Exclusive Luxury Yacht Tour of the Elaphiti Islands

Private yacht time around Dubrovnik flies by. What makes this one stand out is how it mixes private group comfort with real island time, including Lopud and Kolocep, plus a memorable view of Dubrovnik’s walls from the water. I love the way the day is built around swimming and water activities, especially the Blue Cave snorkeling stop, and I also like that the crew keeps the mood easy with drinks on board. One drawback to weigh is the price for a whole group, and lunch is not included, so you’ll want a plan for shore time.

The itinerary is all about short hops between islands, then time to slow down once you reach the water. You’ll get coffee or tea, bottled water, and beer or wine (rose or white) with the right age rules, and the crew typically makes sure you get to swimming spots with good timing.

This is for you if you want an islands day without buses, crowds, or fixed-time stress. It is less ideal if you’re hoping for a low-cost option or you hate water activities, since the best parts are the swims, jumps, and snorkel breaks.

Key highlights at a glance

• Private group, up to 12 people for a quieter, more flexible day on the water
• Blue Cave snorkeling with clear water and a seriously photogenic setting
• A swim-heavy itinerary across Lopud, Kolocep, Šipan, and back around Dubrovnik
• Crew attention you can feel from captain skills to calm help for families
• Drinks included with beer and wine for travelers 21+ only
• Good timing for fewer crowds at key spots, based on past experiences

Price and what you actually get for $2,831.25 (up to 12)

The headline number is steep: $2,831.25 per group for up to 12 people. But on a yacht charter, that price is closer to a “buy the boat for the day” deal than an “admission ticket” feel.

Do the math the way I do: if you can fill most of those 12 spots with your group, the cost per person drops fast. If it’s just two or four of you, it becomes a splurge, no sugarcoating. For families and friend groups, this is where the value clicks, because you’re paying for space, privacy, and time on the water rather than just a view.

Also note what is and is not included. You do get coffee or tea, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages (beer and wine, rose/white). Lunch is not included, so you’re likely paying for food ashore separately, or using shore time to grab something on your own.

If you’re booking as a family or a mixed group, I think this is the sweet spot. You get the freedom to take breaks, swim when the sea allows it, and keep everyone on one shared schedule.

How the pickup and meeting point work in real life

Your tour starts at Gruz port, with the address listed as Obala Ivana Pavla II 47, 20000 Dubrovnik. If you’re using public transport, the operator notes it is near public transportation, so you should be able to reach the port without a private transfer.

Pickup is offered, but the details are delivered 24 hours before the tour. That’s helpful because Dubrovnik hotel locations can be a little chaotic, and port check-in needs timing. If pickup matters to you, don’t wait until the last minute to confirm your hotel and contact details.

Departure timing depends on the season, with different service windows listed for different date ranges. Expect an early start in some months, then more daytime flexibility in the busier season. Either way, I suggest showing up a little early at Gruz port, even if you have pickup, because it keeps the day relaxed.

This is a private activity, so you’re not sharing the boat with other groups. You’ll only ride with your group, which also makes timing feel smoother.

The rhythm of an 8-hour private yacht day

An 8-hour day sounds long, but it can feel like a “half-day plus” once you add sailing time between islands, check the best swim moments, and refuel with drinks on board.

The key thing is how the schedule is built in chunks. You get multiple stops, each with a meaningful window, like about 2 hours for Lopud and about 2 hours for Šunj Beach. Then you get shorter hits, like 30 minutes to see Dubrovnik from the sea or a 30-minute cliff-jump style stop.

This rhythm is what makes the day feel special. Instead of one long stop where everyone gets restless, you get a sequence of “arrive, swim, relax, move on” moments. In practical terms, it usually keeps kids happier too, since there’s always something new to look forward to.

Based on crew feedback from past groups, staff members like captain Pero and deck hands such as Anton, Antonio, Mirko, Jakov, Mirco, Pedro, and Mateo have a reputation for being attentive and professional. That matters because on a day like this, the difference between okay and excellent is often the crew, not the itinerary on paper.

Lopud Island (about 2 hours): beaches, coves, and an easy island vibe

Lopud is your first big stop, with about 2 hours on the island side. You’ll be sailing past the coast with Dubrovnik’s iconic walls in the background, then you’ll settle into island time.

