Dubrovnik: Lucky Boat Tour – Elaphite Islands and Blue Cave

Thinking about sailing around Dubrovnik’s coast and exploring its hidden gems? This private boat tour offers an intimate way to see some of the area’s most beautiful spots. It’s perfect if you love scenic cruises, enjoy swimming in clear waters, and want a relaxed day on the water without the crowds.

What we really like about this experience is how personalized it feels — with a small group of up to six, you get plenty of space and attention from your skipper. Plus, the boat itself is modern and eco-friendly, making it a greener way to enjoy Croatia’s coast. On the flip side, the tour isn’t suitable for those prone to seasickness or with mobility issues, so keep that in mind if you’re considering it.

This tour suits travelers who want a flexible, laid-back day exploring the Elaphite Islands, along with some stunning natural sights like the Blue Cave. If you’re traveling with family, friends, or even a couple looking for a special day out, it’s a good fit. Just be prepared for some basic physical activity like swimming and getting on and off the boat.

Key Points

• Private, small-group experience for a more personalized adventure
• Eco-friendly vessel with modern amenities for comfort
• Multiple stops at key sites including Blue Cave, Kalamota, Lopud, and Ipan
• Flexible options for island visits and leisurely swimming
• Includes beverages and recommendations for local dining
• Not suitable for wheelchair users or those prone to seasickness

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Introduction to the Lucky Boat Experience

If you’re dreaming of a relaxing day on Dubrovnik’s waters, this tour might catch your eye. It stands out because it’s a private ride on a beautifully upgraded boat, offering a blend of sightseeing, swimming, and cultural stops. The crew aims to give you a comfortable, eco-friendly experience—something we appreciate in today’s travel world.

What makes this tour appealing is the combination of scenic cruising along Dubrovnik’s coast and the chance to visit a few of the Elaphite Islands. These islands are less crowded than Dubrovnik itself and give you a laid-back vibe with lush landscapes, sandy beaches, and historical sites. The Blue Cave, in particular, is a highlight—you’ll love the way the water turns a striking blue when you’re inside.

One thing to consider: the tour has a price tag of $588 for up to six people. Though it might seem like a lot, the price covers a full day of cruising, multiple stops, beverages, and a knowledgeable skipper. For travelers wanting a private, flexible adventure with some of the best views and swimming spots, this is often seen as good value.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting with Dubrovnik’s Coastline

The trip kicks off with a gentle cruise around the Old City Walls of Dubrovnik, giving you a fantastic view of the historic city from the water. The scenery here is simply stunning — the massive stone walls, terracotta roofs, and the shimmering sea make for a memorable introduction.

Kalamota (Koloep Island)

Just a 20-minute sail from Dubrovnik, this lush island offers a peaceful intro to island life. Known for its greenery and quiet charm, it’s a perfect first stop to enjoy the fresh sea air. While the tour doesn’t specify detailed activities here, it’s a great spot for a quick photo or to soak in the views.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Enchanting Blue Cave

One of the main highlights, the Blue Cave is famous for its shimmering, glowing waters. If you love snorkeling or just want to marvel at nature’s spectacle, this is a must-see. The tour promises a magical experience with plenty of time for swimming and exploring the cave’s unique light.

Unj Beach (Lopud Island)

A favorite stop for many guests, Unj Beach is a natural sandy beach perfect for relaxing, swimming, or sunbathing. The reviews highlight how easy it is to jump into the water from the boat’s bow or stern, then climb back on with the ladder—making it accessible and fun, especially for families or less confident swimmers.

Lopud Island and its Historic Charm

Lopud is celebrated for its lush landscapes and historic sites, but the tour mainly emphasizes the beach and swimming. It’s a calm, scenic spot to unwind after the busy city and island visits. Many visitors mention how friendly and accommodating the skipper is, adding to the overall experience.

