Private boat tour- explore the islands, find hidden caves and try snorkelling

Koločep’s Blue Cave is the star of this day on the Adriatic. You can swim into the cave, float beneath the blue light, and then continue to other caves and coves before island-hopping to Šipan, Lopud, and Šunj Beach. The water stops give the day its real character.

I like the private format, which lets you ask Captain Bruno, Ivan, Lovro, or another skipper to linger at a good swimming spot instead of following a rigid group schedule. I also like the practical touches: hotel pickup, a shaded and sunny area on the boat, drinks, a toilet, and snorkeling equipment.

The main thing to check before booking is the final cost. The advertised price is $302.46 for up to six people, but fuel for the eight-hour trip is listed separately at €70 per booking, and lunch is not included. The route can also change with wind and sea conditions.

Key points to know before you book

• Swim inside Koločep’s Blue Cave: Sunlight reflects through the water and gives the cave its famous blue glow.
• A true private boat day: Your group of up to six has room to set the pace and request extra swim or photo stops.
• Four island and beach experiences: The route combines caves on Koločep, lunch on Šipan, a walk on Lopud, and time at sandy Šunj Beach.
• Captains shape the day: Bruno and Ivan receive especially strong praise, while Lovro, Tony, Evan, and other crew members have also led trips.
• Useful onboard supplies: Beer, wine, Coca-Cola, bottled water, and snorkeling equipment are included.
• Budget for extras: Lunch, towels, sunscreen, swimsuits, and eight-hour fuel are not included.

What this private Dubrovnik boat tour is really like

This is not simply a boat ride with a few photo stops. It is an active day built around the sea. You move between the Elaphiti Islands, swim from the boat, enter caves, walk through island villages, and stop for lunch at your own expense.

The private setup matters most here. A public boat can be fine for a quick crossing, but it rarely gives you much control over the day. On this trip, you can ask to spend more time in the water, pause for photographs, or adjust the order of stops when conditions allow.

The boat accommodates up to six people, making it a good fit for a family, two couples, or a small group of friends. The day lasts about eight hours, including boat travel between the islands. The listed stop times add up to roughly five hours, so you should expect the remaining time to be spent cruising along the coast and between islands.

Pickup is offered from hotels, apartments, and arranged addresses within the company’s service area. A van may take you to the marina, which is useful in Dubrovnik, where reaching the departure point can otherwise add a layer of fuss. Pickup outside the normal radius costs extra, so confirm the boundary before you pay.

Koločep and the Blue Cave swimming stop

Koločep is usually the first major stop, and it is where the day becomes memorable. The boat visits the Blue Cave and three other caves in the Dubrovnik area. You can swim and snorkel into the openings, with sunlight creating the blue color inside the cave.

The cave experience is best for confident swimmers, but it is not limited to strong swimmers. Life jackets and swimming noodles have been provided when needed, and the crew can help make the water stop more comfortable. Still, you should be honest about your swimming ability and follow the captain’s instructions.

Bring a waterproof camera or GoPro if you have one. The cave walls, clear water, and view back toward the entrance are made for photographs, though the light changes quickly as the boat moves or clouds pass overhead.

Koločep also gives the captain room to adapt. On windy days, the skipper may choose a more sheltered cove rather than force the planned stop. That flexibility has real value, since the Adriatic can be choppy, and a safe, calm swim is better than a more famous stop in rough water.

You should not expect a formal cave tour with long explanations at every site. The focus is on getting into the water and enjoying the setting. The captain’s local knowledge matters more than a scripted talk. Ivan, Bruno, and Lovro have been praised for finding quieter coves and choosing good places to swim.

Šipan for lunch and a slower island hour

After the cave stops, the boat continues to Šipan, the largest of the Elaphiti Islands. The planned visit lasts about two hours and is built around lunch at a local restaurant.

Lunch is not included, so ask about the restaurant and expected prices before you sit down. Captains have helped arrange reservations, and one commonly used location is in Sudurad, including Hotel Božica. The exact restaurant can vary, but the point is to give you a proper break from the boat rather than make you eat quickly between swim stops.

This is a useful middle section of the day. Eight hours in the sun and salt water can become tiring, especially for children or anyone prone to seasickness. A meal on land lets you dry off, stretch your legs, and reset before the afternoon stops.

