Private Boat Tour Tailor-Made 6h-All Inclusive

Six hours at sea, without the crowd crush.

This private Elaphiti Islands boat tour turns Dubrovnik’s coastline into your own playground, with a local skipper who keeps the day running smoothly, and unlimited drinks onboard. You get built-in swim breaks with snorkeling gear, plus famous sights like Koločep’s Blue Cave area, without feeling rushed. One thing to plan for: the tour price does not include fuel, so you will pay the skipper in cash.

I love how the day feels tailor-made for your group. You start by sharing what you want, then the skipper steers the pace and the time spent at the water for swimming and snorkeling. The day also gives you a good mix of “float and relax” and “see the highlights,” with multiple drink and photo stops. The only real catch is physical, the boat ride is quick and fun, but boarding and getting back onboard can be tricky on some boats, so go easy if you have balance concerns.

Key highlights that matter before you book

• Private group, local skipper service: You are not sharing the boat with strangers, and the skipper can adjust the flow to your mood.
• All-inclusive drinks onboard: Water, beer, wine, soft drinks, and iced tea are included, with extra treat-style drinks at the beach stop.
• Snorkeling gear and safety kit: Snorkeling equipment, life jackets, floaties, and dry bags are part of the package.
• Koločep and the Blue Cave stop: You get a photo stop and boat time around one of the area’s most talked-about spots.
• Lopud Island break for lunch and walking: You get time on Lopud to eat, browse, and stretch your legs.
• Multiple swim windows: There is more than one chance to get in the water, including a second swim on Koločep near the end.

Why a tailor-made private boat day beats the big-boat circus

Dalmatia’s coast looks good from the shore, but it turns jaw-dropping when you are actually moving through it. This tour is interesting because it stays focused on water time and key stops, not constant bus-style sightseeing. You get the feeling of a mini adventure, with a skipper who knows what to do, where to go next, and how to keep things safe.

I like that this is genuinely private. For a day on a speedboat, that matters. Your group can pick your own rhythm, and you do not have to negotiate around other peoples bathroom stops, swim lengths, or snack habits.

I also like that the service feels personal. In past groups, skippers such as Ivan, Nikola, and Nico came across as practical, friendly, and good at making the day feel relaxed while still handling navigation and timing. Even better, one skipper asked the group at the start what they wanted, then structured the stops around that.

The main drawback to keep in mind is cost accuracy. The advertised tour price is for your group up to 6, but you still need to budget the fuel top-up to the skipper in cash.

Lapadska Obala Pier, then a quick speedboat run to start the fun

The day starts at Lapadska Obala Pier. You will meet at the pier across from the entrance to the summer residence of Petar Sorkočević. Expect a simple, straightforward departure, not a long briefing.

From there, you hit a 25-minute speedboat ride. That first run matters more than you might think. It gets you away from the busiest water quickly, and it sets the tone for the rest of the day: you are on the go, but not in a frantic way.

What to bring is also part of the experience. You will want beachwear and a towel, and bring your passport or ID card. The boat provides dry bags, but you still want your stuff to stay easy to grab.

Also note what you cannot bring. Weapons or sharp objects are not allowed. And the boat is not suitable for wheelchair users. If you are coming with a baby, the info says it is not suitable for babies under 1 year.

Koločep first: photo stop, drinks, and your first swim window

Your first island stop is Koločep, starting with a photo stop and then time in the water. You get about 30 minutes here, and this is where the tour hits its sweet spot for active travelers who still want a relaxed day.

During this stop, you are offered drinks, and the tour setup includes snorkeling equipment. Even if you only plan to swim, the gear makes the first water time feel effortless. Life jackets and floaties are provided too, so you can choose your comfort level.

A smart tip for this part of the day is to be ready early for boarding and moving around. The boats are fast and the schedule is tight. If you are steady on your feet, you will likely find the swim stops straightforward. One past group did flag that a step or grip can sometimes be missing or awkward on certain boats, which can make getting back onboard a bit tricky. If you have balance concerns, ask the skipper at the start how boarding works on your particular boat, then take your time.

This stop also gives you a preview of why Koločep works so well for a half-day water escape. You are not just doing one quick look. You are getting that first taste of crystal-clear water and the island feel.

Blue Cave area on Koločep: the photo moment plus boat time

After Koločep, the itinerary moves to the Blue Cave on Koločep Island for another 30-minute stop. This is a chance to see one of the area’s best-known natural attractions and to get photos that look like you paid for a postcard.

Because the time here is not just one quick pass, you have enough minutes to settle in, take pictures, and enjoy the boat cruise portion at a comfortable pace. You are not stuck with the “blink and you miss it” approach.

The trade-off is that you should treat this as a highlights stop, not a long wandering session. You are on a boat, not hiking. If you want lots of on-foot exploring, you will do more of that on Lopud later.

The bigger win of this stop is variety. In a 6-hour day, you get water time, cave-area views, and then a more classic island hang later on. That keeps the day from feeling repetitive.

Beach Sunj: longer hang time, cocktails, and a real break from movement

Next up is Beach Sunj with about 1 hour of time. This is where the day slows down. You get free time plus swimming, and the drinks lineup expands with more “treat yourself” options, including beer, cocktail, and wine.

This is the stop that feels like a true vacation moment. If you have been planning your trip around Dubrovnik but want a break from the city energy, this is where you get it. It is a chance to float, swim, and simply do less.

Practical note: you will likely be warm from the sun and moving around. Pack your towel so you can dry off quickly between swim and relaxing. If you are the type who burns fast, you will also want sunscreen, even though it is not listed as included.

This is also a good time to re-check your priorities. If your group wants more snorkeling versus more lounging, you can usually steer that choice with the skipper’s help, since the tour is designed around a bit of flexibility.

