Private Full-Day Tour of Elaphiti Islands by Speedboat

Catch three islands in one day. This private speedboat trip from Dubrovnik combines Šunj Beach, quiet island villages, secret swimming bays, and Koločep’s Blue Cave. I like the freedom of having your own skipper and the chance to change the pace during the day. The main drawback is the added fuel charge, which can make the final cost less predictable.

The tour is especially appealing for families and groups who want a private boat rather than a fixed group outing. Captains such as Ivan, Nick, Luka, and Niko have been praised for being patient, friendly, and good with children. Just remember that an eight-hour day on an open boat is weather-dependent, and lunch is not included.

Key points to know before booking

• Three Elaphiti islands in one day: Visit Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep, with time for swimming and shore walks.
• Šunj Beach is sandy: This is a welcome change from the rocky and pebbly beaches common along the Croatian coast.
• The skipper can shape the day: Swimming stops, secluded bays, caves, lunch, and island walks can be adjusted to suit your group.
• The private format suits families: Your group of up to eight people has the boat and skipper to itself.
• The price needs careful checking: The listed rate is $1,023.50 per group, with fuel charged separately, quoted at roughly €150 to €200 depending on the boat.
• The boat is well supplied: Bottled water, beer, soft drinks, snorkeling gear, and private transportation are included.

Why this private boat day works so well

A day on the Elaphiti Islands gives you something Dubrovnik itself cannot: open water, small ports, quiet coves, and a slower rhythm. The islands sit close enough to the city for a full-day outing, yet the change in pace is immediate once the speedboat leaves the harbor.

I like the private setup because you are not tied to a large group’s timetable. If one person wants to swim, another wants to sit under the canopy, and someone else wants to walk around a village, the skipper can usually work with that mix. The available boats carry up to eight people, making this most attractive when the cost is shared among family or friends.

The day begins around 9:30 or 10 am and usually returns around 6 pm. Pickup can be arranged from your accommodation if it is far from the nearest speedboat mooring. Confirm the exact meeting point and pickup time before the morning of departure, since the details can depend on where you are staying.

The company, Blue Mile Dubrovnik, supplies bottled water, beer, soft drinks, and snorkeling equipment. Several past outings also included fresh towels, a stocked cooler, shaded seating, and room for sunbathing. Those details matter on a long day at sea. You do not want to spend half the trip worrying about drinks or wet clothes.

Šunj Beach gives the morning a sandy start

After about 40 minutes on the water through the Elaphiti Channel, you reach Šunj Beach on Lopud. The beach is one of the few sandy stretches in this part of the Croatian coast, so it offers a different feel from the usual stone and pebble shoreline.

You have about an hour here for swimming, a drink, or simply sitting by the water. That first stop is well judged. It gives you time to settle into the boat day without rushing straight from one swim to another.

Šunj is also a good choice for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can head into the sea, while anyone who prefers dry land can enjoy the beach. The beach itself can be a popular stop, so do not expect total solitude. Its appeal is the sand and easygoing setting, not isolation.

Bring sun protection, a swimsuit, and something dry to wear later. Even with shaded areas on the boat, you will spend much of the day exposed to sun and reflected light from the water.

Šipan shows you the quieter side of island life

From Lopud, the boat continues toward Šipan, the largest of the Elaphiti Islands. Before reaching Luka Šipanska, the skipper makes a short stop in a secluded bay for swimming, snorkeling, or photos.

This is one of the strongest parts of the trip because the stop is not just a quick lookout. You can jump from the boat into the clear water, use the snorkeling equipment, or remain aboard and enjoy the view. The choice is yours, which is important for groups with different comfort levels in the sea.

Luka Šipanska is one of only two inhabited settlements on Šipan. Around 200 people live on the island, giving the port a small-scale feel that you will not find in Dubrovnik. You can walk around, look at the traditional boats, explore little bays, or settle into a local beach bar for lunch and drinks.

Lunch is not included, so budget separately for it. The skipper can help with a restaurant recommendation or reservation. Past outings have included simple local meals with grilled fish, vegetables, meat, and local white wine. Another family was directed to a low-key restaurant serving wood-fired grilled scorpion fish. These examples suggest that the food can be a highlight when you ask for a local option rather than choosing only by convenience.

Allow enough time for lunch if you want to eat on shore. Three hours is allocated to this part of the day, but that time may include the bay stop, lunch, walking, and a relaxed return to the boat. If your group prefers swimming to sitting at a restaurant, tell the skipper early.

Koločep brings clear water and the Blue Cave

The next island is Koločep, the smallest of the three main stops on this route. Fewer than 150 people live there, and the island is described as nearly empty during winter. Its beaches are rocky or pebbly, and the water is the main attraction.

On the way, you stop at Sikirica Bay. This is a particularly appealing swimming location because it is difficult to identify on a map and has turquoise water. You can snorkel or use a sea scooter if one is available for your outing. As with all the swimming stops, the choice is yours: get into the sea, take photos, or stay aboard.

Koločep’s Blue Cave is the visual high point of the final island stop. You can take photos at the cave and swim or snorkel nearby before the boat heads back toward Dubrovnik. The cave can feel intimidating to anyone who is not a confident swimmer, but the skipper may guide you into it. Nick was specifically praised for helping a non-swimmer feel safe and for taking him into the cave on a paddle board.

That is a useful detail for families. You should still tell the skipper about swimming concerns before the boat leaves. A private trip gives the captain more room to adapt, but you should never feel pressured to enter the water.

