Luxury Private Boat Tour to Elaphiti Islands

The best part of this Dubrovnik boat tour is the freedom to shape the day. Captain Robert can take you toward quiet coves, old villages, sea caves, or swimming spots around the Elafiti Islands, rather than locking you into a fixed sightseeing schedule. The boat carries up to six people, so the day feels personal from the start.

I especially like the included snorkeling gear and GoPro, along with the complimentary hot and cold drinks, water, soda, and alcoholic beverages. I also like the way Robert handles the practical side, from pickup arrangements to restaurant suggestions. The main consideration is price: at $862.86 per group, this makes the most sense when shared by four to six people, and lunch is not included.

Key points at a glance

• Private boat for up to six: Your group gets the boat and captain to itself, with no strangers shaping the route.
• Flexible island day: You can spend time swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, visiting villages, or looking for caves and quiet bays.
• Captain Robert leads the outing: He speaks excellent English and is praised for calm boat handling, local insight, and careful attention to comfort.
• Drinks and water activities included: Snorkeling equipment, a GoPro camera, bottled water, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages are supplied.
• Lunch happens ashore: Food is not allowed onboard, but Robert can suggest or arrange a restaurant, including places in Lopud and other island locations.
• Weather matters: The tour requires good conditions, and it is not recommended for non-swimmers.

A private Adriatic day from Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is best known for its stone walls and crowded old-town lanes, but the view from the sea changes the whole picture. From a private boat, you see the city from the outside, then head toward islands where the pace is quieter and the water is the main attraction.

This is not a standard sightseeing cruise with a set list of stops and a microphone announcement every few minutes. The route is worked out after you board. You can tell Robert whether you want more time in the water, a relaxed look at island villages, a visit to caves, or a longer lunch stop.

That flexibility matters because people do not all want the same boat day. You might want to swim every hour. Your companions might prefer a village walk or a long meal. A private trip gives you room to balance those interests without negotiating with a large group.

The boat is intended for a maximum of six people. That is a useful size for a family, two couples, or a small group of friends. The price is $862.86 for the whole group, not per person. Split six ways, it is roughly $144 per person. For two people, the same boat costs about $431 each, so the value improves sharply as your group gets closer to the six-person limit.

What Captain Robert adds to the day

Captain Robert is a major part of the appeal. He speaks English well and is described as friendly, calm, organized, and attentive. Those qualities matter on a private boat because the captain is not only steering. He is also helping you decide where to go, when to stop, and how much activity makes sense for your group.

His boat handling is another strong point. He has taken groups through tight caves and into smaller coves, which can make the outing feel more personal than a simple ride from one harbor to another. He also knows how to keep the day relaxed. If you want to spend longer swimming, the schedule can be adjusted. If you prefer to keep moving, the route can change.

Robert’s local suggestions extend beyond the water. He has recommended restaurants in Lopud and helped arrange special lunch stops. One particularly praised suggestion was Tauris, while another outing included a five-course meal with a memorable view. These meals are not included in the price, but a good restaurant recommendation can make the middle of the day much easier.

He also shares information about Croatia, the islands, and the Adriatic Sea. That makes the boat ride more than transportation. You get context as you go, without losing the easygoing feel of a private outing.

Elafiti Islands: coves, caves, and swimming stops

The main focus is the Elafiti island group west of Dubrovnik. The exact route is flexible, so you should think of this as a menu of possibilities rather than a guaranteed checklist.

The islands offer a mix of secluded bays, clear swimming water, small villages, and rocky shoreline. The day can include snorkeling and paddleboarding, with equipment provided onboard. If you prefer not to spend every minute in the water, you can ask for time to visit a historic village or simply sit back while the boat moves between stops.

The swimming coves are likely to be the heart of the outing. Several outings have included quiet places away from larger boat traffic, as well as caves where the captain can maneuver carefully. These stops are valuable because they give you time to enjoy the sea rather than only photograph it from a distance.

Bring sturdy water shoes if you plan to swim close to shore or climb onto rocks. Sea urchins are present in the area, and their spines can cause a painful surprise. Thick-soled shoes are a practical addition, especially for children and anyone who is not confident on uneven rock.

The snorkeling equipment is included, but the tour is not recommended for non-swimmers. You should also be comfortable around open water. The boat provides a restroom, which helps on a longer outing, but it does not turn the trip into a land-based sightseeing day.

Mljet Island as a longer option

Mljet is listed as another possible stop, with roughly four hours allocated to the island portion of the itinerary. It is described as Croatia’s most forested island, with turquoise bays and appealing lunch spots.

A visit to Mljet can make the day feel more ambitious. It gives you a chance to combine boat time, swimming, and a meal on a greener, more heavily wooded island. If your group wants a full-day outing and is interested in seeing more than one area, Mljet could be a good fit.

The tradeoff is time on the water. A four-hour tour may not allow enough time for a long Mljet visit plus several Elafiti stops. Since the overall activity lasts approximately four to eight hours, ask about the proposed route when Robert contacts you. Your final plan depends on the departure time, weather, and what your group wants to prioritize.

Do not assume that every listed island and activity will fit into one short outing. If your main goal is swimming and quiet coves, staying closer to the Elafiti Islands may give you more time in the water. If you want a broader island day and a substantial lunch stop, the longer option may be worthwhile.

