Eight hours of sea time beats sightseeing blocks.

This private Dubrovnik-to-Elaphiti day gives you a local skipper and a speedboat route designed for swim-and-cave stops on your own schedule. The big win is the smart timing—when it’s possible, you can hit the famous spots before the worst crowd crush. You’ll be moving island to island, not stuck in a bus or waiting in line.

On board, I like that the tour pushes you toward the water. You get snorkeling gear, towels, and time to swim at each stop, especially at Sunj beach on Lopud, a sandy pocket that feels calmer than the main waterfront. The included drinks (beer and white wine, plus soft stuff) also mean you’re not doing mental math every time you want a sip.

The main catch is simple: this is a full day, and it runs best with good weather. Also, lunch isn’t included, so you’ll want to plan for meals on Šipan (or bring your own snacks if you’re picky about timing).

Key highlights worth planning around

• Private skipper routing: you’re not locked into a rigid ferry schedule.
• Koločep cave run: two turquoise caves by boat plus Blue Cave and three green caves.
• Lopud’s hidden Sunj beach: sandy time with trees around it, then the island port area.
• Šipan for lunch and wine: village Suđurađ plus local fish-and-veg options and vineyard tastings.
• Included swim setup: snorkeling gear, life jackets, towels, and plenty of drinks.

A private speedboat day from Dubrovnik: what you’re really paying for

At $710.91 per group (up to 4), this isn’t the cheapest way to do the Elaphiti Islands. But you’re not buying a seat—you’re buying freedom. In plain terms, you pay for:

1) A boat that goes where you want (within the island route), and

2) A skipper who can choose timing so you spend more time in the good water and less time battling crowds.

If you have a group of four, the cost lands around $178 per person. That starts to feel more reasonable when you compare it to public tours that often feel rushed, crowded, or skimpy on swimming time. Here, the day is built around stopping often enough that you can actually enjoy the sea—not just point at it from the deck.

And it’s not just about views. The tour is structured to give you repeated chances to swim and snorkel: caves on Koločep, beach time on Lopud, then a village island stop on Šipan. That’s the difference between a photo-focused day and a “time-in-the-water” day.

From Lapad to Port Gruž: your morning start at 10:00

The tour starts at 10:00 am. You’ll meet at Sunshine Sailing Dubrovnik, Lapadska obala 4, 20000 Dubrovnik, then you’re brought to Port Gruž to board. If you’ve ever shown up late for a boat, this will feel like the opposite: it’s a clear setup, and you’re not guessing where the action is.

Once you reach Port Gruž, you meet the skipper and get on the speedboat. There’s a little built-in “getting settled” time at the port stop, and then you’re off.

Practical tip: put on your swimsuit before you go. Even with towels and life jackets ready, you’ll waste less time if you’re already set for the first swim stop later in the morning.

Koločep Island: the cave route and why it works

Koločep is the first island stop after boarding, and it’s where the tour earns its “Blue Cave” name in a big way.

You’ll spend about 2 hours on Koločep, split between boat-access cave viewing and time in the water. The tour includes:

• Two turquoise caves approached by speedboat
• A stop at the famous Blue Cave
• Plus three green caves, where you can enjoy Adriatic views from the boat and swim if conditions are right

Why this matters: caves create that classic Adriatic “wow” effect, but they’re also a timing game. When conditions are calmer and the timing is right, the water can look glassy and the colors pop more. When timing is off, you can still enjoy the caves—but the experience can feel busier than it looks on postcards.

Skipper notes that came up repeatedly: many guests highlight skippers like Srđan for placing you at the right spots at the right times, including for avoiding crowd build-ups. That kind of routing is exactly what you’re paying for on a private tour.

What to expect in your body: expect short on/off moments—look, boat through or view, then water time. If you’re the type who likes to swim without a strict checklist, you’ll probably enjoy Koločep the most because it blends sightseeing with movement.

Possible consideration: if the sea is choppy (weather is everything out here), cave access and swim comfort can be affected. This is one reason the day is described as weather-dependent.

Lopud Island and Sunj Beach: the sandy break you’ll talk about later

After Koločep, you head to Lopud, with another 2 hours on the island.

The main highlight is Sunj beach, described as a sandy beach hidden among trees, away from the rest of the island’s main area. That’s the kind of detail that changes how a beach feels. Instead of a straight-on strip where everyone mills around the same viewpoint, Sunj feels like it has more privacy and slower energy.

Then, after Sunj, you go to the other side of Lopud—toward the main port area, a cultural/tourist zone with events, attractions, and historical sights.

Why I think this stop is smart: it gives you two different Lopud experiences in the same island visit.

• First, you get a water-and-sun reset at a sandy beach.
• Then, you get a change of pace with a more active port area.

Also, since snorkeling gear and towels are included, you can treat Sunj like a proper swim day, not a quick dip. And the included drinks on board make the transition between beach time and island wandering feel easy.

A small reality check: if you’re expecting a totally empty beach, you shouldn’t. But the way Sunj is positioned—hidden in trees and away from the main area—means it usually feels calmer than the obvious waterfront spots.

