Dubrovnik & Elaphite Islands: Private Boat Tour with Caves, Beaches & Lunch

Private speedboat cruise to Elaphite Islands with swimming caves and local lunch

You’ll feel Dubrovnik’s old town fade behind as you speed across bright Adriatic waters toward the Elaphite Islands. Swim in Koločep’s blue cave, sink your toes into Lopud’s sandy beach, wander small villages with your guide, then share fresh seafood lunch before drifting back—sun-warmed and changed just a little.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private boat tour of Elaphite Islands

• See Dubrovnik city walls and forts from sea
• Cruise around Lokrum Island nature park
• Visit Lokrum Island fort and monastery
• Swim and dive in Blue Cave at Koločep
• Relax at sandy beach on Lopud Island
• Walk through Lopud village and visit monastery
• Optional lunch at fish restaurant
• Visit bay and village on Šipan Island

The Experience

I’ll be honest — I was a little nervous stepping onto that speedboat in Dubrovnik’s old port. The city walls looked almost unreal from the water, like something out of a movie set. Our skipper, Marko, handed me a cold bottle of water and grinned when I asked if it was always this bright out here (“You get used to squinting,” he said). We zipped past Fort Lovrijenac and the cable car crawling up Mount Srd behind us. It’s strange how quickly the city noise fades — just wind and salt air after that.

We circled Lokrum Island first — rabbits darting through the pines, peacocks strutting around like they owned the place. I tried (and failed) to snap a photo of one mid-scream. Then came Koločep and its blue cave. I hesitated at first (the water looked shockingly clear but also cold), but Marko insisted it was “like swimming in liquid sapphire.” He wasn’t wrong. The light inside was unreal, all shifting blues and echoes of our laughter bouncing off stone. My hair still smelled faintly of seaweed hours later.

Lopud Island was next — Sunj beach is soft sand underfoot, not pebbles for once. We wandered through Lopud village where an old man waved from his doorway and kids chased each other between olive trees. Lunch at Bowa was fresh fish so good I barely remembered to talk (except for trying to pronounce ‘brancin’—Marko just laughed). On Šipan we slowed down even more; sleepy bays, a few locals fixing nets by hand. There’s something about moving between these islands by boat that makes you feel like you’re sneaking into someone else’s slow summer afternoon.

By the time we cruised back toward Dubrovnik, sunburned and salty, I realized how much I’d needed that quiet in-between space—just water, sky, and a handful of new faces sharing snacks and stories on deck. Not every day trip from Dubrovnik feels this personal or unrushed. Sometimes you don’t notice what you’re missing until you’re floating right there in it.

Top questions

How long does the private boat tour from Dubrovnik last?

The duration can vary depending on your chosen itinerary but most tours last several hours with flexible timing.

Which islands are included in the Elaphite Islands boat tour?

The tour typically visits Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan islands near Dubrovnik.

Is swimming or snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included during your private boat tour.

Can we customize our itinerary on this private boat tour?

Yes, the itinerary is fully customizable based on your preferences for stops or activities.

Is lunch included during the Elaphite Islands day trip?

A lunch stop at a top fish restaurant is offered as an optional part of the tour.

Are alcoholic beverages available on board?

Yes, alcoholic beverages are included along with bottled water and soda/pop.

Does this tour include pickup from my hotel in Dubrovnik?

The description mentions public transport options nearby but does not specify hotel pickup; check with provider for details.

Are there any health restrictions for this private boat tour?

This tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes bottled water, soda or pop, alcoholic drinks on board plus use of snorkeling gear if you want to dive in. There’s time for swimming at beaches and caves around Koločep and Lopud; lunch at a well-known fish restaurant is optional but worth it if you ask me—and everything moves at your pace before heading back toward Dubrovnik’s harbor as evening comes on.