Rent a speed boat and explore beaches and coves of Elaphiti Islands

The best part of this excursion is the freedom to shape your day. You get a private speedboat for up to six people, then choose how long to stay at Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep rather than following a rigid group schedule. You can trade an old stone village for a swim, then trade the swim for a cold drink in a fishing port.

I like the mix of sandy beaches and quiet coves, since Dubrovnik’s immediate coast does not offer much sand. I also like the personal service: skippers such as Eric, Ivan, Luca, Tito, and Roko are praised for being attentive, patient, and good at suggesting caves and swimming spots. The main drawback is the ride itself. A speedboat can be bumpy, and some swimming spots require confidence in open water.

Key points to know before you book

• Private boat for up to six: The $720.84 price is for the whole group, not one seat.
• Flexible island time: You decide how long to stay at Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep within the four to eight-hour outing.
• Three very different stops: Lopud brings sandy beach time, Šipan offers old island life, and Koločep is best for coves, caves, and snorkeling.
• Useful extras included: Pickup in Dubrovnik, shade, a fridge, a sundeck, drinks, bottled water, soft drinks, and snorkeling gear.
• Swimming ability matters: Waves can affect access to caves, and one swimming entrance is not large.
• Skipper quality matters: Eric, Ivan, Luca, Tito, and Roko are among the named skippers praised for care and practical help.

A private speedboat day from Dubrovnik

This is not a sightseeing cruise where you sit in one place while someone else controls every minute. It is a private outing with a skipper, designed around three Elaphiti Islands west of Dubrovnik.

The trip lasts about four to eight hours. That wide range matters. Four hours gives you a brisk taste of the islands, while eight hours gives you room for swimming, a meal or coffee, a village walk, and unhurried boat time. Since your group is alone on the boat, you can decide which stop deserves more attention.

The boat includes a sunshade, fridge, sundeck, and drinks. Alcoholic options include wine and beer, and bottled water and soda are also provided. Snorkeling equipment is supplied, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins. You do need to bring a swimsuit, since that is not included.

Pickup is available in the Dubrovnik city area for locations more than one kilometer from Yacht Club Orsan, the departure point. Pickup is not included for places under one kilometer from the start, and the operator does not collect passengers outside Dubrovnik city.

Lopud brings the sand and the old stone lanes

Lopud is the most rounded first stop. You can spend time at Šunj Beach, follow paths through old woods and olive groves, or wander among stone houses and reminders of the island’s past.

Šunj is the obvious choice if your idea of an island day includes sand under your feet. A local story says couples who bathe there will never part, which gives the beach a little romantic charm without requiring you to take the legend too seriously. The beach is also a practical change from the pebbly and rocky shorelines common around the Adriatic.

You can also visit one of Europe’s oldest botanical gardens, according to the tour information. Another unusual stop is the Temple of Sun museum on the hill, where shifting shades and light effects create something different from the usual church-and-fortress sightseeing around Dubrovnik.

Lopud is inhabited, so this is not only a beach stop. You will find cocktail bars, restaurants, olive oil, wine, and other local food and drink. That makes it the easiest island on this route for combining a swim with refreshments or a short walk.

The tradeoff is time. If you stay at Šunj for a long swim, you may have less time for the botanical garden, hilltop museum, or village. With a four-hour tour, you should choose one main aim at Lopud rather than trying to cover everything.

Šipan shows a quieter island life

Šipan is the largest of the three islands and has a different feel from Lopud. The port of Suđurađ is a good place to slow down, order a coffee, and watch the small boats come and go.

The island is known for its many olive trees and for its long connection with Dubrovnik’s wealthy families. In the 15th century, Dubrovnik families used Šipan as a summer retreat, leaving behind villas, a late-Gothic Rector’s Palace, and the remains of archbishops’ palaces.

Suđurađ also has the 16th-century castle of the Stjepović-Skočibuha family, along with a defensive tower built to guard against pirates. You do not need a long guided history lesson to appreciate the setting. Old stone homes, fishing boats, and the working harbor tell the story at a human scale.

This stop is especially useful if you want to see an inhabited island rather than only a pretty swimming spot. The port has retained more of its traditional character because Šipan lies farther from Dubrovnik and tourism has had less influence there.

Allow about an hour here on the shorter version of the trip, though the timing is flexible. I would use Šipan for coffee and a short walk, not for a rushed attempt at every historic building. The island’s pleasure is its calm pace.

Koločep is the place for water time

Koločep is the strongest stop for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring small coves. The island has clear water, fish, shells, caves, and high cliffs. You may also get a short beach break and time to explore the underwater world with the provided snorkeling equipment.

The island has two main settlements, Gornje Čelo and Donje Čelo. A walk through either gives you a look at a traditional southern Dalmatian island village, with pine and olive trees around the houses.

Koločep works well at the end of the outing because it is less about checking off sights and more about enjoying the water. If the sea is calm, you can spend time near the coves and caves. If waves are running, the swimming portion may feel more demanding.

