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

The best part of this Dubrovnik boat trip is the freedom to shape your day around the sea. You can spend more time swimming in Koločep’s clear coves, linger over coffee in Šipan, or stretch out on Lopud’s sandy Šunj Beach instead of rushing from one fixed stop to the next.

I like the private group limit of six, which keeps the boat personal and makes it easier to ask the skipper for a change of plan. I also like the practical extras: snorkeling gear, a sunshade, a fridge, water, soft drinks, wine, and beer are included.

The main drawback is the ride itself. Speedboats can be bumpy, and entering caves or swimming from the boat calls for good swimming ability. You also need to bring your own swimsuit, and the best route depends on good weather.

Key points to know before booking

• Three islands in one flexible outing: Visit Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep, with stop lengths adjusted to fit a four-hour or eight-hour trip.
• A true private boat: Only your group of up to six people takes part, so you are not sharing the day with a large crowd.
• Best swimming stop: Koločep offers clear water, small coves, caves, cliffs, fish, and snorkeling opportunities.
• Best beach stop: Lopud’s famous Šunj Beach is sandy, unusual for this part of the Adriatic, and easy to pair with a walk or meal.
• Most traditional stop: Šipan’s Suđurađ port gives you a look at old stone houses, fishing boats, and island life.
• Strong skipper service: Roko, Luca, Ivan, Mark, Eric, and Tito are among the skippers associated with especially warm, attentive service, though you cannot assume a particular skipper will be assigned.

Why this boat trip works well from Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik’s old town is beautiful, but its shore can feel crowded in summer. A speedboat gives you a quick escape into open water and lets you see the Elaphiti Islands from a useful angle: not as a checklist of sights, but as a string of beaches, ports, wooded paths, and swimming spots.

This is a private activity for up to six people. That matters more than it might at first seem. You can choose how long to stay at each island, ask for more time in the water, or cut a stop short if the heat or motion wears you down. A large group tour rarely gives you that choice.

The outing lasts about four to eight hours. The shorter version works for a half-day taste of the islands. The longer version gives you time to slow down, swim, walk, have a drink, and enjoy the boat ride without watching the clock at every stop.

The price is $720.84 per group. For six people, that works out to about $120 per person. For two people, the per-person cost is much higher, but you are paying for a private boat rather than seats on a shared excursion. The value is strongest for a family or group of friends that wants privacy and control over the day.

Pickup is offered within the Dubrovnik city area for locations more than one kilometer from the starting point. The usual meeting point is Yacht Club Orsan, at Ul. Ivana pl. Zajca 4. Pickup under one kilometer from the starting point is not included, and pickup outside the Dubrovnik city area is not offered.

Lopud, the beach and walking stop

Lopud is likely to be the most varied stop. It gives you a beach, old stone buildings, footpaths, greenery, food, drinks, and several optional sights in one place. If you want more than a quick swim, this is the island where you can spend a good part of the day.

The main draw is Šunj Beach, one of the area’s better-known sandy beaches. Sand is a welcome change from the rocky shore found across much of the Croatian coast. If you prefer easy swimming and a relaxed beach break, ask to give Lopud enough time for Šunj rather than treating it as a short photo stop.

Lopud also has old forests, olive groves, vineyards, stone houses, and views across the islands. The walking paths can add a little exercise to a day that otherwise happens from a boat seat. You might find the island especially appealing if you want a break from swimming but do not want a formal sightseeing tour.

The island has places to buy food and drinks, including cocktails, olive oil, wine, and other local products. That makes it a sensible lunch or refreshment stop, though the tour details do not specify that a meal is included. Bring money if you want to buy something ashore.

Several unusual sights are connected with Lopud. The island is home to one of Europe’s oldest botanical gardens, and a place called the Temple of Sun uses changing shades of light as part of its appeal. These sights may require walking and time away from the waterfront, so you will need to choose between exploring and swimming if your visit is short.

