Dubrovnik’s coastline is gorgeous, but this is a different kind of day. You’ll ride out by private speedboat to the Elaphiti Islands for warm-water swims, cave time, and beach breaks that feel far from the city. It’s tailor-made in the sense that the skipper can work with your pace and priorities, not run a rigid checklist.

I love that the tour builds in real water time, not just photo stops, including cave swims and snorkeling gear right off the boat. I also like that food and drinks are handled for you onboard, with snacks plus beer or wine, so you’re not stuck budgeting every hour.

One thing to consider: this is a boat day, so weather matters. When conditions are off, you may need to shift plans, and with any private speedboat tour, the sea can feel very “in the driver’s seat” during the day’s timing.

Key highlights worth planning around

• Kolocep caves + Blue Cave swim with snorkeling masks provided
• Šunj Beach on Lopud for sandy, calmer water and lounge-hammock vibes
• Lopud lunch + Franciscan monastery and a botanical garden stop built in
• Suđurađ on Šipan with Pakljena tower (1563) and old-residence ruins
• Osmoliš turquoise beach as a final swim, plus an option to linger with local wine
• Skipper-led adjustments if a stop feels too crowded, the route can flex

Elaphiti Islands by private speedboat: why this route works

The Elaphiti Islands sit just off Dubrovnik, but the difference is huge once you’re away from the marina and city viewpoint traffic. From the water, you get the “true postcard” angles—cliffs dropping to deep blue sea, coves that look like they were designed for swimming, and shorelines you’d never reach this efficiently by bus.

A private speedboat also changes the mood. Instead of lining up, you’re picked up at Lapadska Obala Pier and your day runs around your small group. The total duration is listed as 8 to 9 hours (including travel time), which is long enough to feel like a real island day but not so long that you’re cooked by late afternoon.

The route is built for variety. You get caves and swimming on Kolocep, a laid-back sandy beach reset on Lopud, village-and-monastery walking on Lopud and Šipan, and then another swim finish on Osmoliš.

Price and what the day actually costs (with fuel and lunch accounted for)

The tour price is listed at $409.72 per group for up to 6 people. That’s the “private boat” part of the value equation: even though the price is per group, the experience is structured like a day trip for a single boat, with a skipper and island stops.

Two important add-ons to plan for:

• Fuel: €100 per booking is not included.
• Lunch: not included (you’ll have a lunch stop, but the cost isn’t covered).

So your real “all-in” thinking is: the published price + fuel + whatever you choose for lunch. When you spread it across a group of friends or a family, the math often starts to look more reasonable than half-day shared options, especially because the tour includes onboard snacks and drinks.

What you do get included is solid for a full island day: skipper, snacks, life jackets, floaties, bottled water, soda/pop, and alcoholic drinks (wine and beer). You also get snorkeling equipment and masks for water time. That’s exactly the kind of cost that quietly adds up if you’re renting gear or buying drinks every stop.

From Lapadska Obala Pier to your first swim: how the day flows

Your meeting point is Lapadska Obala Pier (Lapadska obala 5, Dubrovnik). The tour ends back at the same place, so you’re not playing “how do I get back?” at the end of a long day.

You can expect a schedule with multiple swim-and-stay blocks, not a rushed drive-by tour. The idea is to use the boat ride to get you to coves and beaches, then let you slow down once you’re there.

Two practical notes:

• You’re using a boat, so bring swim-ready basics (towel, sunscreen, and shoes that work near rocks if you’ll be in-and-out).
• It’s an active day, even when there’s also relaxing time. You’ll switch between time in the sun and time walking on islands.

Stop 1: Koločep caves and the Blue Cave swim (how to make this part enjoyable)

Koločep is where the day gets adventurous. Your first stop is the island locals often call Kalamota, and the focus is cave time and swimming. There’s guided cave exploring, with an emphasis on letting you move at your comfort level.

The headline here is the Blue Cave. The way it’s described is practical: it’s a small swim from the boat, and there are a few rocks along the side where you can stop if needed. Inside, it looks good once you’re in—worth it, especially because it’s not just a view from the shore.

