From Dubrovnik: Pvt Speedboat Cruise to Mljet&Sipanska Luka

The treat here is the distance: in one day, you leave Dubrovnik’s busy waterfront behind and reach the quieter shores of Šipan and Mljet by speedboat. The route mixes a protected harbour, uninhabited islands, swim stops and the option to enter the Blue Cave at Koločep.

I like that this is a private, adjustable outing, so you can shape the stops around your group rather than follow a large boat’s timetable. I also like the contrast between Sipanska Luka’s old port and the natural bays around Mljet, where clear water and quiet coves are the main event.

The trade-off is the long ride across open water, and the advertised $1,036 price does not include the €220 fuel charge, paid in cash to the skipper. One past participant specifically recommends a warm jacket for the chilly wind on the boat.

• Sipanska Luka gives the day a village-and-harbour stop, not just a succession of swims.
• Mljet’s southern bays are the main nature break, with time for swimming, snorkelling and a walk.
• The route passes Jakljan and Olipa, uninhabited islands between Šipan and Mljet.
• Saplunara and Limuni Beach are named beach highlights, with Limuni known for sand and shallow water.
• The Blue Cave at Koločep is a possible final swim stop, if you want to swim inside.
• Fuel costs extra: budget €220 in cash, in addition to the group price.

Leaving Dubrovnik for Šipan

The tour starts at Lapadska obala 4, where the captain meets you beside the agreed boat, across the street from Ljetnikovac Petra Sorkočevića. You’ll have the captain’s WhatsApp number, which should make it easier to coordinate the meeting. Arrive on time: the departure time counts as the start of your eight hours, so a late arrival means less time on the water and at the stops.

This is a private trip for up to four people, with an English-speaking guide. That small-group setup matters on a day built around swimming and changing plans. You can talk through the route with the skipper and adjust stops to suit your group, rather than having to match a larger tour’s pace.

Expect open-water travel, not a short hop from one nearby beach to another. The trip to Mljet includes a long stretch by speedboat, and one participant noted that the wind felt cold for nearly two hours. Pack a jacket even if Dubrovnik is hot when you leave. The supplied advice to bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel and biodegradable sunscreen is practical, not fussy.

Sipanska Luka’s sheltered harbour

Šipan is the first major stop on the suggested route. Sipanska Luka, also called the Port of Šipan, is the island’s main port and a popular stop for sailors because its harbour is well protected. That gives the visit a different feel from a beach stop: you can take in the waterfront, have some free time and see a lived-in island port before heading back to the boat.

The surrounding vineyards and pine woods help explain why this part of the route is more than a quick photo pause. Architectural monuments in the area connect the harbour to the island’s medieval past. The tour offers sightseeing and free time here, but there is no fixed amount of time specified, so ask the skipper how long the stop will be and what you most want to see.

This is also a useful point to settle expectations about the day. It is not a full guided walking tour of Šipan, nor a trip focused only on beaches. The appeal is the mix: a little time ashore, then the open Adriatic and a string of quieter natural stops.

Crossing past Jakljan and Olipa

After Šipan, the boat heads north past Jakljan and Olipa, both uninhabited islands, on the way towards Mljet. This stretch is part of the experience rather than simply transport. The views open up, and the route exposes you to a quieter section of the Adriatic, with cliffs, rock formations, woods and bays along the way.

The skipper can take you into hidden coves and bays for a swim, with snorkel masks included. The tour also includes bottled water, soft drinks, beer, dry bags and floaties, handy items for a day spent moving between boat and shore. Bring your own towel and sun protection, and keep valuables in a dry bag when you go into the water.

There is no guarantee of seeing a celebrity or a mega yacht, despite the area’s appeal to large private boats. Treat that as a possibility, not a reason to book. The better reason to make this crossing is the chance to get away from the built-up Dubrovnik coast and spend time in less settled surroundings.

Mljet’s coves and quiet southern shore

Mljet is the day’s central destination, and the suggested stops include Prozurska Luka on the island’s southern side. This small bay is known for a peaceful atmosphere and draws families and sailors. Here, the plan is simple: take in the scenery, swim, snorkel or spend time ashore. The tour also includes a guided visit and a walk, but the exact shape of those activities depends on the skipper’s route and your preferences.

Saplunara is another named highlight, described as one of Croatia’s most beautiful beaches. The tour’s information also calls attention to Limuni Beach, a sandy stretch with shallow water. These are appealing choices if your group wants a gentler swim than a rocky cove might offer. Still, do not assume every named beach is a guaranteed stop: the route is adjustable, and the skipper will tailor it to your wishes. Ask which beaches are planned before departure.

