Private boat tour from Dubrovnik/Cavtat to Elafiti islands

The best part of this outing is the freedom to see Dubrovnik from the water, then trade the city walls for Koločep’s caves, clear bays, and cliff-jumping spots. The 7.7-meter Atlantic Marine Open 750 carries up to 10 people, with a skipper at the helm and room to stretch out on the front sun deck.

I like the choice of stops, especially Šunj Beach on Lopud, where shallow water and a broad sandy shore suit families. I also like the personal pace. Skippers such as Antonio, Nick, and Lukša have adjusted the day to suit the group, including arranging lunch on Lopud and stopping at quiet swimming spots on the way back.

The main catch is cost clarity. The listed price is $506 for a private group of up to two, while fuel is extra and paid in cash. For a four-hour trip, plan on another €80, or €120 for eight hours. People prone to seasickness, wheelchair users, and children under three should choose another outing.

Key points at a glance

• See Dubrovnik from the sea: Begin with broad views of the Old Town and its coastal setting, a fine change from walking the crowded streets.
• Explore Koločep by water: The route includes the Blue Cave, snorkeling, swimming, and time for rock jumping where conditions allow.
• Stop at sandy Šunj Beach: Lopud’s long, shallow beach gives families and non-swimmers a gentler break from the boat.
• Enjoy a flexible private day: The skipper can shape the pace and stops around your group rather than following a rigid large-boat schedule.
• Use the boat’s space well: The front sun deck is made for resting, while the aft seating and bimini top offer shade and a place to sit.
• Budget for fuel: The tour price does not include fuel, which is paid in cash at €80 for four hours or €120 for eight hours.

Leaving Cavtat for the Elafiti Islands

Cavtat sits about 15 kilometers south of Dubrovnik in a sheltered bay, and it makes a pleasant starting point for a day at sea. Pickup is available from Cavtat, Dubrovnik, Gruž, Mlini, Plat, or Srebreno, with the speedboat arranged at the location closest to your accommodation.

That pickup range matters. You do not need to make your way back into Dubrovnik just to board, and Cavtat can be a practical base if you prefer a quieter place to stay. The boat also returns to one of the same six locations, so you can finish near where you began.

The ride itself is part of the appeal. From the water, Dubrovnik’s Old Town becomes a broad coastal view rather than a series of lanes and stairways. Bring your camera for the panoramic pass, but keep your phone secure once the boat reaches open water.

The Atlantic Marine Open 750 is 7.7 meters long and 2.5 meters wide, powered by a 250-horsepower Honda engine. It holds up to 10 people, though a private group of two to four will naturally have more room to spread out than a full boat.

Koločep’s caves and first swim

Koločep is the first major stop, with about 30 minutes set aside for the Blue Cave, swimming, and snorkeling. The island is known here for its caves and clean bays, so this is the most active part of the route.

You will want swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a change of clothes ready before you leave the dock. Snorkeling gear and drinks are included, which saves you from packing fins or buying refreshments during the day.

The cave visit is weather dependent in the practical sense that sea conditions affect how comfortably the boat can approach. The supplied plan includes rock jumping, but you should treat that as an optional activity, not a promise that every person will jump. Ask the skipper about the safest place and check the water before entering.

The 30-minute stop is enough for a swim and a look inside the cave, but it is not a long beach stay. If your group wants extended snorkeling, tell the skipper early. The private format gives you a better chance of adjusting the timing than a fixed group cruise, though the total route still has several stops to cover.

Lopud and the long shallows of Šunj Beach

Lopud brings a different kind of coast. Šunj Beach lies on the island’s south side and stretches for almost a kilometer, with unusually shallow water. You may walk about 100 meters before reaching swimming depth, which makes it a reassuring choice for families with small children, although children under three cannot join this tour.

The scheduled stop lasts about an hour and includes time for lunch and free time. This is where the trip shifts from boat activity to an easy island pause. You can swim, sit on the sand, or use the time for simple beach activities. Volleyball, tennis, and picigin are available on the beach area, according to the supplied details.

Lunch is not included, so allow for that cost. Antonio, one of the skippers associated with this experience, has arranged a local restaurant booking on Lopud for a group, where seabass was a highlight. That kind of help is useful, but a restaurant booking is not guaranteed as part of the standard price. Ask in advance if you want the skipper to help arrange lunch.

Šunj is a good reason to choose the eight-hour option if your group wants more than a quick stop. On the four-hour version, an hour at Lopud leaves less time for the caves, swim stops, and the other islands.

The Elafiti Islands by open water

After Lopud, the route continues through the Elafiti Islands, with another swimming stop of about 30 minutes. The islands are close enough to combine in a day, but each has a different feel.

Koločep is the best fit for caves and active swimming. Lopud offers a sandy beach and lunch break. Šipan is the largest of the group, with an area of 15.5 square kilometers and a length of about 9 kilometers. It lies just over 8.3 nautical miles from Dubrovnik and has around 410 permanent residents.

The route may include views of Šipan and a stop connected with Vrbova Bay. BOWA, an upmarket restaurant and beach bar there, sits about a 30-minute walk from Sudurad. It serves fresh oysters from nearby Ston, seafood from the surrounding coast, and other dishes at a high price.

That price is worth keeping in mind. BOWA can suit a special lunch, but it is not the place to expect a low-cost meal. If you want to eat there, confirm the plan and budget before boarding. The supplied details do not include the restaurant meal in the tour price.

The extra swimming stop is one of the strongest reasons to choose a private boat instead of a simple transfer to one island. You can use the water as the main event, not just as a way to reach a beach. Still, you should not expect every hour to be open-ended. The listed schedule gives roughly 30 minutes at Koločep, an hour on Lopud, and another 30 minutes for swimming.

A boat built for sun and shade

The Atlantic Marine Open 750 has two useful outdoor areas. The bow sun deck is the place to lie back after swimming, while the aft seating area gives you a more upright spot for conversation and drinks.

A bimini top provides shade. That is important on the Adriatic, especially during a long eight-hour outing. Even with shade, pack a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a light change of clothes. The supplied packing advice also calls for beachwear and cash.

The boat has a CD and MP3 player, though the real soundtrack is likely to be the engine and the sea. Drinks are included, which is a small but welcome convenience during hot swimming stops.

This is not a luxury yacht with indoor rooms or extensive onboard facilities. It is an open motorboat designed for coastal sightseeing and swimming. You will spend much of the day exposed to sun, wind, and spray, so anyone seeking a fully sheltered ride should set expectations accordingly.

Skipper service makes the difference

The boat is rented with a skipper rather than as a self-drive vessel. English and Croatian are spoken, and the skipper handles navigation while showing you coastal spots.

The strongest practical feature is the ability to discuss the pace. Antonio asked one group where they wanted to go and shaped the day around those preferences. Nick was praised for a relaxed pace during a full-day trip, while Lukša knew attractive places for a final day among the islands.

Those details point to the experience’s real value. You are not simply paying for a boat transfer. You are paying for a private day with someone who can help connect the stops, suggest swim locations, and manage the timing.

That said, the exact skipper is not guaranteed in the information provided. The named skippers are examples of people who have operated the boat, not a promise that one particular person will be assigned to your group.

Four hours or eight hours?

The activity runs from four to eight hours, depending on the option and availability. The shorter version can work if your priority is a fast look at the coast, Koločep’s caves, and one island stop.

Choose eight hours if you want the full rhythm of the outing. You will have more breathing room for the Old Town views, Koločep, Šunj Beach, a meal, and extra swimming. One group found that a full day did not feel rushed or too long, which fits the private format and the moderate number of stops.

Fuel is separate from the advertised group price. The stated cash charges are:

• Sunset tour: €40
• Four-hour tour: €80
• Eight-hour tour: €120

The listed tour price is $506 for a private group of up to two. The boat itself accommodates up to 10 people, but the information supplied does not give the price for adding more passengers. Confirm the final group price and fuel charge before booking, especially if you are comparing this with a shared cruise.

For two people, the cost buys privacy, a skipper, included drinks, snorkeling equipment, and pickup options across the Dubrovnik area. For a larger group sharing the boat, the per-person value can improve, but only after you confirm the applicable group rate.

Who will enjoy this boat tour?

I would choose this outing for couples, families with older children, and small groups who want a private day rather than a fixed sightseeing cruise. It is especially useful if your group cannot agree on one activity, since one person can swim, another can relax on the sun deck, and the group can pause at Šunj for lunch.

It also suits repeat visitors to Dubrovnik who have already seen the Old Town and want to spend a day on the water. The coastal views give you a fresh angle on the city, while the islands add caves, sand, and quieter swimming spots.

This is less suitable if you are prone to seasickness. The boat is open, and the route includes time on the sea rather than only short harbor rides. It is also not suitable for wheelchair users, children under three, people over 95, or anyone bringing weapons, sharp objects, or explosive substances. Assistance dogs are allowed, but other pets are not.

The cancellation policy gives you some flexibility: you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times depend on availability, so check the schedule before you commit to lunch plans or other activities.

Should you book the Elafiti Islands boat tour?

Book it if you want a private, adjustable day on the water with caves, swimming, a sandy beach, and views back toward Dubrovnik. The combination of pickup points, skipper service, included drinks, and snorkeling gear makes the outing easy to organize.

Choose the four-hour option for a focused coastal taste. Choose eight hours if Šunj Beach, lunch, Šipan, and several swim stops all matter to you. Just add the fuel charge, bring cash, and confirm the final price for more than two people.

Skip it if you want a cheap shared excursion, a fully covered vessel, or a schedule built around long land visits. For everyone else, this is a strong choice when the sea matters as much as the islands.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour depart?

Pickup is available from Srebreno, Plat, Mlini, Dubrovnik, Cavtat, and Gruž. The speedboat is arranged from the location closest to your place of residence.

Where does the tour finish?

Drop-off is available in Cavtat, Dubrovnik, Mlini, Plat, Srebreno, and Gruž.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts from four to eight hours. Available starting times depend on the selected option and date.

How many people can join the boat?

The Atlantic Marine Open 750 accommodates up to 10 people. The listed price is for a private group of up to two.

Is fuel included in the price?

No. Fuel is paid in cash on the boat. The stated charges are €80 for four hours, €120 for eight hours, and €40 for the sunset tour.

Is a skipper included?

Yes. The boat is rented with a skipper, and English and Croatian are spoken.

Are drinks and snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Drinks and snorkeling gear are included.

What islands does the route visit?

The route includes Koločep, Lopud, and the Elafiti Islands, with information also provided about Šipan and the BOWA restaurant in Vrbova Bay.

Can I swim and snorkel during the tour?

Yes. The itinerary includes swimming and snorkeling at Koločep, plus additional swimming time among the Elafiti Islands.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.