Lopud Island: lunch, shopping, coffee, and a gentle walking break

Then comes Lopud Island for about 1.5 hours. This is your stretch-it-out stop, with a mix of photo time, sightseeing, and the chance to walk.

You can usually fit a few different goals into this window. One group arranged their lunch through the skipper and found the meal stop worked well. You also get coffee, more drinks, and time to shop or browse village-style stores.

This is where the tour goes beyond “boat and swim” and becomes a day you can actually remember as an island visit. You are not stuck only on water. You can see a small-town rhythm, stop for something to eat, and take a walk without feeling like you need hiking shoes.

If food is a big deal for you, plan your lunch move early after you arrive. With only 1.5 hours, you want to avoid losing time to waiting. If you have dietary needs, you might find it helpful to tell the skipper ahead of time, since lunch is handled via the reservation option.

Koločep again, then Zaton: the closer look and the cruise back

After Lopud, the itinerary returns to Koločep for another 30 minutes of swimming. This second water window is smart. Not everyone uses the first swim time perfectly, and it is nice to have a second chance when conditions feel right.

Then you head to Zaton for about 30 minutes, with a boat cruise plus a scenic drive. This part is quieter. It is about views, cruising, and that laid-back “we are already on the water, so why not take it all in” mood.

One reason I like tours with a final view stop is that it keeps the day feeling like it has a graceful ending, not a rushed exit. You still have time to relax before you return.

The last run is a 25-minute speedboat ride back to Lapadska Obala Pier.

All-inclusive drinks and snorkeling gear, what you actually get

This is one of the tour’s strongest value points. The “all-inclusive” setup is not vague. You get drinks and equipment, and you do not have to interrupt the day to buy basics.

Drinks onboard

You get water, wine, beer, coca-cola, and ice-tea. During the Beach Sunj stop, a cocktail is also included. Past groups highlighted the ease of having free drinks onboard without having to think about it mid-swim.

Snorkeling and water safety

You get snorkeling equipment, floaties, life jackets, and dry bags. That set-up makes it easier to try snorkeling without bringing your own gear.

Also, the water around Dubrovnik is salty enough that swimming feels easier for many people. That said, comfort matters. Use floaties if you want them, skip them if you do not, and follow the skipper’s guidance.

What you should bring anyway

Even with gear included, you should plan for your own comfort:

• beachwear
• towel
• passport or ID card

Price math: $353 per group, plus the fuel you pay in cash

The headline price is $353 per group up to 6 for a 6-hour private tour. That is already helpful if you are traveling as a small group. Splitting cost changes the math in a big way compared with per-person tours.

But here is the part that can surprise people. Fuel is not included. You pay the skipper in cash, and for a 6-hour tour it is listed as 80 euros.

Optional costs you might consider:

• Pick up and drop off is optional, 25 euros on request.

So the real budget picture is the listed tour price, then the fuel cash top-up. When you add that fuel cost in, the tour still tends to feel fair because you are getting multiple stops, a private skipper, included drinks, and snorkeling gear.

For couples or solo travelers, the private nature can feel pricey compared to shared group boats. For friend groups of 4 to 6, it often feels like a smart way to buy quality time on the water.

Timing and season tips that can change your whole day

One of the practical lessons from past trips is that timing matters for boat traffic. A group recommended doing this tour in late April or early May on a sunny day to avoid an overload of boats, and they felt like they had more quiet water and space.

If you are traveling in peak season, you may still have a great day. Just know you can hit busier conditions around popular swim zones.

The good news is that this is a private group. That does not erase crowding in the area, but it does help you keep your own rhythm and make the most of your time at each stop.

Who this 6-hour Dubrovnik-to-Elaphiti tour is best for

This tour fits best when you want a mix of highlights and relaxation without a long itinerary. You should especially like it if:

• you want a private group experience rather than sharing a crowded boat
• you care about swim breaks and want snorkeling gear included
• you like having drinks onboard so you can keep your day moving
• your group wants both island time and a classic “cave area” photo stop

It is not the best match if:

• you need wheelchair accessibility
• you are traveling with a baby under 1 year
• you have serious mobility limits for boarding a speedboat

Also, if you are bringing a pet, one prior group said they were able to take a dog. That is not spelled out in the core rules you were given, so it is worth asking directly before you go.

Should you book this private boat with Hello Dubrovnik by Boat?

I think you should book this tour if your goal is simple: a private, all-inclusive half-day on the water around Dubrovnik, with real swimming time and enough stops to feel like you saw a lot without exhausting yourselves. The all-inclusive drinks plus included snorkeling gear make it easy to enjoy the day without constant spending or planning.

Skip it only if you hate the idea of paying extra fuel in cash, or if mobility and boarding steps could be an issue for your group. Also, if you want long land walks and extensive hiking, this is more water-focused, with the “walk and browse” time mostly on Lopud.

If you get the timing right and your group is ready to float, swim, and snack, this is the kind of day that makes Dubrovnik feel less like a checklist and more like a place you actually lived in.

FAQ

How long is the private boat tour?

The tour duration is 6 hours.

What is included with the all-inclusive package?

It includes a professional skipper, snorkeling equipment, drinks (water, wine, beer, coca-cola, ice-tea), safety equipment (life jackets), floaties, dry bags, and all fees and taxes.

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear or swim equipment?

No. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with life jackets and floaties if you want extra support.

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at Lapadska Obala Pier, across from the entrance to the summer residence of Petar Sorkočević.

Is pick up and drop off included?

Pick up and drop off is not included, but it is available on request for 25 euros.

Is the tour wheelchair-friendly or suitable for infants?

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users and it is not suitable for babies under 1 year.