Hidden Gems Odyssey: Private Elaphiti Islands & Blue Cave Tour

A private boat day to the Elaphiti Islands is interesting because you get the islands without the hassle of ferries or fixed-group pacing. The highlight is the Blue and Green caves area near Kolocep, where you can swim right off the boat and make the day feel like your own.

I especially like two things: unlimited local drinks on board, plus the freedom for the skipper to adjust the timing to what your group wants. That means you can linger at the swims you like and ask for extras like wine tasting, lunch, or even a monastery stop.

One drawback to think about is that the price is premium, and lunch is not included. Also, this experience is best in good weather, so don’t plan it as your only sailing day.

Key things to know before you go

• Private charter from Dubrovnik’s Old Town port with hotel pickup and drop-off options
• Blue and Green caves stop with snorkeling gear and beach towels included
• Three island route: Kolocep, Lopud (Šunj Beach), and Sipan (Suđurađ and Sikirica)
• Unlimited beer, wine, water, sodas, and fruits served on board
• Skipper-led flexibility for extra requests like tastings, lunch, or monastery visits
• Underwater scooter costs extra (70€ cash), and lunch is not included

Dubrovnik to the Elaphiti Islands, minus the crowd circus

The day starts in Dubrovnik’s Old Town port, right by the Lokanda restaurant, which keeps things simple if you’re already exploring the walled city. If you’d rather not drag bags around, you can also arrange hotel pickup and drop-off by sharing your accommodation or preferred starting point (Old Town port or Gruž Port are mentioned).

What you gain by going this way is viewpoint. From the water, Dubrovnik looks different, especially when you see the walls and the town from a moving boat rather than from street level. It’s a fast way to get that “I’m actually on the Adriatic” feeling without committing to a full multi-day sailing plan.

Because it’s private, your group sets the tone. That matters in a place like this, where some people want maximum swim time and others want a bit more island wandering and explanations from the skipper. You’re not stuck with a one-size-fits-all schedule.

Kolocep’s Blue and Green Caves and the “just get in the water” advantage

Kolocep Island is usually your first real swim and cave stop. The day’s plan includes going to the Blue and Green caves area, where snorkeling gear is provided and you can explore the underwater scene. The cave time is listed at about 2 hours, and the admission is free for that stop.

Here’s why I like this structure: it front-loads the best water time while your energy is high. You’re not waiting until the afternoon, when boats can feel more crowded and sun can get harsher.

One practical point. Caves and swim spots can attract other boats, and entry can get chaotic if everyone is rushing. The better skippers keep things calm, timing the approach and helping you get in and out safely. In past days on this route, guides have been careful about boat traffic around the cave entrance, which is exactly the kind of attention you want when you’re focused on breathing, not traffic control.

If you don’t want to swim, you can still relax on the boat while snorkeling gear is handled on your terms. And if you do want to swim, life vests and safety gear are included, which makes the whole thing feel more straightforward.

Lopud and Šunj Beach, the easy sand-and-sun island stop

Next up is Lopud, with a strong focus on beach time. Lopud’s star is Šunj Beach, known for its sandy stretch, which is a nice contrast if you’ve been walking on stone all day in Dubrovnik. Your time here is listed at about 3 hours, and admission is also free for the stop.

On board, you’ll have fresh fruits and local drinks while you float, swim, or watch the coastline slide by. Snorkeling gear is also mentioned as available at this stage, so you can mix it up if you’re feeling adventurous.

There’s also an optional visit to Lopud’s village later in the day, timed to when the sun begins to set. That’s a good choice if you want a little “island life” vibe between swims, without turning the day into an all-out sightseeing marathon.

The only thing to keep in mind is that sandy beach time usually means you’ll want basic beach essentials: swimwear, sunscreen, and a light layer if you get cool as the boat heads back into shade. The tour includes beach towels, so you’re not scrambling for that.

Sipan for palaces, tastings, and quiet pebble beaches

Sipan is where the trip gets a bit more cultural without losing the water focus. It’s the largest and most populated Elaphiti island, but the plan specifically aims to keep you away from the most tourist-heavy spots.

You’ll start in Suđurađ, a seaside town with two Renaissance palaces owned by the Skočibuha family. If your group likes food and local production, this stop is built for you. The plan notes that locals are into homemade goods, and the captain can set up tastings.

Options you can request include homemade tastings such as:

• wine
• olive oil
• marmalade
• fruits and vegetables

There’s also an option to go to a local winery for a tasting that pairs wine, cheese, and olive oil. You don’t have to take every option, but it’s nice that this day doesn’t treat “on land” as an afterthought.

Then there’s the water finish before heading back: time at the pebble beaches of Sikirica, a small islet. Pebble beaches are different from sand, but for many people that’s the point. You get a quieter shoreline feel, and it fits well with the boat-and-swim rhythm of the day.

What’s included on board, and what you’ll likely want to bring

This tour is set up around comfort and simple water time. Included items are clearly listed, and they matter for value:

• Snorkeling gear and beach towels
• Life vests and safety gear
• Unlimited local beer, wine, water, sodas, and fruits
• Fuel and a local skipper
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off (based on your accommodation details)

The “unlimited drinks” piece is more than a nice-to-have. It turns the boat ride into a relaxed hangout, so you’re not measuring every sip while you’re trying to enjoy the islands. It also helps families and mixed-age groups, since not everyone wants to be in the water for long stretches.

