Small group tour by premium yacht to Elaphite Islands

A day on the water, minus the Dubrovnik crush. This small-group yacht trip across the Elaphite Islands mixes swim stops, quiet island time, and an onboard open bar that keeps the mood easy.

I especially like the chance to get into the water at the Blue Cave area on Kolocep, and I like that the boat is set up for more than just sitting there. One consideration: the best cave-style moments depend on conditions, and weather can change the plan.

With a maximum of 12 people and an English-speaking crew, the day stays personal. You’ll get island-hopping at a relaxed pace, but you’ll still want to be flexible since the sea can be a fickle guide.

Key highlights at a glance

• Small group size (max 12) so you actually hear the crew and move around without crowding
• Blue Cave on Kolocep plus a village waterside vibe to balance the swim time
• Sandy Sunj Beach on Lopud for a rarer feel on Croatia’s coast
• Snorkeling kit, SUP, and a sea scooter so you can choose your water fun
• Open bar all day with beer, wine, coffee, tea, juices, soda, and bottled water
• Island time for walking and lunch on Lopud, not just boat stops

Why this small-group speedboat outing feels like a real island day

This is the kind of trip that works because the “transport” is part of the fun. Instead of ferry lines and rigid schedules, you’re on a boat that can get you between islands quickly, then slow down when you want to float, swim, or hang out.

The small group matters more than you might think. With up to 12 people, you spend less time waiting, fewer people crowd the water entry points, and the crew can actually tailor the rhythm of the stops to your timing. It also helps that there’s an English-speaking skipper/crew on board, with enough information to point you toward what’s worth seeing without turning the day into a lecture.

Price-wise, this is not a cheap “just get on the boat” bargain, but it also isn’t one of those high-ticket private charters. At $178.71 per person, you’re paying for several things that add up fast on your own: the boat and fuel, the pickup transfer from your Dubrovnik accommodation, and a long list of included drinks and water equipment. Just remember that lunch isn’t included, so you’ll want a plan for food on Lopud.

Getting to the boat: pickup from Dubrovnik and a smooth start

Your day begins at 9:30 am. If you choose pickup, you’ll be taken from your Dubrovnik accommodation to the boat, included in the price. The pickup timing is typically about 15 minutes before departure, and the operator sends the exact timing after you book.

You’ll also use a mobile ticket, and the meeting area is described as near public transportation. I like this approach because it gives you options. If you’re staying somewhere easy to reach, you can still get yourself there without stress, and if you want the comfort of being collected, that’s built in.

This also helps with the day’s pacing. You’re not burning time figuring out logistics before you even leave Dubrovnik, and the 6-hour slot (approx.) is long enough to actually feel like you did something, not just “touched the islands.”

Kolocep Island: Blue Cave swim time and the Donje Čelo reset

Kolocep is where the trip earns its wow-factor. Your first stop centers on a Blue Cave experience around Kolocep’s cliffs, with multiple caves shaped by the sea over time. The way it’s described is simple: you get the chance to explore and swim through the natural cave area, then you shift gears to calmer island scenery.

After the cave water time, you also have a chance to see the Donje Čelo village vibe. You’re not expected to rush. You get time for a peaceful boat ride element and the kind of scenery that makes you want to slow down for a while: clear water, greenery, and a quieter rhythm than the busy Dubrovnik streets.

How long you’re there depends on the day’s flow, but it’s roughly around two hours total for this stop. There’s also an important reality check: the caves are weather-dependent. Even if everything is planned, rougher sea conditions can affect whether you can do the cave piece exactly as expected. If you’re booking specifically for the caves, keep flexibility in mind.

Sunj Beach on Lopud: the day’s “sit down and swim” portion

Next comes Lopud’s Sunj Beach, and this is a big deal because it’s one of the islands’ best moments for beach time. The description is all about feel: sandy beach time and a lagoon-like swim with shallow, warm water.

You’re given about 1 hour 30 minutes here, which is enough time to do the classic Croatia beach mix. You can swim, float, and then spend time just hanging out where the water stays easy to access. There are also nearby beach bars, so you can grab refreshments or food without it feeling like you have to leave the beach and start hunting.

This is the stop that’s perfect if you don’t want to snorkel the whole day or if you want a break from boat movement. It also gives you a nice contrast to cave water: open sea brightness instead of cliffside caves.

One small practical note: sandy time often means sunscreen, water shoes, and a towel plan. Croatia beaches can be lovely but not always flat and easy for everyone, so come ready.

Lopud Village on foot: the calm historic break you’ll be glad for

After Sunj Beach, you shift from water to walking. Lopud Village offers an easy, low-stress explore: calm streets, historic architecture, and a coastal island mood that feels like it’s meant for strolling.

You’re allotted about two hours here, and that includes free time for sightseeing and lunch. This is where you can slow down and do something more “human-scale” than swimming. If you want a shaded lunch, this is your moment.

