Your day on the Elaphites moves at your pace. A private speedboat with cave swims and beach time is the whole point, and it keeps things flexible so you can linger where you want. I also love the straightforward mix here: caves on Koločep, then sand and a village walk on Lopud, plus more swim time on Šipan. The one catch is simple: because it’s private and schedule-flexible, you’ll need to decide how fast you want to move.

You’ll cruise out from Dubrovnik on a brand-new Cap Camarat 7.5wa style speedboat, with pickup and drop-off included. Expect a 4 to 8 hour window, drinks on board, towels and snorkeling gear, and even a GoPro for your group. One more consideration: lunch is up to you, since food isn’t included (though there are restaurants on Lopud and Šipan if you want a proper break).

What makes this tour feel especially easy is the human factor. The skipper is also an English-speaking guide, and Simon gets praised for being friendly, accommodating, and timely—plus he’s the kind of person who helps you tailor the day to what your group feels like doing. That said, if you want a tightly choreographed, stop-at-exact-times day, this private format may feel too flexible.

Key things I’d plan around

• A private boat for up to 7 means you control pace, stops, and swim time.
• Koločep’s cave route includes Green Cave, Blue Cave, and Three Caves.
• Lopud’s Šunj sandy beach plus time to walk the populated area.
• Snorkeling gear + GoPro included, with extra help when you want to watch fish.
• Simon’s early, on-time approach can help you enjoy calmer water before crowds build.
• Hotel transfers included, so you’re not figuring out local transport mid-holiday.

The Cap Camarat 7.5wa advantage for the Elaphites

The Elaphite Islands are close to Dubrovnik, but they’re scattered enough that you’ll get more out of them with a fast, comfortable boat than with anything slow. This tour runs on a Cap Camarat 7.5wa speedboat, described as brand new, and that matters for comfort and handling when you’re switching between coves.

Also, speedboat time isn’t just about saving minutes. It means you can shift your plan when the sea looks good, when a beach is busy, or when your group wants one more swim before heading to the next island. On a private day, that kind of flexibility turns into real value.

And because it’s private, you don’t have to fight for a spot at the best moment. If you want more time at a cave stop, you can usually ask for it. If your group prefers beach over caves—or vice versa—you’re not stuck with a one-size itinerary.

Getting picked up from Dubrovnik with hotel transfers included

This tour includes pickup and drop-off, with a car or van grabbing you from the address you specify about 20 minutes before the boat tour starts. That’s a big deal when you’re staying in Dubrovnik and don’t want to build your day around public transport schedules or taxi math.

Since the tour runs for 4 to 8 hours, the timing matters. A later start can mean busier water and more boats around popular spots. If you care about calmer moments, plan for the earlier end of available starting times when you can.

In practice, the day is set up so you don’t just arrive at a boat and scramble. You’ll get to the meeting point on time, then the skipper guides the day from there—cruise first, then islands, then swim stops.

First stop feeling: Grebeni as your warm-up cruise

Before the main island trio, you’ll see Grebeni. This is a smart setup because it gives you a quick “out on the water” moment before you start hopping between caves and beaches.

Think of it as the warm-up section that helps you settle in:

• You get oriented on the route.
• You get that first look at the coastline from the sea.
• You feel the pace of a private speedboat day before you spend your energy swimming.

It’s not the longest part of the experience, but it helps the whole day feel smoother.

Koločep’s cave circuit: Green Cave, Blue Cave, Three Caves

This is the part most people remember, and for good reason. On Koločep, you get three cave stops: Green Cave, Blue Cave, and Three Caves. Doing multiple cave moments in one trip is more efficient than choosing just one, and it gives your group variety in a small area.

Here’s how to think about it:

• Green Cave and Blue Cave offer different light and color effects as you move through the water and shade. Even if you’re not a photographer, you’ll feel the difference.
• Three Caves gives you a bigger sense of the coastline’s shape, and it usually works well for people who want a bit more exploration time.

You’ll also have snorkeling equipment available, so if your group is into seeing what’s underwater, this is where you’ll get the most use out of it. The GoPro inclusion is helpful here too—caves and clear water are the kind of spots where quick footage actually looks good later.

One practical note: caves can create bottlenecks with boats. Since this is private, your skipper can adjust when you enter and how long you stay, but it’s still worth going with a flexible mindset. If you want maximum time in the water, tell Simon that early so the plan matches your priorities.

Lopud: Šunj sandy beach plus time to walk

After the Koločep cave set, you head to Lopud. First comes a stop at the sandy beach of Šunj. This is a welcome change of pace after caves: more open water, more straightforward swimming, and beach time that feels easy on your body.

If you’re the type who hates rushing, this beach stop is where you slow down. Even on a fast day, Šunj gives you a softer landing—sand underfoot, time to float, and the kind of stop that works for mixed groups (not everyone has to be equally into caves).

Next, you’ll go to the populated area on Lopud for an opportunity to walk. This is where you trade boat views for something human-scale: streets, shops, and a chance to reset your eyes between water stops.

