at Koločep (Blue Cave), Šipan (Green Cave and sandy beach), and Lopud (Šunj Beach and local cuisine/lunch time).

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as 8 hours, with a start time of 10:00 AM and an end time around 6:00 PM.

Is pickup from Dubrovnik accommodation included?

Yes. Pickup from your accommodation to the dock and the return transfer to Dubrovnik are included, with a van ride of about 15 minutes.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It is a private group experience, priced for up to 8 people.

What is included in the price?

Included items are crew, fuel (stated in the included section), drinks (water, beer, wine, juices), beach towels, an underwater camera, diving set (masks and snorkels), and accommodation pickup and return transfer.

Are drinks provided on board?

Yes. Drinks listed as included are water, beer, wine, and juices.

Is snorkeling available?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are provided as part of the diving set, and snorkeling is included in the planned activities.

Where is lunch during the tour?

Lunch is included as part of the day, with time on Lopud where you can enjoy local seafood at restaurants along the promenade.

Is there an extra fuel cost to pay in cash?

The info contains conflicting statements: fuel is listed as included, but it also mentions an additional fuel payment in cash after the tour (350€ for a full day). Confirm with the operator before you go.

What should I bring for the trip?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, change of clothes, camera, snacks (optional), sunscreen, flip-flops or water shoes, sunscreen, and a charged smartphone.

Are pets allowed on the tour?

No. Pets are not allowed. Smoking is also restricted, and glass objects are not allowed.