Dubrovnik Private Speedboat Tour to Elaphite Islands with Drinks

The Adriatic looks best from the water. This private speedboat trip gives you a flexible way to see Dubrovnik’s coast, swim around Koločep’s caves, relax on car-free Lopud, and possibly reach Šipan on the full-day option. I especially like the private format, which lets you set the pace, and the easy supply of beer, wine, soft drinks, and water. The main caution is cost: the advertised $386.98 covers up to two people, but fuel is extra and a four-hour outing can feel brief if you want several islands.

You’ll also want to know what kind of boat experience you prefer. The speedboats are clean, well maintained, and made for a smooth, quick ride, but one person felt the two-person boat was smaller than private boats used elsewhere. If you want the widest range of stops, the eight-hour tour is the better buy.

Key points at a glance

• Koločep’s caves are the first major stop: Swim, snorkel, and take photos in the Blue and Green Caves, with early departures offering a better chance of quieter conditions.
• Lopud gives you the best land break: This car-free island has sandy beaches, old churches and palaces, restaurants, and the popular Šunj Beach.
• The captain can shape the day: Captains such as Ante, Marin, Mario, Tony, Simon, Joe, and Nikola have adjusted time between swimming, caves, villages, and lunch stops.
• Šipan requires the full day: The peaceful harbor at Sudurad, Šikirica Lagoon, local olive oil, and wine are available only on the eight-hour outing.
• Drinks and swimming gear are included: Beer, wine, soft drinks, water, towels, life jackets, and snorkeling equipment are supplied.
• Budget for the real price: Add a €70 fuel charge for four hours or €150 for eight hours, paid in cash on the boat. Lunch is separate.

What the private boat day is really like

This is not a fixed sightseeing cruise where everyone follows the same clock. You book the boat for your own group, up to two people at the listed price, and the captain can adjust the balance between swimming, sightseeing, caves, and time ashore.

That flexibility is the strongest part of the experience. One couple asked for extra cave stops and less swimming, while another group wanted more time in the water and a beach visit. Captains have also arranged lunch on Lopud, suggested an extra village after an early swim, and helped cruise passengers finish in Dubrovnik’s Old Town instead of returning directly to the port.

The morning begins with a short panoramic view of Dubrovnik’s Old Town from the water. The city walls and shoreline look different from a speedboat, and this is a useful first look before the open-water portion begins.

The ride itself is part of the appeal. You get the wind, open views, and quick movement between islands without committing to a crowded group boat. The boats are described as clean and well cared for, though the two-person option is not a luxury yacht. Think practical speedboat rather than floating lounge.

Koločep and the Blue Cave stop

Koločep is the closest Elaphite island to Dubrovnik, so it is usually your first proper stop. The island is known for five caves, with the Blue and Green Caves drawing the most attention.

Here, the day shifts from sightseeing to swimming. You can use the supplied snorkeling equipment, wear a life jacket if needed, and take your time around the clear turquoise water. The caves are the kind of place where timing matters. A morning departure may give you a quieter visit, and one group specifically enjoyed having the Blue Cave to itself by going early.

The caves are also one of the few parts of the tour that can feel busy. Several boats may head toward the same popular spots, and access depends on sea conditions and the captain’s judgment. Still, the private format helps because your captain can move on, wait, or suggest a quieter cove instead of following a large boat’s schedule.

Bring a waterproof phone pouch if photographs matter to you. The experience is very much about being in the water, and the best views come from close to the cave entrances rather than from the boat alone.

The water may be chilly outside the warmer summer period. A honeymoon couple visiting in early June enjoyed the clear sea but found the swimming spots cold, while another group in late April still decided the swim was worth it. You can always spend more time sightseeing if the water does not tempt you.

Lopud offers beaches, lunch, and time ashore

Lopud is the most useful island stop for a longer break. It is car-free, has two large sandy beaches, and offers places to eat and have a drink. That combination makes it especially good for families, couples, and anyone who wants more than a quick swim from the boat.

The main village beach is easy to reach, while Šunj Beach lies on the southern side of the island. Šunj is suited to swimming, sunbathing, playing picigin, or relaxing with a cocktail at a nearby bar. If you want sand under your feet, this is the part of the day to protect with enough time.

Lopud also has traces of an impressive past, including former monasteries, churches, and noble palaces. You should not expect a fully preserved historic center. Instead, the interest comes from seeing fragments of the island’s earlier importance alongside a quiet seaside setting.

Lunch is not included, but the company can arrange a reservation at a local restaurant. Several outings included a meal beside the water, and one couple considered lunch at Obala the best meal of their Croatia trip. Fresh fish is a sensible choice if available, but you pay for lunch separately.

Ask the captain to reserve lunch in advance if you want a particular place or if your timing is tight. The private format lets you decide how long to stay, but a leisurely meal can reduce time available for swimming or Šipan on a full-day trip.

Šikirica Lagoon and Sudurad on the full-day tour

Šipan is included only on the eight-hour tour because it sits farther from Dubrovnik. This is an important planning detail. If you want to see all three islands, do not book the four-hour option and hope to add Šipan later.

On the way toward Šipan, the boat can stop at Šikirica Lagoon, a clear-water swimming spot surrounded by turquoise sea. It gives you another chance to swim away from the more famous cave areas.

The village of Sudurad has a small fishing harbor and a slower feel than Dubrovnik. You can stroll along the waterfront, enjoy the quiet, or stop at a seaside wine bar. Šipan is known for local olive oil and wine, so this is the best stop for a more grounded taste of island life rather than another quick photo stop.

