Rent a speed boat and explore beaches and coves of Elaphiti Islands

The appeal here is simple: trade Dubrovnik’s stone lanes for a day on the water, then choose how much time to spend on sandy Lopud, in Šipan’s old fishing port, or swimming around Koločep. You have a private boat, so the route can bend around your group’s interests instead of a fixed crowd schedule.

I like two things in particular: you control the pace at each island, and the boat makes it easy to reach coves and caves that take more effort to visit from shore. The included snorkel gear, drinks and sunshade also make a long day at sea more comfortable.

The main caution is the ride itself. A speedboat can be bumpy in waves, and swimming in open water may not suit you if you are not a confident swimmer. Bring a swimsuit, since one is not provided, and be ready for a day shaped by sea conditions.

What to know before you book

• Three islands, three different moods: Lopud has a sandy beach and walking paths, Šipan offers a working island port and historic buildings, and Koločep is the main stop for swimming and coves.
• Your stop lengths are flexible: The tour lasts about four to eight hours. The time you spend at each island depends on your trip length and what you want to do.
• The boat is private for your group: The maximum is six people, which makes it easier to set the day’s pace and share the cost.
• Snorkel equipment and drinks are included: You also get a sunshade, fridge, sundeck, bottled water, soda, beer and wine.
• Swimming conditions matter: The ride can be rough, and one account of the cave entrance notes waves and a narrow opening. Swim within your ability.
• The skipper can shape the day: Eric, Roko, Tito, Mark, Ivan and Luca are among the names associated with trips. You can ask if a particular skipper is available, but availability is not guaranteed.

A private boat changes the shape of the day

This is not a ferry ride with a sightseeing commentary attached. It is a private speedboat excursion for your group, with a skipper taking you between islands and room to decide how long to linger. That difference matters if one person wants a long swim while another would rather stroll through a village or sit down for coffee.

The advertised duration is roughly four to eight hours. The shorter option is a good fit if you want a taste of the islands without giving up the whole day. Choose the longer outing if you want unhurried time on shore as well as time to swim, snorkel and explore the coastline.

The route is built around Lopud, Šipan and Koločep, but the schedule is not rigid. The stated stop times are about two hours on Lopud, one on Šipan and one on Koločep, with time varying according to the length of your tour and your preferences. Confirm the practical plan with the operator before you set off, especially if there is one island you do not want to rush.

The skipper is more than a driver here. You are relying on that person to guide the boat, help you make sense of local options and adjust the pace. Past trips have been led by skippers including Eric, Roko, Tito, Mark, Ivan and Luca. If you have a name in mind, ask whether that skipper is available, rather than assuming you can book a specific person.

Lopud: sand, paths and a little island history

Lopud is the most varied stop on the route. Its best-known draw is Šunj, a sandy beach that makes a welcome change from the rocky shoreline found in much of coastal Croatia. If your priority is a proper swim and time to stretch out on the beach, this is the island to protect time for.

There is more to Lopud than sand. The island has old stone houses, olive groves, vineyards and paths through wooded areas. If you prefer a walk to a long beach break, you can use your stop to see some of the island on foot. The itinerary also points to an old botanical garden, the Temple of Sun, and views from the hill. Those visits compete with beach time, so decide in advance what matters most to you.

Lopud is inhabited, with bars, restaurants and places to sample or buy local food and drink. That gives you a chance to take a break from the boat and have a proper sit-down stop. The trade-off is that an island visit can quickly fill its allotted time: a swim, a walk and lunch are a lot to fit into a short stay.

The beach’s local legend says that couples who bathe together at Šunj will never part. Treat that as island folklore, not a booking guarantee. Still, the story suits the setting, and the beach is a natural choice for couples, families and anyone who wants a sandy swim during a boat day.

Šipan: a working port and a quieter pace

Šipan is the largest of the Elaphiti Islands, but the stop described here is in Suđurađ, a small port with fishing boats and old stone buildings. It offers a different kind of break from Lopud: less about a famous beach, more about seeing an island community and taking a pause by the harbor.

The island has long been tied to Dubrovnik. In the 15th century, prominent Dubrovnik families built summer villas here. You can also find the remains of palaces, a late-Gothic Rector’s Palace and the 16th-century castle built by the Stjepović-Skočibuha family. A defensive tower beside the castle recalls the threat of pirates along this coast.

With about an hour planned for this stop, you will need to keep expectations sensible. There may be enough time for coffee and a short look around Suđurađ, but not for a thorough tour of the whole island. That short visit is part of the charm: you get a glimpse of local life without turning the boat trip into a day of museum stops.

Šipan is also known for its olive trees. The island is described as having an exceptionally large number of them, and olive oil is among the local products you may come across on the islands. If you want a relaxed port stop, keep it simple: walk along the harbor, look at the boats and leave time to get back aboard without a rush.

Koločep: coves, caves and clear water

Koločep is the final planned stop, and the one most geared toward swimming and snorkeling. The island has small coves, high cliffs and caves, with clear water that can make it rewarding to look below the surface. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and snorkel.