The flexibility is valuable, but it also means you should be clear about priorities. If you have your heart set on Saplunara, Limuni or a particular bay, say so early and confirm what the day’s route can accommodate. Conditions, distance and time all affect how many stops fit into an eight-hour outing.

Swimming, snorkelling and the Blue Cave

Swimming is built into the day, and snorkel masks are provided. The water stops are a strong reason to choose a private boat: you can spend time in a bay that appeals to your group rather than treating every stop as a brief photo break. Floaties are also included, while a stand-up paddleboard can be rented for an additional cost.

On the return towards Dubrovnik, the route can include the Blue Cave on Koločep Island. If you want to swim inside the cave, this is an unusual final stop and a different setting from the open bays around Mljet. The wording is important: the cave stop is offered if you would like to swim inside, so confirm with the skipper that it fits the day’s timing and conditions.

Bring a towel and swimwear where they are easy to reach, rather than buried in a bag. A dry bag is supplied, but you’ll still want a simple system for keeping clothes, phones and other items dry between stops. Smoking is not allowed on the tour.

What the price buys, and what it does not

The listed price is $1,036 for a private group of up to four people. Split evenly, that is $259 per person for four, before the fuel charge. For a couple or a smaller group, the per-person cost rises quickly, so this outing makes most financial sense when you can fill the boat or place a high value on privacy and flexibility.

Fuel is an additional €220, payable in cash to the skipper on the day. Treat that as a required part of the budget, not an optional extra. Lunch is not included, and neither is the stand-up paddleboard, which is available at extra cost. Bottled water, soft drinks, beer, snorkel masks, dry bags and floaties are included.

The value is less about getting the lowest-cost way to see the islands and more about controlling the pace of a long day. You have a private group, an English-speaking skipper and the ability to adjust stops. If you would rather pay less and follow a set schedule with other people, this may not be the right fit. If quiet bays, swimming time and a flexible route matter more, the additional cost may be worthwhile.

Pack for a windy, wet day

The basics are straightforward: sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel and biodegradable sunscreen. Add a jacket. Even in warm weather, speed and wind can make an extended boat ride chilly, especially on the crossing towards Mljet. The cold-wind tip is the most useful bit of practical advice for avoiding a miserable stretch between swim stops.

Bring whatever you need for lunch, since it is not included. The tour provides water, soft drinks and beer, but no meal. If you have a serious medical condition or are pregnant, this trip is not recommended. It is also not suitable for people with back problems, so consider the speedboat ride carefully if bumps or jolts are a concern.

Safety and health procedures are followed, with a full safety and COVID-19 briefing before departure. Pay attention to the skipper’s instructions, particularly around swimming and the cave stop. The boat is a means of reaching remote bays, but the day still depends on sensible choices in and around the water.

Is this the right private boat day for you?

I’d consider booking if your group wants an active day with a balance of island scenery, swimming and a little time ashore. Šipan adds a harbour and architectural interest; Mljet brings the quieter bays; and Koločep’s Blue Cave can round out the return. It is a fuller island outing than a simple coastal cruise, but the route demands a long period on the boat.

The best fit is a group of up to four people who are comfortable with open water and want a say in where the boat stops. The less suitable fit is anyone who needs a low-cost outing, wants lunch included, dislikes wind and boat motion, or has a reason to avoid a speedboat. Confirm the intended beach stops with the skipper, bring the jacket, and account for the fuel fee before you compare the price with other trips.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts eight hours. The departure time counts as the start, so arriving late reduces the time available for the outing.

Where does the boat leave from?

The starting location is Lapadska obala 4 in Dubrovnik. The captain meets you beside the agreed boat, across the street from Ljetnikovac Petra Sorkočevića.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $1,036 for a private group of up to four people. Fuel costs an additional €220, payable in cash to the skipper on the day.

Is the tour private?

Yes. The tour is for a private group, with a maximum group size of four.

What places does the route visit?

The suggested route includes Šipan and Sipanska Luka, Mljet, and the Blue Cave on Koločep Island. Stops can be adjusted to suit your preferences.

Are Saplunara and Limuni Beach guaranteed stops?

They are named as beach highlights, but the route is adjustable. Ask the skipper which stops are planned for your day.

Are snorkelling equipment and drinks included?

Yes. Snorkel masks, bottled water, soft drinks and beer are included. Dry bags and floaties are also provided.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. A stand-up paddleboard is available at an additional cost.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, biodegradable sunscreen and a jacket. The wind can feel cold during the boat ride.