Elaphite Islands & Mljet – Private Boat Excursion from Dubrovnik

This private boat day from Dubrovnik is interesting because it lets you hop islands fast, then spend time in water that feels a world away from Dubrovnik’s heat and crowds. I love the chance to swim and snorkel around Kolocep’s Blue Cave and to linger at Mljet’s Lemuni Lagoon. One thing to plan for: fuel is not included, and the outing needs good weather to run as planned.

This is also the kind of day where your skipper really matters. On boats like this, crews such as Iso, Peter, and Esso (spelling may vary) have a reputation for being friendly and for adjusting the day to your comfort level, not just a rigid schedule.

Key Things I’d Mark Before You Go

• Beneteau Flyer 850 setup for small groups: space for up to 7 passengers plus the crew
• Snorkeling at Kolocep, Lemuni Lagoon, and Elaphite coves: swim stops built into the route
• Water-time extras included: snorkeling gear and a paddleboard
• On-board comfort that helps in real sun: bimini shade, freshwater shower, fridge, and Bluetooth stereo
• Some sites have tickets and some don’t: Kolocep, Lemuni Lagoon, and Elaphite coves are covered
• Budget add-on: fuel costs are payable in cash to the skipper

Private Boat Setup: Beneteau Flyer 850 and a Small Group Day

This trip is private, which changes the feel right away. Instead of squeezing into a crowded catamaran with strangers, you get a compact group sized for easier movement around the boat and calmer water time. The boat used is a Beneteau Flyer 850 Sun Deck Cruiser, a model built for day cruises with a sun deck and enough space to breathe.

The layout is practical for an 8-hour day: there’s a comfortable deck plus an interior with a cabin and toilet. You’ll also have helpful details like a bimini-top for shade, a swim ladder for easy re-entry, and a freshwater shower when you want to rinse off salt. If you like having music, there’s a stereo with Bluetooth, and there are power outlets (220 V) and USB outlets if you need them.

I also like that this is designed around a cruising speed of about 22 knots. That matters because you spend less time in transit and more time where you came for it: swimming, snorkeling, and quiet bays.

Stop 1 Kolocep Island Blue Cave: Quick Swim, Great Location

Kolocep is first, and that’s smart. You start the day with a swim-and-snorkel focus, including time for Blue Cave exploration. The stop is about 45 minutes, and the admission ticket is included.

For this kind of short stop, the goal is simple: get into the water, move with the tides and cave conditions, and enjoy the clear coastal scenery without feeling rushed for hours. You don’t want to turn the first stop into a long hike day, so the timing fits the “water escape” purpose perfectly.

You’ll get snorkeling equipment as part of the tour, so you can show up and go straight to the water. If you’re not an advanced snorkeler, that’s fine. The real win here is that the boat gets you into the right area without you having to figure out logistics from Dubrovnik on your own.

If the water is calm and visibility is good, Blue Cave can be a highlight. If conditions are rough, you might not get the same cave experience, but swimming around Kolocep is still the core point.

Stop 2 Mljet Lemuni Lagoon: A Southern-Side Break From the Sun

Mljet is where the trip slows down a bit, and that’s a good thing. You get around 3 hours on Mljet’s southern side, focused on swimming and exploring Lemuni Lagoon. The admission ticket is included here too. Lunch on the island is optional.

Lemuni Lagoon is the kind of place where you’ll want to take your time. You can float, swim, and look around at the calm water, and because the stop is several hours, you’re not trapped in a rushed loop. The lagoon setting also gives you a break from the “speed boat, next stop” rhythm.

Bring a plan for lunch, even if it’s optional. If you skip it, you might still want a snack at some point, especially after time in sun and water. If you do eat on the island, consider that lunch costs are not included, so check prices when you arrive.

This stop is also where having a freshwater shower on the boat later feels like a lifesaver. Rinsing off right before heading back keeps the rest of the day more comfortable.

Stops 3 and 4 Sipanska Luka, Jakljan, Sipan, and Elaphite Coves

After Mljet, the day shifts to a mix of strolling and more water time.