Some trips include a visit to the Blue Cave, and several skipper names are connected with outings that included caves. The exact experience depends on conditions and the route your skipper takes, so treat a particular cave visit as a possibility rather than a guaranteed stop. The cave entrance can be narrow, and waves may make getting in or out harder. If you are uneasy in water or not a confident swimmer, say so before the boat reaches the cave.

Koločep also has two villages, Gornje Čelo and Donje Čelo, described as typical South Dalmatian settlements. If you would rather walk than swim, you can use some of your time to see one of them. But with roughly an hour planned here, swimming and a village stroll may not both fit comfortably.

The island’s pine and olive vegetation, clear water and sunny climate make it an appealing place to end the route. The practical point is that this is not a sheltered pool. The boat ride can be bumpy, and sea conditions affect how pleasant a swim or cave visit feels. Bring a towel and swimsuit, and be honest about your comfort in open water.

What the price includes, and how to judge the value

The listed price is $720.84 for the group, up to six people. At full capacity, that works out to about $120.14 per person. For four people, it is about $180.21 each. The per-person cost rises as your group gets smaller, so the value is strongest if you can fill the boat or prefer paying extra for a private outing.

The fare includes all taxes and handling charges, a sunshade, fridge and sundeck, bottled water, soda, beer and wine, plus use of snorkeling equipment. Pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned car or minivan are also included for locations in Dubrovnik more than one kilometer from the meeting point. Pickup outside Dubrovnik city is not included.

That package saves you from arranging separate boat transport between islands, and the private format lets your group choose how to use its time. You are paying for flexibility and the boat, not just admission to island attractions. The stops listed have no admission charge, but meals and other purchases on the islands are not included.

At the full group size, the cost can compare well with other private outings if you value a tailored schedule and time on the water. For a solo traveler or couple, the price is harder to justify unless privacy and speed matter more to you than a lower-cost shared excursion.

Practical details that can make the day smoother

The meeting point is Yacht Club Orsan, at Ul. Ivana pl. Zajca 4 in Dubrovnik. Pickup is offered within Dubrovnik city for locations more than one kilometer from that starting point. If your lodging is close to the yacht club, expect to make your own way there.

Bring your swimsuit, since it is not included, and consider a towel and any personal sun protection you normally use. A sunshade is provided on the boat, but you will be outdoors for much of the excursion. The provided drinks are useful, though you may want to plan separately for food during island stops.

The boat ride may feel lively rather than smooth. If you are prone to discomfort on boats, or traveling with someone who dislikes waves, ask the operator about expected conditions before departure. The experience depends on good weather. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can be offered another date or a full refund.

Children must be accompanied by adults, and the boat can take no more than six people per booking. Most people can participate, but the swimming portions call for sound judgment. Tell the operator about specific requirements when booking.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made later are not accepted for a refund, so check your plans before the deadline.

Who should choose this Elaphiti Islands trip?

I would consider this tour if you are traveling with friends or family and want a day that mixes swimming with island stops. It also suits couples looking for a private outing, especially if a long beach break at Lopud is more appealing than a packed schedule of city sights.

It is a particularly good fit for confident swimmers who enjoy being on the water and are happy with some bounce in the ride. The boat can get you to coves and caves, while snorkel gear gives you a simple way to explore the water. A skipper’s recommendations can help you decide which spots deserve your limited time.

It is less suitable if you need a very smooth ride, want a guaranteed visit to a particular cave, or prefer a detailed, fixed sightseeing schedule. The island stops are flexible, which is a strength for some groups and a source of uncertainty for others. Agree on your priorities with the skipper at the start.

Should you book it?

Book this private speedboat trip if your ideal Dubrovnik day includes swimming, a sandy beach and a look at island life, all at a pace your group can shape. The strongest value comes when you share the cost among several people and make use of the included drinks and snorkeling equipment.

Think twice if you are not comfortable swimming in open water or if a bumpy ride would spoil the day. If you do book, decide which stop matters most, bring a swimsuit, and ask whether a preferred skipper is available. That small bit of planning helps turn three islands into a day that feels like your own.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts about four to eight hours. The length of the trip affects how much time you can spend at each stop.

How many people can join?

The boat is private for your group, with a maximum of six people per booking.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Yacht Club Orsan, Ul. Ivana pl. Zajca 4, Dubrovnik, and ends back at the meeting point.

Is pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned car or minivan are offered within Dubrovnik city for locations more than one kilometer from the starting point. Pickup outside the city is not included.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The planned stops are Lopud, Šipan and Koločep.

Can I choose how long to stay on each island?

Yes. Stop lengths depend on whether you choose the four-hour or eight-hour trip and on what you want to do at each stop.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled water, soda, beer and wine are included.

Do I need to bring a swimsuit?

Yes. A swimsuit is not included, so bring your own if you plan to swim.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund.