Private Speedboat Tour

Dubrovnik looks best from the water. This private speedboat heads past the old town and Lokrum, then out toward the Elaphiti Islands, where you can swim through caves, stop at sandy Šunj Beach, and wander a quiet island port. Captain Damir shapes the outing around your group rather than following a fixed script.

I like the freedom to choose your stops and the small private setting. You can ask to linger at a swimming spot, return to a cave if a child needs another try, or spend more time in Lopud. I also like the practical extras: snorkeling equipment, water, soda, and alcoholic drinks are included.

The main drawback is the price. At $737.53 for up to six people, this makes the most sense when you fill the boat. The sea can also affect the schedule, and lunch at a suggested restaurant costs extra.

Key points to know before booking

• Private boat for up to six: Your group gets the captain and boat to itself, with no larger tour group setting the pace.
• Flexible Elaphiti Islands route: You can choose among the Blue Cave, Green Caves, Šunj Beach, Lopud, Šipan, and other swimming stops.
• Damir is more than a skipper: He provides information about Dubrovnik, Croatian culture, and local history along the way.
• Swimming gear is supplied: Snorkeling equipment is available, so you do not need to bring your own.
• Drinks are included: Water, soda, and alcoholic beverages are provided during the trip.
• Weather matters: The experience requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Leaving Dubrovnik by speedboat

The meeting point is at Ribarnica ul. 1 in Dubrovnik, and the boat returns there at the end. The experience lasts about four hours, though some outings described by participants ran longer, around five hours, so it is wise to keep your schedule flexible.

The first minutes on the water give you a fine change of angle on Dubrovnik. Instead of looking up at the city walls from crowded streets, you see the old town spread along the shore, with Lokrum nearby and the Adriatic opening ahead. The ride itself is part of the appeal. You get open-water views and the quick movement of a speedboat without committing to a full-day cruise.

This is a private activity, so the tone depends on your group. You can make it a relaxed family outing, a swimming afternoon, or a sightseeing trip with plenty of stories from Damir. He is described as friendly, funny, and willing to adjust the route to suit the people on board.

That flexibility matters. A large scheduled boat must leave a stop at a set time. Here, you can spend longer in the water, shorten a stop, or ask for another look at a cave if conditions and time allow.

The Blue Cave and Green Caves

The caves are the most distinctive stops on this route. The Blue Cave offers the visual drama, while the Green Caves provide a more active experience, with swimming and snorkeling near and inside the openings.

Cave visits depend on the sea and the comfort of your group. You may reach some spots from the boat by swimming, so basic water confidence helps. Snorkeling equipment is supplied, which makes it easier to look below the surface without renting gear separately.

A useful detail comes from one family outing: an 11-year-old initially felt nervous about entering the Green Cave, and Damir made a second approach possible. That is a good example of what a private boat changes. You are not forced to abandon a stop because one person needs more time, and you are not holding up dozens of other people.

Still, do not expect a silent, empty cave experience at every moment. The Elaphiti Islands are popular, especially in good summer weather. A private speedboat can help you arrive before larger boats or move on when a place feels too busy, but it cannot guarantee solitude.

The caves are also not the best part of the trip for anyone who dislikes getting wet or swimming from a boat. If you prefer to stay seated and watch the coast, tell the captain early so the route can give more weight to scenery and island stops.

Šunj Beach for sand and a swim

Šunj Beach is a useful contrast to the caves. Instead of climbing into a rocky opening or swimming in open water, you get a sandy beach on Lopud Island. It gives your group a chance to stretch out, swim from shore, and take a break from the boat.

The beach is particularly appealing for families. Children who are less confident swimmers can enjoy a more familiar shoreline, while adults get a pleasant pause between boat rides. Conditions and crowd levels will vary, but the private format lets you decide how long to stay.

The tradeoff is that a sandy beach near Dubrovnik is rarely a secret. Šunj is one of the better-known stops in the area, so do not book this tour expecting every beach visit to feel private. The privacy comes from your boat and captain, not from exclusive access to the sand.

If swimming is a priority, bring a towel, swimsuit, sun protection, and a dry bag for valuables. The tour supplies snorkeling gear and drinks, but the supplied details do not say that towels or personal beach equipment are provided.

Lopud port and the quieter side of island life

Lopud Port gives the outing a change of pace. After the speedboat and cave stops, you can walk around the harbor area and see an island settlement at a slower rhythm.

This is one of the strongest parts of the experience for anyone who wants more than a series of swimming stops. You get a glimpse of daily island life and a chance to leave the boat for a while. The harbor is also a good place to pause for photos and listen to Damir’s comments about the area.

Time is limited. The tour has several possible stops, and the route is not a full island walking tour. If you want a long visit on Lopud, tell Damir at the start, since choosing every listed stop may leave only a short time at each one.

The ability to set priorities is the key. You might choose the caves and a quick harbor visit, or skip one cave to enjoy Lopud at an easier pace. You cannot do everything thoroughly in four hours.

