Full- Day Private Speedboat Tour in Dubrovnik on Elaphiti Islands

What makes this full day private speedboat tour fun is that you are not stuck on one island or one viewpoint. You hop between caves, beaches, and island towns in a single day, with the sea doing the heavy lifting. I particularly like the chance to snorkel in Blue Cave conditions and then switch gears to the Green Caves near Kolocep.

I also like the private setup, because you can actually enjoy the stops instead of rushing with a crowd. The captain, and in at least one experience a captain named Maro, runs a smooth route and knows where the day is working best. One drawback to consider: this is a long 8 hours 30 minutes day, and you will spend real time on the water, so it helps if you are comfortable with swimming and boats in the sun.

Key highlights that make the day worth it

• Blue Cave snorkeling with a short, focused swim window

• Kolocep Green Caves snorkeling time at sea level inside the caves

• Šunj Beach with walkable sand and time for lunch or a snack

• Lopud featuring a Franciscan Monastery from the 15th century and shaded garden time

• Šipan and Sudurađ for a quick taste of the oldest fishing village feel

• Sikirica Cove and a second Brsecine swim stop for snorkeling plus a secluded water break

How a private speedboat day on the Elaphiti islands really plays

This tour is built for people who want variety, not just one long beach session. You leave Dubrovnik and cruise the west coast at the start, then spend the day working your way through the Elaphiti island chain. You get a mix of sea time, swim time, and island walking, with several short stops that keep things moving.

Because it is private, the pace feels more like a well planned day than a rigid schedule. You still have set durations at each stop, but you are not stuck waiting around in a big group. It also means you can lean into the parts you care about most, like snorkeling at the caves or slowing down on Šunj Beach.

Dubrovnik start and west coast cruise: getting your bearings fast

You start right in Dubrovnik, sailing out of the main port. Early on, you also get a bit of sightseeing from the water, including the west coast views on the way toward Kolocep. Even if you know Dubrovnik well, seeing the coastline from the sea gives you a different scale for the city and the bay.

That first stretch is also practical. It gets you warmed up for the day, and you get a chance to get comfortable on the boat before snorkeling. You only have about 15 minutes here, so do not treat it like a full viewing moment, but it is enough time to appreciate the setting.

Blue Cave snorkeling: short swim time with big payoff

The Blue Cave stop is designed for a focused snorkeling experience. You get about 30 minutes here, including time to gear up, get positioned, and actually snorkel inside the cave area.

What I like about this kind of stop is that it is not drawn out. You get the wow factor without losing half the day to logistics in the water. Also, because you are snorkeling inside a cave environment, the water and lighting feel different than open sea swims. That contrast is exactly what makes it memorable.

Practical note: caves can mean trickier entry and exit. If you are new to snorkeling, go slow, keep your breathing steady, and follow the boat crew’s cues for where to float and where not to.

Kolocep and the Green Caves: a second snorkeling beat

After Blue Cave, you shift to Kolocep Island for another cave-focused snorkeling session. This time the emphasis is on the Green Caves, again with about 30 minutes of water time.

Two snorkeling stops in one day is a smart plan if you actually want to see different conditions. Blue Cave and Green Caves are not the same look or feel, and the quick swap from one to the other keeps the day from turning into one long water routine.

If you love snorkeling, this section is where the tour really earns its keep. You get equipment provided, so you are not juggling gear rentals or trying to make your own setup work. If you do not snorkel, the caves might still be interesting to observe, but the core value is clearly in the swim experience.

Šunj Beach on the island stretch: sand, shade, and an easy beach rhythm

Next comes Šunj Beach, one of the most famous sandy beaches in the Dubrovnik region. You have about 2 hours here, which is long enough to actually do the beach things, not just dip your toes.

This is the moment to slow down. You can walk on shallow sand, swim, and even snorkel depending on conditions. You can also eat lunch or grab a snack at the restaurant. The tour includes drinks and snacks, but lunch is at your own expense, so treat this as your main meal window.

Why this stop works: it balances the cave intensity with a more relaxed beach rhythm. After two cave snorkeling sessions, having real sandy time helps your body reset. You also get a better chance to dry off and enjoy the sea views without constantly gearing up.

Lopud Island for monastery time and garden shade

Lopud is a crowd favorite on the Elaphiti islands, and you get about 3 hours there, which is plenty for a proper island walk. This is where you trade sea time for land time and pick up history and atmosphere.

The standout is the Franciscan Monastery dating from the 15th century. Even if you are not the museum type, the monastery setting gives Lopud a grounded, old-world feeling. You can also spend time in the botanical garden shade, which matters on a hot day when you want a cooler place to step out of the sun.

Lopud is also where you can eat. The tour does not include lunch, but you will find popular fish options there, and having a few hours means you can eat without feeling rushed. This is also a good stop if you want a little walking variety, because you are not just stuck at a single point on the beach.

A consideration: because Lopud is popular, it can feel busier than the cave and cove stops. That is not a dealbreaker, but if you want solitude, plan your best moments for swimming or quieter corners rather than the busiest waterfront stretches.

