Reviewed · PRIVATE

Brand New Mercan Excursion 34 Private Tour From Dubrovnik Cavtat

5.0 · 47 reviews 8 hours (approx.) From $360.44 Operated by Boat hire Dubrovnik - private speedboat tours to Elafiti islands · Bookable on Viator
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Silent boat rides make a difference. This private Mercan excursion turns Dubrovnik into a sea-level day, mixing panoramic coast views with cave swims, then relaxing beach time on the Elaphiti islands. One highlight in particular is the Blue Cave, where you enter from the sea and swim inside instead of doing a long, scuba-style visit.

I also like the practical comfort built into the day. With a skipper on board, snorkeling equipment included, plus bottled water and drinks, you spend less time figuring things out and more time actually enjoying the water. In the best reviews, the guide Antonio gets praised for being super helpful from booking to pick-up, and for showing up on time with no awkward waiting.

One thing to consider before you commit: the Blue Cave entry is not “step in and stand”. The cave is about 4 meters deep, and you can’t stand on your feet, so this stop favors confident swimmers and people who feel okay with a jump-into-the-sea start.

Key things I’d circle before you go

Brand New Mercan Excursion 34 Private Tour From Dubrovnik Cavtat - Key things I’d circle before you go

  • Private speedboat format for up to 12 people, so the pace can fit your group
  • Blue Cave swimming instead of diving, with a real sea entry at the small entrance
  • Three Green Caves on Kolocep plus a canyon-style cave for variety in one stretch
  • Lopud beach + lunch zone for sandy downtime after the caves
  • Snorkeling gear and drinks included, so you’re not paying extra at every stop

A Private Mercan Speedboat Day Around Dubrovnik

Brand New Mercan Excursion 34 Private Tour From Dubrovnik Cavtat - A Private Mercan Speedboat Day Around Dubrovnik
This is built like a classic Adriatic boat day, but with the “private” part done properly. You’re on a dedicated speedboat (a Mercan 34 type), and your group handles the space. That matters because cave stops and beach breaks are easier when you are not queueing with strangers.

The schedule runs about 8 hours. You’ll spend the middle of the day moving between Dubrovnik’s coast, caves, and the Elaphiti island side, then come back to Dubrovnik after a final beach stop and return drive. The tour is offered in English, and you’ll get a mobile ticket.

In value terms, I like that the experience is not only about views. You get snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and alcohol plus soda/pop. Even with the extra fuel cost (more on that later), this reduces the “nickel and dime” feeling that can happen on boat days.

Dubrovnik City Walls Coast Cruise, then the Blue Cave run

Brand New Mercan Excursion 34 Private Tour From Dubrovnik Cavtat - Dubrovnik City Walls Coast Cruise, then the Blue Cave run
You start with Dubrovnik city walls from the water perspective. The first stage is a private panoramic cruise around Dubrovnik’s coast, the kind of angle that helps you understand how dramatic the old town sits above the sea.

After that, you transfer for the Blue Cave segment. The provided timing is tight but realistic for a boat day: plan on about 20 minutes driving after the first cruise, then roughly 25 minutes at the cave area. Entrance is listed as free, which is helpful, because caves often add costs on top of boat time.

The biggest practical win here is tempo. You are not wasting your morning with long waits. You get the signature views early, then you’re already in “water mode” for the Blue Cave.

Blue Cave swimming at small entrance, about 4 meters down

The Blue Cave is the stop people remember, mostly because it feels like you are doing something active, not just looking. The key detail is how you access it: the only way is to jump into the sea and swim in.

The entrance is described as small, but it’s enough space to swim through. You do not need to dive. Still, you should know the depth reality: it’s about 4 meters deep, and you can’t stand once you’re in. If you’re a strong swimmer and comfortable with that, you’ll probably love it.

