Private Half Day and Full Day Elaphiti Islands Tours

The best part of this private boat trip is the chance to swim inside Dubrovnik’s sea caves, where sunlight turns the water blue. You can visit the Blue Cave and Three Sister caves near Koločep, then shape the rest of the day around beaches, a long lunch, or island walks.

I like the small private group, limited to six people, and the practical extras: snorkeling gear, life jackets, fuel, water, Coca-Cola, beer, and wine are included. Skippers such as Lovro, Vicko, Bruno, and Toni are also praised for friendly service, good swimming stops, and helpful food suggestions.

The main consideration is time. A half-day trip cannot comfortably cover every island, cave, and beach, and adding Lokrum means giving up some of the Elaphiti Islands. Lunch and pickup outside the normal service area cost extra, and there is no restroom onboard.

Key points to know before booking

• The Blue Cave and Three Sister caves are the highlight: You can swim and snorkel inside both near Koločep.
• You get a boat and skipper for your group: The price of $301.03 covers up to six people, not each person separately.
• Full-day trips give you the best choice: You can combine caves, lunch on Šipan, Lopud, and Šunj Beach without rushing.
• Šunj is the beach stop: This popular sandy beach has beach bars for drinks and time in the sun.
• Lokrum is an either-or choice: You can request it, but visiting Lokrum means you will not see all the Elaphiti Islands.
• The boat has useful basics onboard: Snorkeling equipment, life jackets, fuel, water, Coca-Cola, beer, and wine are included.

Why a private boat works well around Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik’s Old Town gets much of the attention, but the sea around it offers a calmer way to spend a day. The Elaphiti Islands sit west of the city, with small settlements, churches, swimming coves, sandy beaches, and clear water around the rocky shore.

A private boat gives you more control than a fixed group excursion. Your party can spend longer at a cave, cut a stop short, or take time over lunch on Šipan. The capacity is up to six people, so this suits a family, a group of friends, or a couple willing to pay more for privacy.

The listed price is $301.03 per group, not per person. At the maximum of six people, that works out to roughly $50 per person before lunch and any extra pickup charge. For two people, it is a much more expensive outing, but you are paying for a private boat rather than simply buying seats on a shared ride.

The trip can last from about two to eight hours. That wide range matters. A short trip may focus on Koločep’s caves and one swimming stop, while a full-day outing can include all four main stops, lunch, and more relaxed time in the water. I would choose the full-day option if the islands are a main reason for your visit.

Koločep’s Blue Cave and Three Sister caves

Koločep is the strongest opening stop because it combines scenery with an activity. The boat visits the Blue Cave and Three Sister caves, where reflected sunlight creates the blue color inside the rock chambers.

You can swim and snorkel inside the caves, using the equipment supplied onboard. Life jackets are also available, which is useful if you are not a confident swimmer or simply want extra support in the water.

The caves are not just photo stops. The point is to get into the water and see the changing light from inside. Bring a swimsuit, and keep in mind that cave swimming depends on sea conditions and the weather. The tour requires good weather, so poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.

The scheduled stop is about one hour. That is enough for a focused visit, but not a long snorkeling session for a large group. Since this is a private outing, you can ask your skipper how to use that time best. Skippers including Vicko and Lovro are praised for choosing good swimming spots and making people comfortable in the water.

Šipan gives the day a proper lunch break

Šipan is the longest planned stop, at about two hours. The purpose here is lunch at a local restaurant, with the meal paid separately.

This is a useful pause after the boat ride and cave swimming. Instead of eating hurriedly onboard, you have time to sit down, enjoy the island setting, and let the day slow down. I would ask about the restaurant and menu when arranging the tour, since lunch is not included in the price.

The two-hour stop also gives you some flexibility. If you are traveling with children or with people who prefer not to spend the whole day in the water, a restaurant stop breaks up the activity. On the other hand, anyone focused on swimming should remember that two hours on land is a large part of a short or half-day schedule.

One skipper, Toni, is specifically praised for being informative and helpful during a full-day island trip that included lunch. Lovro is also noted for food recommendations. You are not locked into a large tour group, so direct conversation with the skipper can help you choose a meal that fits your group.

Lopud combines island walking and sandy beaches

Lopud is the walking stop. The island is known here for its churches, monastery, and sandy beaches, giving you a chance to do something besides swim.

The planned visit lasts about one hour. That is enough for a short walk and a look around, but not enough for a detailed exploration of every church or the wider island. Keep your expectations practical. This is an island introduction, not a full cultural tour.

I like this stop because it adds variety. A boat day made up only of swimming can begin to feel repetitive, especially for anyone in your group who would rather see a little local architecture. Lopud offers a change of pace before the final beach stop.

The description does not specify a guided historical walk, so you should treat the stop as independent exploring with general direction from your skipper. Wear footwear suitable for walking, though no special equipment is listed as required.

Šunj Beach is the easygoing finish

Šunj Beach is usually the last stop. It is described as the most popular sandy beach in the Dubrovnik area, with beach bars where you can relax and buy drinks.

This is the least structured part of the trip. You can swim, sit on the sand, or have a drink instead of following another schedule. After the caves and island stops, that open time is welcome.

The planned visit lasts about one hour. If your priority is a long beach afternoon, you should ask about choosing a full-day trip and how much time can be given to Šunj. On a half-day outing, the stop may need to be shorter, especially if you also want Koločep and Lopud.

