Rent a luxury speed boat for great fun on this Elaphiti Islands tour

Dubrovnik’s best escape is not always another old stone street. This private speedboat tour gets you out among the Elaphiti Islands, where you can swim near Koločep, stroll Lopud, and see Šipan’s quieter fishing villages. The route is flexible, so your captain can shape the day around swimming, sightseeing, or simply lying under the sunshade with a cold drink.

I like two things here. First, the boat is private for your group, up to 12 people, so you are not tied to a large tour schedule. Second, the practical extras are already covered: hotel pickup, water, soda, beer, white wine, a fridge, a sundeck, and snorkeling gear.

The main consideration is the weather. A speedboat can be bumpy in rough conditions, and this experience depends on calm enough seas to operate. Also, four hours gives you only a taste of the islands, while the eight-hour option offers a much more relaxed day.

The essential points before you book

• Private speedboat for up to 12 people: The $842.05 price is per group, not per person, making the outing far better value when shared by a larger party.
• Three different island moods: Lopud offers beaches and old paths, Šipan gives you a quieter fishing port, and Koločep is the best stop for swimming and snorkeling.
• Flexible four to eight-hour schedule: You can spend more time at the places that suit your group instead of following a fixed minute-by-minute program.
• Drinks and equipment included: Beer, white wine, soda, water, a fridge, sunshade, sundeck, and snorkeling equipment are provided.
• Local captains make the difference: Josip, James, Luca, Mark, Phillip, Frankie, and Frane are among the named guides associated with the outings, with an emphasis on friendly service and local information.
• Weather matters: A poor-weather cancellation brings a new date or full refund, but last-minute changes by you are not accepted inside 24 hours.

Why a private boat makes sense around Dubrovnik

The Elaphiti Islands sit just off Dubrovnik, but they feel quieter and less urban than the mainland. A private speedboat lets you connect several islands in one outing without waiting for public ferry times or hauling beach gear from one port to another.

That flexibility is the main reason to choose this experience. You can spend an hour walking around Lopud, stop for coffee in Šipan, then use Koločep for a swim. If your group would rather linger at the beach than visit every sight, the captain can adjust the balance.

The boat carries a maximum of 12 people. That works well for a family group, a set of friends, or a small celebration. It also means the price becomes more attractive as the group grows. At the full capacity, $842.05 works out to about $70 per person. With eight people, it is roughly $105 each. For two people, it becomes an expensive private outing, though the privacy and control may still be worth it for a special day.

Pickup and drop off are offered by air-conditioned minivan or car. The stated meeting point is Yacht Club Orsan at Ul. Ivana pl. Zajca 4, and pickup arrangements are made by phone, Viber, or WhatsApp. Pickups less than one kilometer from the starting point are not included, so confirm the exact arrangement before setting out.

Lopud: beaches, old paths, and a slower first stop

Lopud is usually the most varied stop. It combines a small island settlement with sandy beaches, stone houses, olive groves, vineyards, and paths through older woodland. The island is a good place to get off the boat for a walk rather than treating the whole day as one long swim stop.

The best-known beach is Šunj, a sandy curve that gives Lopud much of its appeal. If you want a beach break, this is likely the most natural place to spend it. Bring a swimsuit, since one is not supplied, and remember that the sand and sun can make a short stop feel much longer if you have no shade away from the boat.

Lopud also has a surprising number of small churches, with more than 30 noted across the island. You might also seek out the island’s old botanical garden, described as one of the oldest in Europe, or the Temple of Sun museum on the hill. The museum uses changing shades and an unusual layout, so it is more of a curious local sight than a conventional collection.

The island has cocktail bars, restaurants, shops, and places selling homemade olive oil, wine, and other local food products. That makes Lopud the easiest stop for combining a walk, lunch, a drink, and a little shopping. It is also more developed for visitors than Šipan, so do not expect the same quiet village feel everywhere.

Plan on about an hour if you choose the shorter outing, though the exact time is flexible. On an eight-hour tour, Lopud can receive a larger share of the day if your group wants beach time. The island is also associated with old palms and sunset views, but your actual experience will depend on the timing of the boat trip.

