Half-Day Best Beaches & Bays Private Speed Boat Tour

REVIEW · DUBROVNIK

Half-Day Best Beaches & Bays Private Speed Boat Tour

  • 5.088 reviews
  • 4 hours (approx.)
  • From $338.62
Book on Viator →

Operated by Explore Dubrovnik · Bookable on Viator

Traveller rating 5.0 (88)Duration4 hours (approx.)Price from$338.62Operated byExplore DubrovnikBook viaViator

Four hours and you’re suddenly on island time. This private speed boat tour takes you around the Elaphiti Islands with swim stops, cave time, and a skipper who steers the day toward what you want to do.

I especially like two things: you get a small, private group (up to four), so the plan doesn’t feel like it’s on rails. And you won’t have to think about “did we pack the right stuff?” because snorkeling equipment, beer, soda, and bottled water are included.

One thing to consider: there’s no pickup or drop-off. You’ll need to make your own way to the meeting spot at Lapadska obala 4, and there’s also a fuel surcharge not included in the base price.

Key Points Worth Knowing Before You Go

Half-Day Best Beaches & Bays Private Speed Boat Tour - Key Points Worth Knowing Before You Go

  • Private boat, up to 4 people: the skipper can tailor the pace and stops to your vibe.
  • Morning or afternoon departures: choose the timing that fits your Dubrovnik day best.
  • Snorkeling gear included: you’re set for water time without renting equipment.
  • Three main stops with free admission listed: Lopud, Sunj Beach, and Kolocep are built into the half-day route.
  • Caves and cliff jumping (at Kolocep): if you like active water time, this is where it shows up.

Why This Private Speed Boat Day Works So Well From Dubrovnik

Half-Day Best Beaches & Bays Private Speed Boat Tour - Why This Private Speed Boat Day Works So Well From Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik can be intense—big walls, busy streets, lots of people. This tour gives you a clean escape in a matter of hours, with the focus where it should be: water, swims, and islands.

The route is designed for half-day payoff. You’re not committing to a full day of transport, transfers, and re-checking timetables. Instead, you get a tight set of stops around Lopud and Kolocep, with your skipper swapping in the best options based on what you want (relaxing beaches vs. more active cave time).

The private setup is the real difference-maker. On a shared boat, you’re stuck with the group’s decisions. Here, the day can flex—so if you’re eager to swim earlier or want a quieter beach stop, the skipper can usually steer you there.

You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Dubrovnik

Getting Set at Lapadska Obala (and Why the Start Time Matters)

The meeting point is Lapadska obala 4 in Dubrovnik, and the tour ends back there. There’s no pickup or drop-off, so plan to arrive a bit early and get your bearings fast.

This matters because you’re on a speed boat—things are quick once you’re in motion. If you’re arriving from elsewhere in Dubrovnik, give yourself a buffer so you’re not sprinting while everyone else is boarding.

A few practical notes you’ll appreciate:

  • You’ll have a mobile ticket.
  • The tour is offered in English.
  • It’s near public transportation.
  • Service animals are allowed.
  • Most people can participate, which is good to know if you’re traveling with friends who don’t want a super technical activity.

Also, the experience needs good weather. If conditions are rough, the operator may offer a different date or a full refund, so don’t book this if you’re counting on it as your only plan for a single day.

Lopud Island: The Island-Feel Stop That Sets the Tone

Half-Day Best Beaches & Bays Private Speed Boat Tour - Lopud Island: The Island-Feel Stop That Sets the Tone
Lopud is where the day starts to feel like a vacation and not a schedule. You’ll spend about an hour here, with the skipper guiding what to do based on your preferences.

This is a smart first stop because it mixes two types of island time:

  • Beach time and easy wandering
  • A chance to feel the island’s pace before you jump into more active water activities

In practical terms, Lopud works well if you want a balance. You can swim, take a slow stroll, or just enjoy the shoreline without rushing. The tour also lists admission as free for this stop, which is one less thing to budget for when you’re thinking about the total cost of the day.

Here’s the main trade-off: it’s only about an hour. If you fall in love with Lopud and want more time on land, the half-day format will leave you wanting a little extra. For many people, that’s actually a feature—it keeps the day varied and prevents it from turning into one long beach lounge.

Sunj Beach on Lopud: Small Bay Energy in About an Hour

Half-Day Best Beaches & Bays Private Speed Boat Tour - Sunj Beach on Lopud: Small Bay Energy in About an Hour
Sunj Beach is on Lopud’s south side, around 13 kilometers from Dubrovnik. It’s described as a bay about 200 meters long, and the tour includes about an hour here.

This stop is for people who like a clear “this is the place” beach moment. Sunj is known in the region as one of the nicest beaches, and in an hour you can realistically fit in:

  • A proper swim
  • Time to relax and dry off
  • A quick change of pace after your island exploration earlier

If your goal is photos, this is a better bet than most stop-and-go viewpoints. It’s a real beach setting, not just a quick shoreline look.

One thing to watch: with only an hour, you’ll want to decide early whether you’re spending it mostly in the water or mostly on the sand. I’d treat it like a sprint-with-rest—get your swim in, then settle in after.

Kolocep Island: Caves and Cliff Jumping (Where the Adventure Shows Up)

Half-Day Best Beaches & Bays Private Speed Boat Tour - Kolocep Island: Caves and Cliff Jumping (Where the Adventure Shows Up)
After Lopud, the tour moves toward a more adrenaline-friendly stop on Kolocep Island. You’re there for about an hour, and the activities are built around snorkeling in caves and cliff jumping.

This is the part of the tour that tends to give people the strongest “that was fun” memory. Cave snorkeling is different from normal snorkeling because the action is more about exploring and moving through a natural feature than just drifting over a reef. And cliff jumping adds a clear, physical thrill—if you’re comfortable with it.

You might also get cave swims that include a striking blue-cave style moment, depending on conditions and where the skipper guides you. Since the plan is driven by the skipper’s suggestions, think of Kolocep as your best shot at more dramatic water.

The main consideration here is comfort level. If cliff jumping is not your thing, you can still enjoy the caves and snorkeling side. Just tell the skipper early so they can pace the stop to match your comfort zone.

Drinks, Water, and Snorkeling Gear: What’s Included vs. What You’ll Pay

Half-Day Best Beaches & Bays Private Speed Boat Tour - Drinks, Water, and Snorkeling Gear: What’s Included vs. What You’ll Pay
This tour keeps the “on the boat” part easy. Included in the price are:

  • Bottled water
  • Beer
  • Soda/pop
  • Snorkeling equipment

You’ll also have a skipper/captain with you for the whole half-day.

What’s not included is lunch. That means you’ll want to eat before you go, or plan a meal after you return to Lapadska obala. Since the tour is about four hours total, it’s totally workable to do this as a day-trip rhythm: breakfast or lunch first, then islands and swims, then a proper meal back in Dubrovnik.

One more cost detail that can change the math: there’s a fuel surcharge of €100 per booking not included. That doesn’t sound huge on paper, but it does matter when you’re comparing “per person” value, especially if you’re traveling as a single or a couple.

Price and Value: When $338.62 Feels Right (and When It Doesn’t)

Half-Day Best Beaches & Bays Private Speed Boat Tour - Price and Value: When $338.62 Feels Right (and When It Doesn’t)
The listed price is $338.62 per group, up to four people, for about four hours. That pricing can be fair value because:

  • You’re paying for privacy, not just a seat.
  • Drinks and snorkeling equipment are included.
  • You’re paying for a skipper and the speedboat logistics, which are the expensive pieces on the water.

But the fuel surcharge changes the final total. Since €100 is added per booking, the real value depends on how many people you bring.

If you have a group of four, you’re spreading that fuel cost across everyone, and the per-person cost usually looks much more reasonable. If it’s just two of you, it can still be worth it—especially if you strongly want the private speedboat experience and active cave time—but you should do the quick per-person calculation before you hit book.

Also remember there’s no pickup or drop-off. That doesn’t usually ruin value, but it means you should factor in your own transport to Lapadska obala 4.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Might Want a Different Plan)

Half-Day Best Beaches & Bays Private Speed Boat Tour - Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Might Want a Different Plan)
This is a great fit if you:

  • Want a private group experience rather than a crowded boat
  • Like swimming and want real time in the water, not just “look from afar”
  • Are interested in snorkeling in caves and potentially cliff jumping
  • Prefer your day to flex based on your own preferences, with the skipper guiding choices

It’s also a good choice for couples and small friend groups who want one memorable water outing during a Dubrovnik stay.

It might be less ideal if you:

  • Hate the idea of caves/cliff jumping and only want gentle swimming
  • Need a long, land-heavy island day (because each stop is about an hour)
  • Don’t want to handle your own meeting-point logistics

In other words, this works best for people who want movement and variety, even within a half-day window.

Practical Tips to Make Your Half Day Feel Effortless

Here’s how to get the most out of it without overthinking:

  • Bring swim-ready clothes and plan to stay damp for a while after the boat returns.
  • If you’re interested in cliff jumping, decide before you’re on the spot so you can enjoy it instead of hesitating.
  • Tell the skipper what you want to prioritize early—relaxation, snorkeling, caves, or a quicker beach stop.
  • Have an easy meal lined up for after the tour since lunch isn’t included.

One small but important mindset: a speedboat half-day is about making good choices fast. You’re not meant to do everything at once—you’re meant to do the right things for you, in the time you have.

Should You Book the Half-Day Best Beaches & Bays Private Speed Boat Tour?

Book it if you want a private, short-and-sweet island day with real water time. The big wins are the small-group feel, the included drinks and snorkeling gear, and stops built around beaches plus caves. If caves and active swims are your idea of a good time, this is a strong pick.

Skip it or compare alternatives if you’re mainly looking for a long, slow island hangout, or if you dislike handling your own meeting-point logistics. The added fuel surcharge is also worth running through your math.

If you do book, my best advice is simple: pick the morning or afternoon departure based on your energy level, eat before you go, and communicate your comfort level around cliff jumping early. Do that, and this half-day can turn into one of the most satisfying chunks of time you’ll spend in Dubrovnik.

FAQ

How long is the Half-Day Best Beaches & Bays tour?

It runs for about 4 hours.

How many people can be on this private speed boat?

It’s priced per group for up to 4 travelers, and only your group participates.

Are there morning and afternoon departures?

Yes, you can choose either a morning or an afternoon departure.

What beaches or islands do you visit?

The tour stops include Lopud Island, Sunj Beach (on Lopud), and Kolocep Island.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

What drinks are included on the tour?

Beer, soft drinks, and bottled water are served, and soda/pop is included.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

Is there a fuel surcharge?

Yes. A fuel surcharge of €100 per booking is not included.

Where do we meet the boat?

The meeting point is Lapadska obala 4, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

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

Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Dubrovnik we have reviewed

Scroll to Top

Explore Dubrovnik

The Old Town, the islands, the coast beyond, and every way to see them.