Private boat tour from Dubrovnik/Cavtat to Elafiti islands

The best part of this private trip is seeing Dubrovnik and the Elafiti Islands from the water, then stopping for swims in clear Adriatic coves. I like the choice of pickup points, from Cavtat and Gruž to nearby coastal towns, and the flexible pace that lets your group shape the day with the skipper.

I also like that the boat carries up to 10 people, while the listed price is $506 for a group of up to two. One thing to budget for: fuel is extra, paid in cash on board, and the longer the trip, the higher the charge.

At a glance

• Koločep’s Blue Cave: Allow about 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling at the cave stop.
• Lopud and Šunj Beach: The itinerary gives you an hour on Lopud for lunch and free time; the island’s long, shallow sandy beach is a major draw.
• A private boat, not a shared cruise: Your group has the skipper’s attention and can discuss preferences for the day.
• Pickups near Dubrovnik: Choose from Dubrovnik, Gruž, Cavtat, Mlini, Plat, or Srebreno, with the exact pickup arranged near your accommodation.
• Fuel is not included: The stated charges are €80 for four hours and €120 for eight hours, with a separate €40 charge for a sunset tour.
• A compact, open boat: There is a front sun deck, rear seating, and a bimini shade, but you will be exposed to sun and sea conditions.

Dubrovnik looks different from the water

Dubrovnik gets much of the attention on this stretch of the Adriatic, but a boat trip changes the view. From the sea, you can take in the Old Town and its coastal setting, then leave the city behind for the islands and their quieter bays. The trip’s highlights include a panoramic pass by the Old Town for photos, so bring your camera somewhere easy to reach.

The boat is based in Cavtat, about 15 kilometers south of Dubrovnik, and pickup is available from several places along the coast. That flexibility matters if you are staying outside the Old Town or closer to the airport side of town. Before booking, confirm which pickup point is most convenient for you and how the skipper will arrange it.

This is a private excursion, so the day is not built around a large group’s timetable. The skipper can ask what you would most like to see and adjust the pace. On past departures, skippers named Antonio, Nick, and Luksa have been praised for being friendly, keeping the trip relaxed, and helping shape a good day. You may not have the same skipper, but a local captain is part of what you are paying for.

A small speedboat with room to stretch out

The Atlantic Marine Open 750 measures 7.7 meters long and 2.5 meters wide, with a 250-horsepower Honda engine. It can carry up to 10 people, though the listed price is $506 for a group of up to two. If your party is larger, check the booking terms for the total price rather than assuming the same rate applies.

The layout has a front sun deck for resting between swims and a rear seating area. A bimini top provides some shade, and there is a CD/MP3 player. This is an open boat, not a cabin cruiser, so sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are practical essentials. The shade helps, but it will not cover everyone at once.

The boat’s size is a good fit for a private outing that can stop at coves and swimming spots. It also means you should be comfortable on the water. The tour is not suitable for people prone to seasickness, children under three, wheelchair users, or people over 95.

Koločep: cave water and a first swim

The first planned island stop is Koločep, where the Blue Cave visit is scheduled for about 30 minutes of swimming and snorkeling. The island is part of the Elafiti group, a chain of islands off Dubrovnik, and the appeal here is getting into the water rather than spending a long time ashore.

Snorkeling gear is included, as are drinks, so you do not need to bring your own mask. Still, pack swimwear and a change of clothes. The itinerary also highlights exploring caves and jumping off rocks, but exact places and conditions depend on the skipper’s route and the day’s sea conditions. Ask what is suitable when you board, especially if anyone in your group would rather stay close to the boat.

Some past outings have included both Blue and Green Cave stops. The published itinerary specifically lists the Blue Cave, so treat a second cave as a possibility to discuss, not a guaranteed stop. That distinction matters if visiting a particular cave is your main reason for booking.

Lopud: a proper break on land

Lopud is the main planned pause, with about an hour for lunch and free time. It sits between Koločep and Šipan, and the island’s Šunj Beach is known for its long stretch of sand and shallow water. The water remains shallow for roughly 100 meters, which makes the beach appealing for families with young children, though this boat tour itself is not suitable for children under three.

An hour is useful for a meal or a quick beach visit, but it is not a leisurely full afternoon. If you want time to eat, walk around, and swim at Šunj, ask the skipper how the schedule can accommodate that before setting off. The tour runs from four to eight hours, so the length you choose will affect how much time there is to linger.

A skipper on a past trip arranged a restaurant booking on Lopud, where the group enjoyed sea bass. That is a helpful example of how a private outing can work: you can ask for local advice and may be able to arrange lunch, but do not assume a restaurant meal or reservation is included. Lunch is not part of the stated inclusions.