If you want a lunch break, Lopud has restaurants. Food isn’t included in the tour price, but the presence of places to eat means you can plan lunch whenever it fits your pace instead of building the entire day around it.

A drawback to consider here: Lopud can be more active than the boat-only spots. If your group wants quiet swimming time, you’ll want to use the private format well—ask for the beach and walk to be timed so you don’t feel stuck in the busiest window.

Šipan’s role: more swimming, plus lunch options

The final island on the route is Šipan. Like the other stops, this is mostly about water time and letting your group choose how long to stay at the best moment.

Šipan is also a good lunch option. There are restaurants there, so if your group didn’t want to eat on Lopud, you can shift the meal to Šipan without the day turning into a scramble.

This stop tends to work for people who like a strong ending: you’ve done caves, you’ve done sand and walking, and now you get one more chance to relax. Since the overall itinerary is flexible, you can adjust your remaining time based on how your group feels—more swimming if you’re energized, more sitting and photos if you’re not.

Drinks, towels, snorkeling gear, and the included GoPro value

What’s included isn’t just a list. It’s what makes the day feel like a real experience instead of a logistics test.

You’ll have:

• Drinks on board: water, cola, white wine, beer
• Towels
• Snorkeling equipment
• GoPro
• And a skipper who also acts as an English guide

That combination matters because it covers the stuff that usually costs extra or requires planning. Towels and water remove friction. Snorkeling equipment means you’re not hunting for gear. The GoPro makes it easier to capture the cave and swim moments without worrying about your own camera setup.

One extra detail that’s worth knowing: Simon is described as making sure you’re set up with the right gear and help, including goggles for watching fish. If you want to see underwater life, that small bit of guidance can turn a quick snorkel into a more satisfying one.

Also, the drinks aren’t positioned as a party thing. They just keep the day comfortable when you’re wet, sun-facing, and out on the water for hours.

Price and value: $530 for up to 7 people

At $530 per group (up to 7 people), this is priced for families, friend groups, and couples who want privacy more than they want bargain hunting.

Here’s why it can still feel like good value:

• You’re paying for a private boat with fuel and a skipper guide.
• The boat time includes drinks, towels, snorkeling equipment, and a GoPro.
• Hotel transfers are included, which can add up if you’re paying for taxis.

If you’re comparing to shared tours, the math often flips when your group is 4+ people. Even with a smaller group, it can make sense if you care about staying away from crowds, controlling swim time, and choosing the stops you linger at.

If your group is only 1 or 2 people, you’ll want to decide whether privacy is a must-have. The tour’s best payoff is that you can spend more time where your group wants to be and less where you don’t.

How long should you book: 4 hours vs 8 hours?

You can book the tour for 4 to 8 hours, and that range changes the feel of the day.

• A shorter day (around 4 hours) is best if you want a taste of everything—caves, one main swim stretch, and a walk—without getting too tired.
• A longer day (closer to 8 hours) fits better if your group wants a slower pace, more swimming, and time to settle into the most enjoyable spot.

Because the schedule is completely private and subject to your changes, you’re not locked into a rigid plan. Still, longer typically gives you more breathing room to adapt on the water.

Who this tour fits best

This private Elaphite Islands speedboat tour suits you if you:

• Want a flexible day instead of a fixed checklist.
• Care about privacy and being able to linger at your favorite spot.
• Like the combination of caves, sandy swimming, and a bit of strolling.
• Are traveling with friends or family up to 7 people and want the group to stay together.

It may not fit as well if you’re looking for a very structured, follow-a-script tour with tightly timed stops. Since it’s private, you’ll be part of the decision-making.

What to bring so the day feels easy

This part is simple: bring swimwear. You’ll be in and out of the water, and you’ll appreciate having your gear ready from the start.

If you’re the kind of person who likes photos, bring whatever you prefer to use beyond the included GoPro. The tour supplies the essentials, but your personal preferences matter.

Should you book this private Elaphite Islands speedboat?

I’d book it if you want an active day with control. The value comes from the private format plus real inclusions: fuel, a skipper-guide, drinks, towels, snorkeling equipment, and a GoPro. Then there’s the stop selection—Koločep’s Green Cave, Blue Cave, and Three Caves, Šunj sandy beach on Lopud, a walk in Lopud’s populated area, and finishing with Šipan.

Pass if you want a fully planned itinerary with no room to adjust, or if you’re only interested in one type of stop (just caves, or just beaches). This tour works best when you’re happy to mix and match within the day.

If you’re making the decision: choose your duration based on how your group handles sun and water time, and aim for a calmer start when you can. With Simon at the helm and the private boat setup, you’re buying more than transportation—you’re buying a day that can bend to your pace.

FAQ

How long is the Elaphite Islands private boat tour?

It’s offered in durations of 4 to 8 hours.

How many people can be on the private boat?

The price is per group up to 7 people.

What islands are included in the route?

The route includes Grebeni, then Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan.

What snorkeling and filming gear is included?

Snorkeling equipment and a GoPro are included, along with towels.

Is lunch included?

No. Food isn’t included, but there are restaurants on Lopud and Šipan if you want to eat.

What should I bring?

You should bring swimwear.