Speed and sea views start fast. This private speed boat day around the Elaphiti Islands mixes sandy beaches, stone villages, and a swim-in-caves feel, with captains like Eric earning shout-outs for caring about comfort. I love that the group is capped at 6, so you actually get personal attention, and I love the included snorkeling equipment and onboard drinks that make beach breaks feel effortless. One possible drawback: the boat can be bumpy, and you’ll want to be a confident swimmer because getting in and out around coves isn’t always gentle.

You also get real flexibility. Your stops include Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep, and your time at each place can be adjusted depending on whether you book the shorter or longer day. If you’re choosing this for a specific beach moment, plan around the hours you select and don’t expect every stop to be equal.

Quick hits before you go

• Private group size (up to 6) means less crowd pressure and more time for your questions.
• Choice of how long you linger on each island helps you match the day to your beach and sightseeing mood.
• Lopud’s Šunj beach and the Temple of Sun add a mix of classic and unusual sightseeing.
• Šipan’s Suđurađ port life feels less commercial, with fishing tradition still visible.
• Koločep for swimming and diving is the payoff stop, with clear water, caves, and time to explore.
• Onboard comfort + snacks/drinks: sunshade, fridge, sundeck, bottled water, soda, wine, and beer.

Why this speed boat route is a smart Dubrovnik add-on

Dubrovnik is stunning from the city walls, but it’s the water that changes the whole mood. This is designed for getting out quickly, then switching between islands without losing your day to slow ferries or tight schedules. You’re not just looking at the Elaphiti coastline from afar. You’re working through beaches, coves, and cave-style swimming with enough time to actually enjoy them.

The private format is the real quality upgrade. Up to 6 people per booking keeps things calm when you’re pulling up for a swim stop or trying to hear directions. I also like that the experience includes the practical stuff that usually becomes an extra cost elsewhere: snorkeling gear, bottled water, soda, and alcoholic drinks (wine and beer), plus a sunshade and fridge on board.

What keeps it balanced is that the day is not only about swimming. You also get meaningful stops on islands with old stone houses, gardens, palaces, and viewpoints. If you want pure beach time, you can lean into Koločep. If you want a little culture between dips, Lopud and Šipan deliver.

Meeting point at Yacht Club Orsan and what that means for your day

You’ll start at Yacht Club Orsan on Ul. Ivana pl. Zajca 4, back at the same spot when you’re done. That matters because it’s a clear, fixed location—less stress than hunting for a moving pickup zone.

Pickup is offered by air-conditioned minivan or car for locations further than 1 km from the starting point, and it’s available in the city area of Dubrovnik. If you’re outside that area or within 1 km, pickup may not be included, so it’s worth checking your exact address when you book.

On the water, you’ll have a sunshade, a fridge, and the sundeck. That combo sounds small, but in the Mediterranean sun it changes the day. You can rehydrate between swims without overheating, and you can stash snacks and drinks without playing kitchen-football with luggage.

Lopud Island: sandy Šunj beach, old stone paths, and the Temple of Sun

Lopud is the “easy romantic” stop, in the best sense. The island has sandy beaches, paths through older forests, and the kind of scenery that makes you understand why people slow down here. You’ll also find old stone houses and viewpoints that are made for sunset time.

A highlight is Šunj beach. It’s famous enough that it comes with local legend attached: if you bathe with your loved one, you’ll never be apart. Even if you treat the story as folklore, the practical point is that Šunj is a true beach break, not just a quick dip.

If you want something different from swimming, Lopud also has:

• one of the oldest botanic gardens in Europe (admission is noted as free)
• an uphill museum called the Temple of Sun, where different shades of light create a shifting feel as you walk inside
• old palms said to be among the oldest in Europe (also noted as free to see)

Lopud is inhabited, so you’re not stuck with “tour-only” energy. There are cocktail bars and restaurants, plus places to taste and buy olive oil and wine. The potential drawback here is simply pacing: if your overall tour is shorter (4 hours), you’ll need to choose between long beach time at Šunj and slower wandering through the garden and viewpoints.

Šipan Island: olive trees, Rector’s Palace ruins, and Suđurađ fishing life

Šipan is the biggest of the Elaphiti Islands and feels more layered than its calmer pace suggests. For your time here, you can relax by the old fisherman’s port with coffee or do a smaller sightseeing loop. The duration is flexible, so you can match it to your energy.

This island has a standout identity: it’s listed in the Guinness Book of Records for having the biggest number of olive trees on one island. That olive character shows up in the scenery and in the island’s long relationship with food, farming, and wealth.

Historically, Šipan was a chic summer getaway for prominent Dubrovnik families, especially in the 15th century. You’ll see tangible traces of that, including late-Gothic Rector’s Palace and ruins related to archbishop’s palaces.

Then there’s Suđurađ, the port area where island tradition is still visible. It’s described as being further from town, which helped it avoid heavy commercialization. You might notice more fishing boats, old stone houses, and small everyday scenes like children selling seashells in the port. Add in the castle of the Stjepović-Skočibuha family (dating to the 16th century) and a defensive tower built against pirates, and Šipan becomes more than a pretty stop.

The only consideration is that if you’re chasing swimming only, Šipan may feel less “beach forward” than Koločep. It’s a better fit if you enjoy stopping for short walks, photos, and a sense of place.

Koločep Island: caves, clear water, snorkeling time, and coves worth repeating

Koločep is usually where the day turns into the postcard version of itself. This is your last stop, and it’s built for swimming and exploring small coves. The water is described as very clear, with fish and seashells you can spot even before you commit to snorkeling.

There are also hidden caves and high cliffs. That matters because the “fun” of this kind of tour isn’t one big beach. It’s the variety: pull up, swim a bit, then move to a different pocket of water with different rock and shade.

The tour includes a snorkeling equipment moment here, with a chance to explore underwater and take a short break on the beach. There’s also walking through Gornje and Donje Celo, classic examples of Mediterranean settlement life in south Dalmatia.

One practical detail that’s easy to miss: Koločep is known for about 250 sunny days per year, and that’s not just trivia. It supports why people time outdoor days around this island chain and why your swim windows tend to be the best parts of the whole itinerary.

Onboard setup: sunshade, fridge, and the drinks that actually change your day

This is one of those tours where the inclusions make a noticeable difference. You’re not just getting transportation. You’re getting a small moving lounge.

Included onboard basics:

• sunshade
• fridge
• sundeck
• bottled water
• soda/pop
• wine and beer

They also provide snorkeling equipment. If you’ve ever done a half-day boat trip where you had to rent gear last minute, you’ll appreciate this. It removes a decision and a hassle right when you’re most distracted by the scenery.

There’s one thing to plan on: bring your swimsuit. It’s specifically listed as not included, so you’ll want to be packed for water the moment the first swim stop appears.

Comfort-wise, remember the review feedback about bumpy water. If you’re prone to motion discomfort, you should take that seriously. If you’re used to boats and coves, it’s often just part of the speedboat lifestyle.

Captains and guides: asking for Eric, plus the names to know

One of the most praised parts of this experience is how the skipper handles the people on board—small, human moments that make a difference at sea. Several guides show up by name in feedback, and it’s worth paying attention to that because it hints at what the day feels like when a captain is engaged.

Examples from the guide style you can look for:

• Eric was praised for quick, personal care—like giving a windbreaker when someone felt cold early on.
• Rocco and Tito were highlighted for guidance and patience, with Tito also known for helpful tips and interesting anecdotes.
• Roko was mentioned for a gentle style, especially for cave and swim moments.
• Ivan earned big praise for driving and for making the day special, including effort around birthdays.
• Mark was described as attentive and ready with cave recommendations.
• Luca was praised for taking groups through incredible caves and for a fun vibe, including music on board.

If the booking process allows you to note preferences, it’s reasonable to request a specific skipper (at least based on the names people keep recommending, like Eric). Even if you don’t get your first choice, the overall pattern is that these captains try to make the day feel personal, not like a checklist.

Price and value: $720.84 per group for up to 6

The price is $720.84 per group, up to 6 people. That can sound steep until you do the simple math.

• Split across 6: about $120 per person
• Split across 4: about $180 per person
• Split across 2: about $360 per person

So the value swings based on your group size, which is exactly how private boat days work. Where this price starts to make sense is in the combination of inclusions: pickup, snorkeling gear, onboard drinks, and a full private boat setup with a small cap. It’s not just a seat on a faster ferry.

This also helps you compare fairly to other Dubrovnik options. If you want a mix of swimming spots plus island time (Lopud, Šipan, Koločep) without feeling rushed, you’re paying for time saved and logistics handled.

If you’re booking solo or as a couple, you’ll likely feel the cost more. If you’re a small group of friends or a family group, it can feel like a bargain because it’s shared and because you’re getting a true private format.

Who this speed boat day suits best (and who should be cautious)

Best fit:

• Couples and friends who want a private, small-group day on the islands
• Swimmers who like coves and cave-style stops (and don’t mind boat entry steps)
• People who want a mix of beach time and short sightseeing on islands with actual character
• Anyone who cares about convenience: pickup where eligible, snorkeling gear included, and drinks waiting on deck

Use extra judgment if:

• You get motion discomfort easily (the ride can be bumpy)
• You’re not comfortable swimming in natural coves or with boat access points
• You’re hoping for a strictly gentle, fully accessible beach experience at every stop (some entry areas can be more challenging)

If you’re flexible and you like small adventure moments, you’ll likely love the mix. It’s not a museum marathon, and it’s not a lazy-only beach day either.

Should you book this private speed boat to the Elaphiti Islands?

I’d book it if you want one of the most efficient ways to experience the Elaphiti Islands from Dubrovnik: Lopud’s beach-and-garden charm, Šipan’s olive-and-palace atmosphere, and Koločep’s swim-first coves with snorkeling gear included.

I’d think twice if your priority is calm, smooth, predictable beach access from start to finish. The payoff is real, but it leans into boat travel and natural-water conditions.

If you go, do two practical things: bring your swimsuit, and consider requesting a skipper by name (many people specifically recommend Eric). Then choose your time length honestly based on how long you want to linger at each island—because that flexibility is what turns a good boat ride into a memorable one.

FAQ

How many people are on this private speed boat booking?

The tour is private, with a maximum of 6 people per booking.

What islands are included in the route?

The route includes stops at Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep.

Can I choose how long I stay on each island?

Yes. Your first stop at Lopud depends on the overall tour length (about 4 or 8 hours), and passengers can choose how long they want to stay at a particular stop.

Is pickup included from Dubrovnik?

Pickup and drop-off are offered by air-conditioned minivan or car. Pickup is included for locations further than 1 km from the starting point, and it’s available for stays in the City of Dubrovnik area.

What swimming and comfort items are included on the boat?

You get snorkeling equipment, plus a sunshade, fridge, and sundeck. Bottled water and soda/pop are included, along with wine and beer.

Do I need to bring my swimsuit?

Swimsuit is not included, so you should bring one.

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.