If your group has dietary needs, bring them up when booking or during pickup. The supplied details do not specify menus, meal prices, or dietary arrangements, so do not assume lunch will match your preferences without asking.

The island stop also shows why a private boat works well for mixed groups. Some people can enjoy a leisurely meal while others may want to walk nearby. Your captain can suggest how to use the time, but the tour is not described as a guided historical visit with a fixed walking route.

Lopud’s churches, monastery, and sandy shore

Lopud is scheduled for about an hour. It offers a change of pace from the caves, with churches, a monastery, and a chance to walk around the island.

This is the stop for people who want more than swimming. You can leave the boat, explore on foot, and get a feel for island life rather than seeing the Elaphiti Islands only from the water. The hour is enough for a short walk, but not enough for an extensive island exploration.

Keep your expectations realistic. The supplied details do not promise a long historical tour, a museum visit, or a detailed architectural explanation. You are getting a short independent visit shaped by the day’s timing.

Lopud can also be adjusted. Some groups may prefer extra time in the water, while others may want to walk and photograph the churches. Tell the skipper what matters to you. The private boat is most valuable when you communicate clearly instead of waiting for the crew to guess.

Šunj Beach, Dubrovnik’s best-known sandy stop

Šunj Beach is usually the final stop and lasts about an hour. It is one of the most popular sandy beaches in the Dubrovnik area, with beach bars where you can relax and buy drinks.

For many people, Šunj is a welcome finish. After cave swimming and an island lunch, you get a broad sandy beach rather than another rocky shoreline. You can swim, lie in the sun, or sit with a drink before returning to port.

The beach is popular, so do not expect complete solitude. That is the trade-off for having sand and beach bars. The earlier Koločep coves are better for a secluded feel, while Šunj is better for an easy final break with facilities nearby.

Bring your own towel, sunscreen, and swimsuit. None of these are supplied. The boat provides bottled water and soft drinks, along with beer and wine, but you should not treat the included beverages as a substitute for sun protection or personal supplies.

What is included, and what costs extra

At $302.46 for a private group of up to six, the base price works out to about $50 per person if you fill the boat. That is a reasonable way to compare it with several individual tickets for a shared excursion, especially when hotel pickup and a full day on the water are important to you.

For only two people, the per-person cost is much higher. In that case, the value depends on how much you want privacy, control, and a full day rather than a shorter shared outing.

Included features are:

• Private transportation
• Use of snorkeling equipment
• Restroom on board
• Beer and wine
• Coca-Cola
• Bottled water

A bottle of champagne and fuel are listed as included for sunset tours only. The same information lists fuel as an extra charge of €50 for the four-hour option and €70 for the eight-hour option. Because the details are presented in both ways, confirm the fuel charge for your exact booking before departure.

Lunch is extra. Towels, sunscreen, and swimsuits are also your responsibility. The boat has areas for shade and sun, but you will still spend much of the day exposed to glare and heat.

Captains, communication, and the human factor

The crew can shape your impression of the entire day. Bruno receives repeated praise for handling families, finding swim spots, and keeping the mood relaxed. Ivan has also been praised for asking what groups wanted, suggesting quieter places, taking photographs, and adjusting the route.

Lovro has been described as a capable skipper who gave couples plenty of time at each stop. Tony and Evan have also led well-liked outings. The operator uses several captains, so you should not assume a particular person is guaranteed unless you arrange that directly.

Most accounts describe the crew as friendly, helpful, and attentive, especially with children and less confident swimmers. One particularly useful detail is that the crew has stopped at an island when people became seasick, giving them time to recover.

The experience is not perfect for everyone. A few people found a skipper distant or less engaging, and one group waited about 30 minutes when the captain was temporarily away from the port. These reports are not the normal pattern, but they show why communication matters. If you need a certain stop, a lunch reservation, or extra help in the water, say so clearly at the start.

Sea conditions and comfort on an eight-hour day

The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions force cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Wind and waves can still affect a trip that goes ahead, and the route may change to find calmer water.

If you are prone to motion sickness, take the possibility seriously. The open boat can feel rough when the sea is up, and the first hour may be the hardest. Ask the operator about the forecast and bring any medication you normally use.

