Dubrovnik looks great from land. Then you hit open water. This private speedboat trip turns the Elaphiti Islands into an easy day plan, with snorkeling gear, multiple islands, and a skipper who can shift the route to your mood. I especially like that it feels local: you’re not stuck in a cattle line, and you get to move between beaches, caves, and viewpoints at real speed. One reason it works so well is the private group size (up to 6), so you can actually make choices.

Two things I like a lot: first, the focus on water time—snorkeling equipment, towels, and plenty of chances to swim. Second, the way the skipper guides without locking you into a script; you can ask for caves, bathing spots, or a calmer pace. On one trip like this, the skipper named Vincenzo was friendly, spoke clear English, and tailored stops based on what the group wanted to see.

The main drawback to keep in mind is timing. If you book a shorter window, you may not fit all the stops listed, because the boat rides between islands take time. Also, Lokrum Island admission isn’t included, so budget for that add-on if you choose to go there.

Key highlights

• Private speedboat for up to 6: you control the pace, not the itinerary
• Snorkeling gear + towels included: less hassle, more water time
• Elaphiti Islands loop: Kolocep, Lopud, Sipan, and Lokrum options
• Caves and swimming bays: including a strong shot at cave experiences
• Skipper-led customization: ask for snorkeling spots or viewpoints
• Lokrum stop is a big bonus: monastery ruins and Game of Thrones filming locations

Private Speedboat Value: Up to Six With Real Flexibility

At $302.34 per group (up to 6), this tour is priced like a “shared boat” experience with private attention. That sounds fancy, but the math is simple: you’re paying for the boat, gas, and a professional skipper. Once you spread it across a small group, it often feels like good value compared with paying per person for a packed day trip.

The best part is flexibility. This isn’t a bus tour where you get one set of photos and move on. You choose what matters during your time on the water. If your group wants snorkeling, you can ask for more swim stops. If you prefer cliffs and calmer bays, you can tilt the day that way. That flexibility is exactly why people rate this so highly.

One more quiet advantage: with a private boat, you spend less time waiting. The day is built around boat time, not long transfers and schedules. And since the operator includes gas and a professional skipper, you avoid the common “surprise add-ons” feeling that can happen with some boat rentals.

Meeting Point at Lapadska obala 4 and How to Start Smoothly

This tour meets at Lapadska obala 4, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia, and ends back near the same place. That’s handy. You’re not ending halfway across town.

In practice, how you get to the boat can vary with the crew. Some groups report being met and then driven to the new port before boarding. Others meet right at the listed location. So my advice is to confirm your exact meeting arrangement after booking, especially if you’re on a cruise or staying a bit outside the center.

Plan to show up a little early. Not because you’ll be late—because you’ll want an easy start. Speedboat days go fast once you’re out there. The crew can give the quick orientation you need, and you can get snorkeling gear squared away before you’re off.

How the 2 to 8 Hours Actually Works Between Kolocep, Lopud, Sipan, and Lokrum

The tour runs about 2 to 8 hours. That’s a wide range, and it matters for what you can realistically fit.

Here’s the basic reality: each island stop is time on the clock, plus travel between islands. The itinerary lists four islands—Kolocep, Lopud, Sipan, and Lokrum—each with its own suggested time. If you book the full sweep, you get the complete picture. If you book a shorter window, you’ll likely select fewer islands or choose to spend more time swimming at fewer stops.

So the smart move is simple: decide what kind of day you want.

• If you want the most islands and variety, lean toward the longer time slot.
• If you want snorkeling and caves without rushing, a mid-length option can be perfect.
• If your group is very active, you can use the flexibility to swap walking time for swim time.

This is also why you should communicate preferences early. If you care about caves, say so. If you care about beaches and a slow walk, say that too. A good skipper will adjust the route and the landing plans to match your group.

Kolocep Island: Cliffs, Bays, and the Good Start to a Cave-and-Swim Day

Kolocep Island is usually where you begin, and it sets the tone. It’s described as the southmost inhabited island of Croatia, and the stop is built around sightseeing plus water time. Expect time to get off the boat and explore at least a bit.

What makes this stop feel special is the mix:

• you can take in views from higher ground, and
• you can head back to the water for swimming and snorkeling.

In one similar day, the group started by hiking to cliff areas for bays, then opted to return to the boat and snorkel instead. That’s the kind of swap you’ll want to be able to make—because some days you’ll feel like walking, and other days you’ll want straight water.