Optional Visit to Ipan Island

The largest of the Elaphite Islands, Ipan is a bit more exclusive—famous for vineyards, olive groves, and pristine beaches. An additional surcharge applies for visiting the Danii family house, where you can sample local wines and olive oils. The tour offers this as an optional extension for those wanting a taste of local flavors and countryside.

The Boat and Equipment

The Lucky Boat itself is a remodeled Ocqueteau 715, originally built in 2004 but upgraded in 2024. Its size (8.80 meters long and 2.80 meters wide) creates a spacious, comfortable environment for up to six passengers.

What sets this boat apart are the modern amenities and eco-friendly features. It has solar panels, a GPS for navigation, an electric anchor for easy mooring, and a bimini for shade. Inside, you’ll find a cabin with a toilet, USB chargers, and a refrigerator stocked with beverages. If you want to explore underwater life, scuba masks are available too, although the tour doesn’t specify snorkeling as a core activity.

Comfort & Practicality

The boat’s layout is designed for comfort — you can sunbathe on the platform, enjoy music with onboard speakers, or have a picnic at the table. The crew’s attention to detail, like the shower for rinsing off after swimming, adds to a relaxed experience.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The price covers professional skippers, fuel, and beverages (water, wine, beer, cola, iced tea). Plus, they offer recommendations for the best local restaurants, which can really elevate your day.

Extras include a possible visit to Ipan Island and the wine tasting at the Danii family house, but these are paid separately and require advance planning.

Important Tips

What you should bring: sunglasses, a sun hat, towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. Since it’s a day on the water, dressing comfortably and protecting yourself from the sun will make a big difference.

Real Traveler Insights

From reviews, we see two themes emerge. One traveler mentions a booking mix-up with pickup locations but emphasizes that the overall experience was still highly recommended and enjoyable. The other reviewer praises the friendly, accommodating captain (Stanko), who made the day special for their family. They highlight the swimming stops and ease of jumping into the water, which makes the day fun and relaxed.

The positive comments around kühl drinks and beautiful scenery affirm how well the tour manages to balance sightseeing with leisure. Many find the price-performance ratio to be excellent, especially given the personalized, small-group focus.

The Sum Up

This Dubrovnik boat tour offers a flexible way to enjoy the area’s stunning coast and islands, perfect for travelers wanting a private, comfortable experience. The combination of scenic cruising, swimming stops, and visits to key sights like the Blue Cave make for a memorable day. The modern, eco-friendly boat and attentive skipper add real value, especially for those who appreciate comfort and personalization.

If you’re after an intimate adventure with plenty of time to swim, soak in views, and enjoy some local flavors, this tour checks all those boxes. It’s especially suited for small groups or families who want a relaxed day on the water, away from the crowds and busy itineraries.

While it’s not ideal for those with mobility issues or seasickness, most active travelers and water lovers will find this a satisfying way to experience Dubrovnik’s coast in style.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for large groups?
No, it’s designed for small groups with up to six people, making it perfect for a private experience.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers a professional skipper, fuel, and a variety of complimentary beverages like water, wine, beer, cola, and iced tea.

Can I visit Ipan Island?
Yes, you can extend your day to visit Ipan Island, which is renowned for its vineyards and beaches, but an extra surcharge applies.

Is snorkeling included?
While the boat has scuba masks, snorkeling is not explicitly listed as part of the tour, but you’ll have plenty of time for swimming and exploring underwater.

What should I bring?
Sunglasses, sun hat, towel, sunscreen, and beachwear are recommended to stay comfortable during the day.

How long is the tour?
The description suggests a full-day experience, with multiple stops and plenty of time for swimming and sightseeing.

Is the boat eco-friendly?
Yes, it features solar panels and other modern amenities that promote sustainability.

Are there any physical activity requirements?
The tour involves swimming and getting on/off the boat using a ladder, so it’s best for those comfortable with water activities.

What if I get seasick?
Seasickness-prone travelers might want to consider this, as the tour involves being on the water for an extended period.

How do I book and pay?
You can reserve your spot with the option to pay later—giving you flexibility in planning your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: