Private Half Day and Full Day Elaphiti Islands Tours

The best part of this private boat trip is the chance to swim inside Koločep’s Blue Cave and Three Sister caves, where sunlight gives the water a blue glow. You also get time for Šipan, Lopud, and Šunj Beach, making this more than a quick boat ride past the coast.

I like the small private group and the freedom to set the pace. I also like the friendly, personal service from skippers such as Lovro, Bruno, Toni, and Vicko, who can suggest swimming spots, food, and when to linger. The main catch is simple: lunch costs extra, there is no restroom on board, and choosing Lokrum means skipping some of the Elaphiti Islands.

Key things to know before you book

• Koločep’s caves are the main event: Bring a swimsuit and use the supplied snorkel equipment to see the blue light inside the caves.
• The route covers four very different stops: Expect caves, an island lunch, a historic village walk, and a sandy beach.
• Your group gets a private boat: The advertised price is $301.03 for up to six people, so the per-person value improves with a full group.
• Šipan is your lunch stop: The restaurant meal is not included, so budget separately for food and drinks beyond the supplied refreshments.
• Lokrum is an either-or choice: You can request it, but visiting Lokrum means you will not see all the Elaphiti Islands.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund, and pickup outside the normal service area costs extra.

Why this private boat trip works well from Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik’s Old Town can feel crowded, especially in the warmer months. A boat trip gives you a different view of the city and gets you out onto the open Adriatic for several hours. Instead of following a fixed bus route or sharing a large excursion boat, you spend the day with your own group of up to six people.

That private setup is useful for families, couples, and friends with different interests. You can spend more time swimming if that is your priority, or give more time to a beach stop and a walk. The route is not completely open-ended, since the islands and the weather set limits, but the skipper can shape the day around your group.

The advertised price is $301.03 per group. For six people, that works out to about $50 per person before lunch. For two people, it is a much higher per-person cost, but you are paying for privacy, fuel, equipment, drinks, and direct service rather than a seat on a shared boat.

The duration is listed as approximately two to eight hours. The full route includes stops of about one hour at Koločep, one hour at Lopud, one hour at Šunj Beach, and two hours on Šipan for lunch. Since timing depends on the route you choose and sea conditions, confirm the length you want when booking.

Koločep caves: the strongest part of the route

Koločep is usually the first major stop, and it gives the trip its most memorable activity. The boat visits the Blue Cave and Three Sister caves, where you can swim and use the provided snorkeling equipment.

The caves are not just scenic from the boat. You have the chance to get into the water and see how sunlight reflects off the cave interior. That blue color changes with the angle of the sun and the conditions at the entrance, so the experience is tied to the time of day and the weather.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, and anything you need to feel comfortable in the water. Life jackets are provided, and snorkeling gear is included. If you are not a confident swimmer, tell the skipper before entering the water. The cave stop is best for people who want an active outing, not only a sightseeing cruise.

This is also where the private format helps. A group of six can get ready, swim, and return to the boat without dealing with a large crowd. The available time is listed as one hour, so you should not expect a long snorkeling session. Think of it as a scenic swim and cave visit that anchors the day.

Šipan: a two-hour pause for lunch

Šipan is the longest stop on the usual route, with about two hours set aside for lunch at a local restaurant. The meal is not included in the tour price, so plan for an additional expense.

That extra time gives you a welcome break after the boat ride and cave swim. You can sit down, eat, and enjoy the island setting instead of rushing from one swim stop to the next. The skipper can also help with food suggestions, as Lovro did for some groups, but the supplied information does not promise a particular restaurant or menu.

Keep your expectations practical. Šipan is presented here mainly as the lunch stop, not as a long guided sightseeing visit. If you want to spend more time walking or seeing a specific place on the island, ask about it before the boat leaves Dubrovnik.

The included drinks are water, Coca-Cola, beer, and wine. Those refreshments are handy on a warm day, but they do not replace lunch. If anyone in your group has dietary needs, ask the restaurant about options ahead of time.

Lopud: churches, a monastery, and time on foot

Lopud brings a change of pace. After the cave swim and lunch, you can leave the boat and walk around the island. The stop lasts about one hour and includes the chance to see beautiful churches, a monastery, and sandy beaches.

This is the best part of the route for people who want more than swimming. You get a short stretch on land and a look at the island’s built character. Since the stop is only about an hour, you will need to keep the walk focused. It is enough for a taste of Lopud, not a full island tour.

Wear shoes that are comfortable for walking. The tour information does not specify the exact walking route or how far you go from the landing point, so ask the skipper how much time is available before setting off.

I like this stop because it keeps the day from becoming repetitive. A full day of swimming can be tiring, while a short walk gives you a chance to stretch your legs and see something different.

Šunj Beach: the easygoing final stop

Šunj Beach is usually the last stop and is described as the most popular sandy beach in the Dubrovnik area. You get about an hour to relax, swim, or have a drink at one of the beach bars.

The sand is a useful change from the rocky shore and cave entrances found elsewhere along the route. If you simply want to lie back after a busy day, this is your chance. You can also use the stop for another swim without the more enclosed setting of Koločep’s caves.

Because Šunj is popular, it may feel less secluded than the cave stops or the boat ride itself. That is not a flaw, but it is worth knowing. You are coming here for a convenient sandy beach, not solitude.