Sipanska Luka (Jakljan and Sipan)

Stop 3 is about 2 hours in Sipanska Luka, with time to stroll around. This stop covers the western Elaphite islands area, including Jakljan and Sipan. The admission ticket here is free, and you’ll have a chance to do light exploring rather than only snorkeling.

This is useful if you like variety. One part of the day is wet and active, and this is the stretch where you can stretch your legs, take photos, and enjoy a slower pace on shore. Since this portion is free-choice within your time window, you can keep it simple: a short walk, shade breaks, and back to the boat before you get tired.

Elaphite Islands: Swimming and Snorkeling in Coves

Stop 4 wraps things up with about 1 hour of swimming and snorkeling in the Elaphite island coves. The admission ticket is included.

One hour sounds short, but it’s timed to finish while you still have energy. This is the stop you use for a last burst of water time, maybe trying snorkeling again if conditions were better earlier, or just enjoying the coastline from the surface.

Because this is the final swim block, it’s smart to store towels and sun protection so you can grab them fast after you get out. Saltwater and sun can catch you off guard even when the boat has shade.

How the Skipper’s Flexible Timing Keeps the Day Comfortable

The itinerary is built with set durations, but the actual flow is flexible based on comfort and preference. That means your skipper can help pace the day so it doesn’t feel like a race.

In practice, flexibility matters most when water conditions change. If the cave area or snorkeling conditions are not ideal, a good skipper can adjust how long you spend where you’ll enjoy it most. The same goes for heat. If you’re feeling it after the second swim stop, you can benefit from more shade time on the boat.

This is also where the skipper’s personality shows. Crews like Iso, Peter, or Esso have been described as hospitable and helpful in shaping what the day feels like. The goal is not just to follow a list, it’s to make the day work for your group.

One practical takeaway for you: decide what you want most, swim time or shore time. If you tell the skipper your preference early, you’re more likely to get a day that matches your energy level.

Snorkeling, Paddleboard, and On-Board Comfort That Actually Helps

This boat experience isn’t only about the stops. The way the boat supports water time makes a real difference.

Here’s what you’ll have:

• Snorkeling equipment included, so you don’t need to pack your own
• Paddleboard included, which is great if you want something calmer than snorkel
• Swim ladder for getting in and out without wrestling gear
• Freshwater shower, so you can rinse off salt and sand
• Refrigerator for cold drinks
• Stereo with Bluetooth, if music helps the ride

The bimini-top is a big deal on a summer day. Heat can sneak up on you when you’re focused on the water. With shade available, you can take short recovery breaks instead of lying in the sun every time you step back on board.

Another detail I like is the set of beverages included: water, fruit juices, sodas, and beer. It’s not a full bar situation, but it does cover the basics without you hunting for drinks between stops.

And yes, there are power outlets (220 V) and USB outlets if you need to top up a phone.

Lunch, Drinks, and What to Bring for a Sun-Forward Day

Lunch is not included, but there is an optional lunch moment on Mljet. That’s your main in-day choice, while other stops are better thought of as swim and stroll windows.

Because food is on you, plan like this:

• If you want lunch on Mljet, budget for it and aim to eat during your stop window
• If you skip it, pack a small snack if you think you’ll get hungry after sun and swimming

Drinks are handled for you, which takes away one headache. Still, you should hydrate steadily. Swim time can trick you into thinking you don’t need water, especially if you’re in and out of the lagoon or cave areas.

Bring the obvious stuff, but don’t forget the practical items:

• Towel
• Swimsuit
• Sun block cream
• Camera

If you’re sensitive to sun, consider a hat too. The boat has shade, but you’ll spend plenty of time on deck before and after the water.

Price Breakdown: Private Group Cost, Plus the Fuel Add-On

The published price is $1,403.97 per group, up to 7 people, for about 8 hours. That sounds like a lot until you remember you’re paying for a private boat and crew, not a shared seat.

To understand value, look at what’s included:

• Skipper and crew
• Hotel or port pickup and drop-off
• Local taxes
• Snorkeling equipment
• Paddleboard use
• Beverages (water, fruit juices, sodas, beer)
• Admission tickets at key stops (Kolocep Blue Cave, Lemuni Lagoon, Elaphite coves)
• Mobile ticket

Now for the part you must budget separately: fuel costs are not included and are payable directly to the skipper in cash, €300.00 per booking.

So the real cost to compare is:

• Your booked price
• Plus fuel in cash
• Plus lunch if you choose it
• Plus any personal costs like souvenirs or extra snacks

If you fill the group closer to 7, the per-person feel improves a lot. If you’re booking as a smaller group, it can still be worth it if your priority is privacy and water time over saving money.

One more note: the experience can’t be changed for any reason and is non-refundable. If that rule would make you nervous because your plans might shift, consider building in flexibility elsewhere in your itinerary.

Who This Dubrovnik Boat Day Works Best For

This is for you if you want:

• Swim-and-snorkel time without crowd stress
• A private pace with a skipper who can adjust to comfort
• Water highlights across multiple islands in one day

It’s also a good pick if you value variety. You get a cave-focused swim at Kolocep, a lagoon swim at Mljet, a shore stroll around Sipanska Luka and the western Elaphite islands, then a final swim round in the coves.

The best fit is people who don’t need a long museum-style day. This is a “get in the water” excursion. Even the shore time is light and practical.

If you’re the type who needs every minute to be tightly scheduled, you might want to know that timing is flexible. That said, for many people, flexibility is the whole point.

Weather, Tickets, and Practical Details to Avoid Headaches

This outing requires good weather. If conditions are poor, the trip may be canceled, and then you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

You also get admission tickets for some stops and not others. Specifically:

• Kolocep Blue Cave includes an admission ticket
• Lemuni Lagoon includes an admission ticket
• Elaphite coves include an admission ticket
• Sipanska Luka is ticket-free

That mix helps keep your expectations realistic. Some parts of the day feel like fully organized swim stops, while one leg includes more walking time.

The pickup and drop-off are offered via hotel or port. There’s also mobile ticket use. And if you want to coordinate your arrival, the meeting area is described as near public transportation.

Finally, confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. If your schedule is tight, book early so you’re not stuck waiting.

Should You Book This Tour?

Book it if you want a private, water-first day that hits Kolocep’s cave area, Mljet’s Lemuni Lagoon, and the Elaphite coves without wasting your time. The included snorkeling gear, paddleboard, and on-board comfort details like the freshwater shower and bimini-top make the day feel usable, not just scenic.

Consider skipping or picking a different style if:

• You’re trying to keep costs ultra-low, because fuel (€300 cash) and lunch are extra
• You’re not comfortable with a non-refundable, non-changeable booking tied to weather

If you’re aiming for one standout day outside Dubrovnik’s walls, this is the kind of trip that delivers. It’s not about ticking boxes. It’s about getting real time in the water, with a small group and a crew that helps the day feel relaxed.

FAQ

How many people are on the boat?

The boat is comfortable for up to 8 persons plus 1 crew member (skipper). The tour is priced for up to 7 people in your group.

How long is the excursion?

The duration is about 8 hours.

What stops are included in the itinerary?

The day includes Kolocep Island (Blue Cave), Mljet Island (Lemuni Lagoon), Sipanska Luka (Sipan and Jakljan area), and swimming and snorkeling in Elaphite island coves.

What’s included in the tour price?

Included items are local taxes, skipper/crew, hotel or port pickup and drop-off, snorkeling equipment, beverages (water, fruit juices, sodas, beer), and the use of a paddleboard. Admission tickets are included for some stops.

What extra costs should I plan for?

Fuel costs are not included and are payable directly to the skipper in cash, €300.00 per booking. Lunch is also not included.

Are admission tickets included for each stop?

Yes for Kolocep Blue Cave, Mljet Lemuni Lagoon, and the Elaphite coves stop. The Sipanska Luka stop is ticket free.

Is pickup offered from Dubrovnik?

Yes. Hotel or port pickup and drop-off are included.

What should I bring?

You should bring towels, swimsuits, a camera, and sun block cream.

What if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. The experience itself is non-refundable and cannot be changed.