Full day Private Boat Tour to Elaphite Islands and South Mljet

A private speedboat makes it possible to link South Mljet and the Elaphiti Islands in one long day, with time for beaches, swims, and village stops instead of a fixed bus-and-ferry routine. The boat is limited to six people, and skippers such as Ivan and Tom have guided trips with recommendations for swimming spots, caves, and places to eat.

I like two things in particular: the small-group comfort of a Quicksilver 675 with a sun cover, cabin, shower, and snorkel kit, and the chance to adjust the day with your skipper rather than march through a rigid schedule. One point needs checking before you pay: the overview mentions transfers, but the detailed meeting information says no pickup or drop-off, so confirm how you will reach the port.

At a glance

• South Mljet gets three hours: Saplunara Bay and Limoni Beach are named stops, with time for clear water and a slower pace.
• The Elaphiti Islands get another three hours: The route can include island villages, beaches, caves, or quiet swimming spots, depending on the skipper and the day.
• The boat is capped at six: Although the Quicksilver 675 can carry more, the tour limits capacity for extra room.
• Drinks and snorkel gear are included: Water, soft drinks, beer, masks, and life jackets are supplied.
• Budget for extras: The €220 fuel surcharge is charged per booking, and lunch is not included.
• The schedule is a full day: Plan on about eight hours, starting at 10:00 am and returning to the meeting point.

A Dubrovnik day that trades pavement for open water

Dubrovnik’s old town can fill your day with stone lanes, steps, and crowds. This excursion offers a change of pace: you leave from the coast and spend roughly eight hours moving between islands, coves, and swimming spots, with a local skipper at the helm.

The tour is private, so the boat is reserved for your group rather than shared with other bookings. That matters on a long day at sea. You can talk through what you want to see, ask for suggestions, and, if the skipper and conditions allow, spend longer at a place that suits you.

The listed route gives about three hours to South Mljet and three hours to the Elaphiti Islands. The remaining time covers travel and the short Dubrovnik start stop. Those blocks are a useful guide, not a promise that every minute will be spent ashore. This is a boat day, and distance, sea conditions, and your group’s preferences shape how the hours unfold.

The Quicksilver 675: small enough to feel personal

The boat is a Quicksilver 675 speedboat, with a capacity limited to six people for comfort. That cap is a real advantage over a larger group outing: you have more room to settle in, talk with the skipper, and enjoy the ride without a crowd taking over the deck.

A Bimini sun cover offers some shade, while the XL flat sundeck gives you space to stretch out between stops. There is also a small cabin for changing and a shower for rinsing off after the beach. Those are practical touches on an eight-hour outing, especially if you plan to swim more than once.

A sound system lets you play your own music, though you can also leave it quiet and enjoy the sea. Snorkel masks and an underwater camera are provided, and photos can be sent to you or transferred to your phone after the tour. The boat has life jackets for adults and children.

Keep expectations sensible: this is an open-water speedboat, not a roomy yacht with indoor lounges. The sun cover helps, but the day is still spent outdoors. Bring sun protection and whatever personal items you need for several hours on the water.

South Mljet: Saplunara Bay and Limoni Beach

The first major island section is South Mljet, where the tour names Saplunara Bay and Limoni Beach. The appeal here is the combination of pine-covered land, clear water, and a quieter feel than central Dubrovnik. This is the part of the day to slow down, swim, and enjoy a stretch of coast that feels more removed from the city.

The itinerary allots three hours to Mljet, but that does not mean three hours at each beach. Your actual stop pattern depends on the route and your group. If swimming is the priority, say so early and ask the skipper how best to use the time. If you would rather see more than one place, be ready for shorter stops.

The tour highlights mention Mljet National Park and Prozurska Luka, while the detailed stop plan specifically names Saplunara Bay and Limoni Beach. Do not assume the boat enters the national park or visits Prozurska Luka on every departure. Ask the operator which stops are planned for your date, particularly if either place is a must for you.

