Luxury Private Boat Tour to Elaphiti Islands

The appeal here is having the Adriatic on your own terms. Captain Robert takes a private group of up to six around the Elaphiti Islands, adjusting the route to your pace and interests. Depending on the length you choose, Mljet is also named as a possible stop.

I like two things in particular: the flexible itinerary, which lets you favor quiet swimming spots or time ashore, and the practical extras, including snorkel gear, drinks, a GoPro, and a restroom on board. Robert is praised for calm boat handling, local insight, and thoughtful help with lunch plans.

The main consideration is the price: $862.86 per group is a substantial outlay for one or two people, though it becomes more reasonable when shared by six. Also, lunch is not included, food is not allowed aboard, and this is not recommended for non-swimmers.

At a glance

• A genuinely private trip: Your group alone joins the boat, with a maximum of six people.
• A route you can shape: The outing lasts about four to eight hours, with island stops and activities arranged to suit your group.
• Swimming is central: Snorkeling equipment is supplied, and the tour also features paddleboarding.
• Useful comforts are included: Expect alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, bottled water, a restroom, and a GoPro camera.
• Lunch means going ashore: Food is not allowed on board, but Robert may be able to help arrange a restaurant stop.
• Bring sturdy water shoes: Sea urchins can be a concern near rocky shores and swimming areas.

A private boat, not a fixed sightseeing circuit

This is a boat day built around your group, rather than a set sequence of stops with a timetable to follow. The starting point is Dubrovnik, and the plan is worked out with Robert once you are aboard. You can put more emphasis on swimming, seek out a quieter bay, or spend time in a historic village.

That freedom matters in a place where the best day can depend on what your group wants to do. A family with keen swimmers may prefer several water stops, while a group more interested in lunch and island scenery may want a longer shore break. You are not locked into one version of the day.

The tour is private for up to six people. That can make a real difference: you do not have to negotiate stops with strangers or match someone else’s pace. Robert’s reported approach is attentive and flexible, and he speaks English, which helps when you are discussing options and hearing about the islands.

The boat itself is described as roomy and immaculately kept. More than one account praises Robert’s calm handling, including maneuvering through tight caves. That is reassuring if you are new to private boat trips, though conditions on the sea can never be guaranteed. The experience depends on good weather, and poor weather can lead to a different date or a refund.

Elaphiti Islands: coves, villages, and time in the water

The Elaphiti Islands are the main focus. The route can include secluded bays and historic villages, but the precise stops depend on the plan you settle on with the captain. That makes it useful to tell Robert early what matters most: swimming, snorkeling, caves, a village visit, or a leisurely lunch ashore.

For many groups, the water is likely to be the day’s main event. Snorkeling equipment is included, and paddleboarding is part of the experience described. The GoPro gives you a way to capture time in the water, though the tour details do not specify how it is operated or whether you receive any particular accessories. If you care about getting photos or video, ask Robert about the camera before departure.

The captain’s local knowledge can help you find appealing places to swim and avoid the busiest spots. Past outings have included cave visits and secluded coves, but no exact cave or bay is promised. Treat these as possibilities, not a fixed checklist. The advantage of a private charter is that the route can respond to the day and your group, rather than guarantee a particular stop.

If you plan to climb out onto rocky shore, pack thick-soled water shoes. Sea urchins have sharp spines, and bare feet are a poor match for rocky entries. This is a small packing detail that can save a painful interruption to an otherwise relaxed swim.

Mljet: an optional longer island outing

Mljet is also named in the itinerary, described as a forested island with turquoise bays and lunch spots. The schedule gives four hours for the Elaphiti Islands and four for Mljet, while the overall tour lasts about four to eight hours. Since the route is flexible, do not assume every departure includes both areas. Confirm with Robert which islands fit the duration you book and the plan you want.

That distinction is important when comparing a short outing with a full day. A four-hour trip gives you less time to combine multiple areas, swimming stops, and a meal ashore. An eight-hour option allows for a more expansive day, but the exact route still needs to be agreed upon. The tour does not provide a fixed list of stops or guarantee a particular bay or village.

Mljet may appeal if you want the day to reach beyond the Elaphiti Islands and include a different island setting. But the main value remains flexibility: you can discuss whether the additional destination suits your group better than spending more time closer to Dubrovnik.

Lunch ashore, drinks aboard

A private boat day can make lunch feel like a natural part of the outing, but there is an important limit: lunch is not included, and food is not allowed on board. Plan to eat ashore at a restaurant rather than bring a picnic onto the boat.

Robert has helped arrange restaurant stops, including a recommendation in Lopud and a restaurant called Tauris. One group was able to secure a meal at short notice, but that should not be treated as a promise. If lunch is important, mention it when you discuss the route and ask what is possible on your date.

Drinks are included. The tour provides bottled water, soda, alcoholic beverages, and complimentary hot and cold drinks. That is a useful convenience during a long outing, especially when your time is split between sun, swimming, and shore stops. The boat also has a restroom, another comfort worth having during a trip that can last up to eight hours.

What the price buys for a group of six

The listed price is $862.86 per group, for up to six people. At full capacity, that works out to about $144 per person. For two people, it is about $431 each, so the value changes sharply with the size of your party.

You are paying for a private boat and captain, fuel, private transportation, and the ability to shape the day, rather than simply buying a seat on a scheduled cruise. Snorkel equipment, drinks, the GoPro, and an onboard restroom are included as well. The personal route and captain’s help with finding swimming spots or suggesting a restaurant are part of the appeal, though they do not replace the cost of lunch.

For a family or a group of friends, the per-person price can be easier to justify, especially if everyone wants a day focused on swimming and island time. For a couple, it is a premium choice. You might prefer a shared excursion if keeping costs down matters more than privacy and control over the itinerary.

Practical details before you book

Pickup is offered, and Robert texts the day before to arrange the pickup place and time. The activity ends back at the meeting point. The boat tour is available in English, and confirmation is received at booking.

Most people can participate, but the operator does not recommend the trip for non-swimmers. Snorkeling and swimming are central activities, and the day is designed around the water. If someone in your group is uneasy in the sea, discuss that before booking so you can decide whether the planned outing suits them.

The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions prevent the trip, you can be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Who will get the most from this boat day

This is a strong match for a small group that wants privacy, swimming, and the freedom to shape a day on the Adriatic. It especially suits families and friends who will use the whole six-person capacity, enjoy time in the water, and appreciate having a captain who can suggest quieter stops and lunch options.

It is less suitable if you want a strict sightseeing schedule, a meal included in the price, or a low-cost outing for just one or two people. Non-swimmers should think carefully before booking, and anyone prone to seasickness may want to prepare. One person who became seasick was offered bread and blankets, but that is a thoughtful gesture, not a substitute for your own usual precautions.

Should you book it?

Book this if you want a private, adaptable day and your group will make good use of the boat, swimming stops, and captain’s local guidance. The strongest reasons are the flexible route, Robert’s calm and considerate approach, and the chance to combine island scenery with time in the water without joining a larger group.

Before you commit, confirm whether your preferred route includes Mljet, decide how much time you want for swimming versus lunch ashore, and remember that food cannot come aboard. Bring thick-soled water shoes. If those details suit your group, this is a compelling way to spend a day outside Dubrovnik.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts approximately four to eight hours. The route is flexible, so confirm the plan and island stops with Robert.

How many people can join?

The price covers a private group of up to six people. Only your group participates.

Is pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is offered, and Robert texts the day before to arrange the place and time. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Are snorkeling equipment and drinks included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, bottled water, soda, alcoholic beverages, and hot and cold drinks are included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, and food is not allowed aboard. You can discuss a restaurant stop with Robert.

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?

The tour is not recommended for non-swimmers. Swimming and snorkeling are central activities.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund.