Speedboat days make Dubrovnik feel huge. This private route around the Elaphiti Islands turns into a full day of swimming, cave time, and beach breaks, starting with the Blue Cave glow that forms when sunlight hits the water just right.

I especially like that you get snorkeling equipment included, so you can jump from boat to cave swim without hunting gear. And I like how the trip stays relaxed, thanks to included bottled water, soft drinks, and beer and wine.

One thing to plan for: you pay an extra fuel top-up at the end, depending on how long you book.

Key things to know

• Blue Cave and multiple caves on Kolocep, with time to swim and snorkel
• Snorkel gear included, so you can focus on seeing sea life instead of packing it
• Beverages are part of the deal, including beer and wine, plus bottle of champagne on a sunset tour
• Island stops are short and punchy, generally 1 to 2 hours each for beach walking and swimming
• Lokrum is optional, only on request, and it can mean you skip other Elaphiti islands
• Mljet is an add-on length, only on the 8-hour Blue Cave plus National Park option, and admission is not included

A Private Speedboat Day That Actually Fits Your Pace

If your Dubrovnik days feel crowded, this is the opposite. You charter a boat for your group, up to 4 people, so you are not waiting on strangers or getting swept along at someone else’s rhythm. That flexibility matters when you want more time in the water, or you want to linger on a beach after the caves.

The route is built to cover several islands without turning your day into a bus tour. You can book shorter versions (about 2 hours) or longer ones (up to roughly 8 hours), and the overall flow is designed around swimming windows and easy transitions between stops.

Also, a big quality signal: the skippers can adjust the day to what you want to see. In the feedback I’m seeing, names like Toni and Rocco come up for customizing the plan, including steering the boat toward the cave experience and then matching the rest of the day to your group’s priorities. That is useful, because on the water, conditions and interest levels can change hour to hour.

The tour is offered in English, and you get a mobile ticket, which keeps the whole thing simple on arrival.

Getting to the Start, and How Transfers Work

Pick-up and drop-off are not included, so you will handle getting to the meeting point. One tip that helps: plan on a short taxi ride from the Old Town area, since the start point is described as about 10 minutes by taxi.

Once you are on board, the tour includes comfortable, air-conditioned round transfers. That is a nice touch in a place where summer heat can wear you out before you even hit the sea.

Two practical notes from the tour details: it is near public transportation, and service animals are allowed. Also, most people can participate, which is a good sign if you have mixed ages in your group.

Kolocep Island and the Blue Cave Swim (Plus Other Caves)

This is the part that sells the day, and it is also the part that needs your attention. The first stop is Kolocep Island, where the plan is to visit the most popular caves in the Dubrovnik area, including the Blue Cave plus three more caves around the island. The magic here is not just the cave walls. It is the way sunlight reflects inside the caves and creates that striking blue color.

You get about 1 hour at this stop. You can swim and snorkel inside the caves during that window, and snorkel gear is included. That time is enough to do the fun part, but it is not a sit-and-stare photo session. If you want sea life time, keep your snorkel on and be ready to move with the boat.

A few considerations to keep your day smooth:

• The tour requires good weather, because cave and swim time depend on sea conditions.
• Bring what you need for quick entry and exit, since you are doing multiple water moments in a short span.
• If you are prone to getting cold in the water, you might want to think ahead, because time in the sea is part of the experience.

What I like about starting with this section is that your energy is usually highest early in the day. Then you can shift into beach mode later, without feeling like you wasted your best light.

Sipan Island Lunch Time You Control

After the cave stop, the boat heads to Šipan Island. This leg is about 2 hours, and it is set up for lunch on your own. There is a restaurant included as a lunch option, but lunch itself is not included in the price.

This is a smart design if you have preferences. Some people want a simple meal and back to the water. Others want a slower lunch and a little wandering. Since it is private and the time block is yours, you can match the island to your appetite and your energy level.

The trade-off is obvious: you need to budget for lunch. It is not a budget breaker, but it is part of the real cost of the day, especially if your group orders drinks too.

Lopud Island Walks, Churches, Monastery, and Sandy Time

Next up is Lopud Island for about 1 hour. This stop leans into sightseeing and strolling. The route includes time for exploring areas with churches and a monastery, plus the sandy beach vibe that makes Lopud feel like a calmer breather after the earlier water moments.

This is also a good place to reset. Cave time is active. Lopud lets you switch gears to walking and taking in views from the shore.

A practical expectation: with only around an hour, you will not see everything everywhere. Think of this as a concentrated island taste, where you get to pick what you care about most, church details or beach time.

Šunj Beach for the Easy Wind-Down

The plan often ends (or nearly ends) at Šunj Beach, which is described as the most popular sandy beach in the Dubrovnik area. You get about 1 hour here, so it functions like the day’s decompression chamber.

You can relax, and beach bars are part of the picture. Drinks are included on the boat, but the beach setting gives you a different feel, more casual and more sun-on-skin.

This is the stop I would choose if your priority is a full beach hour. It is also where the day feels most flexible. You can do a quick swim, then pick a spot and hang out without racing the clock.

