Rent a speed boat and explore beaches and coves of Elaphiti Islands

Speed boats turn the Elaphiti Islands into a daydream. This private outing from Dubrovnik zips you to Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep, with flexibility to decide how long you stay at each island. I especially like the small group size (up to 6), plus the fact that you get snorkeling gear and drinks on the boat, so the day feels complete before you even step ashore. One heads-up: the ride can be bumpy, and the swim or cave entrances are not huge, so you’ll want to feel comfortable getting in and out of the water.

The islands here are the point of the trip, not just the boat. I love how Lopud mixes sandy beach time with classic sights like the old botanic garden and the Temple of Sun. If you’re lucky with your skipper, names like Eric, Rocco, Ivan, Mark, and Luca show up in the feedback, and they’re praised for making the day relaxed and fun.

Key things I’d watch for before you book

• A private group of up to 6 keeps the pacing flexible and the boat experience personal.
• Choose your stop times at each island, so you can match the day to your energy level.
• Snorkeling gear is included, plus you get time for swimming and cave exploring.
• Lopud’s Šunj beach and botanic garden give you both sun and calmer, scenic walking.
• Sipan’s olive-tree reputation and old ports add a more lived-in island feel than beach-only stops.
• Koločep’s coves and clear water are built for a swim day, with underwater exploration time included.

The value of speed over ferry on the Elaphiti Islands

The Elaphiti Islands can feel like they’re just across the water from Dubrovnik, but getting there by boat changes the whole mood. A speed boat lets you move fast between island moods. You can go from sandy shoreline to rocky coves without losing half your day to transit.

This tour also reads like a best-of mix, with three islands in one outing. You’re not stuck with only beaches, and you’re not stuck with only sightseeing either. The day is timed around water time, then balanced with island stops where you can wander, grab a coffee, or take in views.

And because it’s a private booking limited to six people, the day tends to feel more like a plan between friends than a crowded bus transfer. That matters here, because island time is when you’ll want to pause for photos, swim, or just sit in the sun.

Your Dubrovnik start: meeting point, pickup, and what it feels like

You’ll meet at Yacht Club Orsan, Ul. Ivana pl. Zajca 4, 20000 Dubrovnik. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Pickup is offered, but it’s not blanket coverage for every street corner. It’s included if you’re further than 1 km from the start point. If you’re in the City of Dubrovnik area, you can arrange pickup too. If you’re outside the city area, pickup is not included.

Practically, plan to arrive a little early so you can settle in. You’ll be heading straight out to open water, and the rest of the day is built around that momentum. Also, bring a good attitude for a speed boat ride. Even when the captain is smooth, you should expect some bumpy motion, especially when waves pick up.

On-board comfort that actually matters: shade, fridge, and drinks

This isn’t just transportation. You get a setup designed for long stretches on the sea.

Included items on board include:

• Sunshade and use of the sundeck
• A fridge, plus bottled water and soda/pop
• Alcoholic beverages, including wine and beer
• Use of snorkeling equipment

That combo is what makes the tour feel like a day on the water, not a series of interruptions. The sunshade helps when you’re waiting your turn to swim or topping up with water between stops. The fridge and drinks mean you can stay comfortable without scrambling for purchases.

Snorkeling equipment being included also changes what you can do at the coves. You’re not stuck deciding whether it’s worth bringing your own gear. It also nudges you to try it, because the setup is ready when you are.

Lopud Island: sandy time at Šunj plus gardens and the Temple of Sun

Lopud is where the trip gets romantic and calm. It’s known for a mix of sandy beaches and older paths through forests, plus olive groves and vineyards. It’s an island with enough people to find a meal or a cocktail, but also enough quiet walking that you can slow down.

How long you stay depends on whether you choose a shorter or longer version of the tour. You can also choose how long to spend at each stop. In many schedules, Lopud is the longest stop, and the tour description points to around two hours there.

Here’s what I’d prioritize on Lopud:

Swim at Šunj beach

Šunj beach is the must-do. It’s a sandy beach stop built for relaxing after boat time. There’s also a legend attached to it, if you’re into that kind of thing, about bathing with your loved one and never being apart. You do not need to believe the legend to enjoy the beach vibe.

