You do not come to Dubrovnik for quiet, so this tour gives you the break you need. It’s a private boat day that trades city heat for open water, with time to swim and snorkel in several different spots, plus lagoon time on Mljet. The route also leans west and south, which usually means calmer coves than you get when everyone piles into the same places.

I especially like the hands-on feel of the day, with your skipper shaping the timing around your comfort. In past trips, skippers like Iso and Peter were described as friendly and helpful, and that matters when you want the day to feel personal, not rushed. I also love the onboard setup on the Beneteau Flyer 850 Sun Deck Cruiser, which is built for a small group, with shade, a swim ladder, and real creature comforts.

One thing to keep in mind is the budget adds up slightly on top of the tour price: fuel is not included and is paid directly to the skipper in cash, at €300 per booking. Also, the day depends on good weather, so plan for flexibility if conditions are rough.

Key things to know before you go

• Private boat for up to 7 people, plus skipper, with hotel or port pickup and drop-off
• Multiple swim and snorkel stops, including Kolocep’s Blue Cave area and coves on the Elaphite Islands
• Mljet lagoon time on the southern side at Lemuni Lagoon, with about 3 hours there
• Onboard comfort features like a Bimini-top (sunshade), freshwater shower, refrigerator, and Bluetooth stereo
• Snorkeling gear and paddleboard included, plus drinks like water, juices, soda, and beer
• Fuel is extra, paid in cash to the skipper (€300 per booking)

A private boat day that trades Dubrovnik traffic for sea time

Dubrovnik is gorgeous, but it can feel like a giant open-air crush during peak hours. This excursion is designed for a simple goal, get you out on the water and keep you there. You’ll start with pickup, then settle onto a small cruiser built for groups like yours, not big cattle-style tours.

The day’s best advantage is variety without the stress of switching ferries and schedules. You’re moving island to island, but you’re not constantly packing or tracking connections. That’s a big deal when you want to spend your limited vacation hours actually in the water.

I also like the tone of the planning, the itinerary has a structure, but the skipper has flexibility. You’re not locked into a rigid timetable where you’re standing around waiting for a bell. In real terms, that usually means more time to swim when the conditions are right.

Your ride: Beneteau Flyer 850 Sun Deck Cruiser comfort you can feel

This isn’t a tiny speedboat with nowhere to put your stuff. It’s a Beneteau Flyer 850 Sun Deck Cruiser with room for up to 8 persons plus the crew member. The boat is about 8.7 m long (29 ft) with a 3.0 m beam, and it cruises around 22 knots. Translation: you get to cover water distance without feeling like the day takes forever.

Comfort details matter more on a day like this, and the boat is set up for that:

• Bimini-top (sunshade) for when you’re not in the water
• Swim ladder for easier entry and exit
• Freshwater shower so you can rinse off salt before you go back to land
• Refrigerator for keeping drinks chilled
• Bluetooth stereo and power (220 V) plus USB outlets for charging
• Safety equipment included, plus basic setup like a toilet (listed as part of the interior)

You’ll also have snorkeling equipment provided and use of a paddleboard. If you like being active, this kind of setup is a good match because you can switch from swim to snorkel to paddleboard without waiting for anyone else.

How the 8-hour route flows, and why it feels calmer

The tour runs about 8 hours. The exact order is set, but the time at each stop is flexible based on your comfort and your skipper’s judgment. That matters because the day’s quality often comes down to water conditions and how long it takes you to enjoy a place.

You’ll hit four main stops:

1) Kolocep Island

2) Mljet Island

3) Sipanska Luka, with time for Jakljan and Sipan (Sipanska Luka, Prijezba)

4) Elaphiti Islands for more swimming and snorkeling

That structure is smart for avoiding the all-day “one beach, lots of waiting” problem. You get a quick hit of Blue Cave area time, then you shift to Mljet’s lagoon environment, then you move through western Elaphite options, then you finish with classic coves for swimming.

Also, because it’s private, your group pace drives the day. You don’t have to match your timing to a dozen strangers’ idea of fun.

Stop 1, Kolocep Island: Blue Cave swimming and snorkeling time

Kolocep Island is where the day kicks off, with about 45 minutes and admission included. The focus is the Blue Cave area for swimming and snorkeling, and the time frame is flexible based on your comfort.

This stop is a good choice for two reasons. First, it’s early enough that you’re fresh, not sunburnt and dehydrated from later mistakes. Second, cave-adjacent snorkeling tends to feel different from open-water swims because you’re exploring something slightly more dramatic than a plain coastline.

Practical tip: bring your snorkeling routine. If you’re new to it, it helps to practice basic mask breathing before you head into cooler water. Snorkeling gear is included, so you won’t have to haul your own, but it still helps to make sure everything fits comfortably right away.

Stop 2, Mljet Island: Lemuni Lagoon for a slower kind of swim

Next comes Mljet, specifically the southern side and Lemuni Lagoon. You get about 3 hours, with admission included. Swimming and exploration are the core idea, and lunch is optional on the island.

This is your change of pace. Instead of another quick stop, Mljet is where you can relax, float, swim, and actually spend time enjoying a body of water that feels a bit more protected than open sea. If you like the idea of switching from “action” to “take your time,” this is the part of the day that gives you breathing room.

One note for planning: lunch isn’t included with the tour. Since lunch on the island is optional, you’ll want to decide on the day whether you want a full meal or just snacks. Either way, it’s nice to have choices after a morning of moving around.

Stop 3, Sipanska Luka and western Elaphites: stroll, swim, and play

Your third stop is Sipanska Luka, and this is where you get a broader look at the western Elaphite islands, including Jakljan and Sipan (Sipanska Luka, Prijezba). You’ll have about 2 hours and admission is free for this part.

