Full day Private Boat Tour to Elaphite Islands and South Mljet

The best part of this day is simple: you get eight hours on the Adriatic with your own skipper, not a fixed bus-style schedule. The Quicksilver 675 can carry eight, but the company limits the group to six, giving you more room to stretch out, swim, and change plans when a quiet cove looks better than the next planned stop.

I like two things right away. First, local skippers such as Tom, Ivan, Branko, Josip, and Matija can shape the day around your group, from cave stops and swimming to a long lunch in a village. Second, the boat comes ready for a full day, with a sun cover, large sundeck, cabin, shower, snorkel masks, underwater camera, music system, and free water, soft drinks, and beer.

The main catch is cost and clarity. The listed price is $889.38 per group of up to six, but a €220 fuel surcharge is also stated. Transport details conflict: some information says transfers are included, while the meeting information says there is no pickup or drop-off. Confirm both points before paying.

Key points to know before you book

• Small private group: The boat is limited to six people, even though the Quicksilver 675 is rated for eight.
• Two distinct island areas: You spend about three hours around South Mljet and three hours among the Elaphite Islands.
• Swimming gear is supplied: Snorkel masks, life jackets, an underwater camera, and a boat shower make beach stops easier.
• A flexible skipper shapes the day: Tom, Ivan, Branko, Josip, and other local skippers can suggest caves, swimming spots, villages, and lunch stops.
• Drinks are included: Still and sparkling water, soft drinks, and beer are available during the tour.
• Check the final price: The listed group rate does not include the stated €220 fuel surcharge, and transport information needs confirmation.

A private speedboat day from Dubrovnik

This is not a sightseeing cruise where you sit in one place and follow a large group. You meet at Lapadska obala 4 in Dubrovnik at 10 a.m., then head out on a private Quicksilver 675.

The boat is built for comfort rather than luxury. You get a broad, flat sun deck, a Bimini cover for shade, a small cabin for changing, and a shower for rinsing off salt and sand. The boat also has a sound system, so you can play your own music or shut it off and listen to the water.

Six people is the right size for this boat. You can move around without feeling packed in, and the skipper can hear what your group wants to do. That matters on a private day. If you want more swimming and less village time, or a quiet cove instead of a busy stop, you have room to ask.

The boat is fast enough to cover both South Mljet and the Elaphite Islands in one day. That is also why the fuel surcharge matters. A long private route across several island areas uses more fuel than a short harbor cruise, so calculate the full cost before deciding that the base price is a bargain.

What your skipper adds to the day

The skipper is more than a person steering the boat. Local guides including Tom, Ivan, Branko, Josip, Ivan, and Matija are familiar with the coast and can point out places that are easy to miss from land.

The most useful feature is flexibility. You can stop at swimming areas, look into caves, spend time on a beach, or head to a village for lunch. One well-liked style of this trip includes a stop in a small village for a traditional konoba meal. The meal is not included, but it gives you a chance to eat local food instead of relying on snacks from the boat.

The guides also help with practical choices. They can suggest where to swim, how long to stay, and which island makes sense for your group. If your ideal day means sitting on the boat with a drink and taking in the view, that is possible too. If you want to keep moving, the boat’s speed makes that easier.

I would tell you to speak up early. Private tours work best when the skipper knows what you value. Mention whether you care most about beaches, caves, villages, snorkeling, lunch, or quiet time. The day has several possible ingredients, and you will enjoy it more if the balance fits your group.

South Mljet: Saplunara Bay and Limoni Beach

The South Mljet portion takes about three hours. This end of the island is known for pine woods, clear turquoise water, small villages, and a quieter feel than Dubrovnik.

Saplunara Bay is the main beach stop. It gives you time to swim, relax, and use the snorkel equipment. The water and beach are the point here, not a long list of monuments. Bring a relaxed attitude and expect the skipper to adjust the exact timing around conditions and your interests.

Limoni Beach is the other named stop on Mljet. Together, the two beaches make this section a good fit if you want a proper break from city sightseeing. The boat’s shower is especially useful after sandy beach time, and the cabin gives you a place to change before the next stretch.

The limitation is that three hours passes quickly. You cannot treat South Mljet as a full island tour and still spend generous time on the Elaphite Islands. This experience gives you selected coastal stops, not a complete visit to every part of Mljet.

You also need to remember that a beach day depends on the weather. The trip requires good conditions, and rough weather can lead to a new date or a full refund. Even in good weather, sun exposure adds up on the water. Use the Bimini cover, take breaks, and bring anything personal you need for a long day outside.

The Elaphite Islands: villages, coves, and open water

The Elaphite section also takes about three hours. This island group includes Šipan, Lopud, and Koločep, each with a different character.

Šipan is associated with quiet villages and is a useful place for a local meal. If you want to combine swimming with a traditional konoba lunch, ask your skipper about stopping there. Food is not included, so budget separately and check the plan before sitting down.

Lopud is known for sandy beaches, making it appealing if your group wants a gentler beach stop. Koločep offers a more secluded feel, with coves and clear water suited to swimming and snorkeling. The exact route is not fixed in the supplied details, so do not assume you will spend equal time on every island.

