A private boat day turns the Elaphiti into yours. This private speedboat outing is all about your skipper’s pace, with time for swims, caves, and two islands you can actually feel. I like that you get Blue Cave time with a short swim from the boat (plus masks), and I also like the included drinks and snorkeling setup that make the day low-effort. The one real drawback to plan for is that fuel and lunch are not included in the main price.

You’re on the water for about 8 to 9 hours total, and it’s built for small groups of up to 6. The trip is tailored in the sense that your skipper steers the order and timing based on conditions and what you want most, and it’s run in English with a mobile ticket. You’ll be back at the same pier in Lapadska Obala afterward.

One more thing: this is a sea-day, so the weather matters. The operator notes it requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

Key things to know before you go

• Private group of up to 6 with a skipper who can adjust the day instead of rushing you.
• Blue Cave swim setup including snorkeling masks, and the boat stays close enough for a quick, manageable dip.
• Šunj Beach on Lopud: sandy, shallow, and in a naturally sheltered bay.
• Lopud history stop at the Franciscan monastery (founded 1483) plus a botanical garden visit.
• Šipan village time in Suđurađ with landmarks like Pakljena tower (1563).
• Included basics that matter: snorkeling equipment, floaties, life jackets, snacks, and beer/wine.

Why a private Elaphiti speedboat feels different from a standard island day

Dubrovnik’s Elaphiti Islands look simple on a map. On the water, they feel like a whole different world: coves that turn the sea into a color show, small beaches that never feel crowded, and shoreline villages you only reach by boat.

This tour works because it’s private. Instead of being stuck to a fixed crowd schedule, you follow your skipper’s judgment—how long to linger, where to swim next, and when to swap plans if a spot is too busy. Names you might see for your captain include Ivan, Nikola, and Nick, and the common thread is a calm, unhurried style.

Koločep (Kalamota) and the Blue Cave: your best swim moments

Your first stop is Koločep, often called Kalamota by locals. This is where the day leans into water time: clear sea, warm enough for repeated dips, and short swims that don’t feel like a chore.

The highlight is the Blue Cave. You do a small swim from the boat, and there are a few rocks along the side where you can pause if you need a break. Once inside, the cave’s look is the whole point—this is the kind of moment where you stop moving, even if you normally don’t.

Practical upside: you’re not scrambling for gear. Snorkeling masks are provided, and you can use snorkeling equipment if you want more than just a look through the surface. Floaties and life jackets are included too, so you can focus on enjoying the water rather than worrying about what you brought.

One consideration: caves can attract boat traffic. If Blue Cave feels crowded on your day, your skipper has the flexibility to shift plans. That can turn a potentially slow, waiting-heavy moment into a more relaxed swim.

Šunj Beach on Lopud: sandy, calm water, and time to actually relax

After the cave time, the tour moves to Šunj Beach on Lopud Island. This is the laid-back counterweight to the early swim-and-cave energy.

Šunj Beach is known for its spacious sandy shoreline and shallow, calm waters. The bay is naturally sheltered, so it’s one of the better choices here if you want an easy swim or you’re traveling with kids or anyone who prefers gentler conditions. You get about 2 hours here, which is long enough to settle in rather than simply “arrive and leave.”

Along the shore, there are cocktail bars and food spots, and one has hammocks strung between trees. That’s the kind of detail that matters because it encourages a slower rhythm. Instead of rushing to the next photo, you can spend real time with your feet in the sand and a drink in hand.

Lopud lunch plus monastery and botanical garden: a real break from the boat

Lunch happens on Lopud, and it’s not treated like a throwaway stop. Your meal is pre-booked for you at a local restaurant. In one example, people ended up with a front-row table, and seafood like tuna shows up on the menu choices you might see.

The lunch break also sets up the history portion of the day. After eating, you visit the Franciscan monastery on Lopud. It was founded in 1483, and the visit gives you a different pace—less sun-on-skin water time, more quiet stone and shaded paths.

Then there’s a botanical garden visit. It’s described as a free stop, and it works well because it’s a change of scenery without eating up your whole afternoon. You get a calmer, more local feeling to balance out the fast boat movement between islands.

Timing note: this portion still fits inside the overall 8–9 hour day. So if you’re the type who always wants extra time to wander, you’ll appreciate the private format because your skipper can help you keep momentum without cutting everything short.

Suđurađ on Šipan (Sudurad): villages, towers, and old family traces

After Lopud, the boat heads toward Šipan and specifically the Suđurađ area, often referred to as Sudurad. This is where the day shifts into village atmosphere and architectural clues.

This part matters because Šipan has ties to the Dubrovnik nobility. In the 15th and 16th centuries, summer residences were built there by powerful families from Dubrovnik. You don’t just hear that as trivia—you get a set of clear sights that make the stories tangible.