Three hours among the Elaphiti Islands

The second island section gives you about three hours in the Elaphiti group. The islands have different characters: Šipan is associated with peaceful villages, Lopud with sandy beaches, and Koločep with less-developed natural areas. The tour description presents this as a flexible island visit, not a promise to stop on all three.

Your skipper can suggest where to go next, and past trips have included caves and secluded swimming areas. A private boat is useful here because you can discuss what matters most: a village, a beach, a swim, or simply more time on deck. Skippers named on past outings include Tom, Ivan, Branko, Matija, and Josip, though you should not expect a particular person unless the operator confirms it.

There is also room for a meal stop. Some outings have paused in a village for a traditional konoba meal, but food is not included, and a restaurant visit should not be treated as guaranteed. If lunch matters to you, ask whether the plan includes a village stop and bring a way to pay for your meal.

What is included, and what costs extra

The listed price is $889.38 per group of up to six, rather than a per-person fare. At full capacity, that works out to about $148.23 per person before the fuel surcharge and lunch. For a couple, the cost per person is much higher; for a family or group of friends, sharing the boat can make the private format more appealing.

There is a €220 fuel surcharge per booking. Because the surcharge is listed separately, add it to your budget rather than treating the displayed price as the whole cost. Meals are also extra. Water, soft drinks, beer, snorkel equipment, and adult and child life jackets are included.

The value is strongest if you want a private day with a skipper and the freedom to shape your stops. If your main goal is simply getting from Dubrovnik to one island, this may be more boat and expense than you need. If you want a full day with several possible swim and village stops, splitting the group fare can make the outing worthwhile.

Getting to the port and planning the day

The stated meeting point is Lapadska obala 4 in Dubrovnik. The tour starts at 10:00 am and ends back at the meeting point, after about eight hours. The detailed information says there is no pickup or drop-off, despite a separate overview referring to transfers from Dubrovnik addresses. One past outing included transport arranged to the port, but that does not establish a standard service.

Contact Explore Dubrovnik before booking to settle this detail. Ask whether transport is included for your specific reservation, or plan to get yourself to Lapadska obala 4. Clear arrangements make a difference when you have a fixed departure time and a long day ahead.

The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions lead to cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time; changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the minimum drinking age is 18.

Who should book this boat tour?

This suits a small group that wants a full day on the water, enjoys swimming, and likes having a local skipper’s input without joining a large excursion. It is particularly attractive if you are travelling with friends or family and can share the group price. The six-person limit also makes it a practical choice for anyone who prefers a quieter boat.

It is less suitable if you want a guaranteed visit to every named island, an included meal, or confirmed hotel transport without checking first. The boat is an outdoor speedboat, and the listed route covers substantial ground. If your ideal holiday day means staying in one place, the three-hour allocation for each island area may feel too active.

The strongest part of the offer is the blend of a private boat, useful onboard comforts, and a skipper who can help you choose where to spend your time. I would book it for a group that values swim stops and flexibility, then confirm the transfer arrangements, exact island route, and lunch plan before paying.

FAQ

How long is the tour, and when does it start?

The tour lasts about eight hours. It starts at 10:00 am and returns to the meeting point.

How many people can join the private tour?

The boat is limited to six people for comfort, although the Quicksilver 675 can carry more.

Which places are included in the route?

The detailed plan names Saplunara Bay and Limoni Beach on South Mljet, followed by the Elaphiti Islands. Mljet National Park and Prozurska Luka are mentioned as highlights, but the detailed plan does not guarantee a stop at either place.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes snorkel equipment, life jackets for adults and children, bottled water, beer, and soft drinks. Meals and the €220 fuel surcharge per booking are extra.

Is hotel pickup included?

The meeting point is Lapadska obala 4, and the detailed information says there is no pickup or drop-off. Since another part of the tour information mentions transfers, confirm the arrangement with the operator before booking.

Is lunch included?

No. Meals are not included. A village meal stop has been part of some outings, but check with the operator if you want to plan for one.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If the tour is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.