Dubrovnik Elaphiti Islands: Private Boat, Caves & Šunj Beach

Summary

Private boat trip from Dubrovnik with caves sandy beach and island villages

You’ll drift between Koločep’s glowing Blue Cave and sandy Šunj beach on Lopud, with time for swimming, snorkeling or just sitting back on deck with a cold drink. Explore quiet villages on Sipan at your own pace — every stop is flexible on this private boat tour from Dubrovnik. It’s easygoing but somehow still lingers with you after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — we almost missed the dock because I got distracted by a stray cat weaving through the crowd near Gruž. Our captain, Marko, just grinned and waved us over like he’d seen it all before. The boat felt more like someone’s living room than a tour — cushions everywhere, music playing low, a few bottles of cold beer already sweating in the sun. I didn’t expect Wi-Fi out here but yeah, it worked (my friend immediately sent her mom a photo of the water). We set off toward the Elaphiti Islands and I kept thinking how close Dubrovnik looked behind us but how quickly it faded away.

The first stop was Koločep — or “Kalamota” as Marko called it. The Blue Cave was smaller than I pictured but when I ducked in (mask fogging up instantly), everything glowed this weird electric blue. The water tasted extra salty and I could hear my own breathing echoing off the stone. Marko handed me a snorkel and said something about “sea urchins — watch your toes!” which made me laugh and also worry slightly. We lingered longer than planned because nobody wanted to leave; there’s no rush on this private boat tour from Dubrovnik, apparently.

Lopud was next. The sand at Šunj beach is so fine it gets everywhere — even now, weeks later, I find grains in my backpack. Some of us swam out to that rope swing (harder than it looks) while others just lay in the shade with Fanta or wine from the cooler. There’s this tiny bar under pine trees where locals argue about football; we watched an old man play cards by himself for ages. After that, we wandered up into Lopud village, past stone houses and a monastery garden that smelled like rosemary and seaweed mixed together. Lunch wasn’t included but Marko pointed us to his cousin’s place — grilled fish, no menu, just whatever came off the boat that morning.

Sipan was quieter still. Sudurad feels half-asleep in the afternoon heat; we walked along the harbor wall while someone’s grandmother watered tomatoes nearby. If you want more adventure there’s another cave to snorkel (the Green Cave), but honestly by then I just wanted to sit on deck with wet hair and let the wind dry me off. On the way back toward Dubrovnik, Marko poured us all another drink and told stories about storms he’d seen out here as a kid — his hands moving like waves as he talked.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private boat tour to Elaphiti Islands

• Depart from Dubrovnik by private boat
• Visit Blue Cave and Three Caves on Koločep
• Snorkel using provided equipment
• Arrive at Lopud island sandy beach Šunj
• Swim and relax at beach bars
• Stroll Lopud village and visit monastery
• Have lunch at Lopud restaurants
• Visit Sudurad village on Šipan island
• Snorkel in Green Cave on Šipan island
• Return to Dubrovnik

Top questions

How long does the private boat tour from Dubrovnik to Elaphiti Islands last?

The duration varies; typically tours are 4, 6 or 8 hours depending on your booking choice.

Which islands are visited during this private boat tour?

The main stops are Koločep (Blue Cave), Lopud (Šunj beach & village), and Šipan (Sudurad village or Green Cave).

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this tour?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included for each traveler at no extra cost.

Are drinks available onboard?

Yes, bottled water, wine, beer, cola and Fanta are provided during your trip.

Can infants join this private boat tour?

Infants are welcome; they can ride in a pram or stroller or sit on an adult's lap.

Is lunch included in the price of this private boat tour?

No lunch is not included but you can eat at local restaurants recommended by your guide.

Are there public transportation options nearby for getting to departure point?

Yes public transportation options are available near the departure dock in Dubrovnik.

Is Wi-Fi available onboard during the trip?

Yes free Wi-Fi is available throughout your time on board.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation by boat from Dubrovnik with flexible stops at Koločep’s Blue Cave, sandy Šunj beach on Lopud and Sipan island villages; all snorkeling gear is ready for you along with bottled water, wine, beer and soft drinks plus free Wi-Fi onboard before returning back to port when you’re ready.