Dubrovnik Private Speedboat Tour to Elaphite Islands with Drinks

The best part of this Dubrovnik boat trip is the freedom to shape the day. Your skipper can spend more time at caves, add a quiet swimming cove, or linger in a village instead of rushing you from one fixed stop to another. Koločep’s Blue Cave and the calm waters around the Elaphite Islands give the tour its main wow factor.

I like the cold drinks, towels, snorkeling gear, and private setup. I also like that the captains, including Marin, Ante, Tony, Orsat, and others, are praised for safe driving, local stories, and flexible routes. The main catch is cost: the listed price is for up to two people, while fuel, lunch, and some hotel or port pickups cost extra.

Key points at a glance

• Blue Cave timing matters: An early start can mean quieter cave stops and better swimming conditions.
• A private boat changes the pace: You can choose more swimming, more sightseeing, a beach bar, or a village stroll.
• Lopud is the best all-round stop: It offers sandy beaches, a car-free village, restaurants, and Šunj Beach.
• Šipan requires the full day: The 8-hour route reaches Sudurad and its peaceful harbor, while the half-day option stays closer to Dubrovnik.
• Drinks and gear are included: Beer, wine, soft drinks, bottled water, towels, life jackets, and snorkeling equipment are provided.
• Budget for extras: Fuel costs €70 for four hours or €150 for eight hours, paid in cash on the boat.

Why a private speedboat works so well here

Dubrovnik’s old walls are impressive from land, but they become even more striking from the sea. The short panoramic ride at the beginning gives you a new view of the city before the boat turns toward the islands.

This is not a large group cruise with a set script. You have the boat, skipper, and your own party. That matters in the Elaphite Islands, where the best moments may be a quick swim in a quiet cove or an extra ten minutes inside a cave.

The private format also suits mixed groups. One person can swim while another takes photos. Teenagers can jump into the water while parents choose a slower stop. Couples can spend more time at a seaside restaurant. The captain can adjust the day according to weather, energy, and interest.

The boats are described as clean, well maintained, and comfortable, but do not expect a yacht with a large shaded cabin. One couple felt the boat was smaller than private boats they had hired elsewhere. The available fleet ranges from 19 to 30 feet, with different options for groups of two, four, six, and eleven. Check that you have selected the right boat size for your party.

Koločep and the Blue Cave

Koločep is the first island stop because it is closest to Dubrovnik. The visit lasts about an hour, which is enough for a swim, snorkeling, cave photos, and a quick look at the shore.

The island is known for five caves, with the Blue and Green Caves attracting the most attention. The water is clear and turquoise, and the caves give you the kind of short, easy adventure that works well for families and couples alike.

The timing of this stop can shape the whole day. An early departure may help you reach the Blue Cave before it gets crowded. One captain took a group there early enough for them to have the cave to themselves. That is useful advice if cave photography and a peaceful swim matter more to you than sleeping late.

The water can be cool outside the main summer season. A swim in late April or early June may feel brisk, though the clear water is still tempting. Life jackets are available, and snorkeling equipment is supplied, so you do not need to pack your own mask and snorkel.

Do not expect a long island walk here. Koločep is mainly about the water, caves, and scenery. If you want cafés, a sandy beach, or a proper village stop, Lopud gives you more time on land.

Lopud, Šunj Beach, and lunch by the water

Lopud is the most versatile stop on the route. The island is car-free, which makes its main village pleasant for a walk. Its older buildings recall a more prosperous period, when the island had monasteries, churches, and noble residences. Today, you see fragments rather than a fully preserved historic center, so keep your expectations sensible.

The island’s practical appeal is its mix of swimming, food, and easy wandering. Lopud has two large sandy beaches. One is in the village, while Šunj Beach sits on the southern side and is the better choice if you want a proper beach break.

At Šunj, you can swim, sunbathe, play picigin, or sit with a drink at one of the nearby cocktail bars. The sandy shore is a welcome change after swimming from the boat, where access to the water is usually by ladder or jump.

Your skipper can also arrange lunch at a local restaurant, though the meal is not included. Fresh fish is available at selected restaurants, and several groups especially enjoyed seaside meals on Lopud. If food is important to you, ask about a reservation before the day begins.

Lunch adds time and expense, but it also turns the trip into a fuller island outing. You can leave the boat for a while, eat at a slower pace, and see a little of Lopud beyond its swimming spots. If you prefer to maximize time in the water, skip the long meal and use the stop for Šunj Beach and the village.

Sudurad and Šipan on the eight-hour route

The full-day option continues toward Šipan, the farthest island on this itinerary. Because of the distance from Dubrovnik, Šipan is included only on the eight-hour trip. This is the clearest reason to choose a full day rather than a half day.

Before reaching Sudurad, the boat can stop at Šikirica Lagoon. Its clear turquoise water makes it a natural swimming break, and the setting gives you another chance to get away from the busier cave areas.

Sudurad has a small fishing harbor with a quiet, local feel. It is a good place to slow down after the faster boat ride and the activity around Koločep and Lopud. You can stroll around the harbor, look at the boats, or stop at a seaside wine bar.

Šipan is known for olive oil and local wine. The wine bar stop is not a formal tasting program, but it can be a pleasant way to sample local products while looking over the water. The island is less about headline sights and more about the simple rhythm of a small harbor.