Beach-bar purchases are not listed as included, so plan to pay separately for anything beyond the supplied water, Coca-Cola, beer, and wine. Keep valuables secure when you enter the water, since no onboard restroom or personal storage service is described.

Lokrum is a separate choice, not an extra stop

Lokrum sits in front of Dubrovnik’s Old Town and is not part of the same island direction as Koločep, Šipan, Lopud, and Šunj. You can request Lokrum, but the route changes: the boat cannot visit Lokrum and still see all the Elaphiti Islands.

This choice matters most for first-time visitors who want to see as much as possible. If the caves, Šipan, Lopud, and Šunj are your main goals, keep the standard Elaphiti route. If you have already visited those islands or care more about staying close to Dubrovnik, ask about Lokrum instead.

The information provided lists an admission ticket for Lokrum as not included. No admission amount is given, so confirm the current cost before choosing this option.

What is included, and what is not

The tour includes fuel, life jackets, snorkeling equipment, water, Coca-Cola, beer, and wine. That makes the price easier to understand. You are not paying only for transport. The boat also carries the basic equipment and refreshments needed for a swim-focused day.

Lunch is not included. Neither are restaurant meals or beach-bar drinks beyond the listed refreshments. The tour also does not provide a restroom on board, which is the most practical limitation for a longer outing.

Pickup is offered, and the service can collect you from the cruise port or another agreed place within its normal area. Pickup outside that radius costs extra. Give the provider your exact location when booking so you do not get an unexpected transfer charge.

The tour is offered in English. Service animals are allowed, and the activity is described as suitable for most people. Still, cave swimming and boat access require a basic level of comfort around water. Tell the skipper about any concern before the first swim stop.

Skippers who shape the day

The personal service is a major part of this experience. Skippers named in the tour material include Lovro, Bruno, Toni, and Vicko. Their roles go beyond steering the boat. They can point out swimming spots, suggest food, share stories, and adjust the pace.

Lovro is specifically noted for finding good swimming places, encouraging a first open-sea swim, and making sure the group had time at each stop. Bruno is associated with music, drinks, views, and stories, while Toni is described as helpful and informative on a full-day island trip. Vicko is praised for handling the boat well and making the caves a highlight.

Your exact skipper may vary, so do not book on the assumption that one particular person is guaranteed unless the company confirms it. The useful point is that this is a skipper-led private outing, not a self-guided boat rental.

Half day or full day?

A shorter trip makes sense if you mainly want the caves and a swim, or if your Dubrovnik schedule is tight. It can also work well for cruise passengers who need to watch the clock. Ask for the exact route and return time before confirming.

A full day gives you the complete rhythm of the experience: Koločep’s caves, lunch on Šipan, a walk on Lopud, and a slow finish at Šunj Beach. You will spend more time on the water, but the stops break up the ride.

The full route is a better fit for families and small groups that want a relaxed day outside the city. It is also the stronger value when six people share the boat. Couples may still prefer it for privacy, but the price per person is less attractive with only two passengers.

Weather, timing, and practical limits

The experience requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can take a different date or receive a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, but changes or cancellations made inside that period are not accepted.

The listed stop times are useful guides, not a promise that every minute will pass exactly as printed. Sea conditions, pickup time, lunch service, and your choice of Lokrum can alter the day. Confirm the schedule, meeting point, and pickup area in advance.

Since there is no restroom on board, use facilities before departure and during the Šipan stop. Keep a dry layer, sun protection, and swimwear handy. The supplied life jackets and snorkeling equipment cover the basics, but personal comfort items are your responsibility.

Who should book this boat tour?

I would choose this for a group that wants privacy, swimming, and a flexible day on the Adriatic. It suits families with older children, couples sharing the cost, and friends who want music, drinks, stories, and several different stops.

It is less suitable if you need a restroom on the boat, want a formal guided history tour, or prefer a fixed low-cost ticket for one short ride. The tour is centered on water time and scenery, with only a short island walk and no stated admission to most stops.

For the best value, bring five other people. For the best route, decide before departure if you want the full Elaphiti circuit or Lokrum. Those two choices shape the day more than anything else.

Should you book it?

Book this private tour if Koločep’s caves, open-water swimming, and a relaxed island lunch sound better than another day in Dubrovnik’s crowded center. The strongest features are the private boat, flexible pace, included snorkeling gear, and skippers who help tailor the stops.

Think twice if you want a low-cost shared excursion, a guaranteed secluded beach, or onboard bathroom facilities. For a small group that values personal service and a full Adriatic day, the $301.03 group price is reasonable, especially with six people sharing it.

FAQ

How much does the private Elaphiti Islands tour cost?

The advertised price is $301.03 per group of up to six people.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately two to eight hours, depending on the selected route and duration.

Is pickup available?

Yes, pickup is offered. Pickups outside the provider’s normal service radius cost extra.

Which languages are offered?

The tour is offered in English.

What islands are included on the usual route?

The usual route includes Koločep, Šipan, Lopud, and Šunj Beach.

Can I request Lokrum Island?

Yes, Lokrum can be visited on request. However, visiting Lokrum means you cannot see all the Elaphiti Islands on the same route.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch on Šipan is not included in the tour price.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are included.

Are drinks included?

Water, Coca-Cola, beer, and wine are included. Other restaurant or beach-bar purchases are not included.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

No. A restroom on board is not provided.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the tour is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted.