Snorkeling Elafiti Islands: Private Boat & Underwater Caves

You pilot the speedboat into two caves, then anchor to snorkel the Blue Cave with a guide.

A private half-day snorkeling trip from Dubrovnik to the Elafiti Islands combines boat cruising, cave exploration and beach time in one four-hour departure. Your skipper doubles as a guide, handles all navigation and brings an underwater camera to capture the snorkel stops. Hotel pickup and all snorkeling gear are included; you choose the morning or afternoon slot to fit your schedule.

Step-by-step itinerary

Half-day Elafiti Island boat tour

• Meet skipper at waterfront location
• Receive private briefing and boat introduction
• Transport from accommodation to departure point
• Guided land tour of fisherman’s port
• Explore four caves by speedboat
• Snorkel at Blue Cave with underwater GoPro
• Visit Three Sister Cave
• Relax at famous sandy beach

The Experience

The boat leaves from Sveti Jakov Beach after your skipper briefs you on the day and the speedboat's controls. Hotel pickup is arranged beforehand, so you arrive ready to go without organizing transport yourself. From there, the route heads to a traditional fisherman's port on the Elafiti Islands for a short land walk—the skipper shows you why locals treat it as a summer retreat—then the real work begins: you'll drive the speedboat directly into the first two caves for photos, anchor at the Blue Cave for a guided snorkel with the underwater GoPro running, and finish at the Three Sisters Cave before heading back.

The snorkeling happens at the Blue Cave, where the water is shallow and the guide is in the water with you. The underwater camera captures the moment so you get footage to take home, not just memory. Bottled water, beer and soft drinks are on board; the skipper brings everything you need to stay comfortable during the four hours.

Your last stop is the most famous sandy beach in the Dubrovnik region, where the water stays warm and shallow. This is free time: swim, sunbathe, or grab a drink at the beachside bar. The afternoon option works well if you land late or want to sleep in; the morning tour leaves earlier and gets you back by early afternoon.

What’s included

• Private speedboat with skipper and local guide.
• hotel, apartment or port pickup and drop-off.
• all snorkeling masks, fins and gear.
• underwater GoPro camera to capture your dive.
• bottled water, beer and soft drinks.
• fuel and moorings.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Boat Rental Dubrovnik | Private Boat Tours Dubrovnik | Walking Tours Dubrovnik | Snooky Tours

Is this one for you?Book the morning departure if you land early or want the afternoon free; the afternoon slot suits a late arrival or a preference to start your day on land. Either way, the private boat means your group sets the pace and the skipper adjusts the route to what you want to see—no fixed schedule, no strangers on board.

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Top questions

What exactly happens during the snorkeling part of this trip?

The snorkeling takes place at the Blue Cave on the Elafiti Islands, where your guide joins you in the water and the underwater GoPro records the dive. You anchor there and snorkel with the included masks and gear; the water is calm and the cave is the highlight of the route.

Do I need snorkeling experience to book this?

No. The trip is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and the skipper provides an introduction to the equipment before you leave the beach. The Blue Cave snorkel is guided, so you're not navigating on your own.

What's included in the price?

The private speedboat, skipper and guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, all snorkeling masks and fins, an underwater GoPro camera, bottled water, beer, soft drinks, fuel and moorings are included. Meals, gratuities, towels and beach loungers are not.

Can I choose between morning and afternoon, or is one time slot fixed?

You pick either the morning or afternoon departure when you book. Both are four hours long; the morning tour gets you back by early afternoon, and the afternoon option works better if you want to sleep in or have a late arrival in Dubrovnik.

How many people can fit on the boat?

This is a private tour, so it's just your group. The skipper customizes the route based on who's traveling with you and what you want to see.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour operates in most conditions, though the skipper may adjust the route or timing if seas are rough. Contact the operator before your date if you're concerned about weather; they'll advise on rescheduling options.