The boat has space to sit in the sun or shade, plus a restroom. One person reported that the toilet was not working, so it is sensible to check its condition before leaving the marina. You should also use the restroom before boarding, especially with children.

A swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, and waterproof bag are practical additions. Wear something comfortable for the boat and bring a dry layer if you plan to stay out late or choose a sunset return. These are common-sense suggestions rather than supplied equipment, so pack them yourself.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this trip to families and small groups that want a relaxed private day. Children can swim, look into caves, and enjoy the beach, while adults get a boat with room to spread out and drinks already onboard.

It also suits couples celebrating a honeymoon or birthday. The sunset version can include champagne, and the private setting gives you more space for a special occasion than a crowded excursion boat.

Strong swimmers and active groups will get the most from the caves, snorkeling, rock jumping, and repeated swim stops. You do not need to be an expert swimmer, but you should be comfortable entering the sea and following safety advice.

This is less suitable if you want a tightly scripted cultural tour, a guaranteed visit to every listed island, or a quiet day with no movement. It is also a poor match for anyone who dislikes boats, sun, or changing plans in response to wind.

Four-hour trips, eight-hour trips, and route expectations

The eight-hour option is the best choice if you want the full island circuit. It gives you time for Koločep’s caves, a meal on Šipan, a walk on Lopud, and a final stop at Šunj Beach.

The four-hour version is more limited. It can cover nearby caves and swimming spots, but it cannot reasonably include the Elaphiti Islands and Lokrum in the same period. Lokrum is handled only on request, and you should confirm the route rather than assume it is included.

One four-hour outing involved a 20-minute drive from Dubrovnik to the marina. That transfer is useful, but it also means a shorter trip can use a notable part of its available time getting to and from the departure area. If seeing Dubrovnik from the sea or visiting Lokrum is important, ask about the route before booking.

The eight-hour version gives the captain more room to respond to your interests. You can request quiet coves, extra photographs, or more time at a beach, but the final route depends on weather, timing, and the captain’s judgment.

Booking details worth checking

The tour is offered in English, and confirmation is received when you book. Pickup is available from arranged hotels, apartments, and addresses, with an added charge for locations outside the service area.

The activity is private, so only your own group participates. Service animals are allowed, and the supplied information says most people can take part. That does not remove the need to discuss mobility, swimming ability, or other concerns in advance, especially because the day involves boarding a boat and entering the sea.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted for a refund, and the cutoff uses local time.

The tour is often reserved well ahead, with bookings averaging about 53 days in advance. If you are visiting during a busy summer period or need a particular date, do not leave it until the last minute.

Should you book this private boat tour?

I would book it if you have a group of four to six, want a full day outside Dubrovnik, and care more about swimming and island scenery than a formal guided lecture. Koločep’s caves, the flexible captain, and the mix of lunch, walking, and beach time make this a well-rounded day.

I would pause if your group is small and price-sensitive, since the base rate plus fuel and lunch can add up quickly. I would also confirm the working toilet, snorkeling gear, fuel charge, pickup radius, assigned captain, and exact route before paying.

For a family, honeymoon couple, or small group of friends, this is one of the most practical ways to see the Dubrovnik coast from the water. Go in expecting a flexible sea day, not a perfectly fixed checklist, and pack for sun, swimming, and possible waves.

FAQ

How long is the private boat tour?

The full tour lasts approximately eight hours. A four-hour option is also available, but it covers fewer stops.

How many people can join the private tour?

The advertised rate covers one private group of up to six people.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup can be arranged from hotels, apartments, and addresses within the company’s service area. Pickup outside that radius costs extra.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch on Šipan is not included in the tour price.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling equipment is listed as included. However, it is sensible to confirm the equipment before departure because one booking reported that snorkels were not available.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Beer, wine, Coca-Cola, and bottled water are listed as included.

Is fuel included in the price?

The information lists fuel as included only for sunset tours, while also listing an extra fuel charge of €70 for the eight-hour option and €50 for the four-hour option. Confirm the charge for your booking.

Can I visit Lokrum Island?

Lokrum is available only on request and cannot normally be combined with the Elaphiti Islands during a four-hour tour. Confirm the route before booking.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations and changes made less than 24 hours in advance are not accepted for a refund.