Dubrovnik: Private speedboat tour of Elafiti islands

This private speedboat trip is one of the quickest ways to get out of Dubrovnik and onto the water, where the Elafiti Islands feel like a different planet. You get a small, flexible day built around swimming and island time, not a rigid group schedule.

I especially like the Blue Cave swim on Kolocep. I also like that you can spend real time on Lopud for sandy beach relaxation and a visit to the 15th-century Franciscan Monastery.

One practical consideration: the tour includes cave swimming, but flotation gear is not listed. If you want it, ask in advance and consider bringing your own comfort item.

Key highlights you’ll actually feel on the day

• Blue Cave on Kolocep with time set aside to swim in the clear water
• Lopud on foot for village strolls, beach time, and the Franciscan Monastery from the 15th century
• A private skipper and boat so the day feels personal and the pace matches your group
• Flexible island time, including an option to add stops as you wish
• Included drinks on board, including domestic white wine, plus soft drinks and beer

Private speedboat to Kolocep and Lopud: the big appeal

The biggest value here is how quickly you shift from Dubrovnik sightseeing mode to island life mode. You are not stuck waiting around for buses or packing into a crowd. Instead, you get picked up and dropped off to the boat, then you spend the half-day island hopping by water.

I like that the experience is built around actual downtime too. You are not racing through stops. You get multiple ways to enjoy the same scenery: brief cave exploration, swimming in clear water, walking around villages, and sunbathing.

It is also a good choice if you want a day that feels customized without planning a whole logistics puzzle. The boat and skipper are private, and the day runs as an intimate outing rather than a big group production.

Route breakdown: from Dubrovnik to Kolocep, then Lopud

This half-day trip is structured around two islands, Kolocep and Lopud. You start with Kolocep, where the focus is swimming and shoreline exploring. The Blue Cave visit happens on Kolocep, then you get time to enjoy the island from the water and on foot.

After that, you move to Lopud. Lopud is the island where you can slow down, walk around, and enjoy beach time. There is also a cultural stop: the historic Franciscan Monastery dating back to the 15th century.

Why this pairing works: Kolocep gives you the dramatic water moments, and Lopud gives you the classic island relaxation rhythm. If your ideal day includes both swimming and a bit of on-land wandering, this route usually fits the bill.

Blue Cave on Kolocep, swim time and cave navigation

Kolocep is where the water looks best for swimming, and the highlight is the Blue Cave. The tour includes a visit to the cave on Kolocep, with time planned so you can swim in the dazzling water.

This is the part of the trip that rewards a calm attitude. Caves can be bright and beautiful, but the best experience comes from moving slowly, staying aware of water entry points, and following your skipper’s guidance.

One thing I recommend: ask your skipper ahead of time about flotation equipment. The tour does not mention it, and cave swimming can be more comfortable with extra support. Even if you are a strong swimmer, a quick question saves stress once you are already in the moment.

Also, keep your towel handy. You will go from cool water to warm sun fast, and having a towel makes the post-swim part of the day much easier.

Walking Lopud: sandy beaches and the Franciscan Monastery

Lopud is the island where you get a different vibe from Kolocep. The water and beaches are a big part of the appeal, especially if you want a gentle day with time to lie back and enjoy the sun.

On Lopud, you also get cultural texture. The tour includes time to visit the Franciscan Monastery, which dates back to the 15th century. Even if you are not a big church person, a stop like this adds context. You start to see how these islands developed around small communities, local craft, and religious life.

What I like about this stop pairing is that it balances body and brain time. Swimming and sunbathing take care of the body. The monastery and village wandering give you a reason to slow down and notice details like stone buildings and chapel spaces.

If you like photos, you will find plenty. Just don’t treat it like a photo sprint. Take a few minutes to sit near the monastery area or along the quieter lanes, then head back toward the beach when you feel ready.

Skipper, comfort, and drinks on board Baldiva

Baldiva runs this outing, and the core idea is simple: a private skipper and private boat. That setup matters because it changes how you experience the day. You can ask questions in real time, adjust your pace, and spend more time where you’re actually enjoying yourself.

On board, you get soft drinks such as CocaCola, water, and ice tea. There is also beer and domestic white wine included. It is not a fancy cocktail experience, but it is a practical add-on that turns the ride into part of the fun rather than just transport.

