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

The best part of this Elaphiti Islands trip is the freedom. You have a private boat, a skipper, and up to eight hours to shape the day around swimming, island walks, beach time, and cold drinks on deck. Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep each offer a different slice of island life, from Šunj’s sandy shore to Šipan’s old fishing port.

I especially like the private format, which means your group can spend more time at the places you care about instead of following a rigid schedule. The included snorkeling gear, fridge, sunshade, beer, wine, soda, and water also make this an easy day on the sea. One thing to consider: the boat can feel bumpy in rough weather, and the tour depends on good conditions.

Key points to know before booking

• Three islands, three different moods: Walk historic Lopud, see traditional Šipan, and swim around Koločep.
• Private boat for up to 12 people: The price is charged per group, not per person.
• Flexible four to eight-hour plan: You can decide how long to stay at each stop with your skipper.
• Šunj Beach is Lopud’s main draw: Bring your own swimsuit and allow time for a sandy beach break.
• Drinks and snorkeling equipment are included: You only need to arrange personal expenses and beachwear.
• Skippers add much of the character: Previous trips have been led by Josip, James, Luca, Mark, Frane, Rocco, Phillip, and Frankie.

A private speedboat day from Dubrovnik

This is not a large sightseeing cruise with a fixed route and a crowd gathered around a guide. It is a private outing for your own group, with a maximum of 12 people. That distinction matters.

You meet at Yacht Club Orsan on Ivana pl. Zajca 4 in Dubrovnik, or arrange pickup in advance by phone, Viber, or WhatsApp. Pickup and return by air-conditioned minivan or car are included, though pickups less than one kilometer from the starting point are not covered.

The boat includes a sunshade, fridge, and sundeck. Beer, white wine, soda, and bottled water are provided, along with snorkeling equipment. Those small conveniences add up. You do not need to rent masks at the beach, carry a cooler, or interrupt the day to find a drink.

The advertised length is roughly four to eight hours. A four-hour outing gives you a brisk taste of the islands, while eight hours lets you slow down and combine swimming with proper time ashore. Since this is private, you can tell the skipper if your group prefers beaches, old stone buildings, caves, or a relaxed ride with fewer stops.

The listed price is $842.05 per group. For 12 people, that works out to about $70 per person. For four people, it is about $211 per person, so the value improves sharply as your group gets larger. Couples and small groups may find a shared excursion cheaper, but a large family or group of friends gets a private boat, flexible timing, and transport without paying separate admission charges.

Lopud and the long pause at Šunj Beach

Lopud is usually the most varied stop. You can spend time at Šunj Beach, follow paths through pine woods and olive groves, or wander among old stone houses and small churches. The island has more than 30 churches, which gives even a short walk a surprising amount to look at.

Šunj is the practical reason many groups want Lopud on the route. Sandy beaches are less common along this rocky coast, and the broad beach gives you a straightforward place to swim, sunbathe, or simply get off the boat for a while. Bring your swimsuit, since it is specifically not included, and remember that personal expenses are your responsibility.

There is also an old botanical garden, described as one of Europe’s oldest, plus the Temple of Sun museum on a small hill. The museum is known for shifting shades inside its design, with different people seeing the effect in different ways. You may not have time for every sight on a shorter charter, so tell your skipper what matters most before you arrive.

Lopud is more developed for visitors than Šipan. You can find cocktail bars, restaurants, shops, homemade olive oil, wine, and other local foods. That makes it the easiest island for a pleasant break, but it also means it may feel less quiet than the other stops.

The planned stop is about one hour, though the private format allows some flexibility. On an eight-hour tour, I would use Lopud for a proper beach and walking break rather than trying to race through every church and viewpoint.

Šipan for old ports and island life

Šipan is the largest of the Elaphiti Islands and offers a different experience from Lopud. The boat calls at Suđurađ, an old fishing port where you can have a coffee, look around, or take a short walk.

The island is known for its olive trees and is associated with a Guinness World Records entry for the largest number of olive trees on one island. That detail tells you something about the pace here. Šipan feels tied to farming, fishing, stone houses, and family traditions rather than only beach tourism.

History is close at hand. Dubrovnik families once used the island as a summer retreat, leaving behind villas, a late-Gothic Rector’s Palace, and the remains of archbishops’ palaces. In Suđurađ, you can see the 16th-century castle of the Stjepović-Skočibuha family and a nearby defensive tower built to guard against pirates.

You should not expect a fully guided historical tour with every building explained in detail. The experience is more informal. Your skipper can point out places and offer local context, then you can walk at your own pace or sit beside the port with a coffee.

Šipan is the stop I would prioritize if you want a stronger sense of everyday island life. Tourism has not taken over the port in the same way it has in more popular coastal spots. Fishing boats, old houses, and local families remain part of the setting.

Plan around an hour here on a shorter outing. On the full eight-hour version, you can stay longer, but your group should decide how much time it wants to give history and village life compared with swimming.

