Dubrovnik is pretty from land, but it gets better on water. This private Elaphiti Islands and Blue Cave boat trip takes you to Kolocep, Lopud, and Šipan, with cave swims and beach time, plus real comfort like an onboard skipper and safety gear. I like how the captain can shape the day around what you want, and how the boat keeps things easy and relaxed from stop to stop with your own group.

Two things I especially like: the unlimited drinks and fruit on board (beer, wine, water, sodas), and the chance to snorkel right where the scenery looks like it belongs on a postcard, especially around Kolocep. If you’re short on time or you hate boat days, the weather requirement and the 4 to 8 hour schedule might feel like a lot to plan around.

Key Things That Make This Tour Work

• Private boat charter with only your group, so you can linger or move on when you feel ready
• Blue and Green cave area around Kolocep, with snorkeling gear and life vests provided
• Lopud’s Šunj Beach for sandy time, plus snorkeling options if you want a little more than relaxing
• Šipan and Suđurađ with the Skočibuha family Renaissance palaces and a tasting-style approach
• Unlimited onboard drinks and fresh fruit, which meaningfully changes the value of the day
• Skipper-driven flexibility, with named operators like Ivan, Marko, GiGi, Peter, Paulo, and Filip showing up across past trips

Meeting at Old Town Port, Then Your Day Starts Instantly

Your day begins in Dubrovnik’s Old Town port area, right by the Lokanda restaurant. You’ll meet your local skipper there, get a safety briefing, and then you’re already moving. If you have a hotel, pickup is commonly offered, and you can also request a starting point like the old town port or Gruž Port.

What I like about this start is how quickly it shifts you from Dubrovnik crowds to open sea. It also helps that the day is designed around your group being together the whole time, not split into a fast shuffle of different boats or meeting points.

Kolocep Island and Its Blue and Green Cave Swim

Kolocep is the first stop, and it’s close enough to Dubrovnik that it feels like a quick escape rather than a long haul. This is where the tour leans hardest into the signature part: caves often described as Blue and Green, plus swimming time right off the boat. You get snorkeling gear and life vests, and the timing listed for this stretch is about 2 hours.

The practical point for you: this is not a sit-and-stare photo stop. It’s structured for water time, so you’ll want swimwear ready and a towel expectation already baked in (beach towels are included). If you’re the kind of traveler who loves doing one or two highlights well, this stop usually hits the mark.

A possible drawback to plan for here is that cave-and-swim activities depend on conditions. The operator notes the experience requires good weather, so if the day is rougher than expected, your captain may adjust timing or options to keep things safe and comfortable.

Lopud Island for Šunj Beach, Fruit, and Optional Village Time

Next up is Lopud, and it’s the “slow down” island of the route. The headline is Šunj Beach, which is a sandy stretch, so it’s a break from pebbly footing and it’s easier for casual swimming and relaxing. You’re scheduled for about 3 hours on this stop, and snorkeling gear is available again if you want to see underwater life even here.

On board, you’ll also have fresh fruits and local drinks supplied. That detail matters because it reduces the urge to spend extra money for snacks, and it keeps you in holiday mode between swims.

One smart feature is the optional pivot near the end of the stop: a visit to the village of Lopud when the light is softer. You can treat Lopud as beach-only, or you can ask your skipper to add a little town time if that’s your style.

Šipan Island and Suđurađ: Palaces, Tastings, and Quiet Pebble Views

Šipan is the largest and most populated island on the route, but the tour aims to keep you away from the busiest feel. The time on Šipan is listed as about 3 hours, and the plan starts in Suđurađ, a seaside town with two Renaissance palaces owned by the Skočibuha family.

This is where the day becomes more than swim and sun. You can enjoy a food-and-wine angle through tastings arranged by the captain, centered on local homemade products like wine, olive oil, marmalade, fruits, and vegetables. The operator also notes that a visit to a local winery can be arranged for a wine, cheese, and olive oil tasting.

If you’re the type who gets bored on “tour buses,” this is a good compromise. You still spend the day on the water, but you also get a sense of how families and land traditions shape island life. For a final touch, there’s also time at Sikirica, a small islet known for pebble beaches before heading back.

Unlimited Drinks and On-Board Comfort: Where the Value Shows Up

Let’s talk money, because the price can look steep until you see what’s included. At $372.63 per person, you’re not just buying boat time. You’re also getting unlimited local beer, wine, water, and sodas, plus fruits, along with snorkeling gear, beach towels, fuel, and a local skipper.

That bundle changes the math fast. A typical day of swimming and drinks in Dubrovnik can add up quickly if you’re paying separately for food, beverages, and gear. Here, the included drinks make the boat feel like a true day out, not a series of quick stops punctuated by purchases.

Comfort details also matter. You’ll have life vests and safety gear, and you’ll be moving in a private setting with your own skipper. That is especially nice if you’re traveling with friends or family and you want the day to feel like yours.