One of the best details from real-life experience is that your guide may get involved in the water. In at least one case, the skipper joined the group in the water and showed cave passages that you might miss on your own. That kind of guidance is exactly what you want from a private skipper.

If you want a bit of extra flexibility, you can often add stops as you wish. Ask about options early, and make your request based on what feels right in the moment, not on what sounds good in theory.

What you should bring, and what to ask your skipper

You only get one must-have item listed: a towel. Bring one you are comfortable using immediately after a swim, not one you plan to keep dry in a bag for later.

Beyond that, I suggest you focus on questions that protect your day:

• Ask whether any flotation equipment is available for cave swimming.
• Ask what swim conditions are likely for your specific day, so you know how to plan your comfort level.
• Ask about stop flexibility if you want to spend extra time somewhere on Kolocep or Lopud.

Also, plan to wear swim-friendly clothing. Since the tour includes swimming and sun time, you’ll make your life easier if you treat your day like it already has water stops on the schedule. If you show up ready, you spend more time enjoying, less time scrambling.

Finally, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. If you need accessibility support, ask directly how the boat and island steps are handled, because nothing about that capability is stated in the basic info.

Price and value for a half-day private outing

The price is listed as $353 per group up to 1. That sounds steep if you compare it to group boat tours. But private boat tours are priced for privacy, flexibility, and the fact that you are paying for the skipper and boat for your group, not per seat.

Here is how to judge value the honest way:

• If you are going solo or with just one person, you are paying for a private day. The cost per person stays high.
• If you can share the outing with more people (depending on how your booking is arranged), the value improves quickly because you split the fixed cost of boat and skipper.

What you are really buying is time on the water plus real stops: the Blue Cave swim on Kolocep, beach time on Lopud, and a monastery visit. Since the outing is half-day, you also get a high payoff before the rest of your day in Dubrovnik disappears into crowds or long transport lines.

For people who prioritize swimming, privacy, and island time over saving a few dollars, this price can feel fair. For people who mainly want a shoreline walk with minimal water time, it may feel like you are paying for features you will not use.

Who should book, and who should skip

Book it if your travel style is water-first. This trip is built for swimming and sunbathing, with a cave highlight and plenty of island scenery from both the boat and on foot.

It also works well if you want a cultural touch without a full day of museum touring. The Franciscan Monastery stop gives you a meaningful point of interest, and Lopud walking time helps it feel like an island day, not a checklist.

Consider skipping or rethinking if you want mostly dry, structured sightseeing. The day includes time in and around the water, and it is not listed as wheelchair-friendly.

If you are the type who likes flexibility, this private format helps. One of the best features is that you can often add stops as you wish, rather than just following a strict script.

And if you care about being guided through cave moments, your skipper may go a step further, even into the water, to show passages you might otherwise miss.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It is a half-day trip to the Elafiti Islands, with time on two islands: Kolocep and Lopud.

Which islands do you visit?

You visit Kolocep and Lopud. On Kolocep, you can swim at the Blue Cave area, and on Lopud you get time for beaches and the Franciscan Monastery.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The tour includes a visit to the Blue Cave on Kolocep and time for swimming in the crystal-clear water. The day is also set up for swimming and snorkeling opportunities.

What’s included in the price?

Included are pickup and drop-off to the boat, a private skipper and boat, soft drinks (CocaCola, water, ice tea), beer, and domestic white wine.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel.

What languages are offered?

The tour is available in English and Croatian.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Can I reserve without paying right away?

Yes. The option is reserve and pay later, meaning you can book your spot and pay nothing today.

Should you book this Dubrovnik Elafiti private speedboat tour?

If you want a half-day that feels like an escape, this is a strong choice. The Blue Cave swim on Kolocep plus beach time and monastery visiting on Lopud gives you a balanced day, and the private skipper format makes the experience feel personal.

I would book it if swimming and water time are part of what you came for, and if you can handle the fact that you may want to ask about flotation gear for the cave swims.

If your goal is mostly land-based sightseeing with minimal water, look for a different format. But if you want turquoise water, private time, and the freedom to enjoy the day at your pace, this one is easy to recommend.