A private speedboat day beats cruise crowds. I love the small-group comfort (up to 6) and I like the free drinks all day, including beer, soft drinks, and bottled water. One thing to plan for, though, is that it’s a full 8 hours on the water, and there’s no meal included.

You’ll sail from Dubrovnik toward southern Mljet and the Elaphite Islands, with stops built for swimming, photos, and that peaceful “away from the harbor” feeling. The boat setup helps a lot too, with a Bimini, a flat sundeck, and even a shower to rinse off sand and salt.

Key Points at a Glance

• Quicksilver 675 experience with a real max of 6 passengers for less crowding and easier movement
• Free beer, soft drinks, and bottled water keep the day stress-free
• Snorkel equipment plus underwater-photo sharing after your swim time
• Two island regions in one long day: southern Mljet and the Elafiti group
• Comfort extras on board like a small cabin to change and a shower to rinse off

The Value of a Private Boat Day in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is packed, and the coast feels busy fast once cruise ships roll in. This kind of private boat tour is one of the cleanest ways to escape that pressure without giving up a full day. You get your own pace, your own time in the water, and a skipper who can react when conditions or your group mood changes.

The price is quoted per group, not per person, which matters. At $889.38 per group for up to 6, you’re basically buying a day of custom access plus included gear and drinks. Add in the reality that you would normally pay for separate boat time, snorkel rentals, and bottled water on top of entrance fees somewhere else, and the value starts making sense.

One practical note: there’s an extra €220 fuel surcharge per booking. You should factor that in when comparing to other “private” options, especially if you’re not sure you’ll fill all 6 spots.

Quicksilver 675 Comfort: More Than Just a Faster Boat

The boat is a brand new Quicksilver 675 speedboat. It can take up to 8 passengers, but the tour limits you to 6 for comfort, which you’ll feel the moment you’re on board. Less bumping, more room to spread out towels, and easier access when someone wants to go from the sundeck to the shower.

Here’s what I’d call the “make-or-break” comfort stuff:

• A Bimini (sun cover) so you’re not baking the whole day
• An XL flat sundeck where you can actually relax
• A small cabin to change after swimming
• A shower on board, so you’re not walking around later feeling salty and sandy
• A sound system, so your group can listen to your music or just enjoy quiet water sounds

Even better, life jackets are provided for both adults and children. That means you can focus on the day instead of hunting down gear.

A Local Skipper’s Role: Getting to the Good Spots Faster

A private skipper is more than a driver. This one is set up like a guide, with locals who know the area well and can share advice to keep the day fun and safe.

From the names that show up in the experience, you’re in good hands. I saw skippers like Ivan, Tom, Matija, Josip, and Branko highlighted for exactly the right behavior: clear communication, good swimming spot suggestions, and the kind of flexibility that keeps the day from feeling like a scripted checklist. One group even said the skipper ordered an Uber for their hotel transfers, which is the sort of practical help that saves you time and hassle.

What you should expect is a day that adapts. If your crew wants more time sitting on the boat, your skipper should be able to adjust. If someone wants a cave swim moment, they’ll try to make room for it when conditions allow.

Dubrovnik Time on the Water: The Early Cruise That Sets the Mood

The tour starts at Lapadska obala 4 around 10:00 am. You’ll spend a short first stretch near Dubrovnik as part of the day, with the goal of getting you out on the water and oriented before you commit to the longer island stops.

This is not just empty transit time. That early “get under way” part is where you settle in. The boat has free still and sparkling water, soft drinks, and beer, so you’re not waiting around thirsty. And because the skipper knows the coastline, you’re more likely to get good angles for views, not just a straight shot to the next stop.

If you like to plan, use this early window to:

• Ask quick questions about where you’ll swim next
• Decide if you want snorkel time at every stop or just the best two
• Get comfortable with where your group will meet again after beach time

Southern Mljet: Saplunara Bay and Limoni Beach for 3 Hours

Southern Mljet is all about the feeling. It’s quieter, greener, and full of that classic Adriatic mix: pine forests, clear water, and small shoreline moments that don’t feel like they were built for photos only.

You’ll focus on two swim areas, Saplunara Bay and Limoni Beach, with about 3 hours there. That’s enough time to do a couple loops, swim longer if you want, and still come back without panicking about the schedule.

What I like about this stop is the rhythm. You get time to:

• Swim without constantly moving from place to place
• Try snorkel time with the included masks and gear
• Reset from Dubrovnik intensity and just enjoy water sound and shade options

Possible drawback: because you’re spending a big chunk of the day at water level, you’ll want to think about sun protection and stamina. Bring a hat or sunscreen, and if you burn easily, take advantage of the Bimini and cabin space between swims.

Also, the tour describes an underwater-photo setup. If you like keeping memories, ask when the photos are shared and how you’ll receive them. Some trips can send images to your phone after you’re back on board, which is a nice low-effort way to get something more interesting than a blurry screenshot.

