Dubrovnik: Elafiti Islands boat tour with local skipper

Summary

Island-hopping from Dubrovnik with locals, laughter & salty air

You’ll set out from Dubrovnik with a local skipper toward the Elafiti Islands, sharing drinks and stories along the way. Swim or snorkel in quiet coves, soak up sun on deck, and laugh with new friends over local spirits — it’s an island-hopping day trip you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely stepped onto the Quicksilver boat in Dubrovnik when our skipper, Luka, grinned and handed us a cold drink — “For the sea,” he said. I tried to say thank you in Croatian (pretty sure I mangled it), but he just laughed and waved it off. The harbor was already humming with voices and the clink of ropes against masts. There’s this salty smell that sticks to your skin before you even leave the dock — not unpleasant, just… real.

The ride out to the Elafiti Islands was smoother than I expected. Luka pointed out little coves as we passed, telling stories about each one — like how his grandmother used to swim across to Lopud as a kid (I can’t imagine doing that now). The water changed color every few minutes; sometimes deep blue, sometimes almost green. We stopped near a rocky bit where you could snorkel. I hesitated at first (the water looked cold), but once I slipped in, it felt like silk. Fish darted around my ankles and for a second everything went quiet except for my own breathing through the mask.

Afterwards we sat on deck, drying off in the sun while Luka poured another round — something local, sweet but strong. He told us about growing up here, how everyone knows everyone on these islands. At one point a fisherman motored past and shouted something; Luka shouted back and they both laughed like old friends. It made me wish I could understand more than just “cheers.”

I still think about that feeling of drifting between islands with nowhere else to be — just light wind, sea spray on my face, and a bunch of strangers who didn’t feel so strange after a couple hours together. The day trip from Dubrovnik to the Elafiti Islands wasn’t what I expected; it was slower, softer somehow. Maybe that’s what makes you want to come back.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Elafiti Islands Visit

• Visit Elafiti Islands

Top questions

Is snorkeling equipment included on this Dubrovnik Elafiti Islands boat tour?

Yes, snorkeling gear is provided for all guests during the trip.

Are alcoholic beverages part of the day trip from Dubrovnik?

Yes, alcoholic drinks are included on board during your tour.

Is this boat tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Can infants join the Elafiti Islands boat trip?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap; prams or strollers are allowed.

Does this tour include all taxes and fuel costs?

Yes, all fees and fuel are included in your booking price.

What’s included

Your day includes a local skipper at the helm, all fuel costs covered, alcoholic beverages served onboard, use of snorkeling equipment for swimming stops around the Elafiti Islands, plus all taxes and fees taken care of so you can just relax into island time.