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

A day on the water trades Dubrovnik’s stone streets for sea caves, island harbors and a long sandy beach. At Koločep, you can swim and snorkel in the Blue Cave and three other caves, then spend the rest of the day moving at your group’s pace among the Elaphiti Islands.

I like two things here: the private format gives your group room to shape the day, and the planned stops offer a mix of cave swimming, a restaurant lunch and time on Šunj Beach. One point to check before booking: fuel for the eight-hour tour is listed as an extra €70 per booking, and lunch is not included.

The day at a glance

• Four caves at Koločep: Swim and snorkel near the Blue Cave, where sunlight can color the water.
• A private boat for up to six: Your group has space to spread out and can discuss the pace and stops with the captain.
• Island time, not just boat time: The plan includes a two-hour lunch stop on Šipan and time to walk around Lopud.
• Šunj’s sandy shoreline: The final planned stop is a popular beach with bars where you can relax and get a drink.
• Drinks and snorkel equipment included: Beer, wine, soft drinks and water are provided, though it is sensible to confirm exactly which snorkel items are aboard.
• Pickup can simplify the start: Hotel, apartment and address pickup can be arranged, with an extra charge possible outside the operator’s pickup radius.

A private day along the Elaphiti Islands

This eight-hour trip is built around the islands west of Dubrovnik, with Koločep, Šipan and Lopud on the route. The private setup matters: instead of sharing the boat with strangers, you can settle into a pace that suits your own group, ask for swim time and talk through the day with your skipper.

That flexibility is a real asset, but it is not a promise that every hour follows a fixed script. Sea conditions, the time spent at each stop and your group’s preferences can shape the day. Captains named by people who have taken the tour include Bruno, Ivan, Lovro and others. Their individual style may vary, so I would tell the operator what matters to you, such as a relaxed pace, time for swimming or help choosing a lunch spot.

The boat has a restroom, and drinks are provided, including beer, wine, Coca-Cola and bottled water. Some groups have also described a comfortable boat with room to sit in sun or shade. Those details make a long day easier, especially if your group includes children or anyone who wants a break from direct sun. Still, one person reported that the restroom was not working, so ask the operator to confirm it is in service before setting off.

The tour is recommended by 98% of customers and has a 4.9 rating from 164 reviews. That is a strong track record, though not a guarantee that every captain or every sea day will suit every group. The most consistent strengths are the scenery, the opportunity to swim in quieter spots and captains who adapt the route when conditions or passengers’ needs call for it.

Koločep’s caves are the first big draw

Koločep is the day’s main swimming stop. The plan allows about an hour to visit the Blue Cave and three more caves, with time to swim and snorkel. Sunlight reflecting in the cave water can produce the blue effect that gives the best-known cave its name. The appeal is not just looking at the caves from the boat: you have the chance to get into the water and explore from close up.

The experience depends on conditions and your comfort in the sea. One group had a windy day but still found good swim locations with help from the skipper. Another described swims in caves and coves, while a family appreciated life jackets and pool noodles for a less-confident swimmer. Those items are not listed among the included features, so ask in advance if someone in your group may need them.

Snorkeling equipment is included, but one person wished there had been snorkels. I would confirm what is supplied, including masks and snorkels, rather than assume the set will match your needs. Bring your own if you have a favorite mask or want to be certain you have suitable gear.

A waterproof camera or phone case is useful if you want pictures in and around the caves. You will also want a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen: only the snorkeling equipment is specified as provided, and towels, sunscreen and swimsuits are not included. If you are not a confident swimmer, tell the captain before the boat leaves so you can ask what safety equipment is available.

Šipan gives the day a slower middle

The next stop is Šipan, where the plan allows about two hours for lunch. Food is at your own expense, so this is the main additional cost beyond the tour price and fuel. The captain may be able to suggest a restaurant or help arrange a reservation. Some groups have enjoyed a scenic lunch location, but the specific restaurant is not fixed in the information provided.

Two hours is useful breathing room in a full day. You can sit down for a proper meal rather than relying on snacks between swims, and the break gives the group a chance to dry off before returning to the boat. If you have a particular restaurant in mind, dietary needs or a tight schedule, discuss that before departure. Do not assume lunch is included in the $302.46 group price.

The planned stop is often associated with Sudurad, a settlement on Šipan, though the exact lunch arrangements can vary. One captain helped a group secure a reservation at Hotel Božica. That is a good example of how a skipper’s local suggestions can improve the day, not a guarantee that you will visit that restaurant or use its facilities.

Lopud is for a walk, not another rushed swim

After lunch, the boat heads to Lopud, with about an hour set aside to explore. The island is known here for its churches, monastery and sandy beaches, making this the best opportunity to stretch your legs and see something beyond the waterline. If you want a day that includes both swimming and a short island wander, Lopud adds variety.

