REVIEW · DUBROVNIK
Full day Private Boat Tour to Elaphite Islands and South Mljet
Book on Viator →Operated by Explore Dubrovnik · Bookable on Viator
A speedboat day fixes a Dubrovnik itinerary fast. You get a private Quicksilver 675 limited to six for comfort, plus snorkel gear and drinks onboard while you bounce between South Mljet and the Elaphiti Islands. The one catch: lunch is not included, and there’s a fuel surcharge added per booking.
This is the kind of trip where the real value is time. Instead of wrestling with transfers and schedules, you’re out on the water with local skipper guidance, stopping where the water looks right and where swimming feels easy. It’s also built for a relaxed day: a sun cover (bimini), flat sundeck space, a shower to rinse off sand, and a sound system if you want your own playlist.
Just plan your expectations around the format. You’ll meet at Lapadska obala 4 at 10:00 am, and the tour ends back at that same meeting point.
In This Review
- Key highlights worth planning around
- An 8-hour private boat day is a smart match for Dubrovnik
- The Quicksilver 675: comfort upgrades you feel right away
- Start on the water with local skipper tips and quick Dubrovnik views
- South Mljet: Saplunara Bay and Limoni Beach for turquoise swimming time
- Elaphiti Islands: Šipan, Lopud, and Koločep vibes without the crowd crush
- Snorkeling and photos: included gear helps you actually use your time
- Drinks onboard and the lunch question: what’s included, what you’ll pay for
- Price and logistics: where the tour really shows value
- Who this boat day fits best
- Make it your day: practical tips before you go
- Should you book this Dubrovnik-to-Mljet-and-Elaphiti private boat tour?
- FAQ
- What time does the tour start, and how long does it last?
- Where do we meet the boat?
- How many people are on the boat?
- Is snorkeling equipment included?
- What drinks are included?
- Is lunch or a meal included?
- Is there pick up or drop off from hotels?
- What are the age rules for alcohol and children?
- What happens if weather is poor?
Key highlights worth planning around

- Quicksilver 675 limited to six: smaller group feel, more space to move and stretch out
- Snorkeling included with life jackets for adults and children
- South Mljet timing gives you about three hours around Saplunara Bay and Limoni Beach
- Elaphiti Islands also get a full block of time, around three hours to slow down and swim
- Beer and soft drinks onboard plus still and sparkling water are free
- No meal included and a fuel surcharge applies, so budget for lunch separately
An 8-hour private boat day is a smart match for Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is gorgeous, but it can also be intense: cruise crowds, day-trippers, and a lot of people trying to see the same viewpoints. This tour is different because it spends most of the day where Dubrovnik’s best scenery actually lives: on the water, with islands and coves as your main “sights.”
The private setup matters. With a group size capped at six, you’re not constantly negotiating your time with strangers. You can also ask your skipper for practical advice on where to swim, where to stand safely, and what to do next—especially because the skippers are locals who know the area well and can tailor the day to what your group wants.
The other big benefit is efficiency. You’re not doing a chain of public transport steps. You’re meeting at the pier, heading out, and returning to the same spot at the end of the day.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Dubrovnik
The Quicksilver 675: comfort upgrades you feel right away

This boat is specifically set up for a day like this. It’s a Quicksilver 675 speedboat designed for up to eight passengers, but the tour limits you to six for maximum comfort. That small-group cap is more than a marketing point. It means less crowding on the sundeck and easier movement when you’re gearing up for snorkeling or rinsing off after a swim.
A few comfort details are especially useful in real life:
- A bimini for shade when the sun gets high
- An XL flat sundeck where you can actually lie down, not just perch
- A small cabin for changing
- A shower to wash off sand after beach stops
- A sound system, so you can use your own music or enjoy quiet nature time
If you’re worried about “speedboat day” being uncomfortable, this is the part to pay attention to. The boat is built for moving fast between island areas, but the on-board layout is made for hanging out too.
Start on the water with local skipper tips and quick Dubrovnik views

