Dubrovnik: Private Speedboat Tour to Elaphite Islands & Caves

Summary

Speed across Dubrovnik’s blue waters to island caves and sandy coves

You’ll cruise from Dubrovnik by private speedboat with your own group, swimming through Koločep’s Blue Cave and relaxing at sandy Šunj Beach on Lopud. Taste local wine or grilled fish if you want lunch arranged (they can book it), with drinks included onboard as you explore hidden coves and peaceful harbors. It’s one of those days you’ll remember for how it felt more than what you saw.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped onto the speedboat just as the old city walls of Dubrovnik faded behind us, spray already catching in the air. Our skipper, Marko, had that sun-baked look — he grinned and handed me a cold beer before we even left the harbor. The engine kicked up and we flew past Lokrum, wind tangling my hair and that salty smell everywhere. Someone pointed out a fishing boat bobbing near Koločep; apparently, they still pull octopus up by hand here. I tried not to imagine what that felt like.

The first stop was Koločep’s Blue Cave — honestly, I hesitated getting in because the water looked almost too clear, like glass you could fall through. Marko tossed me a snorkel mask (I fumbled it) and said, “Don’t worry, it’s warmer than you think.” He was right. Inside the cave it was quiet except for our splashing and this weird echo when someone laughed. The sunlight made everything glow blue under the surface — I kept blinking because it didn’t seem real. We drifted a while just floating there, nobody talking much.

Lopud came next. We walked barefoot along Šunj Beach — sand sticking everywhere — and found this little bar where they poured wine into tumblers instead of glasses. Lunch was grilled fish with lemon; I tried to say thank you in Croatian but mostly got a smile from the woman running things. The island felt slow in a good way. On the boat again later, we passed olive groves on Šipan and Marko told us his uncle makes olive oil there — he swears it’s better than Italian but I’m not picking sides.

I still think about how quiet Šipan’s harbor was compared to Dubrovnik — just some locals fixing nets and a couple of cats sleeping on warm stones. The ride back felt slower somehow; maybe we were all tired or maybe nobody wanted it to end yet. Anyway, if you’re wondering whether a private speedboat tour from Dubrovnik is worth it… well, I’m still finding sand in my shoes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private speedboat tour of Elaphite Islands

• Panoramic tour of Dubrovnik Old Town
• Visit Koločep Island and swim
• Snorkel near Blue and Green Caves
• Travel to Lopud Island
• Explore Lopud’s beaches and village
• Optional lunch reservation on Lopud
• Swim and relax at Šunj Beach
• See Šikirica Lagoon en route to Šipan
• Visit Šipan Island harbor and wine bar
• Stroll and enjoy Šipan’s peaceful atmosphere

Top questions

How long does the Dubrovnik private speedboat tour last?

The full-day tour includes stops at Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan islands; duration depends on your chosen itinerary.

Are drinks included on the Elaphite Islands speedboat tour?

Yes, beer, wine, soft drinks, and bottled water are provided onboard during the tour.

Is snorkeling gear provided on this private boat trip?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included for all guests during swimming stops.

Can lunch be arranged during the day trip to Elaphite Islands?

If you’d like lunch on Lopud Island, your guide can make a reservation at a local restaurant known for fresh fish.

Does this tour include hotel pickup from Cavtat or Mlini?

Pickup is available from Sheraton, Mlini or Cavtat for an additional 60€ cash fee.

Is Šipan Island always included in this private speedboat tour?

Šipan Island is visited only on full-day tours due to its distance from Dubrovnik.

How many people can join this private speedboat tour?

The boat accommodates up to 11 passengers per group booking.

What’s included

Your day includes a luxury private speedboat with an experienced skipper, all fuel costs covered, snorkeling gear and towels for swimming stops at caves or beaches, unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks and bottled water onboard throughout the journey—and if you want lunch at Lopud Island’s top spots they’ll help book it for you too before returning to Dubrovnik’s harbor.