Private Three island Tour from Dubrovnik

Lokrum’s caves, the Blue Cave at Koločep and a long stop on Lopud make this a day built around the sea, not a checklist of town sights. You travel with your own group of up to eight, and the skipper can adjust the pace to your needs.

I like two things in particular: the chance to swim and snorkel at several stops, including the Blue Cave, and three hours on Lopud for Sunj beach, lunch or a walk. Families can appreciate the shallow water at the beach, while anyone keen on cliff jumping can try it at Koločep.

The main drawback is the extra cost: the advertised $602.06 group price does not include the skipper or fuel, which each cost another €100 in cash. The tour’s four-to-eight-hour duration is also a wide range, so ask how the day is expected to run before you set plans around it.

At a glance

• Four islands in the day: Lokrum plus Koločep, Šipan and Lopud, despite the three-island name.
• A private boat for your party: The group limit is eight, and you will not share the activity with other groups.
• Two distinct cave stops: Lokrum’s cave is approached by boat; at Koločep, you can swim and snorkel in the Blue Cave.
• Three hours on Lopud: Make room for Sunj beach, a meal or a walk around the island.
• Budget for two cash charges: The skipper and fuel each cost €100, in addition to the advertised price.
• A skipper praised for flexibility: Luka, also spelled Luca, is described as considerate; one family also mentioned towels and floaties, though those are not listed as standard inclusions.

A private boat day with four island stops

This outing pairs a slow coastal look at Dubrovnik with a day among nearby islands. You first visit Lokrum, then pass the old harbor and city walls from the water on the way to Koločep. From there, the route takes in Šipan and Lopud, the longest stop of the day.

The tour is sold as a three-island trip, but the schedule includes Lokrum as well as the three Elaphiti islands of Koločep, Šipan and Lopud. That distinction matters if you are comparing routes: you get a brief stop at Lokrum, then visit three islands in the Elaphiti group.

Because this is a private activity, you travel with your own party rather than joining a mixed group. That can be a real advantage for families or friends who want to swim at their own pace. You can ask the skipper about your preferences, though the supplied details do not promise that every stop or timing can be changed.

The tour begins at 10:00 am and is listed as lasting about four to eight hours. The timed stops add up to five hours before allowing for the coastal ride between islands. The total can therefore vary; check the expected finish time with the operator if you have a dinner reservation, ferry or other fixed plan.

Lokrum: caves and a swim near Dubrovnik

Lokrum is an uninhabited island close to Dubrovnik, and the first stop brings you out of the city for a short sea break. You have about 30 minutes here, with the option to swim or jump from the boat. The skipper also takes the boat into a cave.

The short visit makes this more of a taste of Lokrum than a full island outing. If you want a long walk or a broad look around, this stop is unlikely to provide it. But it gives you an early chance to get in the water and see the island from the boat.

Then comes a slow ride past Dubrovnik’s old harbor and city walls. It is a useful change of pace between swims, and a good moment to take photographs from offshore. The city’s familiar stone edge looks different from the sea, with the harbor and walls seen together rather than from a crowded viewpoint.

Koločep: snorkeling at the Blue Cave

At Koločep, the Blue Cave is the main attraction. The boat carries snorkeling equipment, and the plan is to swim into the cave and see the water’s color from inside. The description notes that the water is shallow enough for you to stand on your feet inside, a reassuring detail if you are not a confident swimmer.

You have about an hour at this stop. That gives you time to use the mask and snorkel, swim around and enjoy the cave without turning the visit into a rushed photo stop. If you are feeling adventurous, cliff jumping is also an option here. It is presented as a choice, not a requirement.

Cave conditions and the day’s weather can affect what is possible. The tour requires good weather, and the provider may offer another date or a full refund if poor weather causes a cancellation. If the cave is a priority for you, ask the operator what conditions are expected before departure.

Snorkeling gear is included, as are bottled water and soda. One family also described having towels, masks and floaties on board, but towels and floaties are not named among the standard inclusions. If you need them, confirm directly rather than assuming they will be available.

Šipan: a brief look at the largest Elaphiti island

Šipan is the largest island in the group, and its 30-minute stop offers a contrast to the cave and beach time. The island’s terrain is framed by two limestone ridges, with a lower depression between them. Olives, figs, vines, carob, almonds, oranges and other citrus grow there.

That agricultural character is the point of this stop. It gives the day a glimpse of the islands beyond their swimming spots, but half an hour is not much time for a long walk or an in-depth exploration. The information provided does not specify exactly where the boat stops on Šipan or whether you go ashore, so do not plan around a particular village visit.