Šipan and a fisherman village

Šipan adds a more local, low-key stop to the route. The itinerary includes a fisherman village, giving you a look at a smaller coastal settlement rather than only the most photogenic swimming spots.

This part may appeal most if you enjoy seeing how an island feels away from the main resort areas. It is less about a single grand sight and more about the setting, the harbor, and the slower pace. Damir can also add context about Croatian culture and the area’s past.

The practical question is time. With the Blue Cave, Green Caves, Šunj Beach, Lopud, and Šipan all available, you need to choose. A private tour gives you control, but it does not add hours to the day. I would decide before departure if your group prefers scenery, swimming, food, or island villages.

A meal suggestion at Bowa Restaurant

Bowa Restaurant is one of the possible stops, and the captain can recommend or arrange a local restaurant. Lunch or another meal is not included in the tour price, so you pay separately.

This can be a convenient choice after swimming. You do not have to research a restaurant while wet, hungry, and trying to coordinate island transport. One outing included a restaurant that made a strong impression, but your own experience will depend on the menu, availability, and what you order.

Ask about the timing and expected cost before committing. The tour price covers the boat and listed onboard refreshments, not a restaurant meal. If you are watching your budget, you may prefer a shorter food stop or spend the time swimming instead.

What the private format is really worth

The $737.53 price is per group, up to six people. Split six ways, that comes to about $123 per person. For a couple, the same price becomes expensive. For six friends or a family group, it can be reasonable compared with booking several separate seats while giving up control of the route.

The value is not simply the boat ride. You are paying for privacy, a captain who can adjust the day, direct access to several island stops, and included drinks and snorkeling equipment. You also avoid spending the whole outing with a large group on a fixed schedule.

I would book this for a full group of six, especially if swimming and caves are high on your list. I would think twice if you are traveling alone or as a pair and mainly want a quick look at the coast. A shared boat may cost less, though it will not offer the same control.

The boat is described as modern and clean, and the captain’s attention is one of the most praised parts of the experience. Several outings also included useful stories about Dubrovnik, local culture, and the country’s past. That makes this more than a transfer between beaches.

Is four hours enough?

Four hours gives you a good taste of the Elaphiti Islands, but it is not enough for a slow visit to every stop. The listed route includes several separate places, and each one competes with the time spent moving between islands.

A sensible plan might include the Blue Cave, one or two swimming spots, Šunj Beach, and either Lopud or Šipan. If your group wants both caves, a beach, a village, a restaurant, and long swims, the day may feel rushed.

The private format helps because you do not lose time waiting for a large group to return to the boat. It also lets you skip a stop that does not suit your group. Still, ask Damir to help set realistic priorities at the beginning.

Afternoon departures can work well for people who want to spend the morning in Dubrovnik. One outing ran from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and included swimming and snorkeling stops. Exact departure times should be confirmed when you book, since the supplied details give an approximate duration rather than a fixed daily schedule.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most?

I would recommend it to families, couples traveling with friends, and small groups who want time on the water without giving up the old town entirely. Children can swim, snorkel, or stay on the beach, while adults can enjoy the island scenery and Damir’s local explanations.

It is also a good fit for people who dislike rigid sightseeing. You can request more swimming, more history, a return to a cave, or a longer island stop. Several outings were praised for feeling easygoing and unhurried.

It is less suitable for anyone who wants a low-cost excursion, a guaranteed calm sea, or a fully land-based cultural tour. Speedboat travel can be active, and the caves require getting into the water if you want the full experience.

The tour is near public transportation, and most people can participate. The details do not provide specific information about wheelchair access or mobility equipment, so ask the provider before booking if that matters to you.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

You receive confirmation when booking, and the activity uses a mobile ticket. The starting and ending point is Ribarnica ul. 1 in Dubrovnik.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Weather is more than a minor detail here. The caves, swimming stops, and speedboat ride all depend on safe sea conditions. I would avoid placing this tour on the final few hours of your Dubrovnik stay, since a weather change could affect the plan.

Should you book the Private Speedboat Tour?

Book it if you can fill most of the six seats and want a flexible day of caves, swimming, island scenery, and local conversation. The strongest reasons are the private route, included snorkeling gear and drinks, and Damir’s willingness to adapt the outing to your group.

Skip it if the price is too high for your party or if you prefer a slow, land-based visit to one island. For the right group, though, this is one of the more enjoyable ways to trade Dubrovnik’s crowded streets for open water and a few hours of freedom.

FAQ

Where does the private speedboat tour start?

The tour starts at Ribarnica ul. 1, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Dubrovnik.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately four hours. Some outings have lasted longer, so keeping your schedule flexible is sensible.

How many people can join the private boat?

The official capacity is up to six people per group. Only your private group participates.

Which places can I visit?

Possible stops include the Blue Cave, Green Caves, Šunj Beach, Lopud Port, a fisherman village on Šipan, and Bowa Restaurant. Stops are optional, so you can choose your itinerary.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Water, soda, and alcoholic beverages are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided for use during the swimming stops.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you can receive a full refund or choose another date.