Half-Day Private Speed Boat Tour in Dubrovnik on Elaphiti Islands

Kolocep’s caves are the real prize here. Your private speedboat slips along Dubrovnik’s western coast, then brings you to blue-lit cave water, small bays, and three separate swimming spots before finishing at sandy Šunj Beach on Lopud. Swimming from the boat makes this feel far more personal than a standard sightseeing cruise.

I like the private format, especially for families or friends who want to set the pace. I also like the useful extras: snorkeling gear, floating devices, snacks, and drinks are included, while skippers such as Maro and Luka have been praised for clear English, local knowledge, and flexibility.

The main drawback is time. Four and a half hours passes quickly, and the route includes several short boat transfers, so you cannot linger everywhere. Šunj Beach can also be busy, and lunch is not included.

Key points to know before booking

• Three cave areas on Kolocep: Visit the Green Cave, Blue Cave, and Three Caves, with time set aside for swimming and snorkeling.
• A private boat for up to eight: Your group does not share the activity with strangers, and the skipper can adjust the four-hour route to your interests.
• Šunj Beach is the long stop: You get about 90 minutes for swimming, a beach walk, snorkeling, relaxing, or buying lunch.
• Drinks are part of the deal: Water, Coke, iced tea, beer, and wine are included, along with snacks and fuel.
• Hotel pickup may be available: One recent booking included pickup at the hotel, but confirm the exact meeting arrangement when you book.
• The price works best for a group: At $431.62 for up to eight people, the per-person cost falls sharply when the boat is full.

Why the caves make this a special Dubrovnik boat trip

Many boat outings around Dubrovnik are mainly about seeing the coast from the water. This one gives you several clear reasons to stop the engine. The caves are not simply photo stops. You can swim into the Blue Cave, explore the Three Caves, and see the Green Cave from inside the boat.

The route begins at Dubrovnik’s main port. As you leave the city, the boat follows the western coast for about 20 minutes. That opening ride gives you a different view of Dubrovnik, with the old city and mainland coast receding behind you. It is a pleasant start, but the main action begins once you reach Kolocep.

The speedboat matters because it lets you cover the islands without spending the whole outing in transit. You still get a taste of the coast, but much of the time is saved for water stops. You also avoid the fixed rhythm of a large group cruise, where everyone must follow the same schedule.

The tour is private for your group only, with capacity for up to eight people. That makes a real difference if you are traveling with children, want to stop swimming when you are ready, or would rather spend more time on the beach than inside a cave. Do not expect unlimited freedom, though. The advertised route is carefully packed into roughly four hours of activity, plus 15 minutes each for pickup and drop-off.

Green Cave and Blue Cave on Kolocep

The first cave stop is the Green Cave, located below a lighthouse on the eastern side of Kolocep. The skipper enters the cave with the boat, so you can enjoy the view without immediately getting into the water. This is a short stop of about 10 minutes.

That brief visit works well as an introduction. You get a quick look at the cave’s shape and setting, then move on before the schedule begins to feel slow. If you want long photo sessions, this is not the place to count on extra time.

The Blue Cave follows, just around the corner. Here the boat anchors and you swim inside the cave. You have about 40 minutes for swimming and snorkeling, which is one of the most useful stretches of the trip. Bring a waterproof phone case if you want pictures, though the light inside a cave can make photography tricky.

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, so you do not need to bring your own mask and snorkel. Floating devices are included as well. Snacks and drinks are available, which is handy after swimming, particularly if you are traveling with children.

The Blue Cave is likely to be the most memorable stop for many people, but it is worth keeping expectations sensible. Cave light and water color depend on conditions, and this is still a short guided stop rather than a full beach day. The skipper chooses where to anchor, and water conditions affect how comfortable the swim feels.

Kolocep’s outer coast and Three Caves

After the Blue Cave, the skipper cruises slowly along Kolocep’s outer coast for around 10 minutes. This is a quieter part of the outing. You can sit back, watch the bays and rocky shoreline, and enjoy a break from swimming.