The stop is listed as about two hours on the shorter plan, but the exact time depends on whether you book four or eight hours and how you arrange the day with the skipper. I would prioritize Šunj Beach and the old paths unless you already have a particular interest in the garden or Temple of Sun.

Šipan, the quietest port call

Šipan is the largest of the Elaphiti Islands and offers a different mood from Lopud. Suđurađ, the port named for this trip, is a small fishing settlement with old stone houses, boats, and families who have kept local traditions alive.

This is the stop for a slow coffee and a little history. You can sit near the old fishing port, walk around, or simply watch island life unfold. The visit is listed as about one hour, but you can adjust the timing with the skipper.

Šipan’s past is tied to Dubrovnik’s wealthy families, who used the island as a summer retreat in the 15th century. You can find remains of old palaces, including the late-Gothic Rector’s Palace and the ruins of archbishops’ palaces. In Suđurađ, the 16th-century castle of the Stjepović-Skočibuha family sits near a defensive tower built to guard against pirates.

You do not need to turn this into a serious history lesson. The pleasure is in seeing these buildings beside working boats and simple island homes. The contrast helps you understand how Šipan served both as a retreat for powerful Dubrovnik families and as a real fishing community.

Šipan is also known for its olive trees. The island is associated with a Guinness World Records claim for the largest number of olive trees on one island. The more useful point for your visit is that olive growing is part of the island’s character, not just a decorative detail.

I would choose Šipan for a quiet hour rather than a long beach session. If your group wants constant swimming and action, this may feel like the slowest stop. If you like ports, old buildings, and a less commercial feel, it may be the most memorable part of the route.

Koločep, the main swimming and cave stop

Koločep is the natural finale for a day built around water. The island has clear sea, small coves, underwater life, caves, cliffs, pine trees, and olive trees. You can swim, snorkel, explore a cave, or take a short break on the beach.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins. The water is described as full of fish and seashells, giving you something to look for beyond the usual quick swim.

The caves are a major reason to reserve enough time for Koločep. The exact cave route can depend on conditions and the skipper, but the outing gives you the chance to see the island’s rocky shore from close range. Some people have particularly enjoyed swimming in a blue cave with only a few other boats nearby.

Take the swimming warning seriously. The sea may have waves, and cave entrances are not necessarily wide or easy to enter. You should be comfortable in open water before choosing to swim into a cave. If you are not a confident swimmer, stay near the boat or beach and tell the skipper what you need.

Koločep also has two settlements, Gornje Čelo and Donje Čelo. A short walk through either one gives you a glimpse of a traditional Mediterranean village in southern Dalmatia. This is a good reminder that the island is more than a swimming platform.

The island is said to have as many as 250 sunny days a year, but the weather still matters on the day of your trip. Wind and waves can affect how comfortable the speedboat feels and which coves are practical. The company requires good weather and offers another date or a full refund if poor weather causes cancellation.

What the speedboat ride is really like

The boat includes a sunshade, fridge, and sundeck. Those features make a difference during a long summer outing. You can get out of direct sun, keep drinks cool, and stretch out between stops.

Water, soda, wine, and beer are included. That covers basic refreshment, but it does not mean lunch is supplied. Since Lopud has restaurants and bars, you can plan to buy food there if your timing allows.

The boat is fast, but speed comes with motion. The ride can be bumpy, especially if the sea is not calm. If you get motion sick, sit where the skipper advises and avoid assuming that a smooth day in the harbor will mean a smooth day offshore.

The skipper is a large part of the experience. Eric has been especially attentive to passengers’ comfort, even lending a windbreaker when one person felt cold. Roko has been praised for a friendly approach, while Tito has offered useful tips and stories. Luca and Ivan have also been associated with relaxed, personal outings, including birthday celebrations and music on board.

Those names can help you know what sort of service to hope for, but you should not book on the assumption that a specific skipper will be available. The booking information does not promise a named guide. English is offered, and the activity is private, so you can communicate your preferences more easily than on a large group boat.

How to plan the four-hour or eight-hour version

The four-hour option is best if you want a brisk sample of the islands. You can expect time for the three main stops, but each visit will need to stay focused. I would choose Lopud for the beach, Šipan for a quick port walk or coffee, and Koločep for a swim.

The eight-hour option is better if your priority is relaxation. It gives you a chance to spend longer at Šunj Beach, walk on Lopud, sit down in Šipan, and swim or snorkel at Koločep without turning every stop into a race.

Because the stop lengths are flexible, speak clearly with the skipper at the start. Tell the crew if your group cares most about beaches, caves, village life, or food. This is one of the main reasons to pay for a private boat.

A simple plan might look like this:

• Begin with Lopud for the beach and a walk.
• Stop in Šipan for coffee and the port.
• Finish at Koločep when you are ready for the longest swim.
• Use the remaining time for a cove, cave, or second swim, depending on conditions.

The listed stop times of roughly two hours at Lopud, one hour at Šipan, and one hour at Koločep fit the shorter outing, but they are not rigid rules. The final plan depends on your chosen duration and the conditions at sea.

What to bring and what not to expect

Bring a swimsuit. It is specifically not included, and you will not want to miss the best swimming stops because you are wearing street clothes.

You should also bring a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and a phone case or dry bag if you want to take photos near the water. These items are sensible for a boat day, though they are not listed as included supplies.

The company provides bottled water, soda, alcoholic drinks, snorkeling equipment, and a sunshade. That reduces the amount you need to pack, but it does not replace a meal. Plan on buying food in Lopud or arranging with your group before departure.

Children must be accompanied by adults. Most people can take part, but the speedboat ride, waves, and cave swimming mean that every member of your group should be comfortable with the conditions.

Who should book this private island day

I would recommend this trip to a small family, a group of friends, or a couple willing to pay more for privacy. It is particularly suited to people who want swimming and beach time but also like a little history and village life.

It is a good match for you if you want to:

• Choose your own pace.
• Swim and snorkel in clear water.
• Visit a sandy beach.
• See small fishing ports and old stone buildings.
• Have drinks and basic equipment included.
• Avoid a large shared boat.

I would think twice if you dislike bumpy rides, cannot swim confidently, or want a tightly scripted sightseeing tour. You should also compare the total cost with a shared excursion if your group is small. The price makes the most sense when six people share it.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not refunded, and the company uses local time for the cutoff. Confirmation is normally sent at booking, though a booking made within two hours of departure is subject to availability.

Should you book the Elaphiti Islands speedboat?

Book it if you want a flexible private day with three different island moods: Lopud for the beach, Šipan for the port and old buildings, and Koločep for swimming and caves. The included drinks, snorkeling gear, pickup within Dubrovnik, and group size of six add real value.

Choose the eight-hour option if you want time to relax. Choose four hours if you mainly want a fast introduction to the islands. Either way, bring a swimsuit, expect some bumps, and be honest about your swimming ability.

For a group of six, this is a strong way to turn a Dubrovnik beach day into a fuller island outing. For a pair, the price is harder to justify unless privacy and a custom schedule matter more to you than keeping costs low.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start?

The meeting point is Yacht Club Orsan at Ul. Ivana pl. Zajca 4, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included for locations more than one kilometer from the starting point within the Dubrovnik city area. Pickup under one kilometer and pickup outside Dubrovnik city are not included.

How long does the experience last?

The trip lasts approximately four to eight hours, depending on the option you book.

How many people can join?

A maximum of six people can take part in one booking, and the activity is private for your group.

Which islands are visited?

The route includes Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep. Stop lengths can be adjusted with the skipper.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with a sunshade, fridge, sundeck, bottled water, soda, wine, and beer.

Do I need to bring a swimsuit?

Yes. A swimsuit is not included, so bring your own if you plan to swim.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The activity is offered in English.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.