If you’re not a confident swimmer, treat this as a consideration rather than a deal-breaker. You can still enjoy the atmosphere of the cave stop from the boat area, but the stop is fundamentally set up for swimming. I’d also arrive with a swimsuit on and your plan ready, because the start can feel fast.

Three Green Caves on Kolocep for variety in one island block

Brand New Mercan Excursion 34 Private Tour From Dubrovnik Cavtat - Three Green Caves on Kolocep for variety in one island block
After the Blue Cave, you head to Kolocep island for Three Green Caves time, roughly 1 hour. This is a nice change of pace because it’s not one single “photo point.” You’re moving through two green caves plus a canyon cave on the same island route.

What I like about structuring it this way is variety without rushing. You get different cave shapes and lighting effects, and you are not stuck with only one segment that might not be perfect for your group.

This part of the day is also where snorkeling equipment tends to pay off. Even without diving, you can often get a closer look at the water clarity and underwater textures when the boat stops allow you to get in comfortably.

Admission is listed as free for this stop too, so most of your extra spending will come from what you bring rather than entry fees.

Sunj Beach and Lopud: the “sand reset” after caves

Brand New Mercan Excursion 34 Private Tour From Dubrovnik Cavtat - Sunj Beach and Lopud: the “sand reset” after caves
When the cave energy fades, you want an actual place to breathe. That’s where Sunj Beach on Lopud comes in. This stop is about 1 hour at a shallow sandy beach. The sand is described as great for chilling out, and the water is shallow enough that you have to walk around 100 meters before you can swim.

If you travel with families, that shallow approach is a big deal. It’s also practical for anyone who wants a slower water moment after more active cave stops. The beach runs nearly a kilometer long and is on the south side of Lopud, which helps it feel like a proper sandy stretch rather than a tiny landing.

The tour also allows you to link the beach day with Lopud itself. Lopud is known for sandy beaches and restaurants along the coast, so it’s a natural lunch zone. There’s no specific lunch cost listed in the inclusions, but it’s the right kind of setting for a relaxed meal without leaving the island vibe.

One note from the activity description: Sunj Beach can support beach play like volleyball and even picigin and tennis. So if you have a group that likes to stay active between swims, this stop fits.

Two moorings down in Dubrovnik:

Pasjača Beach for a more natural, off-the-beaten-water feeling

Brand New Mercan Excursion 34 Private Tour From Dubrovnik Cavtat - Pasjača Beach for a more natural, off-the-beaten-water feeling
The final major water stop is Pasjača Beach, with a listed duration of about 2 hours. The info frames it as an option if you don’t want to go to the Elaphiti islands or if you have already seen them. That suggests the operator may use it as a scenic alternative depending on timing and conditions.

Even if your day includes Kolocep and Lopud already, Pasjača is still worth understanding as a second-chance nature payoff. It’s described as an amazing natural beach, and the longer 2-hour block gives you real time to swim, sit, and reset before the return.

This is also the stop that helps turn the day into more than caves and sightseeing. After a few active water moments, having a longer beach window helps you actually feel like you went swimming, not just visited.

What you pay for: value, the fuel surcharge, and the drink setup

Brand New Mercan Excursion 34 Private Tour From Dubrovnik Cavtat - What you pay for: value, the fuel surcharge, and the drink setup
The price is listed at $360.44 per group, up to 12 people. That group structure is the main value lever. If you’re traveling as a family or a small friend group, the cost per person can shrink fast compared with per-person boat rentals.

What you get in the included section is also substantial for a half-day style outing, even though the day is about 8 hours:

  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Bottled water
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Soda or pop
  • Skipper

That list matters because boat days usually hit you with “optional” extras. Here, the basics of comfort and water time are covered.

Then there’s the fuel surcharge, which is not included and is paid in cash on the boat. The amounts depend on the tour timing, with ranges listed as 30 euros for sunset tour, 80 euros for half-day, and 150 euros for full day. Your tour is listed as about 8 hours, so treat it like the full-day category and plan accordingly.