Swimming stops and the Elafiti route

After Lopud, the itinerary includes a further stop among the Elafiti Islands for about 30 minutes of swimming. The exact cove or shoreline is not specified, which leaves room for the skipper to respond to your interests and the conditions. If your priority is more time in the water, say so early rather than waiting until the day is nearly over.

The island group gives the trip its variety. Koločep is associated with caves and swimming; Lopud offers the planned lunch break and Šunj’s sandy shore; and Šipan is the largest of the three islands described for this outing. It has around 410 permanent residents and is about 12.5 kilometers from Dubrovnik.

Šipan also has BOWA, an upscale restaurant and beach bar in Vrbova Bay, about a 30-minute walk from Suđurađ. It serves seafood, including oysters from the nearby Ston and Pelješac areas, and is known for high prices. That makes it a possible stop to discuss for a longer outing, not a simple add-on to assume fits within the standard route. Ask about walking time, meal timing, and whether it works with your chosen tour length.

Choosing four or eight hours

The tour lasts from four to eight hours, and the time you choose changes the character of the day. Four hours can give you a taste of the coast, a cave swim, and a short island stop, but it leaves less room for an unhurried lunch or extra swims. An eight-hour outing is the better choice if you want a relaxed pace and time to spend ashore as well as in the water.

Past groups have found a full-day trip well paced rather than too long, with swimming stops and time to enjoy the views. That is a useful sign if you are weighing the longer option, but your own group’s preferences matter. A full day on an open boat suits people who are happy in the sun and want the sea to be the focus.

The listed fuel charges are €80 for a four-hour tour, €120 for an eight-hour tour, and €40 for a sunset tour. Fuel is paid in cash on the boat, so add it to the advertised $506 group price when comparing costs. Drinks, snorkel gear, and the skipper are included; fuel is not. The overall value is strongest for a couple or small group who want a private route, rather than a low-cost way to get from island to island.

What the price buys, and what it does not

At $506 for up to two people, the base price is a substantial outlay. You are paying for a private boat and skipper, rather than a seat on a shared excursion, and the boat can hold up to 10 people. For a larger party, the per-person cost may work out differently, but confirm the actual group rate before booking.

The skipper’s role is important here. A private boat allows you to talk through what matters most, whether that is a photo pass by Dubrovnik, cave swimming, time at Šunj, or a longer lunch stop. Past trips have been praised for flexible pacing, friendly skippers, drinks on board, and the ability to swim from the boat at several points. Those are the strongest reasons to pay more than you would for a fixed-route group cruise.

There are limits. Fuel adds a separate charge, lunch is not included, and the itinerary gives only short scheduled periods for swimming at Koločep and among the islands. The exact route and amount of time at each stop should be discussed with the skipper, particularly if you want a full day rather than a quick circuit.

What to bring and how to plan

Pack swimwear, beachwear, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. Bring cash for fuel and any food or drinks you buy ashore. Drinks are included on the boat, but the type and quantity are not specified, so bring anything else you know you will want.

The skipper speaks English and Croatian. Pickup is included and arranged by speedboat from the location closest to where you are staying, with options in Cavtat, Dubrovnik, Mlini, Plat, Srebreno, and Gruž. Confirm the exact meeting point and tour length when you book.

You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available. Weapons or sharp objects and explosives are not allowed; assistance dogs are permitted, but other pets are not.

Should you book this private Elafiti Islands tour?

Book it if you want a flexible day on the water, value having a skipper and boat to yourselves, and are keen to swim, snorkel, and see Dubrovnik from offshore. It is particularly appealing for couples and small groups who want to choose the pace rather than follow a packed shared-boat schedule.

Think twice if you mainly want a cheap transfer, need a guaranteed visit to a specific cave, or would rather spend most of the day on land. Before you pay, settle the tour length, fuel charge, pickup point, and the stops you care about most. If you want time for both Šunj Beach and a relaxed meal, the longer option gives you more breathing room.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts between four and eight hours. Check availability for the departure times offered.

Where can the boat pick me up?

Pickup options are Cavtat, Dubrovnik, Mlini, Plat, Srebreno, and Gruž. The pickup is arranged at the location closest to where you are staying.

Is the tour private?

Yes. It is a private group tour.

How many people can the boat carry?

The boat accommodates up to 10 people. The stated price is $506 per group of up to two.

Is fuel included in the price?

No. Fuel is paid in cash on the boat. The stated charge is €80 for four hours, €120 for eight hours, and €40 for a sunset tour.

What is included?

A skipper, drinks, and snorkeling gear are included.

How long is the Blue Cave stop?

The itinerary allows about 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling at the Blue Cave on Koločep.

Is lunch included?

No. The Lopud stop includes time for lunch and free time, but the meal is not included.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, beachwear, a change of clothes, sunscreen, and cash.

Can I bring a pet?

Pets are not allowed, though assistance dogs are permitted.