Dubrovnik: Private Elafiti Islands Boat Tour with Skipper

Summary

Private speedboat ride to Elafiti Islands blue caves beaches and villages

You’ll set off from Dubrovnik with your own skipper and speedboat, gliding across bright Adriatic water to swim in Koločep’s Blue Cave, relax on Lopud’s sandy Sunj Beach, and wander through sleepy island villages or monastery gardens at your pace. With drinks onboard and every stop tailored for you, this day trip feels like summer slowed down—just you, the sea air, and time to drift.

What’s the experience like?

We slid away from Dubrovnik’s old harbor just as the city walls started glowing gold — I could still hear the clatter of café spoons fading behind us. Our skipper, Luka, grinned and cranked up some local music (he let us pick, but honestly his playlist was better). The spray felt sharp on my arms, salty and cool, and I kept thinking how close the islands looked — but it’s about 20 minutes before Koločep pops up ahead. Luka pointed out the two tiny villages here; I’d never heard of Gornje Čelo or Donje Čelo before. He said people still fish at dawn like their grandparents did. We anchored near the Blue Cave and he handed me a snorkel mask — I hesitated (not my strong suit), but the water was so clear it felt like flying when I finally slipped in.

The cave itself is… well, not what you expect. It’s quiet inside except for your own splashing, and there’s this weird blue light that makes your hands look silver underwater. Luka tossed me a GoPro (“for proof,” he joked). Back on deck, cold beer in hand, we cruised past these cliffs where pine trees lean right over the sea. Next stop was Lopud Island — Sunj Beach is all soft sand (rare here) and families laughing under striped umbrellas. Some folks stayed on the boat but we wandered off for a bit; ended up at a sleepy monastery garden where an old man nodded hello without looking up from his chess game.

Šipan was last — bigger than I thought, with olive groves that smelled peppery in the sun. Luka told us locals make marmalade and olive oil here; he swore by his cousin’s recipe but wouldn’t share it (“family secret!”). We didn’t rush anywhere — that’s kind of the point with a private boat tour from Dubrovnik to Elafiti Islands. Sometimes you just drift for a while watching fishing boats bob around or listening to birds arguing in the pines. I still think about that quiet stretch between stops, sea breeze tangling my hair, everyone sort of lost in their own thoughts for a minute.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private boat tour of Elafiti Islands

• Depart from Dubrovnik by speedboat
• Arrive at Kolocep Island
• Swim and snorkel at Blue Cave
• Cruise along Kolocep cliffs
• Arrive at Lopud Island
• Swim and sunbathe at Sunj beach
• Explore Lopud village and monasteries
• Arrive at Šipan Island
• Discover nature and local products
• Return to Dubrovnik

Top questions

How long does the private Elafiti Islands boat tour take?

You can choose between a 4-hour half-day or 8-hour full-day option.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this tour?

Yes, snorkeling masks are included for swimming into caves or bays.

Are drinks included during the boat trip?

Yes, bottled water, beer and soft drinks are available onboard.

What are some highlights of this private boat tour from Dubrovnik?

You’ll visit Koločep’s Blue Cave, Lopud’s sandy Sunj Beach, Šipan island villages and hidden bays along the way.

Can we customize our stops during the Elafiti Islands boat tour?

Yes—the itinerary is flexible so you can spend more or less time at each island as you wish.

Is lunch included in this day trip?

No lunch is included but you can visit seaside restaurants on Lopud or Šipan if you want.

Are there life jackets for children?

Yes—life jackets are available for both adults and children onboard.

Is this tour suitable for families with kids?

Yes—children are welcome if accompanied by an adult; infants can sit on laps or use strollers.

What’s included

Your day includes a private speedboat with professional skipper, use of snorkel gear (and even a GoPro camera), bottled water plus beer and soft drinks onboard. All taxes and fees are covered too—just bring yourself (and maybe sunscreen), then settle in as each island unfolds at your own pace before heading back to Dubrovnik.