Full- Day Private Speedboat Tour in Dubrovnik on Elaphiti Islands

The best part of this private speedboat tour is the freedom to fit a full day of island life into one outing. You move from Dubrovnik’s west coast to caves, sandy beaches, fishing villages, and quiet swimming spots without sharing the boat with a large crowd. Captain Maro knows the area well and can shape the day around swimming, snorkeling, walking, or lunch.

I like the mix of famous stops and smaller bays. Šunj Beach gives you soft sand and shallow water, while Sikirica Cove offers one of the region’s best snorkeling spots. I also like that drinks, snacks, fuel, taxes, and snorkeling gear are included.

The main drawback is the price: $611.46 is a serious spend for one group, even though up to eight people can share it. Lunch is also extra, and an 8.5-hour boat day may feel long if your group is not keen on swimming or sun.

Key points to know before you book

• Private boat for up to eight: Your group has the boat to itself, so the day can feel more personal and less rushed than a standard group excursion.
• Three Elaphiti Islands in one day: The route includes Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan, with caves, beaches, villages, and bays along the way.
• Strong snorkeling focus: You can snorkel in the Blue Cave, three Green Caves, Sikirica Cove, and other swimming areas.
• Šunj Beach and Lopud take up most of the day: Plan on two hours at Šunj and three hours around Lopud, the longest stops on the route.
• Food is only partly covered: Drinks and snacks are included, but you pay for lunch yourself.
• Best value with a full group: At eight people, the listed group price works out to about $76 per person before lunch, making the private format much easier to justify.

Why a private speedboat works well around Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is famous for its stone walls and compact Old Town, but the sea gives you a different view of the region. As you leave the main port, you spend about 15 minutes seeing the western approach to the city before heading toward Koločep. That short opening ride helps turn a city visit into a full coastal day.

The private setup matters here. With a group of up to eight, you are not tied to strangers’ preferences or a fixed pace. If everyone wants to snorkel, you can spend more time in the water. If the heat catches up with you, you can settle into a quieter bay or shorten a walk.

The boat is a speedboat, so the route covers a lot of ground in one day. That is useful because the three islands offer different experiences. Koločep is the main stop for caves and snorkeling. Lopud gives you a longer beach and village visit. Šipan adds a glimpse of an older fishing settlement.

Captain Maro is named as one of the captains, and the strongest praise centers on his familiarity with the area and his ability to choose good places to stop. That local judgment is especially useful when the day includes several possible swim sites rather than one single attraction.

The Blue Cave begins the water time

The first major stop is the Blue Cave Dubrovnik, with about 30 minutes set aside for snorkeling inside the cave. This is a short visit, but it gives the day an immediate sense of adventure. You are not just looking at the islands from the boat. You are getting into the water and entering the cave itself.

Snorkeling gear is supplied, and the equipment is included in the tour price. You should still bring the usual personal essentials for a long day outside, such as swimwear, sun protection, and anything you need to feel comfortable in the water.

Thirty minutes is enough for a focused cave stop, but not enough for a long swim. Think of it as a striking first water activity rather than a leisurely beach session. If you have never snorkeled in a sea cave, this may be one of the most memorable parts of the morning.

Koločep’s three Green Caves add variety

The next stop is Koločep, where you can snorkel in three Green Caves for about 30 minutes. Having three caves in one area gives this stop a little more variety than a single viewpoint, though the total time remains fairly tight.

Koločep is one of the three Elaphiti Islands visited during the day. The caves make it a natural place for swimming and snorkeling, while the surrounding coast gives you another chance to see the islands from the water rather than from a road or town.

The Blue Cave and Green Caves also create a useful rhythm. Instead of spending the entire day at beaches, you get several short swims before settling into the longer afternoon stops. If you prefer active outings, this early section will suit you. If you want a slow boat ride with little time in the water, the schedule may feel busy.

Two hours at Šunj Beach

Šunj Beach on Lopud is described as the most famous sandy beach in the Dubrovnik region. That distinction matters because much of the Croatian coast is known for rocky or pebbly shorelines. At Šunj, you can walk along a shallow sandy beach, swim, snorkel, or stop at a restaurant for lunch or a snack.

