Sandy coves and fast stops make this day fly. This private speedboat tour turns the Elaphiti Islands into a full-on sea day: you get multiple swims, snorkeling breaks, and time on three different islands without wrestling with schedules. My favorite part is how you start with a rare sand hit at Šunj Beach on Lopud, which feels like a reset after Dubrovnik.

Two things I really like: the mix of easy swimming and real island wandering, and the way the day includes “choose your pace” moments on the water. The boat time isn’t just transit. You get stops where you can jump in, snorkel, take photos, and then actually linger—like the Luka Šipanska area on Šipan, where there’s time for lunch and a slow walk around the port.

One consideration: the tour price doesn’t include fuel, and that’s paid at the end. The surcharge is listed as €100 per booking, and it’s also described as roughly €150–€200 depending on the boat you choose, so budget for that before you compare value.

Key highlights to look for

• Sunj Beach, Lopud: a rare sandy stop, about an hour to swim and relax
• Snorkeling in hidden bays: short, flexible swim/photo breaks on the route
• Real time on Šipan: about 3 hours in Luka Šipanska with time to eat
• Koločep + Blue Cave: photo background, plus another swim/snorkel chance
• Skippers who adjust to your group: from family-friendly pacing to extra help in the water

Why a private Elaphiti speedboat day beats the usual “island hop”

The Elaphiti Islands are close to Dubrovnik, but getting the day right is the trick. A ferry-and-bus plan can work, but it usually stacks your time into tight turnarounds. This is the opposite. You’re in a private group of up to 8, and your skipper sets the rhythm—how long you stay at beaches, when you stop to swim, and where the day turns into a quiet cove moment.

Also, the coastline here gives you options. Some stops are sandy (you’ll start at Šunj on Lopud), some are rocky or pebbly (Koločep), and some are hidden bays where the sea looks so clear it begs for a quick snorkel. That variety matters because it keeps the day from feeling repetitive, even though it’s just one long trip.

Price and value for a group up to 8

The price is $1,023.50 per group (up to 8) for an ~8-hour day. The real value comes from what’s included and how much time you actually get ashore.

What you typically get included:

• bottled water
• snorkeling equipment
• private transportation (the speedboat itself)
• beer and soft drinks

What’s extra:

• fuel surcharge, paid at the end (listed as €100 per booking, and noted as about €150–€200 depending on the boat)

How to think about it: if you fill the boat with 8 people, you’re roughly in the ballpark of $128 per person for the day, before the fuel add-on. If you’re fewer than 8, the per-person cost rises, so this works best when you’re traveling as a family or a small group.

The other value piece is the experience style: you’re not paying just for “being on a boat.” You’re paying for the convenience of multiple stops—Šunj, a Šipan port area, Koločep and Blue Cave, plus extra suggested bays—without having to plan connections.

Getting started: pickup, timing, and meeting at the water

This tour lists a start time of 9:30 am, but the itinerary notes a private skipper waiting at 10 am. You may also get pickup from your accommodation if it’s far from the closest speedboat mooring. In practice, that means you should plan to be ready a bit before the published start time.

Your meeting point for the actual water portion is Sunj Beach for the embarkation. Once you’re on the boat, the day moves fast—in about 40 minutes you reach Lopud and Šunj, where you’ll have about an hour.

If you like clear plans, your best move is to message ahead and confirm the timing for your exact location. Dubrovnik has a lot of stairs, narrow streets, and drop-off realities, so the “close enough” pickup can mean different things depending on where you’re staying.

Stop 1: Šunj Beach on Lopud for sandy water and an easy first swim

Šunj Beach is special here because it’s one of the rare sandy beaches on this coast. That matters more than it sounds. Sandy entries are just easier for shoes-on swimmers, kids, and anyone who doesn’t want to step carefully over rocks.

You’ll reach Lopud in about 40 minutes after departure. Then you get about 1 hour 30 minutes total at Šunj, with about an hour on the beach area. That’s enough time to:

• swim without rushing
• grab a drink
• sunbathe and reset

There’s also something psychologically nice about the order of the day. Starting with a sandy beach first helps you settle in before the day turns more “rock-and-cave” later on Koločep.

Stop 2: Šipan and Luka Šipanska for lunch time on an island that stays small

Next up is Šipan, the biggest Elaphiti island. On the way, your skipper makes a short stop in a hidden bay for snorkeling and swimming, or simply photos. This is one of those stops that works even if you’re not a die-hard snorkeler, because you can float and watch the sea clarity change as the boat settles.

Then you arrive at Luka Šipanska, one of the two inhabited places on Šipan. You get about 3 hours here—real free time, not a quick “run to lunch and return” window.

Why this stop is worth the time:

• you can walk around the port area at an island pace
• there are beach bars where you can eat and drink
• the island feels quiet because only about 200 people live there

That “only about 200 people” detail is what turns it into a real break from Dubrovnik. Even in summer, it can feel like the island life continues the same way.

Stop 3: Sikirica Bay and Koločep’s Blue Cave for the cave-and-water combo

From Šipan, you continue toward Koločep (also spelled Kolocep in some descriptions), which is known for its clean, lightly populated feel. Before you reach Koločep, there’s another stop: Sikirica Bay.

