Dubrovnik: Private Elaphiti Islands and Blue Cave Tour

Exploring Dubrovnik’s Coast with a Private Elaphiti Islands and Blue Cave Tour

If you’re considering a boat trip around Dubrovnik’s gorgeous coastline, a private tour of the Elaphiti Islands and Blue Cave might just be the highlight you’re after. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the glowing reviews and detailed itineraries suggest it’s a well-rounded experience that offers a mix of stunning scenery, personalized attention, and authentic Croatian charm.

What really catches our eye is how flexible and customized this tour is—your skipper will listen to your wishes and help craft an itinerary that suits your vibe. Plus, the opportunity to snorkel in the Blue Cave and explore secluded bays sounds genuinely memorable. The only thing to keep in mind? It’s a boat tour, so if seasickness is a concern, or if you have mobility restrictions, you’ll want to plan accordingly.

This experience seems best suited for travelers who want a relaxed, private day on the water, away from the crowds, with plenty of opportunities to swim, eat, and soak up views. If your idea of a perfect Dubrovnik adventure involves a mix of discovery, leisure, and local flavors—all on your own schedule—this might fit the bill.

Key Points

• Private and customizable: The tour can be tailored to your preferences, making for a very personal experience.
• Excellent value for money: With a group up to 9, the cost per person isn’t too high for what you get—especially considering the private guide and snacks.
• Multiple stops and activities: From Blue Cave snorkeling to island exploration, there’s plenty packed into the day.
• Flexible durations: Tours can range from 4 to 8 hours, giving you options based on your schedule.
• Family-friendly? Not explicitly, but the focus on swimming, relaxing, and scenic views makes it suitable for most travelers comfortable on boats.
• Highly rated: With a perfect 5-star rating from over 60 reviews, it’s clearly popular among past travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Dubrovnik Private Boat Experience

The Overall Vibe and What You Can Expect

This private boat tour promises a relaxing day exploring Dubrovnik’s coast—perfect if you’re after a break from city sights or crowded excursions. The experience kicks off with hotel pickup, which means you don’t have to worry about logistics. Your skipper, who doubles as a guide, waits at the port ready to take you on this custom adventure.

The boat is well-equipped, with snorkeling gear, towels, a Bluetooth sound system, and even a shower and ladder for easy water access. The boat’s size allows for a cozy, intimate group setup—up to nine people—ensuring you get personalized attention and flexibility.

From the start, the crew is attentive and eager to accommodate your wishes. When the reviews mention guides being “super,” “informative,” and “fun,” you start to see why this trip stands out. The flexibility to choose where to go, how long to stay, and even the kind of stops (beach, caves, islands) makes this experience feel tailor-made rather than cookie-cutter.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What Makes Each Stop Special

The star of the tour is the Blue Cave, a natural wonder where snorkelers will find fascinating cave formations and an otherworldly glow. Past travelers loved the opportunity to snorkel around the cave, marveling at the unique natural phenomenon. The cave’s charm lies in its natural beauty and the chance to get into the water—an absolute must-do for anyone who enjoys swimming and exploring underwater.

Next, you’ll visit the Elaphiti Islands, which are described as a place of traditional architecture, lush nature, and hidden bays. Koloep Island, in particular, seems to win hearts—some reviews mention sitting seaside with a coffee, wandering around, or simply soaking in the peaceful vibe.

Lopud Island often features in the itinerary, with a recommended restaurant that wowed visitors with its delicious local dishes and stunning waterfront views. The reviews note that the lunch stop is more than just a meal—it’s part of the experience, offering fresh seafood and a relaxed atmosphere. Some travelers even say their lunch was the highlight of the day.

The Water and Scenic Highlights

What makes this tour so appealing are the crystal-clear waters and scenic vistas. Past guests rave about the “beautiful scenery” and “great views,” making it clear that the photography opportunities are excellent. The boat’s sound system and space to lounge mean you can relax to your favorite tunes while soaking up the sun.

The boat is described as comfortable and clean, with enough space for lounging or lying down. The Skipper is often praised for his local knowledge, taking you to less crowded spots or the ones he knows you’ll love. This insider guidance is a major plus—some reviews mention he even took guests cliff jumping and led them to favorite swimming spots.

