Dubrovnik Private Speedboat Tour to Elaphite Islands with Drinks

If you’re considering a way to see Dubrovnik’s stunning coastline and its enchanting islands without the crowds, a private speedboat tour to the Elaphite Islands might be just what you need. This experience is designed for those who want flexibility, comfort, and a touch of luxury while exploring Croatia’s shimmering waters. From what we’ve seen in reviews, it’s a highly-rated option that’s loved for its personalized service and breathtaking scenery.

What catches our eye is how customizable the trip is—your own skipper can tailor the stops to your preferences, whether that’s swimming in caves or relaxing on quiet beaches. Plus, the inclusion of drinks and snorkeling gear adds a laid-back vibe that makes the day feel special. On the flip side, it’s good to remember that this is a half-day experience, so if you’re craving a full-day adventure or want a more structured itinerary, you might want to look elsewhere. Ultimately, this tour seems best suited for travelers who value privacy, comfort, and the chance to island-hop at their own pace.

Key Points

• Private and customizable experience tailored to your group’s preferences.
• Includes drinks, snorkeling gear, towels, and life jackets, making it easy and relaxed.
• Excellent reviews for guides and skipper knowledge, enhancing the overall trip.
• Ideal for small groups up to 12 seeking a personalized adventure around Dubrovnik.
• Stops at stunning locations like the Blue Cave, Lopud, and Kolocep Islands.
• Flexible duration from 4 to 8 hours, depending on your interests and schedule.

Why You Might Love This Tour

This private speedboat experience truly offers a chance to see the Elaphite Islands in a way that’s relaxed and tailored to you. Unlike bigger group tours, you get your own skipper—like Marin, who many reviews praise for being friendly, knowledgeable, and attuned to guests’ wishes. Having a dedicated guide means you can prioritize the stops you’re most excited about, whether that’s exploring caves, swimming in crystal-clear waters, or just soaking up the scenic coastlines.

The inclusion of drinks—beer, wine, soft drinks, and bottled water—really helps set a leisurely tone. You can sip, swim, and chat while the boat glides between islands, making for a truly laid-back day. Snorkeling gear is also provided, which makes it easy to take advantage of the clear waters without fussing over rentals or packing your own.

Many reviews highlight the quality of the experience, noting how smooth and comfortable the boat ride is, especially with experienced skippers like Nikola or Simon. The boat itself is described as “luxury,” which, paired with the personalized service, makes this feel more like a semi-private day of indulgence rather than just a tour.

Breaking Down the Itinerary

Stop 1: Kolocep Island

Starting close to Dubrovnik, Kolocep Island is known for its caves, including the Blue and Green caves. The trip usually begins with a brief view over the Old Town skyline, a scenic way to set the tone for the day. Once at Kolocep, you’ll have about an hour to explore or swim. The caves are a major draw—the Blue Cave especially gets glowing reviews for its beauty—and being able to see them with just your group means fewer crowds.

Stop 2: Lopud Island

Next, you’ll hop over to Lopud, a place steeped in history with remnants of monasteries, churches, and noble palaces. The reviews note that a highlight here is the opportunity to enjoy a nice lunch, often booked ahead by your guide at places like Obala. The island offers a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for those who want to unwind and soak up authentic local charm.

Stop 3: Sudurad

The third stop is a local village, where you can taste home-made olive oil and citruses grown by local farmers—a small but delightful taste of local life. You’ll also get about an hour here, allowing plenty of time for sampling, walking, or just relaxing by the water.

Flexible Stops and Personalization

What stands out is how flexible the trip can be. Many reviewers appreciate how guides like Marin or Simon adapt the itinerary, adding extra caves or skipping less interesting spots based on guest feedback. This ability to customize is what turns a good tour into a memorable one.

What to Expect from the Experience

The tone of this tour is relaxed but packed with memorable sights. The boat ride itself is described as “no frills” but perfectly suited for those who want a quiet, smooth cruise rather than a noisy party boat. The boat travels at about 25 mph, offering a gentle, stable ride.

The guide sharing stories and answering questions helps deepen the experience. You’ll learn about the caves, the islands’ history, and local life—adding context to the natural beauty you’re witnessing. Many guests highlight how guides like Joe or Nikola have an impressive knowledge of the area, enhancing the journey.

Snorkeling is a highlight for many; the gear is provided, and the waters are crystal clear, inviting you to float and explore the underwater scene. Plus, towels and life jackets are included, so there’s no need to bring your own.

Drinks & Food

Having drinks on board, especially chilled beer and wine, elevates the trip into a celebratory outing. Guests often mention how this leisure aspect creates a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the scenery.

Duration & Flexibility

The tour lasts from about 4 to 8 hours, giving you the option to tailor your experience. The shorter half-day is enough to see the main sights, while the longer option allows for more swimming, exploring, and enjoying meals or drinks.

Cost & Value

At roughly $460 for up to 12 people, the price averages around $38 per person, which many reviews suggest is good value given the private nature, personalized service, and included amenities. Compared to group tours with fixed itineraries, this private experience offers a level of comfort and customization that many find worth the extra cost.

Authentic Guest Experiences

Many reviewers rave about the guides and skippers, with comments like “Marin was friendly and knowledgeable,” or “Nikola took us to amazing caves.” Several mention how well the guides read the group’s vibe, adjusting stops and activities to keep everyone engaged.

One guest said, “This was a cute thing to do for the honeymoon,” highlighting how special and romantic the experience can be—especially with a good guide like Simon. Others note the quiet beaches and less crowded caves as key highlights, valuing the ability to escape the crowds typical of popular tourist sites.

Family-Friendly Aspects

Though not explicitly labeled as for families, one review mentions that it’s “great for families” with kids aged 13 and 15, praising Ante, the captain, for his kindness and the scenic stops. The boat’s stability, snorkeling gear, and tranquil waters make it a solid choice for travelers with teens or older children looking for a relaxed day on the sea.

Practical Details to Keep in Mind

• Duration: 4 to 8 hours, so consider your stamina and interests.
• Group Size: Up to 12 people, making it intimate but spacious enough for small groups or families.
• Cost: About $461.59 per group, which breaks down into a fair value for a private experience.
• Included: Drinks, snorkeling gear, towels, fuel, skipper, all taxes.
• Excluded: Lunch, so you might want to plan for that on your own or ask your guide for recommendations.
• Pickup: Available from Dubrovnik hotels like Sheraton, Mlini, and Cavtat for an additional €60 cash.
• Weather: The tour depends on good weather; if canceled due to rain or storms, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families with children?
Yes, especially for older children and teens, as some reviews highlight. The relaxed pace, snorkeling gear, and calm waters make it family-friendly.

How personalized is the itinerary?
Very. Guides like Marin and Simon are known for customizing stops based on guests’ preferences, whether that’s more caves, beaches, or sightseeing.

What’s included in the price?
Drinks (beer, wine, soft drinks, water), snorkeling gear, towels, fuel, a knowledgeable skipper, and all taxes. Lunch is not included, so plan accordingly.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the tour. If canceled for weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

How long does the tour last?
Between 4 and 8 hours, depending on your chosen duration and activity level.

Is the boat comfortable?
Guests describe the boat as “luxury” and “no frills,” but smooth and stable, ideal for a relaxed cruise.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
No, snorkeling gear is provided as part of the tour.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This private speedboat trip is perfect for travelers who want a personalized, comfortable experience exploring the Elaphite Islands. It’s a great pick for those who appreciate flexibility, good value for a private tour, and enjoy being on the water in a relaxed setting. Families with older kids, couples celebrating a special occasion, or small groups of friends looking to escape the crowds will find this experience especially appealing.

While it’s not a full-day adventure, the combination of scenic stops, snorkeling, and drinks makes it a memorable way to spend half a day in Dubrovnik’s waters. If you’re after a more structured or guided tour with fixed stops, this might not be your best choice. But for those craving intimacy, flexibility, and a touch of luxury, this tour checks all the boxes.

In essence, this private speedboat adventure offers a smooth, tailored, and visually stunning way to see the Elaphite Islands. Well-loved by past guests for its guides, scenery, and relaxed vibe, it’s an experience worth considering if you want more than just a standard tour and prefer your own slice of the Croatian coast.