If you have only four hours, you will not see this part of the route. That is not a flaw in the half-day trip. It is simply a different product. The four-hour option focuses on nearby caves, beaches, and swimming. The eight-hour option adds distance, lunch potential, and a calmer island atmosphere.

The skipper is central to the experience

On a private boat, the captain affects the day more than almost anything else. Captains named in the feedback include Marin, Ante, Tony, Orsat, Joe, Mario, Simon, Ivan, Nikola, Josep, and others. The common strengths are friendly service, safe boat handling, clear English, and the ability to adjust the plan.

Marin is praised for changing the balance between caves, swimming, and sightseeing. Ante is a strong choice for families, with an easygoing approach and careful attention to different ages. Tony took a couple to quieter coves and added local information. Joe helped arrange lunch on Lopud.

You should tell the skipper what you want at the start. Be specific. Say if your priority is caves, sandy beaches, photo stops, snorkeling, a long lunch, or a quiet village. The captain can then use local conditions and timing to build the day around you.

Music is part of the relaxed feel. Some boats have speakers, and you may be able to play your own music. It is worth confirming this if music matters to your group, since it is not presented as a formal feature of every departure.

The captains also appear to take safety seriously. Life jackets are supplied, and several families appreciated the calm handling of the boat. Still, this is a speedboat, not a slow sightseeing launch. Hold on during faster sections, follow instructions around caves, and be realistic about swimming if the sea feels cold or conditions change.

Half day or full day?

The four-hour tour is a good fit if you want a water adventure without giving up your entire day in Dubrovnik. You can see the Old Town from the sea, visit Koločep, swim near caves, and possibly reach Lopud for a beach or lunch stop.

It also works well for cruise passengers. One group used the boat for four hours and arranged a drop-off closer to Dubrovnik’s Old Town, leaving time to walk the city before returning to the cruise port. Any special drop-off should be confirmed in advance, and the listed pickup service has an extra fee.

The eight-hour tour is the stronger choice if this is a main event of your stay. It gives you time for Koločep, Lopud, Šunj Beach, Šikirica Lagoon, and Sudurad on Šipan without forcing every stop into a short visit. You can also include a proper lunch and still have time for swimming.

The full day costs more in fuel, food, and time. It may feel too long if your group is not interested in swimming or sitting on a boat for most of the day. For couples who want a relaxed final day in Dubrovnik, families with teenagers, or anyone keen to see more than the nearest island, the longer option has the better value.

What the price really covers

The listed price is $386.98 per group of up to two people. That is a sizeable cost for a couple, but private boat pricing works differently from a per-person excursion. You are paying for exclusive use, a skipper, and the ability to set the pace.

Included items are beer, wine, soft drinks, bottled water, snorkeling gear, towels, and life jackets. Those small details help. You can swim without renting equipment, and you do not have to carry drinks back and forth from Dubrovnik.

Fuel is extra and paid in cash on board: €70 for the four-hour trip or €150 for the eight-hour trip. Lunch is also extra. Hotel pickup or drop-off from Sheraton, Mlini, or Cavtat costs €60 in cash.

For two people, the trip makes the most financial sense if you value privacy and flexibility. For a larger party, check the correct boat option and divide the cost across the group. The listed two-person boat may feel tight if you expected a wide, yacht-style deck.

Practical details before you book

The experience is offered in English, and confirmation is provided when you book. Most people can take part, and service animals are allowed. The departure point is near public transportation, though the exact meeting arrangements and any paid pickup should be confirmed before arrival.

Bring swimwear, sun protection, and a way to protect your phone or camera from spray. The operator provides towels, but you should still expect an active day around water, ladders, beaches, and boat movement.

The experience depends on good weather. If poor conditions cancel the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted.

The minimum drinking age is 18. Drinks are included, but the boat is still a family-friendly outing, and the skipper controls service according to safety and local rules.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would recommend it to couples, families with teenagers, small groups, and cruise passengers who want a private day rather than a standard group excursion. It is especially good for people who want to swim, take photos, explore caves, and stop for a meal without following a rigid timetable.

You should think twice if you dislike speedboats, want a large luxury vessel, or prefer a land-based island tour. The ride is comfortable according to the available feedback, but the boats are practical speedboats, not floating lounges.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want control over the day and see the sea as the main attraction. Choose four hours for caves, swimming, and a quick island taste. Choose eight hours if you want Šipan, a slower lunch, more swimming stops, and enough time to enjoy each place.

The extra fuel charge and lunch cost make the final price higher than the headline figure. Still, the private setup, included drinks and equipment, and strong skipper involvement give the tour real value for a couple or small group that wants a personal day on the Adriatic.

FAQ

How long is the Dubrovnik private speedboat tour?

You can choose an approximately four-hour half-day tour or an approximately eight-hour full-day tour.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Koločep and Lopud. Sudurad on Šipan is included only on the full-day tour because it is farther from Dubrovnik.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, but the skipper can arrange a reservation at a restaurant on Lopud. Fresh fish is available at selected restaurants.

Are drinks provided?

Yes. Beer, wine, soft drinks, and bottled water are included.

Is snorkeling equipment available?

Yes. Snorkeling gear, towels, and life jackets are provided.

How much is the fuel surcharge?

The fuel surcharge is €70 for the four-hour tour and €150 for the eight-hour tour. It is paid in cash on the boat.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can receive a full refund or choose another date.