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The Food and Drinks

A highlight for many travelers is the lunch at a local restaurant recommended by the skipper. The reviews point out that the restaurant is in Lopud, renowned for its good food and beautiful waterside setting. You’ll find a decent selection of food options, including fresh fish, and the view alone makes dining here a special treat.

Included in the price are cooled drinks—water, Coca-Cola, and beer—so you can stay refreshed throughout the day. Some travelers mention that wine is available if you prefer, and the boat’s sound system makes for a fun, personalized vibe.

Duration and Flexibility

The tour options range from 4 to 8 hours, allowing you to pick a time frame that fits your Dubrovnik schedule. Some reviews mention that the 6-hour trip is a perfect balance, giving enough time to explore without feeling rushed. If you opt for the longer 8-hour experience, you can enjoy more secluded spots or extend your time at favorite stops.

The flexibility is one of the tour’s biggest selling points; you can decide how much time to spend at each stop, whether that’s a quick swim or a leisurely lunch.

Pricing and Overall Value

At $647 per group (up to 9 people), the price might seem substantial, but when you consider private boat, personalized guide, snorkeling gear, lunch recommendations, and flexible itinerary, it’s actually reasonable. Past travelers consistently mention that the experience is worth every penny, often calling it the highlight of their trip.

What’s more, the price of fuel isn’t included in the booking—you pay cash on the boat—so keep that in mind when budgeting. A 6-hour tour might cost around $90 in fuel, which is a fair addition considering the custom experience and private guide.

Downsides to Keep in Mind

While most reviews are glowing, a few points are worth noting. This trip isn’t suitable for those prone to seasickness, as it involves boat travel in open waters. Also, it isn’t wheelchair accessible, which is common for boat tours.

Weather can impact the experience—if it’s very windy or rainy, some stops might be less enjoyable, though skippers tend to adapt well. It’s also important to remember that the tour doesn’t include the actual restaurant lunch—you should budget extra for that.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This private boat trip is ideal if you value a personalized experience tailored to your interests. It’s perfect for small groups, couples, or families who want flexibility and direct access to some of Dubrovnik’s most beautiful spots. If you enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and scenic cruising, you’ll find plenty to love.

Travelers looking for a relaxed day, with the option to splurge a little on good food and quiet beaches, will feel right at home. It’s also suitable for those who enjoy learning about the area from local guides, given the rave reviews about the skipper’s knowledge and friendly attitude.

Final Thoughts

This Dubrovnik private boat tour offers a fantastic way to see the coast, with a balance of adventure and relaxation. The ability to customize your day, combined with high-quality amenities and a knowledgeable skipper, makes it stand out among other excursions.

You’ll love the chance to snorkel in the Blue Cave, explore peaceful islands, and enjoy a delicious seaside lunch—all in a private setting. The glowing reviews speak volumes about the quality and personal touch, making it clear this experience leaves a lasting impression.

If you’re after a flexible, scenic, and intimate way to discover Dubrovnik’s hidden gems, this tour is hard to beat. Just keep in mind the weather and seasickness considerations, and you’ll be set for an unforgettable day on the water.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families with children?
While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, the tour’s focus on swimming, relaxing, and exploring could make it suitable for older children comfortable on boats. Always check with the provider if you have young kids or specific needs.

What is included in the price?
The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, a skipper and guide, snorkeling gear, towels, cooled drinks (water, Coca-Cola, beer), a Bluetooth sound system, a shower, and a ladder for water access.

Are meals included?
No, the restaurant lunch isn’t included in the price. The skipper will recommend a local spot, typically on Lopud Island, where you can enjoy fresh, delicious food.

How long does the tour last?
You can choose between 4, 6, or 8 hours, depending on your schedule and interest level.

Is fuel included in the price?
No, fuel costs are paid in cash on the boat; expect roughly $90 for a 6-hour tour. The exact amount depends on the duration.

What if the weather is bad?
Weather plays a role in the day’s plans. The skipper will likely adapt the itinerary if conditions aren’t ideal, but a rainy or windy day could limit certain stops.

Can I book with flexibility?
Yes, you can reserve now and pay later, and the tour offers cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

In all, this private Dubrovnik boat experience seems like a superb option for those seeking a bespoke day on the water—combining scenic beauty, cultural charm, and laid-back luxury.

You can check availability for your dates here: