Private speedboat tour to the islands

Speedboats turn Dubrovnik into island time. This private, skipper-run cruise lets you pick your islands and then spend your time in quiet bays, caves, and villages instead of waiting around for other groups. I love the Blue Cave swim option on Kolocep, with snorkel gear and even a GoPro-style moment, because it feels like your own little set-piece day. The main drawback to think about is timing, the trip length is flexible (about 4 to 10 hours) but you still have to work within the day’s sailing schedule, plus there is no pickup, so you need to reach Lapadska obala 4 on time.

You’ll pay $395.43 per group (up to 6), which is what makes this work for families and small friend groups who want a true private day in the Elaphiti Islands. You also get the practical stuff included like life jackets, bottled water, soft drinks, and beer (18+), and the tour is offered in English with a mobile ticket. Just remember the price can feel different once the fuel surcharge is added, since the operator lists several possible rates per booking.

Quick highlights

• Private skipper control over which islands you hit and how long you stay
• Kolocep’s Blue Cave swim right from where the boat anchors nearby
• Lopud’s sandy Sunj beach plus a village visit after the beach time
• Snorkel gear and life jackets included for adults and children
• Local-style refreshment on board, with bottled water, soft drinks, and beer (18+)

Dubrovnik to Elaphiti Islands, fast and stress-free

Dubrovnik is great for sea days because you can be off the city shoreline quickly and into the calmer-water feel of the Elaphiti Islands. On this tour, you are not stuck with one fixed bus-and-ferry rhythm. Instead, you’re on a private speedboat that can head to bays, cavey coastlines, and small settlements at your own pace.

This is exactly the kind of outing that helps you avoid the Dubrovnik-travel version of shuffle mode. You choose the day shape, half-day or full-day, and then the skipper builds in swimming time and viewpoint cruising while keeping the overall route realistic.

Price and what you truly get for $395.43 per group

Let’s talk value, because $395.43 can sound either like a bargain or a lot, depending on how you compare it.

You’re paying per group, not per person, and the cap is 6. That matters in Croatia, where a lot of boat outings charge per head and then feel crowded once you’re actually on the water. Here, you’re renting a boat experience where the biggest “extra” is time flexibility, your own skipper, and swim stops that are closer to the action.

Included items are also more useful than they look on paper:

• Skipper
• Snorkel equipment (masks)
• Life jackets for adults and children
• Bottled water, soft drinks, and beer
• Local taxes

Two practical notes. First, you will likely see a fuel surcharge added that is not included in the base price. The operator lists multiple fuel surcharge rates per booking (examples shown include €80, €100, €190, and €230), so expect that to be confirmed at checkout. Second, there’s no pick up or drop off, so you are responsible for getting yourself to the start point in Dubrovnik.

If you’re traveling as a small group, want real privacy, and care about swimming and island hopping, this price starts to make sense fast.

Getting to Lapadska obala 4, then letting the sea set the pace

The tour starts and ends at Lapadska obala 4, 20000 Dubrovnik, and it returns you to the same meeting point. It’s near public transportation, but since there is no pick up, you should plan to arrive a bit early and get your bearings before the boat is ready to go.

Plan your day around weather. The experience requires good weather. If conditions are not right, the operator will offer a different date or a full refund.

Also, bring the simple beach-day basics. Even though snorkel gear is included, you’ll want swimwear under your clothes, a towel, sunscreen, and something for sun protection. If you have motion sensitivity, you might want to think about that before you choose a full-day option, since it is a speedboat format with frequent short runs between island stops.

Koločep Island: villages, the Blue Cave swim, and cliffside cruising

Koločep is about a 20-minute sailing distance from Dubrovnik, which sets the tone for the day. Instead of spending half your time getting there, you’re already at the islands quickly.

This stop is built around two things:

1) The island’s two villages, Gornje Čelo and Donje Čelo

2) The Blue Cave area on the south side of the island

On a private tour, you get real control over how long you stay. The plan is to anchor near the Blue Cave, then you swim toward the cave. Snorkeling masks are provided, and a GoPro-style camera is available, so you can capture the moment without having to bring your own setup.

What I like about this stop is that it feels “guided by the coast,” not guided by a script. After the cave swim time, you cruise along the cliffs. That cruising portion matters because it ties the swim stop back to the broader scenery, so the day doesn’t feel like one activity only.

A small consideration: Blue Cave time depends on sea conditions and the skipper’s positioning. If you’re hoping for the maximum time in the cave area, communicate it early in the day, because your total itinerary time is still finite.

Lopud Island and Sunj Beach, then monastery time

If you want a classic summer beach moment, Lopud is where that happens. Lopud is famous for the sandy beach called Sunj, and this stop is designed for actual time on the sand, not just a quick photo break.

You get around 2 hours here. You can stay on the boat the whole time if you want a relaxed floating vibe, or you can head ashore to enjoy the beach. Either way, you’re covered with cold drinks, including water plus soft drinks and beer on board.

What makes this stop more than a beach-only pause is what comes after. After Sunj beach time, the boat heads toward Lopud village, where you can visit:

• The Dominican monastery
• The Franciscan monastery
• Đorđić-Mayneri park
• Small churches and other sights in the village area

So you get variety in one island stop: swim and sun, then a little wandering around stone buildings and garden spaces.

One thing to keep in mind for pacing: if your group prefers minimal walking, you can keep the village time shorter. Since it’s private, you can spend more time beach-side and less on the strolls, as long as you still let the skipper build the rest of your route.

Šipan: a quieter Elaphiti island with local production

Šipan is the largest and the most densely populated of the Elaphiti Islands, and that shows in its vibe. It feels less like a resort photo set and more like a working island where daily life has a visible footprint.

The descriptions you’ll hear about Šipan focus on natural calm: turquoise sea, olive and pine trees, and birdsong. You’ll also get a sense of the island’s home-produced goods, since locals are known for making things like wine, olive oil, marmalade, and farm produce (fruits and vegetables).

You still get the speedboat benefits here: the route includes hidden bays, secluded beaches, and lovely Adriatic viewpoints. And because the tour is private, stops along the way are tailored to your preferences. That means you’re not locked into a “we all do the same thing at the same time” pace.

The main value of the Šipan stop is balance. After Koločep’s cave-focused energy and Lopud’s beach-plus-village mix, Šipan gives you a different flavor of the coast. It’s a good place to slow down, enjoy the sea, and let the day feel more local.

How the skipper makes your itinerary feel custom

The tour’s biggest advantage is that it’s private. The skipper is not just driving you between islands. They’re actively choosing where to anchor, how to shape the order, and how much time to give you at each stop.

I especially like that the day can be adjusted based on what your group wants most. If you care about swimming, you’ll likely spend more time in the best water spots. If your group wants more sightseeing, you can prioritize village time.

In practice, captains like Ivan and Robert are praised for strong local knowledge and safety-first driving. There are also examples of captains recommending the right place for lunch on Lopud, which is a nice touch when you want good food without hunting for it yourself.

One caution: even private tours can feel constrained if the day’s sailing schedule is busy. One captain was praised for still hitting the highlights when time was shorter than hoped, so if you want maximum island time, consider booking the longer end of the duration range and having flexible expectations.

Drinks, snorkeling, and the small comfort details

This tour is not just about motion. The included onboard comfort items make it easier to stay out longer without constantly thinking about logistics.

You get:

• Bottled water
• Soft drinks
• Beer for those 18 and up
• Snorkeling masks
• Life jackets for adults and children

If you’re traveling with kids, the life jackets included are a straightforward plus, as long as you use them appropriately and make sure everyone feels comfortable before entering the water.

The snack factor is the only thing you might want to think through yourself. The included items list focuses on drinks and water, not food. If you’re sensitive to hunger, plan for lunch during the island portions when it fits your schedule.

Which islands and longer day options make sense for your style

The standard flow here is the Elaphiti Islands circuit, with Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan. That’s a great fit if you want variety: cave swim, sandy beach time, then a more island-life feel.

The operator also offers flexibility for a half-day or full-day choice on the Elaphiti route. And there are options for a day around Korčula or Mljet, which can be appealing if you want to see more of the Croatian coast beyond Dubrovnik’s immediate island group.

If you’re short on time in Dubrovnik, the Elaphiti route tends to be the efficient choice: it’s close enough for multiple stops in one outing, and the scenery changes quickly without turning the day into travel-only time.

Who this private speedboat tour is for

This is one of those tours that fits a specific kind of traveler. It’s ideal if you want:

• Real privacy on the water, up to a group size of 6
• A skipper to handle route decisions and anchoring
• A day that mixes swimming, sea views, and island wandering
• Included snorkeling gear and life jackets without extra hassle

It also works well for families with children, since life jackets are provided and the itinerary includes options for staying on board or going ashore. Just note the rule that children must be accompanied by an adult, and the minimum drinking age is 18, since beer is included.

Consider skipping it if you want long hiking routes or a very slow, on-foot-only day. This is built for a sea-based rhythm: short runs, anchoring, swimming, then moving again.

Final verdict: should you book this private islands speedboat?

Book it if you want the best-value kind of Dubrovnik escape: close island access, private control, and actual water time built into the itinerary. The combination of Koločep’s Blue Cave swim and Lopud’s sandy Sunj beach makes this feel like a full day of highlights, not just “sightseeing with a boat.”

Skip or rethink if:

• Your group can’t get to Lapadska obala 4 easily, since there is no pick up
• You are set on a strict time window and would feel disappointed if the day runs shorter than planned
• You don’t want the added fuel surcharge element, which sits on top of the base price

If you’re traveling as a group of up to 6 and you care about swimming and flexibility, this is one of the more satisfying ways to spend a day outside Dubrovnik.

FAQ

How many people can be on the private speedboat?

The tour is priced per group and allows up to 6 people in your party.

How long is the tour?

The duration is approximate and can run from 4 to 10 hours, depending on the option you choose.

Which islands are included on the Elaphiti Islands route?

The Elaphiti route includes Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkel equipment (masks) is included, and life jackets are provided for both adults and children.

What can I do at Koločep Island?

You can choose how much time to spend on Koločep, and the plan includes an option to anchor near the Blue Cave and swim there. You can also cruise along the cliffs after.

What is special about Lopud Island?

Lopud’s Sunj beach is the highlight, with time for swimming and sunbathing, plus the option to visit the village area and see the Dominican and Franciscan monasteries and Đorđić-Mayneri park.

Is there a fuel surcharge?

Yes. Fuel surcharge is not included in the base price, and the operator lists several possible fuel surcharge rates per booking.

Is pickup or drop-off included?

No. There is no pick up or drop off. The tour starts and ends at Lapadska obala 4 in Dubrovnik.

What happens if the weather is not good?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.