REVIEW · DUBROVNIK

Private luxury speedboat tour-Islands, caves, beaches, snorkeling

★ 5.0 · 71 reviews 2 to 8 hours (approx.) Operated by Adriatic Boat Tours · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

Koločep’s Blue Cave is the star here. You ride into the cave by speedboat, then swim and snorkel while sunlight turns the water blue. From there, the route can stretch across the Elaphiti Islands, with sandy beaches, small island villages, churches, and coves that are hard to reach by land.

I like the private format, since your group can tell skipper Toni or Roko what kind of day you want. I also like the simple onboard comforts: snorkeling gear, water, beer, wine, soda, shade, and a sundeck. The main catch is the extra cost. Fuel, lunch, towels, and some entrance fees are not included, so the advertised group price is not the final bill.

Key points to know before you book

Private luxury speedboat tour-Islands, caves, beaches, snorkeling - Key points to know before you book

  • Koločep’s Blue Cave comes first, with time to swim and snorkel inside the cave and at nearby coves.
  • The private boat carries up to six people, making the per-person price more reasonable for a full group.
  • Skippers Toni and Roko can tailor the route, according to the details provided for this experience.
  • Šunj Beach is the easiest relaxation stop, with sand, swimming, and beach bars.
  • Mljet requires the longer option, with a separate fuel charge and extra admission costs.
  • Lunch is on your own, usually at a restaurant on Šipan, and pickup and drop-off are not included.

Why a private speedboat works well around Dubrovnik

Private luxury speedboat tour-Islands, caves, beaches, snorkeling - Why a private speedboat works well around Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik’s coastline is best understood from the water. The Old Town is dramatic from shore, but the islands beyond it offer a different side of the region: low green hills, clear swimming spots, small churches, and quiet coves.

A private speedboat gives you more control than a fixed group cruise. You can spend longer swimming, shorten a walk, or ask to stop at a different point. The skipper is not just steering the boat. Toni and Roko are described as friendly, careful, and ready to explain the islands, which matters when the day depends on good timing and safe boat handling.

The boat has a sundeck and a shaded stern, so you can choose between sun and shelter. Bottled water, beer, wine, and Coca-Cola are available. You can also connect your own music to the boat’s sound system, a small feature that suits a birthday, honeymoon, family outing, or relaxed day with friends.

The group limit is up to six people. At $458.58 per group, the math looks much better when shared by six, though you still need to add fuel. A four-hour trip has a stated fuel charge of €70 per booking. The eight-hour option lists €100, and the Mljet option lists €170. Lunch, snacks, towels, and some admission fees are separate.

Koločep and the Blue Cave set the tone

Private luxury speedboat tour-Islands, caves, beaches, snorkeling - Koločep and the Blue Cave set the tone

The first stop is Koločep, one of the Elaphiti Islands just beyond Dubrovnik. The main attraction is the Blue Cave, accompanied by three other caves in the area.

The color comes from sunlight reflecting through the water and onto the cave walls. You can swim and snorkel inside, which makes this more than a quick photo stop. The cave experience is short enough to fit into a half-day outing, but it also gives a longer tour a strong opening.

Bring a swimsuit under your clothes and keep your phone protected. Towels are not provided, and wet gear can make the ride home less comfortable. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins unless you prefer your personal gear.

This stop is also where the speedboat earns its keep. You are not simply passing the island offshore. You are reaching small water-level spaces and swimming spots that give the route its character.

Šipan adds a proper meal break

After Koločep, the boat heads to Šipan. The usual plan allows about an hour for lunch at a local restaurant, but lunch is not included in the price.

That separation is useful because it lets you choose what to order rather than paying for a set meal. It also means you should budget for the break. Snacks are not included either, so bring something small if you know you will want food between swimming stops.

Šipan is a good pause in the middle of a water-based day. You can step away from the boat, sit down for a meal, and see a more settled island setting before returning to the sea. The exact restaurant and menu are not specified, so do not book this expecting a particular dish or dining style.

If you are choosing the shorter tour, ask how much time will be given to Šipan and the other islands. The experience can last from roughly two hours to eight hours, so the route depends on the time you reserve.

