A day on a private yacht just feels different. This Dubrovnik charter is built around flexibility—you get to choose when to snorkel, when to drift in a quiet bay, and when to hop off for a village wander.

I especially like the hands-on skipper experience from Captain Robert: calm, confident boat handling in tight spots, plus thoughtful care when seasickness hits. The other big win is the comfort package on board—snorkeling gear, drinks, a spotless boat, and even a GoPro for the memories.

One consideration: this isn’t for non swimmers, and you’ll want good footwear if you plan to climb in and out of rocky coves (sea urchins are real).

Key things I’d bet you’ll care about

• Captain Robert runs the day smoothly, including calm navigation through tight caves and coves
• Snorkeling equipment is included, plus time built into the day to actually use it
• Drinks onboard include hot/cold options and alcoholic beverages
• GoPro is provided, so you’re not spending the whole day afraid of dropping your phone
• Lunch isn’t on board, so you’ll eat ashore when/if you choose to
• It’s private for up to 6, which usually means fewer crowds and more flexibility

Dubrovnik by boat: why this day-trip format works

Dubrovnik is already photogenic from the land. But from the water, the whole coast makes sense—walls, cliffs, and little island shapes all line up like they were drawn for a postcard.

What makes this tour work so well is the pacing. It’s not a rigid factory schedule. You get a private setting with a skipper who can adjust based on conditions and your vibe: swim-focused, snorkeling-focused, or more of a scenery-and-coves day.

Also, you’re not sharing your boat day with strangers. For a group of up to six, that matters. You can keep things relaxed, ask questions, and make last-minute tweaks without a loud “tour herd” around you.

The boat setup: comfort, gear, and a captain who handles the tricky parts

This is a private boat tour with restroom access onboard and private transportation built in. That combination sounds basic until you’re on the water for hours—then you’ll be glad it’s there.

The big practical inclusions:

• Snorkeling equipment is included
• GoPro camera is provided
• Hot and cold drinks, plus alcoholic beverages
• Bottled water and soda/pop
• Fuel surcharge is included, so you’re not doing surprise add-ons mid-trip

In the reviews, Captain Robert gets consistently praised for two things: keeping the boat immaculate and steering with steady confidence in close quarters. You can feel the difference when a skipper calmly maneuvers through tight caves and puts you in good swim spots without drama.

One review also stood out for me: when someone felt seasick, the captain had bread ready and blankets on board. That’s not a feature you can “see” before you book, but it’s exactly the kind of small care that makes a boat day feel manageable.

Elaphiti Islands: flexible swim time, caves, and the kind of quiet you want

The Elaphiti Islands day is the heart of this experience. You’re looking at a mix of secluded bays, coves, and island villages, and the route is adjusted once you’re underway.

Here’s what you can realistically expect from this kind of stop:

• Short boat moves between swim-ready spots
• Time to snorkel and swim close to shore
• Moments that feel more private because you’re not riding the same public-ferry path everyone else follows
• Optional downtime—relaxing in coves is part of the plan

Snorkeling gear is included, so you won’t be scrambling on arrival. And the review stories mention swimming in caves and crawling into calmer water areas when the captain finds the right entry points.

A smart tip from the reviews: if you plan to climb in and out of the water, bring thick-soled water shoes. Sea urchins can be pokey, and you don’t want your “fun swim” to turn into a barefoot negotiation.

About paddleboarding: the overall tour description says you’ll spend the day snorkeling and paddleboarding at the Elaphiti Islands. The booking details you receive may vary based on conditions, so I’d still come prepared for at least snorkeling plus general water time.

Mljet Island: when you want forests, turquoise bays, and a better lunch pause

There’s an Mljet option in the mix—meaning your day can stretch longer if you want a second major island stop. Mljet is often described as forested, and the appeal here is simple: turquoise water paired with places to stop for lunch ashore.

If you’re thinking, I want more than one island, this is your chance. A second island stop changes the texture of the day: you go from “swim and relax” mode into “travel, explore, and regroup” mode.

The same practical point applies: this isn’t a food-on-board tour. You won’t have lunch served onboard because lunch food isn’t allowed there. Instead, you’ll look to eat at a spot on land—either a restaurant the skipper recommends or something you decide on with his guidance.

If you like your tours to include a great meal with a view, this stops plays nicely. In the reviews, Captain Robert mentions working around timing to get guests to a beautiful lunch location on short notice.

Lunch rules: plan for food ashore, and let the skipper help

This is one of those “read the fine print” situations. Lunch isn’t served onboard, and food onboard is not allowed.

That doesn’t make the day worse. It usually makes it better, because you get a proper shore lunch rather than a rushed onboard snack. But it does mean you should budget time to get to shore and back, and you should be ready to eat while you’re at one of the island stops.

If you want to keep your day smooth, I’d treat lunch as part of the itinerary conversation, not a last-minute scramble. In multiple reviews, Captain Robert is praised for steering people toward delicious places—like a suggested restaurant in Lopud and even more flexible booking when plans changed.

Time on the water: how 4 to 8 hours usually feels

The tour runs about 4 to 8 hours depending on how you stack your stops. The Elaphiti portion is the main block, and adding Mljet makes it a longer day.

In practice, the longer version is ideal if:

• You want multiple swim locations
• You want both islands rather than just one
• You like the idea of a proper lunch stop and more time to wander

The shorter version is ideal if:

• You mainly came for snorkeling and coves
• You want a lighter day with more downtime back in Dubrovnik

Either way, expect the day to feel eventful without feeling exhausting—especially because it’s a small group and the skipper handles the moving parts.

Value check: $862.86 for up to 6 and what that really covers

At $862.86 per group (up to 6), this isn’t a budget boat ride. You’re paying for privacy, a captain who drives you to the right water spots, and all the “comfort extras” that add up fast on your own.

Here’s what that value looks like when you tally it:

• Private transportation and fuel surcharge handled
• Drinks onboard (hot/cold plus alcoholic beverages)
• Snorkeling equipment included
• Restroom onboard
• GoPro included for capturing water moments
• Flexible itinerary planning once aboard

If you compare this to piecing together ferry tickets plus renting gear plus paying for separate transfers plus paying for bottled water and drinks, the private charter starts to make more sense—especially if you’re traveling as a couple plus friends (or a family of up to six).

One more value point: the reviews repeatedly highlight that Captain Robert avoids crowded feeling spots. Even without “crowd stats,” you can feel the difference when you’re in a quiet cove rather than a shared swim bottleneck.

Who this tour fits best (and who should skip it)

This is most suitable if you:

• Swim comfortably and want snorkel time
• Like private, flexible days over fixed checklists
• Want a skipper who can pick calm, scenic bays and handle tricky navigation
• Care about comfort: drinks onboard, restroom access, and a well-kept boat

It’s not recommended for non swimmers. And if you’re worried about choppy water, do know the captain has helped guests with seasickness with bread and comfort items like blankets (so you’re not completely on your own if you feel unwell).

What to pack so you feel ready for the water

Even when the boat day sounds effortless, you’ll enjoy it more if you pack smart.

Bring:

• Thick-soled water shoes (highly recommended for rocky entries; sea urchins are the issue)
• A swim-friendly outfit you’re comfortable getting wet
• Sunscreen and a hat (island sun can be intense)
• A light layer for the boat ride if you run cool

Also, since a GoPro is included, you can bring your own safe storage habits for your phone/camera rather than taking constant risks with it.

Booking details that matter day-of

This is offered in English and you’ll receive a confirmation at booking time. A mobile ticket is used, and pickup is offered.

Pickup is handled by text the day before to sort out pickup place and time. That’s worth noting: if you’re juggling multiple Dubrovnik activities, keep your phone charged and watch for that message so you don’t lose time.

The experience ends back at the meeting point, so you’re not wondering where you’ll land when the boat trip wraps up.

Should you book this private Elaphiti/Mljet boat day?

Book it if you want a small-group, captain-led day focused on swimming, snorkeling, and getting away from busy-feeling spots. The combination of included snorkeling gear, onboard drinks, and the steady, careful service from Captain Robert is exactly what turns a “nice boat ride” into a highlight day.

Skip it (or pick a different style) if you don’t swim. And if you’re sensitive to rocky entries, take the water-shoe advice seriously—this kind of coastline is not a pool deck.

If your group is up to six, you’re the sweet spot for value. You’ll get a relaxed pace, real flexibility, and a day that feels genuinely private without feeling fancy-for-fancy’s-sake.

FAQ

How long is the boat tour?

The duration is listed as approximately 4 to 8 hours, depending on how you plan your day.

What does the price include for a group of up to six?

The price is $862.86 per group (up to 6) and includes private boat transportation, fuel surcharge, snorkeling equipment, GoPro camera, bottled water, soda/pop, hot and cold drinks, alcoholic beverages, and a restroom on board.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch food onboard is not allowed, so you’ll need to plan for lunch ashore if you choose to eat.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

This tour is not recommended for non swimmers. If you’re planning to swim close to shore or climb in and out of the water, wear thick-soled water shoes.

Is pickup available from Dubrovnik?

Yes, pickup is offered. The provider will text you the day before the tour to confirm pickup place and time.

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.