Private Speedboat Tour- Blue cave, sandy beaches and snorkelling

REVIEW · DUBROVNIK

Private Speedboat Tour- Blue cave, sandy beaches and snorkelling

  • 5.062 reviews
  • 2 to 8 hours (approx.)
  • From $362.05
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Operated by Adriatic Boat Tours · Bookable on Viator

Traveller rating 5.0 (62)Duration2 to 8 hours (approx.)Price from$362.05Operated byAdriatic Boat ToursBook viaViator

One short speedboat ride, lots of island scenery. This private tour turns Dubrovnik into a day of Blue Cave time, snorkel gear, and laid-back beach stops, with small-group attention from skippers like Toni and Rocco. I like that you get snorkelling equipment plus bottled water, soft drinks, and beer and wine on board. The one catch: you’ll likely pay extra for boat fuel at the end, so the headline price is not the whole story.

What makes it work for real life is the flow: caves first, then island lunches and sandy breaks, with your skipper adjusting the pace to what you want to see. I also like the practical feel, from the included refreshments to the option to extend the day toward Mljet National Park. The main consideration is timing and weather, because the caves and sea conditions depend on the day being calm enough to cruise safely.

You’ll be in a private group (up to 4), in English, with a mobile ticket. And while pickup/drop-off isn’t listed as included, there are air-conditioned transfers mentioned, and one common pattern is a short taxi hop from Old Town to the pickup point.

Key highlights you’ll feel right away

Private Speedboat Tour- Blue cave, sandy beaches and snorkelling - Key highlights you’ll feel right away

  • Blue Cave and multiple Koločep caves with snorkel gear and the sun making the water look blue
  • Unlimited on-board drinks: bottled water, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages like beer and wine
  • Sand-focused island lineup: Lopud, Šunj Beach, plus optional Lokrum
  • A true private experience: your group only, with a skipper who can tailor the route
  • Choice of tour length, with the longer option adding Mljet National Park sights

Private speedboat from Dubrovnik: why “up to 4” matters

Private Speedboat Tour- Blue cave, sandy beaches and snorkelling - Private speedboat from Dubrovnik: why “up to 4” matters
This is the kind of tour that feels built for couples, small families, and friend groups who don’t want to play “where do we fit in the crowd?” Dubrovnik’s coast can get busy, and a private boat changes the mood fast. You and your group are the only passengers, which usually means fewer delays and less time spent waiting around.

The duration varies, roughly 2 to 8 hours, depending on which version you choose. That matters because the islands are spread out. On a longer outing, you get time to do real cruising, not just a quick stop-and-go. On a shorter outing, you can still hit the big cave highlights and one or two beaches without the day dragging.

One more practical note: the operator lists comfortable, air-conditioned round transfers, but pickup and drop-off are also listed as not included. In real terms, you may need to get to a pickup point near Dubrovnik first. One review described the pickup point as about a 10-minute taxi ride from Old Town, which is the kind of detail worth planning around so you don’t start your day stressed.

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

Koločep Island caves and Blue Cave snorkelling: the main event

Your first stop is Koločep Island, aimed directly at the cave-and-snorkel experience in the Dubrovnik area. The plan is to visit the Blue Cave plus three more caves around Koločep. The appeal here is simple: you’re not just looking at a viewpoint. You’re getting into the water where sea reflections and sunlight create that striking blue effect inside the cave areas.

Expect about 1 hour here. That’s enough time to gear up, swim, and snorkel without rushing, especially if your skipper sets the boat up so you can get in smoothly. Snorkel equipment is included, so you’re not hunting for rentals when you’re already on vacation and slightly sun-warmed.

A possible drawback is also baked into the concept: caves and snorkel time depend on conditions. If the sea is choppy or visibility is poor, you’ll have less enjoyment from the water portion. The good news is the company notes that the experience requires good weather. If weather forces a change, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund, which is the right safety valve.

Šipan island lunch time: a slower island pace

Private Speedboat Tour- Blue cave, sandy beaches and snorkelling - Šipan island lunch time: a slower island pace
After the caves, the tour heads to Šipan Island. This is the part of the day where you trade snorkel gear for shoes (or at least sandals) and let the rhythm slow down. You’ll have about 2 hours here.

