Dubrovnik Elafiti Islands: Speedboat tour with caves & lunch

Summary

Island hopping by speedboat from Dubrovnik—caves, beaches, and a salty breeze

You’ll speed across turquoise waters from Dubrovnik to explore the Elafiti Islands—swimming in glowing caves, relaxing on sandy Sunj Beach, tasting fresh seafood on Šipan island with local wine, and drifting in quiet lagoons. With a friendly skipper guiding you and all gear included, it’s an easygoing island-hopping day you’ll remember long after your skin smells like salt.

What’s the experience like?

“That’s the Blue Cave—don’t worry, you can just jump in!” our skipper called out over the hum of the engine. I hesitated for a second (the water looked so clear it almost felt unreal), but then I just went for it. The sea was cool and salty, and when I ducked under, everything turned this deep electric blue. I could hear my own breath echoing in my mask—kind of peaceful but also wild. We’d left Dubrovnik that morning with a small group and a pile of snorkel gear, not really knowing what to expect from these Elafiti Islands everyone kept talking about.

The speedboat ride itself was half the fun—wind whipping past, sun on my arms. Our guide, Marko, grew up around here and kept pointing out little things: “See that cliff? My uncle used to fish there.” He handed us cold beer (or soda if you wanted) as we dried off after swimming in the Green Cave at Koločep. There was this faint smell of pine mixed with saltwater—hard to describe but it stuck with me all day. At Sunj Beach on Lopud Island, we kicked off our shoes and just wandered barefoot through warm sand. Some people sunbathed; I tried to order coffee in Croatian (failed spectacularly—Marko laughed and helped out). Lunch on Šipan was simple but good—fresh fish, olive oil, white wine that tasted like sunshine.

I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed by mid-afternoon. Maybe it was the rhythm of jumping in and out of the sea or just watching locals wave from their boats as we passed by. The last swim was at this quiet blue lagoon—not many people around except a couple of kids splashing each other near the rocks. I floated for a while staring up at the sky, thinking how close Dubrovnik seemed but how far away regular life felt right then. If you’re looking for a day trip from Dubrovnik that’s more than just ticking sights off a list… well, this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Elafiti Islands Exploration

• Visit Blue and Green caves
• Relax at Sandy beach Sunj
• Enjoy island gastronomy and swim

Top questions

How long is the speedboat tour of Elafiti Islands?

The tour lasts a full day with several stops for swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and exploring.

Which islands are visited during the Elafiti Islands speedboat tour?

You visit Koločep (for Blue & Green caves), Lopud (Sunj Beach), and Šipan island.

Is snorkeling equipment included on this tour?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included for all guests.

Are drinks provided during the Elafiti Islands tour?

Bottled water, soda/pop, beer, and white wine are included.

Is lunch included on the day trip from Dubrovnik?

Yes, lunch is included during your stop on Šipan island.

Can children join this speedboat tour?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels; alcoholic beverages are only for those 18+.

Are service animals allowed on board?

Yes, service animals are allowed during this tour.

Is public transportation available near the departure point?

Yes, there are public transportation options nearby for easy access to departure.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Dubrovnik by speedboat with a local skipper guiding you between islands; bottled water, soda/pop plus beer and white wine; use of snorkeling equipment; lunch featuring Croatian gastronomy; time to swim at Blue & Green caves on Koločep Island; relaxing at Sunj Beach on Lopud; exploring Šipan island; and plenty of chances to soak up Dalmatian island life before heading back in the evening.