Private Boat Tour to the Elafiti Islands with Atlantic Marine

A private boat turns an Elafiti Islands outing into your own small coastal day, not a ferry run shared with a crowd. You can swim and snorkel at Koločep’s Blue and Green Caves, then spend time on Lopud, where Šunj Beach’s pale sand and shallow water make a welcome change from Dubrovnik’s stone streets.

I especially like the flexible pace, which lets your skipper adjust stops to your interests, and the practical comforts: snorkel gear, towels, life jackets, and drinks are included. Past captains have included Orsat, Marijo, Nikola, Luka, and Maro, though you cannot count on a particular skipper.

The main consideration is the sea. Rough water can make swimming uncomfortable, and weather may cancel the trip. The four-hour outing covers Koločep and Lopud; Šipan is reserved for the full-day version. Fuel is also an extra cash charge, so factor it into the price.

What to know before you book

• Your group gets the boat to itself: The listed rate is for up to eight people, not a per-person ferry ticket.
• Koločep is the cave stop: Allow about an hour for the island and its Blue and Green Caves, with swimming and snorkeling dependent on conditions.
• Lopud gets the longest visit: The four-hour plan sets aside about two hours for Šunj Beach and the island.
• The half-day route does not include Šipan: You need the eight-hour tour to visit that farther island.
• Drinks and swim gear are included: Beer, wine, water, soft drinks, towels, life jackets, and snorkeling equipment are supplied.
• Budget for fuel and lunch: Fuel costs €70 for the half-day tour, paid in cash on board. Lunch is not included.

A private boat, with room to make the day yours

This tour is a good fit if you want to see the islands without working around ferry schedules or sharing the boat with strangers. The private format means the skipper can talk through what your group wants to do, then adjust the day as conditions and timing allow. That might mean more time in the water, a longer beach stop, or a changed route if the sea is choppy.

The four-hour tour is best thought of as a short sampler rather than an island-hopping marathon. You have time for Koločep’s caves and a substantial stop on Lopud, but not for every island in the archipelago. If Šipan matters to you, book the eight-hour tour instead.

The listed price is $701.71 per group of up to eight. At full capacity, that works out to about $87.71 per person before the fuel surcharge, a fairer comparison than treating the group rate as a single-person fare. A smaller party pays the same group price, so the value improves as you fill the boat. Add €70 in cash for fuel on the half-day trip, and remember that lunch is extra.

Koločep’s caves bring the first swim

Koločep lies about 20 minutes by boat from Dubrovnik and is the first listed stop. The island has two small harbors, including one with a seaside promenade and views across the water. The main draw on this route, though, is the Blue Cave and Green Caves, where you can swim and snorkel.

The tour provides snorkeling equipment, towels, and life jackets, so you do not need to bring your own gear to take part. Still, a cave swim is not guaranteed to feel easy: currents and waves can make getting into the water more challenging. One group encountered rough conditions, and the skipper adapted the plan when a passenger felt anxious and wanted to get off the boat. That kind of flexibility matters, but it cannot make unsettled seas calm.

Use the Koločep stop at your own pace. You can prioritize the caves, take a quieter look around the harbor, or ask the skipper what is workable that day. If swimming is the main reason you are booking, keep expectations tied to the weather rather than a promise of ideal water.

Lopud gives you time for sand and a slower pace

The four-hour itinerary allows about two hours on Lopud, making this more than a quick photo stop. Šunj Beach is the island’s headline attraction: a sandy shore with shallow turquoise water that suits a relaxed swim and a pause in the sun. The beach setting is a contrast to Dubrovnik’s rocky coastline and old-town paving.

Lopud also has places to eat and drink, including cocktail bars and dining options. Lunch is not part of the tour price, so you can use the stop to find a meal if time and your skipper’s plan allow, but expect to pay separately. The island is a good place to trade a tightly packed sightseeing schedule for a long beach break.

The stated visit is around two hours, but the tour’s private format gives you a chance to discuss how to use your time. Ask early if the group would rather spend longer swimming or make room for a meal. The skipper can work with your preferences, while the overall duration and sea conditions still set the limits.