There’s also a practical bonus: snorkeling here is often easier to enjoy when the group isn’t overloaded with too many stops back-to-back. You’re still fresh. You still want to see what the water looks like today. And the boat crew provides snorkeling equipment and towels, which keeps the experience friction-free.

Potential drawback? If you’re prone to motion sickness, ask about the most comfortable seating and consider bringing your own remedy. Speedboat days can be choppy depending on the day’s conditions.

Lopud Island: A Softer Landing With Beaches, Garden Walks, and a Monastery Visit

Lopud is where the day starts feeling more like a vacation island. The listed stop includes Sunj Beach and also time for architecture and history-style sights, like a botanical garden or a monastery.

This stop works well because it can serve different group styles:

• If you like walking, you can aim for the botanical garden and monastery areas.
• If you’d rather relax, you can build in beach time at Sunj.

Also, Lopud gives you a chance to reset. After Kolocep’s cliff-and-water rhythm, Lopud’s sandy feel can be a welcome change. It’s a good island to switch gears—snorkel earlier, then spend the rest of your time enjoying the shore.

One thing to keep in mind: some interiors (like monastery areas) may be under renovation depending on the season. That doesn’t usually ruin the stop, but it can shift what you can actually see. So if your interest is very specific, ask your skipper what’s accessible on the day.

Sipan and the Elaphiti Island “Luka” Bay: Big Views and Swimming Options

Sipan is described as the largest Elaphite island, and the stop is framed around local cuisine and swimming adventures. If you’re feeling adventurous, the itinerary mentions Sipan’s Luka bay, described as a hidden bay with breath-taking views and swimming bays.

Why this matters: “hidden bay” isn’t just marketing. The best swimming moments on these islands often come from bays where the water feels calmer and you can swim without constantly battling boat wake. A skipper who knows the island’s landing options can make that difference.

The trade-off is time. Sipan is a stop you’ll enjoy most if you have enough hours in your booking to slow down. If you’re tight on time, you might not get the full benefit of Luka or the local food stop. In that case, focus on the swimming and skip trying to do everything.

If you have the energy, this is one of the places where you can turn a good day into a great one, because the views from the water and the water itself tend to feel special.

Lokrum Island: Monastery Ruins, Game of Thrones Spots, and a Key Entry Fee Detail

Lokrum Island sits right across from Dubrovnik’s Old Town, so it’s an easy win if your schedule allows. The listed time is around 2 hours, and it’s the kind of stop that mixes walking with “wait, that’s a filming location” moments.

The itinerary highlights:

• ruins of an old monastery, and
• props from Game of Thrones.

Here’s the important part for your planning: entry/admission to Lokrum isn’t included. That means you should budget for the fee if you want this stop. The upside is that Lokrum can be a packed two hours: you can see ruins, enjoy the island atmosphere, and still make time for beaches and swimming.

Also, because Lokrum is right by Old Town, your logistics can feel simple when you’re done. You can often connect to the ferry back without needing a long transfer plan.

Possible drawback: Lokrum can still feel crowded at peak times, especially when day-trippers stack up. If your ideal day is quiet, you’ll want to time your Lokrum visit wisely or use your two hours for a quick route and then pick a calmer swim area.

Snorkeling Gear, Caves, and the Blue/Green Cave Crowd Reality

This tour includes snorkeling equipment plus towels. That’s huge because it means you don’t have to hunt rental shops or waste time with extra logistics. You also get drinks included, which is a nice touch for a long day out.

Caves are part of the overall story too. There’s mention of sailors hiding boats during storms and even a spear fishing cave. Plus the day may include stops near the Blue Cave and the Three Green Caves.

Here’s the reality check I’d want you to know before you go: the famous caves can get crowded. One skipper-guided experience included a warning that the Blue Cave is frequently packed with boats, and once you see it, you’ll understand why. The cave is small enough that crowded entries can turn the experience into a squeeze, with swimmers and boats jostling around.

So what should you do? Ask your skipper about timing and about whether you’ll spend time at caves that are likely to be busy. If the crew feels the cave entry is too crowded, you can make the sensible call to skip it and swap in a calmer swim bay. That keeps your day fun instead of stressful.

One more tip: if water conditions are choppy, it’s still often possible to enjoy snorkeling, but you might need to take it at a slower pace. A safe skipper will position the boat and manage boarding and swimming so you don’t feel rushed.

