Elaphite Islands Luxury Private Boat Tour with Cap Camarat 7.5

This is a private charter out of Dubrovnik that trades crowded schedules for your own pace across the Elaphite Islands. Expect cave time, swim stops, and a captain who’s happy to adjust the plan as you go.

What I like most: you get drinks and gear built in (beer, white wine, soft drinks, water; plus snorkeling equipment, towels, and even a GoPro). And the best part for real travelers is the built-in flexibility—you can linger at each place instead of being herded through.

One consideration: the tour is weather-dependent, so you’ll want a little patience if conditions aren’t ideal.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Private for up to 7 people, so the day feels like your own boat trip, not a cattle call.
• Hotel pickup and round-trip transfers are included, which makes it easier than you’d think from Dubrovnik.
• Kolocep cave cluster includes the Green Cave, Blue Cave, and Three Caves, with time to swim and explore.
• Lopud’s Šunj beach is the classic sandy break, plus a village area for walking and rest.
• Sipan is the optional closer on shorter days, since it’s usually reserved for longer tours.
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before start time helps you book with less stress.

The Value Pitch: What You’re Really Paying For

At $544.43 per group (up to 7), this isn’t a cheap excursion. But it’s not priced like a luxury fantasy either. The value comes from three practical things:

First, it’s truly private. You’re not splitting time and attention with a big group, and you don’t lose your momentum when you want an extra minute in the water or one extra stop for photos.

Second, you’re not scrambling for basics. The boat includes beer, white wine, soft drinks, and water, plus snorkeling equipment and towels. That matters because on many Dubrovnik tours you pay extra for gear, then still feel rushed.

Third, the captain’s flexibility is built into the experience. Multiple travelers mention that Šime (also written as Simon/Šime) tailored the day—staying longer where you care most and skipping what you don’t. That kind of customization is the difference between seeing the islands and actually enjoying them.

If you’re deciding between a budget group boat and this private charter, the tipping point is often simple: you care about time and comfort more than you care about saving a little money.

Where This Boat Trip Fits in Your Dubrovnik Days

This tour works best when you want to see beyond the Old Town walls. Dubrovnik can be intense—stone streets, big sights, and a lot of foot traffic. A half-day to full-day on the water gives your body a break while you still get something truly scenic.

It’s also a great play if you’re on a cruise or have limited daylight in port. One traveler described booking it specifically to escape crowds and use a short window meaningfully, then still having time afterward for the shuttle into the city.

If you’re staying in Dubrovnik longer, you can treat this as the “reset day.” Swap museums and viewpoints for caves, swimming, and low-pressure island time.

Hotel Pickup and Getting to the Boat Without Stress

One of the most helpful logistics points is round-trip transfers from your hotel. That takes a big chunk of planning off your shoulders.

Travelers also mention the communication is clear: Šime typically touches base about the pickup meeting point, and there are examples of smooth coordination even for cruise schedules. If you’re worried about finding the dock, that peace of mind is real value.

You’ll also get a mobile ticket, which reduces the hassle of printed vouchers and last-minute confusion.

Your Private Boat Setup: Up Close, Not Stuck in a Crowd

This is a private tour/activity, meaning only your group is on board. That changes everything about how the day feels.

Instead of waiting your turn for a cave swim or being told when to move, you can match your pace to your group. Families mention being able to take time—especially when kids want to explore rather than rush.

And since this is a charter, the vibe is more conversation and less choreography. Several reviews call out how friendly and accommodating the captain is, plus how safe and comfortable the boat feels.

Drinks and the Little Extras That Make It Feel Like a Treat

Included onboard:

• Beer, white wine, soft drinks, and water
• Snorkeling equipment and towels
• A GoPro (so you can capture cave and swim moments without renting gear)

This matters because it keeps the experience flowing. You’re not tracking down a shop for snacks, or deciding whether it’s worth paying for a drink stop. You just show up, get on the boat, and settle into island time.

And if you’re thinking about the wine: multiple travelers highlight it as part of what makes the tour feel like good value, not just a scenic boat ride.

The Big Stars: Kolocep Island Caves (Green, Blue, and Three Caves)

Kolocep is your cave-focused stop. You’ll visit the:

• Green Cave
• Blue Cave
• Three Caves

The tour description frames this as private time with the ability to stay as long as you like at each attraction. In practice, this flexibility is the big win. Caves have a way of making people feel rushed on group tours. Here, you can manage your own rhythm—snap photos, swim if you want, and take a breather.

What makes Kolocep special is that it gives you variety without changing islands constantly. You get multiple cave experiences clustered into one stop, which is perfect if you want the most impressive water scenery without spending your entire day in transit.

Tip for your planning: if you’re the type who hates feeling hurried, this is the stop where you’ll probably want to allow extra time.

Lopud Island: Šunj Beach and a Village Walk Break

Next comes Lopud, with two major parts:

• Šunj sandy beach
• A village area where you can walk and have time in restotans (simple meals and breaks)

This is where the tour balances out the cave intensity. After swimming and cave exploring, Šunj gives you a classic sandy recharge. One of the practical benefits of a private charter is that you can adjust how beach-focused you want to be—quick swim and move on, or linger for a longer reset.