Šipan: a working island with a quieter port

Šipan is the largest of the three islands and offers a different experience from Lopud. The port of Suđurađ has an old fishing-village feel, with small boats, stone houses, and families who have kept local traditions alive.

This is the stop for seeing island life rather than chasing a famous beach. You can have a coffee by the water or take a short walk around the port. The pace is gentler, and the setting gives you a better sense of how people live away from Dubrovnik’s main visitor routes.

Šipan is known for its olive trees and has an unusually high number of them for one island. Its past also appears in the old buildings around Suđurađ, including the 16th-century castle of the Stjepović-Skočibuha family and a nearby defensive tower built against pirates. Elsewhere on the island are the late-Gothic Rector’s Palace and remains linked to former archbishops’ residences.

You do not need to turn this into a full history walk. A coffee, a stroll through the port, and a look at the old stone buildings may be enough. The point of Šipan is the contrast with Dubrovnik: less polished, less crowded, and more connected to fishing and farming.

The planned stop is about an hour, but the captain can adjust the timing. If your group is mainly interested in swimming, you may prefer a shorter visit. If you enjoy old buildings and quiet villages, Šipan deserves more attention.

Koločep: the best stop for water time

Koločep is the most natural choice for swimming and snorkeling. The water is described as clear, with fish and shells close to shore, and the island has caves, cliffs, pine trees, and olive groves. The boat provides snorkeling equipment, so you do not need to bring your own mask and gear.

Expect roughly an hour here on the shorter route. That gives you enough time for a swim and a look below the surface, but not an unlimited beach day. On the longer version, ask the captain to protect more time for Koločep if swimming is your main goal.

You can also walk through Gornje Čelo and Donje Čelo, two settlements with a traditional Mediterranean character. This is a useful option for anyone who wants a little land time after sitting on a moving boat.

Koločep is also associated with a high number of sunny days and thick plant growth. Those details matter less than the practical point: the island offers a pleasant setting for getting into the water. If the sea is calm, this is likely to be the most satisfying part of the trip for swimmers.

Some outings have also included a blue cave, according to the experience details supplied by the operator and past guests. Do not assume it is guaranteed on every departure. If the cave is important to you, ask about the day’s route before confirming.

Four hours or eight hours?

The four-hour option is a sampler. It can work well if you have only half a day, want a swim and a couple of island views, or need to leave room for dinner and evening plans in Dubrovnik. The tradeoff is obvious: you will spend less time at each stop and may need to choose between a long beach break and more sightseeing.

The eight-hour option is a full island day. You can slow down at Lopud, have coffee in Šipan, and still leave room for snorkeling at Koločep. It is the better choice if you dislike being rushed or if your group cannot agree on one activity.

The schedule is not presented as a strict fixed route. Each island description allows time to change according to the length of the tour and your preferences. That is useful, but it also means you should speak clearly with the captain at the start. Tell the crew if you care most about swimming, caves, beaches, village walks, or food.

A full day on a speedboat can be tiring. There is sun, wind, spray, and engine noise, even with a sunshade and sundeck. If anyone in your group is prone to motion sickness, the four-hour outing may be easier to manage.

What the boat includes, and what you should bring

The included drinks are a real convenience. You get bottled water, soda, beer, and white wine, along with a fridge to keep things cool. That means you are not starting the day by searching for supplies, though personal expenses are still your responsibility.

A sunshade matters on a Croatian summer day, and the sundeck gives you a place to stretch out between stops. Snorkeling equipment is included, which saves space in your luggage and makes an unplanned swim easy.

You should bring a swimsuit, since one is specifically not included. A towel, sun protection, dry clothes, and any personal snacks or medication would also be sensible, though only the listed inclusions can be counted on.

The boat is not described in enough detail to judge its exact seating, toilet facilities, or storage space. If anyone in your party has a specific need, mention it when booking. The operator asks for special requirements at that time, and children must be accompanied by adults.

