Speed over Dubrovnik’s water feels like a cheat code.

This private Elaphite Islands speedboat tour takes you off the city and into quieter bays with time to swim, snorkel, and hunt for those postcard views. I also like that the ride starts with a quick panoramic look back at Old Town before you even reach the islands, so you get the best of Dubrovnik without spending the whole day walking.

What I like most is the mix of freedom and comfort: you’re on your own boat (no sharing with strangers), and you’ll have drinks on board plus snorkeling gear ready when you want it. The one practical drawback to plan for is seasonal water temps and time in the caves: early in the year the sea can feel chilly, and the most famous cave stops can get busy later in the day.

Key things to know before you go

• Private by design: only your group on the boat
• Drinks are included: beer, wine, soft drinks, bottled water
• Snorkeling gear is on hand for swims at the islands
• Kolocep is the quick-cave stop with classic Blue/Green Cave time
• Lopud brings the beach payoff with car-free calm and sandy swimming
• Full-day adds Šipan and Šikirica Lagoon for extra island time

A Private Speedboat That Starts With Dubrovnik Views

This is the kind of Dubrovnik tour where you trade lines and steps for speed. You meet up with your crew and head out on a luxury private speedboat, built for short runs between islands and smooth time in the open water. The early panoramic pass by Old Town is a smart touch because it frames the day: you see Dubrovnik from the sea, then you leave it behind while it’s still fresh in your mind.

One reason I think this works so well is how “low effort” it feels once you’re underway. You don’t have to map ferries, scan schedules, or cram in transfers. Instead, the captain handles the timing and the approach to each swim stop, and you just show up for the fun parts.

In the reviews, captains like Orsat, Tony, Ante, Marin, Simon, and Josep come up again and again, with praise for keeping things friendly and adapting the day to the group’s mood. That matters because the Elaphiti Islands can be different depending on wind, light, and how much you want to swim versus wander.

Kolocep Island and the Blue/Green Cave Swim Window

Your first island is Kolocep (Koločep), the closest island to Dubrovnik, so you waste less of your day in transit and more in the water. The pacing here is ideal if you want that “island-hopping” feel without feeling rushed: you get the sea-to-island rhythm quickly, then a focused chunk of time to swim and snorkel.

Kolocep is known for five caves, with the Blue and Green Caves being the stars. Expect clear, bright water when conditions are right, and enough time to do a swim plus grab photos that look like they were staged by a postcard printer. The caves aren’t just scenery either. This is where snorkeling feels most fun because you’re in the kind of shallow, clear water where your attention can stay on what’s beneath rather than where you’re heading next.

A practical consideration: if you’re booking for spring or early summer, the water can still feel cool. You’ll still be tempted to jump in anyway, but if you get cold fast, plan to start with shorter swims or take it step-by-step.

Lopud: Car-Free Charm, Sandy Beaches, and Beach Bar Breaks

Next comes Lopud, one of the more relaxing Elaphiti stops because it’s car-free and easy to enjoy at a human pace. Historically it was home to monasteries, churches, and noble palaces; today you’ll mostly see the traces of that past, plus a very livable island vibe where the main event is simply being outdoors.

Timing is key here: you get about 2 hours, which is enough to do the smart split. You can spend time in the water, then walk to one of the island’s sandy beaches. The tour highlights two in particular:

• the main village beach for quick access
• Šunj Beach on the southern side, a favorite for lounging and swimming

Šunj Beach is also a great spot if your group likes beach games like picigin and doesn’t mind lingering a bit longer with a cold drink. In the reviews, that “we had a drink and just stayed” feeling shows up a lot, because Lopud’s setting naturally slows you down.

Lunch isn’t included, but the crew can help with it. If you want a proper meal on the island, they can make a reservation at a top local spot known for freshly caught fish. When I’m thinking about value, that’s important: having a lunch plan reduces the stress of trying to find a good place once you’re already at the beach.

Šipan and Šikirica Lagoon Only on the Full-Day Route

If you choose the full-day tour (about 8 hours), you get an extra island stop: Šipan, plus a scenic pass where you can see the Šikirica Lagoon. That lagoon is described as a swimming spot surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise water, and it fits the same theme as Kolocep and Lopud: short boat hops, big water reward.

Šipan itself is quieter than Lopud. You’ll find a small, peaceful fishing harbor and a slower rhythm that makes it a good match for groups who want a break from constant swimming stops. It’s also known for high-quality olive oil and local wine, and you can try both at a seaside wine bar, or simply stroll the harbor and take in the views at a calmer pace.

Why this matters for your decision: if you like variety, the full day adds a meaningful third flavor to the itinerary. But if you’re mostly after swim time and beach time close to Dubrovnik, you can get a lot of the magic without going all the way to Šipan.