This part of the tour is where a private boat has its strongest advantage. You are not tied to a large group’s timetable. Your skipper may know a cave or a quiet swimming area, and you can decide how long you want to linger. The underwater camera can help preserve those stops, and the operator can send the photos or transfer them to your phone afterward.

Keep expectations realistic. Three hours among several islands is enough for a taste of the area, not a detailed visit to every village. You may need to choose between a long beach stop, a meal, and extra cruising. That is not a flaw, but it is worth knowing before you set out.

Drinks, equipment, and comfort on board

The included supplies make this easier than packing for a bare-bones boat charter. You get still and sparkling bottled water, soft drinks, and beer throughout the day. Life jackets are available for adults and children, and snorkel equipment is included.

The underwater camera is a nice touch for a swimming-focused day. The company can send the photographs or transfer them to your phone after the trip, so you do not have to rely only on your own camera.

The shade cover matters. A full day on white boat surfaces can be tiring, especially during the middle of the day. The XL sun deck is useful when you want to lie down, while the cabin and shower deal with the less glamorous parts of beach hopping.

Meals are not included. You can bring your own plan or ask the skipper about eating in a village. One reported style of the day includes fresh food in Šipan, but you should not assume that lunch is part of the price. Ask about timing and payment before you stop.

The minimum drinking age is 18. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and life jackets for children are listed among the included equipment. Service animals are allowed, and most people can take part.

Is $889.38 good value for six people?

The listed rate works out to about $148 per person if six people share it, before the €220 fuel surcharge. Once that extra charge is added, the effective cost rises, and the exchange rate will affect the final amount.

For a full private boat, a local skipper, drinks, snorkel gear, and eight hours on the water, the price can make sense for a family or group of friends. You are paying for privacy and control, not just transport between islands. A shared boat might cost less, but it will not give you the same ability to choose swimming time, lunch stops, or quiet coves.

The value drops if your group has only two people and does not care about privacy. In that case, the full group rate is harder to justify. It makes more financial sense for four to six people who want a full day outside and would otherwise book several separate activities.

The fuel charge needs special attention. It is listed as €220 per booking, not per person. Ask the operator to confirm the total amount in writing, including the base price, fuel, food, and any transport costs.

There is also a mismatch in the transport information. The highlights say transfers from Dubrovnik addresses are included, and several accounts describe hotel pickup or help arranging a ride. Yet the meeting information lists Lapadska obala 4 and says there is no pickup or drop-off. Treat the meeting point as the safe assumption unless Explore Dubrovnik confirms a transfer for your address.

Who will enjoy this private island tour?

This suits you if you want a full day on the water and prefer choices over a rigid schedule. It is especially good for couples, families, and small groups of friends who can share the cost.

You will get the most from it if you enjoy swimming, beaches, small villages, caves, and time outdoors. The included equipment means you can try snorkeling without renting gear separately, though you should bring your own towel, sunscreen, and personal items because those are not listed as included.

It also works well for a short Dubrovnik stay. If you have only a few days in town, the boat covers a lot of coastline in one outing. You see South Mljet and the Elaphites without arranging separate ferries and local transport.

This is less suited to you if you want a formal history tour, a guaranteed restaurant booking, or a slow, detailed visit to each island. The focus is coastal scenery, swimming, relaxation, and local guidance. The route may change with weather and with your group’s wishes.

Timing, meeting point, and cancellation details

The tour starts at 10 a.m. and lasts about eight hours, ending back at the meeting point. The listed start point is Lapadska obala 4 in Dubrovnik.

Confirmation is provided when you book. Because the transfer information is inconsistent, confirm whether you need to reach Lapadska obala 4 yourself. Also confirm the €220 fuel surcharge and ask whether the skipper expects your group to choose and pay for lunch separately.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted for a refund. If bad weather cancels the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund.

My take: book it if you want a flexible sea day

I would book this for a group of four to six people that wants swimming, beaches, caves, and island villages in one day. The small boat, local skippers, onboard drinks, and flexible route give it a personal feel that a large cruise cannot match.

Before booking, confirm the final price, fuel charge, and transport arrangement. If those details work for you, this is a strong way to trade Dubrovnik’s busy streets for a day of clear water and quiet coves. If you mainly want a low-cost ride to one beach, choose a simpler excursion instead.

FAQ

How long is the boat tour?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours, beginning at 10 a.m. and ending back at the meeting point in Dubrovnik.

Where does the tour start?

The listed meeting point is Lapadska obala 4, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia.

How many people can join the private boat?

The Quicksilver 675 can take eight passengers, but the operator limits this experience to six people for greater comfort.

Which places are visited?

The route includes South Mljet, with Saplunara Bay and Limoni Beach, plus the Elaphite Islands. The Elaphite group includes Šipan, Lopud, and Koločep.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Still and sparkling water, soft drinks, and beer are available during the tour.

Is lunch included?

No. Meals are not included. You can ask the skipper about stopping in a village for food, including a traditional konoba meal.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkel equipment and life jackets for adults and children are included. An underwater camera is also available.

Is hotel pickup included?

The supplied information is inconsistent. Some details describe transfers from Dubrovnik addresses, while the meeting information says there is no pickup or drop-off. Confirm this directly with Explore Dubrovnik before booking.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.