Private Full day Elafiti islands and Blue cave tour

The draw here is the mix: a glowing sea cave, a rare sandy beach and small island villages, all in one private day on the water. You get about eight hours to move at your own group’s pace, rather than following a large excursion’s fixed timetable.

I like two things in particular: the skipper can shift time between swimming and exploring, and the route pairs Lopud’s beach and old town with the quieter harbor at Suđurađ. Drinks, towels and snorkeling gear are also included, so you need less beach-day kit of your own.

The main consideration is the added cost. The $600.11 group price does not include the €120 fuel surcharge or lunch, and some extras cost more. This works best if your group values privacy and flexibility enough to pay for them.

• The Blue Cave is a short first stop: Plan on about 20 minutes there, with swimming and snorkeling as the main draw.
• Šunj is Lopud’s sandy beach: Its shallow, calm water makes it a good change from rocky swimming spots.
• You get time on two inhabited islands: Lopud and Suđurađ each have a 90-minute stop.
• The route is private for up to six: Your group does not share the activity with other parties.
• Drinks and water gear are included: Water, wine, beer and soft drinks are provided on board, along with towels, snorkeling equipment and floaties.
• Budget for fuel and lunch: Fuel is an additional €120 per booking, and lunch is not included.

A private day linking caves, beaches and island villages

The appeal of this trip is variety. Over roughly eight hours, you visit five stops in the Elafiti archipelago, with time for both swimming and land-based exploring. The Blue Cave offers a brief, striking natural feature; Šunj brings a sandy shoreline; and Lopud and Suđurađ give you a chance to see island life beyond the water.

Because the tour is private, the skipper can adapt the day to your group. One skipper, Paulo, has been described as friendly and flexible about how long to spend on each island or in the water, and as someone who explains local culture along the way. You may not have Paulo on your trip, but that account captures the kind of personal service this format can allow.

The plan adds up to about five hours and 20 minutes at the named stops. The rest of the eight-hour day gives room for travel between islands and a relaxed pace. A skipper has also taken a group to a restaurant for lunch, but lunch itself is not included, so treat that as a possible stop rather than a meal bundled into the price.

The Blue Cave: a quick swim stop

The tour begins at the Blue Cave Dubrovnik, where sunlight enters through the cave opening and reflects off the water to create its blue glow. It is the kind of place best appreciated from the water, and the stop is intended for swimming and snorkeling.

You have about 20 minutes here. That is enough for a short swim if conditions and timing allow, but it is not a long beach session. Bring your swimsuit under your clothes if you want to make the most of the stop; snorkeling gear is provided.

The cave’s effect depends on sunlight, and the tour requires good weather. The information provided does not promise a particular shade or water condition on your day, so think of the cave as a lovely possibility, not a guaranteed photo setup. If the weather is poor enough to cancel the trip, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.

Šunj Beach: sand and shallow water on Lopud

Next comes Šunj Beach, on Lopud. Its golden sand and shallow, calm water make it a useful contrast to the rocky coastlines common around the region. You get about an hour here, enough for a swim and a little time to settle on the beach, though not a long, lazy afternoon.

The beach has bars and restaurants, which may be handy if you want to buy a drink or snack. Keep in mind that food is not part of the tour price. If you want lunch, ask the skipper how the schedule can accommodate it, particularly if you would rather spend more time eating than swimming.

For families or anyone who prefers an easy entry into the sea, shallow water can be a real advantage. Still, the itinerary gives Šunj only one hour, so you will need to choose between a leisurely beach stop and seeing more of Lopud afterward.

Lopud: a village visit as well as a beach day

The tour allows about 90 minutes on Lopud, giving you more time than a quick photo stop. Lopud Town has stone buildings and historical sites, including the Franciscan Monastery and Church of St. Mary. Walks through the island’s lush vegetation offer a change of pace from the boat and beach.

You can use this stop to explore the town, take a walk or simply enjoy a slower stretch of the day. The precise balance is up to your group and skipper. That flexibility matters here: if the beach is your priority, you may want to linger there; if you are more interested in the village and its historic buildings, ask for time ashore.

Lopud is one of the most versatile stops on the route. A previous group particularly enjoyed both the town and the sandy beach, which makes sense: they give you two very different ways to spend your time on the same island.