Snorkeling is part of this stop. You’ll be provided snorkeling masks so you can look under the water. That matters because the sea around these coves is clear and bright enough for it to feel worthwhile, not like you’re strapping on gear for a photo.

A key consideration: cave popularity can spike. In a perfect world, it’s relaxed. In the real world, it can get busy. I like that the skipper can adjust if a specific cave time doesn’t feel right; one account mentioned moving on quickly when the Blue Cave/Green Cave area felt too crowded, and swapping in a calmer swimming spot instead. That’s a smart way to protect your time and keep the day from grinding to a halt.

Stop 2: Šunj Beach on Lopud for sandy calm and easy swimming

After caves, you switch to pure rest at Šunj Beach on Lopud. This stop is designed as a reset: spacious sandy beach, shallow and calm water, and a bay that’s naturally sheltered.

This is the part of the day that’s easy to enjoy even if your group has mixed energy. If you want to swim and flop down, you can do that. If you’re traveling with kids, the calmer water is exactly what you’re hoping for. And if you just want shade and a drink, Šunj Beach has that covered too.

Along the beach you’ll find small cocktail bars and food spots. One detail I really like: there’s even a place with hammocks hanging between trees, the kind of spot where you can sip something cold and take a nap without feeling guilty.

The downside, if you can call it that, is that Šunj is popular. If you’re the type who hates sharing your beach, you’ll want to be ready to enjoy it with whatever crowd comes with a sunny afternoon. The good news is this tour structure gives you a set block of time, so you’re not stuck there forever.

Stop 3: Lopud lunch + Franciscan monastery (and a botanical garden breather)

Next you move from beach time into a more grounded island experience on Lopud. You’ll head for lunch at a local restaurant featuring fresh seafood. This is included as the “lunch stop” in the day’s structure, but lunch cost itself is not listed as included—so expect to pay for your meal.

What makes this stop more than just fuel is the pairing. After lunch, you visit the Franciscan monastery, founded in 1483, described as the oldest part of Lopud. It’s a chance to get off the boat and see how people lived here long before summer crowds.

Then there’s a botanical garden stroll. It’s noted as a hidden gem and free of charge, which makes it one of those rare “add-on” experiences that doesn’t cost extra but does add texture to the day.

A practical tip: wear something comfortable for walking. This isn’t a long hike, but you’re going from sandy beach energy to island paths and monastery areas. If your group runs hot, early shade matters.

Stop 4: Suđurađ on Šipan for old-town atmosphere and specific sights

Šipan is where the tour leans into place-based exploring. In Suđurađ, you get a guided tour around historical, natural, and cultural attractions and also hear about myths and legends of the island.

This stop also comes with concrete, specific landmarks:

• You can see the remains of a renaissance castle tied to the Stjepović–Skočibuha family (listed as “Skočibuha”).
• You’ll have time near the Pakljena tower, dated to 1563.
• The tour description highlights the palatial former residence of the Skočibuha family in Suđurađ.

There’s also mention of Šipanska Luka, where locals still live and maintain older customs. Even if you don’t stay long, it gives you a sense that Šipan isn’t just a summer playground. It’s a living island with villages shaped by generations.

Why this stop is valuable: it breaks the rhythm. After swimming and beach lounging, the walking-time gives your brain a different kind of vacation. It also helps you understand why these islands look the way they do—why certain towns sit where they do, and what people built on them.

Time-wise, it’s shorter than the beach and cave blocks—about 1 hour listed here. That’s enough for a taste, not enough for deep study. If your group loves museums, you’ll probably want to follow up later on your own time in Dubrovnik. But for a boat day, it’s a good balance.

Stop 5: Osmoliš turquoise beach swim and the option to linger

Your last stop is a swim at Osmoliš, described as a turquoise beach. It’s the kind of finish you remember: one more chance to get in the water, stretch out, and let the day end slowly.

The tour description also includes a nice bonus idea. While this is the end of the full-day adventure, the operator is happy to extend your stay so you can keep enjoying the sea and possibly have another glass of local wine.