Lopud mixes a short walk with island scenery

Private luxury speedboat tour-Islands, caves, beaches, snorkeling - Lopud mixes a short walk with island scenery

Lopud is the most suitable stop for stretching your legs. It is known here for its churches, monastery, and sandy beaches, with time to walk around and explore.

The appeal is the change of pace. Koločep is about caves and swimming. Šipan is about lunch. Lopud gives you a chance to leave the boat and look around on foot.

Do not expect a long guided history tour based on the information provided. The stop is described as a chance to explore, and your time will be shared with the rest of the route. If old religious buildings interest you, this is the island where you will want to slow down. If your group mainly wants to swim, you may prefer to give that time back to the water.

A private tour makes this choice easier. You can tell the skipper if you want a walk or would rather keep moving. Toni is especially praised for listening to what groups wanted and matching the stops to their preferences.

Šunj Beach is the simple, easygoing finale

Private luxury speedboat tour-Islands, caves, beaches, snorkeling - Šunj Beach is the simple, easygoing finale

Šunj Beach on Lopud is usually the last stop on the standard island route. It is one of the area’s best-known sandy beaches, a useful distinction in a part of Croatia where many swimming spots are rocky or pebbled.

Here, you can relax, swim, and have a drink at one of the beach bars. It is the least complicated stop of the day. You do not need a plan beyond finding a place to sit and enjoying the water.

The beach can also be the busiest-feeling part of the route because it is popular. That is not necessarily a problem, but it is worth knowing if your idea of a private island day means complete solitude. The private boat gives your group privacy during the ride, not exclusive use of the beach.

If you are booking a shorter option, Šunj is a sensible finish. It offers swimming and downtime without requiring another long transfer. For families or mixed-age groups, this can be more useful than adding another sightseeing stop.

Lokrum changes the direction of the day

Private luxury speedboat tour-Islands, caves, beaches, snorkeling - Lokrum changes the direction of the day

Lokrum lies directly in front of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, on the opposite side from the Elaphiti Islands. The boat visits Lokrum only on request.

That request comes with a tradeoff: if you go to Lokrum, you will not be able to see all of the Elaphiti Islands. This is one of the most important planning details. You need to decide if your priority is a view of Dubrovnik’s nearby island or a wider island-hopping route.

Lokrum may suit you if you have already seen much of the Elaphiti Islands or want a route that stays close to the Old Town. The Elaphiti plan is better if you want caves, Šipan, Lopud, and Šunj in one outing.

Tell the operator your priorities before departure. The private format is most useful when you make this choice early rather than trying to squeeze every destination into one day.

Mljet is a separate full-day commitment

Private luxury speedboat tour-Islands, caves, beaches, snorkeling - Mljet is a separate full-day commitment

Mljet is the largest island in the Dubrovnik area and sits about 50 kilometers away. By speedboat, the journey takes around two hours, so this is not a small add-on to a quick island tour.

The Mljet option includes the Blue Cave and Mljet National Park. Once there, you can visit Limuni sandy beach, Odysseus Cave, and the salt lakes in the national park.

This route is for you if you want a full day on the water and are willing to spend a large part of the day getting to and from Mljet. It offers a broader range of scenery than the shorter route, but you will have less time for a relaxed visit to every Elaphiti Island.

The stated fuel charge for the 10-hour Mljet option is €170 per booking. Admission to Mljet National Park is not included, and the information also lists admission for Lokrum as not included. Confirm the current entry costs before you go, since these are separate from the group price.

What the onboard setup really adds

Private luxury speedboat tour-Islands, caves, beaches, snorkeling - What the onboard setup really adds

The included drinks are practical rather than lavish. You have bottled water, beer, wine, and soda, so you can stay refreshed without arranging every drink yourself.

The sound system is a nice touch for a private group. You can play your own music and set the mood, though you should keep the volume considerate when near beaches, caves, and island settlements.

Snorkeling equipment is included, which makes spontaneous swims easier. You do not need to plan every water stop in advance. The main missing item is a towel, so bring one for every person in your group.

There is a sundeck and shade on the stern. That matters on a long day, since sitting in full sun for hours can wear you down. I would rotate between the two rather than treating the shaded area as an afterthought.

