Private Speedboat Tour

Dubrovnik’s old town is beautiful, but its crowds can wear you down. This private speedboat tour gives you a clean break: you’ll skim past the city walls, cross open water, and spend time at the Blue Cave, Green Caves, and Sunj Beach. Captain Damir is the guide most often named, and he combines local history with an easygoing approach.

I like the private format, since you can choose your stops instead of following a fixed group schedule. I also like the practical touches: snorkeling gear, water, soda, and alcoholic drinks are included. The main consideration is the price, $737.53 per group, which is a strong value for six people but costly for one or two.

Key points at a glance

• Private boat for up to six: Your group gets the boat and captain to itself.
• Caves and swimming stops: The Blue Cave and Green Caves are the main attractions, with snorkeling equipment supplied.
• Flexible route: You can select from Lopud, Sipan, Sunj Beach, Bowa Restaurant, and other stops.
• Captain Damir: Expect local stories about Dubrovnik, Croatian culture, and the islands.
• Drinks included: Water, soda, and alcoholic beverages are provided onboard.
• Four hours on the water: The outing begins and ends at Ribarnica ul. 1 in Dubrovnik.

Why this is a smart escape from Dubrovnik

The best part of this outing is the change of pace. Dubrovnik’s old town can feel crowded, particularly when cruise passengers are in port. From the boat, you get a different view of the city walls and the rocky coast, then leave the stone streets behind for the open Adriatic.

This is not simply a transfer to one island. It is a private coastal outing built around swimming, small coves, caves, and island villages. You can spend more time in the water, shorten a stop, or skip a place that does not appeal to your group.

That freedom matters. A family with children may want extra time near a calm swimming spot, while a group of friends may prefer several short stops and a longer lunch. On a shared boat, you usually accept the captain’s timetable. Here, your group has much more say.

The guide adds another layer. Damir is repeatedly identified as the captain, and he is described as friendly, funny, and well informed about Dubrovnik’s past and Croatian culture. You should expect more than a boat ride, but this is still a relaxed day on the water rather than a formal history tour.

Leaving Dubrovnik by speedboat

The meeting point is Ribarnica ul. 1, 20000 Dubrovnik, and the activity returns there. That central starting point is useful if you are staying in or near the old town, though you should check your route carefully before departure and allow time to reach the dock.

The first stretch gives you a fine view back toward Dubrovnik. From the water, the old town’s walls and orange rooftops read as one compact fortified city. You may also pass Lokrum, the wooded island just offshore, depending on the route selected for your outing.

The speedboat is not just a faster way to reach the islands. It makes the journey part of the experience. You get broad coastal views, fresh air, and a sense of distance from the busy streets. The tradeoff is that a speedboat can feel exposed in strong sun or choppy conditions, so bring sun protection and wear clothing suited to a wet ride.

The tour depends on good weather. If conditions are poor, the operator will offer another date or a full refund. That policy is reassuring, but it also means you should avoid placing this outing on the final few hours of your Dubrovnik stay.

The Blue Cave and Green Caves

The caves are the tour’s most distinctive stops. The Blue Cave offers the kind of brief, dramatic visit that makes a boat trip memorable: a dark opening, colored water, and a chance to see the coast from the sea rather than from a road or viewpoint.

The Green Caves provide a more active stop, since swimming and snorkeling are central to the experience. Snorkeling equipment is supplied, which saves you from packing or hiring your own gear. You should still bring a swimsuit, towel, and any personal water gear you prefer.

A private boat is especially useful here. One family account describes returning to the Green Cave because an 11-year-old was nervous on the first attempt. That sort of adjustment is difficult on a fixed group boat, but it is possible when your captain is working only with your party.

Do keep expectations sensible. Cave conditions, access, and the amount of time you spend in the water can change with weather, sea conditions, and crowd levels. The caves are natural swimming stops, not fully arranged attractions with a set indoor tour.

The water activities also make this outing less suitable for someone who wants a strictly sightseeing-based cruise. You can enjoy the scenery from the boat, but the main appeal is the chance to get in the water.

Sunj Beach on Lopud

Sunj Beach is known for its sandy shore, a pleasant contrast to the rocky coastline found in many parts of the Dubrovnik area. If your idea of a good island stop includes getting off the boat, walking on sand, or taking a longer swim, Sunj is likely to be one of the most appealing choices.

The beach stop can add variety to the day. After cave visits and swimming from the boat, you get a chance to stretch your legs and spend time on land. That makes the route work well for families, since not everyone wants to remain aboard for four straight hours.

The drawback is simple: a popular sandy beach may not feel secluded, especially during the busiest part of the season. The private boat does not make the beach private. Your advantage is the ability to decide how long you want to stay and whether it fits your group’s mood.

Lopud also offers a more traditional island setting. Its port is one of the suggested stops, and walking around the harbor can give you a taste of island life beyond the swimming spots.

Lopud harbor and Sipan’s fishing village

Lopud port is a good pause between water activities. You can look around the harbor, take in the boats, and enjoy a slower stop before returning to the speedboat. Several accounts describe the port as a highlight, particularly because the tour is not rushed.

Sipan offers a different feel. The suggested stop is a fisherman village, so the attraction is less about one headline sight and more about seeing a quieter side of the Dubrovnik region. If you want only caves and swimming, you may prefer to keep this stop brief. If you value local character, it can be worth adding.

The route is not locked. The listed places are options, not promises that every stop will receive equal time. Before leaving Dubrovnik, discuss your priorities with Damir. Tell him if you care most about caves, beach time, village visits, lunch, or a mix of everything.

That conversation is one of the practical benefits of booking privately. A good plan prevents the day from becoming a rushed checklist.

Lunch at Bowa Restaurant

Bowa Restaurant is another possible stop, with lunch paid separately. The captain can recommend or arrange a local restaurant, but the meal is not part of the tour price.

This can be a pleasant addition if your group wants a sit-down break and a taste of local food. It also gives you a reason to stay longer on an island rather than treating the entire outing as a sequence of quick photo stops.

The cost and menu are not specified, so budget separately and ask about the plan before you depart. Restaurant time also uses part of your four-hour outing. If caves and swimming are your top priorities, you may prefer a shorter meal or skip lunch altogether.

I would not choose the restaurant option without discussing timing. A private itinerary works best when you decide what matters most before the boat pulls away.

What the private format changes

A group limit of six keeps the outing personal. You are not sharing the boat with a large crowd, and your captain can respond to your pace. That is valuable for families with children, couples who want a quieter ride, or friends who would rather set their own route.

The format also helps with small practical needs. One child can take a break from the water. A confident swimmer can spend longer snorkeling. Someone who has had enough sun can remain aboard while the rest of the group swims.

The boat itself is described as modern and clean, with drinks kept available during the trip. Water, soda, and alcoholic beverages are included. That is not a full meal service, but it removes the need to carry every drink for a half-day at sea.

The limit is capacity. Six people is the stated maximum, so larger families or groups will need another arrangement. The price is also fixed by group rather than by individual, which makes the arithmetic important.

Is $737.53 a fair price?

At $737.53 for up to six people, the maximum-group cost works out to about $123 per person. That is a much better value when six people share the boat than when only two people book it.

You are paying for privacy, a captain, speed, flexible stops, drinks, and snorkeling equipment. You are also buying time away from Dubrovnik’s crowds, which can be worth a great deal during the high season.

For two people, the same total is a serious splurge. You may prefer a shared boat if your main goal is simply to see the islands at the lowest cost. For a family or group of friends, the price becomes easier to justify, especially if you would otherwise book several separate activities.

Lunch is extra, and the exact meal cost is not given. Add that to your budget if Bowa Restaurant is part of your plan. Also remember that a four-hour tour cannot cover every island attraction in depth. The value comes from choice and comfort, not from checking every possible stop.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would recommend this for a small group that wants a flexible day on the water. It is especially well suited to:

• Families who need a private pace and easy access to swimming.
• Friends who want caves, beach time, drinks, and coastal views in one outing.
• Couples willing to pay more for privacy.
• First-time Dubrovnik visitors who want to see the city from the sea.
• People who enjoy swimming and snorkeling more than formal sightseeing.

You may want to skip it if you dislike speedboats, want a low-cost excursion, or prefer a longer, slower island visit. It is also not ideal if your schedule cannot tolerate a weather-related change.

The tour is described as accessible to most participants, but the information does not give detailed accessibility specifications. If you have mobility concerns or need particular equipment, ask before booking.

Timing, booking, and cancellation advice

The outing lasts about four hours, with roughly three hours allocated to the island portion of the route. The precise balance depends on your selected stops and the captain’s plan.

You receive confirmation at booking, and a mobile ticket is provided. Public transportation is nearby. The tour begins and ends at the same Dubrovnik meeting point.

Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted for a refund. Since weather matters, I would book early in your stay if possible, leaving room to move the trip if conditions turn bad.

Should you book this speedboat tour?

Book it if you have up to six people, enjoy swimming, and want control over your time. The strongest reasons are the private boat, the caves, the supplied snorkeling equipment, and Damir’s reported mix of local stories and friendly service.

I would be more cautious if you are traveling alone or as a couple on a tight budget. The fixed group price is easiest to justify when shared among several people. Before booking, decide which stops matter most and ask how much time you can expect at each one.

For a family or small group, this is a practical way to trade Dubrovnik’s crowded streets for open water, island villages, and a few memorable swims.

FAQ

Where does the private speedboat tour start?

The tour starts at Ribarnica ul. 1, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Dubrovnik.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately four hours. The island portion is listed as about three hours.

How many people can join?

The private tour is for a group of up to six people.

Are swimming and snorkeling included?

Swimming stops are part of the suggested itinerary, and snorkeling equipment is provided.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Water, soda, and alcoholic beverages are included.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch at a recommended local restaurant, such as Bowa Restaurant, is at your own expense.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the activity is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.