Dubrovnik Private Speedboat Tour to Elaphite Islands

The best part of this private speedboat trip is the freedom to shape your time on the water. You can skim past Dubrovnik’s walls, cruise below Fort Lovrijenac, then choose when to swim, stop for photos, explore caves, or simply sit back with a cold drink.

I especially like the private format, which gives your group room to set the pace, and the practical extras: towels, snorkeling gear, water, soft drinks, beer, and wine are included. The main consideration is cost. At $388 for up to two people, plus €60 in cash for fuel on the four-hour option, this is a special-occasion outing rather than a budget boat ride.

Key things to know before booking

• The Blue and Green caves are the main swimming stops: Koločep gives you clear water, cave visits, and time to snorkel.
• Your skipper can adjust the day: Ivo, Ivan, Luka, Maro, Marko, and other skippers have guided this route, with the exact person depending on assignment.
• Lopud adds a proper island break: You can walk, swim, visit Šunj Beach, or stop for lunch.
• The four-hour trip is focused: It generally works best with Koločep, Lopud, and one extra swimming stop.
• The full-day option reaches farther: Šipan and Sikirica Blue Lagoon are available on the longer route.
• Bring sunscreen and cash: Fuel is paid separately on board, and food is not included.

Leaving Dubrovnik with the city walls behind you

The usual meeting point is the smaller dock in Dubrovnik’s Old Town Port, directly across from the Lokanda restaurant. There are two nearby docks, so that detail matters. You receive more precise instructions the day before, including how to identify your skipper.

Pickup may also be arranged from Gruž Harbour or Lapadska Obala, depending on where you stay and where the boat can safely dock. After booking, the operator contacts you to settle on the most convenient location. That is useful if you are staying outside the Old Town and do not want to cross the city just to reach the boat.

The first stretch gives you a fine view of Dubrovnik from the water. The walls look different from offshore, where you can take in their full length without the usual crowds inside the Old Town.

You also pass below Fort Lovrijenac, the strong stone fort built on a steep rock 37 meters high. The boat pauses here for scenic views rather than a full visit, so think of it as a striking opening photo stop, not a fortress tour.

The speedboat gets you away from the harbor quickly, but the ride can be lively. People with back problems, heart problems, or limited comfort on a moving boat should choose carefully. The trip is also not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users.

Koločep and the Blue Cave swimming stop

Koločep is the heart of the half-day experience. The island has a quiet harbor, walking paths, clear water, and the Blue and Green caves. You can spend roughly an hour and a half here, depending on the route your skipper sets and the conditions on the day.

The Blue Cave is the sort of place where the water matters as much as the rock. Light entering the cave gives the water its blue color, and swimming or snorkeling lets you see the effect from inside rather than only from the boat. Your skipper can help organize the swim and may go into the water with you, which is useful if you are not a confident swimmer.

Snorkeling equipment is included, along with towels. That keeps the outing simple, though you should still bring sunscreen and any personal swim gear you prefer.

The Green Cave offers a different mood, with another enclosed place to swim and explore. The exact order of the caves and the length of each stop can change. Wind, waves, boat traffic, and the group’s comfort all matter.

I like that this is not presented as a race from one photo stop to the next. Skippers such as Ivo and Maro have been praised for suggesting good times to swim and for giving groups room to enjoy the water without pressure. If you want to linger, say so early. If you would rather skip a cave and swim at a beach, the private format makes that possible.

One practical point: a cave stop is not the best fit for everyone. If you dislike enclosed spaces or do not want to swim from a boat, ask for a beach alternative. Luka has taken groups to other beaches when they preferred not to enter the caves.

Lopud, Šunj Beach, and time off the boat

The next major stop is Lopud, where you can spend around an hour and a half. This is more than a quick swim from the stern. You have time to walk, take photos, visit the island, or settle into a longer beach break.

Lopud is best known here for Šunj Beach, the largest sandy beach in the Elaphite Islands. Sand is a welcome change after rocky coves and boat ladders. You can swim, relax, or stop at a beach bar. If you want a meal, Lopud is also the most natural place on the half-day route to arrange lunch at a local restaurant.

Food is not included, so lunch costs extra. A skipper may help reserve a table, but you should treat that as part of the personal service rather than a guaranteed package feature. Ask about timing if lunch matters to you, since a restaurant stop will reduce time for swimming or cave visits.

Lopud also has a botanical garden and peaceful paths. The four-hour outing does not leave much room for a long island walk, so you will need to choose. For me, the best use of a short stop is either Šunj Beach and a swim or a quick look around the settlement, not trying to cover every point on the island.

The private setup works well for families and couples here. You can decide if the children want more water time, if someone needs a break in the shade, or if everyone would rather stop for lunch. A group boat with a fixed schedule cannot offer the same flexibility.

The extra swimming stop and the full-day difference

The route includes a quieter stop described as a secret location, with about an hour for swimming and views. Its exact identity is not fixed, which is part of the appeal. You are not simply following a checklist of famous places.

This stop can be the right answer when you have had enough of caves or want a less structured swim. It also gives the skipper room to respond to local conditions. If one cove is too exposed, another location may work better.

