Private Boat Tours Dubrovnik Elaphiti islands & Blue cave

Dubrovnik’s best escape from the summer crowds may be a boat that takes you away from Dubrovnik. This private trip runs to the Blue Cave on Koločep, Šunj Beach, Lopud, and Šipan, with time for swimming, snorkeling, island walks, or a long lunch by the sea. Your skipper handles the navigation while you decide how active the day should be.

I especially like the flexible pace and the hotel pickup. You can visit the Blue Cave early, then leave if other boats arrive, or return later when it is quieter. I also like the small touches: towels, chilled drinks, snorkeling gear, a fridge, Wi-Fi, and a stereo. The main catch is the cost. The advertised price is $434.46 for a group of up to three, and fuel surcharges, lunch, and gratuity are extra.

Key points before you book

• The Blue Cave is on Koločep: Swim inside with provided snorkeling equipment, or simply view it from the boat.
• Your skipper can shape the day: Franco, Jure, Frankie, Peter, Maro, Mario, and other captains are named in the available tour details.
• Šunj Beach requires a swim ashore: There is no docking place, so you will enter shallow water to reach the sand.
• The tour is genuinely private: Your group has the boat, rather than sharing it with strangers.
• Lunch is optional: Bowa and other island restaurants can be arranged, but the meal is not included.
• The full day offers better value: Four hours works for caves and a swim, while eight hours allows island towns, lunch, and a slower pace.

Why a private boat makes sense around Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik’s old town can feel crowded, especially when cruise ships are in port. The Elaphiti islands offer a useful change of rhythm: open water, quiet coves, small harbors, and swimming stops that do not require another bus ride or walking tour.

The private format is the real reason to consider this trip. If your group wants to swim for an hour, you can do that. If you would rather walk through Lopud, eat lunch by the water, or see more of the coast, the skipper can adjust the plan.

That freedom matters more than a long list of stops. A fixed group excursion may move on just as you find a good swimming spot. Here, captains such as Franco and Frankie are described as letting families and couples set the pace, while still explaining the islands and suggesting sensible places to stop.

You also get privacy. That suits couples on a honeymoon, families with children, or a small group that wants its own music, food, and conversation. It is less suitable if you want a tightly scheduled sightseeing tour with a guide giving a constant stream of historical facts.

The advertised price of $434.46 covers a group of up to three. That is not a bargain for one person, but it becomes more reasonable when split between three people and compared with a private car, boat, and flexible guide service. Confirm the exact boat size and capacity before paying, since the supplied tour information also describes larger groups using bigger boats and yachts.

Fuel is extra, with possible surcharges listed from €70 to €250 depending on the vessel and route. Ask for the exact surcharge for your booking. That one question will give you a much clearer idea of the final cost.

Blue Cave on Koločep: go early or return later

The Blue Cave is the headline stop. It sits on Koločep, one of the Elaphiti islands, and you can enter the cave with the snorkeling equipment supplied on the boat. An underwater camera is also available for photographs.

The appeal is simple: you see the coast from above the water, then get a look into its caves and coves from the surface. You do not need to be a serious snorkeler. You can swim inside the cave, snorkel for a while, or remain on the boat and come back later.

That last option is important. The Blue Cave is popular, so the skipper can take you there early, leave if it becomes crowded, and return later. This is a much better plan than treating the cave as a one-chance photo stop.

Allow about an hour here, though the actual time depends on the sea, boat traffic, and your group. Bring a swimsuit, sun cream, and a soft bag rather than hard luggage. Towels are supplied, but you should still bring your own if you prefer a particular size or extra dry clothing.

The practical concern is access. You will be swimming in open water, and the activity requires enough comfort in the sea to use the cave. Service animals are allowed, and the operator says most people can participate, but ask ahead if anyone in your group has mobility or swimming concerns.