In Suđurađ, you can see remains connected to the renaissance castle of the Stjepović – Skočibuha family. There’s also the Pakljena tower, dating back to 1563. Even if you’re not a history person, these landmarks give shape to the place. They show you how the island’s life worked—protection, status, and the way families shaped shore communities.

You also get guided context around historical, natural, and cultural attractions, including myths and legends of Šipan. That guidance is a value add because it turns “we stopped here” into “here’s what to notice.”

Osmoliš turquoise beach: the late-day swim that seals the memory

After Šipan, the boat follows the coastline and brings you to the turquoise beach of Osmoliš. This is the final swim moment for the main itinerary, and it’s a great way to end: you cool down in clear water right as the day feels like it’s almost done.

You get about 1 hour here, which is usually enough for a few swims and a last look at the shoreline from the water. If you want to extend the day, the operator says you can stay longer and enjoy another glass of local wine after the main excursion ends.

In practice, this kind of ending works well for two reasons. First, you don’t have to rush through the earlier stops. Second, the last swim feels special because it’s calmer than the rush moments at the start.

Food, drinks, snorkeling gear, and the small comfort wins

On a day like this, comfort is everything. You’re moving between islands, then switching into swim mode, then hopping into the shade again, and you’ll want the basics to already be handled.

This tour includes:

• Snacks
• Alcoholic drinks like wine and beer, plus soft drinks
• Bottled water
• Snorkeling equipment, along with snorkeling masks
• Floaties and life jackets

It’s a smart combination. Food and drinks keep you from feeling like you’re paying to refuel every time you get thirsty. And the snorkeling setup means you can try it even if you didn’t plan ahead with gear.

One other practical detail: the day is led by the skipper. That matters because good captains don’t just point at a beach. They help you choose where to swim, how to handle entry from the boat, and where you can safely stop if conditions change.

Price and value: private boat math plus fuel and lunch

The price is $409.72 per group for up to 6 people, for a full-day experience in the Elaphiti area. For a private speedboat outing, that’s fairly strong value—especially if you split the group cost evenly.

Here’s the part to calculate up front: fuel is not included and is €100 per booking. Lunch is also not included. So your final spend depends on (1) how many people you book with you and (2) what you choose for lunch.

Even with that extra fuel and lunch, the value tends to hold because you’re paying for:

• a private boat day rather than a seat on a crowded route
• multiple swimming stops
• a guided historical component on Šipan and cultural time on Lopud

If you’re a couple or a small group, you’ll feel the “private” price more clearly. If you can fill closer to 4–6 people, the per-person number usually starts to look more comparable to shared boat options—while still keeping the freedom.

Who this tour suits best

This is a good fit if you want:

• swimming time to be a core part of the day, not a bonus
• a private skipper-led pace
• a mix of water highlights and on-island sights
• included drinks and snorkeling basics

It’s also described as suitable for most travelers, and service animals are allowed. If you’re traveling with family, the sheltered feel of Šunj Beach on Lopud is a strong reason to pick this itinerary style.

If you hate long boat days, this probably won’t be your favorite format. It’s a full-day sea tour, and the pace assumes you’re comfortable being on the move for hours.

Should you book this Private Elaphiti Islands Boat Tour (8h)?

Book it if you want a real island day where you control your tempo—because the private format and skipper flexibility are the main reason this feels special. The Blue Cave swim setup, the calm sandy time at Šunj Beach, the guided sights around Suđurađ, and the late Osmoliš beach swim add up to a day that doesn’t just look good, it feels good.

Skip it—or at least compare carefully—if you’re trying to keep costs as low as possible. Fuel and lunch being extra means you’ll want to plan your group size and budget early. Also, since this is weather-dependent, be sure your Dubrovnik schedule has a bit of breathing room.

FAQ

How long is the Private Elaphiti Islands boat tour?

The duration is about 8 to 9 hours, and it includes travel time.

How many people can be in the group?

It’s a private tour with your group only, up to 6 people.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Lapadska Obala Pier, Lapadska obala 5, Dubrovnik.

What time of day does it run?

The exact time of day is not provided in the details, but confirmation is received at booking and the total duration includes travel time.

Is the tour in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes the skipper, snacks, all fees and taxes, snorkeling equipment, floaties, life jackets, and drinks like wine, beer, bottled water, and soda.

What is not included?

Fuel is listed as €100 per booking, and lunch is not included.

Does it include snorkeling at the caves?

Snorkeling masks are provided, and you can use snorkeling gear if you want to during stops like the Blue Cave area.

What happens if the weather is poor?

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

Will I be taken back to the meeting point?

Yes, the activity ends back at the meeting point.