Koločep for clear water and snorkeling

Koločep is the best stop for getting into the sea. The water is clear, with fish and seashells visible below the surface, and the island has caves, cliffs, pine trees, and olive groves.

Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you can make this stop simple. Put on a mask, swim near the shore, and look for marine life without arranging extra gear. The boat also provides a short beach break, which gives non-swimmers or anyone who wants dry land a chance to relax.

The villages of Gornje Čelo and Donje Čelo offer a short walk through typical southern Dalmatian settlements. You may find Koločep especially appealing if your idea of a good island stop is less sightseeing and more water, rocks, and a quiet cove.

The advertised stop is about an hour. That is enough for a swim and a little exploration, but not enough for an extended beach day plus a long village walk. If swimming is your top priority, say so early and ask the skipper to protect that time.

Several past trips also included caves and a blue cave. Those features appear in the trip feedback, but they are not listed as guaranteed stops in the supplied itinerary. Ask about current conditions and the exact route before departure rather than assuming a blue cave visit is included.

What the skipper adds to the day

The skipper is more than the person driving the boat. On a private trip, that person helps decide the rhythm of the day, points out places along the coast, and adjusts the plan when your group wants more beach time or a longer stop.

Past outings have featured skippers named Josip, James, Luca, Mark, Frane, Rocco, Phillip, and Frankie. The feedback consistently gives the crew a strong role in the experience. Josip was described as fun and informative, while Mark was praised for providing useful information and taking the group to the planned places.

Phillip was remembered as driver, guide, and DJ, which gives you a clue about the relaxed character of this outing. Frankie was singled out for local tips and making good use of the day. Luca was described as flexible during a four-hour cave and beach trip, adjusting the timing around the group’s preferences.

You should not assume you will receive a particular skipper. Names can change with scheduling. Still, the pattern is useful: this works best when you speak up. Tell your skipper whether you want a quiet ride, music, swimming, village walks, or more time at the beach.

Timing, comfort, and the weather question

A speedboat covers the water quickly, which is why three islands can fit into a half-day or full-day plan. It also means the ride can be lively. One account specifically noted that the boat felt bumpy in rough weather.

Good weather is required for the trip to operate. If poor conditions cause a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. That policy is sensible for a small open-water boat, but you should avoid placing this trip on the one day when your entire Dubrovnik schedule depends on a fixed island visit.

The sunshade matters during a long day, and the sundeck gives you a place to stretch out between stops. The fridge keeps drinks cold. Still, you should bring sun protection and any personal items you need for a beach day. A swimsuit is not supplied, and personal expenses are not covered.

Children can participate but must be accompanied by adults. Most people can take part, and the tour is near public transportation. If anyone in your group has a specific requirement, mention it when booking rather than waiting until departure.

Who gets the best value from this charter

This is a strong fit for a family group, a group of friends, or any party that can fill much of the 12-person boat. The per-group price becomes much more attractive when divided among eight to 12 people.

It also suits people who dislike fixed sightseeing programs. You can spend an hour at Šunj, shorten the village walk, linger in Suđurađ, or protect more time for snorkeling at Koločep. That freedom is the core benefit.

Couples can enjoy it too, especially if they value privacy and do not mind the higher per-person price. For only two people, compare the total cost with a shared boat trip before booking.

This is less suitable if you want a formal lecture, guaranteed cave visits, or a tightly scripted history tour. The listed experience is about the islands, the sea, and a skipper-led private day. It is not built around timed museum entries or a long guided walk.

My verdict on the Elaphiti Islands boat tour

I would book this if your group wants a flexible day on the water and can share the cost. The strongest features are the private boat, included drinks and snorkeling gear, hotel transport, and the mix of three islands. Lopud gives you the beach, Šipan gives you old port life and historic buildings, and Koločep gives you the clearest water and best swimming break.

Before paying, confirm the pickup point, the final duration, and whether caves or the blue cave are part of your planned route. If the forecast looks doubtful, keep some flexibility in your schedule.

For a large group, this is a practical and good-value way to see the Elaphiti Islands without squeezing into a standard boat schedule. For a small group, it is a more expensive choice, but the privacy and control may justify it.

FAQ

How much does the private Elaphiti Islands boat tour cost?

The price is $842.05 per group, with up to 12 people included.

How long does the tour last?

The outing lasts approximately four to eight hours, depending on the option selected.

Which islands are included?

The planned route includes Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned minivan or car are provided. Pickup arrangements should be made by phone, Viber, or WhatsApp. Pickups less than one kilometer from the starting point are not included.

Where does the tour start?

The stated meeting point is Yacht Club Orsan, Ul. Ivana pl. Zajca 4, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Are drinks included?

Yes. White wine, beer, bottled water, and soda are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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

Do I need to bring a swimsuit?

Yes. A swimsuit is not included, so you should bring your own.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can receive a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.