Luxury Private Elaphiti Islands boat tour from Dubrovnik

A luxury private speedboat around the Elaphiti Islands is interesting because it turns Dubrovnik into a starting point, not the whole vacation. I love the private boat setup, since your group sets the rhythm, and I love that snorkeling gear plus drinks are included, so you waste less time getting ready. The main drawback to plan around is motion, this is not recommended if you get seasick.

You’ll cruise from Koločep’s Blue Cave area to Lopud for a proper swim at Šunj beach, and on the longer day you continue to Šipan (including Suđurađ) plus an extra stop on Sikirica beach. Two names keep popping up in the experience, Loren and Dominik, and the common theme is smooth communication and a skipper who keeps things fun without feeling chaotic.

Pricing is per group (up to 11), and this tour is often booked about 3 months ahead, so if your dates are fixed, I’d lock it in early.

Key highlights worth knowing before you go

• Koločep’s Blue Cave and “Three Hidden Caves” are built into the route, with time to actually look, not just pass by
• Šunj beach on Lopud includes a swim stop, and there’s a cliff-jumping option if you’re feeling brave
• 8-hour itinerary adds Šipan and Suđurađ, plus a stop at Sikirica beach for a slower, less hurried pace
• Snorkeling equipment is included, along with life vests and goggles provided by the skipper
• Wine, beer, and soda/pop are included, which makes this feel like a true day out, not a bare-bones excursion
• Private means flexibility, and captains have a habit of finding quieter water time when they can

Luxury Private Elaphiti Islands: what makes it feel different from a group tour

This tour works because it’s not trying to cram in 20 things. It’s about spending real time on the water and at the waterline, where the Adriatic does the talking.

In practice, private boat time means:

You get calmer transitions between stops, because you’re not waiting for a busload of people.

You can ask for small course corrections, like where to pause for the best views or where to linger for a swim.

That said, remember the sea is part of the experience. If you’re sensitive to boat motion or you’re the type who gets uncomfortable fast in warm weather, this is not the day trip for you. You’ll enjoy it more if you’re ready to relax, look up at the cliffs, and let the boat carry you.

Your day at sea: Gruž port departures and Koločep’s Blue Cave stop

The tour starts at Obala Stjepana Radića 17, 20000, Dubrovnik, and it runs as a private speedboat outing that returns you back to the same meeting point at the end. From Dubrovnik, that means less time spent commuting and more time with salt air in your face.

The first stop is the Blue Cave near Dubrovnik on Koločep Island. You’ll get about 45 minutes here. Admission is listed as free, so you’re not adding extra costs mid-trip.

What you should expect:

You’ll approach the cave area by boat, so you’re seeing it from the sea level angle that makes these places so photogenic.

You’ll have enough time to get oriented, watch the light change, and decide whether you want to linger at the water’s edge for photos before you move on.

Possible consideration:

Blue Cave visits can depend on water and conditions. This tour requires good weather, so if conditions are poor, the operator may switch dates or offer a refund. It’s smart to plan this as a flexible day, not the only slot you can travel.

Koločep’s Three Hidden Caves: short stop, big payoff

After the Blue Cave, the boat continues around Koločep Island to a set of spots commonly described as Three Hidden Caves. You get another 45 minutes here, and again, admission is free.

The standout value of this stop is not just the scenery. It’s the way your skipper can shape it. There’s a story connected to these secluded caves, and the experience is designed so you can ask the guide to share it while you’re there.

How to make the most of the time:

If you want that full “story plus photos plus water time” balance, ask early, then settle in while you still have momentum.

If you’re mainly here for snorkeling, ask when the best time for water entry will be during your stop.

Timing note:

45 minutes is long enough to enjoy it, but it’s not a full beach day. If you’re the type who likes slow, do-nothing coast time, you’ll want the longer tour option later in the route.

Šunj beach on Lopud: the swim break you’ll remember

Next comes Šunj Beach on Lopud Island, with about 1 hour and 15 minutes of time. This is one of the stops that turns the cruise into a true vacation moment, because it’s designed for a swim.

A few practical things about this stop:

The beach area is described as having natural sand and clear sea. That’s exactly the combo you want if snorkeling gear is included and you actually plan to use it.

There’s also an optional cliff-jumping possibility if you’re adventurous.

What I like about this stop for most groups is the simplicity. You’re not asked to do something complicated. You arrive, you get in the water, you relax, and you move on when your body tells you it’s time.

Things to consider:

Bring or plan around warmth. The tour isn’t recommended for people sensitive to hot temperatures, so if you burn easily, consider packing water-friendly protection like a cap or rash guard.

If you’re not comfortable jumping from heights, you can still enjoy the beach and swim. The cliff-jumping option is just that, optional.

The full-day 8-hour route: Šipan, Suđurađ, and Sikirica beach

If you choose the 8-hour tour, the route expands beyond the quick cave and swim loop. You add two more locations that make the day feel more complete.

First up is Šipan Island, with about 1 hour and 5 minutes. Here, you get time to explore and you also visit Suđurađ, described as a beautiful coastal village on Šipan. This is your chance to mix “on the water” fun with a little bit of land wandering and viewpoint time.

Then there’s Brsecine / Sikirica beach (listed as a stop for the 8-hour option), with about 1 hour to rest and enjoy the view. It’s framed as a quieter, peaceful spot, which is exactly what many people want after cave time and a beach swim.

