Dubrovnik: Lucky Boat Tour – Elaphite Islands and Blue Cave

Blue water and old walls, all in one trip. I like the way the Lucky Boat setup keeps things small and comfortable, and I like the big swim breaks at Šunj Beach. One drawback to weigh: if you get seasick easily, this type of open-water day may not work for you.

This is the kind of Dubrovnik outing where you see the city from a different angle, then trade Old Town crowds for sea time. You also get an English-speaking skipper who can steer you toward good island food, and in particular the name Stanko comes up for being friendly and attentive. Pickup is included around Dubrovnik, with car transfers to the boat’s starting point.

Key things that make this tour worth your attention

• Private sailing on the Lucky Boat for up to six: remodeled boat comfort, more personal pace, less waiting.
• Blue Cave swim and snorkeling window: time in the bright water, with scuba masks onboard.
• Šunj Beach on Lopud for a real sandy break: easy swimming, sunbathing time, and simple water access.
• Onboard comfort and practical gear: bow thruster, shower, ladder and platform, shaded bimini, and chargers.
• Optional Šipan day extension for wine and olive tasting: Daničić family house tasting may be added with a surcharge.

Lucky Boat details: a remodeled Ocqueteau built for six

This tour is private, meaning you are not sharing the boat with random strangers. Lucky Boat is a remodeled Ocqueteau 715, with a modern upgrade in 2023, and it is sized for up to six passengers.

The boat setup is practical for a swim-heavy day. You get a shaded bimini, a shower to rinse off after getting wet, plus a platform and ladder for stepping back in from the water. There is also an interior cabin with a toilet, which helps more than you think when you are out for hours.

For sailing comfort and control, the boat includes a bow thruster (for steadier maneuvering), GPS and detailed nautical maps, plus an electric anchor for easier anchoring. There are USB chargers, a refrigerator with complimentary drinks, and speakers if you want music during the day. There are even solar panels, which is a nice bonus in a place where water and nature are the main attraction.

Dubrovnik coastline views and the Old Town photo stop

Your day starts with pickup in the Dubrovnik area, then a boat cruise that gives you a full sea-level perspective of Dubrovnik’s Old City walls. Even if you have only a short time in Dubrovnik, this kind of view helps the city click into place.

After the coastal cruising, you get an Old Town photo stop. It is not a full walking tour, so think of it as a chance to capture the iconic architecture and get your bearings before you head for the water time.

The main value here is perspective. Seeing Dubrovnik from the coast makes the walls, towers, and coastline feel much more connected than photos alone.

Blue Cave near Koločep: swim time with snorkeling gear

Next comes the Blue Cave area off Koločep (often referred to as Kalamota locally). You get a photo stop plus about an hour that is centered on swimming and snorkeling.

This is where the tour earns its wow-factor. Instead of just looking at the water, you are actually in it, with scuba masks provided so you can explore the underwater view from the surface. It is a good fit if you like quick, low-pressure snorkeling rather than a long, equipment-heavy session.

One practical tip: treat this as your first major “cool down” window of the day. If you plan to spend time in the sun later, using this earlier swim break helps you stay comfortable for the rest of the route.

Šunj Beach on Lopud: sandy time that feels easy

Šunj Beach is on Lopud, and it is one of the best parts of the day for simple relaxation. You get around two hours here for swimming and snorkeling, plus time to sunbathe.

The standout is that it is a natural sandy beach, which is a big deal in a region where “beach time” can sometimes mean rocks and quick dips. If you are traveling with kids or you just want a calmer break, this is the island moment that delivers.

Water access is also designed to be straightforward. From the boat, you can jump in from both the front and back areas, and then climb back up using the ladder. That combination makes it easier to switch from lounging to swimming without a lot of fuss.

If you are planning your day around photos, Šunj Beach is also a strong choice for that golden-hour look, since you are not tied to street-level crowds.

Lopud free time: use it for monastery views or island restaurants

After Šunj Beach, you get break time on Lopud with about two hours of free time. This is not about cramming a fixed schedule into that window, so you can shape it to your own pace.

If you want a cultural stop without turning it into a hike day, add the Franciscan Monastery and the Church of Our Lady of Šunj. Your skipper can also help you figure out the best nearby time and how to make it work.

Food is part of the Elaphite experience, and the skipper can help with restaurant recommendations and reservations. If you want a proper meal on the island instead of grabbing something quick, this is a good moment to plan it.

My advice: treat this segment like your “choose your own adventure.” If you feel energetic, pair it with one short landmark visit. If you are tired from sun and swimming, just use the time to wander, snack, and soak in the island rhythm.

Šipan extension: vineyards, olive groves, and a Daničić tasting

You can extend the outing to Šipan, which is the largest of the Elaphite islands. This is the added option if you want more inland flavor, not just beaches and sea caves.

If you do the extension, you get break time plus around two hours for a visit and tastings. The highlight is the Daničić family house, where you can try local wines and olive oils. There is an additional surcharge for this part, so it is worth deciding based on what you care about most.

This is the value play for food lovers. Dubrovnik is famous, but Šipan gives you a calmer, more agricultural side of the islands, with vineyards and olive groves that feel removed from the main tourist streets.

