Rent a luxury speed boat for great fun on this Elaphiti Islands tour

The best part of this outing is the freedom. You get a private boat, a skipper, and several hours to shape the day around swimming, old villages, beaches, caves, or a slow coffee by the harbor. Instead of following a fixed shore excursion, you can spend more time at the places that suit your group.

I like the private format, which lets up to 12 people travel together without sharing the boat with strangers. I also like the practical extras: pickup, drinks, a fridge, sunshade, sundeck, and snorkeling gear are all provided. The main drawback is the price, which only feels like a strong deal when you fill much of the boat.

Key points at a glance

• Three very different islands: Lopud offers sandy beaches and old paths, Šipan gives you a quieter fishing port, and Koločep is the best stop for swimming and snorkeling.
• Flexible 4 to 8-hour schedule: Your group can decide how long to stay at each island, within the time you book.
• Private boat for up to 12: You get the boat to yourselves, with a skipper serving as driver and local guide.
• Drinks and shade onboard: Beer, white wine, soda, water, a fridge, sunshade, and sundeck make the ride easygoing.
• Pickup and drop-off included: Arrangements are made by phone, Viber, or WhatsApp, with a listed departure point at Yacht Club Orsan.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can cancel the outing, with a new date or full refund offered.

What this private Elaphiti Islands trip is really like

This is less a formal sightseeing cruise and more a flexible day on the water. You leave Dubrovnik by speedboat and visit some combination of Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep. The exact rhythm depends on your chosen length, your group’s interests, and the weather.

You can book about four hours for a focused morning or afternoon, or choose eight hours for a fuller island day. The longer option gives you enough time to swim, explore a village, stop for food or coffee, and still enjoy the ride between islands without watching the clock every few minutes.

Your skipper is an important part of the experience. Names connected with recent outings include Josip, James, Luca, Frankie, Mark, Frane, Rocco, and Phillip. Their roles go beyond handling the boat. They explain local history, suggest good places to stop, adjust the timing, and, in Phillip’s case, even take on DJ duties for the ride.

The boat has a sundeck and sunshade, so you can choose between sitting in the sun and getting cover. A fridge keeps the included drinks cold. You will receive beer, white wine, soda, and bottled water, though personal expenses and food are not included.

Lopud, beaches, churches, and the walk to Šunj

Lopud is usually the most beach-focused stop. It has several sandy stretches, and Šunj is the main draw. That is useful in a region where many beaches are pebbly or rocky. If your group wants a proper swim and time on the sand, Lopud may become the day’s favorite stop.

The island also gives you more than a beach break. You can walk along rocky paths through old woods, olive groves, and vineyards. The old stone houses and more than 30 small churches give the island a strong sense of place, even if you only have an hour.

The local legend attached to Šunj says that couples who bathe there will never separate. You do not need to take the story seriously to enjoy the beach, but it adds a little fun to a swim with a partner.

Lopud also has a botanical garden described as one of the oldest in Europe. There is a small museum called the Temple of the Sun, built so that changing shades appear as you walk through it. The effect is personal, since each person may see something different.

You will find cocktail bars, restaurants, shops, homemade olive oil, wine, and other local food products on the island. That makes Lopud the easiest stop for combining swimming with a drink or a little browsing.

The tradeoff is time. With only about an hour, you will need to choose between Šunj, a walk, the garden, and the village. If you want a proper visit, the eight-hour option makes more sense. On a four-hour trip, ask your skipper to help you pick one main goal.

Šipan and the old fishing port of Suđurađ

Šipan is the largest of the Elaphiti Islands and has a quieter, less commercial feel. The stop is centered around Suđurađ, an old fishing port where you can sit with a coffee or walk around before continuing.

This is the island for people who want to see daily life rather than only beach scenery. Fishing boats, stone houses, and the working harbor give Suđurađ a more grounded feel than a resort stop. The island is known for its olive trees and is associated with a Guinness World Records claim for having the largest number of olive trees on one island.

Šipan also has a strong connection to Dubrovnik’s past. In the 15th century, prominent Dubrovnik families used the island as a summer retreat and built villas here. The remains of old archbishops’ palaces and the late-Gothic Rector’s Palace point to that period.

In Suđurađ, look for the 16th-century castle of the Stjepović-Skočibuha family and the defensive tower beside it. The tower reflects the need to protect island communities from pirates, while the castle shows how wealthy Dubrovnik families used the islands.

I would use this stop for a gentle walk and a coffee rather than trying to pack in every historic detail. The island rewards a slower pace. If your group mainly wants swimming, caves, and loud music, you may prefer to keep Šipan short and give more time to Koločep.

Koločep for clear water, caves, and snorkeling

Koločep is the strongest stop for getting into the water. The sea around the island is described as clear, with fish, seashells, caves, and high cliffs to explore. Snorkeling equipment is supplied, so you do not need to pack a mask and fins.

