Private boat tour- explore the islands, find hidden caves and try snorkelling

A private boat day around Dubrovnik is interesting because you are not stuck staring at the walls from the street. You get out on the water, hop from island to island, and make time for real swims inside caves and along quiet coves.

I especially like two things: the easy hotel pickup and drop-off that saves you time and hassle, and the snorkelling and cave swim focus, including the famous Blue Cave area on Koločep. One thing to plan for upfront is that lunch costs extra, and you’ll also want to bring basics like a swimsuit and sunscreen since those are not included.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Blue Cave plus several cave stops on Koločep for snorkelling time with sun-made blue light
• Hotel pickup and return arranged from your address, with extra charges if you are outside their pickup radius
• Private group setup (up to 6) so you can choose your pace and spread out on board
• Drinks on the boat including beer or wine, soda like Coke, and bottled water
• Simple island rhythm with time on Šipan for lunch (not included), Lopud for walking, and Šunj for a beach finish
• Restroom on board plus life-vest support reported useful for less-confident swimmers

Dubrovnik by boat: why this day feels different

Dubrovnik is gorgeous from the shore, but the coastline and islands look like a different world once you’re moving by sea. This tour is built around that shift. You get a full day (about 8 hours) to see several islands without spending your time on ferries, transfers, and waiting around.

Because it’s private, the captain can shape the day around real priorities, like where you most want to swim or how long you want to linger at calmer spots. People often talk about the captain role (for example Bruno, Ivan, and Lovro) because they can spot the right places to stop and keep things comfortable when conditions change.

The other big “feels good” part is how the boat day is set up. You’re not just dropped at one place. You have multiple stops, plus drinks on board, plus a restroom. For many small groups, this ends up being a practical way to see the Elaphiti Islands area in one day.

The $302.46-per-group question: is it worth it?

The price is listed as $302.46 per group (up to 6) for about 8 hours. In plain terms, if you have 4 to 6 people, the per-person cost can look very reasonable for a private charter with pickup and drinks.

But two cost notes matter for your math:

• Fuel is not included for a standard 8-hour booking. It’s listed as €70 per booking for 8 hours.
• Lunch is not included, and the tour stops at a restaurant on Šipan where you’ll pay on your own.

So I’d price this like this: base price per group, plus the listed fuel fee (if it applies for your exact option), plus your lunch. If you’re going as a couple, it’s still a great way to avoid crowds, but it’s more “premium” than a shared boat.

The upside is that you’re paying for time on the water, island hopping, and a captain who can move you between swim spots. When the day lands well, it’s one of those Dubrovnik experiences that feels like money well spent.

Pickup and pacing: how the day actually runs

This tour includes pickup from any hotel, apartment, or address where they arrange it, as long as you’re within their pickup radius. Pickups outside the radius come with an extra charge.

That pickup matters more than it sounds. Dubrovnik’s road network and traffic can eat hours, especially when you add a marina. Here, you’re getting pulled from your door to the departure port, then returned to the same general area at the end of the day.

The captain also sets the pacing. On windy or choppy days, you’ll still want a plan that prioritizes safe, comfortable swimming. There are examples of captains finding workable spots even when the sea got rough, and pausing briefly so passengers who felt motion sickness could recover. That ability to adjust is one of the reasons people keep praising the experience.

One practical tip: if you have a hard “must see,” like a specific island stop, it’s worth confirming it clearly when you book so your captain is aiming at the same priorities from the start.

Stop 1: Koločep Island for cave swims and snorkelling

Koločep is where the day turns into the highlight reel. The stop is planned around visiting the most popular caves in the Dubrovnik area, including the Blue Cave plus three more caves on Koločep.

You get about 1 hour here, which is not a long time. The way to think about it is: you’re not coming for a long snorkel class. You’re coming for short, memorable swim sessions where the water and cave walls do the work.

Snorkelling support is a key part. The tour includes snorkelling equipment, so you can gear up without having to rent anything separately. Also, because the Blue Cave is about light, time matters. Sun hitting the cave interior is what creates that signature blue look, so you’ll want to be ready to jump in when the captain brings the boat into position.

A small caution based on real trip feedback: one person reported that they didn’t have snorkels even though masks were mentioned. If snorkelling is your main goal, I’d message ahead to confirm you’ll have the full snorkel set, not just mask-style gear.

Stop 2: Šipan for lunch and island time

From Koločep, you move over to Šipan, where you get about 2 hours. This is your break from constant water time, and it’s also your lunch window.

Lunch is not included. Instead, the tour includes time to visit a restaurant on the island. In practical terms, that gives you something useful: you don’t have to figure out food logistics mid-boat day.

Šipan also adds variety. After cave water, you get a slower island rhythm with more room to stretch your legs and simply reset. If you want photos that look less like “standing on a pier,” this is a good stop because you’re not only focused on the sea surface.

The drawback is straightforward: since lunch is on you, it’s not a fixed “all-inclusive” meal plan. If you have dietary needs, plan to communicate them to the restaurant once you’re there.

Stop 3: Lopud for churches, monastery vibes, and sandy beach time

Next is Lopud, about 1 hour. Lopud is known here for a mix of calm culture and beach access, with churches and a monastery plus sandy shore.