You also get that “island life” feel from the village portion. Even if you only do a short walk, it breaks the day up in a satisfying way, especially if you’re with kids, older travelers, or anyone who doesn’t want to be in and out of the water nonstop.

Sipan on Short vs Long Days: What Changes With 4, 6, or 8 Hours

Sipan is the last of the Elaphite islands. Here’s the key detail: it’s mostly visited on 6- and 8-hour tours, while 4-hour tours may only touch it briefly after time at the first two islands.

So if Sipan is a priority for you, lean toward the longer durations. If you mainly want caves and beach time, you can still have an excellent shorter day—just expect Sipan to be more “quick look” than main event.

This is also where the private format shines. If you and your group want more water time at earlier stops, the captain can adapt. If you want a more balanced “three islands, three moods,” longer durations make that easier.

How the Captain Makes This Tour Feel Personal

Multiple travelers mention Šime as knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and responsive. They also describe him tailoring the day based on preferences—staying longer where you want caves, skipping sections that don’t interest you, and recommending where to eat.

One detail that pops in the stories: arriving early can help you beat bigger tour groups to the first cave area. That’s not guaranteed for every day, but the pattern is clear—early start plus private pace helps you enjoy caves with less crowd pressure.

If you like guides who explain what you’re seeing and don’t treat the day like a checklist, this captain style is exactly what you want.

Swimming and Snorkeling: What You’ll Actually Be Doing

You’re getting snorkeling equipment onboard, plus a plan built around cave swims and anchor stops. Travelers describe swimming into caves and also doing stops for ocean swims and bays.

The day isn’t just “look from the boat.” It’s built around getting in. That said, you’re not locked into any one style. If you’d rather watch and float, you can still enjoy the scenery. If you love the water, you’ll likely want to maximize cave time and beach swims.

Also, with the GoPro provided, you can capture moments without bringing your own waterproof setup.

Crowds vs Quiet: Why the Private Format Matters

Dubrovnik has crowds. The nearby islands have crowds too, especially at the big cave locations. The advantage of a private charter is simple: you have options.

Travelers mention getting to popular spots earlier to avoid the worst of the big tour wave. They also describe being taken to quieter spots and choosing what to prioritize—whether that’s more swimming, more cave time, or more relaxed bay stops.

If your idea of a vacation includes the words quiet and unhurried, this is the best kind of “upgrade” you can make here.

Timing That Works: 4 to 8 Hours Without Feeling Rushed

The tour runs 4 to 8 hours (approx.), which is useful because your Dubrovnik schedule can be tight.

• 4 hours: best for travelers with limited time who want caves and beach highlights, with Sipan possibly brief.
• 6 hours: usually a strong sweet spot for caves plus beach plus more island variety.
• 8 hours: best if you want the full day on the water, including more time overall.

One review suggests doing longer if you can, because once you’re out there, you’re going to want more water time. That sounds obvious, but the consistency of the feedback is a good sign.

Accessibility and Real-World Comfort Notes

Some travelers mention assistance considerations. For example, one review specifically notes the captain checked in about wheelchair access before the trip to ensure boarding would work.

The tour description also says most travelers can participate. If you have mobility needs, it’s smart to contact the provider ahead of time and ask how boarding works for your situation.

Weather, Caves, and the Cancellation Safety Net

This is a good-weather kind of outing. If conditions are poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

The cancellation policy is also traveler-friendly:

• Free cancellation
• You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
• Cut-off times are based on local time
• If you cancel less than 24 hours before start time, refunds aren’t available

So even though weather matters, you’re not stuck if nature doesn’t cooperate.

Practical Tips Before You Book

Here are the choices that make the day smoother:

• Choose the duration based on your priorities: caves first (shorter ok), or full Elaphite rhythm (longer better).
• Pack for water time and sun. Even with towels and gear provided, you’ll still be in the elements.
• If you’re sensitive to crowds, you’ll likely benefit from an earlier arrival window and a captain who can shift the plan on the fly.
• If you want a calmer day, treat this as a morning or early start when possible, since one consistent theme is beating bigger tour boats to the first cave.

Should You Book This Elaphite Islands Private Boat Tour?

Book it if:

• You want a private boat for up to 7 and care more about quality time than saving money.
• You’re excited by cave swimming and beach resets on the same day.
• You want included drinks and gear, not add-ons.
• You value a knowledgeable, flexible captain like Šime who adjusts to your group.

Skip or reconsider if:

• You’re hoping for a guaranteed itinerary regardless of weather. This tour depends on conditions.
• You’re strictly budget-focused and don’t mind group tours. The private format is where the cost makes sense.

For most travelers visiting Dubrovnik, this feels like a solid “one big water day” choice: stunning sights, good wine, and a guide who actually pays attention to what you want to do.

FAQ

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s described as a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

How many people can be in the group?

The price is per group for up to 7 people.

What islands are included?

You’ll visit Kolocep Island, Lopud, and Sipan (with Sipan more likely on longer tours).

How long is the tour?

It’s listed as 4 to 8 hours (approx.).

Are drinks included?

Yes. Beer, white wine, soft drinks, and water are served.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and towels are provided, and a GoPro is also provided.

Do you get hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes. Round-trip transfers from your hotel to the boat are included.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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