Dubrovnik Private Speedboat Tour to Elaphite Islands with Drinks

Speedboat day beats typical Dubrovnik sightseeing.

This private cruise takes you from Dubrovnik to the Elaphite Islands by fast, comfortable boat, with drinks onboard and snorkeling gear ready for the stops.

I like the private pace most. Your captain can shift the order of swims and photo breaks so the day feels like it fits you, not a rigid checklist. I also love the included drinks. Beer, wine, soft drinks, and bottled water keep things easy, especially when you are out on the water for hours.

One consideration is the total cost can climb a bit. The base price is per group, but you may also pay a cash fuel surcharge and optional cash pickup/drop-off, plus lunch is not included.

Key things to know before you go

• Private means your group only, so you can ask for more time in the water or more time on shore without feeling rushed.
• Kolocep starts the fun early, with a chance to swim and snorkel around the island’s caves, especially the Blue and Green Caves.
• Lopud is car-free and built for lingering, with sandy beaches like Šunj Beach where you can relax, play picigin, or grab a cocktail.
• Full-day adds Sudurad and the Šipan area, including a lagoon viewpoint plus olive oil and local wine stops by the sea.
• Go early if you care about crowds, since some captains have timed cave stops to make them calmer.

Why a private speedboat to the Elaphite Islands feels different

Dubrovnik is stunning, but it can also be busy. A speedboat changes the whole vibe fast, because you trade stone walls and tour groups for open water and island coves.

You get a private setup, so you are not watching everyone else’s itinerary. In the best moments, your captain times the day so you can enjoy swims, caves, and beach breaks when the water is best and the crowds are least annoying. If you like taking photos while your legs are not stuck in lines, this kind of tour is built for that.

The islands are close enough to feel spontaneous, yet distinct enough to feel like you left the city behind. It is a clean day plan: see places, swim, snack on shore, then head back relaxed.

Timing, pickup, and how the 4 to 8 hours usually works

The tour runs about 4 to 8 hours depending on whether you book the half-day or full-day option. That timing matters because the full-day route reaches farther island areas, while the half-day route focuses nearer stops.

There is pickup and drop-off available at the Sheraton, Mlini, and Cavtat for a cash fee. If you do not use that, you may still find it convenient because the experience is near public transportation, but the exact meeting point is something you will want to confirm when you book.

A practical tip: decide what you want more of before you go. If your priority is caves and swimming, tell your captain. If you want a calmer mix with more strolling and lunch, say that too. Many of the best experiences come from that simple conversation at the start.

Kolocep Island: caves, snorkeling, and that first taste of turquoise water

Kolocep is the closest island to Dubrovnik, so it is often where the day ramps up quickly. You start with a brief panoramic look at Old Town, then head to Kolocep for time in the water.

Kolocep is known for five caves, with the Blue and Green Caves being the most famous. What I like about this stop is that it is not just sightseeing from the boat. You can swim and snorkel right there, and the water is clear enough that it actually feels like a different world compared to land.

Snorkeling gear is provided, along with life jackets and towels. That combo matters, because it removes a bunch of friction. You do not have to hunt for equipment, and you can swap between floating and snorkeling without turning your day into logistics.

One thing to consider: cave stops can get crowded. If you want the calmer version, plan for an early start when possible. In some guides’ hands, you can catch a quieter Blue Cave moment, which makes the photos and the swim feel much more personal.

Lopud Island: sandy beaches, car-free ease, and smart lunch options

Lopud is a car-free island, so once you land, the pace slows naturally. It has sandy beaches in and around the main village, plus Šunj Beach on the southern side.

I like Lopud because it gives you choices. If you want sun and a swim, you can do that. If you want to step away from the water, Lopud is set up for it. You can also play picigin at Šunj Beach, or just relax and order a drink from a nearby bar.

Food is a big part of why Lopud works. You can enjoy Mediterranean restaurants on the island, and the experience can help set up a lunch reservation at a popular fish spot. A couple of captains have been noted for steering people toward a great lunch on Lopud, which is exactly what you want after a morning on the water.

Practical drawback: if the weather is rough, boats run differently and time can tighten. The tour is weather-dependent, so you should have a flexible mindset if the forecast turns.

Sudurad and Šipan on the full-day route: lagoon views plus wine and olive oil

If you book the full-day option, you gain an extra stop that shifts the whole day. Along the way to Šipan, you can see Šikirica Lagoon, a swimming spot surrounded by bright turquoise water.

Then the route includes Sudurad and the Šipan area. What makes this part special is the contrast: more quiet harbor vibes, plus local food and drink options. Šipan has a small fishing harbor that feels like real island life, not a theme park.

There is also time for local tastes. Šipan is known for high-quality olive oil and local wine, and there is a cozy wine bar by the sea where you can sample while taking in the harbor view. Even if you skip the wine, the waterfront stroll can be a nice break after all the water time.

Important detail: Sudurad is only included in the full-day tour. If you are deciding between 4 hours and 8 hours, think about whether you want the farther route and the extra shore time, or if you want a tighter highlights plan.

Drinks, snorkeling gear, and the comfort details that matter at sea

This is not just a boat ride. You get practical comfort items and a simple onboard rhythm.

Drinks are included: beer, wine, soft drinks, and bottled water. The minimum drinking age is 18, so it is handled responsibly. I like that you are not spending the day figuring out what to drink or where to buy it, especially when you are also in and out of the water.

Snorkeling equipment is available, and life jackets are provided. You also get towels. These details make the difference between a fun swim and a day that feels like work.

Some people also note the boat ride is smooth when captains pick calm routes around the islands. That matters for families and for anyone who is not into getting tossed around. If you tend to get seasick, it is smart to mention that early, since your captain can often adjust how you move between stops.

And yes, music can be part of the day. Some captains have allowed groups to play their own music through the speakers, which turns the boat into your floating lounge.

Price and logistics: where the value is, and where extra cash appears

The base price is listed per group up to 2, and it includes the private speedboat experience plus skipper, drinks, snorkeling gear, towels, and life jackets.

That is the value angle: you are paying for privacy and time on the water, not just transportation. Compared to crowded group tours, you can ask for more swimming, change the pace, and often get better timing at the caves because you are not stuck behind a mass of bodies.

Now the add-ons to keep in mind:

• Fuel surcharge is paid in cash on the boat: €70 for a half-day, €150 for a full-day.
• Pickup and drop-off at Sheraton, Mlini, and Cavtat are €60 cash (if you use that option).
• Lunch is not included.

So how do you decide if it is worth it? If you and your party are the kind of travelers who want flexibility, and if you will actually use the included swims and snorkeling, the private setup starts to look like a bargain. If you just want one quick photo stop and you hate being in the water, you might be happier with something shorter or cheaper.

Captains, customization, and what to ask at the start

Your skipper is a huge part of the experience. Names that have come up often include Orsat, Tony, Marin, Mario, Ante, Simon, Joe, Nikola, Josep, and Ivan. The common thread is not just friendly service, it is tailoring.

Here is what you can ask for to get the best day:

• More time in caves versus more time on shore
• A quieter Blue Cave moment (often easier with an early start)
• A sandy beach swim stop if you want low-effort lounging
• A lunch plan on Lopud if you care about a sit-down meal by the water
• Music preferences, if your group wants to play some tunes

Many people also mention safety and attentiveness. That is not just reassuring for kids, it means you can relax. When the captain is reading the water and keeping the pace comfortable, the day feels smooth.

One small caution that showed up: on occasion, people felt some boats were smaller than what they expected. If boat size matters to you, ask before you go how your group size translates into the specific speedboat you will use.

Who this tour suits best (and who should rethink it)

This tour fits couples, friends, and families who want a beach-and-water day with minimal stress. It is especially good if you like flexibility. People with kids have enjoyed it too, with teenagers praising the day as a highlight.

It is also a smart choice if you care about avoiding crowds. Early cave timing and calmer swim spots have been a big factor in glowing reviews.

Who should reconsider:

• If you hate swimming or do not want to get in the water at all, the tour might feel like you paid for a lot of boat time.
• If you are very sensitive to cold water, plan for it. Some people did mention chilly water in early June and late April, even though the water was clear and the swim was worth it.
• If you only want one short stop and you are already tired of boats, you may prefer a shorter tour.

Should you book this speedboat to the Elaphite Islands?

If you want Dubrovnik to feel like an island vacation instead of a city day, I think this is a strong yes. The combination of private comfort, included drinks, and real swim time around Kolocep and Lopud is exactly what makes this kind of tour worth booking.

Book the full-day option if you know you will enjoy extra shore time, plus the Sudurad and Šipan portion. Choose the half-day if your schedule is tight and you mainly want caves, beaches, and a relaxed swim-and-beach rhythm.

Before you say yes, do one quick prep step: tell your captain what you want most, swimming time versus beach time, and whether lunch matters to you. That conversation is often what turns a great day into an unforgettable one.

FAQ

Is this tour private?

Yes. It is a private tour, meaning only your group participates.

What islands does the tour include?

Kolocep Island and Lopud Island are part of the experience. Sudurad is included only on the full-day tour due to the distance from Dubrovnik.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Beer, wine, soft drinks, and bottled water are provided. There is a minimum drinking age of 18.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available for use, and life jackets are also provided.

How long is the tour?

It runs approximately 4 hours for the half-day option or about 8 hours for the full-day option.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, though lunch reservations can be arranged on Lopud if you want.

Are there extra fees besides the main price?

Yes. A fuel surcharge is paid in cash on the boat: €70 for the half-day tour and €150 for the full-day tour. Pickup and drop-off at Sheraton, Mlini, and Cavtat are an additional €60 cash.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered another date or a full refund.