Elafiti Islands: Private Speed Boat Tour with Snorkeling & Flexible Stops

Summary

Private speed boat day exploring Koločep Lopud Šipan islands

You’ll spend your day hopping between Koločep’s Blue Cave, sandy beaches on Lopud Island, and peaceful bays on Šipan—all at your own pace with a friendly local skipper handling everything from snorkeling gear to cold drinks. Expect laughter in the water, quiet moments on deck, and those small details that stay with you long after you’ve rinsed off the salt.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to just point at an island and say, “Let’s go there”? That’s pretty much how our day around the Elafiti Islands started. We met our skipper—Marko, who had that easy Croatian smile—down by the Dubrovnik marina. The sun was already bright but not too hot, and I could smell sunscreen and seaweed before we even climbed into the Quicksilver boat. Marko asked if we wanted to stick to the usual route or try something different. We shrugged (honestly, I hadn’t really planned), so he suggested Koločep first for the Blue Cave. I’m not much of a swimmer but somehow ended up in the water anyway, laughing at how cold it felt on my shoulders. Swimming into that cave—the echo of our voices bouncing off blue-lit stone—felt weirdly private, like we’d stumbled into someone else’s secret.

After drying off (my towel still smells like salt), we cruised along cliffs where gulls kept swooping low over us. Next up was Lopud Island. The sand at Šunj beach is finer than I expected—almost sticky between your toes—and there were kids building lopsided castles while their parents sipped beer under striped umbrellas. We had cold drinks from the cooler Marko kept under his seat (he handed me a beer with a wink—said it was “local courage” for trying my broken Croatian). Later, wandering through Lopud village, we passed old stone churches and a park where two old men played chess in total silence except for the clack of pieces. I tried to peek inside one of the monasteries but got distracted by a fig tree growing through a wall.

Sipan was last—bigger and somehow quieter than the others, if that makes sense. Olive trees everywhere and this faint smell of pine needles when you walk inland. Marko pointed out where his aunt makes olive oil (“best on Šipan,” he claimed). We didn’t rush; just floated in a little bay watching tiny fish dart under the hull and listening to nothing but water slapping against fiberglass. There’s something about moving between these islands by boat—it makes Dubrovnik feel far away even though it’s really not.

The ride back was slower; sunburned and salty-haired, we watched the sky go pink behind us while Marko hummed some tune I didn’t recognize. I still think about that light sometimes—how it made everyone quiet for once, no one reaching for their phones or talking about dinner plans yet. If you’re after a day trip from Dubrovnik that lets you drift (literally) between places with someone local steering, this private Elafiti Islands tour is probably what you want—even if you don’t know exactly what you’re looking for.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Elafiti Islands by private boat

• Sail from Dubrovnik to Koločep Island
• Swim and snorkel at Blue Cave
• Cruise along Koločep cliffs
• Visit Lopud Island sandy beach Sunj
• Swim and sunbathe at Lopud beach
• Explore Lopud village and monasteries
• Travel to Šipan Island
• Discover nature and local products on Šipan
• Enjoy hidden bays and Adriatic views
• Return to Dubrovnik at sunset

Top questions

How long does the Elafiti Islands private speed boat tour take?

The tour lasts a full day from Dubrovnik, with timing flexible based on your preferences.

Which islands are included in this private speed boat tour?

The main stops are Koločep (with its Blue Cave), Lopud (including Šunj beach), and Šipan.

Is snorkeling equipment provided during the tour?

Yes, snorkeling masks are provided as part of your day trip around the Elafiti Islands.

Are drinks included on board?

Bottled water, beer, and soft drinks are included during your private boat tour.

Can we choose our own itinerary or stops?

Yes, since it’s fully private, your skipper will tailor stops and timing to your group’s wishes.

Is lunch included in this Elafiti Islands tour?

No lunch is included but there are several restaurants on each island where you can eat at your own pace.

Are life jackets available for children?

Yes, life jackets are provided for both adults and children on board.

How far are the Elafiti Islands from Dubrovnik?

Koločep is about 20 minutes by boat from Dubrovnik; other islands are nearby within short cruising distance.

What’s included

Your day includes use of snorkel equipment, bottled water plus beer and soft drinks kept chilled onboard, all taxes and fees covered by your skipper Marko (or whoever’s guiding that day), as well as life jackets sized for both adults and kids so everyone stays safe while exploring caves or swimming off sandy beaches before heading back toward Dubrovnik as sunset hits.