Reviewed · ISLAND HOPPING TOURS

Private Elaphiti Islands Tailor-Made Boat Tour 4h -All inclusive

★ 5.0 · 38 reviews 4 hours (approx.) Operated by Hello Dubrovnik by Boat · Bookable on Viator
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Koločep’s Blue Cave is the star here. You’ll reach it by private speedboat, swim a short distance from the boat, and look back through clear blue water as the cave takes on its famous color. I like that your local skipper can adjust the outing to your group, and that beer, wine, soft drinks, water, snacks, and snorkeling gear are already on board.

I also like the calm finish at Šunj Beach, where shallow water and sand make an easy break after the caves. The main drawback is the fuel charge of €65 per person, which is listed separately from the $322.33 group price. Check the final cost before booking, especially if your group is small.

Key points at a glance

Private Elaphiti Islands Tailor-Made Boat Tour 4h -All inclusive - Key points at a glance

  • Private boat for up to six: Your group has the speedboat and skipper to itself, with no strangers sharing the ride.
  • Koločep’s Blue Cave: Swim from the boat into a small cave, with rocks nearby where you can pause if needed.
  • Two very different island stops: Koločep brings caves and snorkeling, while Lopud offers a sandy beach and calm bay.
  • Drinks and snacks included: Beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and snacks are supplied during the outing.
  • Flexible local guidance: Skippers can suggest good spots and adapt the pace to your wishes. Nick is one skipper specifically praised for finding appealing stops and meeting group needs.
  • Important cost detail: The listed rate is $322.33 per group, but fuel is shown separately at €65 per person.

A private four-hour escape from Dubrovnik

Private Elaphiti Islands Tailor-Made Boat Tour 4h -All inclusive - A private four-hour escape from Dubrovnik

This is a short sea outing with a useful split: roughly two hours at Koločep, one hour at Šunj Beach, and the remaining time used for boat travel. You get a taste of the Elaphiti Islands without giving up a full day in Dubrovnik.

The private format matters. Up to six people can travel together, so you can set a pace that suits your own group. If some of you want to swim and snorkel while others prefer to stay on the boat, the skipper can help shape the stop around those needs.

Your meeting point is Lapadska Obala Pier at Lapadska obala 5. The boat returns to the same place, and hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Plan your own way to the pier and allow enough time to find it before departure.

The listed duration is about four hours, including travel time. That means the advertised three hours at the islands should not be read as three full hours of swimming and beach time. The speedboat helps cover the distance, but time on the water still includes the ride between Dubrovnik, Koločep, Lopud, and the return pier.

More Boat Tours in Elaphiti Islands

Koločep and the short swim to the Blue Cave

Koločep, also called Kalamota by local residents, is the first island stop. The focus here is the coastline, especially the small Blue Cave.

You reach the cave from the boat and swim a short distance inside. The water is described as warm, clear, and very blue, which makes this the most active part of the trip. You receive a snorkeling mask, so you can look beneath the surface rather than simply step in for a quick dip.

The cave is not presented as a large walk-in cavern. It is small, and you enter from the water. Rocks run along the side, giving you places to stop if you need a rest, but you should still be comfortable swimming before choosing this tour.

A local skipper is useful here. The skipper handles the boat, points out the best approach, and can help you understand how to enter the cave safely. Nick is specifically praised for taking a group to good spots and adjusting the outing to its needs, though your assigned skipper may be someone else.

The cave stop also gives you freedom. You can snorkel, swim, or stay on board with a drink. Since the boat is private, you do not have to match the schedule of a large group. That is a real advantage for families and friends with different energy levels.

Keep your expectations practical. The Blue Cave is one stop, not an extended caving trip. Weather and sea conditions affect access, water clarity, and comfort. This experience requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Šunj Beach on Lopud for sand and shallow water

Private Elaphiti Islands Tailor-Made Boat Tour 4h -All inclusive - Šunj Beach on Lopud for sand and shallow water

After Koločep, the boat continues to Šunj Beach on Lopud Island. The mood changes from rocky coastline and swimming to a slower beach break.

Šunj is a spacious sandy beach with shallow, calm water. That combination is useful if you are traveling with children, prefer an easy swim, or simply want to sit in the shallows after time on the boat. The bay is naturally sheltered, so it is intended as the relaxed part of the outing.

You will have about an hour here according to the planned schedule. That is enough for a swim, a walk along the sand, or a drink at one of the beach bars, but it is not a long beach day. If beach time is your main reason for booking, you may find the stop brief.

The beach has cocktail bars serving food, and one has hammocks between the trees. These details make Šunj a pleasant place to slow down, but lunch is not included in the tour. Bring your own budget for food if you plan to eat there.

The shallow water is a strong point for families, but the beach setting can also appeal to adults who want an uncomplicated break. You get a little more structure than simply stopping at an isolated cove, with places to sit, eat, or order a drink nearby.

What is included on the boat

Private Elaphiti Islands Tailor-Made Boat Tour 4h -All inclusive - What is included on the boat

The package covers several items that make a short boat tour easier:

  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Life jackets
  • Beer, wine, soft drinks, and water
  • Snacks
  • Skipper
  • All fees and taxes

The drinks are especially useful because the outing takes place in the sun and includes swimming. You do not need to organize every bottle before leaving Dubrovnik. Snacks are included as well, though you should not treat them as a replacement for lunch.