Kolocep return swim and sunset feel

After the island stops, you come back through Koločep for more swimming and a sunset-focused feel. You get about an hour and a half here, which can be the perfect “last swim” segment, especially if you timed your earlier swim blocks.

Sunset at sea is one of those things that changes your mood fast. Even if the day has been packed, this part helps you end on something visual and relaxing.

Also, if you want to keep your energy steady, this is where you can do something simple, like a short dip and then a quiet ride back while the light shifts.

What is included: drinks, skipper, fuel, and swim gear

The included package is built around a smooth day at sea. You get a professional skipper, fuel, and complimentary beverages.

On board, expect water plus drinks like wine, beer, cola, and iced tea. Since the refrigerator is stocked, you are not hunting for refreshments during the day, and that matters when you are hot and in and out of the water.

The boat also includes practical swim support, especially the scuba masks. Add the ladder and platform, and it is a setup that works well for people who want to swim without climbing around complicated gear.

This is also why the tour can feel like good value. Many “boat views” tours include a cruise but not the same quality of water time and not the included drinks.

Price and value for a private Lucky Boat day

The price is $589 per group for up to six people, and the duration is typically 4 to 8 hours depending on how you use the optional extension. Since it is per group, the per-person cost drops fast once you fill the boat.

Here is the simple math:

• If you have 6 people, it is about $98 per person.
• If you have 4 people, it is about $147 per person.

That is the trade-off with private tours. If you travel as a couple only, you pay more per head. If you come with friends or family and actually fill the capacity, the value feels much stronger.

Also remember what you get for that money: a private boat, professional skipper, fuel, complimentary drinks, swim time at multiple spots, and onboard comfort features. The optional Šipan tasting and Daničić family house stop cost extra, so you can choose how “food-forward” you want the day to be.

My practical take: if you can gather three to five other people, this becomes a very efficient way to get a high-impact day without stress.

Getting to the boat: Dubrovnik pickup and cruise day reality

Pickup is included, with car transfers arranged between your accommodation anywhere in the Dubrovnik area and the boat’s starting point. That’s a big convenience, because it removes a lot of logistics.

One caution if you are on a cruise ship: sometimes the meeting point can differ from what you expect. In one case, a booked cruise terminal pickup could not be done due to local legal requirements, so the group was collected about a kilometer away at the next possible point. The lesson is simple: confirm the exact pickup point you will use, and plan for a short walk if you are arriving by ship.

If you are staying in town, this is usually smoother, since you are already closer and transfers are more direct.

Who should book this Lucky Boat tour, and who should skip it

This tour fits best if you want a private boat day that mixes iconic Dubrovnik views with real island time. It also works well for families who want easy beach access, and the boat’s ladder plus platform makes it simpler for kids and non-swimmers to enjoy the water safely.

It is also a strong pick if you care about comfort. The shaded seating, interior cabin with toilet, shower, and included drinks reduce the usual “boat day hassle.”

Two groups should take the warning seriously:

• Wheelchair users, since the tour is not suitable for wheelchair access.
• People prone to seasickness, because the sailing portions can be uncomfortable.

Quick planning tips: what to bring and how to time it

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. You will spend real time in the sun, and you will be swimming, so it helps to come prepared.

Also think about how you want your day to feel. If you want the most beach and water time, stay focused on the Blue Cave and Šunj Beach segments. If you want more food and agriculture, add Šipan and plan around the optional wine and olive tasting portion.

Finally, since the duration can range from 4 to 8 hours, pick a time window in Dubrovnik that does not force you into a tight schedule right after the boat ride.

Should you book the Lucky Boat tour?

Book it if you want a private, comfortable boat day that actually includes swimming and a proper beach break, not just a short coastal cruise. The combination of Dubrovnik walls from the sea, Blue Cave swim time, and Šunj Beach on Lopud is the core value, especially when the boat provides drinks and practical swim access.

Skip it if you know you get seasick, or if mobility needs make a step-based boat setup difficult.

If you are traveling with up to six people, this is one of the easiest ways to turn a Dubrovnik trip into a true island day, with good food options and optional Šipan tastings if you want to stretch it.

FAQ

How many people can ride on the Lucky Boat?

The Lucky Boat is built to accommodate up to six passengers, and the tour is private for your group.

What is the duration of the tour?

The duration is listed as 4 to 8 hours, depending on which parts you do and the starting time available.

Is pickup included, and where does it happen?

Yes. Pickup is included, with car transfers arranged between your accommodation anywhere in the Dubrovnik area and the boat’s starting point.

What is included in the price?

Included are a professional skipper, fuel, complimentary beverages (water, wine, beer, cola, iced tea), and swim-friendly boat equipment like scuba masks, plus recommendations for the best island restaurants.

Do you have drinks onboard?

Yes. There are complimentary beverages including water, wine, beer, cola, and iced tea, stored in the boat’s refrigerator.

Where do you swim during the tour?

Swimming and snorkeling time are planned at the Blue Cave area and at Šunj Beach, and there is additional swimming time on the return portion near Koločep.

Is snorkel equipment provided?

Yes. Scuba masks are included, so you have gear for snorkeling time.

Can I add Šipan and wine or olive tasting?

Šipan is optional, and the Daničić family house visit for wine and olive oil tasting has an additional surcharge.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Who should avoid this tour due to sea conditions?

People prone to seasickness should not book, since the tour includes boat cruising and open-water time.