What I like here is the mix. You’re not only swimming and snorkeling. You also get time to stroll around, plus more room to explore at your own pace. For many people, this is where the day starts feeling like an actual island visit rather than a series of water activities.

Because it’s free-admission time, it’s also often easier to stay flexible. If you want a quick swim and a short walk, you can do that. If you prefer a slower stroll first, you can.

If you get overheated, prioritize shade and slow breaks. The boat keeps you cool on the move, but island heat can creep up fast once you’re off the water.

Stop 4, Elaphiti Islands: the coves for classic snorkeling

The final stop is on the Elaphiti Islands with about 1 hour dedicated to swimming and snorkeling in the coves. Admission is included for this segment.

This stop works like a closer at the end of a great meal. By the time you reach it, you know what kind of water you like, and you’ve already learned how your group’s timing works. The coves are a solid finale because they tend to be visually interesting and comfortable for shorter swims.

If your group likes to stay active, you’ll probably want to use this last hour well. If you prefer a relaxed finish, you can keep it simple, swim once, snorkel once, then enjoy sitting under the sunshade while the boat moves between spots.

What’s included, and what you’ll pay separately

This tour is priced per group, up to 7 people. The total listed price is $1,403.97 per group, and it’s for an 8-hour private outing.

What you get for that price is substantial:

• Hotel/port pickup and drop-off
• Skipper/crew
• Snorkeling equipment (included)
• Paddleboard use (included)
• Beverages like water, fruit juices, sodas, and beer
• Mobile ticket
• Local taxes
• Admission for several stops: Blue Cave (Kolocep) included, Lemuni Lagoon (Mljet) included, and the Elaphiti coves included

Costs not included are important to factor in:

• Fuel costs are not included and are paid directly to the skipper in cash at €300 per booking
• Lunch is not included

The value equation: you’re paying for (1) a private boat with amenities, (2) multiple swim-capable stops, (3) gear and drinks, and (4) a skipper who handles the moves between islands. The extra fuel fee is the one surprise people sometimes forget, so keep it in mind when comparing options.

If you’re splitting this among 6 or 7 people, it can feel like a real bargain compared to booking multiple separate experiences. If you’re only a smaller group, it may still be worth it for the privacy, but you’ll feel the cost more.

Pickup, timing, and the little practicalities that matter

Pickup is offered, and you’ll be picked up in a vehicle, then transferred to the boat. Past experiences also highlight smooth timing, with skippers and teams showing up on schedule and handling the handoff without drama.

The tour also works well for people who want to avoid stress. It is private, meaning only your group participates, so you’re not waiting for strangers to locate their sunscreen.

Two practical packing tips are worth repeating:

• Bring towels, swimsuits, camera, and sun block
• If you’re prone to needing a power boost, note that the boat has USB outlets and 220 V power

Also, because the itinerary is weather-dependent, you should be ready for the day to shift if conditions require it. The experience is designed to run when the sea cooperates.

Weather and cancellation: plan for flexibility, not certainty

This excursion requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

One other reality check: the experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason if you cancel. That means it’s best suited for dates you genuinely can protect. If your schedule is tight or you hate gambling on weather, you might consider building extra buffer days into your Dubrovnik trip.

Who this private Elaphite and Mljet boat day fits best

This is ideal for you if you want:

• A swim-first day rather than a sightseeing-only day
• A private group experience with a skipper who can adjust timing
• Different water experiences in one go, cave area swimming, lagoon time, island coves

It’s also a strong match for couples or small friend groups. In honeymoon-style trip stories, this kind of private day often lands as a highlight because it feels personal and unhurried.

If your group includes non-swimmers, the inclusion of the sunshade, freshwater shower, drinks, and time to stroll makes it easier to keep everyone comfortable. The activities are centered on water, but it’s not only standing in one place.

Should you book this tour?

Book it if you want a high-value, low-stress day that combines privacy, multiple swim opportunities, and real onboard comfort. The boat is set up for small groups, you get gear and drinks, and the stops are chosen to keep the day feeling varied.

Think twice if:

• You’re traveling at a time when weather is uncertain and your dates are inflexible
• You dislike tours with extra cash-on-the-day costs, because fuel is an additional €300 paid directly to the skipper
• You need lunch included, since lunch is optional and not part of the price

If you can handle the weather factor and plan for the fuel fee, this is the kind of Dubrovnik outing that makes sense. It gets you out of the city, keeps your schedule in motion, and gives you multiple chances to enjoy the Adriatic at your own pace.

FAQ

How long is the Elaphite Islands & Mljet private boat excursion?

The duration is about 8 hours.

What is the group size for this private tour?

It’s a private tour for up to 7 people, plus the skipper/crew.

Do you get pickup from Dubrovnik?

Yes, hotel or port pickup and drop-off are included.

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?

No. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you’ll also have use of a paddleboard.

What stops are included during the day?

The itinerary includes Kolocep Island, Mljet Island (Lemuni Lagoon), Sipanska Luka (with time for Jakljan and Sipan), and swimming and snorkeling in the Elaphite Islands’ coves.

Are admission tickets included for all stops?

Admission is included for Kolocep Island (Blue Cave area), Lemuni Lagoon on Mljet, and the Elaphite Islands coves. The Sipanska Luka stop is listed as admission free.

Are beverages included on the boat?

Yes. Water, fruit juices, sodas, and beer are included.

What costs extra besides the tour price?

Fuel costs are not included. They are payable directly to the skipper in cash at €300 per booking. Lunch is also not included.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is the tour refundable if I cancel?

No. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.