REVIEW · DUBROVNIK

Full-Day Elafiti Islands Private Speed Boat Tour by Quicksilver 675

★ 5.0 · 171 reviews 8 hours (approx.) Operated by Explore Dubrovnik · Bookable on Viator
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Three islands, one private boat day. This Dubrovnik outing gives you a quick route into the Elafiti Islands, with time for swimming, beaches, villages, and quiet coves. I especially like the private schedule, since your skipper can adjust the stops, and the included snorkel gear, drinks, and life jackets keep the day simple. The small Quicksilver 675 speedboat also means you spend less time getting there and more time in the water.

The main drawback is the extra €100 fuel surcharge, which comes on top of the advertised $598.87 group price. There is no meal or hotel pickup, and an eight-hour boat day depends on good weather. Still, for up to six people, the cost can make sense if you value privacy and want more freedom than a fixed group cruise.

Key points at a glance

Full-Day Elafiti Islands Private Speed Boat Tour by Quicksilver 675 - Key points at a glance

  • Blue Cave swim on Koločep: You can swim into the cave near the boat, with snorkel masks and a GoPro camera supplied.
  • Šunj Beach on Lopud: This is the best stop for a sandy beach, swimming, and sunbathing.
  • A genuinely private outing: Only your group participates, with time divided around your interests.
  • Šipan offers a quieter finish: Expect olive trees, pine trees, turquoise water, local goods, and less beach-focused sightseeing.
  • Drinks are included: Bottled water, beer, and soft drinks are available on the boat.
  • Plan for extra costs: The €100 fuel charge and your meal are not included, and you must reach the Dubrovnik meeting point yourself.

Why this private Elafiti Islands trip works well

Full-Day Elafiti Islands Private Speed Boat Tour by Quicksilver 675 - Why this private Elafiti Islands trip works well

The Elafiti Islands sit just off Dubrovnik, but they feel separate from the city’s stone streets and busy waterfront. A private speedboat lets you see several islands in one day without committing to a fixed public ferry schedule or sharing the boat with a large group.

The tour lasts about eight hours and is designed for a maximum of six people. That group limit matters. You can decide how long to stay in a swimming spot, how much time to spend ashore, and whether you want to focus on beaches, villages, or the views along the coast.

I would think of this as a flexible island sampler rather than a slow cultural tour. You get a taste of Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan, but you will not have time to inspect every church, walk every path, or linger over a long island lunch. The speedboat makes the three-island plan possible, though the day remains active.

The tour begins at Lapadska obala 4 in Dubrovnik and ends at the same meeting point. There is no pickup or drop-off, so you need to arrange your own way to the marina area. The location is near public transportation, which helps, but you should still allow time to arrive before departure.

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Koločep and the Blue Cave swim

Full-Day Elafiti Islands Private Speed Boat Tour by Quicksilver 675 - Koločep and the Blue Cave swim

Koločep is about 20 minutes from Dubrovnik by boat, making it an easy first stop. The island has two villages, Gornje Čelo and Donje Čelo, but the main attraction on this outing is the Blue Cave on the southern side.

The skipper anchors near the cave, and you swim from the boat into the cave. Snorkel masks are provided, and a GoPro camera is available for use. This is one of the most memorable parts of the day because the boat gives you access to a spot that is best approached from the water.

I like that Koločep is not treated as a rushed photo stop. You can choose how much time to spend here, and the skipper can shape the visit around your group. If your party wants more swimming, say so. If you prefer to cruise along the cliffs after the cave, that is part of the suggested plan.

There is one practical point to consider. Swimming into a cave and using snorkel equipment requires a moderate level of physical fitness. Life jackets are supplied for adults and children, but this is still a water-based activity, not a sightseeing cruise where you remain seated throughout.

The Koločep portion is planned for about two hours. That should give you time for the cave and a coastal cruise without using the entire day before reaching the beach stop.

Lopud, Šunj Beach, and time ashore

Full-Day Elafiti Islands Private Speed Boat Tour by Quicksilver 675 - Lopud, Šunj Beach, and time ashore

Lopud is the most traditional summer beach stop. Its main draw is Šunj Beach, a sandy beach where you can swim, sunbathe, and spend a few easy hours by the sea.

Sandy beaches are not always the easiest thing to find along the rocky Adriatic coast, so Šunj gives this itinerary a different feel from Koločep. You can remain on the boat if you prefer, or go ashore and enjoy the beach. Cold water, beer, and soft drinks are available on board, which is useful after swimming or sitting in the sun.

The planned time here is about three hours. That makes Lopud the longest single stop, and rightly so if your idea of a good island day includes plenty of water time. You will not need to choose between a quick swim and a short walk. There is room for both, as long as your group agrees on how to divide the time.

After Šunj Beach, you can head toward the village of Lopud. The village offers more than a beach break. You might visit the Dominican and Franciscan monasteries, see small churches, or walk through Đorđić-Mayneri Park. These sights give you a chance to step away from the water and see more of the island.

The tradeoff is simple. If you spend a long time at Šunj, you have less time for the village. Since this is a private tour, that choice is yours, but it helps to discuss priorities before the day begins. A family may want the beach, while a group interested in architecture may prefer to shorten the swim and explore the village.

Šipan for quiet scenery and local products

Full-Day Elafiti Islands Private Speed Boat Tour by Quicksilver 675 - Šipan for quiet scenery and local products

Šipan is the largest and most densely populated of the Elafiti Islands. It is also the final stop, and its appeal is different from Lopud’s beach focus and Koločep’s cave swim.

Here you can expect turquoise sea, olive trees, pine trees, open views, and the sound of birds. The island is known for homemade goods such as wine, olive oil, marmalade, fruit, and vegetables. Those details give Šipan a more local and rural character.