Lunch, Food Stops, and How to Plan Your Eating Time

Lunch isn’t included. That’s not a problem, but it does mean you’ll want to plan where you’ll eat during island time.

On the itinerary, Sipan and Lopud are the best candidates for food breaks because those stops are built around island life. Lopud also includes the idea of visiting sights like a monastery or garden—so you can time lunch after your walk.

In at least one full-day-style experience with this kind of tour, the skipper recommended a restaurant and the group had fresh sea bass. I wouldn’t assume that exact spot every time, but it’s a strong sign that your skipper can guide you toward good options that fit the island setting.

Practical advice: if you have dietary needs, tell your skipper early. A private day is the time to be specific.

What This Day Feels Like: From Sea Views to Swimming Through Rocky Arches

This is the kind of trip where you’ll get two kinds of memories: big views and small moments.

From the boat, Dubrovnik’s coastline and the harbor area look different fast. You’re not just looking at photos on a postcard. You see how the city meets the sea. That water perspective is part of the fun, and it’s why people keep saying this is a highlight.

Then comes the “in the water” part. The snorkeling moments described in similar days included swimming through rocky arches and spotting fish. Those are the details that make snorkeling worth it beyond just “getting wet.” And because the snorkeling equipment is included, you can take advantage of those moments without friction.

Also, a private boat day naturally supports small choices. In one story, the group initially planned more hiking but decided to pivot to swimming once they found the right spot. That’s the point: you’re not trapped.

Who Should Book This Private Speedboat Tour From Dubrovnik

This trip is a strong fit if you want:

• a private day with a small group,
• a mix of island exploration and swimming,
• a skipper who can adjust based on your priorities.

It’s also a good option for families with older kids and multi-generation groups, because the pace can shift. Some people want to hike to viewpoints. Others want a steady swim routine. With one boat and one skipper, that variety is easier.

It’s also ideal for couples who want a special day that doesn’t feel like a mass tour. And it works for groups of friends who prefer flexibility over schedules.

If you hate any kind of uncertainty, you might find cave crowding or weather-dependent changes frustrating. But the tour is built around the sea, and the sea doesn’t always cooperate.

Booking Tips: Tell Your Skipper What Matters and Time Your Caves

Here’s how I’d book this to get the best day.

First, choose a time length that matches your goals. If you want Kolocep, Lopud, Sipan, and Lokrum, pick a longer slot. If you’d rather focus on fewer stops but more swimming, choose a mid-length option.

Second, tell the skipper what you care about most before you leave. If caves are your priority, say so. If you want snorkeling bays more than cave entries, say that. In experiences like this, the skipper Vincenzo was praised for making route choices based on group preferences, and that customization is where you get the value.

Third, prepare for sea conditions. The tour requires good weather. If weather is rough, expect possible rescheduling or a different date option.

And finally, bring what helps your personal comfort: sunscreen and a swimsuit are not included, so pack them. Water days are long, and you’ll want to reapply if you spend hours outside.

Should You Book Nono Travel’s Private Speedboat Tour to the Elaphiti Islands?

If you want a true private day on the water from Dubrovnik, I think this is a smart booking. The value comes from the combination: small group size, included snorkeling gear and towels, drinks onboard, and a professional skipper who can adjust your plan. That’s the recipe for a day that feels like yours.

Book it if:

• your group includes people who want different activities (some walking, some swimming),
• you want to see multiple Elaphiti islands without complicated logistics,
• you’d rather ask for “the good spots” than follow a rigid script.

Skip it or choose a simpler plan if:

• you only have a short time and you don’t want to decide between stops,
• cave crowds would ruin the experience for you,
• you’re not able to travel in decent weather.

If you’re flexible and you enjoy being on the water, this is one of those Dubrovnik experiences that turns the trip into a story you’ll actually remember later.

FAQ

How many people are on the boat?

This is a private tour/activity for only your group, up to 6 people.

Where does the private speedboat tour start in Dubrovnik?

The meeting point is Lapadska obala 4, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 2 to 8 hours, depending on the option you book.

Which islands are included during the trip?

The planned stops are Kolocep Island, Lopud Island, Sipan, and Lokrum Island.

Is Lokrum Island entry included?

No. Lokrum Island admission is not included in the tour price.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are snorkeling equipment, drinks, towels, gas, and a professional skipper.

What’s not included?

Lunch, Lokrum Island entry/admission, swimsuit, and sunscreen are not included.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What should I do 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.