What makes Lopud appealing is how it feels relaxed but still scenic. You can do a simple walk, enjoy calm coastal views, and keep switching between sun and shade as you like. The tour is also built for swimming, so even if you’re not trying to be an athlete, you can still have a great time.

One practical tip: when you arrive, decide quickly how you want to spend your time. If you want beach time, go early in the window. If you want coves and a slower hang, give yourself a little time to settle, since the sea can be the best “activity” in the whole day.

From there, the day keeps moving, so Lopud works best as a warm-up. It’s the kind of stop that sets the tone for the rest of the trip.

Kolocep (about 1 hour): snorkeling the Blue Cave plus pine-shaded scenery

Koločep is one of the most exciting stops because it includes a dedicated snorkeling window. You’ll have about 1 hour, and the standout is snorkeling in the Blue Cave area.

This is the stop that people remember, mainly because the water clarity makes everything easier. You get bright lighting effects in the cave zone, plus the kind of underwater views that make you stop talking and just look.

A big bonus here is that this isn’t an all-day commitment. You can try snorkeling, take breaks, and still have energy for the rest of the day. If you’re traveling with kids or non-swimmers, you can often do a “watch from the boat, then short swim” approach, but your actual comfort level will depend on your water confidence.

A word to the wise: the best experience usually comes when you go in with a calm plan. Wear comfortable swim gear, keep an eye on where the boat picks you up, and let the crew guide you on timing.

Seeing Dubrovnik’s walls from the water (about 30 minutes)

A quick 30-minute viewpoint stop gives you one of the most dramatic perspectives of Dubrovnik: the city walls rising straight up from the Adriatic.

From the sea, the architecture reads differently. You see the scale and the defensive design in a way you can’t get from land viewpoints, especially in a busy old town where your eyes are pulled in a dozen directions at once.

This isn’t the kind of stop for museum-style facts. It’s a look-and-feel moment. So if you love photography, this is a good time to pause, grab a few shots from different angles, then move on.

Because it’s short, it works well even if you’re tired. You get the payoff without dragging the day down.

Šunj Beach on Lopud (about 2 hours): the simplest kind of luxury

Your next stretch is Šunj Beach, again on Lopud, with about 2 hours. This is a classic “swim, sun, repeat” block.

What I like about a beach stop like this is that it gives your body a breather. After caves and island sailing, you get open water, sandy shoreline, and an easy rhythm. If your group includes mixed ages, beach time often becomes the peace treaty.

This is also one of those stops where you can customize. Stay in the water for as long as you want, or just use it as a place to relax with a drink. The boat environment makes it easy to alternate between sea time and getting comfortable again.

Since lunch is not included, Šunj can also be your chance to eat something simple if you plan ahead, either by buying snacks on your own or using the stop time strategically.

Šipan (about 2 hours): island wandering without the pressure

Šipan is next, with about 2 hours. The island offers village-style strolling and time for historical sights like churches and summer villas, plus more nature-focused walking through areas like olive groves and vineyards.

The key value here is variety. Šipan is not just beach time. It’s a chance to feel the island culture in small doses, then reset back toward the sea.

If your group includes both history lovers and people who just want pretty views, Šipan can satisfy both. You can do a gentle walk, pause at viewpoints, and then reconnect with the water before the day ends.

Like the other stops, the window is long enough to matter but short enough that you do not lose the whole day to walking. It’s the kind of island time that feels purposeful without becoming a full hike.

Kolocep Lighthouse stop (about 30 minutes): cliff-jump energy for the brave

You also get a stop at the Kolocep Lighthouse area, with about 30 minutes. The main activity here is cliff jumping from a pristine swimming spot with clear water.

This one is very optional in the real world, even if the setting invites it. If you want the thrill, go with confidence and let the crew explain what they’ve seen work safely. If you’re not into jumping, you can still enjoy swimming and take in the views from the boat and shoreline.

This stop is short, which makes it perfect for mixed groups. The thrill-seekers get their moment. Everyone else can hang back and enjoy the sea.