Šipan and Šikirica are for the full-day trip

Šipan is not part of the standard four-hour route. It is included only on the eight-hour tour because of its distance from Dubrovnik, so do not assume you will reach it on a half-day booking.

On the way, the full-day itinerary includes Šikirica Lagoon, a spot described for swimming in clear turquoise water. Šipan itself offers a quiet fishing harbor and a slower island atmosphere. It is known for olive oil and local wine, with a seaside wine bar where you can try a glass and enjoy the view.

That extra distance changes the character of the outing. The half-day version concentrates on two islands and the caves; the full day makes room for another stop and a longer stretch on the water. If your priority is variety and you have the time, the longer trip may be worth the added cost. The full-day fuel surcharge is €150, paid in cash on board, and lunch remains extra.

Skippers and communication shape the day

A private boat is only as useful as the person steering it and listening to your group. The captains named on past outings include Orsat, Marijo, Nikola, Luka, and Maro. Their roles have ranged from suggesting scenic stops to adapting routes when the sea or a passenger’s comfort called for a change. You may be able to share preferences, but a specific skipper is not guaranteed.

Communication before departure is another practical plus. Maro has helped confirm pickup details and answer questions, and the operator has arranged pickup and drop-off points to suit groups. Confirm your meeting place and timing directly rather than assuming every departure uses the same spot.

On the water, you can bring your own musical mood: the boat has a Bluetooth music player. Drinks include beer, wine, water, and soft drinks. These are modest comforts, but on a warm outing they save you from having to pack every small thing yourself.

The price makes more sense for a full group

At $701.71 for up to eight people, this is not the cheapest way to reach the islands. Ferries are the budget choice if you are happy to travel on a fixed schedule and arrange your own island time. The private tour costs more because you are paying for a skipper, a boat reserved for your party, drinks and equipment, and the freedom to shape the stops.

For eight people, the base rate comes to roughly $87.71 each. For two or three, the per-person cost is much higher, so weigh the privacy and convenience against the ferry alternative. Then add the €70 half-day fuel surcharge, which is payable in cash on board. Lunch is also on you.

The value is strongest for families or friends who want to swim together, avoid crowded transport, and share the cost. It is less compelling if your main goal is simply to reach one island as cheaply as possible.

Weather, comfort, and small practical details

The experience depends on good weather. If poor conditions lead to cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. Even if the trip goes ahead, wind and waves can affect comfort and swimming, so keep your plans flexible if being in the water is essential.

Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. Life jackets are provided, which is useful for anyone who wants extra support on the water. If a member of your party is uneasy in rough seas, raise that concern with the skipper and be ready for the route to change.

The tour runs in English and uses a mobile ticket. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. For the full refund, make sure you cancel at least 24 hours ahead; changes inside that window are not accepted.

Who should choose this Elafiti boat tour?

I would put this tour high on the list for a group that values privacy, swimming, and an unhurried island stop more than the lowest possible fare. It suits couples, families, and friends who can share the group price, especially if they want a skipper to help make the day fit their interests.

Choose the four-hour trip if Koločep’s caves and a proper visit to Lopud are enough. Choose the eight-hour version if Šipan and Šikirica Lagoon are part of your plan. If the forecast looks rough, or your group dislikes boat motion, consider waiting for a calmer day. The private format gives you flexibility, not control over the Adriatic.

FAQ

How long is the private boat tour?

The standard tour lasts about four hours. An eight-hour full-day tour is also available and includes Šipan.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $701.71 per group of up to eight people. Fuel is extra: €70 for the half-day tour or €150 for the full-day tour, paid in cash on the boat.

Which islands are included in the four-hour tour?

The listed half-day route includes Koločep and Lopud. Šipan is included only on the full-day tour.

Are snorkeling equipment and towels provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, towels, and life jackets are included.

What drinks are available on board?

The included drinks are beer, water, soft drinks, and wine.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included in the tour price.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather cancels the experience, you will be offered another date or a full refund.