Šunj Beach: sandy shore with a wet arrival

Šunj Beach on Lopud is one of the tour’s best stops if you want sand rather than stone. It is known for swimming and a forest bar called Bindo, where you can stop for cocktails or a break in the shade.

There is no docking place directly at the beach. You will need to swim through shallow water to reach shore, so wear a swimsuit and keep phones, wallets, and cameras in a dry bag. This is a small detail, but it can make the difference between a relaxed arrival and a soggy one.

Plan around an hour here. You can stay in the water, walk onto the beach, or have a drink before returning to the boat. Families should note that the shore access is by water, even though it is shallow.

The beach can also be a good choice for groups that do not want a full restaurant lunch. You can spend time swimming, use the boat’s cooler, and keep the day moving. If you prefer a proper meal, the skipper can suggest other waterfront places on the islands.

Lopud village: add a walk between swims

Lopud gives the day a cultural pause. The village has old seafaring connections, late Renaissance buildings, and later architecture including the Grand Hotel. You can stroll through the settlement, stop for ice cream, or simply enjoy a little time away from the boat.

One useful feature is the possibility of being dropped at one side of the harbor and picked up at another. That lets you walk without retracing every step. The precise arrangement depends on the skipper and the conditions, so discuss it before leaving the boat.

Lopud works well for people who want more than swimming. It is not a formal guided walking tour, and the supplied details do not promise a detailed historical presentation. Still, a skipper can point out places of interest and give you time to explore independently.

I would use Lopud as a reset in the middle of an eight-hour trip. After caves and swimming, a short walk and coffee can make the rest of the day feel less like a checklist.

Šipan and Sudurad: harbors, castles, and lunch

Šipan is the largest of the Elaphiti islands included in the route. At Sudurad, you can leave the boat to see a Renaissance castle and a fortified church tower, or remain aboard and cruise through the bay toward a quieter anchorage.

This is the stop for people who want a little history without giving up the sea. The sights are close to the old port, and you can choose between walking ashore and simply viewing the coast from the water.

The planned time here is about an hour, but private touring gives you room to adjust. If the weather is hot, a short look at the harbor may be enough. If your group enjoys old buildings, you can spend longer ashore.

Close to Sudurad is Bowa, a waterfront restaurant in a private bay with a beach, lounges, and cabanas. Lunch there is optional, and there are other restaurants if Bowa does not suit your budget or schedule.

Bowa is a setting-first choice. It offers the pleasure of eating beside the water, but restaurant meals are not included in the tour price. Ask the skipper to arrange a reservation if you have your heart set on it, particularly during the busiest months. You may also bring your own food and drinks aboard, which gives you a cheaper option.

Four hours or eight hours?

The tour is advertised as lasting roughly four to eight hours. Your choice changes the character of the day.

A four-hour outing is enough for a focused coastal trip. You might visit the Blue Cave, stop for a swim, see Šunj Beach, and return to Dubrovnik. This works well if you have limited time, children who tire easily, or another activity planned.

An eight-hour trip is more relaxed. You can spend time at the Blue Cave, swim at a second cove, walk around Lopud, stop at Šipan or Sudurad, and sit down for lunch. You are less likely to feel that every stop is controlled by the clock.

Several details make the longer option worthwhile. The boat has cushions where you can stretch out, a stereo for your own playlist, and drinks available onboard. You can also spend more time in the water instead of rushing from one island to the next.

If you are visiting Dubrovnik during hot weather, the boat itself becomes a pleasant base. You get shade when you need it, open-air views when you want them, and the chance to cool off without returning to the city.

What is included, and what costs extra?

The tour includes private transportation from your Dubrovnik hotel or accommodation, followed by a private return transfer. Pickup outside Dubrovnik costs extra: €30 from the Sheraton Hotel, €30 from Župa Dubrovačka, and €50 from Cavtat.