I appreciate this kind of short scenic run because it keeps the trip from becoming a string of hurried stops. You get to see how the island changes from one side to another, and the slower speed gives you time to take in the coast without trying to photograph everything at once.

The next stop is the Three Caves on the western side of Kolocep. The boat anchors again, and you have about 40 minutes to swim into the caves and use the snorkeling equipment. This gives the tour a second substantial water session, so you may want to save some energy rather than treating the Blue Cave as an all-out swim.

The Three Caves are a good reason to choose this tour instead of a simple ride to Šunj Beach. You get variety: one cave viewed from the boat, two areas designed more around swimming, and scenic stretches between them. The repeated cave stops could feel similar if you are not interested in swimming, but for anyone who likes being in the water, the pattern works well.

Since there are no admission fees at these stops, the cost is tied mainly to the private boat, skipper, fuel, equipment, refreshments, and time. That is useful when comparing this with a shared excursion. The value improves when six to eight people share the price.

Šunj Beach gives you time to slow down

The final major stop is Šunj Beach on Lopud, the longest stop of the day at about 90 minutes. It is known for its natural sand, shallow water, and easy swimming. After the rocky cave stops, the change of setting is welcome.

You can walk along the shallow sandy beach, swim, snorkel, relax, or look for lunch or a snack. A refreshing cocktail is also part of the beach atmosphere, though lunch is not included in the tour price. You should budget separately if you want a meal.

The 90-minute stay is long enough to make the beach feel like a real part of the outing rather than a rushed photo stop. It is still not a full afternoon at Šunj, so decide what matters most before you arrive. Families may want to focus on the shallow water. Couples or friends may prefer a swim followed by a drink. If lunch is important, do not spend the entire stop in the water.

Šunj is described as the most popular sandy beach in the region. That popularity is both its appeal and its limitation. You get one of the area’s best-known sandy swimming spots, but you should not expect a deserted shore. If your priority is complete solitude, the cave stops are a better fit than the beach.

The return to Dubrovnik along the mainland

The boat returns to Dubrovnik along the mainland coast, with about 30 minutes for sightseeing. This is a pleasant way to finish, especially after your final swim. You can watch the western approach to the city from the water and enjoy the coast without another scheduled activity.

The listed duration is approximately four hours and 30 minutes. About four hours are devoted to the route itself, while the remaining 30 minutes cover pickup and drop-off, split into roughly 15 minutes each. That timing matters if you have dinner reservations, a bus to catch, or a later evening plan.

The pace is active but not exhausting for most people who are comfortable swimming. You are getting in and out of the water several times, then spending a longer period at the beach. If you prefer a slow cruise with very little movement, this may feel busy.

A private skipper can shape the whole day

The skipper is central to this experience. Maro contacted one group through WhatsApp soon after confirmation and arranged hotel pickup. Luka was praised for speaking excellent English, adjusting the four-hour schedule, treating the group with care, finding good snorkeling spots, and helping locate an excellent restaurant on a private island.

Those details point to the main advantage of booking private rather than shared. You can explain what you want at the start: more swimming, more beach time, slower sightseeing, or a balanced mix. The route remains limited by time and conditions, but you are not locked into the preferences of a boatload of other people.

You should still confirm the practical details with Nauticstar Excursions after booking. Ask where pickup will happen, whether hotel pickup applies to your location, and what time you should be ready. Confirmation arrives when you book, and the activity is operated for your group alone.

English communication appears to be a strength based on the experience details provided. That helps when you need to discuss swimming comfort, lunch plans, or a change in pace. A good skipper also makes a difference in the small moments, such as choosing where to anchor and helping you use the equipment.

What is included, and what you should bring

The price includes fuel, snorkeling equipment, floating devices, snacks, and a selection of drinks: water, Coke, iced tea, beer, and wine. Those inclusions remove several small costs that can add up on a boat day.

