Elaphite Islands Luxury Private Boat Tour with Cap Camarat 7.5

This Elaphite Islands luxury boat tour is interesting because it mixes big scenery with a small boat, so you can time the caves and swims without being stuck in a long, rigid group rhythm. I like the true private setup (your group only, up to 7), plus the comfort of a Cap Camarat 7.5 style charter day. And when Šime (Simon) is the skipper, you get the kind of local, calm confidence that makes the whole trip feel smooth.

I also like that you get to control the day. You can linger at the Green Cave, Blue Cave, and Three Caves on Kolocep and then decide how much time you want on Lopud’s Šunj beach and in the village with restotans. The one possible drawback is that the experience depends on good weather, so the day may shift if conditions are not ideal.

Key Points You’ll Care About

• Private boat for up to 7 so your time is yours, not scheduled around strangers
• Cave-focused stops on Kolocep, including Green Cave, Blue Cave, and the Three Caves
• Snorkeling equipment, towels, and a GoPro provided for active cave and swim time
• Beer, white wine, soft drinks, and water served without needing to plan ahead
• Round-trip transfers included from your hotel to the boat (plus helpful meet-up coordination)

Why Elaphite Islands by Private Boat Feels Different

If you picture the Elaphite Islands as a calm escape from Dubrovnik, this is a smart way to actually get there. The Elaphites sit just off the coast, and from the water the coastline makes sense fast, with cliffs, coves, and cave entrances that you just do not get the same way from land.

What makes this trip stand out is scale. A private charter means you are not fighting for space at anchor, and you are not rushing because a large group is waiting. Your skipper can also plan around crowd timing, including aiming for cave areas early when possible. That matters most for the Blue Cave, which tends to be one of the main magnets for visitors.

Cap Camarat 7.5 Comfort, Drinks, and the Little Extras That Matter

This is a luxury private boat tour, and the comfort is not just marketing. You are on a capable day-boat setup, and the experience includes the things that keep everyone relaxed once you are underway.

Here is what you can expect right away:

• Beer, white wine, soft drinks, and water are served during the trip
• Snorkeling equipment and towels are included
• A GoPro is provided, and you can take it into the water
• You get to travel with your own group only (up to 7), not mixed with strangers

For me, the practical win is the planning burden. You do not have to figure out snacks, towels, or gear at the last minute. That is huge on a day you also want to spend in the caves and water, not distracted by logistics.

Getting Picked Up and Staying on Schedule in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik can be wonderfully scenic and also slightly chaotic on busy days. This tour helps because it offers pickup and round-trip transfers from your hotel to the boat.

You are also given a mobile ticket, and confirmation arrives at booking. Reviews also point to clear communication around where to meet, including help that works well even when you are arriving via a cruise port and walking is part of the route to the marina.

Tip for your day: be ready a little early. When you arrive before your scheduled moment, you often gain breathing room, and in cave-heavy itineraries, small timing advantages can feel like a big win.

Kolocep Island: Green Cave, Blue Cave, and the Three Caves

Kolocep is the cave island in this plan, and it is built for exactly the kind of day most people want when they book a boat tour: swim time, look time, and photos that do not feel like a selfie stick contest.

You will visit:

• Green Cave
• Blue Cave
• Three Caves

The big advantage here is flexibility. This is a private tour, and you can stay as long as you like at each cave attraction. That does not mean you should plan a nap in the middle of the water, but it does mean you can match the pace to your group. If someone wants to snorkel for 20 minutes and someone else wants to just float and watch, you can usually make it work.

What to consider:

• Cave entrances and swim opportunities can feel very weather-dependent. If the water is rough, the captain may adjust how you use the stops.
• You should treat cave time like a window. Even with flexibility, you are still moving through a day schedule, so have swimwear easy and ready.

If you want the best chance to enjoy the caves without the constant crowd “push,” this Kolocep block is where private timing pays off most.

Lopud and Šunj Beach: Sand Time Plus Village Strolls

After Kolocep’s caves, Lopud is the reset. It gives you a sandy beach break and a more relaxed island feel compared with the cave intensity.

On Lopud, the plan includes:

• A stop at Šunj beach (sandy beach time)
• Time in a village where you can take a walk and find a few places to eat (restotans)

You get about 3 hours here, and again it is private, so you can stay as long as you want at the areas during the stop. This is where you stop thinking about schedules and start thinking about comfort: shade, sunscreen, a slow walk, and swimming when you feel like it.

A practical note: Lopud is a place you can enjoy at two speeds. If you want quiet beach time, focus on Šunj and nearby water access. If your group wants variety, add the village stroll and pick a simple meal when the mood hits.

Sipan on Short and Long Versions of This Day

Sipan is the third Elaphite island on the route, and it changes depending on how long your tour is. This itinerary works across 4 to 8 hours, so the Sipan time has to be flexible.

You can expect:

• About 2 hours on Sipan for longer runs
• On shorter (around 4 hour) trips, Sipan may only be visited briefly if there is not enough time on the earlier stops

Why that matters for you: if you are the type who wants maximum swimming and caves above all else, a shorter schedule still makes sense. If you want a more complete island day, lean toward the longer option so Sipan gets proper time, not just a quick look from the water.