On the boat, you have access to the listed amenities:

• Snorkeling equipment
• Towels
• Fridge
• Wi-Fi
• Stereo
• Drinks and, according to the supplied tour details, snacks on some outings
• Space to bring your own food and beverages

The exact boat varies. Some experiences use a speedboat, while larger groups have used a 43-foot Velasco yacht with a captain and crew. Confirm the boat type, seating, shade, and maximum capacity when booking.

Fuel is not included. The possible surcharge ranges widely, from €70 to €250 per booking, so treat it as a major part of your budget rather than a minor footnote. Restaurant food, cocktails, and gratuity for the skipper or crew are also extra.

The operator offers a full refund or free rescheduling if poor weather causes cancellation. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

The captains matter more than the schedule

The boat is important, but the skipper will shape your day. The supplied information names Franco, Jure, Frankie, Peter, Maro, Mario, Matt, Frano, Ino, and Josep among the captains and crew members used for different outings.

The strongest pattern is flexibility. Franco is described as explaining the possible stops with a map and then allowing a father and son to choose between caves, Lopud, and swimming. Frankie is associated with family outings, island walks, and restaurant suggestions. Peter is described as keeping the boat clean, setting up lunch, and not rushing the day.

That does not mean every captain will run the same route. It means you should speak up. Tell the skipper if swimming matters more than sightseeing, if your children need shorter stops, or if you want time for lunch. The private format only pays off when you use it.

English is offered, and the tour information says you will have an English-speaking captain or guide. Confirmation is received at booking time. A call or message may also be used to confirm pickup and timing the evening before.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would recommend this for:

• Couples who want a private day on the water
• Families comfortable swimming from a boat
• Small groups splitting the cost
• Honeymooners looking for privacy
• People who dislike fixed group schedules
• Anyone wanting caves, beaches, island villages, and lunch in one outing

It is less suitable if you want a low-cost group boat, guaranteed calm water, or a formal historical tour. The Blue Cave and Šunj Beach both involve water access, and the tour operates in all weather conditions unless conditions become bad enough for cancellation. Dress for the forecast and bring sun protection.

The tour is also not ideal for anyone who wants every cost included upfront. Fuel, food, drinks at restaurants, and gratuity can add a noticeable amount.

Should you book this Dubrovnik boat tour?

Book it if you value control more than a fixed route. The best parts are the private boat, the chance to return to the Blue Cave after the crowds thin, the sandy stop at Šunj, and the freedom to balance swimming with Lopud and Šipan.

For the best value, choose the longest duration your budget allows and share the cost with two or more people. Before confirming, ask for the exact boat, fuel surcharge, pickup point, and expected plan for lunch.

I would choose the eight-hour version for a first visit to Dubrovnik if you want a full day outside the old town. Choose four hours if you mainly want the Blue Cave and a swim. Either way, this is a strong option for seeing the Elaphiti islands at your own pace, provided you are comfortable with the extra costs and water-based access.

FAQ

How much does the private boat tour cost?

The advertised price is $434.46 per group of up to three people. Fuel surcharges range from €70 to €250 depending on the boat and booking, while lunch, restaurant drinks, and gratuity are extra.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately four to eight hours. A shorter trip can focus on the Blue Cave and swimming, while the longer option allows time for Lopud, Šipan, Sudurad, and lunch.

Is hotel pickup included?

Private return transportation from hotels or accommodation in the Dubrovnik area is included. Pickup from the Sheraton Hotel, Župa Dubrovačka, or Cavtat costs an additional €30, €30, or €50 respectively.

Can I swim inside the Blue Cave?

Yes. The Blue Cave is on Koločep, and snorkeling equipment is provided. You can also choose to view the cave from the boat and return later if the area is crowded.

Do I need to swim to reach Šunj Beach?

Yes. There is no docking place at Šunj Beach, so you need to swim through shallow water to reach the shore.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is optional and is not included in the tour price. Bowa and other restaurants on the islands can be chosen, and you may bring your own food and drinks on the boat.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If poor weather causes the tour to be canceled, you can receive a full refund or reschedule for another date. You may cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time.