Šipan Island and Suđurađ village: where lunch and wine fit naturally

Šipan is the last Elaphiti stop, and it’s an underrated part of the day if you like food and local culture.

You’ll have about 2 hours here, focused around Suđurađ village. This is where the tour gives you an option:

• If you want lunch, this is the most logical place to do it.
• You can also think about wine tasting, since the tour notes Šipan as one of the best islands in Dubrovnik for it.

The description points to a local food angle too: fresh daily catch fish from local fishermen and vegetables from nearby gardens. That matters because Elaphiti islands can feel like “scenery first” trips. Here, Šipan adds something more grounded—food you can connect to the island’s daily rhythm.

Wine lovers get a clear signal as well. The day specifically calls out island vineyards and one of Croatia’s grape varieties being at your fingertips. Even if you’re not a full-on wine person, this can be a nice way to slow down after the cave-and-beach pace.

What to expect time-wise: the remaining time in the overall day is for the round tour plus sightseeing and exploration. So you’re not jammed with “must see” stops. Your skipper can adjust the rhythm based on conditions and your interests.

Food, drinks, and gear: what’s included (and what isn’t)

This tour includes a lot of what makes a boat day comfortable:

• Water
• Soda beverage
• Beer
• White wine
• Towels
• Snorkeling equipment
• Life jackets
• Fuel
• Skipper

Not included: lunch.

From a value standpoint, these inclusions matter more than you might think. On a private boat, snacks and drinks often become a hidden cost—or a reason you start rationing water and sodas. Here, you can focus on the day instead of pricing everything out.

My practical take on the drinks: keep it light if you want to snorkel well. Beer and wine are included, but the goal is clear swimming time. You’ll enjoy the caves and water more if you stay comfortable, hydrated, and not too tired from sun.

Also, life jackets are included, which is good for peace of mind. You don’t have to ask or hunt for anything.

Price and value: is it worth $710.91 per group?

Let’s talk straight. This is expensive compared to public ferries and group cruises. But for the specific kind of day you’re getting, it can be a smart splurge.

You’re buying:

• A private group setup (only your group participates)
• A full-day route across Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan
• Repeated swimming time at multiple stops
• A skipper who can steer the schedule toward calmer moments

The pricing starts to make sense if:

• You’re traveling as a couple or small family and want a real “our day” feel.
• You care about swimming and snorkeling enough that you’d feel cheated on a shorter or more rigid tour.
• You want a guide who can adjust the day instead of following a timetable that ignores conditions.

If you’re traveling solo, it can still be great value because private boats can feel more personal and flexible than group tours. But the per-person price will depend on how full your group is.

Who this tour suits best (and who might want a different day)

This tour fits best if you:

• Want a private boat day, not a packed group.
• Like to swim and snorkel often, including in cave-adjacent spots.
• Want to see more than one island without spending half your day moving on ferries.
• Appreciate local knowledge used for timing—hitting popular areas when they’re easier to enjoy.

It might be less ideal if you:

• Only want a quick photo stop and don’t plan to swim.
• Are strict about having a pre-booked restaurant lunch at a set time (since lunch is not included and the day’s flow can vary).
• Can’t deal with uncertainty from sea conditions. This experience runs best with good weather.

Practical tips so your day runs smooth

Here are the small things that make this kind of day go from good to great.

• Bring sun protection. You’re on a boat with lots of open deck time, and you’ll likely be in and out of the water.
• Keep your valuables minimal. You’re using snorkeling gear and towels, so pack for “wet day” reality.
• Be ready for a chilly moment if the sea is cool. One guest shared that they couldn’t swim because the water felt chilly, but still enjoyed the locations and rest time. If you’re sensitive to cold water, plan for short swims rather than long sessions.
• Ask your skipper about your preferences early. Some skippers, like those highlighted in guest notes (Srđan, Gigi, Didi), are described as very accommodating and helpful with creating a bespoke route. A quick conversation helps you steer the day toward quiet bays, swimming time, or more island walking.

Should you book this Dubrovnik Elaphiti Islands & Blue Cave full day tour?

I’d book it if you want a day that feels active but not stressful—caves, beach sand at Sunj, and a slower island finish on Šipan with food and wine options. The biggest reason is simple: this is a private, swim-focused routing experience with included gear and drinks, which makes the day feel effortless once you’re on the water.

I’d think twice only if you’re not comfortable with weather-dependent sea conditions or you don’t care about swimming/snorkeling. In that case, a land-focused plan might save you money and energy.

If your group is up to four, and you’re craving that “sea day” feeling right off Dubrovnik, this is the kind of tour that can become the most talked-about day of your trip.

FAQ

How many people are in this private tour?

It’s a private tour for your group only, up to 4 people.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 10:00 am.

Where do we meet the tour?

You meet at Sunshine Sailing Dubrovnik, Lapadska obala 4, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia. The trip ends back at the same meeting point.

Which islands are included in the full day route?

The tour includes Koločep Island, Lopud Island, and Šipan Island, with stops connected by the speedboat day plan.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, though there is an opportunity for lunch on Šipan.

What swimming and safety gear is provided?

Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are included, plus towels.

Does the tour run in all weather?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.