The four-hour tour is short for the number of places named in the full description. Koločep and Lopud are the sensible core. A secret swimming stop can fit, but a thorough visit to Šipan cannot realistically be treated like a half-day stop if you also want cave time and a beach break.

The full-day version lasts eight hours and adds Šipan and Sikirica Blue Lagoon. Šipan is quieter and is associated with local wine and olive oil. You may have the chance to arrange a wine tasting, but it should be confirmed when planning the route.

Sikirica Blue Lagoon is intended for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing in a calm setting. The longer outing gives you breathing room. You can spend time in the water without feeling that every extra ten minutes will cut out your next island.

If your priority is a quick escape from Dubrovnik, four hours is enough. If you want several islands, a relaxed meal, more swimming, and time on Šipan, pay for the full day. Before booking, confirm exactly which stops are included in your selected duration. The advertised itinerary lists Šipan, but the tour description identifies it as a full-day-only destination.

What the private skipper adds

A private speedboat is only as good as the person running it. Here, the skipper handles the boat, gives information in English, and adjusts the plan to suit your group.

Several skippers have been used over time. Names associated with the experience include Ivo, Ivan, Luka, Maro, Marko, and Nikola. You cannot assume a particular person will be assigned unless the operator confirms it, but the service is built around local route knowledge and personal suggestions.

This matters most when conditions change. One booking began late because of bad weather, yet the skipper extended the time on the water. Another group changed its beach plans and received help arranging lunch. These details show why a private trip can be more useful than a fixed group cruise.

You can also choose the music, according to one past outing, which gives the boat a more relaxed feel for a small group. Drinks are stocked on board, including beer, wine, soft drinks, and water. That is convenient, but do not confuse included drinks with a full meal service.

The boat is described as clean and well equipped. Towels and snorkeling masks are provided, but you should still bring sunscreen, a swimsuit, and a cover-up if you plan to spend time walking on land.

Is $388 plus fuel good value?

The listed price is $388 for a group of up to two people, with the four-hour fuel charge of €60 paid separately in cash. For two people, that is a fairly expensive afternoon compared with a standard shared boat trip.

The value comes from privacy and control. You are not paying only for transport to the islands. You are paying for a skipper who can change the order of stops, wait while you swim, suggest alternatives, and avoid wasting time on places that do not suit your group.

The price makes more sense for a couple celebrating something, a small family, or anyone who values comfort and a personal schedule. It is harder to justify if you simply want to reach Šunj Beach as cheaply as possible.

Included drinks, towels, and snorkeling equipment reduce the number of extras you need to organize. Food remains separate, and the fuel charge must be added to your budget. Ask for the current total before departure so the final cost is clear.

A full-day trip will cost more than the four-hour option, but the extra hours matter because the islands are spread out. If you want Šipan and Sikirica Blue Lagoon, the longer format is not just a luxury. It is the practical choice.

Who should book this Dubrovnik boat tour?

I would choose this for a couple or small family that wants a flexible day on the water rather than a fixed sightseeing cruise. It also suits swimmers who want several chances to get in the sea and people who like the idea of choosing the music, pace, beaches, and stops.

It is a good match if you have already seen Dubrovnik from land and want a different view of the city walls. The approach from the sea, the pass below Fort Lovrijenac, and the caves around Koločep give the trip a clear sense of place.

You should think twice if you dislike speedboats, have a medical condition affected by boat movement, or need wheelchair access. The trip is also less suitable if you want a detailed historical tour. The skipper provides information and local advice, but the main purpose is swimming, scenery, and island time.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve without paying immediately. Starting times depend on availability. English is the tour language.

Final verdict: choose the right length

Book this tour if you want private time on the Adriatic, practical support from a skipper, and the freedom to swap a cave for a beach or a long swim. The Blue Cave, Lopud, and the view back toward Dubrovnik give the four-hour outing plenty of appeal.

Choose the full-day option if Šipan, wine and olive oil, Sikirica Blue Lagoon, and a slower pace are important. For a half day, confirm the route and remember the separate €60 fuel payment. With those details clear, this is a strong choice for a personalized Dubrovnik coast experience, especially when privacy matters more than the lowest price.

FAQ

Where does the Dubrovnik speedboat tour start?

The main meeting point is the smaller dock in Dubrovnik’s Old Town Port, directly across from the Lokanda restaurant. Pickup may also be arranged from Gruž Harbour or Lapadska Obala, depending on your accommodation and a safe docking point.

How long is the private boat tour?

You can choose a four-hour half-day tour or an eight-hour full-day tour. Starting times depend on availability.

Which islands can I visit?

The half-day route can include Koločep and Lopud. The full-day option can also include Šipan and Sikirica Blue Lagoon.

Are swimming and snorkeling included?

Yes. Swimming and snorkeling are part of the route, especially around the Blue and Green caves on Koločep. Snorkeling equipment and towels are included.

Is food included on the boat?

No. Food is not included. You can arrange lunch on Lopud at a local restaurant, with the timing and cost handled separately.

What extra cost should I expect?

For the four-hour tour, fuel costs €60 and is paid on board in cash. Drinks, towels, snorkeling equipment, and the skipper are included.