On the extras side:

• Lunch is not included
• An underwater scooter is not included and costs 70€ cash
• If you need pick-up and drop-off at Sheraton, Mlini, or Cavtat, there’s a 70€ cash add-on mentioned

What I’d pack is simple: swimwear, a hat, and a small dry bag. Even with towels provided, it’s smart to have a plan for phones and keys once you’re wet and moving around.

Drinks, snacks, and the skippers who shape your day

The biggest strength here is how much the skipper can personalize your route. The plan explicitly says the itinerary is flexible, and the captain and guide can arrange wine tasting, lunch, monastery tours, and other extras.

In real terms, this is why people love this style of day. It’s not just “boat goes to three islands.” It’s “your boat day adapts.” When you have time to linger at your favorite swim spots, the whole experience feels less rushed and more like a private outing.

You might get skippers like Ivan or Gigi, who have been singled out for a friendly tone, good pacing, and strong local storytelling. Other names that have shown up include Marko, Peter, Paulo, Filip, Bruno, and Micheal. One theme across these different captains is the same: they keep the day moving, but not at a stressful tempo.

It also helps that some captains have arranged lunch reservations at island restaurants, including waterfront meals on Sipan. If you want lunch handled for you instead of searching on your own while traveling, this is one of the reasons the private format works.

Price and value: what $372.63 actually covers

At $372.63 per person, this is not a budget day trip. But it’s also not just a boat ticket.

Your money is buying:

• a private charter, not a shared cattle-car boat
• the skipper and fuel
• hotel pick-up and drop-off (as arranged)
• snorkeling gear, life vests, safety gear, and beach towels
• unlimited beer, wine, water, sodas, and fruits
• a route that includes multiple swim opportunities and several island stops

Then there’s what you do not get automatically:

• lunch
• the underwater scooter (70€ cash)
• any extra pickup/drop-off noted for Sheraton, Mlini, or Cavtat (70€ cash)

So here’s the value math I’d use. If you would otherwise pay for a public tour, add separate boat travel, rent snorkeling gear, and buy drinks and snacks on the water, this price starts to feel more reasonable. If you only want one quick swim and minimal time on the islands, a cheaper shared option might make more sense.

Also, because this experience runs on good weather, that matters to value. A day that is canceled or rescheduled (for weather) can change the overall cost of your time. If Dubrovnik weather is unstable where you are, keep flexibility in your schedule.

Timing from 4 to 8 hours, and how to choose your pace

The tour duration is listed as 4 to 8 hours (approx.), and the itinerary is described as flexible. That tells you something important: you’re not locked into “the full island circuit” every time.

If you’re short on time, you can still aim for a condensed version of the route and get the big highlight stops. If you have a full day and want both caves and extended island time, you can let your skipper lean into the longer rhythm. Either way, the key is that you can request where you want more time, like additional swimming or specific cultural stops.

This is also the kind of trip that benefits from a group chat before you arrive. If you have kids, tell the skipper early that you want more frequent swim breaks. If you care more about land tastings and palaces, say so up front. The tour is designed to respond.

Finally, because it’s private, your timing is less about fitting into someone else’s schedule and more about the sea conditions and what you actually enjoy doing.

Who should book this private Elaphiti boat day

This tour fits best if you want:

• easy island hopping by boat without waiting on ferries
• swimming at multiple spots, including the Blue and Green caves area
• a mix of sandy time at Šunj Beach and quieter coastline options at Sikirica
• a relaxed pace with unlimited drinks and fruits included
• a skipper willing to tailor the day, including options for wine tasting and lunch arrangements

It may be less ideal if:

• you need lunch included in the base price
• you’re traveling strictly on a tight budget
• you prefer land walking and hikes more than water time

For families, it’s a strong match because there’s something to do even when not everyone wants to snorkel. For friend groups, it’s a fun way to celebrate a Dubrovnik day without spending the whole time in crowded Old Town.

Should you book it?

Book this private Elaphiti Islands and Blue Cave-style boat tour if you want maximum water time, flexible pacing, and the convenience of pickup plus included snorkeling gear and towels. The inclusion of unlimited beer, wine, water, sodas, and fruits is a big part of why this feels like a real day out instead of a rushed excursion.

Don’t book it if lunch being extra will stress your budget, or if your schedule is so tight that a weather disruption would ruin your plans.

If you’re deciding between a cheaper group tour and a private day, I’d choose private when you want control. When the sea is good, this is the kind of Dubrovnik day that feels worth every minute.

FAQ

How long is the Elaphiti Islands private boat tour?

The duration is listed as about 4 to 8 hours, depending on how the day is paced.

Which stops are included during the trip?

The tour route includes Kolocep Island with the Blue and Green caves, Lopud Island with Šunj Beach, and Sipan Island with time in Suđurađ and at Sikirica.

What’s included in the price on board?

Snorkeling gear and beach towels are included, along with life vests and safety gear. The tour also includes fuel, a local skipper, and unlimited beer, wine, water, sodas, and fruits.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included in the price. The captain can arrange lunch as an extra.

Do you offer pickup from hotels outside Dubrovnik Old Town?

Hotel pick-up and drop-off are offered, based on the accommodation or preferred starting point you provide. An extra 70€ cash pickup and drop-off is mentioned for Sheraton, Mlini, or Cavtat.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.