Your morning is built around an early departure at 10:00 am from Lapadska obala 4. The first stop is short—around 10 minutes—and it’s more about getting you oriented and making the day feel smooth than doing a full sightseeing block.
This portion also sets the tone: your skipper is local and will share practical advice about places you’ll see, plus safety notes that matter on a moving boat and around rocky or shallow swim spots. It’s one of those “you’ll appreciate this later” details, especially if your group includes kids or you just don’t want to think too hard.
You also get onboard basics that make the day easier:
- Still and sparkling water, soft drinks, and beer available throughout the tour
- Snorkel masks included, plus an underwater camera so you can create memories quickly
- A sound system if you want background music while you settle in
One note on expectations: the tour doesn’t position itself as a long, on-land Dubrovnik tour. Think of this as water-first sightseeing, with Dubrovnik’s coastline as your opening scene.
South Mljet: Saplunara Bay and Limoni Beach for turquoise swimming time

South Mljet is the reason people book boat days in this region. You’ll get a three-hour block on Mljet Island, focused on Saplunara Bay and Limoni Beach. This is a part of the Adriatic that feels calmer than Dubrovnik itself—more room to breathe, more open water, and lots of places where the water looks inviting right away.
Mljet National Park is part of the appeal here, and while the exact “walks” you’ll do aren’t spelled out in detail, you can plan on using your time for beach-and-water activities. With snorkeling gear provided, you can mix in swimming and light exploration around the shorelines your skipper selects.
What I’d do with your three hours:
Arrive ready to get in the water quickly. Snorkel early when you’re fresh, then spend the middle of your time floating or swimming again, and leave a little buffer to rinse off and reset before leaving. South Mljet’s best moments often happen between the “we arrived” and “we’re leaving” points—so don’t over-schedule yourself.
Possible drawback: because this is a nature-focused stop, the day may feel slower than a strict “see everything” checklist. If you want nonstop attractions and museum-style stops, you might find this part more about swimming and scenery than structured sightseeing.
Elaphiti Islands: Šipan, Lopud, and Koločep vibes without the crowd crush

After Mljet, the itinerary shifts to the Elaphiti Islands for another three hours. This is the side of Dubrovnik that works best when you’re willing to slow down. You’ll see an array of island character, including the peaceful villages on Šipan, the sandy beach feel associated with Lopud, and the more untouched nature atmosphere linked with Koločep.
Even without a strict “one island only” approach, the three-hour window gives you enough time for the core things people want from Elaphiti stops:
- Swim in clear water without feeling rushed
- Take breaks on the boat when you want shade or a calmer spot
- Enjoy the islands at a pace that feels like a vacation, not a checklist
This part of the day is also where your skipper’s choices matter. Some captains will prioritize secluded swim points and photo-friendly angles; others may build in time around places that feel easier to land and walk around. The good news is that this is private, so you can steer the day toward what your group actually wants.
And yes, sunsets are part of the appeal here. Even if you’re not planning a sunset “mission,” the Elaphiti islands have a way of making the water look different as the day moves along.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Dubrovnik
Snorkeling and photos: included gear helps you actually use your time

This tour is set up so you don’t spend the day hunting for equipment or waiting in line. You get snorkel equipment and life jackets for both adults and children. That matters because it makes snorkeling feel like a real option rather than a “maybe later” plan.
You’ll also have an underwater camera as part of the experience, and the tour suggests photos can be sent afterward or transferred to your phone. For practical travelers, that’s a big deal: you don’t have to worry about timing your shots or managing a device while you’re in and out of the water.
One more practical benefit: the boat includes a shower. That reduces the usual post-swim problem of sand everywhere and saltwater on your skin while you’re trying to enjoy the rest of the day.
Drinks onboard and the lunch question: what’s included, what you’ll pay for

