Private Full-Day Tour of Elaphiti Islands by Speedboat

The best part of this day is the freedom to trade the usual sightseeing timetable for a string of beaches, swimming stops and small island ports. I like that you get your own skipper and boat for up to eight people, and that the route includes both sandy Šunj Beach and the Blue Cave near Koločep.

I also like the chance to pause in quiet bays that are hard to spot on a map, rather than spending the whole day moving between named attractions. One thing to check before you book: the stated fuel surcharge is inconsistent, and the published start time differs from the time in the tour description.

The day at a glance

• Šunj Beach is an unusual first stop: Lopud’s sandy shore offers a change from the rocky and pebbly beaches common on this route.
• A private skipper can shape the day: Captains such as Nick, Ivan, Luka and Niko have led trips, with swimming stops and island time adjusted to your group.
• Šipan gives you a taste of island life: Luka Šipanska has a small port, local boats and time for lunch or a drink.
• Remote bays are part of the appeal: Stops may include Sikirica Bay and other quiet swimming spots.
• Snorkel gear, water, beer and soft drinks are included: Fuel is extra, and its final cost needs clarification.
• Plan for eight hours on the water: The posted start time is 9:30 am, while the trip description says 10 am.

A private boat day, not a fixed sightseeing circuit

This tour is a full day on the Adriatic, with Dubrovnik as your starting point and the Elaphiti Islands as the main event. You travel by speedboat with a skipper, stopping for swimming, snorkeling, photos, walks and meals rather than following a land-based schedule.

That private format matters. Your group does not share the boat with strangers, and you can tell the skipper what your party prefers. If one person wants to swim while another would rather stay aboard, the day can accommodate both. Families have used the boat with young children, and one captain helped a non-swimmer feel safe in the water. That kind of personal attention can make a big difference, though it is sensible to explain any swimming concerns before departure.

The tour is offered in English and lasts about eight hours. Pickup may be available from your accommodation if it is far from the closest speedboat mooring. Confirm the pickup point and exact departure time in advance: the meeting information gives 9:30 am, while the trip description says the skipper is waiting at 10 am.

Šunj Beach: a sandy start on Lopud

The first island stop is Šunj Beach, reached after roughly 40 minutes through the Elaphiti Channel. Sand is something of a rarity on this stretch of coast, where many beaches are rocky or pebbly, so Šunj gives the day a different feel right away.

You have about an hour at the beach, within a stop listed as an hour and a half. That gives you time to swim, sunbathe or get a drink, though the actual shore time can depend on the boat schedule and sea conditions. Bring what you need for a comfortable beach break, and ask the skipper where you should leave belongings while you swim.

Šunj is a good first stop because it eases you into the day. You do not need to start with a long walk or a formal tour. The trade-off is that a popular beach may feel less secluded than the coves later in the route. If quiet water is your priority, ask the skipper how much time can be shifted to smaller bays.

Šipan: a small port and time for lunch

From Lopud, the boat heads toward Šipan, the largest of the Elaphiti Islands. Along the way, the skipper may stop at a sheltered bay for a swim, snorkel or photos. The precise bay can vary, which is part of the pleasure of traveling by private boat: the day is not limited to a checklist of famous places.

The main stop is Luka Šipanska, one of the island’s two inhabited settlements. The island has only about 200 residents, and the port offers a quieter glimpse of local life than Dubrovnik’s busy waterfront. You can stroll around, look at the traditional boats and small bays, or settle in for lunch or a drink at a local beach bar.

The planned time here is about three hours, making Šipan the natural place for a proper meal rather than a rushed snack. Captains have also arranged meals at local restaurants, including family-run places serving grilled seafood. Restaurant stops are not guaranteed, so tell your skipper what you want from lunch and ask about reservations. If you prefer to keep the day moving, you can spend less time ashore and more time swimming.

The balance is useful for mixed groups. Someone who wants a relaxed meal can take their time, while others can explore the port or enjoy a coffee. Just remember that lunch is not listed as included in the tour price.

Sikirica Bay and Koločep’s Blue Cave

The route continues toward Koločep, with a swimming stop at Sikirica Bay. It is described as difficult to locate on a map, and its turquoise water is one reason the skipper may choose it. You can swim or snorkel, and a sea scooter may be available, but confirm whether one is provided for your specific trip. The listed inclusions guarantee snorkeling equipment, not a sea scooter.

Koločep is the smallest island on the route and has fewer than 150 residents. Its beaches are rocky or pebbly, and the water is a major part of the attraction. In winter, the island is almost empty; in summer, this trip gives you a short look at its quieter side between swimming stops.

The Blue Cave is another chance to get into the water and take photos. The cave’s setting is a highlight, but reaching it means swimming, so tell the skipper if you are uneasy in the sea. Captains have helped less confident swimmers approach the cave and have used a paddleboard to assist a non-swimmer. That is reassuring, but it does not replace checking what support will be available on your boat.