The usual stop lasts about an hour, depending on the length of your trip and your group’s wishes. You can swim, snorkel, spend time on a beach, or explore some of the island’s coastal caves. The boat gives you access to places that are harder to reach on foot.

Koločep also has two small settlements, Gornje Čelo and Donje Čelo. A walk through them gives you a look at the traditional Mediterranean character of the island, with pine and olive growth around the villages.

The water stop depends heavily on conditions. One account describes a bumpy ride in rough weather, so do not assume the boat will always glide smoothly. If you are prone to seasickness, take that seriously and ask about the forecast before departure.

The supplied snorkeling gear is convenient, but bring your own swimsuit and towel. A swimsuit is specifically not included, and there is no reason to spend valuable island time trying to solve that problem after the boat leaves.

The blue cave question

Some outings connected with this boat service include a blue cave stop, and the cave is described as a highlight by people who visited it. Other trips focus on the three main Elaphiti Islands and their beaches, villages, or swimming spots.

Do not assume the blue cave is guaranteed unless it is confirmed for your chosen route. Ask when arranging the booking. The skipper can explain what fits into four or eight hours and how sea conditions affect the plan.

This is a good example of why direct communication matters. The tour is flexible, but flexibility also means the exact sequence is not fixed like a museum visit. You get a more personal day, but you should confirm the sights you care about most.

Why the private price can make sense

The listed price is $842.05 for the whole group, up to 12 people. At full capacity, that works out to about $70 per person. For six people, it is roughly $140 per person, while two people would pay about $421 each.

That calculation tells you who gets the best value. A family group, two couples, or a larger group of friends can spread the cost and get a private boat, skipper, pickup, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and several hours on the islands. For a couple, the price is a serious splurge.

You also need to consider what is not included. Food, personal purchases, and anything you buy on the islands are extra. The boat provides drinks, but the information does not promise lunch, so plan to eat before departure or ask about where you can stop for food.

The price is easier to justify if you care about privacy and control. You are not locked into a large group’s timetable, and you can spend more time swimming instead of waiting for people to return. If you mainly want a cheap ride across the water, this is not the economical choice.

Pickup, meeting point, and timing

The listed starting point is Yacht Club Orsan, Ul. Ivana pl. Zajca 4, Dubrovnik. Pickup and drop-off are provided by air-conditioned minivan or car, but you need to arrange the details by phone. Viber and WhatsApp are supported.

Pickups less than one kilometer from the starting point are not included, so confirm where your transfer will meet you. The booking confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability.

The trip is offered in English, and children must be accompanied by adults. Most people can participate, but you should mention specific requirements when booking. The boat is private, so your group can discuss preferences before departure instead of trying to change plans after setting off.

Plan your clothing around sun, spray, and swimming. Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and anything you need for personal comfort. The sunshade helps, but you will still spend much of the day outdoors.

Who will enjoy this boat tour most

I would recommend it to friends or families who want a shared private day and do not want to follow a rigid schedule. It also suits couples who are happy to pay extra for privacy and a more personal experience.

The trip works especially well for people who want a mix of activities. You can swim at Šunj, walk around Suđurađ, explore Koločep’s caves, and listen to local stories from the skipper. It is not limited to one type of sightseeing.

You should think twice if you dislike fast boat rides, need a fully fixed itinerary, or want an inexpensive outing for one or two people. The ride can be bumpy in poor weather, and the best value comes when several people share the cost.

The skipper can make a big difference. Josip was described as fun and informative, James as a good guide, Luca as flexible during a cave and beach trip, and Frankie as a captain who used local knowledge to shape the day. Those details suggest you should tell your skipper early if swimming, history, caves, or village time matters most to you.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you have a group large enough to share the cost and want a private, flexible day around Dubrovnik. The combination of Lopud’s sandy beach, Šipan’s old port, and Koločep’s clear water gives you more variety than a simple beach transfer.

Choose the eight-hour option if you want all three islands to feel worthwhile. Pick four hours if you want a shorter swim-and-sightseeing outing, or if your schedule leaves room for other Dubrovnik plans.

Before paying, confirm the pickup point, the route, and whether the blue cave can be included. Also check the weather. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure, and if poor weather cancels the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund.

FAQ

How long does the boat tour last?

You can book an outing lasting approximately four to eight hours. The longer option gives you more time for all three islands, swimming, village walks, and flexible stops.

How many people can join the private tour?

A maximum of 12 people can book together. The activity is private, so only your group participates.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The planned stops are Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep. The time spent at each island depends on the length of your tour and your group’s preferences.

Is pickup from Dubrovnik included?

Pickup and drop-off are provided by air-conditioned minivan or car. You must contact the operator to arrange the details, and pickups less than one kilometer from the starting point are not included.

Where does the tour start?

The listed meeting point is Yacht Club Orsan, Ul. Ivana pl. Zajca 4, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The boat provides white wine, beer, bottled water, and soda. Food and personal expenses are not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included for use during the trip. You should bring your own swimsuit, since it is not provided.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.