It’s Dubrovnik by boat, minus the hassle. This private Elaphiti Islands tour is all about easy water time: three island stops plus swims at the Blue and Green caves with snorkeling gear ready to go. I also like that your skipper can adjust the day so you can spend longer where you want and ask for extra stops if you feel like it. One consideration: the itinerary runs on the sea’s mood, so rough weather can affect timing and comfort.

What makes it feel worth the money is what you get on board. You’re covered with hotel pickup and drop-off, snorkeling towels, life vests, and unlimited local beer, wine, water, sodas, and fruit during the trip. The main tradeoff is that lunch isn’t included, so you’ll either pay for it during the day or plan to eat separately—especially if you’re choosing a specific restaurant or winery stop.

Key Points at a Glance

• Private boat charter feel: only your group on the water, with a skipper who can fine-tune the route
• Blue and Green cave swimming at Kolocep, with snorkeling gear and time to linger
• Lopud’s Šunj Beach for real sand time, plus an optional village visit later
• Sipan/Šipan culture options in Suđurađ, including palaces and tasting requests
• Unlimited onboard drinks and fruit turn “waiting around” into part of the fun

Setting Out From Dubrovnik Old Town Port Like a Local

The tour starts in Dubrovnik’s Old Town area, at the port by the Lokanda restaurant. That spot matters. You’re right where most visitors are finishing their Old Town wandering, so your “escape from the crowds” actually starts fast, not 45 minutes later.

You’ll meet your local skipper, get a safety briefing, and then you’re on the move. This is a private format, so you’re not stuck in a rigid group rhythm. If you’re traveling with kids or want slow, unhurried swims, this structure helps. If you want a more “active” day—more snorkeling, more jumping in—your skipper can usually shape it around that too.

One practical note: pickup is offered, and hotel pickup/drop-off is included, but some specific areas can cost extra (for example Sheraton, Mlini, or Cavtat have an additional fee if that’s where you need to be collected). So if your hotel is outside the most convenient Dubrovnik zones, confirm where the driver will meet you.

Kolocep Island and the Blue and Green Cave Swim Stops

Kolocep Island is the first big taste of what the Elaphiti Islands do best: short boat rides followed by swim time in clear water.

What happens here

You head to the Blue and Green caves area, where the plan is simple: gear up, swim right off the boat, and spend time exploring the underwater views with snorkeling. Admission is listed as free, and the stop runs about two hours.

This is also where you’ll start to notice the difference between a fast “look and leave” boat day and a day that’s built around water. You’re not just watching the coastline. You’re actually in it.

The best way to enjoy it

Bring a towel habit. Even with beach towels included, it’s smart to get dry when you’re back on deck. Caves and swim spots mean you’ll go from sun to shade fast. Also, don’t rush your snorkeling. If you take 10 minutes just to get comfortable and steady in the water, the cave stop becomes much more enjoyable.

A small consideration

Cave and cave-like areas can get busy when multiple boats cluster, especially in prime conditions. Since this is private, your skipper has more flexibility about where and when to spend time, but you should still expect “some other boats might be around.” That’s just island-day reality.

Lopud Island for Šunj Beach: Sand Time That Doesn’t Feel Forced

Next comes Lopud Island, the island stop most people picture when they think about an Adriatic beach day.

What you can expect

You’ll have a generous block of time (about three hours) to enjoy Šunj Beach. This is the sandy shoreline stop on the route, and it’s where you’ll feel the difference between “boat day” and “beach day.”

On board, you’ll have a steady supply of fresh fruits and local drinks. That’s a small detail that pays off, because it turns the in-between moments—shade, resting, drying off—into part of the experience rather than downtime.

How to play it

If you like to lounge, you can do that. If you prefer active, snorkeling gear is available and you can use it here too.

There’s also an optional visit to the village of Lopud later as the sun shifts. That optional timing is useful. You can spend earlier hours on the beach and then decide if you want a slower, more town-feel ending.

One possible drawback

If your group wants a lot of “go-go-go” sightseeing, Lopud is your softer stop. The value is relaxation and water time. If you need more monuments and indoor stops, you might find this segment more about sun and sea than land history.

Sipan/Šipan and Suđurađ: Palaces, Town Charm, and Tasting Options

Sipan/Šipan is the larger, more populated island on this route. The tour keeps you away from the overly crowded angles by focusing on smaller towns and seaside spots.

Suđurađ and its palaces

Your visit starts in Suđurađ, with access to two Renaissance palaces owned by the Skočibuha family. This gives the day a more cultural flavor, without turning it into a museum slog.

Even better, if you’re into food and drink, your skipper can set up tasting-style extras. The options listed include local homemade goods like wine, olive oil, marmalade, fruits, and vegetables. If you prefer a more formal tasting, you can request a local winery experience with wine plus cheese and olive oil.

The last beach stop: Sikirica

After Suđurađ, you’ll head to Sikirica, a small islet with pebble beaches before the ride back. Pebble beaches can be better for calmer swim zones depending on the spot and conditions, and this “final water hit” works well if you’re pacing yourself for the whole day.

What I’d watch for

This part of the trip is where timing matters. If you want both palaces and tastings, start thinking about it early—ask your skipper what’s possible with your group’s pace so you don’t feel rushed at the end.

Drinks, Lunch, and the Extras That Make It Feel Like a Real Charter

This tour is unusually generous for a half-day or full-day boat plan.

Included on board

You get snorkeling gear and beach towels, plus life vests and safety gear. Fuel is included. Most importantly for comfort and value, you also get unlimited local beer, wine, water, sodas, and fruits throughout the ride.

That’s not just a perk. It changes the feel of the boat day. Instead of scrambling for drinks at stops, you stay in “vacation mode” the whole time.

Lunch is not included

Lunch isn’t part of the package. The guide can arrange something for you, including restaurant reservations or other add-ons, but you’re the one paying for the meal.

In practice, this works in your favor if you care about the type of lunch—fish, local specialties, or a specific waterfront table. One review example even described a lunch reservation that was called ahead so the restaurant was ready. Still, you should treat lunch as a planned expense.

Optional add-ons

An underwater scooter is available but costs 70€ cash. That’s an extra you’ll only want if you already know you like that kind of snorkeling help. If you’re not sure, skip it and focus on regular snorkeling off the boat.

Some skippers have also gone a step further with photo fun. A couple of reviews mention GoPro use and sharing photos afterward (via USB or WeTransfer). That’s not stated as a guaranteed item in the core inclusions, so think of it as a possible bonus rather than something you must get.

Price and Value: When This Private Boat Works Out

At $372.63 per person, this isn’t a budget boat tour. The question is what you’re buying: not just transport, but a complete private experience with comfort extras.

Here’s why the price can make sense:

• Private charter: you’re not splitting the boat with strangers or negotiating group pacing
• Hotel pickup/drop-off: it reduces the “first hour stress” in Dubrovnik
• Unlimited onboard drinks and fruit: that’s real cost savings over the course of a day
• Snorkeling gear and towels included: no rental scramble, no last-minute store runs
• Three island stops: this is more than a single cove and back

When it may not be the best fit:

• If you want a tour packed with land-based sights and long walking blocks, this is mostly about sea time
• If your group doesn’t care about alcohol (beer/wine) or doesn’t plan to snack during the day, you may feel like you’re paying for things you won’t use

Booking timing insight

This tour is booked about 50 days in advance on average. That suggests it fills up in peak season. If your dates are fixed, I’d book early rather than hoping for a last-minute slot.

Weather, Sea Conditions, and What to Wear

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

So build your schedule with a little flexibility. If you’ve got a strict day where the only thing you can do is this boat trip, you may want a Plan B nearby.

On clothing, keep it practical:

• Wear swim-friendly clothes you don’t mind getting wet
• Have a light layer for wind when you’re back on deck
• Bring reef-safe sunscreen if you use it (and apply it before you’re in the water for long stretches)

Also, bring a dry change bag if your group is the kind that likes to stop for photos after swims.

Who This Tour Suits Best

This private Elaphiti islands plan fits best if you want:

• Relaxed pacing with real swim time
• A private skipper who can tailor the day rather than follow a script
• Food-and-drink comfort built into the ride
• Fewer crowds than you’d get sticking to Old Town the whole time

It’s also a solid choice for families, since the format supports customizing time for extra swimming and stops. If you’re traveling with friends and want a shared day that still feels special, private is the move.

Should You Book This Private Elaphiti Islands and Blue Cave Tour?

If you want one of your Dubrovnik days to feel like a true Adriatic escape, I think this is an easy yes. The included drinks, snorkeling gear, and the “swim right off the boat” setup make it far more satisfying than the half-day options that mostly show you water from the edge.

I’d think twice only if your group wants heavy land sightseeing, or if you strongly need lunch included in the base price. Otherwise, this tour’s structure does exactly what it promises: sea-first days with flexibility, comfortable logistics, and island stops that don’t feel rushed.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Elaphiti Islands tour?

It runs approximately 4 to 8 hours, depending on the schedule and how your day is planned.

Where do we meet for the tour?

The meeting point is in Dubrovnik’s Old Town port area, by the Lokanda restaurant. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and you can share your accommodation or a preferred starting point like the Old Town port or Gruz Port.

What’s included for swimming and snorkeling?

Snorkeling gear and beach towels are included, along with life vests and safety gear.

Are drinks included on the boat?

Yes. The tour includes unlimited local beer, wine, water, sodas, and fruits during the experience.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included, though the captain/guide can arrange lunch as an extra.

Can I visit the Blue and Green caves?

Yes. The itinerary includes a stop at the Blue and Green caves area on Kolocep Island with snorkeling time.

Is an underwater scooter available?

Yes, but it costs 70€ cash.

What happens if weather is bad?

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