Private Full-Day Tour of Elaphiti Islands by Speedboat

The best part of this private speedboat tour is the freedom to shape your day around the sea. You can swim at Šunj Beach, stop in quiet bays, linger over lunch on Šipan, and ask your skipper to find another cove when the water looks too good to pass up. Captain Ivan, Nick, Luka, or Niko may be at the helm, though the assigned skipper is not guaranteed.

I like two things here. First, the route mixes a real island visit with plenty of time in the water, rather than rushing from one photo stop to the next. Second, the private boat works well for families and mixed groups. Skippers have helped children, nervous swimmers, and even a non-swimming father enjoy the Blue Cave and sea stops.

The main drawback is cost. At $1,023.50 for up to eight people, this is a strong value for a full group, but expensive for two or three people. Fuel is extra, and the supplied price details give different estimates, so confirm the current surcharge before paying.

Key points to know before you book

• Šunj Beach gives you rare sand: Lopud’s broad sandy beach is a pleasant change from the rocky and pebbly shoreline found across much of the Dubrovnik coast.
• The route is made for swimming: Expect snorkel stops at a quiet bay, Sikirica Bay, and around Koločep, with equipment and bottled water provided.
• Šipan offers the most local feel: Luka Šipanska is a small port settlement where you can walk, order lunch, and watch traditional boats in a quiet harbor.
• The Blue Cave is the visual finale: Koločep offers cave photos, clear water, and another chance to swim before returning to Dubrovnik.
• Your skipper can adjust the pace: The day may include extra coves, longer swim stops, or a restaurant booking, depending on weather and your group.
• Budget for fuel: The tour price covers the private outing, but fuel is charged separately and the exact amount depends on the boat.

Why a private speedboat makes sense around Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik’s old town gets most of the attention, but the coast is best understood from the water. The Elaphiti Islands sit close enough for a full-day outing, yet each has a different character. Lopud gives you a sandy beach, Šipan offers a quiet island port, and Koločep feels smaller and more wooded, with rocky coves and sea caves.

A private boat changes the day in a useful way. You are not tied to a fixed group schedule, and you do not have to leave a beautiful swimming spot because a large boat has another departure time. Your skipper can also suggest a cove that is not easy to identify on a standard map.

The boat departs around 9:30 or 10 am, depending on the pickup arrangement. The full outing lasts about eight hours and normally brings you back around 6 pm. Pickup can be arranged from your accommodation if it is far from the nearest speedboat mooring, but you should contact the operator ahead of time rather than assume hotel pickup is automatic.

The private group limit is eight people. That is an ideal size for a family or a group of friends who want the boat to themselves. For a couple, the price becomes much harder to justify unless privacy and flexibility matter more than keeping costs low.

Šunj Beach on Lopud, a rare sandy stop

The first major stop is Šunj Beach on Lopud, reached after roughly 40 minutes through the Elaphiti Channel. You get about an hour here, enough time for a swim, a drink, or a stretch of sunbathing.

Šunj is worth including because sandy beaches are not the norm along this part of the Croatian coast. Much of the shoreline around Dubrovnik is rocky or pebbly, so the softer beach gives the morning a different feel. If you want a simple start, this is it: get off the boat, settle near the water, and enjoy a beach break before the more remote swimming stops.

The beach is also a sensible first stop for families. You are not expected to swim straight from the boat, and the setting offers an easier introduction to the day for children or anyone who is less confident in open water.

Still, do not expect a private beach. Šunj is a known attraction, and the appeal is the sand rather than complete solitude. If your priority is being alone on the water, the later coves around Šipan and Koločep may suit you better.

Quiet bays on the way to Šipan

After Lopud, the speedboat continues toward Šipan, the largest of the Elaphiti Islands. The skipper plans a short stop in a quiet bay along the way for swimming, snorkeling, or photos.