This stop is a good “legs and walk” moment. A boat day can get tiring, so having a short land time breaks up the pace. And since the stop includes sandy beach time, you can switch from snorkelling energy to easy lounging without needing another long transit.

Again, because the tour is private and time-limited, you’ll want to make quick decisions. If you love beach time, plan to prioritize it early during the stop. If you prefer the quieter corners and the historic buildings, aim for that portion first and keep an eye on the boat return time.

One more practical note: there was an instance where the planned island lineup did not match expectations, so if Lopud is important to you, confirm it as part of your day rather than assuming it automatically.

Stop 4: Šunj Beach for a relaxed finish

The usual final stop is Šunj Beach, about 1 hour. This is described as the most popular sandy beach in the Dubrovnik area, with time to relax and have drinks in beach bars.

Think of Šunj as the low-effort finale. Your swimming energy is likely lower by this point, so you’re done with gear changes and cave logistics. You can simply slow down, cool off, and enjoy the coastline from the shore as the day winds down.

Also, sandy beaches are a big quality-of-life upgrade if you’ve spent hours around rocks and cave entrances. After cave swims, you’ll often appreciate the simple comfort of sand and easy access to water.

What’s included on board: drinks, comfort, and small extras

The included items are solid for a full day on the water:

• Snorkelling equipment
• Private transportation (pickup and return)
• Restroom on board
• Drinks: beer and wine, plus Coca-Cola-style soda and bottled water

A couple of extra points matter:

• There’s private space on board for your group, so it doesn’t feel like you’re herded.
• Some trip feedback highlighted support for kids and less-confident swimmers. Life jackets and additional flotation gear were mentioned as helpful for safety and comfort.

Two small “check this” items:

• In one case, a passenger reported the restroom not working. If you’re traveling with someone for whom that’s critical, it’s reasonable to ask about boat condition on the day of departure.
• Towels are not included, and neither are swimsuits or sunscreen. If you forget, you’ll have to buy or improvise.

Safety and sea conditions: what to expect when the sea isn’t perfect

Croatia’s Adriatic can be calm or choppy depending on the day. This tour is tied to weather conditions, and the experience requires good weather.

When conditions are less than perfect, the captain’s role becomes more important than the itinerary. There are examples of captains finding workable swim spots on windy days and adjusting the day so the group still got quality water time. If you get motion sickness easily, plan to take it seriously. It helps to ask the captain where you’ll have the smoothest ride and when you can take a short break.

For snorkelling in caves, you also want to be honest about your comfort level. If you’re not strong in open water, ask early about flotation options. A good captain will steer everyone toward safe spots and help you time your swim.

What to bring so the day feels easy

This is one of those tours where packing light matters, but don’t forget the essentials. Here’s what’s explicitly not included:

• Towels
• Sunscreen
• Swimsuit
• (Snorkel-related items aren’t listed as separate rentals since snorkelling gear is included)

So I’d bring:

• A swimsuit you’re comfortable wearing all day
• Sunscreen (and reapply, because you’ll be outside for hours)
• A towel, because you’ll want to dry off between swims and after the last stop
• Something for the sun, like a hat, especially if you’re staying in the open areas of the boat

And if you’re camera-minded, bring your phone or a small action camera. Some captains were happy to help with photos during stops, and it’s an easy way to get more keepers from the day.

Who should book this private islands and caves tour?

I think this tour fits best if you match one of these profiles:

• You want cave swimming and snorkelling as a core activity, not a side quest
• You’re traveling as a small group, up to 6 people, and want privacy without paying big-city luxury prices
• You want a captain-led day where the schedule is structured, but you still get flexibility to adjust water time
• You have kids or mixed swimming comfort levels and want flotation options and a calm approach

If you’re the type who only wants one stop and hates boat time, this may feel like “too much moving.” But if you like variety, you’ll probably love the island mix: caves on Koločep, a lunch pause on Šipan, a walkable feel on Lopud, then an easy beach finish at Šunj.

Final verdict: should you book?

If your dream Dubrovnik day includes being on the water, seeing islands up close, and having real swimming time in cave settings, then this is a strong choice. The private setup, the included drinks, and the structure of Koločep, Šipan, Lopud, and Šunj make it a practical way to pack a lot into one day without feeling rushed every minute.

I’d still book with eyes open. Plan for extra costs like fuel (for 8-hour bookings) and lunch, and bring the items that are not included. If you care deeply about a specific island stop, confirm it clearly before you go, so your captain and your expectations match.

FAQ

How many people is the private tour for?

The tour price is per group, up to 6 people.

What is the duration of the boat tour?

The duration is listed as about 8 hours.

Is pickup from my accommodation included?

Yes. Pickup is offered from any hotel, apartment, and address where they arrange it. If your pickup location is outside their radius, there is an extra charge.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment is included.

What drinks are included on board?

You’ll have beer or wine, soda (including Coca-Cola), and bottled water.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. There is a lunch stop on Šipan at a restaurant.

Which stops are included during the day?

The tour includes stops at Koločep Island, Šipan, Lopud, and usually Šunj Beach.

What should I bring since it is not included?

Not included items are towels, sunscreen, and a swimsuit.

Is the tour dependent on weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation window for a full refund?

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Canceling within 24 hours does not receive a refund.