Dubrovnik Elafiti Islands: Private Boat Tour, Blue & Green Caves

Summary

Swim in blue caves, stroll sandy Sunj Beach and cruise past Dubrovnik walls

You’ll slip away from Dubrovnik’s crowds by boat, swimming through glowing blue caves on Koločep Island before relaxing at sandy Sunj Beach with a drink in hand. With a local captain guiding you past Lokrum’s cliffs and sharing stories along the way, this private Elafiti Islands tour feels both easygoing and quietly magical.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly lost my hat before we’d even left Dubrovnik’s old port — the wind whipped up just as our captain, Marko, untied the boat. He grinned and shouted something about “Dalmatian weather” (I pretended I understood). The city walls looked almost unreal from the water, all that stone pressed right up to the sea. It’s different seeing them from this side — quieter somehow. We drifted along slowly so everyone could snap photos, but honestly I just watched the light bounce off the waves.

The first stop was Koločep island. Marko handed out snorkels and pointed at a dark gap in the cliffs: “Blue Cave!” he announced like it was a magic word. The water really was that color — not just blue but electric, almost glowing around my arms when I swam inside. Cold too; I gasped loud enough for someone else to laugh. There were three more caves nearby, smaller but still echoey and cool. I got salt in my mouth (shouldn’t have tried talking underwater), but it tasted clean, not heavy like back home.

Lopud island came next — Sunj Beach is all soft sand and shallow water that goes on forever. Some people grabbed sunbeds or cocktails under those faded umbrellas; I just walked out until the sea was up to my knees and let everything slow down for a bit. Music played from somewhere on the boat (80s Croatian pop?), and Marko kept offering us cold beer or juice. We had time to wander into town too — I tried saying “hvala” for thank you and got a big smile from an old lady selling figs.

On the way back we skirted Lokrum Island and its pigeon caves while Marko told stories about monks and shipwrecks — he made them sound half-true, half-fairy tale. The cliffs looked sharp against the late afternoon sky. We passed Sveti Jakov Beach too but didn’t stop; someone asked if we could come back another day. By then my hair was stiff with salt and my skin felt warm even though the sun was dropping fast. I still think about that first swim into the cave sometimes — how quiet it was inside except for splashing feet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Elafiti Islands boat tour and swimming

• Panorama cruise around Dubrovnik city walls
• Visit Blue cave and snorkel
• Swim at Three caves on Kolocep island
• Free time at Sunj sandy beach on Lopud island
• Relax on boat with drinks and music
• Panorama drive on Lokrum island with legends
• Optional swim at Lokrum island
• Return to old city port

Top questions

How long does the private Elafiti Islands boat tour take?

The tour typically lasts several hours, starting and ending at Dubrovnik’s Old Town port.

Is snorkeling gear provided on this Elafiti Islands boat trip?

Yes, snorkeling gear is included for swimming in caves like Blue Cave on Koločep island.

Does this tour include drinks or lunch?

The tour includes complimentary drinks such as water, beer, juice, and wine on board; lunch is not included but you’ll have free time to eat on Lopud island.

Can you swim at Sunj Beach during this Dubrovnik day trip?

Yes, there’s plenty of free time for swimming or relaxing at Sunj Beach on Lopud island.

Where does this private boat tour start and end?

The tour starts and finishes at Dubrovnik’s Old Town port.

Are infants allowed on board?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap during the trip.

Is this Elafiti Islands tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The experience is suitable for all physical fitness levels except those with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup at Dubrovnik’s Old Town port, all fuel costs covered, use of snorkeling gear for exploring caves around Koločep Island, plus complimentary bottled water, soda, beer or wine served onboard as you travel between islands like Lopud and Lokrum before returning to your starting point in town.