Elaphiti Islands boat tour from Dubrovnik: 4 or 8 hours

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Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/19

Duration4h–8h

GroupPrivate

LanguagesEN

PickupAt your hotel

Swim at Šunj beach and explore hidden caves, then choose how long to linger on each island.

A private boat tour from Dubrovnik explores three Elaphiti Islands—Lopud, Šipan and Koločep—over 4 or 8 hours at a pace you set. The boat carries snorkelling equipment, drinks and a shaded sundeck; pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned car are included. You choose the duration and how much time to spend on each stop, from swimming at famous beaches to diving into sea caves and walking through olive groves.

4h–8h

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Elaphiti Islands at your pace

Visit Lopud Island beaches and forests
Explore Šunj beach and botanical garden
Visit Šipan Island and see historic villas
Stop at Koločep Island for caves and beach

The Experience

The boat leaves from Dubrovnik with a private guide who speaks English, heading first to Lopud, the most visited island in the archipelago. Lopud draws people back for its sandy beaches—especially Šunj, where local legend says couples who bathe together never part—and for the old botanical garden, one of Europe's oldest. Rocky paths wind through forests of olives and vines. Depending on whether you book the 4-hour or 8-hour option, you decide how long to stay: an hour swimming, or a full afternoon exploring.

The second stop is Šipan, historically the retreat of Dubrovnik's wealthiest families in the 15th century, who built villas across the island. It's called "the Mediterranean as it used to be"—quieter and less developed than the mainland. Again, your tour length determines the pace; you're not rushed between stops. On the way back, the boat pulls in at Koločep, an island thick with sea caves and high cliffs. The water here is clear enough for snorkelling, and the boat carries the gear. Koločep gets roughly 250 sunny days a year, and the combination of pine forests, olive groves and the Adriatic makes it feel removed from anywhere else.

Pickup happens by air-conditioned minivan or car from your Dubrovnik hotel. The boat itself has a shaded sundeck, a fridge stocked with bottled water and soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages if you want them. Snorkelling equipment is on board. You're not on a schedule—the guide adjusts the day to what you want to do, whether that's a long swim at one beach or a quick stop at three.

What’s included

Snorkelling equipment.
bottled water and soft drinks.
alcoholic beverages.
shaded sundeck.
hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned car or minivan.
private guide in English.
all taxes and fees.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Dubrovnik Islands Tours

Is this one for you?Choose the 8-hour option if you want to swim and explore without watching the clock—the longer duration is what makes lingering at a hidden cove or walking the botanical garden possible. The 4-hour tour works if you're short on time but still want to see all three islands and get in one good swim.