Šipan and Sudurađ: a quick look at the oldest fishing village feel

Then you head to Šipan for sightseeing of its south coast, plus a visit to Sudurađ, described as the oldest fishing village in the area. This is a shorter stop at about 30 minutes.

You should treat Sudurađ as a taste, not a full exploration. With only half an hour, the goal is to feel the village vibe, look around, and take in how this coast works compared to Dubrovnik and the more beach-forward stops. It is great for adding variety to your day without overloading you with too many long walks.

What I like about this stop is the contrast. You get caves and sandy beach earlier, then a more village centered moment. It keeps your Elaphiti day from feeling like it is all water, all the time.

Brsecine and Sikirica Cove: the snorkeling payoff spot

Brsecine is where the day adds another snorkeling-focused moment at Sikirica Cove. You get about 30 minutes here, described as the best snorkeling place in the region.

Even if you are not chasing a checklist, the promise of good snorkeling matters because it gives you a realistic chance to see fish and clearer conditions in a cove setting. This is one of the stops where equipment provided becomes a real convenience. You are not scrambling to rent or assemble gear, and you can get back in the water faster.

If you are a confident swimmer, use the time to snorkel longer rather than repeatedly switching spots. If you are less confident, keep it simpler. Stay where you can control your breathing, and prioritize comfort over speed.

The second Brsecine swim stop: make time for a secluded reset

After Sikirica Cove, you get another Brsecine stop at a secluded beach, again with about 30 minutes of swimming time.

This is one of those “I am glad they included this” moments. Earlier stops can feel activity heavy: cave snorkeling, then beach time, then island walking. A secluded swim stop gives you a chance to reset, float, and enjoy the water without a big crowd or a strict agenda.

If you want to maximize the day, use this stop to do a calmer swim after you have already snorkeled at the cove. You will likely feel less rushed, and it can turn into the most relaxing part of the afternoon.

Drinks, snacks, and the value of $611.46 per group

Let’s talk money in a real way. The price is $611.46 per group, up to 8 people. It is not cheap if you are traveling solo, but it is much more reasonable once you share the cost with a small group.

What you get for that group price matters:

• Snorkeling equipment provided

• Drinks and snacks included

• Fuel, all fees, taxes included

• A private speedboat for your group

Lunch is not included, so you will still pay for that during the Šunj Beach and/or Lopud time. But the key value is that you are paying for access plus convenience. You do not have to coordinate multiple transport pieces, and you are not relying on public schedules to string together caves and islands.

Timing also helps value. This tour tends to be booked about 6 days in advance, which suggests it is popular. If you have a firm Dubrovnik plan, waiting too long can narrow your options.

What to bring so the day feels easy, not stressful

Because this is a water focused day, your packing list is mostly about comfort and safety. Here is what I would bring:

• Swimsuit plus a second quick dry layer if you have one

• Reef safe sunscreen (regular sunscreen can be rough on water environments)

• A hat and sunglasses

• A small towel or quick dry cloth

• Water shoes or sandals you can trust in rocky spots

• A dry bag or waterproof phone pouch

Since snorkeling equipment is provided, you do not have to pack masks or fins. Still, if you have a preference for your own mask fit, bring it, but do not feel forced to. The tour is set up so you can gear up on board.

Also, remember that you will be out for about 8 hours 30 minutes. That is a long time to run on snacks only, so think ahead about when you will eat during the beach or island stops.

Who should book this Elaphiti speedboat tour (and who might not)

This tour is a great fit if you:

• Want a full day in the Elaphiti islands without spending the day transferring between transport options

• Care about snorkeling and want multiple water experiences, not just one dip

• Like structure but still want it to feel private and personal

• Prefer beaches and caves plus a bit of island walking

You might want to choose differently if you:

• Want mostly beach lounging with minimal water activity

• Get motion sick easily, since you will be on a speedboat for a big chunk of the day

• Dislike sunny outdoor time, because the day includes extended outdoor beach and walking moments

If you are in a small group, this is where the value clicks. Sharing the group price makes the day much more digestible.

Final call: should you book this private speedboat day?

If your Dubrovnik trip includes at least one day you want to feel like a real escape, this is a strong choice. You get the signature cave snorkeling moments, you get sandy time at Šunj, and you still get a meaningful slice of island culture at Lopud and Sudurađ.

I would book it if you can handle a long day and you are excited about getting in the water more than once. If you want a slower day with one island and one beach, you might find this route too packed. But if your travel style is variety plus clear priorities, this private speedboat day is one of the best ways to experience the Elaphiti islands in a single run.

FAQ

What is the duration of the private speedboat tour?

The tour runs about 8 hours 30 minutes.

How many people can be in the group?

It is priced per group up to 8 people, and it is a private tour for your group only.

Does the tour include snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

What stops will I visit during the day?

You will spend time in Dubrovnik, Blue Cave, Kolocep, Šunj Beach, Lopud, Šipan with Sudurađ, Sikirica Cove in Brsecine, and a secluded beach in Brsecine, then return to Dubrovnik.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is at your own expense. The tour includes drinks and snacks.

From where does the tour depart and return?

It departs from the main port in Dubrovnik and returns to the main port.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.