My practical advice: bring cash, and don’t wait until the day-of to calculate it. That’s the easiest way to avoid a last-minute scramble while everyone is already excited to get on the water.

What to bring, because caves are wet and sand is unforgiving

Brand New Mercan Excursion 34 Private Tour From Dubrovnik Cavtat - What to bring, because caves are wet and sand is unforgiving
The tour includes snorkeling gear, bottled water, and drinks, but you still need your personal basics. The not-included list is your checklist:

  • Bathing suit
  • Towel
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat
  • Change of clothes
  • Camera

For a cave-forward itinerary, I think sunglasses and sunscreen are non-negotiable. Even when you feel cool on a boat, cave water and reflective surfaces can catch you off guard. A hat helps too, because long daylight exposure can sneak up on you, especially during the beach blocks.

Also think about footwear. The info does not specify shoes, so you’ll have to choose what works for you at sandy spots and boat steps. If you prefer not to go barefoot in rocky moments, plan accordingly.

One more practical point: the best review highlights that the boat felt very quiet, and the group could enjoy their own playlists while cruising and even until sunset. If music matters to your group, bring your phone with charged battery and a way to connect it to the boat’s setup, but keep expectations flexible until you see what the boat supports.

The skipper factor: why the day feels smooth

This kind of tour is only as good as the person steering it. In the reviews you can see a clear pattern: Antonio is praised for being adorable, available, and easy to reach from booking onward. The same feedback notes he arrived on time with no delays.

That matters because the difference between a relaxed day and a stressed day is often the first 15 minutes. When pick-up is on time and the operator gives clear details early, you spend less energy worrying and more time enjoying the views.

It also shows up in the boat experience itself. One highlight is that the boat was sublime and especially quiet. That’s a small thing that becomes a big thing when you want to hear water sounds, talk with your group, or just enjoy the calm pace without engine noise taking over.

Who this private Dubrovnik boat tour suits best

This is a great fit if you want:

  • A private day at sea with up to 12 people
  • A mix of sightseeing plus active water time (snorkeling and cave swimming)
  • Sandy beach breaks that are not just quick stops
  • Alcoholic beverages included for the adult crowd

It’s also a strong option if you’ve already seen some of the main Dubrovnik highlights and want the coast and nearby islands to feel like the main event.

I would be a careful match for anyone who doesn’t want to swim as part of the Blue Cave stop. Since you can’t stand there and entry involves jumping in, it’s not a “casual toe-dip” situation.

Should you book the Blue Cave and Lopud private speedboat?

I’d book it if you and your group want a full day that feels organized, water-focused, and comfortable. The combination of panoramic Dubrovnik coast cruising, Blue Cave swimming, Kolocep’s cave variety, and Lopud’s sandy reset is a strong mix for people who like both action and chill.

I’d think twice if your group includes people who are nervous about swimming depth or sea entry. This tour is designed around that Blue Cave moment. Also budget for the fuel surcharge in cash, because that’s the only meaningful “surprise cost” pattern in the info you have.

If you want a private speedboat day with a helpful skipper like Antonio and a boat that feels quiet, this one fits the bill.

FAQ

How many people is the private boat tour for?

The tour is private for your group, with capacity up to 12 people.

How long is the Dubrovnik private speedboat excursion?

It runs about 8 hours (approx.).

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

What is included in the price?

Included items are snorkeling equipment, bottled water, alcoholic beverages, soda or pop, and the skipper.

Are stop entrance tickets included?

Yes, admission tickets are listed as free for the stops described (including the Blue Cave and the other cave and beach visits).

Is there an extra fuel surcharge?

Yes. A fuel surcharge paid in cash on the boat is listed as 30 euros for a sunset tour, 80 euros for a half-day, and 150 euros for a full day.

What should I bring for the day?

You should bring a bathing suit, towel, sunglasses, suncream, hat, change of clothes, and a camera.

What is the cancellation policy and what if weather is bad?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

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