The captains and the tone of the day

The captain is more than a driver on this type of trip. Your route, swim stops, historical background, and general mood depend heavily on the person at the helm.

Several captains and guides are named in the supplied feedback. Josip was described as fun and informative, while James was associated with island sightseeing and a blue cave stop. Luca was praised for flexibility during a shorter cave and beach outing. Mark was noted for giving useful information and helping with the stops.

Phillip was described as handling the driving, guiding, and music, which gives you an idea of the relaxed tone this tour can take. Frankie was praised for local information and making good use of the day. Frane was described as friendly, energetic, and helpful. Rocco was also singled out for choosing good places and keeping the experience easygoing.

The names do not guarantee who will operate your boat. Still, they suggest the company’s strength is personal service rather than a formal lecture. Expect conversation, route suggestions, and local facts instead of a rigid script.

Price, group size, and overall value

At $842.05 per group, this is not the cheapest way to reach the Elaphiti Islands. Public transport or a shared boat can cost less, especially for one or two people.

The value improves quickly with a larger group. Twelve people bring the cost to about $70 each, and eight people bring it to about $105 each. For that price, you are paying for a private boat, a captain, transport pickup and return, drinks, equipment, and the ability to shape the day.

The key question is not simply how much the tour costs. Ask how much you value privacy and time control. If your group wants to swim for an hour, stop for coffee, skip a crowded port, or spend longer on a beach, the private format has a clear advantage.

The price is harder to justify for a couple unless you specifically want a private boat day. For a family or group of friends, the cost is easier to spread, and the included drinks and gear reduce the need for extra planning.

Who should book this experience?

I would choose this outing for a group that wants several island experiences in one day. It suits swimmers, sun seekers, families with older children, and friends who want music, drinks, and flexible stops rather than a formal sightseeing cruise.

It is also a good pick for people staying in Dubrovnik who want an easy change of scene. The islands offer beaches, small ports, old stone buildings, and clear water without requiring a separate overnight stay.

I would be more cautious if your priority is a detailed archaeological tour, guaranteed cave access, or a very quiet boat ride. The route is flexible, the sea can be bumpy, and the exact captain and conditions affect the day.

The experience has a 4.9 rating from 12 posted ratings, with all listed respondents recommending it. That is encouraging, especially since the praise repeatedly centers on the captains, local guidance, flexibility, and swimming locations. The sample is still small, so treat it as a useful signal rather than a guarantee.

Cancellation and weather details

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted and are not refunded.

The tour requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you will be offered another date or a full refund. Since the sea affects both comfort and safety, this policy is sensible.

Should you book the Elaphiti Islands speedboat tour?

Book it if you have at least four people to share the cost and want a private day that mixes swimming, island villages, beach time, and light sightseeing. The eight-hour option is the stronger choice for a relaxed pace, while four hours works as a compact escape from Dubrovnik.

Before booking, decide what matters most to your group. Ask about the planned route if you want the blue cave, tell the captain how much time you want in the water, and arrange pickup through the stated phone, Viber, or WhatsApp contact.

For a small group seeking the lowest possible price, this may be too costly. For a larger group that values control, cold drinks, snorkeling gear, and a captain who can adjust the day, it is a practical and enjoyable way to see more of the coast.

FAQ

How long is the private speedboat tour?

The tour lasts approximately four to eight hours. The shorter option gives you a quick look at the islands, while the longer option allows more time for beaches, swimming, village walks, and coffee stops.

Which islands are included?

The planned stops are Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep. The amount of time spent at each island can change according to your chosen tour length and group preferences.

Is the boat private?

Yes. This is a private activity, and only your group participates. The maximum booking size is 12 people.

What drinks are provided?

The boat includes bottled water, soda, beer, and white wine. A fridge is also provided.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided for use during the trip.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup and drop off are offered by air-conditioned minivan or car. You must contact the operator by phone to arrange the details, and pickups less than one kilometer from the starting point are not included.

What should I bring?

Bring a swimsuit, since one is not provided. Personal expenses are also not included, so bring what you need for anything beyond the supplied drinks and equipment.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the experience is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.