Lunch is not included. You can buy food at your own expense during the Šunj Beach stop. If you have dietary needs or want a proper meal rather than a snack, plan ahead and ask what choices are available at the beach.

You should bring swimwear, sun protection, a towel, and a dry place for valuables. These are practical suggestions rather than listed inclusions, so confirm any equipment questions with the operator. Since you will swim at several stops, wear something comfortable for repeated changes between boat and water.

A mobile ticket makes the booking simple. Service animals are allowed, and the tour is near public transportation. Most people can participate, but the activity involves swimming from a boat and moving between cave areas, so you should consider your group’s comfort in the water.

Is $431.62 good value for your group?

The listed price is $431.62 per group of up to eight people. With eight people, that works out to roughly $54 per person. With four people, it is about $108 per person. For two people, the price becomes much harder to justify unless privacy and flexibility are your top priorities.

The strongest value comes from filling the boat. You are paying for a private skipper, fuel, several island stops, snorkeling equipment, floating devices, snacks, and drinks. A hotel tour desk may charge more for a similar private arrangement, and one booking found this option cheaper than hotel alternatives.

The comparison is less favorable if you are only two people and mainly want a ride to Šunj Beach. In that case, a shared boat or simpler beach transfer might cost less, though it would not offer the same private schedule or cave-focused route.

I would think of this as a compact private water day rather than a cheap transfer. You are paying for the skipper’s time and for access to several different settings in one morning or afternoon. The more your group uses the swimming stops and values a flexible plan, the better the price feels.

The tour is generally booked about 19 days ahead, which suggests you should not leave it until the last moment during a busy Dubrovnik visit. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Who should book this half-day trip?

I would recommend it most strongly to families, couples traveling with friends, and small groups who can share the cost. It suits people who want active swimming mixed with scenic boat time, rather than a formal history tour or a long restaurant cruise.

It is also a good choice if you have only part of a day available. In roughly 4.5 hours, you see the Dubrovnik coast, Kolocep’s cave areas, and Lopud’s Šunj Beach. That is a lot of variety for one outing.

You may want another type of tour if you dislike speedboats, do not swim, or want to spend several hours at one beach. The cave stops are the heart of this trip, and much of the appeal comes from getting into the water.

The private format is especially useful for families with different energy levels. One person can swim while another relaxes on the boat, and the skipper can adjust the rhythm within the available time. Still, nobody should expect the whole group to skip every scheduled stop. The route works best when everyone is happy with a mix of caves, open-water swimming, and beach time.

Should you book the Kolocep and Lopud speedboat tour?

Book it if you want a private, active half-day with several swimming stops and a real beach finish. The Blue Cave, Three Caves, and Šunj Beach give the outing a clear shape, while the private boat lets you avoid a rigid group schedule.

I would be more cautious if your group is small and price is the main concern. The cost is strongest for six to eight people. Also remember that lunch is extra and that the schedule moves quickly.

For the right group, this is a smart use of a Dubrovnik afternoon: enough island scenery to feel like an escape, enough time in the water to make the boat worthwhile, and a skipper such as Maro or Luka who can help shape the day around your interests.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes. About 30 minutes of that time is set aside for pickup and drop-off, approximately 15 minutes for each.

How many people can join the private boat?

The private tour accommodates up to eight people per group. Only your group participates in the activity.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route visits Kolocep Island and Lopud Island. It begins and ends in Dubrovnik.

Which caves are included?

The tour includes the Green Cave, Blue Cave, and Three Caves on Kolocep Island.

Can I swim inside the caves?

Yes. At the Blue Cave and Three Caves, the boat anchors so you can swim inside and use snorkeling equipment. At the Green Cave, the skipper enters with the boat.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price.

Are drinks and snacks included?

Yes. Included drinks are water, Coke, iced tea, beer, and wine. Snacks are also provided.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is at your own expense. You can look for lunch or a snack during the stop at Šunj Beach.

How much time is spent at Šunj Beach?

The scheduled stop at Šunj Beach is about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.