I would save this stop for the part of the day when you want the pace to ease. The island is suited to looking around, enjoying the coast, and noticing the simple details of island life. It is not presented as a major resort stop, and that is part of its appeal.

The tour allows for about three hours at Šipan, though the exact plan can change. Your skipper can point out bays and beaches along the route, and your group can decide whether to stop for a swim, go ashore, or remain on the boat.

You should not expect a formal meal to be included here. Food is not part of the tour price, so if you want lunch or snacks, plan for that separately. Drinks are supplied, but they do not replace a proper meal during a full day on the water.

What the private boat changes

Full-Day Elafiti Islands Private Speed Boat Tour by Quicksilver 675 - What the private boat changes

A private tour is not automatically better than a group cruise, but here it has a clear benefit: control. You are not trying to persuade a boatload of strangers to stay longer at the Blue Cave or hurry away from Šunj Beach.

The Quicksilver 675 is a speedboat suited to moving between islands in a single day. The boat is small enough for a group of up to six, and the format keeps the day personal. You can ask for more swimming, more time ashore, or more coastal cruising.

That flexibility is most valuable when your group has shared interests. If half the party wants to swim all day and the other half wants to visit churches, a private schedule gives you a better chance of balancing both.

It also means you need to communicate. A private skipper can tailor the route, but the skipper cannot guess what everyone wants. Before setting out, agree on your priorities: the Blue Cave, the sandy beach, village sights, swimming, or Šipan’s quiet scenery.

The speedboat format has a few limits. There is less space than on a large excursion vessel, and you should expect an active day with boarding, swimming, and moving between stops. The tour is not built around a long, formal lunch or a slow sailing pace.

Price, fuel, and what you receive

Full-Day Elafiti Islands Private Speed Boat Tour by Quicksilver 675 - Price, fuel, and what you receive

The listed cost is $598.87 per group of up to six people. At full capacity, that works out to roughly $100 per person before the fuel surcharge, assuming the currency conversion remains close to the listed amount.

The extra €100 fuel surcharge per booking is important. It is not a small incidental fee, especially for a couple or a group of only two or three people. For six people, the cost is easier to spread. I would calculate the full group total before booking rather than judging the tour by the advertised base price alone.

Included in the booking are:

  • Skipper
  • Snorkel equipment
  • Life jackets for adults and children
  • Bottled water
  • Beer and soft drinks
  • Taxes, fees, and handling charges

A meal is not included. Neither is hotel transportation. You also need to account for the €100 fuel surcharge.

The strongest value comes from privacy. A group of six paying for one boat may find the total reasonable, especially if a private schedule matters. If you are traveling alone or as a couple, a shared cruise could cost less, but it would not offer the same control over the route.

The tour is offered in English, and confirmation is provided at booking. The overall rating is 5 out of 5 from 171 ratings, with 100 percent recommending it. That strong score fits the main appeal: a beautiful day on the water with room to shape the experience around your group.

Who should book this boat day

Full-Day Elafiti Islands Private Speed Boat Tour by Quicksilver 675 - Who should book this boat day

I would recommend this outing to a group of friends, a family, or a small party celebrating a special day in Dubrovnik. It suits people who want swimming and scenery but also like the option of visiting villages and historic buildings.

It is a good match for you if:

  • You want a private boat rather than a shared excursion
  • You enjoy swimming and can manage a moderate level of physical activity
  • You want to see more than one Elafiti Island in a day
  • Your group values a flexible schedule
  • You are comfortable arranging your own transport to Lapadska obala 4
  • You can budget for the fuel surcharge and a separate meal

I would be more cautious if you dislike speedboats, need a completely relaxed day, or want a long guided history tour. The experience offers places to explore, but the focus is on the sea, swimming, beaches, and flexible island time.

Children can join, but they must be accompanied by an adult. Life jackets for children are included. The minimum drinking age is 18, and service animals are allowed.

Weather, cancellation, and practical planning

Full-Day Elafiti Islands Private Speed Boat Tour by Quicksilver 675 - Weather, cancellation, and practical planning

The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions cause a cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. That policy matters for a boat trip, since wind and sea conditions can affect both comfort and safety.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted and are not refunded.

I would avoid placing this tour on the final morning of your Dubrovnik stay. A weather change could force a new date, and the tour takes most of a day. Give yourself room to adjust if the forecast turns bad.

Pack for both land and water. You will want swimwear, sun protection, and something suitable for walking ashore. Since a meal is not included, make a clear food plan before leaving, rather than assuming the drinks on the boat will cover the day.

Should you book the Elafiti Islands speedboat tour?

Book it if you want a private, active day that mixes the Blue Cave on Koločep, sandy Šunj Beach on Lopud, and the quieter character of Šipan. The ability to adjust the timing is the tour’s best feature, and the included snorkel gear and drinks make the day easier.

Think twice if the €100 fuel surcharge makes the total too high for your group, or if you prefer a slow cruise with a set meal and detailed guiding. For up to six people who want their own boat and a flexible route, this is a strong-value way to get beyond Dubrovnik for a day.

FAQ

How long is the Elafiti Islands private boat tour?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours.

How many people can join the private boat tour?

The price covers one private group of up to six people.

Which islands are visited?

The route includes Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan. Stops can be adjusted to suit your group’s preferences.

Can I swim into the Blue Cave?

Yes. The boat anchors near the Blue Cave on Koločep, and you can swim into it. Snorkel masks and a GoPro camera are provided.

Is food included?

No. A meal is not included. Bottled water, beer, and soft drinks are included.

Is hotel pickup available?

No. You must meet the boat at Lapadska obala 4 in Dubrovnik, and the tour returns to that meeting point.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the tour is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

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Start with the hull, then choose the water

Every kind of island day we have been out on.