Here’s the money truth that helps you budget without stress. The tour price is $889.38 per group (up to 6), and beverages are included throughout: bottled water, beer, and soft drinks. That’s a real value point on a boat day because buying drinks on the water adds up fast in most coastal areas.
But two things are not included:
- Meal (lunch is not included)
- A fuel surcharge of €220 per booking
Fuel surcharge is important because it changes the per-person math. If you’re filling the boat with the full six people, the extra cost spreads out. If you’re traveling with fewer people, it lands heavier on your group budget.
Also, alcohol has rules: the minimum drinking age is 18. If you have teenagers traveling, they may be fine with the water activities, but your group should keep expectations clear around what’s served.
If you want lunch, the most practical plan is to treat it as a separate decision. The tour doesn’t promise a specific lunch stop, but island days often make it easy to eat in a nearby village if your skipper recommends a place and you have time. Just know it’s on you, not included.
Price and logistics: where the tour really shows value

Let’s talk about why this tour can be worth it even though the headline price looks high. You’re paying for a full private boat day with:
- a speedboat designed for comfortable lounging
- snorkeling gear
- life jackets
- onboard drinks all day
- local skipper guidance and local knowledge
- a day focused on two of the most scenic areas people chase from Dubrovnik: South Mljet and the Elaphiti Islands
When you compare this to booking separate island transport, paying for individual activities, and managing schedules, the private boat format often starts to look like a straightforward convenience purchase.
The logistics consideration is simple and deserves respect: you meet at Lapadska obala 4 and return there. The provided tour data lists no pick up or drop off, even though some experiences have mentioned help arranging transport with local skippers. I’d handle this by confirming your exact meeting plan at booking, especially if you’re staying outside central areas.
Who this boat day fits best
This is ideal for:
- Couples or small friend groups who want water time without crowd friction
- Families that want a structured day with snorkel gear and life jackets included
- Anyone who likes flexibility—private means your skipper can adapt the day within the general island time blocks
- Travelers who prefer scenery and swimming over long museum or city-walk schedules
It’s less ideal if:
- you hate boats or get motion discomfort easily
- you need a guaranteed, included sit-down meal
- you’re hoping for door-to-door hotel pickup as a standard feature
Weather matters too. The tour requires good weather, and if conditions aren’t right, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Make it your day: practical tips before you go
A private boat tour runs best when you show up ready. Even though snorkel gear and life jackets are included, you’ll still want to bring your personal essentials so the day stays comfortable.
What I’d pack:
- Swimsuit and a towel you don’t mind getting sandy
- Sunscreen and a hat for long sun exposure on the sundeck
- A lightweight layer for when the breeze picks up on the water
- Your phone in a waterproof pouch if you plan to use the underwater camera results afterward
- Cash or card for lunch, snacks, or any extras your skipper recommends
For getting the most out of your time at each stop, your best move is to follow the skipper’s guidance on where to swim and how to handle entry. A local will know where the water is calmest for snorkeling and where footing is easiest.
Also, since the boat has a sound system, decide in advance whether your group wants music or quiet. It’s a small choice that changes the mood of the whole day.
Should you book this Dubrovnik-to-Mljet-and-Elaphiti private boat tour?
If you want a classic Dubrovnik “get out on the water” day, this is a strong option—especially because it focuses on South Mljet and the Elaphiti Islands with real time to swim and relax. The included snorkel setup, free drinks, and small-group limit are the parts that make it feel like more than just transportation.
I’d book it if your group can handle the fact that lunch is not included and there’s a fuel surcharge. I’d also confirm your meeting plan ahead of time since pick up and drop off aren’t listed.
If you’re flexible, weather is cooperative, and your priority is clear water plus island time, this is the kind of day you’ll talk about long after Dubrovnik’s old walls fade from view.
FAQ
What time does the tour start, and how long does it last?
The tour starts at 10:00 am and lasts about 8 hours.
Where do we meet the boat?
You meet at Lapadska obala 4, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia.
How many people are on the boat?
The boat can take up to six people for maximum comfort.
Is snorkeling equipment included?
Yes. Snorkel equipment is included, along with life jackets for adults and children.
What drinks are included?
Bottled water, beer, and soft drinks are included during the tour.
Is lunch or a meal included?
No. Meal is not included.
Is there pick up or drop off from hotels?
No pick up or drop off is listed in the tour information. The activity ends back at the meeting point.
What are the age rules for alcohol and children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the minimum drinking age is 18.
What happens if weather is poor?
The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.