The best part may be the places between islands

The named stops are useful anchors, but the flexible bays between them may become your favorite moments. The skipper can suggest additional coves that are not easy to find on a map, and several past days included unscheduled swimming spots with no other boats nearby.

This is where the private format earns its keep. A standard ferry or large excursion can take you from one port to another, but it cannot easily stop because your group likes a particular cove. Here, the skipper can drop anchor, let you swim for a while, and move on when you are ready.

The experience is not only about collecting islands. It is about pauses: a swim in clear water, a drink from the cooler, a short walk in a quiet port, or time under the canopy while one member of your group listens to music and another snorkels.

The itinerary allows roughly 90 minutes at Šunj, three hours around Šipan, and 90 minutes at Koločep, with additional time for the route and other bays. In practice, the exact balance can change. That is a benefit, but it also means you should tell the skipper your priorities at the start.

What the skipper adds to the experience

The skipper is more than the person driving the boat. The strongest outings described captains who also acted as hosts, local advisers, swimming companions, and practical problem-solvers.

Ivan is praised for making thoughtful suggestions, handling lunch arrangements, and taking families to secluded places. Nick was patient with a father who could not swim and helped him enjoy the cave and islands from a paddle board. Niko was described as calm with four children aged 8 to 12, even when a summer thunderstorm changed the day’s rhythm. Luka was appreciated for recommending good places to see and swim.

These details matter because the quality of a private boat trip depends heavily on the captain. A good skipper reads the group. He notices who wants more swimming, who needs a break, and who would rather explore on land. When you book, ask if you can request a particular captain, though availability is not guaranteed.

The boats used for these trips have been described as clean and carefully maintained. You can expect a canopy for shade, a sunbathing area, and a cooler with drinks. Still, this is a speedboat, not a lounge chair on a calm lake. If anyone in your group gets seasick or dislikes fast movement, mention it before departure.

Is the $1,023.50 price good value?

The listed price is $1,023.50 for a private group of up to eight people. Split eight ways, that is about $128 per person before fuel. Split among four people, it is about $256 per person before fuel.

That makes the tour expensive for a couple, but potentially reasonable for a full family or group of friends. You are paying for a private boat, an experienced skipper, a full day on the water, transport between several islands, snorkeling gear, drinks, and the ability to change the plan.

Fuel is extra and needs special attention. The information gives two figures: a fuel surcharge of €100 per booking in one place, and an approximate final fuel cost of €150 to €200 depending on the boat. Because those amounts do not match, ask Blue Mile Dubrovnik for the current fuel estimate before booking. Lunch is also extra.

I would compare the total cost with a shared boat trip only if price is your main concern. A shared excursion may cost less, but it will not give you the same control over swimming stops, lunch timing, or the pace of the day. For eight people who value privacy, this can be good value. For two people on a tight budget, it is harder to justify.

Who should book this Elaphiti Islands tour?

I would choose this tour for a family, a group of friends, or a mixed-age party that wants one flexible day rather than several separate excursions. Children who enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and boat rides should have plenty to do. The reports of captains handling four children and helping a non-swimmer are encouraging, though every child still needs close supervision near the water.

It also suits couples who want a private day and do not mind paying for space and control. You can spend more time at a bay, skip a swim, or ask for a quiet lunch stop without negotiating with strangers.

It is less suitable if you want a detailed historical tour, long hikes, or a low-cost island ferry experience. The emphasis is on water, scenery, swimming, caves, local food, and relaxed exploration. Port walks are part of the day, but this is not a walking tour.

Good weather is essential. If conditions are poor, the trip may be canceled, with the option of another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate, but tell the operator about mobility or swimming concerns in advance.

My verdict: book it if you value freedom

I would book this private speedboat day if I had four to eight people and wanted to see several islands without giving up control of the schedule. Šunj provides sand, Šipan provides village life and lunch, and Koločep provides clear water and the Blue Cave. The extra bays along the way may be just as memorable as the official stops.

The strongest reason to choose it is the skipper. Ivan, Nick, Luka, and Niko are repeatedly praised for being warm, flexible, and attentive to families. The main reason to hesitate is cost, especially once fuel and lunch are added.

Ask for the full current price, confirm pickup, and explain your group’s swimming ability and priorities. If the total fits your budget, this is one of the more personal ways to experience the Elaphiti Islands from Dubrovnik.

FAQ

How long does the private Elaphiti Islands tour last?

The tour lasts about eight hours. Departure is scheduled around 9:30 or 10 am, with return usually around 6 pm.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The planned route includes Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep. The tour also includes stops in additional bays along the way.

Is pickup from my accommodation available?

Pickup can be arranged if your accommodation is far from the closest speedboat mooring. You should contact the provider about the transfer before the tour.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch is not included. You have free time for lunch or drinks in Luka Šipanska, and the skipper may help with a local restaurant recommendation.

Is fuel included?

No. Fuel is charged separately. The estimated fuel cost is approximately €150 to €200 depending on the boat, although another listed figure gives a €100 surcharge, so confirm the current amount before booking.

How many people can join the private tour?

The listed price covers a private group of up to eight people.

What is included?

The tour includes bottled water, beer, soft drinks, private transportation, and snorkeling equipment.

Can non-swimmers join?

The tour information says most people can participate, and a captain has helped a non-swimmer enjoy the water and Blue Cave from a paddle board. Tell the skipper about any swimming concerns before departure.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Cancellation by you is free up to 24 hours before the start time.