If your priority is photo viewpoints and a slower, less cave-driven feel, Sipan is the “bonus layer” that turns a fun day into a fuller one.

How Šime (Simon) Runs the Day, and Why It Gets Mentioned a Lot

Almost every glowing review you see for this kind of tour eventually lands on the same theme: the skipper makes the difference. In this case, Šime (Simon) and the way he runs the day show up repeatedly.

Here are the parts you should care about when choosing this experience:

• He is responsive to what your group wants, including whether you linger in spots or skip others
• He checks in before the trip and helps you figure out where to meet
• People feel safe and comfortable, with an emphasis on good seamanship
• He often times stops to help you get to popular cave areas before crowds

One small but telling detail from reviews: some guests mention that Šime coordinated pickup in a way that worked well even with cruise-day constraints. That kind of planning reduces stress. You spend less time worrying and more time actually enjoying the water.

Snorkeling, Towels, and the GoPro: Turning Stops Into Real Time

This tour is not just sightseeing. You get snorkeling gear and towels, plus a GoPro you can use during your time in the water.

That means you can actually participate in what makes the caves famous. Instead of just looking at cave openings from the boat, you have the tools for a swim-and-snap kind of day.

If you are bringing your own camera, keep it simple. Water time is the priority, and the GoPro can cover a lot of action without you thinking too hard. Dry off later, but do not waste your best moments.

And since drinks are included, the rhythm becomes easy: swim, relax, sip something cold, then move to the next stop.

Value: What You Pay For (and Why It Can Beat Cheaper Group Boats)

At around $544.43 per group (up to 7), this is not the cheapest way to do the Elaphites. But the value is not only about having a private boat. It is about what is bundled into the day.

You are paying for:

• Privacy (your group only)
• Round-trip transfers from your hotel
• Drinks (beer, white wine, soft drinks, water)
• Snorkeling equipment, towels, and a GoPro
• A skipper who can adjust your timing so you do not feel rushed

When you compare that to typical group boat tours, the key difference is friction. Group tours often mean less control over time in each cave or bay, and you might feel like you are trapped inside someone else’s schedule. Here, the day can tilt toward your priorities, like extra cave time or a calmer beach window.

If you have a group of friends, or you are traveling with family where kids need a flexible pace, private value often clicks faster because the “custom” part helps everyone.

What to Bring for a Smooth Cave and Swim Day

You do not need much, but you do need the basics ready fast. For this kind of day, I recommend:

• Swimwear and quick-dry clothes
• A small waterproof bag or pouch for phone and keys
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Water shoes (helpful if you plan to swim or step around areas)
• A light layer for the boat ride back, especially if the wind picks up

Also, bring a good attitude. Cave time is not a theme park line. It is more like stepping into a natural feature that you explore at water level, so go with the flow.

Who This Tour Suits Best

This is a great fit if you want:

• A private day with no crowd pressure
• Cave swims and snorkeling time, not just a quick pass by
• Flexibility, like staying longer at certain spots and skipping what does not interest you
• A comfortable boat day with drinks and towels handled

It also works for different group types. Reviews mention families with kids, couples, and groups of friends. The theme is the same: everyone values the ability to slow down or speed up based on the mood.

If you are on a tight Dubrovnik schedule, a shorter version can still deliver the main hits. If you want the most complete Elaphite day, go longer so Sipan is not just a quick stop.

Weather, Sea Conditions, and the Smart Way to Plan

This experience requires good weather. If conditions are not suitable, the operator will offer an alternate date or a full refund.

In practice, that means you should book with flexibility in mind. Even on a perfect planning day, the sea decides the mood. If you can shift dates, you can often lock in the best version of the cave-and-swim day.

If you are traveling in shoulder season, you might get calmer days, but the safest approach is still to watch the forecast and keep your schedule adaptable.

Should You Book This Private Elaphite Islands Boat Tour?

Book it if you care about privacy, cave time, and a day that can be tailored to your group. This is one of those Dubrovnik experiences where paying more can actually reduce stress, because you get fewer compromises: more control over pacing, drinks and gear handled, and a skipper who plans around crowds.

Skip or reconsider if you have a very inflexible schedule and you cannot adjust for weather, since the caves and water time depend on conditions. Also, if your goal is mostly walking around on land and shopping, this plan is more water-focused, and you might want a different style of excursion.

My take: if you want a meaningful Elaphite day with cave swims and a calmer vibe than the big boats, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

How many people are included in the private boat tour?

The tour is a private charter for just your group, up to 7 people.

How long does the Elaphite Islands boat tour last?

The duration is about 4 to 8 hours.

What islands and attractions are included?

You visit Kolocep Island (Green Cave, Blue Cave, and the Three Caves), Lopud (Šunj beach and time in the village/restotans area), and Sipan (time depending on your tour length).

What’s included with the tour?

Beer, white wine, soft drinks, and water are served. Snorkeling equipment, towels, and a GoPro are provided. Round-trip transfers from your hotel are included.

Is the tour really private?

Yes. It is a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What if 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.

What are the cancellation terms?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.