The full-day trip is not simply the half-day outing stretched longer. It gives you room for a village, a meal, more swimming, and a less hurried rhythm. Several people who chose eight hours considered it the highlight of their Dubrovnik visit, especially when traveling with teenagers or using the day as a final relaxed outing before leaving town.

Captains make the difference

The captain is both your driver and your local guide, so the personality and judgment of that person matter. The company has used captains including Orsat, Tony, Ante, Marin, Mario, Simon, Joe, Nikola, Ivan, Josep, and Nicola.

The strongest pattern is flexibility. Ante adjusted the day around swimming and exploring. Marin helped one family see more caves, spend less time swimming, and finish near the Old Town. Tony took a couple to quieter swimming spots and added local information. Joe arranged a lunch reservation on Lopud.

Simon was praised for suggesting another village after a group finished swimming earlier than planned. That kind of small adjustment is where a private tour earns its keep. You are not stuck waiting for a large group to finish lunch or leave a beach.

English is offered, and the captain’s role goes beyond steering. You can expect local background on Dubrovnik, the islands, and the coastline, though the exact amount of commentary will vary by captain and by how much conversation you want.

Safety also comes through in the practical details. Life jackets are supplied, and several outings were described as carefully handled around caves and swimming areas. You should still follow the captain’s advice near rocks, cave entrances, and changing water conditions.

Drinks, equipment, and boat comfort

The included drinks are a useful touch. Beer, wine, soft drinks, and bottled water are available, and the boat carries towels, life jackets, and snorkeling gear. One couple specifically appreciated that cold beer and water were regularly offered during the day.

These extras matter because a boat day can become inconvenient when you must carry a cooler, towels, and masks of your own. You still need swimwear, sun protection, and any personal medication or snacks you want. Lunch is not included.

The ride has been described as smooth, and one person noted that the boat moved at a comfortable speed rather than an aggressive, scream-inducing pace. Boat size varies. The company has a fleet ranging from 19 to 30 feet, with options for different group sizes, but the listed two-person option may feel compact if you are comparing it with larger private boats elsewhere.

For two people who want a nimble boat and a private captain, that compact size is not necessarily a problem. If you value extra space, ask about a larger boat before booking. The experience provider lists boats for groups of two, four, six, and eleven.

Is the price fair?

The listed price is $386.98 per group of up to two people. That is not a cheap half-day activity, but it becomes easier to justify when you compare it with two separate seats on a premium boat and consider that your group controls the schedule.

The real cost includes a fuel surcharge paid in cash on the boat: €70 for four hours or €150 for eight hours. That makes the basic half-day total $386.98 plus €70, before lunch. The full-day cost is $386.98 plus €150, also before food and any pickup charge.

For two people, the eight-hour outing often offers better value if you genuinely want Šipan, a longer lunch, and several swim stops. The four-hour trip makes sense if you have a cruise departure, only want the caves and Lopud, or prefer a morning on the water followed by time in Dubrovnik.

Pickup and drop-off at the Sheraton, Mlini, or Cavtat costs €60 in cash. The tour can also work well for cruise passengers, but confirm your timing carefully. One group was dropped near the cruise ship after finishing in the Old Town, showing how useful the private format can be when arranged in advance.

Who should book this speedboat tour?

I would choose this for couples, families, and small groups who want control over the day. It is particularly suited to families with teenagers, since swimming, caves, sandy beaches, music, and short village visits give the day enough variety.

It also works well for a honeymoon or special occasion. The private setting lets you choose your own pace, play your own music, and avoid sharing the boat with strangers. For a relaxed final day in Dubrovnik, the combination of water time and a good lunch is hard to beat.

I would be more cautious if you dislike speedboats, need a large amount of onboard space, or want a formal historical tour with long guided walks. This is mainly a sea-and-swimming experience, with history added around the islands and Old Town.

The tour requires good weather. If conditions cause cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, but late cancellations and late changes are not accepted.

My verdict: choose four hours or eight?

Book four hours if you want a sharp introduction to the coast: Old Town views, Koločep’s caves, a swim, and time on Lopud. It is a good match for a tight schedule, though you may feel rushed if you want lunch and several extra stops.

Choose eight hours if your schedule allows it. You will have time for Koločep, Lopud, Šikirica Lagoon, Sudurad, and Šipan without turning the day into a race. The extra fuel charge is significant, but the longer outing makes better use of the private boat and lets the captain adjust the day around your interests.

For me, the full-day option is the stronger choice for a dedicated island day. The half-day tour is still worthwhile, but the real pleasure here is not simply checking off caves. It is having a captain who can slow down, find a good swim, reserve lunch, and let the Adriatic set the pace.

FAQ

How long is the Dubrovnik private speedboat tour?

You can choose an approximate four-hour half-day tour or an eight-hour full-day tour.

Which islands are included?

The tour visits Koločep and Lopud. Šipan is included only with the eight-hour tour because it is farther from Dubrovnik.

Is the tour private?

Yes. Only your own group participates in the activity.

How many people does the listed price cover?

The listed price of $386.98 covers a group of up to two people.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Beer, wine, soft drinks, and bottled water are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is available for use, along with towels and life jackets.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, though a reservation can be arranged at a restaurant on Lopud.

Is there an extra fuel charge?

Yes. The fuel surcharge is €70 for the four-hour tour and €150 for the eight-hour tour. It is paid in cash on the boat.

Can I arrange pickup from my hotel?

Pickup and drop-off from the Sheraton, Mlini, or Cavtat is available for €60 in cash.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You can choose another date or receive a full refund if the tour is canceled because of poor weather.