Private Half Day and Full Day Elaphiti Islands Tours

This is one of the more interesting ways to see Dubrovnik because you skip the crowded land route and spend your time on the water, bouncing between islands like locals do. I especially like the private boat part, since your skipper can shape the day around your pace, and the cave snorkeling on Koločep is the kind of thing that turns a sightseeing trip into a real memory.

One thing to consider: you’re on a boat, so there’s no onboard restroom, and your comfort in the water matters more than you might expect. Also, the full island plan depends on weather and timing, so flexible expectations help.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Private, small-group feel (up to 6), so you get quieter stops and more personal attention from the skipper.
• Koločep cave time includes snorkeling and swimming where sunlight can make the water look intensely blue.
• Šipan lunch is on your own, but you get a real break on the island, not just a quick photo stop.
• Lopud and Lopud walking time works well if you like churches, monastery vibes, and a sandy pause.
• Šunj Beach is the classic relax moment, with beach bars for a cold drink and downtime.
• Lokrum is optional on request, but if you add it, you trade off seeing all the other Elaphiti islands.

Why Elaphiti Island Boat Time Feels Different Than a Typical Dubrovnik Day

Dubrovnik is easy to see from the walls, but the Adriatic is what makes the region feel special. On this tour, you’re not just looking at the coast, you’re moving through it, stopping where the water is inviting and where the island days actually feel like island days.

Because it’s private for up to six people, the day doesn’t feel like a conveyor belt. You’re with your own boat and skipper, and that makes a big difference when you want time to swim, snorkel, or simply sit with a drink and take photos without rushing.

Price and What You Really Get (Private, Up to 6, 2 to 8 Hours)

The price listed is $301.03 per group for a private experience (up to 6 people), with durations roughly 2 to 8 hours depending on which option you choose. That sounds “group based,” and that’s the point, because once you split the cost among friends or family, the math starts to make sense compared to paying per person on bigger group boats.

Here’s what you’re paying for in practical terms:

• time on a private boat with a skipper
• multiple island stops rather than one quick landfall
• included drinks like beer and wine
• snorkeling equipment plus life jackets
• fuel and bottled water or soft drinks

If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, it can be pricier than large-boat departures. But if you’re splitting the group cost, you’re buying a calmer, more customizable day.

The Boat Setup: Drinks, Snorkel Gear, and Life Jackets

This tour includes beer and wine, along with water and coca-cola, so you’re not stuck buying drinks every time you stop. It also includes snorkeling equipment and life jackets, which matters because it saves time and reduces packing stress.

From what I’ve seen and heard about past experiences with this operator, the skippers tend to keep the mood relaxed. Names like Lovro, Toni, Bruno, and Vicko pop up in the stories, and the common thread is that they try to make the day feel smooth, fun, and well paced.

Pickup From Dubrovnik Area: Convenient, But Watch the Radius

Pickup is offered, but only if you’re in their pickup radius. If you’re outside that zone, there’s an extra charge for pickup, so it’s worth checking before you lock in plans.

One nice detail is that this tour is used by people arriving by cruise, and they often manage the transfer to the boat in a way that feels less stressful than doing it yourself. In any case, once you’re met and guided to the boat, you’re free to focus on the islands instead of logistics.

Koločep Island Caves: Blue Light, Three Sister Caves, and Real Swim Time

The first stop is Kolocep Island, and this is where the tour earns its reputation. You’ll visit some of the most popular caves in the Dubrovnik area, including the Blue cave and the Three Sister caves. The point is not just to look, it’s to swim and snorkel right there, while sunlight creates that striking blue effect.

Timing is generous enough to matter. You get about 1 hour, and with cave snorkeling, that’s the difference between feeling rushed and actually enjoying it. If you’re new to snorkeling, go slow, keep your breathing steady, and use the provided gear so you’re not fighting equipment while trying to enjoy the water.

A practical note: cave swimming is beautiful, but it’s still water time. If you’re prone to motion sickness or you’re not confident getting in and out calmly, bring your mindset down to earth and ask your skipper for the easiest entry route.

Sipan Island: Lunch on Your Own and a True Island Break

Next comes Šipan, where you’ll have around 2 hours. There’s lunch at a restaurant available, but it’s not included, so you should budget for food.

What makes this stop work is the balance. Koločep is all about caves and water time, and then Šipan gives you a more normal island rhythm: sit down, eat, and recharge before the beaches.

When you plan lunch here, think simple. Choose something you can eat comfortably before a swim or beach stop later. And if you’re picky about timing, remember you’re on a private schedule, so you can often ask the skipper what will keep the day most enjoyable.

Lopud Island: Churches, Monastery Atmosphere, and Sandy Beach Time

On Lopud Island, you get about 1 hour. This is the island stop for walking and wandering, with beautiful churches, a monastery, and sandy beaches.