This is where the private format earns its keep. The stop is not only about checking off a named attraction. You can jump into clear water if you want an active morning, stay aboard if you prefer to take photos, or simply enjoy the views from the shaded part of the boat.

Snorkeling gear is included, along with bottled water, beer, and soft drinks. Fresh towels and a stocked cooler were also part of the setup described by families who spent the day with the company. Those small comforts matter on an eight-hour boat trip, especially when you are moving between salt water, sun, and lunch.

The speedboat itself was described as clean and carefully maintained, with a canopy and a sunbathing area. Exact boat features can vary, so ask which boat you are receiving if shade, seating, or space for children is important to you.

Luka Šipanska, the island stop with local character

Šipan is the longest stop, with about three hours in and around Luka Šipanska. This is not just a swim stop. You have time to walk around the port, find lunch or drinks, and see a quieter side of island life.

Only about 200 people live on the island, according to the tour information. That small population shapes the mood. The port has traditional boats, little bays, and a slower rhythm than Dubrovnik. You can use this pause to stretch your legs and take a break from the boat.

Lunch is not included, so plan for that cost. The usual arrangement is free time at a local beach bar, but skippers have also helped arrange meals at island restaurants. Fresh grilled fish, vegetables, meat dishes, local white wine, coffee, and simple drinks have all featured in the day for past groups.

I would ask your skipper about lunch early in the morning. A reservation can save time, particularly if your group wants a proper meal rather than a quick snack. Keep in mind that stopping for lunch uses part of the three-hour window, so decide whether food or more swimming matters most to you.

Šipan is also the best stop for people who want more than beach time. You can walk through the settlement, watch boats in the harbor, and get a sense of daily island life. The tradeoff is that the schedule becomes less active here. If everyone in your group wants nonstop swimming, three hours may feel long.

Sikirica Bay and the turquoise water of Koločep

The route then turns toward Koločep, with another swim stop at Sikirica Bay. This cove is described as difficult to locate on a map, which helps explain its quiet character. The water is turquoise, and you can snorkel or use a sea scooter if one is available for your trip.

This is a good point to tell the skipper what kind of day you want. Some people will be happiest swimming from the boat, while others will want to stay in the water with a mask for as long as possible. You can also remain aboard and enjoy the scenery. The private setup means you are not forced into one pace.

Koločep itself is smaller than Šipan, with fewer than 150 residents. During winter it is nearly empty, while summer brings more activity. Its beaches are rocky or pebbly, and the water is a major part of the attraction.

Bring suitable footwear if your feet are sensitive to stones. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, but the supplied information does not promise special water shoes. A towel, swimwear, sun protection, and a dry change of clothes are practical choices for the day.

The Blue Cave and the last swim

On Koločep, the boat visits the Blue Cave. You can take photos outside and enter the cave by swimming, depending on conditions and your comfort in the water.

This stop has been especially useful for nervous swimmers. One skipper patiently guided a non-swimming father into the sea and through the cave on a paddleboard. Another skipper entered the water and guided members of a family with snorkels. These details suggest that the crew can offer hands-on help, but you should still tell the skipper about swimming concerns at the start of the day.

The cave is not a museum-style attraction with a formal tour. Its appeal comes from the water, the light, and the feeling of reaching it from a private boat. Conditions can affect how easy it is to enter, so do not treat the cave as a guaranteed swim-through stop in every kind of weather.

You normally get another chance to swim or sunbathe around Koločep before heading back. If you have children, this final stop may be the highlight. If you are tired after several hours in the sun, you can stay aboard and enjoy the ride instead.

Extra coves make the route flexible

The published route includes several additional bays between the main islands and Dubrovnik. These places are not easy to find on a map, and the skipper may suggest stopping when conditions and timing allow.

That flexibility is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip over a standard island transfer. You are not only traveling to Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep. You are also using the boat to reach small swimming spots along the way.

The flexible plan can work well for groups with different interests. A teenager can sunbathe on board, strong swimmers can snorkel, and younger children can take shorter water breaks. Skippers have also adapted the day for families with four children, allowing time for coffee, food, swimming, and island walks.