Sikirica Bay is described as hard to locate on maps, which is part of the appeal. You get a break for swimming, snorkeling, or even using a sea scooter. The sea color here is noted as turquoise, and that’s the kind of visual cue that usually means you’ll see more just by looking down from the surface.

Then you head to Koločep, with another “how you spend your time is up to you” feel:

• beaches are rocky or pebbly
• fewer than 150 people live there
• during winter it’s nearly empty

Blue Cave on Koločep is the headline photo stop. Your time there includes taking pictures with a strong visual background, plus another chance to swim, sunbathe, or snorkel before the return to Dubrovnik.

If you’re someone who likes structure, you might feel like this is the most varied section of the day: hidden-bay swimming, then a rocky island, then caves. If you’re someone who likes just hanging out, this is still fine—because you can choose to prioritize swimming/snorkeling or photos.

Stop 4: The return to Dubrovnik with suggested bays and more sea time

The day doesn’t end the moment you leave Koločep. Your skipper also suggests hidden bays along the way back, because the coastline has more places worth stopping than most people expect.

You’ll have about 2 hours tied to the Dubrovnik end of the route. The exact feel depends on how long you linger at those extra bays, but the idea is consistent: you get additional anchor-and-swim moments rather than a straight line back to town.

This is also where having a skipper who knows the local rhythm helps. Past outings highlight how captains can time stops around what your group wants—whether that’s extra swimming time or a smoother transition back toward Dubrovnik.

On-board comfort: snorkeling gear, drinks, and skippers with calm control

This tour includes snorkeling equipment plus bottled water. Alcoholic beverages include beer, and there are soda/soft drinks onboard.

In real-life terms, that combination changes the vibe. You’re not forced into paying for every drink or scrambling for gear once you decide you want to snorkel. It also makes the breaks more enjoyable, because you can go from sea time to shade-and-sip time without friction.

The standout theme from the skippers associated with this operator—names like Nick, Ivan, Niko, and Luka—is practical, supportive hosting. One captain is especially noted for helping a non-swimmer feel safe and comfortable in the water, and another is praised for family-friendly pacing that works even with younger kids. Another captain is highlighted for offering calm, relaxed guidance and even helping with restaurant timing.

That matters, because Elaphiti days can get busy if a group has mixed comfort levels. When your skipper actively reads the group, it usually makes the difference between a fun day and a stressful one.

What to bring (and what to plan around) for a smooth day at sea

The tour is built around swimming and snorkeling, and the beaches shift from sandy to rocky. So plan for both.

What I’d bring:

• swimwear and a quick-dry layer for the ride back
• a towel or at least something you can dry off with (fresh towels were noted in one account, but don’t count on it without checking)
• sunscreen and sunglasses (you’ll be outside most of the day)
• a way to keep your phone safe for the boat ride

What to plan around:

• Koločep is rocky/pebbly, so entry can be less “barefoot easy” than Šunj
• the day depends on good weather, so pack a flexible mindset—if conditions are rough, you may not get the same water time

Who this tour is best for (and who should think twice)

This is an excellent fit if you want:

• a private day that feels custom
• multiple swim and snorkel stops without planning each hop
• island time where lunch isn’t a scramble

It’s also great for families and mixed-experience groups, because the skippers connected to this style of tour are repeatedly noted for adapting to kids and to people who are less comfortable in the water.

Who might hesitate:

• If you hate being on the water for long stretches, a full-day speedboat may feel like too much.
• If you need guaranteed fully flat, sandy entries at every stop, remember that Koločep’s beaches are described as rocky/pebbly.

Should you book this Elaphiti Islands private speedboat tour?

I’d book it if you’re traveling with a group that can fill most of the boat—up to 8—and you want a day that feels like an actual sea vacation, not a checklist. The route makes sense: sandy Šunj first, then lunch-time island living on Šipan, then Koločep’s Blue Cave area with more water time.

Book with eyes open about the fuel surcharge. Still, even with that extra cost, the inclusion of snorkeling gear and onboard drinks makes the math feel more sane than DIYing with taxis, ferries, and paid tours for each stop.

If you want a Dubrovnik day that’s mostly outside, mostly water, and mostly off the crowded path, this private Elaphiti day is a strong bet.

FAQ

What is the price for the private full-day Elaphiti Islands speedboat tour?

It costs $1,023.50 per group, for up to 8 people.

How long is the tour?

It’s listed as about 8 hours.

Where does the tour start?

The skipper meets you at Sunj Beach. The itinerary also notes a private skipper waiting at around 10 am, while the start time is listed as 9:30 am.

Is pickup from my accommodation included?

Pickup can be arranged if your accommodation is far from the closest speedboat mooring. You’ll need to contact the provider if you need a transfer.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are bottled water, snorkeling equipment, private transportation by speedboat, and drinks such as beer and soda/pop.

Is fuel included?

No. A fuel surcharge is paid at the end. It’s listed as €100 per booking, and it’s also described as approximately €150–€200 depending on the boat choice.

Can I snorkel and swim during the stops?

Yes. There are planned swim and snorkeling stops, including hidden bays and Sikirica Bay, plus swimming opportunities near Blue Cave.

What weather requirements apply?

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

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Yes. Cancellation is free if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.