How the Skipper Flexibility Actually Helps Your Itinerary

The tour is built around a flexible itinerary, and that flexibility is where you can tailor the whole day. The captain and guide can arrange extras like wine tasting, lunch, monastery tours, and other add-ons based on what you ask for.

In real-world terms, flexibility means:

• If you love swimming, you can spend more time at the best water spots.
• If you’d rather prioritize a town view or a tasting, you can ask to adjust the balance.
• If weather or sea conditions change, your skipper can shift pacing to keep the day enjoyable.

Past captains I’ve read about include Ivan, Michael, Marko, Bruno, and GiGi, and the pattern is consistent: they adjust the day for the group and make reservations when needed. That’s one reason private boat travel often beats shared options, even when the headline price looks higher.

Lunch, Underwater Scooters, and Other Extras to Budget For

Lunch is not included. The captain can help arrange a lunch reservation, which is handy because island restaurants can be busy, but you should still expect to pay for the meal.

There’s also an optional underwater scooter. The cost is listed as 70€ cash, and it’s not part of the base inclusions. If you’re curious about it, bring some cash just in case, and ask your skipper early so it’s easy to plan into the water time.

If you need pickup or drop-off beyond the standard hotel pickup, there’s an extra charge. The tour lists an additional 70€ cash for pickup and drop-off at Sheraton, Mlini, or Cavtat.

Timing: 4 to 8 Hours, and When a Half Day Makes Sense

The duration is listed as 4 to 8 hours. The route includes Kolocep, Lopud, and Šipan stops, and those stops can fill a full day if you take the planned time at each island.

If you’re only in Dubrovnik for a short window, a shorter version can make sense, especially if you want one big swimming highlight rather than a full three-island day. If you want maximum variety, plan for closer to the longer end so you can actually linger at the stops you like.

A practical hint: this tour is averaged as booked about 50 days in advance, which tells you it’s popular. If you have fixed travel dates, it’s worth reserving earlier to avoid limited availability.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Prefer Something Else)

This is a strong fit for:

• Couples and friends who want a private day without group logistics
• Travelers who want both swimming and a bit of local island culture
• Families who like a flexible plan and plenty of time on the water
• Anyone who values “included” basics like snorkeling gear and drinks

It might be less ideal if:

• You hate boats or get motion sick easily
• You only want one quick stop and prefer to stay on land
• You’re on a tight budget, since lunch and the underwater scooter are extra

Also, it’s offered in English, which is useful if you don’t want to rely on translation to enjoy the stories and island context from the skipper.

Booking Tips That Make Your Day Smoother

When you meet your skipper at the Old Town port, say what you want first. Several captains have been described as asking whether you prefer tourist spots or more secluded locations, so you can steer the day quickly.

If you care about tastings or a proper lunch, ask early. The operator notes the captain can arrange wine tasting and lunch, and it’s easier to get the timing right when the request comes before the day gets busy.

Pack for water time, not just sightseeing. You’ll be snorkeling and swimming, so bring swimwear, sunscreen, and something easy to wear right after you get out.

Should You Book This Elaphiti Islands Boat Day?

Yes, you should book this tour if you want a private, skipper-led day that blends swimming, island towns, and food or wine options, without spending the day coordinating transport. The biggest reason it’s worth considering is the real included value: snorkeling gear, towels, safety equipment, and unlimited drinks and fruit.

I’d especially recommend it if your ideal Dubrovnik day includes getting away from the Old Town crush and having space to relax on the water. If you’re picky about cave and swim timing, keep an eye on weather, and build in a little flexibility because the tour needs good conditions to run at its best.

If you’d rather spend the day on land, or you’re traveling solo on a strict budget, look at other options first. But for most people who want a true Adriatic day with comfort and control, this one is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the Elaphiti Islands and Blue Cave private boat tour?

The duration is listed as 4 to 8 hours, depending on how the day is paced.

Which islands are included on the route?

The tour stops include Kolocep Island, Lopud Island (Šunj Beach area), and Šipan (including Suđurađ and Sikirica).

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and beach towels are included, and life vests and safety gear are provided.

Are drinks included during the tour?

Yes. The tour includes unlimited local beer, wine, water, sodas, and fruits.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch is not included, though the captain can arrange it as an extra.

Where do you meet the guide or skipper?

The meeting point is in Dubrovnik’s Old Town port area by the Lokanda restaurant, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. If you need pickup or drop-off at Sheraton, Mlini, or Cavtat, there is an additional 70€ cash charge.

Do you pay extra for an underwater scooter?

Yes. The underwater scooter costs 70€ cash and is not included.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It is a private tour/activity, so only your group participates.

Are children and service animals allowed?

Children must be accompanied by an adult, and service animals are allowed.

What if the weather is bad?

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