Rent a luxury speed boat for great fun on this Elaphiti Islands tour

The best part of this Elaphiti Islands trip is having a boat and skipper for your own group, so you can spend more time swimming, walking or lingering over a coffee instead of keeping pace with a large excursion. The route links sandy Šunj Beach on Lopud, the quiet harbor at Šipan and the caves and clear water around Koločep.

I like two things in particular: the flexible four-to-eight-hour format lets you choose between a half-day outing and a longer island circuit, and the boat comes with snorkel gear, drinks, a fridge and a sunshade. Skippers such as Josip and Rocco have been praised for being friendly and adaptable, though you cannot count on a particular captain when booking.

The main consideration is cost: $842.05 is a substantial group fare, especially for a couple, but it works out to about $70 per person if all 12 places are filled. Island time and the order of stops depend on your chosen duration and preferences, so agree on priorities with the skipper before setting off.

• Three distinct island stops: Choose from Lopud’s beach and old lanes, Šipan’s working harbor and Koločep’s caves and swimming spots.
• Private boat for up to 12: Your group is not combined with other bookings.
• Choose a four- or eight-hour outing: The shorter option leaves more of the day free; the longer trip gives you more time ashore.
• Drinks and snorkel gear are supplied: Beer, white wine, soda, water and equipment are included.
• Pickup can be arranged: Air-conditioned car or minivan transfers are offered, with pickup details confirmed directly with the operator.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.

A private ride to the Elaphiti Islands

Dubrovnik’s Elaphiti Islands are close enough for a day trip but far enough from the city to make the boat ride feel like a change of scene. This private speedboat tour gives your group a skipper and a flexible plan for three islands: Lopud, Šipan and Koločep. The boat has a sunshade, sundeck and fridge, so the time between shore stops is part of the outing, not just transit.

The private format is the real advantage. You can tell the skipper if you would rather spend longer at the beach, stop for a coffee or make room for a walk. The tour description gives each island about an hour as a guide, but actual time depends on whether you book four or eight hours and what your group wants to do.

You are not signing up for a formal, tightly timed sightseeing circuit. Think of it as a boat day with an island framework. A good first step is to decide whether swimming, villages or a mix of both matters most, then talk through your plan with the skipper.

Lopud: Šunj Beach, stone lanes and a slower pace

Lopud is the island to choose for a beach break and an easy wander. Its main draw is Šunj, a sandy beach that makes a welcome change from the rocky coastline found in much of the Dubrovnik area. The local legend says couples who bathe there together will never part, which is a pleasant excuse to get into the water.

If you prefer to walk, Lopud also has old stone houses, olive groves, vineyards and paths through wooded areas. The island has more than 30 small churches, and the Temple of Sun is an unusual museum on a hill, built so that changing shades of light move around visitors. There is also an old botanical garden, described as one of Europe’s oldest.

Do not expect to cover every attraction during a brief stop. The island’s appeal is in choosing one or two things, perhaps Šunj and a drink or a short walk near the village. If beach time is your priority, tell the skipper early, since a longer visit here will mean less time elsewhere.

Šipan: a harbor with everyday island life

Šipan is the largest of the three islands on the route and offers a different mood from beach-focused Lopud. The boat stops at Suđurađ, a small port where fishing boats, stone houses and local families give the harbor a lived-in feel. You can sit for a coffee or use the stop for a short look around.

The island is known for its olive trees and for the summer residences built by wealthy Dubrovnik families in the 15th century. In Suđurađ, look for the 16th-century castle of the Stjepović-Skočibuha family and the defensive tower beside it. The remains of a late-Gothic Rector’s Palace and archbishops’ palaces add to the island’s historical interest, though a one-hour stop is not enough for an in-depth visit.

Šipan’s appeal is less about a single must-see sight than about seeing a quieter port and getting a glimpse of island routines. If you want to browse or walk farther from the harbor, ask how much time is available before you leave the boat.

Koločep: clear water, caves and a swim

Koločep is the most natural stop for getting into the water. The island has caves, cliffs and clear sea, and the tour includes time for swimming and snorkeling. Equipment is provided, so you do not need to pack a mask and snorkel of your own.

There is also the option of a short beach break or a walk through Gornje Čelo and Donje Čelo, two traditional settlements. A swim stop is especially appealing if your group has spent the earlier stops walking, but conditions at sea can affect how comfortable the ride feels. One person who took a boat outing with this operator found the ride bumpy in rough weather, a useful reminder that a speedboat is not a smooth-water guarantee.