Walk the older botanic garden

Lopud has one of the oldest botanic gardens in Europe. That’s the kind of stop that works even if you’re not a hardcore garden person. You get a structured place to wander, cool shade, and a break from salt water.

Temple of Sun viewpoint experience

If you want something a bit unusual, head up to the Temple of Sun museum. The effect inside is described as different shades moving around you. Even if you skip deeper explanations, it’s a short, memorable stop when you want something different from beach time.

Bonus: island atmosphere

Lopud is inhabited, so you’ll find restaurants, olive oil, wine, and local foods. Even if you only grab a quick drink, it helps you feel like you arrived somewhere real, not just passed through.

Possible drawback on Lopud: if you spend too much time stretching out on the sand, you might feel rushed for the later islands. I like using Lopud as my “slow” stop, but I also keep a clear plan for when we need to get back on the boat.

Šipan Island from Suđurađ port: olives, palaces, and family traditions

Šipan is the biggest of the Elaphiti Islands, and it brings a different flavor than Lopud. It’s known for a famously high number of olive trees, and it’s even listed in the Guinness book for olive trees on one island.

Most of the stop centers around Suđurađ, the port where fishing families have kept their way of life going. The reason you feel that tradition is distance. Šipan is farther from town than some of the others, so tourism didn’t commercialize everything in the same way.

You can relax with coffee in the old fishermen’s port, or you can take a smaller sightseeing loop. The stop length here is typically about an hour, though again, the tour’s design lets you choose your timing.

What to aim for while you’re there:

Rector’s Palace and late-Gothic reminders

Šipan includes late-Gothic remains like Rector’s Palace. You may also see ruins of archbishop’s palaces. This is a good stop if you like seeing the shape of island life through stone and older structures, even when some things are in partial remains.

Castle of the Stjepović-Skočibuha family

In Suđurađ, there’s also a castle associated with the Stjepović-Skočibuha family, dating to the 16th century. Next to it is a defense tower built against pirates. These details give you a sense of why coastal islands needed protection.

Local port energy

Look out for small cues like fishing boats, old stone houses, and even kids selling seashells in the port. It’s one of those moments that makes the day feel human, not staged.

Possible drawback on Šipan: because the stop is shorter, you’ll want to pick one or two targets and not try to cover everything. If you try to do a lot in an hour, you’ll feel the time pressure.

Koločep Island for coves and cave swimming time

Koločep is often the water lover’s choice. It’s described as perfect for swimming and as a place with clear sea that’s full of fish and seashells. It also has hidden caves and high cliffs, which makes it great for exploring.

This is usually the last stop, and it’s built for enough time to swim and poke around small coves. The typical time shown is about one hour, but you can choose how long you stay on each island based on how your tour length is set.

Underwater exploration time

You’re given a unique opportunity to explore the underwater of Koločep, plus a short break on the beach. With snorkeling equipment included, this is where the gear pays off in a practical way. You’re not just told to bring it, you’re scheduled for it.

Walks through Gornje and Donje Celo

If you want land time too, there are paths and places like Gornje and Donje Celo. These are described as typical examples of southern Dalmatia Mediterranean places, so you get a change of pace from salt-water exploration.

The weather brag that matters

Koločep is known for about 250 sunny days per year. You don’t need this fact to enjoy it, but it helps explain why people expect consistently clear, inviting conditions.

Possible drawback on Koločep: the water is the headline. If you’re not comfortable swimming or entering water when conditions create waves, you might prefer more of Lopud’s beach-style stop and less of the cave-and-cove play.

What the ride feels like: speed, bumpy moments, and swim access

A speed boat is meant to be fast, and that means the ride can be bumpy at times. In the feedback, people mention a bumpy ride and note that the entrance to certain cave or swim areas isn’t huge. So here’s the realistic approach:

• Be prepared for some bouncing. If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider what helps you on boats in advance.
• Expect a small, manageable swim entry point at certain spots. You should be able to swim and feel comfortable getting in and out with help from the crew.

On the positive side, speed is what keeps the day feeling efficient. You’re not waiting around. That pace is what helps you fit three islands into one trip.

