Dubrovnik Islands Private Rented Boat Cruise

If you want a Dubrovnik day that feels like you’re in charge, this private boat rental to the Elafiti Islands is a smart choice. You get a skipper to handle the waves, then you choose where you swim, snorkel, stroll, and snack across Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan at your own pace. I love that the day is built for flexibility, and I love that you’re not just watching from a dock, you’re actually in the water.

The main drawback to plan for is the cost, since it is $924.18 per group up to 12, and the price is per boat, not per person. Also, island sights that charge admission are not included.

You’ll start from Gruž Port (with pickup offered), and you’ll end back at the same meeting point. Based on past groups, the skipper experience really matters here, and guides like Tino (and other captain-host teams) can turn the cruise into something more like a day out with friends than a stiff sightseeing schedule.

Key points at a glance

• Private charter for up to 12 people, with a dedicated skipper onboard
• Elafiti Islands trio: Koločep (Blue cave), Lopud, and Šipan
• Swim and snorkel time in clear water, plus beach breaks like Šunj
• Unlimited drinks onboard, including wine (white and red), plus soft drinks and water
• Onboard comfort basics, including a fridge, CD player, and life jackets
• A flexible day, guided by what your group wants to do once you’re underway

A private 12-person boat day, not a crowded tour bus

This cruise works because it is simple: you rent the boat, your skipper runs the show, and you spend your time on the water. The boat is 12 meters long and takes up to 12 passengers, so you avoid the usual Croatia summer problem, too many people and not enough water time.

One big win is how the day is paced. Instead of a “stop, pose, leave” itinerary, you get breaks that fit what your group wants. In real life, that means you can spend longer where the water is inviting, and move on before you start feeling rushed. It also tends to be great for families, because there’s room to shift plans without it turning into a stressful domino effect.

As for what you’ll actually do, think beach walking, swimming, and the option to snorkel around the caves and clear-water spots. There are also islands with historical buildings and botanical gardens, so if you want a mix of nature and culture, you’re not stuck doing only one thing.

Choosing your Elafiti islands: how the day usually flows

Your day is built around the Elafiti group, with Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan the core stops. The wording on the experience is “visit the islands at your leisure,” which is the real value here. You’re not locked to a rigid order, and you’re not forced into a tight clock.

Here’s the practical way to think about it for your planning:

• Koločep is where you go for that classic “get close to the sea” feeling, with a focus on swimming and cave time like the Blue cave.
• Lopud often works best as a slower island break, where you can stroll and enjoy the beaches.
• Šipan gives you more of the full-island day vibe, including time at Šunj beach, described as a sandy lagoon that’s often listed among top beaches worldwide.

You might also find yourself making tradeoffs based on wind and sea conditions. Croatia in summer can feel calm one hour and breezy the next. The skipper’s job is to keep things smooth, and that matters when your day is private and your schedule is your own.

Koločep and the Blue cave moment you’ll actually remember

Koločep is the island stop that sets expectations high, mainly because it’s tied to the Blue cave. The idea is straightforward: you cruise over, you get time near the cave area, and you can swim or snorkel in clear water.

What makes this stop worth protecting with your attention is not just the cave itself, it’s the feeling of being in the water in an area you usually only see from shore. On a private boat, you can take your time. If your group wants more water time, you lean into that. If someone in your crew just wants a calmer beach break instead, you adjust without derailing the whole day.

A small consideration: caves and swim spots are weather dependent. If conditions are rough, your skipper may adapt the plan. That’s not a flaw of the tour, it’s reality at sea. The upside of a private charter is that adaptation can happen quickly, without losing half your day waiting for a fixed-group schedule.

Lopud: beaches, stroll time, and a kinder island pace

Lopud tends to be the “let’s slow down and enjoy it” island. You get cruising along the coast, then time to step off the boat for beach and walking breaks. If you want a day that mixes simple fun with light exploration, Lopud is usually where that balance happens.

I like this island stop because it fits multiple travel styles at once. Families can keep things easy, groups of friends can wander at their own pace, and anyone who wants a breather from constant sightseeing can take it slow. It’s also a good place for a picnic style pause, especially if you want to save money on buying every meal on the islands.

Also, Lopud is part of the Elafiti story that people come for. Coastal views from the water are stunning, and stepping onto the island gives you a different perspective than staying on board. You feel the change from open sea to island rhythm fast.

One more practical thought: for a tour like this, your best results come from choosing how much walking you want. The tour is meant to be flexible, but your feet and energy are not. So I’d plan your day with both water time and some shore time, then adjust once you’re there.

Šipan and Šunj beach, sandy time for swimming and lingering

If Koločep is about cave water and Lopud is about easy pacing, Šipan is where your day can feel fuller, especially because of Šunj beach. This is described as a sandy lagoon beach and is often promoted as one of the top beaches worldwide.

What I like about Šunj as a tour stop is the “linger” factor. Sandy beaches invite longer swim breaks, and lagoons tend to feel more sheltered than open-water shorelines. That means more time floating, fewer frantic minutes trying to keep balance in choppy areas.

Šipan also adds another layer: you can look for island historical buildings and botanical gardens. If your group wants at least a touch of culture between swim breaks, Šipan is a good place to fit it in.

Just know that if you want to go inside paid attractions, entrance fees are not included. So you can still enjoy the island, but plan for the extra cost if you’re set on specific monuments or garden tickets.