That point deserves attention. One account describes the boat as fun but bumpy, with waves at a cave entrance that was not especially wide. You should be a comfortable swimmer before booking this as a water-focused day. The skipper can offer advice, but the tour is not a substitute for swimming ability.

The stated stop time is about an hour on the shorter schedule. On an eight-hour trip, Koločep may receive more time, depending on your group’s choices and conditions.

The skippers can shape the whole day

A private boat is only as good as the person at the controls. The named skippers connected with this experience include Eric, Roko or Rocco, Tito, Mark, Ivan, and Luca. You cannot assume a particular skipper will be assigned, but the personal care described across the experience is worth noting.

Eric is praised for friendly conversation, strong English, and noticing small needs. When one passenger felt cold early in the trip, he offered his own windbreaker. That sort of attention matters on a boat, where wind and spray can make the temperature feel lower than expected.

Roko is praised for creating a relaxed day, while Tito is noted for patience, useful tips, and interesting stories. Ivan is remembered for making a boat-and-cave outing special, and Luca for mixing music, swimming, and a friendly atmosphere. These details suggest that the skipper is not simply a driver. The right one can help you choose a better cove, judge the conditions, and make the timing work for your group.

Some feedback also refers to blue cave visits. Cave access and exact stops can depend on the route and sea conditions, so I would ask the operator what is planned for your date rather than assume every cave is guaranteed.

What $720.84 means for your group

The listed cost is $720.84 per group of up to six. At six people, that works out to about $120 per person before any separate personal spending. At two people, the same boat becomes a much more expensive private outing.

That pricing makes the most sense for a full group of friends or family. You are paying for privacy, a skipper, transport between several islands, flexible stop times, drinks, equipment, and pickup within the stated Dubrovnik area. A shared boat may cost less per person, but it will not give you the same control over how long you stay at Šunj, how much time you spend in Šipan, or when you swim at Koločep.

The value also depends on duration. If you can manage the eight-hour version, the fixed group price stretches further because you are getting a full day on the water. The four-hour version is better if you mainly want a swim and a quick look at the islands, but it gives you less room for delays, village walks, and relaxed meals.

Alcoholic drinks are included, but you should not treat that as the main reason to book. The real value is the boat, the skipper, and the ability to combine three different islands without arranging separate transport.

Who will enjoy this outing most

I would recommend this for a group that wants an active, flexible day rather than a formal history tour. Families with older children, couples traveling with friends, and small groups celebrating a birthday can all make good use of the private format.

It is also a strong choice for people who want both land and water. Lopud offers sand and village time, Šipan offers a working port and old buildings, and Koločep offers caves and snorkeling. You can make the day as social or as quiet as you like.

I would think twice if you dislike bumpy boat rides, are not comfortable swimming in open water, or want a fully guided historical tour. The cultural stops are pleasant, but the main purpose is island-hopping by speedboat. Also remember that children must be accompanied by adults.

The boat holds a maximum of six people per booking. That limit is a benefit if you want room to move around, but it also means a larger family or group will need more than one booking.

Practical details that affect the day

The meeting point is Yacht Club Orsan at Ul. Ivana pl. Zajca 4 in Dubrovnik. The excursion returns there at the end. Pickup is offered in Dubrovnik city for addresses more than one kilometer from the departure point.

Confirmation is normally issued at booking. If you book within two hours of departure, confirmation comes as soon as possible and depends on availability. I would not leave this arrangement until the last minute, especially since the outing is popular and is often reserved well ahead.

The activity requires good weather. If poor weather cancels it, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and something light for the wind. The boat has a sunshade, but you will still want protection during open-water travel. Since the boat can be bumpy, keep phones and cameras secure.

Should you book the Elaphiti Islands speedboat tour?

Book it if you want a private day with control over the pace, especially if you have four to six people to share the cost. The mix is excellent: a sandy beach at Lopud, traditional island life at Šipan, and water time around Koločep.

Choose the longer eight-hour option if you want the day to feel relaxed. Choose four hours if your priority is a quick escape from Dubrovnik with one or two swims.

I would book only after making sure everyone in your group is comfortable on a speedboat and can swim confidently. Ask about the planned cave stops and request a particular skipper if the operator can accommodate it, but do not treat Eric, Ivan, Luca, Tito, or Roko as guaranteed assignments. For the right small group, this is one of the more flexible ways to see the islands without giving up your own schedule.

FAQ

How long does the speedboat experience last?

The tour lasts approximately four to eight hours. The longer option allows more time for swimming, island walks, coffee, and flexible stops.

How many people can join the private boat?

A maximum of six people can join each booking. The price is listed per group, not per individual seat.

Is pickup from my Dubrovnik accommodation included?

Pickup is included for locations in the Dubrovnik city area that are more than one kilometer from Yacht Club Orsan. Pickup is not included for locations under one kilometer from the starting point or outside Dubrovnik city.

Are food and drinks included?

Wine, beer, bottled water, and soda are included. Restaurants and other food purchases are not listed as included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included. You must bring your own swimsuit.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.