Even with only an hour, Lopud can feel rewarding because the environment supports short, low-effort exploration. The trick is to pick one thing you want to focus on, like a scenic walk, a quick look at the church area, or a laid-back beach moment, rather than trying to do everything.

If your group includes different travel styles, Lopud can please multiple people at once. Walkers get their sights, and beach lovers can head toward the sand and still rejoin quickly when it’s time.

Šunj Beach: The Most Popular Sand Stop for Relaxing and Drinks

Usually the tour ends up at Šunj Beach, described as the most popular sandy beach in the Dubrovnik area. You’ll have about 1 hour to relax, swim a bit if you want, and enjoy drinks at the beach bars.

I like this stop because it gives you a clean landing after cave time and island hops. You can slow down, let the salt air dry off a little, and swap stories with your group while everything feels easy.

If you want the best beach-bar experience, aim to do your swim early in the hour, then reserve the second half for sitting, photos, and a cold drink.

Lokrum Island on Request: A Nice Option, But It Changes the Day

Lokrum Island is in front of Old Town Dubrovnik, on a different side than the other Elaphiti islands. Importantly, Lokrum is only visited on request, and if you go there, you won’t be able to see all the Elaphiti islands.

So think of Lokrum as a trade. If your priority is maximum island coverage, skip it. If your priority is adding something close to Dubrovnik’s Old Town side, ask if it fits your schedule and what you would be giving up.

This is also one reason to book with your skipper and group in mind. A private boat day works best when you choose what matters most, not when you try to collect every option.

The Included Drinks and Snorkeling Gear Are More Valuable Than They Sound

It’s easy to look at “beer/wine included” and think it’s just a perk. But on a boat day, having drinks and water ready actually improves the whole experience, because you’re not breaking the vibe every time you need hydration.

Likewise, snorkeling equipment included means you can show up lightly packed and confident. If you rent gear separately, you add time, cost, and hassle. Here, you show up, gear up with what’s provided, and focus on the caves and water.

Life jackets are also a big deal, especially if you’re with a mixed group or you want extra comfort while you’re getting oriented in open water.

A Realistic Look at What’s Not Included

Two items matter most:

• Lunch on Šipan is not included
• There’s no restroom on board

The restroom piece is the one I take seriously. Plan breaks before you meet at the pickup point. During the tour, just treat it like a proper sea day, plan ahead, and you’ll be fine.

For lunch, set expectations. If you want a particular place, you’ll need to handle it yourself on Šipan, since lunch is listed as not included.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Might Prefer Something Else)

This tour is a strong fit if you want:

• a private day at sea with a small group
• snorkeling and cave swimming as a main event
• more time on islands than a quick excursion

It’s also a good choice for groups who want flexibility. In multiple past experiences, skippers like Lovro and Toni are described as informative and helpful, with a focus on making sure everyone enjoys the stops. That matters if your group has a range of comfort levels, from experienced swimmers to people trying it for the first time.

Who might rethink it? If you strongly need onboard restroom access, or if your group isn’t comfortable with water-based stops, another type of tour might be easier.

Practical Tips to Make Your Day Smooth

Pack for water first, beach second. Bring a swim-safe outfit, water shoes if you have them, and a towel you don’t mind getting sandy or damp.

Bring a simple mindset around timing. Cave snorkeling plus island hopping means your day will move, but the private format helps because you’re not waiting on other groups. If you want more swim time at a specific stop, ask your skipper early, since they’re running the flow of the day.

And if you’re nervous about open water, you’ll probably feel better with a skipper who’s used to guiding people in. Stories tied to skippers like Lovro include confidence and encouragement for first-time swimmers, so it’s worth mentioning if anyone in your group is brand new to this kind of water time.

Should You Book This Private Elaphiti Islands Tour?

I think you should book if your ideal Dubrovnik day includes real time on the water, not just views from land. The combination of Koločep caves with snorkeling, island breaks on Šipan and Lopud, and a final sandy stop at Šunj gives you variety without feeling chaotic.

Book it with flexibility if you care about seeing every last island. Lokrum is optional and can affect the full island count, and the day depends on weather since it requires good conditions.

If your group is small, shares the group price, and you want a calmer, more personal boat day, this is the kind of experience that feels worth it.

FAQ

How many people are in the group for this private tour?

It’s a private tour, and your group is the only group participating. The tour is priced per group up to 6.

Are drinks and snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Beer/wine are included, along with water/coca-cola, snorkeling equipment, and life jackets.

Is lunch included on Šipan Island?

No. Lunch on Šipan Island is mentioned as available, but it is not included in the price.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

No. A restroom on board is listed as not included.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is offered, but pickups outside their radius cost extra.

Does the tour always visit Lokrum Island?

Lokrum Island is only visited on request. If it’s included, the tour notes that you will not be able to see all the Elaphiti islands.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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