The two-hour stay gives you enough time to do more than take a quick photograph. I like this part of the plan because you can choose your own level of activity. One person can swim, another can walk in the shallow water, and someone else can sit with a coffee or order food.

Lunch is not included, so this is the first place where you should expect to spend extra money. The tour includes snacks and drinks, but a full meal at your own expense gives you more choice than a prearranged group lunch. You may prefer that flexibility, though it makes the final cost less predictable.

Šunj is also likely to be one of the more popular stops. The beach is well known, and its sand is the main attraction. If your ideal day means secluded coves only, this may feel less private than the later swimming stop at Brsecine. If you want a proper beach break with facilities and time to relax, Šunj earns its place on the route.

Lopud gives you three hours to slow down

The tour then allows about three hours on Lopud, the most popular tourist place among the Elaphiti Islands. This is the longest stop, and it gives the day a needed change of pace after the cave visits and beach time.

You can walk through Lopud, swim, visit the 15th-century Franciscan Monastery, or eat at a popular fish restaurant. The botanical garden provides deep shade, which is valuable during a warm summer afternoon. A shaded garden walk can be a welcome break after hours on open water.

The Franciscan Monastery adds cultural interest without turning the outing into a formal history tour. You can pair a short visit with a walk and a swim, rather than choosing between a full sightseeing program and a beach day. The exact balance depends on your group.

Three hours sounds generous, and that is intentional. Lopud is the stop where you have the most control over your time. You can take lunch here instead of Šunj, or split your time between the village, monastery, botanical garden, and water.

The tradeoff is that a long stop here leaves less room for spontaneous extensions elsewhere. The route has several 30-minute sections, so the day is carefully packed. You get broad coverage, but not unlimited time at each place.

Šipan and Suđurađ show a quieter side

After Lopud, the boat heads to Šipan for about 30 minutes of sightseeing along the island’s south coast and a visit to Suđurađ. The village is described as the oldest fishing village in the area, giving this stop a more traditional coastal feel than the popular beach areas.

Thirty minutes is enough for a quick look and a few photographs, but you should not expect a long village visit. The value here is contrast. After the busy appeal of Šunj and Lopud, Suđurađ brings the focus back to a working island settlement and the region’s fishing past.

This is also a good example of why the full-day format works better than a simple beach transfer. You see several sides of the Elaphiti Islands: caves, sand, gardens, a monastery, a village, and secluded bays. None of these stops is treated as a complete standalone tour, but together they create a rounded day.

Sikirica Cove is the final major swim

The boat next reaches Sikirica Cove near Brsecine, described as the best snorkeling place in the area. You have about 30 minutes here, so this is another focused water stop rather than a long beach stay.

If snorkeling is a priority, pay close attention to this section. The tour supplies snorkeling equipment, and the cove is included specifically for its underwater appeal. You can ask the captain about the best place to enter the water and how much time remains before the boat moves on.

Sikirica comes late in the day, after the major island stops. That may work well for you if you enjoy finishing with another swim. It may be less appealing if you are tired after a full day in the sun. The private boat helps because your group can discuss how much time to spend in the water, within the overall schedule.

A secluded beach closes the island loop

The final stop before returning to Dubrovnik is another 30-minute swimming break at a secluded beach near Brsecine. This is a quieter counterpoint to Šunj Beach. There, you have sand, shallow water, and restaurant options. Here, the appeal is privacy and a simple swim.

The option to swim at secluded places is one of the tour’s strongest features. Many boat outings follow a rigid checklist of famous sights. This one includes room for less developed bays, which can make the day feel more personal.

Do not expect the same facilities here as at Šunj or Lopud. The supplied details identify it as a secluded beach and swimming stop, not a place with restaurants or services. Bring what you need from the boat and enjoy it as a short final pause before the ride back.

Returning to Dubrovnik by the western coast

The return trip takes about 15 minutes and includes sightseeing of Dubrovnik’s western approach. Seeing the city from the water gives you a final coastal view before you reach the main port.

By this point, the 8.5-hour day will probably feel full. The schedule includes several short rides, four separate water or beach stops, two longer island visits, and time around caves and a fishing village. That is a lot of ground for one outing, but it also means you are unlikely to feel that the boat ride itself is the entire experience.

The speedboat makes this coverage possible. You should expect movement between stops rather than a slow cruise all day. If you enjoy changing scenery and varied activities, that is a plus. If you prefer a quiet sail with one anchorage, choose a simpler boat trip.

What the $611.46 group price really means

The listed price is $611.46 for a group of up to eight. That makes the price look steep for one or two people, but the calculation changes when your party is larger. With eight people, it comes to roughly $76.43 per person before lunch.

That price includes fuel, taxes and fees, drinks, snacks, and snorkeling equipment. Those inclusions remove several small costs that can add up during a full day on the water. Lunch remains separate, so budget for a meal at Šunj, Lopud, or another available stop.

The main value is not just the number of stops. It is the private format. You are paying for a boat reserved for your group, a full-day route, and the ability to enjoy caves, beaches, villages, and swimming areas without joining a large shared excursion.

For a couple, the cost is harder to defend unless privacy is very important. For a family or group of friends, the price becomes much more reasonable. The more people you have, the more the private arrangement starts to resemble a premium shared tour while giving you more control.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would point this tour toward people who want an active day with plenty of water time. Snorkelers, families with older children, couples traveling with friends, and small groups that dislike large excursions should find the format appealing.

You should also be comfortable with a long day outdoors. The tour lasts around 8 hours and 30 minutes, and several stops involve swimming, walking, or time in full sun. The shaded botanical garden on Lopud offers relief, but much of the day is built around the coast and open water.

This is less suitable if you want a detailed museum visit, a slow sailing experience, or a carefully planned gourmet lunch. The cultural stops are brief, and the main focus is the sea. You will see the Franciscan Monastery and Suđurađ, but the caves, beaches, and swimming stops take priority.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The experience is near public transportation, and confirmation is provided at booking. These are useful practical points, but the main question is simpler: does your group want to spend most of a day moving between water stops?

Small details that make the day easier

Wear swimwear under your clothes so you can get into the water without wasting time. Bring sun protection and a dry change of clothes if you prefer not to stay damp during the village and monastery stops.

Keep lunch money available because it is not included. You can eat at Šunj or Lopud, both of which have food options in the plan, but the cost is yours to cover.

Use the captain’s local judgment. The schedule includes several places where conditions, comfort, and group interest can affect the best choice. Captain Maro is specifically praised for knowing the area and making the day feel personalized, so speak up about whether you want more snorkeling, more walking, or more quiet swimming.

The tour has free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted for a refund, so keep the local cut-off time in mind.

Should you book the Elaphiti Islands speedboat tour?

Book it if you have a group large enough to share the $611.46 cost and want one full day covering the best-known island highlights. The combination of the Blue Cave, Green Caves, Šunj Beach, Lopud, Šipan, Sikirica Cove, and a secluded swim gives you more range than a basic beach trip.

I especially like the private format, the included snorkeling gear and drinks, and the chance to balance popular places with quieter bays. The strongest reason to choose it is the captain’s local familiarity, with Maro singled out for making the route feel relaxed and personal.

Think twice if you are traveling alone or as a couple and watching every kuna, or if you do not enjoy a packed day on the water. For a small group that wants caves, sand, snorkeling, island villages, and the freedom to set its own mood, this is a strong Dubrovnik day trip.

FAQ

How long does the private speedboat tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes, including the boat rides, island stops, snorkeling, swimming, sightseeing, and return to Dubrovnik.

How many people can join the private tour?

The boat is reserved for your group, with up to eight people allowed.

Which Elaphiti Islands does the tour visit?

The route visits Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price.

Are drinks and snacks included?

Yes. Drinks and snacks are included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is at your own expense. You can eat at a restaurant during the Šunj Beach or Lopud stops.

Does the tour visit the Blue Cave and Green Caves?

Yes. The tour includes about 30 minutes of snorkeling inside the Blue Cave and about 30 minutes exploring three Green Caves on Koločep.

Can I swim at secluded beaches?

Yes. Swimming at secluded places is an option, and the route includes a 30-minute stop at a secluded beach near Brsecine.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.