Suđurađ: a quieter harbor on Šipan

The next 90-minute stop is Suđurađ, a coastal village on Šipan. Its harbor and Renaissance-era castle give the visit a more settled, village feel than a swim stop. The island is also known for olive groves and vineyards, with walking and cycling trails across the countryside.

This is a good place to slow down and have a meal if the skipper can fit lunch into the schedule. Fresh seafood, local wine and olive oil are among the island’s food and drink offerings, though none is included in the tour price. Wine tasting is available as an optional extra for €40 per person.

Suđurađ’s appeal is less about a single dramatic sight and more about a quieter look at island life. If you want every stop to be a swim, this may be the least compelling part of the day. If you like a harbor, historic buildings and the chance to eat locally, it adds useful variety.

Koločep: greenery and one last island pause

Koločep, also called Kalamota, is the final listed island stop. The itinerary allows about 30 minutes, so consider it a short pause rather than a full visit. Its pine forests, greenery, clear water and beaches suit a last swim or a moment to take in the scenery.

Koločep is also associated with a small Blue Cave. The tour’s first stop is listed separately as Blue Cave Dubrovnik, so do not assume that the two cave references mean the same stop or that you will have a long visit at both. The Koločep stop is brief, and what you do there will depend on the group’s pace and conditions.

What the private format changes

This is a private activity for your group only, with a maximum of six people. That makes it easier to agree on whether the day should lean toward swimming, time ashore or a mix. It is also useful for groups who want to spend time together without coordinating around strangers.

The skipper is included, and drinks on board include water, wine, beer and soft drinks. Towels, snorkeling equipment and floaties are supplied too. Those inclusions help keep the day simple, especially if you are traveling light, but they do not replace personal items such as swimwear or sun protection.

A licensed guide is not included. You can add one for €170 if you want a more structured guided experience. Otherwise, the skipper can share information about the islands and local culture, as Paulo did on one trip, but the experience is not presented as a formal guided tour.

The real cost: group price, fuel and extras

The listed price is $600.11 per group of up to six. If six people share it, that works out to about $100.02 each before the fuel surcharge. Fuel adds €120 per booking, or €20 each if the group is full. Because the listed tour price and surcharge are in different currencies, check the total in your booking currency before you commit.

For a smaller group, the per-person cost rises, but the private format may still be worth it if you care about choosing your own pace. The comparison is not simply with a shared boat ride: you are paying for a full day with a skipper and the ability to prioritize your group’s interests.

Lunch is extra. Other optional costs include sparkling wine for €20, a SUP paddle board for €20, a GoPro camera for €20, drone filming for €50, a fruit cup for €5, and wine tasting for €40 per person. You do not need these extras to take part, but they can change the total quickly, especially when several people opt in.

Practical details before you book

The activity lasts about eight hours and is offered in English. You receive a mobile ticket, and confirmation is provided at booking. The tour is described as suitable for most participants, and service animals are allowed. It is also listed as being near public transportation.

Weather matters for a day at sea. If poor conditions cancel the tour, you can reschedule or receive a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time; cancellations or changes made later are not accepted for a refund.

Plan your day around the fact that stop times are limited. Šunj gets one hour, while Lopud and Suđurađ each get 90 minutes. If you have a particular priority, such as a longer swim or time for lunch, tell the skipper early so the group can make the best use of the flexible schedule.

Who should book this Elafiti Islands tour?

Book it if you want a full day at sea with a small private group, and value being able to shape the pace. It suits families, couples or friends who want to combine swimming with a little island exploring, especially if the group is large enough to share the cost.

Look elsewhere if you want a low-cost shared excursion, a long stretch at one beach, or lunch and a licensed guide included in the price. The route covers a lot, but that means no single stop gets a full day. For a private outing that mixes the Blue Cave, Šunj’s sand and the quieter character of Suđurađ, the itinerary offers a well-rounded day, provided you budget for fuel and food.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours.

How many people can join the private tour?

The group price covers up to six people, and only your group participates.

Which stops are included?

The route includes Blue Cave Dubrovnik, Šunj Beach, Lopud Island, Suđurađ on Šipan Island and Koločep Island.

What is included in the price?

A skipper, drinks on board, towels, snorkeling equipment and floaties are included.

Is fuel included?

No. A fuel surcharge of €120 per booking is not included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, though a skipper has taken a group to a local restaurant during the day.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If poor weather cancels the tour, you can choose a different date or a full refund.