Dubrovnik: Elaphite Islands Private Speedboat Full-Day Tour

The best part of this private speedboat tour is the freedom to change the pace. You can linger at Šunj, skip a swim, stop for photos, or ask the skipper to pull into a quiet bay that larger boats may pass by. I especially like the mix of sandy beach time on Lopud and the small-island feel of Šipan, where only about 200 people live.

I also like that the boat carries snorkeling gear, towels, water, soft drinks, beer, and other alcoholic beverages. The main drawback is cost: at $500 per person, plus fuel paid at the end, this is a serious splurge unless you value a private boat and flexible route.

Key points at a glance

• Šunj Beach on Lopud: Spend about an hour at one of the Adriatic coast’s uncommon sandy beaches.
• Private route: Your English-speaking skipper can adjust stops around your interests and the day’s conditions.
• Luka Šipanska: Enjoy free time for lunch, drinks, a port walk, and a look at slow island life.
• Sikirica Bay: Swim or snorkel in a hard-to-find cove with strikingly clear, turquoise water.
• Koločep and the Blue Cave: Finish with more swimming, photos, and time in one of the least developed island settings.
• Eight hours on the water: The long day gives you several swim stops instead of one rushed beach visit.

Why this private boat day works so well

The Elaphiti Islands sit just off Dubrovnik, but the day feels far removed from the city streets and summer crowds. From the boat, you move through the Elaphiti Channel, stopping at beaches and coves that are difficult to reach by road. The appeal is not one grand sight. It is the steady change of scenery: a sandy beach, a tiny port, a turquoise cove, a rocky shore, and a sea cave.

Your day begins at 10 am with a private skipper and speedboat. The exact starting point is not specified in the information provided, so confirm the meeting place when you book. From there, the ride to Lopud takes about 40 minutes.

The private format matters here. On a fixed group boat, you usually follow the clock even when you would rather stay in the water. This outing gives you more say in how the day unfolds. A verified booking review specifically praised the nice boat and the ability to work the itinerary around personal interests. That flexibility is the tour’s strongest practical feature.

Still, private does not mean cheap. The listed price is $500 per person, and fuel is not included. For one or two people, that can be hard to justify. For a group splitting the cost, the boat can make better financial sense, though the advertised rate is still charged per person. You are paying for privacy, time, equipment, and a skipper who can adapt the route, not simply for transportation between islands.

Šunj Beach gives the morning a sandy start

After roughly 40 minutes through the channel, you reach Šunj Beach on Lopud. Sandy beaches are uncommon along this part of the Croatian coast, where pebbles and rock are more usual. That makes Šunj a useful first stop because it gives you a different type of seaside experience from the rocky coves later in the day.

You have about an hour here. Swim, sunbathe, have a drink, or simply enjoy the view from shore. The stop is long enough to settle into the day without turning into a full beach afternoon.

Bring a hat and sunscreen. There is little point in saving your sun protection for later, since the boat and beach portions expose you to the sun for most of the day. Swimwear and beachwear are essential, and towels are supplied.

Šunj may be the best stop for anyone who wants a conventional beach break. The tradeoff is that an hour passes quickly if you want a long swim, a drink, and time on the sand. If you prefer quiet coves to sandy beaches, you may find the later stops more appealing.

The ride to Šipan includes a useful swim break

The next leg takes you toward Šipan, the largest of the Elaphiti Islands. Rather than making the ride only about getting from one island to the next, the skipper plans a short stop in a secluded bay.

This is a flexible part of the day. You can jump from the boat into the clear water, snorkel, take photographs, or stay aboard and enjoy the view. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and gear.

The information does not give the bay a name, and that is part of the character of the route. These are places that can be difficult to identify on a map. You should not expect a formal beach facility or a long shore visit at every stop. Some pauses are simply about swimming from the boat and enjoying the water.

That distinction matters if you are traveling with mixed interests. Strong swimmers may love the chance to jump in from the boat. Anyone who prefers an easy shore entry should save their energy for Šunj or the beaches around Koločep.

Luka Šipanska offers the day’s best local pause

On Šipan, the boat reaches Luka Šipanska, one of only two inhabited settlements on the island. You get free time for lunch or drinks at a local beach bar, along with an opportunity to walk around the port.

This is the stop that gives the outing more substance than a series of swim breaks. The harbor has traditional boats, small bays, and a slower rhythm. About 200 people live on the entire island, so Luka Šipanska feels markedly smaller than Dubrovnik.

Lunch is not included. Plan to pay separately for your meal and drinks, and ask the skipper about the best local option when you arrive. Since no specific restaurant is named, you should not book this expecting a set menu or a guided food experience.

You also need to watch the clock. The tour includes several more stops after Šipan, so your free time is limited by the full-day route. I would use the stop for a relaxed meal and a short walk rather than trying to explore a large section of the island.

For me, this is the most valuable stop for understanding the Elaphiti Islands. The sea is the main attraction, but the small port gives you a glimpse of how island life differs from a Dubrovnik day trip.

