Want blue water without the ferry fuss?

This private Elaphiti Islands speedboat day out of Dubrovnik trades crowds for a simple route to the Blue Cave near Koločep and then on to beach-and-cave time around the archipelago. You get a flexible private setup (your group only), plus included snorkeling kit, snacks, water, and drinks.

What I like most is the easy mix of scenery and time in the water. You’ll have snorkeling equipment ready to use, and the boat comes with snacks and drinks like wine and beer (plus soda/pop). Also, the captains running this tour seem focused on making the day feel fun and low-stress, not stiff.

One thing to consider: this is not recommended for people with seasickness. If you’re sensitive to boat motion or heat, you’ll want to plan carefully (or skip this style of day on the water).

Key highlights you’ll actually feel

• Private boat for your group (up to 11), so you can move at your pace instead of waiting your turn
• Blue Cave on Koločep for about 45 minutes, with free time to look, swim, and take photos
• Koločep’s Three Hidden Caves stop (about 45 minutes) with a story that adds meaning to what you see
• Šunj Beach on Lopud for about 1 hour 15 minutes, including a chance to swim and even jump off cliffs if you want
• 8-hour option adds Šipan and Suđurađ plus an extra beach stop on Sikirica/Brsecine
• Safety-minded setup with snorkeling equipment, plus life vests and goggles mentioned in past trips

Private Elaphiti islands: why this beats the cruise crowd

Dubrovnik is amazing, but it can feel like everyone wants the exact same views at the exact same time. This tour’s main advantage is that you’re not lining up with a big group. You’re on a private speedboat with only your party, which changes the whole rhythm of the day: fewer delays, more spontaneous pauses, and more control over how long you stay in the water at each stop.

The route is also built for contrast. You start with a cave-focused moment around Koločep, then shift to a beach-and-swim stop at Lopud, and if you choose the long day, you keep going to Šipan and an additional coastal beach area. That mix is a smart way to see more than just one type of view.

Getting the timing right: 4 to 8 hours, with real stop time

This experience runs about 4 to 8 hours depending on which version you choose. The listed stop durations are a great clue for what you’ll actually spend time doing, but you should also expect some travel time between islands.

Here’s what the schedule looks like on the standard portion:

• Blue Cave (Koločep): ~45 minutes
• Three Hidden Caves (Koločep): ~45 minutes
• Šunj Beach (Lopud): ~1 hour 15 minutes

That’s the core flow, and it tends to feel like a full outing because the boat rides themselves are part of the fun. If you pick the 8-hour version, you add more island time:

• Šipan island (plus Suđurađ): ~1 hour 5 minutes
• Sikirica beach / Brsecine: ~1 hour

If you like your days to feel relaxed, the 4-hour plan is usually the sweet spot. If you want one long day at sea, the 8-hour plan adds variety without turning it into an all-day grind.

From Gruž to Koločep: the meeting point that keeps things simple

You start at Obala Stjepana Radića 17, 20000 Dubrovnik. The activity also ends back at the same place, so you’re not stuck figuring out transit after the ride.

The tour uses a mobile ticket, which is handy when you’re hopping between sights around Dubrovnik. It’s also described as near public transportation, so if your hotel is elsewhere, you’ll likely be able to get to the dock area without complicated planning.

Blue Cave (Koločep): your first hit of sea color

The tour’s opener is the Blue Cave near Koločep Island. Plan on about 45 minutes at this stop, and the focus is on exploring the cave area and enjoying the light and colors that give the cave its name.

Here’s why this first stop works well early: when you’re fresh, the cave-and-water combo feels special. If you come later in the day already tired, it’s easier to miss the details. Also, this is one of those places where your best moments are quick—time to look, time to swim if conditions allow, and time to enjoy that shifting blue effect without rushing.

Admission is listed as free, so you’re not adding extra ticket steps into your day. The real variable here is weather and water conditions, which the operator notes as important—so if the forecast is rough, they may adjust.

Koločep’s Three Hidden Caves: story + natural shapes

After the Blue Cave, the boat heads toward Three Hidden Caves on Koločep. You’ll get another ~45 minutes here, and what makes this stop different is that there’s a guide story attached to the caves.

That story matters more than you’d think. Caves can start to look like a bunch of similar rock openings if you don’t have context. With a bit of narration, you start noticing how the forms connect and how the coastline creates these secluded-looking pockets.

Admission here is also listed as free. Your best strategy is to treat this as a look-around and pause spot: take in the shapes, listen to the explanation, and only use your phone when it helps you remember what you saw later.

Šunj Beach on Lopud: swim time with room to breathe

Next up is Šunj Beach on Lopud, where you’ll spend about 1 hour 15 minutes. This is the tour’s beach break, with sand and clear water that makes it an easy place to cool off.