Lunch, drinks, and onboard comfort

The boat includes bottled water, soda, hot and cold drinks, and alcoholic beverages. That saves you from having to pack a full supply for the day, although you may still want personal snacks depending on your needs.

Food is not allowed onboard, and lunch is not included. This is an important detail when comparing the price with a conventional boat excursion. You will need to eat ashore, and the cost of the meal is extra.

In practice, that rule can work in your favor. A restaurant stop gives you a break from the sun and a chance to enjoy a proper island meal. Robert can suggest places and, based on the outings described, may be able to help arrange a table. Still, you should confirm the lunch plan and budget before setting off, especially if your group has dietary requirements or a tight schedule.

The boat has a restroom, and blankets are available. That may sound minor, but comfort becomes more important when the wind picks up or someone starts feeling seasick. Robert has also helped an uncomfortable passenger with bread, a simple but thoughtful touch. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider bringing your usual medication and telling the captain early.

How long should you book?

The advertised duration ranges from four to eight hours. A four-hour trip works well if you want a compact escape from Dubrovnik with a few swimming stops and perhaps one island visit.

Choose the longer version if you want the day to feel unhurried. More time allows for a village, a cave, several swims, a restaurant stop, or a longer run toward Mljet. It also gives you more freedom to change plans without feeling rushed.

Your pickup place and time are arranged by text the day before. Pickup is offered, and the tour ends back at the meeting point. The final details are worth confirming in that conversation, since the day is custom-built rather than run on a rigid public timetable.

The activity is offered in English. Most people can take part, but it is not recommended for non-swimmers. Because the trip depends on good weather, the operator may offer another date or a full refund if conditions force a cancellation.

What is included, and what is not

The inclusions are strong for a private boat day:

• Private transportation and fuel surcharge
• Snorkeling equipment
• GoPro camera
• Bottled water and soda
• Hot and cold drinks
• Alcoholic beverages
• Restroom onboard

The GoPro is a useful extra if you want underwater or swimming footage without risking your own phone. Ask how the camera is handled and when you can use it so you do not miss the best moments.

You should plan to bring swimwear, sun protection, a towel, and water shoes. Food is not permitted onboard, so do not pack a picnic for the boat. Lunch ashore is extra, even if Robert helps you find a restaurant.

The price and who gets the best value

At $862.86 for up to six people, this is a premium outing. It is not the cheapest way to reach the islands, and a solo visitor or couple will pay a lot for the privacy.

For a full group, the calculation looks better. Six people sharing the cost pay about $144 each before lunch. Four people pay about $216 each. In return, you get a private captain, a flexible route, included drinks and equipment, and the ability to avoid the fixed schedule of a larger cruise.

I see the value most clearly for families and small groups who care about control and comfort. You can stop when you want, skip activities that do not appeal, and ask for a quieter cove or a particular type of lunch. The value is less convincing if you simply want a short boat ride and one quick swim.

The quality of the captain also affects the value. Robert’s calm handling, English, local suggestions, and attention to comfort are not separate line items, but they shape the day. A private boat is only as good as the person running it.

Who should book this boat tour?

I would recommend it for a group of friends, a family with older children, or couples traveling together who want a private day on the Adriatic. It suits people who enjoy making decisions as they go rather than following a strict schedule.

It is also a good choice for anyone who wants a mixture of activities. You can swim, snorkel, use a paddleboard, see caves, visit a village, and stop for lunch. You do not have to commit to one style of outing.

I would be more cautious if you are a non-swimmer, dislike boats, or want a precise list of guaranteed stops. The itinerary is intentionally flexible, and the weather can change the plan. People who need a low-cost excursion should also compare the per-person price with larger group boats.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded, and changes inside that window are not accepted. Weather-related cancellations qualify for a new date or a full refund.

Should you book the Elafiti Islands private tour?

Book this tour if your group can share the cost and you want a personal day rather than a basic transfer between islands. Captain Robert’s careful boat handling, flexible planning, restaurant connections, and focus on comfort add real value.

The best booking choice is the longest version you can afford, especially if you want Mljet, a proper lunch, and several swimming stops. If you choose four hours, set a clear priority before departure. For most groups, I would choose swimming and quieter coves over trying to squeeze in every possible island.

Pack water shoes, bring sun protection, and remember that lunch is extra. With those details settled, this is a strong way to trade Dubrovnik’s crowds for a relaxed day on the Adriatic.

FAQ

How much does the private boat tour cost?

The tour costs $862.86 per group of up to six people. The per-person price becomes lower when more people share the boat.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately four to eight hours. The final length depends on the plan arranged for your group.

Where does the tour go?

The main destination is the Elafiti Islands. The flexible route can include secluded bays, villages, swimming spots, caves, and other island locations. Mljet Island is also listed as a possible stop.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is offered. Captain Robert texts the day before the tour to arrange the pickup place and time.

Is lunch included?

No. Food is not allowed onboard, and lunch is not included in the tour price. You can eat ashore, with restaurant suggestions or arrangements available through Robert.

What is included onboard?

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, a GoPro camera, alcoholic beverages, bottled water, soda, hot and cold drinks, private transportation, fuel surcharge, and a restroom onboard.

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?

The tour is not recommended for non-swimmers. Much of the experience centers on swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the water.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If poor weather causes a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Free cancellation is also available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.