If you are most interested in swimming, you may find this the least essential stop. If you like seeing how the islands differ from one another, it adds a quieter, more rural note between Koločep’s cave and Lopud’s beach.

Lopud: three hours for Sunj beach and a meal

Lopud gets the most time, with about three hours to swim, sunbathe, eat or explore on foot. Sunj is a sandy beach, and the shallow water makes it a practical choice for children. After the shorter island stops, this is where you can settle in rather than watching the clock.

You can also look for Lopud’s churches, some dating to the 15th and 16th centuries, the remains of the Rector’s Palace, the ruins of a fortress and a 15th-century Franciscan monastery overlooking the village. The tour description does not specify a guided walk, so treat these as sights you may explore independently during your time ashore.

Lunch is not included, but you can eat at a local restaurant. The skipper has been praised for being considerate, and one useful tip is to ask him about booking a table at his suggested restaurant. That is worth doing if you would rather spend your island time enjoying a meal than searching for somewhere after arrival.

Three hours is generous compared with the other stops, but it still involves choices. A long lunch, a beach visit and a walk to several sights may not all fit comfortably. Decide which matters most to you, and leave some time for the return to the boat.

What the private format is worth

The listed price is $602.06 per group of up to eight. At full capacity, that works out to about $75.26 per person before the extra charges. For a smaller party, the cost per person rises quickly, so the boat makes most financial sense if you can fill several seats.

The skipper costs €100 and fuel costs another €100, both paid in cash on the boat. Those are significant additions, especially for a couple or small family. Include both in your budget before comparing this trip with a shared excursion. The information does not say whether either fee changes with group size, so do not assume the total is divided or reduced for a smaller party.

In return, you have a boat reserved for your group, snorkeling equipment, drinks and an onboard restroom. Privacy matters most if your party includes children, people who want frequent swims or friends who prefer to move at their own pace. It matters less if your main goal is simply to get from Dubrovnik to the islands at the lowest price.

The most glowing comments about the day focus on the skipper and the time on the water. Luka, whose name is also written as Luca, is described as kind and considerate, and one family called him a talented seaman. The same family highlighted the fun of visiting caves and beaches with children. Those details point to the tour’s strongest fit: a group that wants an active, informal day rather than a formal history lesson.

Practical details before you book

The tour is offered in English, confirmation is received at booking, and a mobile ticket is available. The meeting point is also the return point, but no street address is included in the details here, so check the exact location with Cavtat Boat before you set out.

The activity is private, allows service animals and is near public transportation. Most people can participate, but the day involves getting on and off a boat and swimming if you choose to take part in the water stops. The description does not give specific mobility or boat-access details, so ask the operator directly if those details matter to you.

The advertised duration ranges from four to eight hours. Since the listed island stops total five hours, the actual day depends on travel time and the way the outing unfolds. Keep your afternoon open, especially if you plan to eat on Lopud or spend the full three hours at Sunj.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations made later than that are not refundable, and changes made within 24 hours are not accepted. If the tour is called off because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

Should you book this boat trip?

Book it if your ideal Dubrovnik day includes cave swimming, snorkeling, a look back at the city from the water and enough time on Lopud to enjoy the beach or lunch. The private format is especially appealing for a family or friend group that wants to share the boat and set a relaxed pace.

Think twice if you are traveling as a small party on a tight budget, or if you want a guided, land-based tour with detailed stops at historical sites. The two €100 cash charges materially change the price, and the time on Šipan and Lokrum is brief. If you are comfortable with those trade-offs, this is a strong choice for a full day at sea, with the Blue Cave and Lopud providing the clearest reasons to go.

FAQ

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $602.06 per group of up to eight. The skipper and fuel each cost an additional €100, paid in cash on the boat.

How many people can join the private tour?

The tour is for your private group, with a maximum of eight people. No other group participates in your activity.

How long does the tour last?

The approximate duration is four to eight hours. The listed stops total about five hours, before adding time for travel between islands.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 10:00 am. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Lokrum, Koločep, Šipan and Lopud. The three Elaphiti islands are Koločep, Šipan and Lopud.

What is included in the price?

Bottled water, soda, snorkeling equipment and use of the onboard restroom are included. Lunch is not listed as included.

Are there extra charges to pay on the boat?

Yes. The skipper costs €100 and the fuel surcharge costs €100. Both are paid in cash on the boat.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes the tour to be canceled, you are offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.