Elaphiti Islands: Šipan, Lopud, and Koločep in One Stretch

After Mljet, the tour shifts to the Elafiti Islands, where the vibe changes again. Here you’ll see the variety of the island group, from village life and sandy options to more untouched nature.

The timing is again about 3 hours for this stop, and the day is usually built around choosing the best water moments. Based on what’s described, you may connect with areas associated with:

• Šipan (more village feeling)
• Lopud (more open, sandy-feeling beach time)
• Koločep (more untouched nature and quieter corners)

One reason people love this part of the day is that the skipper can hunt for calmer spots. You might also see mention of caves and hidden swimming areas. That matters because it’s the difference between “we stopped by an island” and “we found a spot we actually want to swim in twice.”

Here’s a practical way to use your Elaphiti time:

• Start with a main swim loop, then decide if you want one more longer session
• If you want to snorkel, do it early enough that you can still dry off before your group heads back
• Ask the skipper what’s best at that exact moment, because water conditions can change quickly

If you’re the group type that wants lunch, this is where it often happens in real life. Some groups have gotten a lunch stop in a traditional konoba on Šipan. Since meals are not included by default, treat this as an optional add-on and follow your skipper’s suggestions.

Food and Drinks: What’s Included, What You Still Need to Budget

The tour includes drinks and water, which is a big deal for a long day at sea. You’ll have bottled water, beer, and soft drinks available during the tour. That means you can keep the energy up without hunting for a store every time someone gets thirsty.

Snacks and meals, though, are not included. If you want something more than just drinks, you’ll either bring your own snacks if allowed by your group plan, or you’ll budget for lunch at a stop the skipper recommends.

As for money, this is also where you should compare apples to apples. The listed price is per group and includes a lot of on-water value. But because fuel has a €220 surcharge, the real comparison becomes the total cost per group, not just the base amount.

A simple way to think about it:

• If you fill all 6 spots, the per-person cost drops and the included gear and drinks feel like a bigger win.
• If it’s only a couple of you, the fuel surcharge can make other options worth checking, especially if your goal is mainly scenic cruising and not a lot of swim time.

Transfers and Meeting Point Reality: Plan How You’ll Get to Lapadska Obala

The meeting point is Lapadska obala 4 in Dubrovnik. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Now, about transport. Some descriptions emphasize avoiding transport stress and mention transfers from Dubrovnik addresses, but the practical detail you should trust is the published meeting point and the listed guidance that there is no pick up or drop off. In real-world use, you can see groups getting help coordinating rides with the skipper, like an Uber arranged by the guide.

So here’s the safe approach: assume you’ll get yourself to Lapadska obala 4 by your chosen method. If you’re staying in the old town or elsewhere, think about how you’ll reach the port area around 10:00 am without making the morning stressful.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This works especially well for:

• Couples or small families who want a private day without a big crowd
• Groups of up to 6 who want swimming time in multiple island areas
• People who like snorkel time and want a guide to handle finding the better water spots
• Anyone who wants a flexible day, not a rigid timetable

In the reviews, the consistent theme is that the skipper keeps the day smooth and social. Names like Ivan and Tom show up with praise for good swim recommendations and hidden areas, while Matija and Josip get credit for proactive communication and making the experience feel effortless. If you’re the type who appreciates clear direction but still wants to choose how you spend your time, this is a strong match.

It may be less ideal if:

• You need a very long meal break, because no meal is included
• You don’t like being out in the sun for much of an 8-hour stretch
• Your group wants a low-cost day with minimal extras, because this is clearly positioned as a premium private experience

Should You Book This Private Boat Day to Mljet and the Elaphites?

I think you should book it if your Dubrovnik trip has room for one truly different day. It’s built around what most people actually want on the Adriatic: clear water, real swimming time, and a small-group setup that keeps you from feeling like you’re waiting behind strangers. The included snorkel gear, the shower and change space on board, and the free drinks remove a lot of everyday friction.

I would hesitate if you’re traveling with a tight budget, because the €220 fuel surcharge and the fact that meals are not included can nudge the total cost upward. I’d also think twice if you hate long days on the water, since you’re committing to about 8 hours starting around 10:00 am.

If you’re open to spending a full day out on the sea with a local skipper, this tour is a very strong value play in Dubrovnik for the combination of time, comfort, and access.

FAQ

How many people are on the boat?

It is a private tour for your group only, and the boat is limited to up to 6 persons for maximum comfort.

How long is the tour, and when does it start?

The duration is about 8 hours, with a start time of 10:00 am.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You start at Lapadska obala 4, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

Is pick up or drop off included?

The activity details list no pick up or drop off. The meeting point is Lapadska obala 4.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are use of snorkel equipment, life jackets for adults and children, bottled water, beer, and soft drinks.

Are park or island entrance tickets included?

The provided stop information lists admission tickets as free.

Is fuel included?

No. Fuel surcharge is not included, listed as €220.00 per booking.

Are there age limits or rules for alcohol?

The minimum drinking age is 18. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Do you get a ticket on your phone?

Yes, it uses a mobile ticket.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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