Dubrovnik: Elaphiti Islands Private Boat & Snorkeling

Three Islands, Three Caves & a Sundeck: Elaphiti Islands from Dubrovnik

You board a private boat in Dubrovnik and visit three Elaphiti Islands in one day: snorkel in the Blue Cave and Three Caves on Koločep, swim at Šunj beach on Lopud, and explore either Sudurad village or the Green Cave on Šipan. Snorkeling equipment, drinks and WiFi are included, and you control how long you stay at each stop instead of following a group schedule.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private boat tour to Elaphiti Islands

• Depart from Dubrovnik
• Visit Blue Cave and Three Caves on Koločep
• Snorkel with 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
• Return to Dubrovnik

The experience

The boat leaves Dubrovnik harbor and heads straight for Koločep, where you drop anchor near the Blue Cave and the Three Caves. Snorkeling gear is already on board (masks, fins, everything), so you just put it on and go in. The water is clear enough that you see the cave ceiling from underneath, and if you don't want to snorkel, you can float on the deck with a drink and watch the limestone walls. Because it's a private tour, you stay as long as you want at each stop, which means no rushing back to the boat because a group schedule says so.

Lopud comes next, and that's where Šunj beach is: one of the few real sandy beaches on the Croatian Adriatic, which matters if you've spent the last two days on rocky coves. The beach has a sea swing, a couple of bars, and enough space that you're not packed in with a hundred other tourists. You can swim, sit under an umbrella, or walk into the village behind it, where there's a monastery and an old arboretum if you feel like stretching your legs. Lunch is optional. A few restaurants sit right on the water, or you bring food from Dubrovnik. The boat waits.

Šipan is the third island, and whether you stop there depends on how long you've lingered on the first two. If time allows, you can visit Sudurad village or snorkel in the Green Cave. Either way, the day moves at your pace, not a fixed itinerary. WiFi works on the boat, so if you need to check in or send a photo, it's there. Water, wine, beer and soft drinks are included, which saves you buying rounds at beach bars. The boat has a sundeck with music, so the return to Dubrovnik doesn't feel like the day ended. It feels like it's still going.

What’s included

• Your day includes private boat transportation from Dubrovnik, snorkeling equipment for all passengers, bottled water, wine, beer and soft drinks, WiFi on board, and fuel surcharge.
• You visit Koločep (Blue Cave and Three Caves), Lopud (Šunj beach and village), and Šipan (Sudurad village or Green Cave, depending on tour length).
• Lunch is not included but restaurants are available on the islands.

Options for this experience

3 options

Private boat excursion lasting 4 hoursGuide in English or Croatian · 09:00 and 15:00Lasts 4 hours. Cold drinks offered: water, juice, beer and wine. Route from Dubrovnik to the Elaphiti Islands, visiting Koločep and Lopud. Pickup is included.

Private boat excursion lasting 6 hoursGuide in English or Croatian · 09:00, 14:00 and 14:30Lasts 6 hours. Cold drinks included. Visits Koločep, Lopud and Šipan by speedboat. Includes pickup.

Private boat excursion from Dubrovnik to the Elaphiti IslandsGuide in English or Croatian · 09:00Pickup is included

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 14:00, 14:30 and 15:00

Book up to4h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Croatian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Ragusa Boat Charter & Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see three islands and snorkel in sea caves without arranging a group tour or timing yourself to a fixed schedule. The private boat means you stay at each stop as long as you want, and the included equipment and drinks remove the need to shop around on the islands.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Croatian.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the tour?

The tour runs 4, 6, or 8 hours depending on which package you book. Longer tours give you more time on each island and guarantee a visit to Šipan.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Masks, fins and snorkels are provided on board for all passengers.

Can I bring children?

Yes. Infants can travel in a pram or stroller, and small children sit on an adult's lap. The tour suits all fitness levels.

What if I don't want to snorkel?

Snorkeling is optional. You can swim, sunbathe, explore villages, or relax on the sundeck instead.

Is lunch included?

No, but you can eat at restaurants on Lopud or Šipan, or bring your own food. The boat stops long enough for a meal.

What drinks are included?

Water, wine, beer, cola and Fanta are included. You don't need to buy drinks at beach bars unless you want something else.

Do I need to book the islands in advance?

No. The boat visits the same three islands on every tour. You just choose your departure time and tour length.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Contact the operator before your tour date. Rescheduling or refund options depend on sea conditions.