Drinks and Snorkeling Gear That Make the Day Feel Effortless

This tour is built around comfort at sea. You’ll have:

• beer, wine, soft drinks, and bottled water
• snorkeling equipment available
• towels
• life jackets
• a skipper
• and a private speedboat experience

The drinks are more than a perk. They help you turn swims into actual downtime. When you’re bouncing between islands, the day can feel like a sequence of starts and stops. Having refreshments on board makes it feel like you’re scheduling fun, not just fitting in activities.

Snorkeling gear being included is also a practical win. It removes the hassle of figuring out where to rent equipment and what’s available. You’ll be able to focus on the water and caves, which is where the day’s best moments happen.

One small seasonal note from the experience summaries: early swims can be refreshing in a way that surprises you. The gear and life jackets make the experience feel safe and straightforward, but the sea temperature can still be a factor, so come ready to decide on the spot how long you want to stay in the water.

Choosing the Right Length: 4 Hours vs 8 Hours

You’ve got two time options:

• Half-day: about 4 hours
• Full-day: about 8 hours

If you’re trying to maximize value, here’s the simple way I see it. The half-day is great if you want a strong highlights package: Dubrovnik views, Kolocep caves, and Lopud beach time, with fewer moving parts. It’s also the better option if you have other plans in Dubrovnik, like dinner reservations or Old Town wandering afterward.

The full-day is better if you want to breathe. With the added time, the captain can spend more time on the kind of stop that matches your group’s energy. That flexibility is something people repeatedly praise, especially when they want more swim time, fewer cave transitions, or extra time on Lopud’s beach vibe.

Also, there’s a psychological difference. A half-day can feel like a sprint to the best bits. A full-day can feel like an actual day out, where you swim, eat lunch (optional but doable on Lopud), and still have time for slower exploring.

Price and Logistics: What You Really Pay for This Private Boat Day

The headline price is $386.98 per group (up to 2). That’s not a cheap activity, but for Dubrovnik, a private speedboat for a small group can be good value because you’re paying for time, convenience, and access to the islands without ferry logistics.

Two added costs can affect your total:

• Fuel surcharge (cash on the boat)
• Half-day (4 h): €70
• Full-day (8 h): €150
• Pick-up and drop-off (cash): €60 if you’re using Sheraton, Mlini, or Cavtat

If you’re comparing this to shared tours, the value is easier to see. On a private boat, you control the pace. The crew can adapt to what you want to do that day, including adjusting swim timing and helping with an island lunch reservation when you’re on Lopud. That kind of flexibility is hard to price until you actually want it.

The good news: the tour uses a mobile ticket, so you’re not juggling printed vouchers, and everything is offered in English. Also, there’s a minimum drinking age of 18, since alcohol is included.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Reconsider)

This tour is a strong match if you:

• want a private day at sea without complicated logistics
• like swimming and snorkeling rather than just scenic photos from land
• want Elaphiti islands access with drinks included
• prefer captains who can adjust stops based on your group’s mood (a theme in the guide feedback, including captains like Tony, Ante, Marin, and Simon)

It might not be the best fit if you:

• get seasick easily and need very calm conditions (this isn’t called out as an issue in the info you provided, but boat motion is always a factor)
• want a long, slow “stay on one island” vacation. The time windows are shorter by design, especially on the half-day option.

Should You Book This Elaphite Speedboat Tour?

I’d book it if you’re prioritizing water time over walking time and you want a smooth, private way to hit Kolocep and Lopud. The drinks included plus snorkeling gear on board make it feel like you’re paying for a whole experience, not just transport.

If you can, I recommend leaning toward the 8-hour option. More time means more flexibility, and it adds Šipan and Šikirica Lagoon, which gives the day extra variety beyond the classic cave-and-beach rhythm. If your schedule is tight, the 4-hour version still hits the key highlights in a very efficient way.

In short: for a Dubrovnik trip where you want the sea to do the heavy lifting, this is one of the most satisfying ways to spend the day.

FAQ

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s described as a private speedboat tour/activity, meaning only your group participates.

How many people is the price for?

The price is listed per group, up to 2.

What’s included on board?

Drinks are included (beer, wine, soft drinks, and bottled water). Snorkeling gear is available, and towels, life jackets, and a skipper are also included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch isn’t included.

Which islands are visited?

You’ll stop at Kolocep and Lopud. On the full-day tour, there’s also Šipan (with a chance to see Šikirica Lagoon on the way).

Does Šipan happen on the half-day tour?

No. Šipan is included only in the full-day tour due to its distance from Dubrovnik.

Do you offer pick-up and drop-off?

Yes. Pick-up and drop-off are available at Sheraton, Mlini, and Cavtat for an additional €60 paid in cash.

Is there an extra fuel surcharge?

Yes. A cash fuel surcharge is paid on the boat: €70 for the half-day tour (4 hours) and €150 for the full-day tour (8 hours).

Is there an alcohol age requirement?

Yes. The minimum drinking age is 18.

What if the weather is bad?

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