An hour goes quickly. Decide whether your priority is a walk, a look at the religious buildings or simply a pause on shore. The schedule is approximate, and the private format may allow some adjustment, but extra time at one stop can mean less at another. If a particular place on Lopud matters to you, bring it up with the captain early.

This is also a useful counterpoint to the cave stop. Koločep is about getting into the water; Lopud offers a chance to move around on land. If your ideal boat day means never leaving the deck, you may prefer more swim time instead. If you like a little walking between boat rides, this stop earns its place.

Šunj Beach makes an easy final stop

The usual last stop is Šunj Beach, described as the area’s most popular sandy beach. The plan allows about an hour to relax and have a drink at one of the beach bars. For a coastline where many swimming stops are rocky or reached from the boat, sand offers a different way to finish the day.

The beach is not a private stretch reserved for the tour. It is a popular public destination, so the atmosphere can be livelier than at a secluded cove. That may suit you if you want a bar and a place to lounge, but less so if you are hoping to end somewhere completely quiet. Ask your captain how conditions and timing look on the day.

With four named stops, the route offers a good range: caves, a lunch break, an island walk and a beach. The tradeoff is that you cannot spend unlimited time at each. Treat the plan as a framework and make your priorities clear before leaving the port.

What the private format is worth

The listed price is $302.46 for a group of up to six, which works out to about $50.41 per person if six people share the cost. For a smaller party, the per-person price rises, but the boat remains private. That can be worthwhile for families, couples or friends who value control over the day more than the lowest possible fare.

Budget separately for fuel: the listed charge for an eight-hour tour is €70 per booking. Lunch is also extra, and you may want to allow for drinks or purchases at Šunj, although beer, wine, soft drinks and water are supplied aboard. Because the fuel details for sunset tours differ, confirm the amount that applies to your exact booking before paying.

Pickup is offered from hotels, apartments and other addresses by arrangement. Pickups beyond the operator’s radius may cost extra. One person noted that the boat departure point was a drive from Dubrovnik, so pickup can save you the trouble of arranging your own ride. If seeing Dubrovnik’s old town from the sea is a priority, ask whether that can be included: this island route focuses on the Elaphiti Islands, and a boat excursion here should not be mistaken for a city-harbor sightseeing trip.

For an eight-hour day, the fuel charge and lunch add up, but the private boat, drinks, snorkeling equipment and flexibility are part of the value. Compare the total cost, not just the headline group price. If your group is full and expects to spend much of the day swimming and exploring, the per-person cost is easier to justify. If you mainly want a short boat ride, a half-day option may be a better fit.

Practical details that make the day smoother

Plan to bring your swimsuit, towel and sunscreen, since these are not supplied. Pack any personal snorkeling gear you prefer, and confirm which equipment the boat will provide. A change of clothes can also be useful after several swims, though it is not listed as a tour requirement.

The experience is weather-dependent. Wind and waves can affect where the captain can stop, but the accounts of choppy conditions suggest an experienced skipper may be able to find sheltered places to swim. If you are prone to seasickness, consider that the ride can be rough on some days and let the operator know about any concerns before departure.

The booking confirmation arrives at the time of booking. The tour is private, service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time; cancellations or changes inside that window are not accepted. If bad weather cancels the tour, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book this boat tour?

I would consider it if your ideal Dubrovnik day includes sea caves, several swims and a little time ashore, all without sharing the boat with another group. The flexibility and the mix of Koločep, Šipan, Lopud and Šunj make this a more varied outing than a simple out-and-back cruise. The captain can also help tailor the route, though you should agree on your priorities before departure.

It is a less obvious choice if you dislike swimming, want a fixed restaurant plan or need every detail guaranteed in advance. Confirm fuel, pickup costs, snorkel equipment and the working condition of the restroom. If you are happy with those terms, have a group to share the cost and want a full day on the water, this is a strong way to explore the islands near Dubrovnik.

FAQ

How long is the boat tour?

The tour lasts about eight hours. The planned stops include about one hour at Koločep, two hours on Šipan, one hour on Lopud and one hour at Šunj Beach.

How many people can join?

The price is $302.46 per group for up to six people. The tour is private, so only your group participates.

Is fuel included in the price?

For the standard eight-hour tour, fuel is listed as an extra €70 per booking. The tour information also lists fuel as included for sunset tours, so confirm the fuel terms for the exact option you book.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, and the Šipan stop is planned as a restaurant lunch break.

What is provided for swimming?

Snorkeling equipment is listed as included. Towels, sunscreen and swimsuits are not provided. Confirm which specific snorkeling items are aboard before departure.

Can the operator pick me up?

Pickup can be arranged from a hotel, apartment or address. An extra charge may apply if your pickup location is outside the operator’s service radius.