Speedboat time, not cruise-ship lines. This private speedboat outing from Dubrovnik sends you island-hopping for swims and photos at Koločep and Lopud, with drinks and snorkeling gear included. I like that it’s truly just your party, and I also like the way the skipper can adjust the pace so your day matches your mood. One cost consideration: the base price doesn’t cover the cash fuel surcharge (and pickup in some locations costs extra too).

The islands are the point, especially if you target early water time for calmer cave visits, including Koločep’s Blue and Green Caves. The half-day focuses on Koločep and Lopud, while the full-day adds farther stops like Šipan and the Šikirica Lagoon view.

Key things to know before you go

• Private, just your group: the day is built around you, not a herd.
• Koločep caves are the headline: Blue and Green Cave swimming/snorkeling time is the star.
• Lopud is car-free beach time: you get two big sandy options, including Šunj Beach.
• Drinks onboard, minimum age 18: beer, wine, soft drinks, and bottled water keep coming.
• Snorkeling gear plus life jackets: you’re set up for water time without packing a kit.
• Skippers tailor stops: captains like Orsat, Tony, Ante, Marin, Simon, Mario, Josep, and Ivan are repeatedly praised for flexibility and safety.

Entering the Elaphite Islands by Speedboat, Not Ferry

This tour is a fast, no-wait way to reach the Elaphite Islands from Dubrovnik. You start with a brief panoramic look at Old Town, then cut out to the islands so your day doesn’t feel like a commute.

The private setup matters. Instead of waiting your turn, you’re moving at skipper speed: stop, swim, photo, go again. That alone makes it feel like a “real island day” instead of a checklist tour.

Price and the Real Math for Half-Day vs 8 Hours

The tour price is listed as $386.98 per group (up to 2). That’s only part of the story, because there are cash add-ons.

Here’s the practical breakdown:

• Half-day (~4 hours): expect a €70 fuel surcharge paid on the boat.
• Full-day (~8 hours): expect a €150 fuel surcharge paid on the boat.
• Pickup/drop-off: if you want pickup at Sheraton, Mlini, or Cavtat, it’s €60 cash (round-trip).

So the “all-in” feeling looks like:

• Half-day: $386.98 + €70 (plus optional €60 pickup)
• Full-day: $386.98 + €150 (plus optional €60 pickup)

Is it good value? For two people, it can be. Drinks are included, plus towels, snorkeling gear, and life jackets. You’re also paying for the boat speed plus the skipper time to get you to specific water spots like the caves.

One more thing to know: boat sizes can vary. This company has a fleet (about 15 speedboats ranging from 19 ft to 30 ft). For a 2-person option, you’ll typically be on a smaller boat. If boat size is a big deal for you, ask ahead about what vessel you’ll get.

Koločep: Koločep’s Blue and Green Caves Swim Stop

Koločep is the closest island to Dubrovnik, which is exactly why it works so well on a short itinerary. You’ll begin with that quick Old Town panorama, then head to Koločep for about one hour.

This island is known for its five caves, and the Blue and Green Caves get the most attention. The payoff is simple: you can swim and snorkel in crystal-clear water, and the visual contrast around the cave openings is what makes people talk about this stop.

Two practical notes:

• Cave time can get crowded at peak hours. If you want a calmer experience, aim for an early departure when you can.
• Water can feel chilly earlier in the season. Late April and early June have both been described as cool, but worth it if you’re comfortable swimming.

You’ll get time for photos too. It’s not just a drive-by. It’s the kind of stop where you can actually enjoy the water.

Lopud: Car-Free Beaches, Šunj Beach, and a Lunch You Can Plan

Next comes Lopud, typically with about two hours on the island. Lopud is car-free, which makes a difference once you land. You’re not dealing with traffic noise while you’re trying to relax.

Lopud has two large sandy beaches:

• A beach near the main village area
• Šunj Beach on the southern side

Šunj is the one people use for sunbathing and swimming, and it’s also associated with picigin (a local beach game). If you like the idea of swimming and then drifting over to a cocktail bar, this is that kind of stop.

Food is the other big reason Lopud works. The island has Mediterranean restaurants, and the skipper can help with a lunch reservation at a top spot on request. One commonly praised example is Obala, especially when you want lunch by the water without a big planning headache.

A small drawback to consider: since Lopud is only part of a limited-time itinerary, you’ll want to decide early whether you prioritize beach lounging or extra cave time. The best days feel intentional.

Full-Day Add-On: Šikirica Lagoon and Šipan’s Harbor-Wine Moment

If you book the 8-hour full-day version, you add a farther reach toward Šipan. The schedule is built for the longer distance, and that’s why Šipan isn’t usually part of the shorter option.

On the way, you’ll get a look at the Šikirica Lagoon, which is described as an eye-catching turquoise swimming area. Then you move to the Šipan side of things.

Šipan is more quiet and island-life slow. It has a small fishing harbor, and it’s known for high-quality olive oil and local wine. If you want a break that feels local rather than touristy, you can do that through a wine bar by the sea, then stretch your legs with a leisurely harbor walk.

Why this is worth it: the half-day is great for water and beaches, but the full-day gives you more variety—views from the boat, a lagoon sight, then that calm harbor setting. It’s the difference between a fun swim day and a full island day.

Drinks, Snorkeling Gear, Towels, and the Stuff That Keeps You Comfortable

This is one of those tours where the small included items matter more than you’d think.

You get:

• Beer, wine, soft drinks, and bottled water
• Snorkeling equipment (for use)
• Life jackets
• Towels
• A skipper

There’s also a minimum drinking age of 18. If you’re bringing a younger group member, plan around that.

A practical upside: having towels and life jackets means you don’t arrive trying to solve logistics mid-holiday. Snorkeling gear being provided removes one more “did we pack it” worry.

One review also mentioned using the boat speakers for personal music. That’s not listed in the core details, but it lines up with the overall vibe people describe: you’re on your own private outing, not a stiff group bus.

Skippers Who Make It Feel Tailored (Orsat, Tony, Ante, Marin, and More)

On paper, it’s a standard route: Koločep, then Lopud, and then full-day extras. In real life, the skipper’s style is a huge part of why people rate this so highly.

I see a clear pattern in the praise:

• captains adjust the timing based on how you’re doing
• they hunt out quieter water spots when they can
• they focus on safety without killing the fun
• they keep drinks flowing

Names that come up repeatedly include Orsat, Tony, Ante, Marin, Simon, Mario, Josep, Nicola, Nikola, and Ivan. Even when the itinerary basics stay the same, the skipper’s choices can change the whole feel.

Here’s the kind of customization you should hope for:

• shifting a stop length if you want more swimming or less cave time
• adding a couple stops when it fits the day
• steering you toward the best lunch option on Lopud when you want it

Safety is another big deal here. Life jackets are provided, and multiple skippers are described as safety-conscious—important when you’re jumping into caves and changing water conditions around islands.

Best Time to Go and How to Prepare Like a Local

Timing affects two things: crowd levels and water comfort.

For the caves, early departures have a clear advantage. People have described getting the Blue Cave with far less crowding when they went early. If you’re chasing that quieter, almost private feeling, you’ll want to start your day before the bulk of the island tour traffic ramps up.

For water comfort, consider season. Early spring and early summer have been described as cool enough to notice. You might find it easier if you’re used to swimming in the Adriatic, or you’re willing to start with a quick dip and see how it feels.

What to bring (practical, not fancy):

• swimwear plus a dry change of clothes for the end
• reef-safe sunscreen if you’re prone to burning
• a towel is included, but having your own small essentials never hurts
• if you’re planning lunch, decide whether you want a reservation on Lopud so you’re not rushed

Should You Book This Elaphite Islands Speedboat Tour?

If your goal is water time with minimal hassle, book it. The private speedboat format cuts out ferry lines and makes multiple stops feel doable. The included drinks and snorkeling gear also improve the value, especially for two people.

You should especially consider the 8-hour full-day if you want more than beach + caves. The Šipan and Šikirica Lagoon components add variety and a more local rhythm (harbor walks, wine and olive oil tasting).

Skip or reconsider if:

• you’re sensitive to extra cash add-ons at the end (fuel surcharge and optional pickup)
• you really need a larger boat size for comfort, since boats can vary by group option
• you want a guaranteed structured schedule with no flexibility. This tour works best when you let the skipper shape the day.

If you want a single “best bet,” I’d choose the early schedule and, when possible, the full-day version. It’s the easiest way to turn Dubrovnik’s coastline into an actual island adventure instead of a long day of commuting.

FAQ

How many people is this private speedboat tour for?

It’s a private activity, and the group size is listed as up to 2. Only your group participates.

What drinks are included on the tour?

Beer, wine, soft drinks, and bottled water are included. The minimum drinking age is 18.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available for use, and life jackets are provided too.

What stops are included, and what changes on the full-day tour?

Koločep and Lopud are part of the itinerary, with time set for swimming and beaches. Šipan is included only on the full-day tour due to the distance from Dubrovnik.

How long is the half-day vs full-day tour?

The duration is listed as approximately 4 to 8 hours, with half-day being about 4 hours and full-day being about 8 hours.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included. The skipper can make a reservation for lunch on Lopud if you want.

Are there extra costs beyond the listed price?

Yes. A fuel surcharge is paid in cash on the boat: €70 for the half-day and €150 for the full-day. Optional pickup/drop-off at Sheraton, Mlini, or Cavtat is €60 cash.

What happens if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can people with service animals join?

Yes, service animals are allowed. The tour notes that most travelers can participate.