How the price compares with the experience

The listed price is $458.58 for a private group of up to six. Split six ways, that is about $76 per person before fuel and any food or admission costs. For a couple, the same price feels much steeper. The value improves as your group gets closer to the six-person limit.

You are paying for privacy, a skipper, a flexible route, and a speedboat rather than a fixed public cruise. That is valuable if your group has different interests or if you want to combine swimming, a restaurant stop, a walk, and a beach.

The extra fuel charge needs to be part of your calculation:

  • Four-hour option: €70 fuel per booking
  • Eight-hour option: €100 fuel per booking
  • Mljet option listed at 10 hours: €170 fuel per booking

Lunch, snacks, towels, and some admission fees are also separate. The pricing is reasonable for a private boat when divided among a full group, but it is not an all-inclusive day.

Who will enjoy this boat tour most

I would recommend this experience to a group that wants a private day with room to change plans. It suits friends, families with older children, honeymooners, and small celebrations.

It is especially good for people who want several types of activity in one outing:

  • Cave swimming and snorkeling
  • Beach time
  • A restaurant lunch
  • A short island walk
  • Music and drinks on the boat

It is less suited to someone who wants a quiet, slow cruise with no fuel surcharge or extra planning. It may also disappoint you if you expect every stop to be included in every version of the tour. Lokrum and Mljet require route decisions, and Mljet takes most of a day.

The boat is a speedboat, so the ride itself is part of the experience. If you prefer a very slow vessel with plenty of room to move around, ask questions before booking.

Timing, weather, and practical details

The duration can be roughly two to eight hours, depending on the chosen option. The Mljet route is listed separately at about 10 hours, with a three-hour stop noted for the national park. Ask for the exact route and total time when booking, especially if you have evening plans in Dubrovnik.

Pickup and drop-off are not included. The experience is near public transportation, but you will need to arrange your own way to and from the departure point.

Confirmation is provided at booking. Service animals are allowed, and the activity is described as suitable for most people. Since swimming, snorkeling, walking, and boat boarding are involved, tell the provider about any concerns before the day begins.

The tour depends on good weather. If poor weather causes a cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book this private Dubrovnik boat tour?

Book it if you want to see more than one island without sharing the boat with a large group. The best value comes when six people split the price and agree on the general shape of the day.

For a standard outing, I would choose the Blue Cave, Šipan, Lopud, and Šunj route. It gives you caves, a meal, a walk, and a sandy beach without turning every stop into a rushed photo break.

Choose Lokrum only if seeing the island beside Dubrovnik matters more to you than visiting all the Elaphiti Islands. Choose Mljet if you have a full day, want the national park, and are comfortable paying the larger fuel charge and admission costs.

The strongest reason to book is the skipper-led flexibility. Toni and Roko are described as friendly, careful, and attentive to what each group wants. The main reason to hesitate is not the boat or the scenery. It is the extra cost and the need to make clear route choices before you set off.

FAQ

How much does the private boat tour cost?

The listed price is $458.58 per group of up to six people. Fuel is charged separately at €70 for the four-hour option, €100 for the eight-hour option, and €170 for the Mljet option listed at 10 hours.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes beer, wine, bottled water, Coca-Cola, and use of snorkeling equipment. A private boat and skipper are also part of the experience.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. The usual Šipan stop allows time to eat at a restaurant, but you pay for your own meal. Snacks are not included either.

Are towels provided?

No. Towels are not included, so bring your own if you plan to swim.

Which islands and beaches does the tour visit?

The route can include Koločep, Šipan, Lopud, and Šunj Beach. Lokrum is visited only on request. Mljet is available only on the longer option that includes Mljet National Park.

Can I snorkel during the tour?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you can use it around Koločep’s caves and at other suitable swimming stops.

Can I play my own music?

Yes. The boat has a sound system that allows you to play your own music.

Is the tour private?

Yes. Only your group participates, with a maximum group size of six people.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. For a full refund after a voluntary cancellation, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.

Scroll to Top

Pick a hull, a coast or a cave

Every kind of fast boat on the site, and the water it runs on.