Beach bar purchases are not listed among the inclusions, so plan to pay for those separately. The boat does include water, Coca-Cola, beer, and wine, which may reduce the need to buy every drink onshore.

Lokrum changes the route

Lokrum sits in front of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, on the opposite side from the Elaphiti Islands. It can be included on request, but the tradeoff is clear: if you go to Lokrum, you cannot see all the Elaphiti Islands on the same outing.

That makes Lokrum best for someone who has a particular reason to visit it or who prefers a shorter route close to Dubrovnik. If this is your only boat day and you want Koločep, Šipan, Lopud, and Šunj, I would skip Lokrum.

The stop is listed as about one hour, with admission not included. The information does not state the admission cost, so ask before booking if you want to go ashore. You can also request a route that focuses on the Elaphiti Islands instead.

What is included, and what is not

The inclusions are well chosen for a swimming trip:

• Fuel
• Snorkeling equipment
• Life jackets
• Water and Coca-Cola
• Beer and wine

These basics make the $301.03 group price easier to assess. You do not have to arrange fuel or rent a mask and snorkel separately, and drinks are available during the boat ride.

Lunch on Šipan is not included. Neither are drinks purchased at Šunj Beach, and Lokrum admission is not included if you choose that route.

There is no restroom onboard. This is easy to manage during the island stops, but it is worth knowing before you set off, especially with children or anyone who needs regular facilities. Pickup is offered, and previous arrangements have included transport from a cruise port to the boat. Pickup outside the company’s normal radius costs extra, so confirm the exact charge before you finalize plans.

Guides and the feel of the service

The skipper can shape the day as much as the route. Vicko is praised for a strong finish to a holiday and for showing guests the caves and scenery. Bruno is described as friendly, helpful, and good at adding music, drinks, stories, and easy transport arrangements.

Lovro appears repeatedly in the feedback, with praise for his driving, swimming spots, food suggestions, and friendly attitude. He has also encouraged a nervous swimmer to try the open sea for the first time. Toni is praised for an informative full-day outing, while Antonio is noted for attentive service and a boat kept in very good condition.

Those details matter because a private boat day is not only about the islands. You spend several hours with the skipper, and a good one can help you feel safe, adjust the timing, and point out the best use of each stop. The company offers the tour in English.

The boat is private for your group, but the maximum group size is six. Some feedback refers to larger groups using Adriatic Boat Tours, yet this specific experience is priced for up to six people. Confirm the boat capacity if your party is larger.

Half-day or full-day: which should you choose?

Choose the shorter option if you mainly want the caves and a swim. It can work well for a cruise-port visit, a packed Dubrovnik schedule, or anyone who wants a taste of the islands without giving up the whole day.

Choose the full-day option if you want the most complete route. The scheduled stops alone add up to about five hours without counting travel between islands. Add lunch on Šipan, and you can see why a full day is more comfortable for Koločep, Šipan, Lopud, and Šunj.

I would not try to add Lokrum to a full Elaphiti route. The tour information makes clear that you cannot see all the Elaphiti Islands if Lokrum is included. Decide early if your priority is the island chain or the island directly in front of Dubrovnik.

Because timing may change with the weather, ask how the skipper handles rough conditions and which stops are most likely to be adjusted. Bad weather allows a new date or a full refund, but you should still avoid placing this trip on the final few hours of your holiday if possible.

Who will get the most from this tour?

This is a good fit for a group that wants privacy, swimming, and control over the pace. Families can mix beach time with an island walk, while friends can focus on caves, snorkeling, drinks, and a long lunch.

It also suits couples marking a special occasion. The private setting, onboard drinks, music, and sunset-style flexibility mentioned in the service feedback can make the day feel more personal than a standard sightseeing boat.

You should think twice if you dislike swimming, need a restroom onboard, or want a detailed guided history tour. The experience centers on the sea, caves, beaches, and flexible island stops. Lopud offers churches and a monastery, but the tour is not presented as a formal cultural walk.

Should you book this boat trip?

I would book it for a full day if you have up to six people and want a relaxed day on the water outside Dubrovnik. The cave swims near Koločep are the strongest reason to go, while Šipan lunch, Lopud, and Šunj give the day enough variety.

For a short visit, book the half-day version and make Koločep your priority. Confirm the pickup area, lunch plans, Lokrum choice, and restroom issue before paying. If your group values privacy more than the lowest possible price, the group rate offers fair value. If you are traveling alone or as a couple, compare the cost with a shared boat before deciding.

FAQ

How much does the private tour cost?

The listed price is $301.03 per group for up to six people.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately two to eight hours, depending on the option selected.

Which islands are included in the usual route?

The usual route includes Koločep, Šipan, Lopud, and Šunj Beach.

Can I visit the Blue Cave?

Yes. The route includes the Blue Cave near Koločep, along with the Three Sister caves.

Can I swim and snorkel inside the caves?

Yes. Swimming and snorkeling inside the caves are part of the Koločep stop, and snorkeling equipment is provided.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch on Šipan is not included in the tour price.

Are drinks included?

Water, Coca-Cola, beer, and wine are included. Drinks purchased at beach bars are not listed as included.

Can I visit Lokrum Island?

You can request a visit to Lokrum, but going there means you will not be able to see all the Elaphiti Islands.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

No. A restroom onboard is not included.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is offered. Pickups outside the company’s normal service radius cost extra.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours in advance are not accepted for a refund.