Life jackets are supplied, and snorkeling equipment is available if you want it. The description does not specify the exact sizes or types of equipment, so contact the provider if a particular mask or vest is important for your group.

Lunch is not included. You can buy food at Šunj Beach, but that adds both cost and time to the beach stop. If you prefer a full meal, plan ahead and ask how much flexibility the skipper can offer.

More Island Hopping Tours in Elaphiti Islands:

The price, fuel charge, and value for six people

Private Elaphiti Islands Tailor-Made Boat Tour 4h -All inclusive - The price, fuel charge, and value for six people

The listed price is $322.33 per group of up to six. On the surface, that works out to about $54 per person for a full group before the separate fuel charge. A private boat, skipper, drinks, equipment, and snacks make that a reasonable starting price for a small group that values privacy.

The important catch is fuel. The information lists €65 per person separately. For six people, that would add €390 if charged to every participant, a major difference from the base price. Because the displayed rate is in dollars while the fuel amount is in euros, ask the operator to confirm the complete total, how fuel is collected, and whether the charge applies to every member of the group.

For two people, the cost per person becomes much higher. This tour makes better financial sense for a family or group of friends who can share the boat and any fixed costs. If you are alone or traveling as a couple, compare the final total with a shared boat trip.

The private format still has value beyond the arithmetic. You avoid a large group schedule, can spend more time where your group prefers, and have a skipper available for local suggestions. If those points matter more to you than getting the lowest possible price, the tour can be a good fit.

Timing, meeting point, and practical planning

Private Elaphiti Islands Tailor-Made Boat Tour 4h -All inclusive - Timing, meeting point, and practical planning

The tour starts and ends at Lapadska Obala Pier, Lapadska obala 5, Dubrovnik. There is no hotel pickup or return, so you need to handle transportation to the pier yourself. The meeting point is near public transportation.

A mobile ticket is accepted, and confirmation is provided when you book. The activity is offered in English. Service animals are allowed, and the information says most people can participate.

You should bring practical swim gear, sun protection, and anything you need for the ride. The supplied information confirms drinks, snacks, snorkeling equipment, and life jackets, but it does not specify towels, changing facilities, or storage. Do not assume those are provided.

The sea portion depends on weather. If conditions are poor and the operator cancels, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted for a refund.

Who will enjoy this Elaphiti Islands trip

Private Elaphiti Islands Tailor-Made Boat Tour 4h -All inclusive - Who will enjoy this Elaphiti Islands trip

I would choose this outing for a group that wants a short private boat experience rather than a full-day island cruise. Four hours is enough to see two different island settings while keeping time free for Dubrovnik’s old town, museums, or an evening meal.

Families may like Šunj Beach because of its sand and shallow water. Still, the Blue Cave requires a swim from the boat, so make sure everyone who wants to enter is comfortable in open water. Those who do not wish to swim can remain on board.

Friends who want a relaxed social outing should appreciate the included drinks and snacks. The private setting also makes it easier to play the day by ear, within the limits of a four-hour schedule.

You may want another option if you need a long beach stay, a full lunch, hotel transfers, or a guaranteed fixed total with no separate fuel charge. This is a compact boat trip, not a complete Elaphiti Islands day.

How the skipper shapes the experience

Private Elaphiti Islands Tailor-Made Boat Tour 4h -All inclusive - How the skipper shapes the experience

The boat and itinerary provide the outline, but the skipper can make the difference. You are not simply being delivered to two stops. The skipper can share local tips, help with the Blue Cave approach, suggest where to spend your time, and respond to your group’s preferences.

Nick is specifically praised for taking a group to the best spots and accommodating its needs. That is exactly the kind of service you want on a private trip, but it is worth keeping the wording in perspective: Nick may not be your skipper on every departure.

A private boat gives you more room to ask for adjustments than a large shared excursion. Still, the skipper must work with weather, sea conditions, fuel, and the fixed four-hour window. Flexibility does not mean unlimited time at every stop.

My verdict: book it if the final price works

Book this tour if you are a group of up to six that wants a private speedboat, a short swim at Koločep’s Blue Cave, and an easy beach hour at Šunj. The included drinks, snacks, snorkeling gear, and local skipper keep the outing simple, while the two islands offer enough variety for a half-day plan.

Before paying, confirm the €65-per-person fuel charge and ask for the complete cost in writing. That detail can change the value considerably, particularly for a small group.

If your priorities are privacy, swimming, and a flexible local experience, this is a strong choice. If you want the lowest price, a long beach stay, or lunch and hotel transfers included, compare other options first. The five-star rating from 38 reviews and 100 percent recommendation are encouraging, but the price details still deserve your attention.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour start?

The tour starts at Lapadska Obala Pier, Lapadska obala 5, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point at Lapadska Obala Pier.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts about four hours, including travel time between Dubrovnik, the islands, and the return pier.

How many people can join the private tour?

The private boat can accommodate a group of up to six people.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are included.

Are drinks and snacks included?

Yes. Beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and snacks are included. Lunch is not included.

Is fuel included in the listed price?

Fuel is listed separately at €65 per person. Confirm the complete price with the provider before booking.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the tour is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

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