That matters because the ending can make or break your mood. If you’re rushed, the whole day can feel like a schedule. If you get that final window where you’re not being ushered back immediately, you leave with a smoother landing—and better photos too.

Snorkeling gear, floaties, and drinks: comfort without fuss

The included onboard setup is practical for a full day on the water. You’ll have snorkeling equipment, snorkel masks, and life jackets, plus floaties. That lowers the friction if you’re not bringing your own gear.

For many people, this is what makes the day feel like value. You’re not scrambling at each stop. You step in when the captain pulls in, put on gear, and swim while the sea conditions are right.

Food and drink are handled in the background too. Expect snacks and drinks like wine and beer, plus bottled water and soda/pop (including Coca cola regular and Coca cola zero). It’s a good mix for a boat day because it keeps you hydrated and lets you relax between swims.

One more small comfort point: you’re in a small group setting. Private doesn’t automatically mean glamorous, but it does mean you can move through moments like snorkeling or changing into dry clothes without feeling like you’re in a crowd.

Who should book this Elaphiti private boat tour?

This tour makes a lot of sense for you if:

• You want a private speedboat day with your own group up to 6
• Your priority is swimming and snorkeling with multiple chances
• You like a mix of beach time and short walking stops on Lopud and Šipan
• You want a skipper who can adjust timing so you don’t get stuck waiting out crowds

It’s also a good pick for small families, because Šunj Beach is described as calm and shallow—often a key factor for kids.

If you’re the type who hates any schedule and only wants to stay on one beach all day, this itinerary might feel like it has too many chapters. Still, the “tailor-made” feel means you can likely steer your day toward your preferences, within the overall timing.

Tips to get the best day out of it

A few things I’d pack or plan before you show up at Lapadska Obala Pier:

• Sunscreen and a hat. You’ll be in sun for long stretches.
• A small dry bag for phone and wallet. Boat days are wet days.
• Swim shoes or sandals with grip if you’ll be near rocks (especially around cave areas).
• Bring a light layer for after-swim wind, if the afternoon cools.
• If your group likes music, one note from an on-the-water experience was that there wasn’t music available during travel between islands. If that matters to you, a small speaker could help.

Also, plan for the separate costs: fuel (€100 per booking) and lunch. Having that ready keeps the day smooth.

Should you book this private Elaphiti Islands boat tour?

I think you should book it if your dream Dubrovnik day looks like clear water, multiple swimming opportunities, and islands you can reach faster by boat than by any other route. The price for a group up to 6 can feel fair once you factor in what’s included—skipper, snorkeling equipment, life jackets/floaties, snacks, and drinks—plus the fact that you get a blend of beaches and short island sightseeing.

I’d skip it or switch dates if you’re traveling on a week when weather is questionable. Also, if you want only one or two stops with zero walking, you’ll need to be honest with yourself: this is built as a varied full-day outing.

If you want the practical sweet spot, this tour hits it: water time first, then beach, then island atmosphere, and a final swim finish at Osmoliš—without turning your day into a grind.

FAQ

How long is the Private Elaphiti Islands Boat Tour?

It’s listed as 8 to 9 hours approximately, and the total duration includes travel time.

How many people can go on this private tour?

It’s private, with only your group participating, and it’s set up for up to 6 people.

What’s included in the tour price, and what’s not?

Included: skipper, snacks, all fees and taxes, snorkeling equipment, floaties, life jackets, and drinks (wine, beer, bottled water, and soda/pop). Not included: fuel at €100 per booking and lunch.

Where do you meet the boat, and where does the tour end?

The tour starts at Lapadska Obala Pier (Lapadska obala 5, Dubrovnik) and ends back at the same meeting point.

Which islands and stops are part of the itinerary?

You’ll visit Koločep (caves and Blue Cave), Šunj Beach on Lopud, Lopud Island for lunch plus the Franciscan monastery and botanical garden, Suđurađ on Šipan for sightseeing, and a swim at Osmoliš.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. The tour includes use of snorkeling equipment, and you’ll be provided snorkeling masks.

What if the weather is bad?

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