Dubrovnik Elaphiti Islands: Private Boat Tour & Blue Cave

Summary

Swim Koločep’s caves, sunbathe Lopud’s sands, sip Šipan wine

You’ll float through blue-lit caves near Koločep Island, swim at sandy Šunj Beach on Lopud, snack on fruit with chilled local wine aboard your private boat, then taste homemade olive oil and cheese on Šipan before heading back to Dubrovnik with salt in your hair—and probably a new favorite sunset memory.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect the Adriatic to smell so clean — almost like fresh linen with a bit of salt. We met our skipper (his name was Marko, big smile, easy laugh) at the Old Town port in Dubrovnik, right next to Lokanda. He handed us cold water bottles before we even stepped onto the boat. There was this brief moment where I wondered if I’d get seasick (I didn’t), but as soon as we pulled away from the city walls, all I could think about was how blue everything looked. Like, cartoon-blue. Marko started pointing out little islands and telling stories about his childhood summers on Šipan. His accent made “Šipan” sound softer than I ever could manage.

The first stop was Koločep Island for the Blue and Green caves — you know that weird feeling when you duck your head underwater and suddenly it’s quiet except for your own breathing? The light inside the cave made my arms look greenish-blue and for a second I thought of mermaids (don’t judge). Snorkeling there felt different than anywhere else I’ve tried — maybe because there were no crowds, just us and some tiny silver fish darting around. Back on board, Marko sliced up peaches and poured us this chilled white wine that tasted faintly like apples.

Lopud Island came next — Šunj Beach is all soft sand (not pebbles!) and shallow water that goes on forever. Some locals were playing cards under an umbrella; one woman waved at us as we waded past. We just floated for ages, letting the sun do its thing. At some point I realized my shoulders were getting pink but honestly didn’t care. Later we wandered through Lopud village for a bit — narrow lanes with sleepy cats everywhere.

Šipan Island was last. Marko took us to Suđurađ where he knew a guy who makes his own olive oil and marmalade (I bought both). We ended up at a tiny winery for cheese and more wine — not fancy at all but somehow perfect after swimming all day. The air smelled like pine trees and grilled fish from someone’s backyard. On the way back to Dubrovnik, everyone got quiet watching the coastline slip by in gold light; it felt almost too peaceful to talk much. I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private boat tour of Elaphiti Islands

• Meet at Dubrovnik Old Town port
• Receive safety briefing from skipper
• Board private boat
• Sail to Koločep Island
• Explore Blue and Green caves snorkeling
• Travel to Lopud Island
• Relax at Šunj Beach, sunbathe and swim
• Enjoy fresh fruits and local drinks onboard
• Optional visit to Lopud village
• Visit Šipan Island and Suđurađ town
• Wine, cheese, and olive oil tasting
• Stop at pebble beaches of Sikirica islet

Top questions

How long is the private Elaphiti Islands & Blue Cave tour?

The tour typically lasts a full day with flexible timing depending on your preferences and stops along Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan islands.

Is hotel pickup included in this Dubrovnik boat tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking for convenience.

Do we visit both Blue Cave and Green Cave?

Yes, you’ll have time to swim or snorkel in both the Blue Cave and Green Cave near Koločep Island during the tour.

Are food or drinks provided during the trip?

You’ll enjoy unlimited local beer, wine, water, sodas, fresh fruits onboard—plus options for tasting olive oil or visiting a winery on Šipan.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Snorkeling gear is included for all guests so you can explore underwater at each stop.

Can children join this Elaphiti Islands boat tour?

Yes—children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult; infants can sit on laps or use strollers onboard.

What should I bring for this private boat trip?

Packing sunscreen is smart! Towels are provided; bring swimwear and maybe a hat for extra sun protection.

Are there many other tourists at these stops?

No—the itinerary avoids tourist traps so most stops are uncrowded or only shared with locals.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Dubrovnik, all fuel costs covered by your private boat skipper Marko (or someone just as friendly), snorkeling gear plus beach towels ready onboard, unlimited drinks like local beer or white wine with fresh fruit snacks between swims—and plenty of time to wander villages or taste homemade olive oil before heading home salty but happy.