The practical part: you’re on a boat, so the water time is the point. If you want swimming but don’t want the stress of beach logistics in a busy port area, this stop is a good match. You can also opt for cliff-jumping if you feel adventurous—so it’s not just a sit-and-sun stop.

Another plus is the included snorkeling kit. Even if you don’t do full-on snorkeling, the goggles and masks make quick swims more fun, because you can see more than the surface glitter.

If you choose the 8-hour version: Šipan, Suđurađ, and Sikirica

The full-day 8-hour tour adds more island texture. You’ll spend extra time at Šipan island (about 1 hour 5 minutes) and visit Suđurađ, described as a coastal village.

This part is valuable if you want more than a water-only day. Caves and beaches are great, but towns and villages add a different pace: you get a chance to look at how people live along the coast and how the archipelago feels away from the main Dubrovnik spotlight.

Then comes Brsecine / Sikirica beach (about 1 hour on the 8-hour itinerary). This stop is described as a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy the views. That matters because the day can otherwise get action-heavy: by adding a calmer beach segment, the whole itinerary feels balanced.

Snacks, wine and beer, and the snorkeling kit: what’s really included

This tour includes a very specific set of comforts:

• Snorkeling equipment
• Snacks
• Bottled water
• Alcoholic beverages: wine and beer
• Soda/pop

It’s also listed that admission tickets for stops are free, and the tour includes bottled water and soda/pop, so you’re not stuck buying drinks between swims.

What’s not included is also clearly stated: lunch and swimsuits. If you’re hoping for a full meal on the water, you’ll need to plan your food timing. If you arrive without swimwear, you’ll be paying attention to where you can buy it on short notice.

Price and value: $901.10 for the group (up to 11)

The price is $901.10 per group, for up to 11 people. That means the value changes based on how many people you bring.

Quick math: if you fill closer to 11 people, you’re effectively splitting the boat cost, which can make it feel like a reasonable splurge for a private day. If it’s just a couple of you, you’ll feel the premium more strongly—but you still get the perks of a private captain, included snorkeling gear, and the full drinks-and-snacks setup.

What I think makes the price easier to justify is what you don’t have to add:

• snorkeling gear is included
• water and drinks are included
• admission for the key stops is free
• you’re booking a private boat rather than paying for a seat on a larger vessel

So if your goal is a memorable half-day or full-day at sea with less hassle, this pricing can make sense—especially for groups of friends or families who want one shared plan.

Who should book this private speedboat day (and who should skip)

This tour is described as suitable for most travelers, and it’s also private, so your group stays together. It allows service animals. It’s offered in English and uses mobile tickets.

That said, it’s not for everyone. It’s not recommended for people with seasickness, and it’s also not recommended for people sensitive to warm temperatures. A boat day in good weather can be intense if you’re prone to overheating.

This is a great match if you:

• want a cave + beach combo in one outing
• like having included snorkeling gear so you can actually use it
• prefer private pacing over waiting and crowding

It’s less ideal if you want a super structured land-focused day with long stops on shore—this one is built for sea time first, land time only as an optional add-on.

Booking sense check: weather, flexibility, and your day plan

This experience requires good weather. If conditions aren’t right, you may be offered a different date or a full refund, which is worth considering if you’re traveling during a shoulder season.

Also, it requires a minimum number of travelers to run. If you’re traveling in a quieter period, keep an eye on whether your date is likely to fill.

If you like planning with confidence, aim for a day where Dubrovnik weather looks stable. If you’re the kind of traveler who waits until the forecast looks good, you’ll probably enjoy this tour most when conditions cooperate.

Should you book the Luxury Private Elaphiti Islands boat tour?

If you want one day that feels like a true escape—private boat, cave-and-beach stops, included snorkeling gear, and drinks on board—then yes, this is the kind of tour I’d recommend. The route is practical: Koločep for caves, Lopud for swimming, and the 8-hour option for Šipan plus a calmer beach break.

Book it especially if you’re traveling with a small group that can split the boat cost, or if you’re planning a family-friendly sea day and want the ease of an all-in-one setup. Skip it if seasickness is an issue for you, or if you know you struggle with heat—because a boat day punishes discomfort fast.

If you’re still deciding, pick the version that matches your energy. The shorter option is clean and focused. The 8-hour tour is for you if you want the archipelago to feel like a full-day story, not just a splash-and-go.

FAQ

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates.

How many people can be in my group?

The price is listed per group up to 11 people.

What’s included in the tour price?

Snorkeling equipment, snacks, bottled water, alcoholic beverages (wine and beer), and soda/pop are included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

What stops are included?

You visit Blue Cave on Koločep, then the Three Hidden Caves on Koločep, and Šunj Beach on Lopud. On the 8-hour option, you also visit Šipan (including Suđurađ) and Sikirica beach/Brsecine.

Where do we meet?

You meet at Obala Stjepana Radića 17, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.