The Koločep portion is listed at about an hour and a half, including Sikirica Bay and the cave. The time may feel short if your group wants a long swim at every stop. A private trip helps: ask your skipper which stop matters most to your group and agree on priorities early.

Hidden bays and the ride back to Dubrovnik

The final part of the day allows for additional bays and swimming spots on the way back. The description sets aside about two hours for this portion, but does not name every stop. That flexibility is a plus if the sea and schedule cooperate. It also means you should not expect a precise list of every cove before departure.

These unmarked stops are a good reason to choose a private boat over a more rigid excursion. Captains such as Ivan and Luka have guided groups to quieter swimming places, and families have appreciated being able to stay at a spot for as long as they wanted. Still, the skipper must make the final call based on conditions and timing.

Bring a phone or camera in a secure case if you want photos from the water. The tour supplies snorkel equipment, bottled water, beer and soft drinks. Some outings have also included towels, a fridge and shaded seating, but those details are not listed as guaranteed inclusions, so ask if they matter to you.

What the price buys, and what it does not

The advertised price is $1,023.50 per group of up to eight, not per person. Split among a full group, that can make a private boat day an appealing alternative to booking separate activities. Smaller groups pay the same group price, so the value improves as you fill the boat.

Fuel is not included, and the information gives two different estimates: one place lists a €100 surcharge per booking, while another says roughly €150 to €200 depending on the boat. Do not assume either figure is final. Ask Blue Mile Dubrovnik to confirm the fuel charge for your chosen boat, how it is calculated and how payment works before you commit.

Lunch is also at your own expense. The included drinks and snorkel equipment help cover the basics, while the real value is the private skipper, the ability to adjust the day and access to multiple islands and swimming areas in one outing. If your group mainly wants a single beach visit, this is likely more boat time and expense than you need. If you want a full day on the water with several stops, the private format makes more sense.

Who will enjoy this trip most

This tour suits families, couples and groups of friends who want an active day with room to set their own pace. It works particularly well for groups with different interests: one person can sunbathe aboard while another swims or snorkels, then everyone can meet ashore for lunch.

It is also a strong choice if you have already spent time in Dubrovnik and want to see more of the coast. You get a mix of a sandy beach, a small island port, quiet bays and a cave, rather than an entire day in one place. Children have enjoyed these outings, but the route includes open-water swimming, so parents should consider their children’s comfort in the sea.

The boat itself can shape the experience. Previous trips have featured captains Nick, Ivan, Luka and Niko, praised for being considerate, relaxed and willing to help with restaurant plans or swimming. You cannot assume a particular skipper will be assigned, so treat the names as examples, not a booking guarantee.

Practical details to settle before you go

Confirmation is provided at booking, and the activity is private to your group. Service animals are allowed, and the tour is described as suitable for most participants. Pickup is offered in some cases, especially if your accommodation is far from the nearest speedboat mooring; contact the operator to arrange it.

The cancellation terms allow a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. If poor weather cancels the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund. Because the experience depends on sea conditions, it is worth keeping some flexibility in your schedule.

Before departure, confirm three details: the start time, your pickup or meeting point, and the fuel surcharge. Then tell the skipper how much time you want for swimming, lunch and walking around Šipan. A little planning helps the private format work in your favor.

Should you book the Elaphiti Islands speedboat tour?

Book it if your group wants a full day at sea, values the freedom to adjust stops and is happy to pay for a private boat. Šunj’s sand, Šipan’s quiet port and Koločep’s Blue Cave make a varied route, while the skipper can add secluded swimming spots along the way.

Skip it if you want a low-cost outing, prefer a fixed schedule or do not enjoy swimming from a boat. For everyone else, it is a flexible way to see several sides of the islands in one day. Just get the fuel charge and departure time confirmed before you pay.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts about eight hours.

What time does the tour start?

The meeting details state 9:30 am, while the tour description says 10 am. Confirm the exact departure time with the operator.

How many people can join?

The price covers a private group of up to eight people.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup may be available if your accommodation is far from the closest speedboat mooring. Contact the operator to ask about a transfer.

What is included in the tour?

Bottled water, beer, soft drinks, snorkeling equipment and private transportation are listed as included.

Is fuel included in the price?

No. Fuel is extra. The stated surcharge is inconsistent, with one figure of €100 per booking and another estimate of €150 to €200 depending on the boat. Confirm the amount before departure.

Is lunch included?

No. You have free time for lunch or drinks on Šipan, but meal costs are not included.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Lopud, Šipan and Koločep, with swimming stops in bays along the way.

Can I snorkel during the tour?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the route includes swimming and snorkeling opportunities.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if the tour is canceled because of poor weather.