I like the way this part of the schedule balances the day. A lot of island-hopping tours turn into a checklist. Here, Lopud Village gives you space to pick your pace, find a local meal, and enjoy the slower island rhythm.

And since lunch isn’t included, using this stop for your meal is the simplest plan. You’ll also get a better range of choices by not trying to eat right as you arrive at a beach.

Šipan and Sikirica Bay: a scenic cruise with a turquoise swim stop

Your final stretch includes Šipan Island with a panoramic cruise element. You pass by Suđurađ, a historic village, then head toward a hidden bay stop called Sikirica.

Sikirica is described as a spot famous for turquoise, crystal-clear water, and you get about one hour there. This is a shorter stop than Lopud, which makes it ideal for people who want one more swim, one more photo from the water, and then enough time to enjoy the boat cruise back without feeling rushed.

This portion also works well because it keeps the day from feeling repetitive. You’ve had cave water, sandy beach water, village walking, and now a final quiet bay swim. The variety is the point.

Onboard comfort: the crew, the snacks, and the included water gear

The onboard setup is a major reason this tour feels easy and fun instead of “work.” You get finger food snacks, and you get an open bar that includes coffee and tea, water (still and carbonated), juices, beer, and white and rosé wine. There are also soft drinks like coca cola and sprite.

For me, this matters because it reduces the cost and the friction. You’re not paying separately for each drink, and you’re not stuck deciding what to drink while you’re trying to enjoy the day. It also helps create that relaxed group energy that small boats can sometimes struggle to maintain.

Then there’s the water gear. You can use snorkeling equipment, a stand up paddle board (SUP), a sea scooter (jobe), water noodles, and floating toys. You’re not forced into one activity. If you want snorkeling, go for it. If you want to paddle, take the SUP. If you want the fun factor of moving through the water with a scooter, that’s in the mix too.

The crew’s role is helpful without taking over. You’ll get guidance about the locations, but it’s not framed like a strict guided tour. That freedom is a plus if you like deciding where to spend your minutes.

Also, the boat is described as brand new, comfortable, fast, and well equipped. That combination is what makes an island day feel smooth, even when the sea has its own opinions.

Price and value: what you’re really buying at $178.71

At $178.71 per person, you’re paying for a bundle that includes more than transport:

• all taxes, fees, and handling charges
• fuel surcharge
• pickup transfer by car from your Dubrovnik accommodation
• an onboard food and drink package via finger food and an open bar
• snorkeling and active water equipment
• an English-speaking skipper/crew
• bottled water and soft drinks, not just alcohol

What’s not included is straightforward: lunch.

So the value question becomes: can you use what’s included? If you want to swim, snorkel, paddle, and drink something cold while someone else handles the boat driving, this price starts to look very reasonable. If you’re mostly interested in just one casual swim and you don’t drink, you could still have a great day, but the value shifts. You’ll likely want to make sure you take full advantage of at least snorkeling or the SUP, because those are where the “included” parts feel most tangible.

Who should book this Elaphite Islands yacht trip

This trip is a strong fit if you want:

• a small-group outing that feels calm, not chaotic
• a mix of swim stops and island time for strolling
• included water toys and snorkeling gear
• the convenience of pickup from Dubrovnik

It’s also a good match if you’re traveling with kids, since the crew is described as accommodating and the onboard setup supports different comfort levels around the water.

If you’re booking mainly for a single activity, like cave swimming, just remember the cave piece can be affected by weather. Still, the rest of the itinerary has enough variety that the day doesn’t collapse when conditions change.

Should you book this Kolocep, Lopud, and Šipan boat day?

I’d book it if you want your Elaphite Islands day to feel like a proper outing, not a ferry shuffle. The combination of small group size, the onboard equipment, and the long stretch of included drinks and snacks makes it easy to enjoy the water without constantly budgeting extras.

Skip it only if you’re determined to eat included lunch every stop, or if you need a tightly scripted, guaranteed cave-first itinerary regardless of weather. If you’re flexible and you like active time in clear water, this tour hits the sweet spot.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts about 6 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:30 am.

Is pickup from Dubrovnik included?

Yes. Pickup is offered, and transportation from your Dubrovnik accommodation to the boat is complimentary.

How many people are on the boat?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

What’s included in the open bar?

Open bar includes coffee and tea, water (still and carbonated), juices, beer, white and rosé wine, and soda soft drinks like coca cola and sprite.

Are snacks included?

Yes. You get finger food snacks.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, so you’ll want to plan to eat during free time on Lopud Village.

What water activities and equipment are provided?

Snorkeling equipment is included, along with SUP, a jobe sea scooter, water noodles, and floating toys.

Are admission tickets included for stops?

The stop admission tickets are listed as free.

What is the weather requirement and what happens if it’s canceled due to weather?

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