Drinks on board, and how the alcohol rule affects your group

Included on board are coffee and/or tea, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages: beer and wine, rose or white.

There’s an important rule: alcohol is served only to travelers 21 years old and above. Minors under 21 are served non-alcoholic drinks.

This matters because it prevents awkwardness. Before you go, it’s worth aligning with your group so everyone understands the policy. You can still have a relaxed “adults drinks” vibe without the stress of guessing who can order what.

In past experiences, the boat has been described as clean and well set up, and one review mentioned a fully stocked fridge. Even without assuming every departure matches that exactly, it’s a good sign that the experience is designed to keep you comfortable and not constantly asking for basics.

Also, remember lunch is not included, so snacks and shore meals may become part of your personal plan.

Snorkeling, kayaking, and what to expect from the water sports time

The tour description includes snorkeling and kayaking as possible add-ons. So even if you only do one water activity, the general expectation is that the day is built around being in and on the water, not just looking at it.

One review noted the presence of snorkeling equipment, which is exactly what you want to hear. I recommend you still bring your own swim gear if you have it, like a rash guard or quick-dry layer, because everyone’s comfort preferences are different.

When it comes to kayaking, the most important thing is timing. The crew will usually decide what makes sense based on sea conditions and crowd levels at spots. If you get offered the chance, say yes, but keep your energy smart. A snorkeling session can be more tiring than it sounds, especially in cooler water.

Also, since this tour requires good weather, don’t be surprised if the crew adjusts the day slightly to protect comfort and safety.

What to bring so the day feels easy

Because this is an island water day, pack like you’re going to be wet or sandy at least part of the time.

Bring swimwear, a towel if you prefer your own, sunscreen, and water-safe footwear if you like having grip on rocks and ladders. If you plan to snorkel, having your own mask can help, but it’s not required based on the info you’ve been given.

If you’re doing cliff jumping, consider a quick check of your own comfort level. Some people love the adrenaline. Others prefer a swim and a short ladder entry. Either way is fine, and the crew should guide you on how to make it safe.

Lastly, since lunch is not included, think about whether you’ll buy food on land or bring small snacks. You do not want to arrive hungry and then realize your options are limited at a specific island stop.

Who should book this private Elaphiti yacht tour

This tour is a strong match if you want:

• a private day with up to 12 people
• multiple island stops plus swim time
• included drinks and a crew that feels hands-on and professional
• a family-friendly setup where the team has experience supporting young kids

It’s also a good fit if you’re planning a special birthday, family reunion, or you just want a “we’re on vacation, so the schedule is the point” day.

It might not be ideal if you’re traveling solo and there’s no group to share the charter cost. At that point, it reads more like a high-end splurge than a value play.

Booking about 45 days ahead on average is another hint. If you’re traveling in peak season, plan early so you’re not stuck watching availability.

Should you book it? My straight answer

Book it if you and your group want a private yacht day built around swimming spots, sea cave snorkeling, and island variety without the hassle of tours that run you from stop to stop on foot.

Skip it if you are cost sensitive, or if your ideal trip is mostly land sightseeing. This is a water-first experience, and the best moments happen when you’re comfortable with the sea, not just taking photos from shore.

If you do book, my best advice is simple: plan your lunch, pack swim-ready clothes, and let the crew handle the timing. With a crew that has been praised for safety, attention, and itinerary know-how, you’ll spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the coast from the best seat in the house.

FAQ

How long is the yacht tour?

The tour duration is approximately 8 hours.

How many people are in a group?

It is a private tour/activity, and the group size is up to 12 people.

Where do we meet if there is no pickup?

The start meeting point is Gruz port, Obala Ivana Pavla II 47, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is offered, and pickup information is delivered 24 hours prior to the tour.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What drinks are included, and can minors get alcohol?

Included drinks are coffee and/or tea, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages (beer and wine, rose or white). Alcohol is served only to travelers age 21 and above, and minors receive non-alcoholic drinks.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

Is snorkeling or kayaking part of the experience?

Snorkeling and kayaking are mentioned as activities included in the overall experience plan.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can service animals join, and can most people participate?

Service animals are allowed, and it says most travelers can participate. The meeting point is also noted as being near public transportation.