Private Elaphiti Islands Boat Tour 8h

Dubrovnik’s best swimming spots are often reached by water, and this private boat day takes you straight to them. You can enter the Blue Cave, snorkel at the Three Green Caves, and finish with time on sandy Šunj Beach. The skipper can also steer you toward a quiet bay if the popular stops feel too busy.

I like the freedom of a private boat for up to six people, especially when your group has mixed ages or different ideas about swimming time. I also like the local touch: skippers such as Mato and Michael share Dubrovnik stories and can suggest a scenic island restaurant. The main consideration is cost, since $774.42 is a serious outlay for a small group, and lunch, some pickup arrangements, and Lokrum admission are not included.

Key points at a glance

• Swim inside the Blue Cave: Sunlight enters through the water and gives the cave its famous blue glow.
• Explore three quieter caves: The Three Green Caves offer more room for snorkeling and swimming away from the main cave.
• Spend time on sandy Šunj Beach: Shallow water and a broad bay make this the easiest stop for a relaxed beach break.
• Keep the boat private: Your group alone joins the trip, with room for up to six people.
• Ask for local advice: The skipper can recommend a restaurant, make a reservation, and find smaller bays.
• Plan for weather and extras: The trip needs good weather, and pickup outside the Old Town port costs an additional 50 euros.

A full day on the water from Dubrovnik

This is an eight-hour private outing built around swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and short boat rides between islands. You meet at Porat Dubrovnik, Ribarnica ul. 1, at 9 a.m., then return to the same meeting point at the end of the day.

The private format changes the feel of the trip. You are not trying to keep up with a large group or squeeze into someone else’s schedule. If one person wants another swim and someone else wants a beach break, the skipper can adjust the day within the available time.

The boat visits Lokrum and several sites around the Elaphiti Islands, mainly Koločep and Lopud. The listed stop times add up to the full day, though the Elaphiti Islands section overlaps with the separate Blue Cave, Three Green Caves, and Šunj Beach stops. Think of the schedule as an eight-hour plan rather than a rigid minute-by-minute program.

Lokrum’s coves and Dubrovnik stories

Lokrum is the first island stop described for the tour. It is close to Dubrovnik, making it a sensible introduction to a day at sea. You get time for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling around the island, with about one hour included in the overall tour.

The skipper also shares local legends about Lokrum and Dubrovnik. That personal context gives the stop more shape than a simple swim break. Mato, one of the skippers named in the tour material, was born in Dubrovnik and is presented as someone who enjoys talking about his home city and its surroundings.

The practical point is that Lokrum admission is not included. The supplied details do not state the additional admission price, so check the current charge before you book. You should also remember that one hour goes quickly once you allow time to get into the water, dry off, and return to the boat.

Entering the Blue Cave on Koločep

The Blue Cave is one of the day’s headline stops. Sunlight reflects through the water and creates the blue glow inside the cave. You can swim into it, look around from the water, or stay near the entrance and enjoy the colors from the boat.

This is a place where conditions matter. The cave experience depends on sunlight and calm enough water for safe entry. Since the tour requires good weather, a cloudy or rough day may affect the color and the time you spend swimming inside.

The listed visit lasts about one hour, and admission is free. Bring a swimsuit and be ready to get wet. If you prefer not to swim into the cave, you can still appreciate the effect from outside, but the cave is most memorable when you see the light from the water.

The Blue Cave is also a good reason to choose a private tour over a fixed group outing. Your skipper can help manage the stop around your group’s comfort level. Families with children, older adults, and strong swimmers may all want a different amount of time in the water.

Snorkeling at the Three Green Caves

Close to the Blue Cave, the Three Green Caves provide a second stop with a quieter feel. The caves are described as less crowded and suitable for snorkeling and exploring the water around them.

I would treat this as a natural companion to the Blue Cave rather than a completely separate sightseeing attraction. The Blue Cave gives you the striking light effect. The Three Green Caves give you more time to look into the water, swim between rocky spaces, and enjoy a slower stop.

The tour lists about one hour here, with no admission charge. Snorkeling is part of the appeal, but the provided information does not confirm whether equipment is supplied. Ask before departure so you know what to bring or expect. The same weather issue applies here: calm, clear conditions will make the stop more enjoyable.

For a group that likes active stops, this may be the strongest part of the morning. For anyone who does not swim, the boat can still serve as a viewing platform, but the experience is clearly designed around getting into the water.

Sandy Šunj Beach on Lopud

Šunj Beach is the day’s easiest place to slow down. It is one of the few sandy beaches in the Dubrovnik area, with shallow water and a wide bay. You get about two hours here, the longest single stop listed on the schedule.

That extra time matters. A short swim at a rocky cove can be fun, but Šunj gives you room for a proper beach break. You can swim, sunbathe, or simply enjoy the island atmosphere without feeling rushed back to the boat after a few minutes.

Families may find the shallow water more comfortable than the deeper swimming spots around the caves. Couples and friends may prefer Šunj as a chance to relax after the more active cave stops. The tradeoff is that a sandy beach can be more popular than a small bay, particularly in good weather.

