Elaphite Islands Luxury Private Boat Tour with Cap Camarat 7.5

The best part of this Dubrovnik boat tour is the freedom to shape the day. Captain Šime, often called Simon, can take you to Koločep’s caves, Lopud’s sandy Šunj Beach, and quiet swimming spots without forcing your group to follow a fixed schedule. You can linger where you like and skip what does not interest you.

I like the private boat for up to seven people, which makes the $544.43 group price easier to understand, especially for families or friends traveling together. I also like the practical extras: drinks, towels, snorkeling equipment, a GoPro, and hotel pickup and return.

The main consideration is time. A four-hour trip cannot comfortably cover all three islands, and Šipan is usually reserved for six- and eight-hour outings. The tour also depends on good weather, so the Adriatic gets the final say.

Key points to know before booking

• Captain Šime, or Simon, sets the pace: He can adjust stops, swimming time, and sightseeing around your group.
• Koločep brings the cave stops: The Green Cave, Blue Cave, and Three Caves are the main sights on the first island.
• Lopud offers more than a swim: You can visit sandy Šunj Beach, walk through the village, and stop for a meal.
• Longer tours reach Šipan: Six and eight hours give you the best chance to include the third island without rushing.
• The price is per boat, not per person: Up to seven people can share the listed $544.43 cost.
• Useful gear is already aboard: You get water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, towels, snorkeling equipment, and a GoPro.

Why a private boat makes sense around Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik’s coast is easy to admire from land, but the islands change the experience. From the water, you see pale cliffs, small coves, sea caves, and villages that are difficult to connect in one ordinary day by road. A private boat also lets you trade a crowded beach for a short swim in a quieter bay if that better suits your group.

This is not a lecture-heavy sightseeing cruise. The appeal is the combination of local guidance and personal control. Simon is described as friendly, responsive, and careful on the water, while also sharing information about Dubrovnik, Croatian culture, and the islands. You can ask questions as you go, or simply settle in with a drink and enjoy the ride.

The boat is a Cap Camarat 7.5, described in the supplied information as clean, new, comfortable, and a good size for a family of four or a small group. The maximum group size is seven. That is large enough for a family gathering or a group of friends, but small enough that the captain can hear what you want to do.

The published price is $544.43 per group. For one or two people, that is a serious splurge. For six or seven people, it becomes much more reasonable, particularly since hotel transfers and onboard drinks are included. Compare it with the cost of several separate seats on a standard excursion, then add the value of having your own route and schedule.

Getting to the boat from Dubrovnik

Round-trip transfers from your hotel to the boat are included, which removes one of the more annoying parts of a water excursion. You do not need to work out a taxi to the marina or arrange your own return after a day in the sun.

Cruise passengers can also use the tour, but communication matters. One family reported meeting the boat after a short, easy walk from the cruise ship, with clear instructions from Simon. Another group arrived early and started ahead of schedule, gaining extra time on the water. Do not count on that exact bonus, but it is worth being ready before your arranged pickup.

Simon has also contacted visitors before the trip to confirm locations and answer questions. If you have mobility concerns, discuss boarding before booking. A wheelchair user reported that Simon checked in advance to see if getting aboard would work, but the supplied information does not promise a particular accessibility setup.

The boat operates in English. Confirmation is provided at booking, and the tour is listed as suitable for most people. You should still tell the operator about children, mobility needs, or any timing problem before the day begins.

Koločep: three cave stops in one island visit

Koločep is the first major stop and usually receives about two hours on the suggested route. The focus is not a long village visit. It is the island’s group of sea caves: the Green Cave, the Blue Cave, and the Three Caves.

The private format matters here. Cave stops can be short if you only want photographs, or longer if your group wants to swim and use the snorkeling gear. Simon can advise on the order and timing, but you are not locked into a set number of minutes at each place.

The Blue Cave is a popular target, so an early start can improve the experience. One family that began early reached the first cave before the larger boats and had several quiet minutes inside. That is a useful planning tip: if your schedule allows, an early departure may be more valuable than squeezing in one extra stop later.

Expect the caves to be natural sea formations rather than formal attractions with walkways or exhibits. You enter by boat or swim, look around, take photographs, and move on. The GoPro is a nice extra for groups that want underwater footage, although you should handle it carefully and return it as instructed.

The cave section works well for families, but keep the sea conditions and your children’s comfort in mind. A nine-year-old enjoyed having time to explore without being hurried, and another group with a four-year-old appreciated the captain’s flexibility. The boat gives you options, but the water remains the water, and the day depends on weather.

Lopud: Šunj Beach, village time, and lunch

Lopud is the most flexible stop on the route and generally receives up to three hours on the longer suggested schedule. Its main draw is Šunj, a beautiful sandy beach that offers a change from the rocky coastline and cave settings.

You can swim, relax, or use the beach as a simple break between boat rides. Towels are provided, so you have less to pack. Snorkeling equipment is also aboard, though Šunj’s appeal is more about sand and swimming than about the dramatic cave experience at Koločep.

Lopud also gives you a chance to walk through the village. Small restaurants provide a natural lunch stop, and Simon has helped arrange restaurant reservations for groups. The menu and restaurant choice are not guaranteed in the tour details, but seafood recommendations and lunch arrangements have been part of the experience for some groups.

This is where an eight-hour trip earns its keep. A rushed beach stop followed by a quick village walk can feel like checking boxes. With more time, you can swim, eat, stroll, and still enjoy the ride back without watching the clock every few minutes.

Keep in mind that lunch is not listed as included in the price. Drinks on the boat are included, but food at a Lopud restaurant is an additional personal expense. Ask Simon about timing and restaurant options when you book if lunch is important to your group.