Lunch is at a restaurant and is not included in the price. That can actually be a good thing, because it gives you control. You can eat light if you’re still feeling sun-drunk from the morning, or go bigger if you plan to stay in the water later. The key is to treat this as your refuel window so the rest of the island-hopping feels relaxed rather than “running on fumes.”

One thing I like about this structure is that Šipan functions as a buffer stop. After caves, you usually want a break from the constant gear-on, gear-off cycle. Two hours gives you room to eat, wander a bit if you want, and reset before the beach portion of the day.

Lopud and Šunj Beach: churches, monastery views, and sand

Private Speedboat Tour- Blue cave, sandy beaches and snorkelling - Lopud and Šunj Beach: churches, monastery views, and sand
Next up is Lopud Island, with about 1 hour planned. The focus here isn’t snorkelling so much as exploring. Lopud is known for its churches and monastery areas and—most importantly for this tour—sandy beaches. This is where you can walk a bit, get your bearings on the island, and enjoy a shoreline that feels different from the cave stops.

Then the itinerary usually finishes with Šunj Beach, often treated as the final unwind. You get about 1 hour there. This is one of those Dubrovnik-area beach zones where relaxing is the whole activity: lay down, swim when conditions allow, and grab drinks from beach bars. Even if you don’t plan to spend the entire hour in the water, Šunj is a nice way to end because you get that “vacation pause” feeling instead of sprinting back to the dock.

A realistic consideration: one hour on any island is not long. So if you love lingering in one place, choose your priorities early. If your heart is caves and snorkelling, Lopud and Šunj are your perfect add-ons, not the main act.

Lokrum Island on request: a bonus with trade-offs

Private Speedboat Tour- Blue cave, sandy beaches and snorkelling - Lokrum Island on request: a bonus with trade-offs
Lokrum Island is included only if your plan includes it on request, and there’s an important caveat: if you go to Lokrum, you might not see all the Elaphiti islands. That trade-off matters because time is finite on a private speedboat.

Lokrum is described as sitting in front of Old Town Dubrovnik. But since it can shift the route, it’s best suited to travelers who don’t mind that other islands might get shortened or dropped. If you’re the type who wants a specific island ticked off, ask about adding Lokrum when you book, so your day’s route matches your expectations.

Admission for Lokrum is listed as not included, so plan for that if it’s offered as an add-on during your day.

The optional 8-hour Mljet National Park extension

Private Speedboat Tour- Blue cave, sandy beaches and snorkelling - The optional 8-hour Mljet National Park extension
If you want the biggest scenery shift, look at the version that includes Mljet National Park. Mljet is about 50 km away from Dubrovnik and takes roughly 2 hours by speedboat, so this is a longer commitment. You’re doing a full sea journey plus major park stops.

When Mljet is added, you get time for:

  • Limuni, a sandy beach
  • Odysseus cave
  • Salty lakes inside the national park

Admission for Mljet is not included, so this is another place where the final total can change depending on what’s paid on the ground. Still, the logic is strong: Mljet isn’t just another beach island. It’s a different kind of experience—more nature-focused and park-focused than the Elaphiti hopping.

One note from the tour description: Mljet is mentioned as part of the 8-hour option (and also appears in the fuel pricing for a longer outing). If you’re considering it, think about whether you want a full day or a lighter taste of the islands. Mljet can feel like a separate trip layered on top of the cave-and-beach concept.

Price and fuel: what you’re really paying for

Private Speedboat Tour- Blue cave, sandy beaches and snorkelling - Price and fuel: what you’re really paying for
The headline price is $362.05 per group up to 4 people. That’s a good value if you’re comparing it to private boat days that usually price per person. Group pricing is where you win.

But here’s the practical part: fuel is extra. The tour lists:

  • €50 per booking for 4 hours
  • €70 per booking for 8 hours
  • €120 per booking for the NP Mljet option

That means your real cost depends on the duration you pick. Before you book, decide how many hours you want on the water, then mentally add the fuel fee so you don’t get surprised at the end of your day. Also keep in mind that longer routes are typically more expensive in reality, even if they start from a similar base tour price.