Onboard comfort that makes the day easier

This is a charter, so you’re not just buying “transport.” You’re buying comfort on the water. The boat comes with life jackets, plus a fridge, and a CD player. That might sound minor, but it changes the mood. Cold drinks matter when the sun is doing its job, and having a simple way to set the tone helps turn a long boat ride into part of the fun.

Then there are the drinks. The package includes unlimited water, white wine, red wine, and soft drinks. That is a real value add for groups, because you’re not dealing with island prices for every refill. Also, shared drinks tend to bring people together, which is exactly what you want on a private day.

One detail that stood out in past experiences is shade. On a sunny Adriatic day, shaded seating can be the difference between an 8-hour dream and an 8-hour complaint. If shade matters to you, you’ll likely feel better planning for that before you go.

From a practical safety angle, the skipper is there to handle the helm and guide the day. You can relax and enjoy the water rather than worrying about the logistics of getting between islands.

Wine included, but make it smart for the sea and the group

Unlimited wine is a nice perk, but it’s also something you should treat with common sense. If you’re traveling with kids or anyone who prefers not to drink, the good news is that the drinks list includes water and soft drinks too. So you’re not stuck with a wine-only vibe.

If your group includes both swimmers and non-swimmers, a good rhythm is to do water breaks when you’re feeling fresh, then settle into rest time after. That keeps the day enjoyable for everyone and reduces the chance that the “unlimited” part makes the timing go sideways.

And since the boat can take up to 12 people, it’s easy for everyone to coordinate. You’re not negotiating elbow room or competing for attention like you would on larger cruises. You get a shared plan, and then you can spread out within that group.

Price and value: is $924.18 per group a good deal?

Let’s talk money like a grown-up. This charter costs $924.18 per group for up to 12 for a day that runs about 8 hours. That price is per boat, which means your value depends on how many people you pack into the group.

• If you fill close to 12, the cost per person becomes much easier to swallow.
• If you’re a small group, you’re paying for a full boat and skipper regardless.

The upside is that skipper and gasoline are included, plus unlimited drinks. So compared with the “rent a boat and then pay for fuel, drinks, and the captain separately” model, this one is more straightforward. You can also save money by not buying drinks all day, and by keeping meals flexible since the islands offer options like local restaurants.

Another value angle is time. You’re not spending a half day on transfers or waiting for groups. You’re on the water. If your goal is a relaxed day with real sea time, that’s what you’re paying for.

Bottom line: this is best when you can bring a group size near the top of the limit, or when you really want a private, flexible day and you consider that worth the premium.

Best fit: families, friend groups, and people who hate rigid schedules

This experience is especially suited to people who want control. You’re not being herded through a script. Instead, you have space to decide what to do once you’re out there.

Families seem to work well here, partly because the day includes shaded time on the boat and because it’s easy to adjust when kids need a change of pace. Even if you’re not traveling with children, you’ll probably appreciate that flexibility.

Friend groups also love this because it’s social. You can split into small clusters for swimming, then regroup. The skipper experience can add a human touch too. Past groups have had captains who share quick, friendly context as you pass landmarks, which can turn a normal ride into a story-filled day without making it feel like a classroom.

If you’re the type who likes to walk gardens, look at historical buildings, and then go right back into the water, the Elafiti islands give you that mix. And since you’re picking your pace, you can avoid the “we did everything, but none of it felt fun” trap.

Rain, wind, and the reality of sea days

Croatia can throw surprises. If the weather turns, the sea can feel different fast. One positive sign from experience is that the cruise can still work even with rain, meaning the day is not automatically ruined at the first drop.

That said, you should go in with the right mindset: you’re booking time on the water, and the sea decides some parts of the schedule. The skipper can adapt. You’ll still get island time and water time when conditions allow.

If you’re planning for photos, expect lighting changes in cloudy weather. That’s not always bad. Sometimes the light feels softer, and the islands look great from the boat. Just plan to be flexible, wear something that dries, and keep expectations anchored on time in the water and island breaks, not perfect weather.

Should you book this private Elafiti boat rental?

Book it if you want a private, flexible day on a real boat, not a fixed schedule. It’s a strong fit for groups near the 12-person cap, families who value a relaxed pace, and anyone who wants to combine swimming, snorkel time, and island strolling in one day.

Consider skipping or adjusting expectations if you’re traveling solo or as a small group and the per-boat cost feels steep. In that case, the value drops because you’re still paying for the skipper and fuel, and you might do better with something that prices per person.

If your “must-haves” are clear water time, Elafiti island cruising, and the freedom to shape the day, this one is a solid choice. When you land on the right group size, it turns Dubrovnik from a city you visit into a place you actually experience from the sea.

FAQ

What islands are included in the Dubrovnik Islands Private Rented Boat Cruise?

The cruise focuses on the Elafiti Islands, with time for Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan.

How long is the boat rental?

It’s described as a full-day experience with up to 8 hours on the water (approx.).

How many people can ride on the boat?

The boat accommodates a maximum of 12 passengers, and it’s a private tour for your group.

Is a skipper included, and is fuel included?

Yes. The price includes a skipper, and it also includes gasoline or fuel.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The tour includes unlimited drinks, including water, white wine, red wine, and soft drinks.

What onboard amenities are available?

The boat is equipped with a fridge, a CD player, and life-jackets.

Where do we meet for the tour?

The meeting point is Gruž Port Parking, Obala Stjepana Radića 39, 20000, Dubrovnik. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is pickup offered?

Yes, pickup is offered.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the experience is offered in English.

Are island entrance fees included?

No. Entrance fees to historical monuments on the islands are not included.

Is cancellation free?

Yes, there is free cancellation. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.