The skipper may also arrange a restaurant stop on one of the islands. The tour information says he can recommend restaurants and make a reservation, and one group stopped at Lopud for lunch. Treat lunch as an additional expense unless your booking terms say otherwise. Ask about the menu and timing before you commit, since a long meal reduces your swimming time.

Quiet bays when you want less of a schedule

The Elaphiti Islands section is not limited to the named stops. The skipper can take you to small bays, secluded swimming places, or less crowded corners of the islands. This is where the private format has its clearest value.

If your group has already had enough time at the Blue Cave, you can ask for a quiet place to swim. If the sea is your main reason for booking, you can keep the day focused on water rather than adding more sightseeing. The skipper also offers recommendations based on the conditions and the type of day you want.

The details do not promise a specific secret cove, and the final route can depend on weather and sea conditions. That is a good thing to understand before booking. You are paying for access to a flexible private day, not for a guaranteed list of five untouched beaches.

This flexibility is especially useful for a group of six. A family with children may want a calm, shallow bay. A group of friends may prefer rock jumping and longer swims. The skipper described in the supplied material, Mato, is noted for being patient with a full group and for suggesting both popular and quieter spots.

What the private price is really buying

The total price is $774.42 for up to six people. With six passengers, that works out to about $129 per person for an eight-hour private boat day. With only two people, the same tour costs about $387 per person, so the value improves sharply as your group gets larger.

You are paying for privacy, a full day on the water, local guidance, and the ability to shape the route. You are not simply buying transport to one beach. The day combines several swimming locations, a beach stop, island recommendations, and time with a skipper who can share Dubrovnik stories.

For a family or group of friends already planning a boat day, that per-person price can make sense. It is less appealing if you are traveling alone or as a couple and mainly want a quick visit to the Blue Cave. In that case, compare the cost with shorter shared boat trips.

Budget for extras. Pickup from places besides the Old Town port costs 50 euros on the boat. Lokrum admission is not included. Lunch at an island restaurant is also not identified as part of the tour price, so plan to pay for food separately.

The skipper can shape the day

The human element matters here. The named skippers in the supplied material are Mato and Michael, though you should confirm who will operate your boat when booking. Mato is described as Dubrovnik-born, and his role includes local stories, restaurant suggestions, and advice about popular and quieter swimming spots.

The descriptions also emphasize patience with a group of six and the ability to adapt to different ages. That is important on an eight-hour private trip. A skipper who listens can keep children from getting bored, give confident swimmers more water time, and make the day easier for people who prefer a slower pace.

You should still tell the operator what matters to your group before setting out. Mention whether you want more beach time, more snorkeling, a restaurant stop, or a quieter route. The private boat gives you room to ask, but it does not remove the need to communicate.

Practical details before you book

The tour starts at 9 a.m. from Porat Dubrovnik, Ribarnica ul. 1, and ends back at that meeting point. Pickup from locations besides the Old Town port costs an extra 50 euros on the boat, so clarify your pickup point in advance.

Mobile tickets are offered, and confirmation is provided at booking. The tour is offered in English. It is described as suitable for most people and is near public transportation, but the activities center on swimming, snorkeling, climbing in and out of a boat, and spending many hours outside.

Bring swimwear, sun protection, and anything you need for a full day around the water. The supplied details do not confirm what snorkeling gear, towels, food, or drinks are provided, so ask before departure rather than assuming.

The weather rule is important. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.

Who should book this boat day?

I would choose this tour for a group that wants control over the day and expects to spend much of it in the sea. It suits families, groups of friends, and anyone who wants a private setting rather than a fixed shared excursion.

It is a particularly good match if you want several kinds of stops: a glowing cave, snorkeling near the Three Green Caves, a sandy beach, and the option of a restaurant or quieter bay. The skipper’s local suggestions add value for first-time visitors to Dubrovnik.

I would think twice if you dislike swimming or want a land-based island tour. The caves and coves are the main attraction, and the eight-hour length may feel long if you are not comfortable on a boat. I would also compare prices carefully if your party is smaller than four people.

Should you book the Private Elaphiti Islands Boat Tour?

Book it if you can fill most of the six seats and want an active, flexible day on the water. The best parts are the private route, the Blue Cave and Three Green Caves, the long break at Šunj Beach, and the option to ask for a quieter bay or island lunch.

Skip it if you want the lowest-cost way to see Dubrovnik’s islands, or if you would rather spend the day walking and sightseeing. For the right group, though, this is a practical way to trade Dubrovnik’s crowded waterfront for open water, local stories, and several excellent places to swim.

FAQ

How long is the Private Elaphiti Islands Boat Tour?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours. It starts at 9 a.m. and ends back at the meeting point in Dubrovnik.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Porat Dubrovnik, Ribarnica ul. 1, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia. Pickup from locations besides the Old Town port costs an additional 50 euros on the boat.

Which islands and locations does the tour visit?

The route includes Lokrum Island, Koločep’s Blue Cave and Three Green Caves, and Šunj Beach on Lopud. The skipper may also take you to other bays and swimming spots around the Elaphiti Islands.

Is the tour private?

Yes. Only your group participates, with space for up to six people.

Is admission included at every stop?

Admission is free for the Elaphiti Islands, the Blue Cave, the Three Green Caves, and Šunj Beach. Lokrum admission is not included.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.