Sikirica Bay is made for a swim

From Šipan, the speedboat continues toward Koločep, stopping at Sikirica Bay along the way. The cove is described as difficult to locate on a map, which helps explain why the stop feels more personal than a standard sightseeing stop.

The water here is known for its turquoise color and clear visibility. You can snorkel, swim, take photographs, or use a sea scooter if one is available to you. The tour information specifically mentions the possibility of using a sea scooter, but it does not state that one is supplied, so confirm that detail before counting on it.

Sikirica is best viewed as an open-water stop rather than a developed beach visit. You may spend your time entirely from the boat, with no formal facilities nearby. Bring your camera, but protect it from spray and remember that the boat’s movement can make photography tricky.

This is also where the private format earns its keep. A skipper can suggest a stop based on conditions and your preferences instead of keeping every person on a rigid schedule. The route includes several places for swimming, so you can decide how much time you want to spend in the water.

Koločep and the Blue Cave close the route

Koločep is the smallest of the three main islands visited on this route, and fewer than 150 people live there. During winter, the island is almost empty. Its beaches are rocky or pebbly, and the setting feels clean and lightly developed.

The tour includes a visit to the Blue Cave, where you can take photographs with the cave as a backdrop. You also have another chance to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe before turning back toward Dubrovnik.

The Blue Cave is best approached as a photo and swim stop, not as a long cultural visit. The information does not promise a detailed cave tour, and the time available depends on the day’s route and conditions. If you want dramatic photographs, bring a waterproof phone case and be ready to work quickly.

Koločep may suit you better than Šunj if you prefer rocky shorelines and clear water. It is less convenient for anyone who wants soft sand or easy access from a developed beach. Pack footwear that works around pebbles and rocks, although the tour details do not specify whether water shoes are supplied.

What is included, and what you still pay for

The boat, private English-speaking skipper, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, towels, beer, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages are included. Croatian is also available as a guide language.

The main extra cost is fuel, paid on the spot at the end of the tour. Lunch is also separate, as are any drinks or food purchased beyond the supplies provided aboard. Because the fuel price is not given, ask for the expected amount before departure if you need a firm budget.

The listed $500 per-person rate is easiest to defend when several people want the same kind of day: swimming, quiet bays, sun, and a private boat. It is less attractive if you mainly want transportation to one island or a short visit to the Blue Cave. Public boat trips or shared excursions may cost less, but they will not offer the same control over stops.

The boat itself received specific praise in one verified booking, and the ability to adjust the itinerary was also highlighted. Those details support the idea that this is a comfort and flexibility purchase, rather than a low-cost island transfer.

Who should book this Elaphiti Islands tour?

I would recommend it to couples, families, and small private groups who want a full day at sea without sharing the boat with strangers. It suits people who enjoy swimming and snorkeling but also want time for lunch and a port walk.

It is especially useful if your group has different priorities. One person can snorkel while another stays aboard, and you can ask for more time in a favorite bay instead of following a fixed set of stops.

The day is less suitable if you dislike boats, want a detailed guided history of every island, or prefer a structured meal included in the price. It is also not the best match for anyone who wants to spend most of the day walking inland. The itinerary is built around the water.

You should also consider the weather. Swimming stops and a speedboat ride are central to the experience, so a poor sea day could affect the appeal. The provided cancellation terms allow a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance, and the reserve-now, pay-later option gives you some booking flexibility.

Practical tips for a better day

Bring a hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and beachwear. Add a waterproof phone pouch, a cover-up for the port stop, and footwear suitable for rocky or pebbly beaches.

Use the supplied towel and snorkeling equipment, but pack only what you need. A crowded bag is awkward on a small boat, and salt spray is hard on electronics.

Keep some money available for lunch, drinks, and fuel. Since lunch is not included and fuel is paid at the end, your final cost will be higher than the advertised per-person price.

Ask the skipper early in the day how much time is planned at Šunj, Luka Šipanska, and Koločep. The route already includes several stops, and a short conversation at the start can help match the day to your group.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a private, swim-focused day with several island stops and the freedom to adjust the route. Šunj supplies the sand, Šipan supplies the island atmosphere, Sikirica supplies a memorable swim, and Koločep finishes the day with the Blue Cave.

Skip it if $500 per person, plus fuel and lunch, stretches your budget or if you prefer a short, inexpensive boat outing. For the right group, the boat, flexible itinerary, and access to quiet bays make the price easier to understand. For everyone else, the cost deserves a careful look before you reserve.

FAQ

How long is the Elaphite Islands speedboat tour?

The tour lasts eight hours. It begins at 10 am, with the private skipper waiting for you before departure.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route visits Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep. Stops include Šunj Beach, Luka Šipanska, Sikirica Bay, and the Blue Cave.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, but you have free time for lunch or drinks at a local beach bar in Luka Šipanska.

Is fuel included in the price?

No. Fuel is paid on the spot at the end of the tour.

What equipment and drinks are included?

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, bottled water, towels, beer, soda, and other alcoholic beverages.

Can I cancel the booking for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.