Šipan: worth adding on a six- or eight-hour trip

Šipan is the third Elaphite island and is generally visited on six- and eight-hour outings. On a four-hour trip, it may only be possible if the earlier stops are very brief.

That detail should guide your booking decision. If you want the caves and a swim, four hours can work well. If you want caves, beach time, lunch, village walking, and Šipan, book at least six hours. The eight-hour option gives the most breathing room and allows the day to feel like a full outing rather than a fast circuit.

The supplied information gives less detail about specific Šipan attractions than it does about Koločep and Lopud. Think of it as extra island time, not a promised list of particular sights. Simon can help decide how it fits your group’s interests and the conditions on the day.

Several groups have said they wished they had booked the full eight hours because the day passed quickly. That makes sense: boat travel, swimming, cave stops, lunch, and changing plans all use time faster than expected.

Choosing four, six, or eight hours

The tour is offered for approximately four to eight hours. Here is the practical way I would choose:

• Four hours: Best for a port stop, a half-day outing, or a group that mainly wants caves and swimming. You may visit Koločep and Lopud, but Šipan is unlikely unless the earlier stops are brief.
• Six hours: A strong middle choice. You have time for several caves, a beach, village time, lunch, and possibly Šipan without making every stop feel rushed.
• Eight hours: Best for a full day on the water. You can take longer swims, visit more bays, stop for lunch, and reach all three islands with greater flexibility.

Cruise passengers have made good use of the four-hour option, returning to the ship for lunch and still having time to visit Dubrovnik’s walled city. Build in a safety margin, though. A boat tour and a cruise departure do not leave much room for delays, so confirm the return timing carefully.

Couples may find four or six hours enough. Families with children may prefer six hours because it leaves room for breaks. Large groups of friends should think seriously about eight hours if they want a relaxed lunch and swimming day rather than a list of stops.

Drinks, gear, and the small comforts

Beer, white wine, soft drinks, and water are served aboard. These are simple inclusions, but they change the feel of the trip. You do not need to bring a full cooler or interrupt the day to find refreshments.

Towels and snorkeling equipment are provided. A GoPro is also available, which can be especially useful at the caves and swimming stops. Bring whatever personal items you need for sun protection, but the supplied equipment covers several things that often add hassle to a boat outing.

One thing I would not assume is included: meals. Lunch can be arranged at a restaurant on Lopud, but you should expect to pay for your own food unless the operator tells you otherwise. The price covers the boat experience and listed refreshments, not a guaranteed restaurant meal.

What the captain adds to the day

The strongest feature of this tour is not just the boat. It is Simon’s willingness to listen and adjust. Groups have asked to avoid crowds, visit quiet spots, swim in open water, pass by places that did not interest them, and even look for lighthouses. The route can respond to those requests when conditions and timing allow.

That flexibility is particularly useful for families. A child may need more time at a cave, or a group may decide that a second swim is better than another island stop. On a fixed group cruise, those choices are difficult. Here, you can simply tell the captain what is working.

Simon also helps with practical details. He has offered restaurant suggestions, assisted with photos, shared local information, and kept in touch before pickup. Safety and comfort are recurring strengths in the supplied feedback, but remember that a private tour still requires you to communicate clearly about what you want.

The five-star rating from 355 reviews and a 100 percent recommendation rate suggest an unusually consistent experience. Still, no boat day is fully predictable. Wind, rain, waves, and crowd levels can change the route, the cave experience, or the amount of time available for swimming.

Who should book this Dubrovnik boat tour?

I would recommend it most strongly to families, couples, and groups of friends who value privacy more than the lowest possible price. It also suits cruise passengers with a carefully managed half-day, especially if you want to see the coast rather than spend every minute in the Old Town.

It is a good fit if you want:

• Your own boat and captain
• Flexible stops and swimming time
• Caves, beach, village, and island scenery in one outing
• Included drinks and equipment
• Hotel pickup and return
• A route shaped around children, photographers, swimmers, or special interests

I would think twice if you are traveling alone or as a couple on a tight budget. The group price makes the most sense when shared. I would also avoid booking a four-hour trip if your main goal is to visit all three islands at an unhurried pace.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not refunded, and poor weather can lead to a new date or a full refund. Since the tour requires good weather, keep some flexibility in your Dubrovnik schedule if possible.

Final call: book it for freedom, not just transport

Book this tour if you want a personal day on the Adriatic, with Simon making the practical decisions while you choose the mood. The caves at Koločep, the sand at Šunj, and the chance to stop for a swim or lunch give the day variety. The included drinks, towels, gear, and transfers make it easier to enjoy.

For the best value, share the boat with a full group and choose six or eight hours. Four hours is a smart option for a cruise-port visit, but it is a taste rather than a full Elaphite Islands day. If your budget allows and the sea is calm, the longer trip gives you the time this coastline deserves.

FAQ

How much does the private boat tour cost?

The listed price is $544.43 per group of up to seven people.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately four to eight hours, depending on the option you book.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Koločep and Lopud. Šipan is generally included on six- and eight-hour trips and may be visited briefly on a four-hour trip if time permits.

What can I see on Koločep?

The Koločep stop includes the Green Cave, Blue Cave, and Three Caves. You can choose how long to stay at each attraction.

What can I do on Lopud?

You can visit sandy Šunj Beach, walk through the village, and stop at one of the local restaurants. Lunch is not listed as included.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Beer, white wine, soft drinks, and water are served on the boat.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, towels, and a GoPro are provided.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Round-trip transfers from your hotel to the boat are included.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.