How to decide between the shorter and full-day options:

Go shorter if you want a focused, easy day, mostly water and mostly swimming.

Go full-day if you like variety, caves plus a beach plus a village feel.

Also, the longer route generally suits groups with mixed interests. Someone can swim and someone else can walk a bit, then you regroup without stress.

Onboard comfort and inclusions: snorkeling gear, snacks, and wine

This is where the tour earns its luxury label in real, everyday terms. The included items are the ones that change your day from “we’ll figure it out” to “we can relax right now.”

Included on the boat:

• Snorkeling equipment (snorkelling gear)
• Snacks
• Bottled water
• Alcoholic beverages, listed as wine and beer
• Soda/pop

And from the experience details you’re given, skippers also provide life vests and goggles, which is a big help if you’d rather not bring your own gear.

What not included:

• Swimsuits (bring your own)
• Lunch

Now, here’s a practical tip based on what you might expect from a good skipper: even if lunch isn’t included, some captains will help with lunch plans when you ask. The listing keeps it clear that lunch is not part of the base package, so don’t assume it’s guaranteed. But it’s reasonable to expect help coordinating it since the tour is private and flexible.

Also included features you should care about:

It’s offered in English, and you receive confirmation at booking time. You also get a mobile ticket, which is handy if you’re juggling multiple Dubrovnik reservations.

Price per group up to 11: when $901.10 is value, and when it isn’t

The price is $901.10 per group for up to 11 people. That makes the math feel different than most Dubrovnik activities. Instead of thinking per person, think per day with a boat.

When it tends to be good value:

If you’re traveling as a family or a small group, your cost per person drops fast.

If you want real swim time plus snorkeling, the included gear and drinks reduce the extra spending that often creeps in with boat days.

If you’d otherwise pay separately for cave visits, boat transport, and guided time, bundling it all can be a smart use of your budget.

When it might not be the best deal:

If you’re traveling as a couple or solo, you’re paying close to the full group cost. In that case, you’ll want to be sure you truly care about the caves plus private boat time, because you’re not just buying transport, you’re buying privacy and convenience.

A quick planning sanity check:

This tour is 4 to 8 hours, so it’s not a short, quick excursion. If you’re the type who needs lots of land time in Dubrovnik itself, consider whether you’re comfortable trading museum hours for sea hours.

One more scheduling note: it’s often booked around 89 days in advance, which tells me it’s popular for a reason. If your travel dates are set, don’t wait too long.

How to pack and what to do at the water stops

Since this is a boat tour with swim time, your packing list should be simple but intentional.

Bring:

• A swimsuit (not included)
• Goggles tolerance, if you’re sensitive to water in your eyes, consider that before you go
• Something for sun and warmth, like a hat or a light cover (the tour is not recommended for those sensitive to hot temperatures)

Wear:

• Shoes you don’t mind getting wet, since you’ll be moving around at swim stops
• A layer for when the wind cools things off on open water

On the day:

Arrive at the meeting point and make sure you can be contacted. In the experience, good communication is a theme, including clear meeting instructions sent ahead of time. Private tours run smoothly when you stay responsive.

Also, remember the emotional rhythm:

The best part is not “checking boxes.” It’s enjoying the changing light as you move between caves and coves. Give yourself permission to slow down and take in the shapes of the coastline.

Who this luxury private Elaphiti tour is best for

This is a strong choice for:

Families that want a private pace and calmer logistics.

Friend groups who want to share snorkeling gear, drinks, and photos without a crowd.

Couples who want the romantic version of cave and swim time, with a skipper who can adjust when you ask.

Skippers named in the experience, Loren and Dominik, come across as friendly and accommodating, and that matters because private tours are personal. If you’re bringing a baby or you need extra flexibility, this kind of private setup is often easier than squeezing into fixed-group schedules.

Skip it if:

You get seasick easily. This one is clearly not recommended for that.

You’re very heat sensitive. The tour isn’t recommended for people sensitive to warm temperatures, and you’ll still be outdoors around the water.

Should you book this tour or choose something else?

I’d book it if you want a Dubrovnik day that is mostly sea time, with caves and real swimming, and you like the idea of turning the day into something shared inside a small group boat setting.

I’d hesitate if you need a lot of land-based sightseeing or you know you’re likely to feel sick on boats. The tour depends on good weather, so if your schedule is rigid and you cannot shift plans, pick your date carefully.

Bottom line: this is the kind of experience you choose when you want to trade crowd lines for private water time, and when the included snorkeling gear plus the included drinks actually sound like your idea of a great day.

FAQ

How many people are in the private boat group?

It’s a private tour, and the group size is up to 11 people.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as about 4 to 8 hours.

Where do we meet for the boat tour?

The meeting point is Obala Stjepana Radića 17, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

What stops are included?

The route includes Blue Cave Dubrovnik on Koločep, Three Hidden Caves on Koločep, and Šunj Beach on Lopud. If you choose the full day, it also includes Šipan (including Suđurađ) and Sikirica beach (listed with Brsecine).

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Are drinks and snacks included?

Yes. The tour includes snacks and bottled water, plus wine and beer and soda/pop.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is listed as not included.

Is the tour recommended if I get seasick?

No. It’s not recommended for people with seasickness.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is the tour in English, and do I get a mobile ticket?

The tour is offered in English, and it includes a mobile ticket.