Captains make the difference, and the names you’ll hear

This tour’s reviews are heavy on personality and service, especially from skippers and guides. Names that come up often include Eric, Rocco, Roko, Tito, Ivan, Mark, and Luca.

The praise isn’t just about driving well. It’s about small moments of attention, like being quick to help someone who was cold, or giving helpful tips about caves and where to swim. That’s the kind of guidance that makes your time more enjoyable, because you get useful context on what you’re looking at and where to head next.

If you care about the human touch, pay attention to the guide name options when you book. Even if you do not get the exact same skipper, the service style seems consistent: friendly, hands-on, and happy to chat in excellent English.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for

The price is $720.84 per group for up to 6 people, with tours running about 4 to 8 hours.

Here’s the value math you can use. If you fill the boat to 6 people, the cost works out to about $120 per person. If you’re 4 people, it’s closer to $180 per person. Those numbers matter because you’re not just paying for transport. You’re paying for:

• pickup and drop-off (for eligible areas)
• snorkeling equipment
• drinks (wine and beer) plus water and soda
• a boat day built around swimming and cave exploring
• sunshade, sundeck, and a comfortable setup while you wait between stops
• taxes, fees, and handling included

So the tour can be a strong value for a group of friends or a mixed-age family group. If you’re traveling solo or as a couple and can’t fill all the seats, it becomes more of an experience splurge, but it still includes a lot for a single outing.

Who this tour fits best, and who should rethink it

You’ll enjoy this most if you want:

• a small group boat day instead of a big-boat crowd
• swimming in coves and snorkeling with included gear
• a day that mixes beach time with island wandering
• flexibility, because you can choose how long you stay at each stop

This is not the right match if:

• you hate bumpy boat rides
• you do not feel confident in the water
• you want a fully land-based itinerary with lots of long museum-style time

For couples, the beach-focused stops work well, especially with Šunj in Lopud. For friends, the private boat and onboard drinks make it a lively day. For families, the short, flexible stops can be easier than an all-day walking-only plan, but you’ll want kids to be comfortable in and around the water.

A practical checklist so the day runs smoothly

Based on what’s explicitly included and not included, here’s what I’d do:

• Bring a swimsuit. It’s not provided.
• Be ready for pickup rules, meaning confirm whether your exact location qualifies (pickup under 1 km is not included, and pickup outside the Dubrovnik city area is not included).
• Plan your time on Lopud, because it tends to be where you’ll want the slowest pace.
• If weather turns, understand the day depends on good conditions. The experience requires good weather, and if it can’t run due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Should you book this Elaphiti Islands speed boat tour?

I think you should book it if your ideal Dubrovnik day includes swimming, caves, and hopping between islands without wasting hours on slow travel. The biggest reasons are simple: the up to 6 private group feel, the included snorkeling gear, and the mix of Lopud beach time with Šipan port culture and Koločep coves.

Skip it or book with caution if you’re not comfortable with open-water entries or if you get motion sick on boats. Also, make sure you’re okay with choosing your time at stops, since the flexibility is part of the design, but it means you have to decide what to prioritize.

If that sounds like your kind of day, this is a strong way to see the Elaphiti Islands in a single outing, with enough comfort on board to keep the mood easy from start to finish.

FAQ

How many people are in a booking?

It’s limited to a maximum of 6 people per booking, and it’s a private tour/activity with only your group.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 4 to 8 hours, depending on the option you choose and how long you stay at each stop.

Which islands are included?

The tour stops at Lopud, Sipan, and Kolocep Island.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is offered, but it depends on your location. Pickup is included for locations further than 1 km from the starting point, and they can pick you up if you are staying in the City of Dubrovnik area. Pickup is not included outside the Dubrovnik city area.

What does the tour include on the boat?

Included items are a sunshade, fridge, sundeck, bottled water, soda/pop, wine and beer, and snorkeling equipment.

Do I need to bring a swimsuit?

Yes. Swimsuite is not included.

Where do we meet?

The meeting point is Yacht Club Orsan, Ul. Ivana pl. Zajca 4, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What if the weather is bad?

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

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount you paid is not refunded.