Speedboat days in Dubrovnik hit different. This private Elaphite Islands outing is all about clean water, secluded bays, and island time you can shape to your pace. I like the fact that it’s private, so you’re not stuck following a crowd.

Two things I really like: first, you get to swap between sandy and rocky coasts, with stops like Šunj on Lopud that are hard to find on this shoreline. Second, the day isn’t just sightseeing—there’s snorkeling gear, time to swim, and plenty of included drinks to keep the mood easy.

One consideration: lunch isn’t included, and fuel is paid on the spot at the end of the tour, so plan a little extra budget beyond the tour price.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Private skipper and flexible stops: the boat route adjusts to what you want to see and do.
• Šunj on Lopud for sandy beach time: a rare stretch of sand on Croatia’s coast.
• Snorkeling breaks in hidden bays: short swim pauses with clear water and great photo angles.
• Luka Šipanska time for real local life: free time on the island’s inhabited area with beach-bar options.
• Sikirica Bay and its turquoise-looking water: a hard-to-pinpoint cove that’s built for swimming and photos.
• Blue Cave on Koločep: a dramatic backdrop for photos plus another chance to get back in the sea.

The private speedboat start through the Elaphiti Channel

The day kicks off at 10:00 am. A private English-speaking skipper waits for you and then you’re on the sea right away. The biggest value here is the pace: instead of spending hours on buses or walking between viewpoints, you get a direct water route into the Elaphiti Islands area.

As you head through the Elaphiti Channel, the coast tends to look very different from what you see from Dubrovnik’s walls. You get open-water angles on cliffs and coves, and you feel how this archipelago works: islands close enough to visit, but separated enough to still feel like you’ve escaped.

Because it’s private, you’re also more likely to get a calmer day. You can linger if the water is perfect, and you can skip a stop if you’d rather stay with your swim momentum. The included bottled water and the onboard drink set-up help you settle in without fuss.

Lopud and Šunj: the rare sandy beach stop

About 40 minutes after leaving Dubrovnik, you reach Šunj Beach on Lopud. This is a big deal because Šunj is known as one of the rare sandy beaches along this stretch of coast. If you’ve been seeing mostly rock ledges and pebbly shorelines, Šunj gives your day an easy, beach-style reset.

You’ll have about an hour here. That hour is built for simple pleasures:

• swim in the Adriatic
• snorkel if the conditions and your comfort level match
• sunbathe without fighting with uneven stones

This is also a smart place to pace yourself. Sandy beaches naturally feel a little more forgiving after time on boats and before you move into the more swim-heavy stops later.

A practical note: sandy beach time can make you want to stay longer than the planned hour. Bring a hat and sunscreen so you can enjoy it fully instead of rushing to beat the sun.

The Šipan leg: snorkeling in a hidden bay plus local lunch options

From Lopud, you continue toward Šipan, the biggest Elaphiti island. On the way, the skipper makes a short stop in a hidden bay for swimming and snorkeling, with time for photos.

This is the kind of pause that works best when you don’t over-plan your day. You can treat it as:

• a quick snack-and-splash moment
• a photo stop when the light is good
• a real swim break if the water is calling

Then you reach Luka Šipanska, one of the two inhabited places on the island. The tour leaves you free time for lunch or drinks at a beach bar. Walking around matters here. With around 200 people living on the whole island, you’re not just passing through—you get a sense of island rhythm. You can notice traditional-looking boats in the port and explore little corners at a human scale.

This part of the day also gives you a realistic way to handle meals. You don’t have a rushed, preset lunch. Instead, you can pick what you’re in the mood for, right where the sea meets island life.

Koločep approach: Sikirica Bay’s hard-to-find swim break

After Šipan, the next island is Koločep, smaller and known for feeling quieter. Before you arrive, you stop at Sikirica Bay. This one is described as hard to locate on maps, which is exactly why it feels special in person—you’re not just visiting a famous beach. You’re getting tucked into a spot that feels chosen, not crowded.

You’ll have time to swim and snorkel, and there’s even mention of using a sea scooter if you’re into that. The standout detail here is the look of the water—turquoise—which tends to happen when the sea is clear and the bottom is visible.

For me, this stop is a reminder that the Elaphiti Islands are less about big-name beaches and more about the small variations in water color and shelter. That’s where the day feels personal.

Koločep and the Blue Cave photo moment

On Koločep, you get another feel for a place that stays quieter for most of the year. The island has fewer than 150 residents, so in winter it’s almost empty. Even if you’re sailing there in summer, you’ll still notice a slower tempo.