The route description mentions caves around Koločep, while the operator’s other boat outings have included the Blue Cave. Do not assume the Blue Cave is part of this exact private itinerary. Ask the operator before booking if it is a priority, and confirm which caves or swimming spots your skipper expects to visit on the day.

Four hours or eight: make the time work for you

The shorter option is a good fit if you want a boat ride, a swim and a taste of island life without giving up the whole day. The longer outing is better if you want more freedom to linger, walk around, or make a proper stop on more than one island. The overall tour lasts approximately four to eight hours, and the three listed island stops are each described as roughly an hour, with flexibility based on the plan.

That flexibility is useful, but it also means the exact timetable is not fixed. Decide in advance what matters most: a long beach stay, seeing all three islands, or a slower pace with a meal or coffee break. If you try to fit every beach, village and landmark into a short tour, the day may feel rushed.

The tour leaves the rest of your day free only if you choose the shorter duration. An eight-hour trip is a full outing, so keep that in mind when planning dinner, museum visits or other activities back in Dubrovnik.

What the price includes, and what it means per person

The listed price is $842.05 for the private group, up to 12 people. At full capacity, that comes to about $70 per person. With two people, it is about $421 each, so this makes most sense for a family or group of friends who want privacy and control over the route rather than the lowest-cost way to reach the islands.

The fare includes the boat, all listed taxes and handling charges, snorkel equipment, white wine, beer, soda and bottled water. There is a sunshade, sundeck and fridge onboard, plus pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned minivan or car when arranged. Personal expenses are extra, and swimsuits are not supplied.

Value depends on how much you use the private format. If your group wants an unhurried swim stop and the freedom to shape the day, the cost buys more than transport. If you mainly want to reach one beach, a lower-cost shared excursion may suit you better.

Skippers, pickup and practical details

The operator is Dubrovnik Islands Tours. The stated meeting point is Yacht Club Orsan, Ul. Ivana pl. Zajca 4, Dubrovnik. Pickup arrangements are handled directly by phone, with Viber and WhatsApp supported. Pickup is offered, but the terms exclude pickups less than one kilometer from the starting point, so check your address rather than assuming a door-to-door ride.

Skippers named on the operator’s outings include Rocco, James, Mark, Luca, Phillip, Frankie, Josip and Frane. People describe captains who share local information, help choose stops and keep the mood relaxed. Those are useful qualities on a flexible private trip, but specific skipper assignments are not promised.

The experience is offered in English. Children must be accompanied by adults, and the stated maximum is 12 people per booking. Most participants can take part, and you can advise the operator of specific requirements when booking.

Bring your swimsuit, since one is not included. You may also want to bring personal items for a beach stop, but the tour information does not specify what beach facilities will be available. Weather is a key variable: if poor conditions cancel the trip, you can take another date or receive a full refund. For other cancellations, the stated deadline for a full refund is at least 24 hours before the start time.

Who should book this boat day

This works best for a group that values a private boat, swimming and the ability to adjust the pace. Families and friend groups can split the fixed price across more people, while couples should weigh the privacy and flexibility against the much higher per-person cost. It is also a good choice if you want an island outing without arranging separate transfers and snorkel equipment yourself.

It is less suitable if you need a guaranteed Blue Cave visit, a fixed sightseeing schedule or a very low-cost day out. Confirm the route, duration and pickup details before paying, especially if a particular island or beach is the main reason you are booking.

My call: book it if your group can make good use of the private boat and you are happy to let the skipper shape a flexible day around your priorities. If you are traveling as a pair or care most about one specific stop, ask exactly what the chosen duration can include and compare the cost with other options first.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The outing lasts approximately four to eight hours. The duration and time spent on each island depend on your chosen trip length and preferences.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The planned stops are Lopud, Šipan and Koločep. Time at each stop is flexible.

How many people can join?

The tour is private for your group, with a maximum of 12 people per booking.

What drinks are included?

Beer, white wine, bottled water and soda are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included for use during the trip.

Is pickup available?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned car or minivan are offered, but you need to contact the operator to arrange them. Pickups less than one kilometer from the starting point are excluded.

Where does the tour start?

The stated meeting point is Yacht Club Orsan, Ul. Ivana pl. Zajca 4, Dubrovnik.

Is a swimsuit included?

No. Swimsuits are not included, so bring your own.