Speed boats make the Elafiti Islands feel close. This private speed boat day runs out of Dubrovnik on a Quicksilver 675, with stops on Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan, plus snorkel time near the Blue Cave.

I love how much control you get when it is truly private, since the skipper can adjust how long you stay and which spots you prioritize. I also like that you do not just sit on a boat, you get a built-in comfort package too, bottled water, beer, and soft drinks included. One consideration: there is no meal included, and there is a fuel surcharge that adds cost on top of the group price.

Key Things I’d Watch For Before You Go

• Private means flexible time. Your skipper can tailor stops to your pace, and you can linger or move on.
• Blue Cave is the main swim moment. You anchor near the cave, then swim in if conditions feel right.
• Sandy beach time at Lopud. Sunj beach is the play-by-the-water part of the day.
• Village stops are optional but close. Lopud and Šipan add culture and small-scale sights without changing boats.
• Budget for the extras. No meal is included, and there is a fuel surcharge per booking.

Elafiti Islands Day Trips: Why This One Works So Well From Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is packed in high season, so the best way to feel the coast is to leave quickly and go small, fast, and private. The Elafiti Islands sit just offshore, close enough for a full day without rushing every moment. This tour is built for that, an 8 hour outing that moves you among islands instead of keeping you stuck in one bay.

The big win is balance. You get water time for swimming and snorkeling, plus land time for villages, monasteries, and parks. If you want a day that feels like a mix of beach holiday and Adriatic sightseeing, this is the format that delivers.

Quicksilver 675, Private Group Pace, and What the “Private” Label Really Means

The boat for this trip is a Quicksilver 675, and the tour is for one private group up to 6 people. That matters because it changes how the day feels: you are not working around a crowd schedule or negotiating for the best time in the water. Instead, your skipper can steer the day based on how you’re doing, light conditions, and what looks calm.

On board, you get practical basics that make the day easier to manage: life jackets for adults and children, bottled water, beer, and soft drinks. You also get snorkel equipment, so you are not hunting for gear when you arrive. A GoPro camera and snorkeling masks are also provided for capturing the Blue Cave moment.

Two logistics points to keep in mind. First, there is no pickup or drop-off, so you start and end at the meeting point in Dubrovnik (Lapadska obala 4). Second, the tour works on local weather conditions, since it requires good weather and can be rescheduled or refunded if conditions are poor.

Stop 1 on Koločep: Blue Cave Swimming and Cliffside Cruise Time

Koločep is about a 20 minute sail from Dubrovnik, which is perfect for building momentum early in the day. This stop is focused, you come here for water time, especially the Blue Cave on the south side of the island. Since this is private, the skipper can shape the timing around your group, including how long you want to swim and when you want to cruise onward.

The key plan is simple: the boat anchors near the cave, and you swim in from there. Snorkeling masks are provided, and the GoPro camera is there to help you capture the moment. If you want the cave experience, this is the part of the day to treat as a priority, because the rest of the itinerary is more about variety than a single signature attraction.

After the cave, you cruise along the cliffs. That is a nice change of pace after any swimming, because you can relax while the coastline slides by. It also helps you avoid that feeling of rushing from one thing to the next, since the cave is active and the cruise is more leisurely.

What could be a drawback here? The Blue Cave swim is optional and weather dependent. If conditions make it feel too rough or visibility is off, your skipper may adjust how you experience Koločep, so have a flexible mindset and pack for changing conditions.

Stop 2 on Lopud: Sunj Beach Time, Then Monasteries and Small Sights

Lopud is where the day turns into an actual beach outing. The island is known for Sunj, a sandy beach that is ideal when you want to lie down, swim, and take a proper break from moving. You get about 3 hours here, and the nice part is you can choose your style: stay aboard and relax, or go ashore and explore.

If you stay on the boat, you still get the comfort side of the tour. Cold drinks are on board, and the boat setup makes it easy to cool off between swims without packing up and changing plans. If you go ashore, Sunj is your beach base, and you can use that time to reset your energy before the afternoon.

After the beach, you head to the Lopud village area. This is where the day adds culture without becoming a long museum crawl. You can visit the Dominican and Franciscan monastery, the Đorđić-Mayneri park, and several small churches. Even if you only do a bit of this, it adds depth to the day beyond water sports.

How to make the most of Lopud: If your group includes people with different energy levels, Lopud works well because you can split your time between beach and village. One person can linger on Sunj while another group member explores the monastery area, then you regroup with time still left.

Stop 3 on Šipan: Nature, Homemade Goods, and Secluded Coastal Views

Šipan is the largest and the most densely populated of the Elafiti islands. It also plays a different role in the day, more relaxed and more nature-focused than Lopud’s sandy beach vibe. You get around 3 hours, and the setting is all about the coast and inland details like olive trees and pine-covered slopes.

One of the more interesting angles here is what locals produce. You may see references to homemade goods such as wine, olive oil, marmalade, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Even if you do not shop, it helps you understand why this island feels different, people still use the land and sea in a practical way, not just for tourism.

Your skipper also tailors the day across all islands, which means Šipan may include a stop along the way at hidden bays and secluded beaches. That is a big reason to like a private format: you are not locked into a one-size itinerary, so you can spend more time where the water looks best.

Possible drawback to consider: Šipan is not just about one named highlight you race to. If you want a single anchor moment like a beach or cave, you may find Šipan more subtle. It works best when you like calmer island time and enjoy coastal scenery at a slower speed.

What’s Included, What Costs Extra, and How This Adds Up for Your Group

Let’s talk value, because the price is the first question most people have. The full-day private speed boat tour is $598.87 per group, up to 6 people, and it runs about 8 hours. If you fill all 6 spots, that is roughly $100 per person before any extras. That is the key math: the pricing is group-based, so the value improves as your group size fills out.

What you get is not skimpy. Included items are snorkel equipment, life jackets for adults and children, bottled water, beer and soft drinks, and a skipper. You also get all taxes, fees, and handling charges, which reduces surprise costs.

What costs extra is clearer:

• Fuel surcharge of €100 per booking (not included)
• Meal (not included)

So plan to eat before the tour or bring along a plan for lunch or snacks. Since you are out for most of the day, I treat meals as a must-budget item. If your group wants a full sit-down lunch, plan for that separately in Dubrovnik before you head to the boat meeting point.

There is also no pickup or drop-off. That matters because it can change the total cost if you need taxis to get you to Lapadska obala 4. It is still manageable, just factor it into your day.

Timing, Booking Ahead, and How to Set Yourself Up for Smooth Sailing

This experience is often booked well ahead, with an average booking window of 87 days. That is not just marketing hype, it means you should plan earlier than you think, especially if you are traveling in peak months or on weekends when groups want private boats.

The tour includes a mobile ticket, and it is offered in English. Confirmation comes at booking time, so you should not need a long wait for details. The tour also includes life jackets for adults and children, which is a comfort factor if you have kids with you.

Physical readiness is described as moderate. Translation: bring swimwear and consider your comfort level with time on the water and optional swimming. If your group wants to skip swimming, you can still enjoy the cruise and the islands from the boat, especially on the Lopud beach portion.

Finally, keep your day flexible because good weather is required. If weather disrupts plans, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Who This Tour Is Best For (and Who Might Prefer Something Else)

This is a strong fit for groups of up to 6 who want a private day with built-in variety. It works especially well if you care about snorkeling near a specific attraction, the Blue Cave, and you also want real beach time at Sunj. It is also a good match if your group includes mixed interests, some people want to swim, others want monasteries, parks, and village walks.

You might prefer a different style if you:

• Want a meal included as part of the price
• Do not want to handle getting to and from Lapadska obala 4
• Prefer a slow, long-walk sightseeing day over short island stops with a lot of water time

But if you want a coast-hopping day that feels more like a private outing than a tour bus substitute, this hits the sweet spot.

FAQ

How many people can this private speed boat tour include?

It is up to 6 people per group.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 8 hours.

Where do we meet the boat?

You meet at Lapadska obala 4, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Which islands are visited?

The tour visits Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan.

Is snorkel gear provided?

Yes. Snorkel equipment is included, and masks are provided for the Blue Cave area. Life jackets are also included.

Are drinks included on board?

Yes. Bottled water is included, and beer and soft drinks are also included.

What extra costs should I expect?

A fuel surcharge of €100 per booking is not included, and meals are not included.

Is pickup or drop-off offered?

No pickup or drop-off is included. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

What happens if weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Should You Book This Tour?

Book it if you want a private speed boat day that mixes snorkeling time near the Blue Cave, sandy beach relax time at Sunj, and a calmer island finish on Šipan. The value is best when you fill the group size, because you are paying for privacy and a skipper, plus the practical perks like drinks and snorkel gear.

If you hate planning around no-meal logistics or you need door-to-door transportation, adjust your expectations or pair the day with a meal plan near the meeting point. For most groups of up to 6 who want the Elafiti Islands without the hassle, this is the kind of outing that turns a day in Dubrovnik into something you will remember.