You’ll visit the Blue Cave and have time for photos with it as the backdrop. Even if caves aren’t your thing, this stop tends to land because the visual contrast is strong: a bright, watery glow against darker rock. It’s also a good excuse to slow down and watch how light changes on the water.

After that, you’ll have another opportunity to swim, sunbathe, or snorkel before heading back toward Dubrovnik. This gives your day a clean rhythm: swim pause, island-walk time, swim pause again. It’s not all boat time, and it’s not all land time either.

What the included snorkeling gear and towels really mean

This tour includes snorkeling equipment, plus towels and bottled water. That’s not just a nice-to-have. It reduces friction.

On days like this, gear can become the hidden cost. Here, you arrive and just use what you need. Towels also matter because you’ll be alternating between wet sea time and getting comfortable again on the boat.

You’ll also be provided beer and soda/pop, plus other alcoholic beverages. That turns the boat ride into a more relaxed social setting, even though it’s private. In practice, it means you don’t have to stop for a drink before or during the day. You can focus on being out there.

Drinks included, but fuel is an extra: how to plan the real cost

The tour price is $500 per person, which is premium pricing. For that amount, you’re paying for the private speedboat experience, the private English-speaking skipper, and the included gear plus drinks.

What can surprise people is that:

• Fuel is paid on the spot at the end of the tour.
• Lunch is not included.

That doesn’t automatically make the day bad value. It can still be very good value if you compare it to renting a boat or paying for multiple separate activities. But it does mean you should treat the tour price as the foundation, then budget some extra cash for fuel plus whatever you choose to eat on Šipan.

If you’re traveling with friends, the private element also matters. A private boat day can feel like a splurge, but when it replaces several smaller paid stops, it can feel more justified.

Timing and how to handle an 8-hour sea day

You’re out for 8 hours, starting at 10:00 am. That’s enough time to do multiple swim stops and still have island walking and meal time. It’s not a short “quick splash” trip.

A smart way to enjoy it is to think in blocks:

• morning swim and beach time (Lopud’s Šunj)
• midday island flavor and a meal choice (Luka Šipanska)
• afternoon swim breaks and a photo stop (Sikirica Bay and Blue Cave)

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and a hat because you’ll be exposed while you move between islands and while you’re waiting out swim windows. Since beaches can be sandy in one place and rocky in another, wear beach shoes only if that’s your preference; the tour gives you the freedom to focus on comfort rather than scrambling on shore.

Who this tour fits best

This is a great fit if you want:

• a private day on the water with an English-speaking skipper
• time to swim and snorkel without complicated logistics
• island walking that includes small inhabited areas like Luka Šipanska
• a mix of sandy beach time and dramatic cave/rock scenery

It’s also ideal for couples or small groups who prefer calm over crowds. If you’re the type who likes to spend time in water rather than just taking photos from land, you’ll get a lot of mileage out of the included snorkeling gear and multiple swim stops.

If you dislike long boat rides, this still might work because the plan includes land breaks and swimming, but you should be comfortable being on the water for most of the day.

Should you book the Dubrovnik Elaphite Islands private speedboat full-day tour?

Yes, if your idea of a perfect Dubrovnik day is sea time with actual swimming, plus island stops that feel quieter than the mainland.

Book it if you:

• want private boat access to Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep
• care about Šunj’s sandy beach and want multiple chances to get in the water
• like the idea of included snorkeling equipment and onboard drinks

Be cautious if:

• you’re trying to keep everything strictly to one set price, because fuel is paid on the spot and lunch isn’t included
• you want a mostly land-based sightseeing day

If you’re okay budgeting a bit extra for fuel and your meal, this tour looks like strong value for a full day of unique island scenery—without the hassle of piecing it together yourself.

FAQ

How long is the Dubrovnik Elaphite Islands Private Speedboat Full-Day Tour?

The tour lasts 8 hours, with a 10:00 am start.

Where does the tour go during the day?

You’ll visit the Elaphiti Islands, including stops on Lopud (Šunj Beach), Šipan (Luka Šipanska), and Koločep. There are also swimming/snorkeling breaks in additional bays along the way.

What’s included in the price?

Included are private speedboat transportation, a private English-speaking skipper, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, towels, and drinks (beer, soda/pop, and alcoholic beverages).

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch isn’t included, though you’ll have time to eat at places on the islands, including options at Luka Šipanska.

Do I need to pay extra during the tour?

Yes. Fuel is paid on the spot at the end of the tour.

What should I bring?

Bring hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and beachwear.

Is free cancellation available?

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