Weather still controls the day. A summer thunderstorm can change the route or shorten water time, and poor weather may lead to a rescheduled date or full refund. The tour requires good weather, so do not build your entire Dubrovnik plan around it if your schedule is very tight.

What the price really buys you

The listed price is $1,023.50 per group of up to eight. With eight people, that works out to roughly $128 per person before fuel, which is reasonable for a private boat, skipper, drinks, snorkeling gear, and a full day on the water. With four people, it is about $256 each. For two people, it becomes a luxury outing.

Fuel is not included. The information supplied with this experience gives two different figures: one note lists a fuel surcharge of about 150 to 200 euros depending on the boat, while another says 100 euros per booking. Confirm the current amount before you book, as this is a meaningful addition to the total.

Lunch, restaurant meals, and drinks beyond the included beer, soda, and bottled water are also your responsibility. The price makes the most sense when you fill most of the eight-person capacity and care about having a private skipper who can adjust the route.

The value is less convincing if you only want a short swim and a quick island visit. In that case, a shared half-day outing may cost less. This tour earns its price through time, privacy, flexible stops, and the ability to set the mood for your own group.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this outing to families, groups of friends, and anyone who wants a full day away from Dubrovnik’s crowds. It suits people who like swimming, snorkeling, photos, light island walks, and unhurried meals.

It is also a good choice for mixed-ability groups. You do not have to be a strong swimmer, and the skipper can help you get into the water or stay aboard. The crew’s calm approach with children and non-swimmers is one of the most reassuring parts of the experience.

You should think twice if you dislike speedboats, long exposure to sun, or an itinerary built around water. The day includes several boat rides and swim stops, not a long historical tour. Šipan offers some local atmosphere, but the main focus is the sea.

English is offered, and most people can participate. Service animals are allowed. Since the tour depends on weather and sea conditions, keep some flexibility in your Dubrovnik schedule.

Should you book this Elaphiti Islands tour?

Book it if you have a group of four to eight, want a private boat, and would rather spend the day swimming in quiet bays than following a rigid sightseeing timetable. The mix of sandy Šunj Beach, small Luka Šipanska, Sikirica Bay, Koločep, and the Blue Cave gives the day real variety.

I would be more cautious if you are traveling as a couple on a tight budget. The cost can be difficult to defend once fuel and lunch are added. Also confirm the fuel charge, pickup time, boat style, and lunch plan before booking.

For the right group, this is a relaxed and highly personal way to see the islands beyond Dubrovnik. Its best moments are not limited to the named stops. They come when the skipper slows down at a quiet cove, finds a good place for a swim, or lets your group stay a little longer because nobody is ready to leave.

FAQ

How long does the private Elaphiti Islands tour last?

The tour lasts about eight hours. The planned start is around 9:30 or 10 am, with return to Dubrovnik around the end of the afternoon.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep. Stops include Šunj Beach, Luka Šipanska, Sikirica Bay, and the Blue Cave.

Is the tour private?

Yes. Only your group participates, with a maximum of eight people.

Is pickup from my accommodation included?

Pickup may be arranged if your accommodation is far from the closest speedboat mooring. Contact the provider in advance to request a transfer.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Are drinks included?

Bottled water, beer, and soda are included. Lunch and other meals are not included.

Is fuel included in the tour price?

No. Fuel is charged separately. The supplied information lists different estimates, including about 150 to 200 euros depending on the boat and another figure of 100 euros per booking, so confirm the current charge before booking.

Can I swim at Šunj Beach?

Yes. You have about an hour at Šunj Beach for swimming, drinks, or sunbathing.

Do I have time for lunch on Šipan?

Yes. You have about three hours in the Luka Šipanska area, with time for lunch or drinks at a local beach bar or restaurant.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour requires good weather. If the provider cancels because of poor conditions, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.