What’s included helps soften the impact of that extra fuel cost. You get bottled water, soft drinks (including Coca-cola), and alcoholic beverages like beer and wine. Snorkel gear is included too. So you’re not paying for drinks or equipment separately while you’re on the water, which is where private tours often stack up extra costs.

Drinks, comfort, and the small stuff that affects your day

Private Speedboat Tour- Blue cave, sandy beaches and snorkelling - Drinks, comfort, and the small stuff that affects your day
This tour is built around comfort and easy enjoyment. Included refreshments are generous for a sea day: bottled water, soda/pop, and alcohol (beer and wine). For sunset tours, there’s also mention of a bottle of champagne, but only for that version.

You’ll also have a skipper with you throughout, and that’s a big deal on these routes. Island spacing and cave access aren’t something you want to guess at. Reviews highlighted skippers like Toni and Rocco as flexible and tailor-focused, with suggestions on what to prioritize so your day feels like it belongs to your group.

There’s one onboard practical note: a toilet on board is listed as not included. Plan accordingly. That doesn’t ruin the day, but it’s the kind of detail that makes the difference between smooth relaxation and minor discomfort.

Also, confirmation is handled at booking time, the tour is in English, and there’s a mobile ticket. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting area is near public transportation, which can help if you’d rather not rely on taxis for everything.

Tips to make the caves-and-beach schedule feel effortless

The tour is structured so the big visual moments happen early and the relaxing parts come later. To make that plan work for you, I’d do two things.

First, be ready to use your snorkel time. Snorkel equipment is included, and the Blue Cave experience is why many people book this tour. If you wait until you’re tired to suit up, you’ll cut into the moments that are most time-sensitive.

Second, treat the beach stop as part of the itinerary, not an optional bonus. Šunj Beach is the typical final stop and it’s designed for lounging and beach-bar drinks. If you want that easy end to the day, plan to have a swim-ready mindset and not save all your energy for the return trip.

For packing, stick to sensible beach-day gear: swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water shoes if you prefer them. Since drinks and water are handled for you, your focus is comfort, not supplies.

Who should book this private Blue Cave speedboat tour

This works best if you want all of these:

  • Private time with a skipper and a small group (up to 4)
  • Caves plus snorkelling as a main goal, not a quick stop
  • Sandy beach time at Lopud and especially at Šunj
  • A flexible day that can be tailored by the skipper

It’s also a good match for families who want structure but not chaos. Reviews specifically praised the way skippers helped families have their best day swimming, seeing caves, and enjoying beaches. If you’re traveling with people who don’t want to spend the day on crowded ferries, a private speedboat is a strong upgrade.

If you’re the type who prefers cities, long hikes, or museum stops, this probably won’t be your top pick. This tour is about water, caves, and coastal breaks.

Should you book it?

I’d book this if your vacation priorities include Blue Cave, cave snorkelling time, and a finish on sand at Šunj. The private group size and included drinks make it feel like a properly planned day, not a rushed checklist.

Just go in with your eyes open: budget for the fuel extra and decide whether you want the longer Mljet option or the faster Elaphiti-focused route. If you do that math upfront, the value lands well—especially for groups of four—because you’re paying for a private experience with gear and refreshments already covered.

FAQ

How many people is the tour priced for?

The price is per group up to 4 people.

What’s included in the tour price?

It includes bottled water, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages (beer and wine), the skipper, and use of snorkelling equipment.

Are lunch or restaurant meals included?

Lunch on Šipan is mentioned as not included in the price.

Are admission tickets included for every stop?

Admission is listed as free for Koločep Island, Šipan, Lopud, and Šunj. Lokrum and Mljet National Park have admission listed as not included.

Is fuel included?

Fuel is not included. The tour lists extra fuel fees depending on duration: €50 for 4 hours, €70 for 8 hours, and €120 for the NP Mljet option.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Pick up and drop off are listed as not included. You may need to get to the pickup point first.

Is there a toilet on board?

A toilet on a board is listed as not included.

What happens if 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. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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