Lokrum Island on Request, and the Choice You Make

Lokrum Island sits in front of Old Town Dubrovnik, but it is not always part of the full plan. It is only visited on request, and there is a catch: if it goes into the schedule, you are not able to see all the Elaphiti islands.

Admission is listed as not included for Lokrum. That matters if you care about total cost clarity.

So how do you decide? If your heart is set on squeezing in as many island experiences as possible, you may prefer sticking to the standard loop. If you want Lokrum specifically and understand it could mean trading away another island stop, then it can be worth asking for.

The 8-Hour Mljet National Park Option: Limuni, Odysseus Cave, Salty Lakes

There is a longer version that changes the whole character of the day: the 8-hour tour that pairs Blue Cave time with Mljet National Park. This part is only on that longer option.

Mljet is about 50 km away from Dubrovnik, and the ride takes around 2 hours by speedboat. That travel time is real. It is not just an extra stop, it is a commitment that shifts your day toward nature sights and longer on-island blocks.

You get about 2 hours at Mljet, and the highlights mentioned include:

• Limuni, a special sandy beach
• Odysseus cave
• Salty Lakes inside the national park

Admission for Mljet is not included. Also, fuel for this longer option is higher, listed as €120 per booking for the 10-hour (NP Mljet) version. So when you price this in your head, remember you are paying extra for both distance and park entry.

If you want classic island cruising plus a national park style change of scenery, this version is the one. If you just want a quick cave-and-beach day, it can feel like too much travel.

Beverages, Snorkel Gear, and Why the Day Feels Effortless

This tour is set up so you do not manage basics all day. You get bottled water, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages including beer and wine. There is also snorkeling equipment included, plus a skipper who handles the boat and the navigation.

One standout detail from the feedback: unlimited beverages were described as especially appreciated. Translation: the day feels smoother because you are not constantly deciding whether to buy something, find something, or settle for less.

There is also a fun extra: a bottle of champagne is included only for a sunset tour. If you are booking for that vibe, it is one more reason to plan your timing carefully.

Is this a party boat? Not necessarily. The tone I would expect from the way this is built is more like, comfortable, scenic, and social enough to feel fun, without turning it chaotic.

Price, Fuel Top-Ups, and Real Value for a Group of 4

The headline price is $362.05 per group for up to 4 people. That is the key value lever: you are not paying per person.

But the real cost picture depends on the fuel top-up, which is listed separately. You should plan on paying fuel at the end of the booking:

• €50 per booking for a 4-hour option
• €70 per booking for an 8-hour option
• €120 per booking for NP Mljet (listed for the 10-hour option)

So the value is best when you split the base price across your full group. If you are traveling with two or four people, the private setup can feel like a bargain compared to per-person tours that pack in less time.

One review-style caution shows up clearly in the information: some people felt fuel should have been included. I get that reaction. Still, the numbers are posted, so you can budget in advance and avoid surprises.

Also, remember what is not included:

• pick-up and drop-off
• lunch on Šipan
• admission for Lokrum and for Mljet
• no toilet on board

That last one matters more than you might think on a long day. If you hate last-minute logistics, you will want to plan your bathroom timing before you leave.

Weather, Cancellations, and Booking Early

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund. And cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour is also something people book ahead. The average booking window is 46 days in advance, which suggests you should reserve early if you are traveling in peak season and you want a specific time window.

If you are flexible on date, that gives you more options when weather shifts.

Should You Book This Private Speedboat Tour?

Book it if your group wants:

• Blue Cave and cave swimming time
• included snorkel equipment and a relaxed pace
• sandy beach breaks like Šunj
• a private setup for up to 4 people, with skipper flexibility

Consider another option if:

• you really do not want any extra add-ons like the fuel top-up
• you need a toilet on board (it is not included)
• you want a fully structured day with no chance of changing stops due to request-only Lokrum or weather

For the best fit, I would target couples, small families, and friends who want a memorable water day from Dubrovnik without wasting time. If your ideal day is active early (caves and snorkeling) and calm later (beach and drinks), this route matches that rhythm well. And with skippers like Toni and Rocco showing up in the feedback for customization, you are more likely to get a day that matches your interests instead of a rigid script.

FAQ

How many people are in a group for this tour?

The price is per group, with a maximum of 4 people.

Is this a private tour?

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

What is included with the snorkeling?

The tour includes the use of snorkel equipment.

What beverages are included on the boat?

The tour includes bottled water, soft drinks (including soda/pop and Coca-cola), and alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine. A bottle of champagne is included only for a sunset tour.

Is lunch included?

Lunch on Šipan Island is not included in the price.

Where does the tour start and is pick-up included?

Pick-up and drop-off are not included.

Do you have access to a toilet on board?

No, a toilet on the board is not included.

Is Lokrum Island included?

Lokrum Island is only visited on request. If it is included, the schedule may not allow seeing all Elaphiti islands. Admission for Lokrum is not included.

Does the tour include Mljet National Park?

Mljet National Park is only included on the 8-hour option described as Blue Cave and NP Mljet. Admission for Mljet is not included.

What happens if the weather is poor?

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