A private speedboat day beats Dubrovnik lines. I like that you get your own skipper who times the route for comfort and calm water, and I especially love the swim focus at stops like the Blue Cave. One thing to consider: it’s a full day on the sea, and this experience requires good weather, so you’ll want to be flexible if conditions are rough.

This tour starts at 10:00am near Lapadska obala 4 (Sunshine Sailing Dubrovnik) and runs about 8 hours, ending right back where you meet. You’ll get a mobile ticket, and the boat day is built around multiple swims and cave moments, not just sightseeing photos.

On board, you’re set up with snorkeling equipment plus towels and life jackets, and drinks include water, soda, beer, and white wine. Lunch is not included, though the Šipan stop is set up so you can eat there if you want.

Key highlights you’ll feel in real life

• A skipper-led private route just for your group (often praised for smart timing)
• Koločep’s cave sequence, including the Blue Cave and green caves
• Lopud’s Sunj Beach for a proper sandy break away from the busier shorelines
• Snorkeling gear + towels so you’re not scrambling for supplies
• Drinks on board (beer and white wine, plus water and soda)
• Šipan for lunch and wine tasting vibes if you’re into local food and vineyards

Why the Elaphiti Islands feel like a different vacation

Dubrovnik is stunning. But after a few hours, you can feel the weight of cruise schedules, tour buses, and tight lanes. The Elaphiti Islands are a quick mental shift: less about checking boxes, more about water, swimming, and small-scale island life.

This tour leans hard into that. You’re not stuck watching the sea from the edge of a dock. You hop in when it’s right, snorkel when the water’s clear, and then move on before things get crowded. That “move at the pace of the day” approach is exactly why a private setup works so well here.

You also get the advantage of local guidance. Guides like Srđan, Gigi, and Didi come up again and again in the feedback for one big reason: they know where to go and when to go there. Not every boat tour feels thoughtful. This one is built around timing.

The private boat format: what you’re really buying

At the center of this experience is the speedboat and the fact that it’s private—only your group goes with the skipper. The listing sets the group size up to 4 people, and the price is per group (not per person). That changes the math fast.

If you fill the boat with 4 people, you’re effectively splitting the cost. Even without doing fancy calculations, you can think of it like this: you’re paying for convenience (your own route, your own skipper) plus included extras (gear, towels, fuel, skipper, and drinks). If you were to cobble those pieces together on your own, it would get messy fast.

Also, private doesn’t mean awkward. If you’re solo, you’re still part of the day, not a number in a shared schedule. The boat day stays relaxed because you’re moving together, stopping on your terms, and asking for what you want rather than waiting your turn.

Here’s the trade-off: you’re not controlling the weather. This tour requires good conditions, and the plan assumes you’ll spend real time swimming and exploring.

Port Gruz check-in: where the day actually starts

The day kicks off at Port Gruz, where a private transfer brings you in. This is also where you meet the skipper and board the speedboat. Expect about 2 hours in this phase (time can include meeting, getting settled, and getting underway).

Why this matters: it sets the tone. A lot of Dubrovnik boat tours feel rushed at the start. Here, you have time to match up gear, get comfortable on the boat, and ask questions before you’re out in the open water.

You’ll also want to treat this as your moment to plan your day. Ask your skipper what swim timing makes sense for your group. If you’re into photos, timing matters. If you’re more of a “just let me find the calm bay” person, that matters too.

Koločep Island and the Blue Cave: the stops with the wow factor

Koločep is your first real taste of the Elaphiti Islands, and it’s built for water lovers. You spend about 2 hours here, and the flow is simple: you start with cave time by speedboat, then shift into the more famous cave locations.

The turquoise caves and the cave-to-swim rhythm

The itinerary calls out entering two beautiful turquoise caves by speedboat. That’s the kind of stop that works even if you’re not a die-hard snorkeler, because you get the cave shape and color before you even suit up.

Then comes the featured moment: the Blue Cave, plus three green caves. The name of the game here is light and water clarity. In practice, what you should do is stay flexible. If conditions look great, spend a little extra time in the water. If you can’t see as much as you hoped, your skipper can steer you toward the best angle and timing.

A practical tip: choose your swim style

With cave stops, you have options:

• Snorkel a bit, then swim with a more relaxed pace.
• Use the snorkeling equipment so you’re not fighting to see anything without gear.
• If you’re not confident in the water, you can still float, soak, and enjoy the view from the surface.

What I like about this setup is that it doesn’t force one style of fun. The day has room for swimmers and non-swimmers.

Lopud Island and Sunj Beach: sandy time after caves

Next up is Lopud, also about 2 hours. This is where the day shifts from cave wow to beach comfort.

Sunj Beach: why it’s worth the detour

The itinerary highlights Sunj beach, described as hidden in trees and away from the rest of the island. That wording matters. On many island days, “beach time” can end up meaning a crowded stretch where you’re wedged between other towels.

Sunj is different because it feels tucked in. For you, that usually means a more relaxing swim and fewer distractions while you’re in the water. It’s also a nice breather if your first stop had you feeling like you were constantly moving.

The other side of Lopud: port + culture stops

After Sunj, you head to the main port side of the island, described as a cultural tourist area with events, attractions, and historical sights. Even if you’re not chasing history, a port-side stop is useful because it gives you a change of pace. You can walk off saltiness, take a look at island life, and decide whether you want to linger or just head back to the boat.

This balance is one of the reasons Lopud works so well in a single-day loop: you get the beach, then you get the island’s “human scale” side.

Šipan and Suđurađ: where food and wine come in

The last Elaphiti stop is Šipan, specifically the village of Suđurađ, and you spend about 2 hours there. This is the portion of the day that’s most about land-based choices.

Lunch options: fresh daily fish and gardens

If you want lunch, this is the moment to do it. The itinerary notes fresh daily catch fish by local fishermen and vegetables from nearby local gardens. In other words, it’s not a vague “you can eat somewhere.” It’s a village stop designed for a proper meal.

One practical thing: since lunch isn’t included, you’ll want to have cash or a card ready and check whether the restaurant you choose matches what your group is craving. Fish is the obvious theme, but not every meal has to be seafood-heavy if someone in your party has preferences.

Wine lovers: tasting from island vineyards

The same Šipan/Suđurađ stop is also positioned as a great place for wine tasting, tied to island vineyards and grape varieties in Croatia. If wine is your thing, this is a sensible place to add it because you’re already in the right setting. And if wine isn’t your thing, it still works as a cultural and food stop before you head back out for the remaining boat time.

Remaining time for the round tour and sightseeing

After the Šipan village segment, you’ve got the rest of the day for the round tour and time spent sightseeing or exploring. That matters because it means the day isn’t just “drive, stop, repeat.” You have a window for a slower moment—useful if your group wants one last swim or a final look at the coast from the boat.

What’s included on board (and how it changes your day)

This tour includes a solid set of comforts that make the day feel easy.

Included:

• Water and soda beverage
• Beer and white wine
• Towels
• Snorkeling equipment
• Fuel
• Life jackets
• Skipper

Not included:

• Lunch

Two details I think you’ll appreciate right away:

1. Snorkeling gear and towels are handled for you. You don’t have to hunt for rentals or show up underpacked.
2. The drinks list makes the day feel like a treat, not a chore. Having water, soda, beer, and white wine onboard means you can stay relaxed between swim stops.

That said, alcohol plus swimming calls for common sense. Keep an eye on who’s drinking and who’s staying in shallow areas. The boat is set up for fun, but you still want everyone to swim safely.

Price and value: is $710.91 worth it?

The tour price is $710.91 per group (up to 4), and it runs about 8 hours. If you split it four ways, you’re effectively treating it like a premium day out rather than an all-day splurge with no math.

The value case is strongest if you care about:

• Private time with a skipper
• Multiple swimming stops (caves + beach)
• Snorkeling gear and towels included
• Drinks onboard

It’s less about ticking off islands and more about how much smoother the day feels. Shared group tours can be great. But they also come with time lost to coordinating groups and waiting at stops. A private boat day cuts that friction. You stop when it makes sense and you can ask for what you want without feeling like you’re holding up strangers.

The other side of the value story is that lunch isn’t included. If you plan to eat in Šipan (and you probably will if you’re excited about the village fish-and-garden theme), budget extra for that meal.

Who should book this Elaphiti Blue Cave day

This is a strong fit if you want:

• A private speedboat day with swimming at multiple stops
• A route that balances caves, sandy beach time, and a village stop
• Snorkeling opportunities without renting gear
• A skipper-led day that can adapt to your group’s pace

It’s especially appealing for:

• Couples who want quieter swim moments without feeling watched
• Small friend groups who want one shared plan instead of coordinating taxis and ferry times
• Families who like activities with clear “time for swimming, time for walking” structure
• Solo travelers who want the experience to feel personal rather than awkward

If you’re not into water time—if you prefer a boat day that’s mostly scenic and you rarely get in the water—this tour may feel too active for you. The itinerary is built for being in the sea.

Should you book it? My straight answer

I’d book this if your ideal Dubrovnik day includes swimming, caves, and a sand stop with low stress. The combination of cave-focused stops (including the Blue Cave), Lopud’s Sunj Beach, and the Šipan village add up to a day that feels like more than one place—it feels like three different kinds of island time.

I’d hesitate only if you’re worried about weather flexibility or you don’t want to spend a chunk of the day on a boat. Since the experience depends on good conditions, you’ll want to plan it when you have at least some flexibility in your schedule.

If you do book, here’s the smartest move: talk to your skipper on day one about how your group wants to spend time—more snorkeling vs. more beach vs. more walking in Suđurađ. The private setup is the point.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Dubrovnik Elafiti Islands & Blue Cave full-day tour?

The tour is listed as approximately 8 hours.

What islands are included on this tour?

You’ll visit Koločep Island, Lopud Island (including Sunj beach), and Šipan (with the village of Suđurađ). Port Gruz is where you meet the skipper and board.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch is not included, though there is time at Šipan where you can go to a restaurant if you want.

What is included on the boat?

Included items are water, soda beverage, beer, white wine, towels, snorkeling equipment, fuel, life jackets, and a skipper.

Where is the meeting point and what time does it start?

The meeting point is Sunshine Sailing Dubrovnik, Lapadska obala 4, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia. The start time is 10:00 am.

Is this tour private, and how many people can join?

Yes, it’s a private tour/activity and only your group participates. The price is per group up to 4 people.

What if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience’s start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid won’t be refunded.