Private boat tour from Dubrovnik/Cavtat to Elafiti islands

Thinking about a day out on the water in Croatia? A private boat tour from Cavtat or Dubrovnik to the Elafiti Islands might just be the perfect escape. We haven’t personally been on this exact trip, but based on detailed reviews and the experience described, it promises a combination of scenic beauty, relaxed exploration, and personalized service that many travelers find memorable.

What really appeals about this tour is the chance to see some of Croatia’s lesser-known gems—like the Green Cave and secluded bays—away from the usual crowded spots. We also love how flexible and intimate the experience seems, with a knowledgeable skipper guiding the way and customizing the stops to suit your interests. On the flip side, a consideration to keep in mind is that fuel costs are extra and paid in cash, which can sometimes be a hassle if you’re not prepared.

This experience seems best suited for those who enjoy a relaxed pace, scenic views, and the opportunity to swim or sunbathe in the crystal-clear waters. If you’re someone who appreciates personalized tours over big group excursions, this private boat trip could be just the thing. It’s also suitable if you’re comfortable with a day on the water and don’t mind managing cash for fuel.

Key Points

• Private, customizable experience tailored to your interests and pace
• Stunning sights, including caves, bays, and beautiful beaches
• Experienced skipper who shares local knowledge and takes care of planning
• Includes snorkeling gear and drinks, making the day more enjoyable
• Extra fuel costs are paid separately in cash
• Not suitable for very young children, wheelchair users, or those prone to seasickness

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting Point: Cavtat or Dubrovnik

This trip begins in Cavtat, a charming coastal town just 15 km south of Dubrovnik, or directly from Dubrovnik itself. The boat used is an Atlantic Marine Open 750, which comfortably fits up to 10 people, making it a great choice for small groups or families ready for an intimate experience. The boat is 7.7 meters long with a 250 HP Honda engine, promising a smooth ride across the shimmering waters.

The boat features a bimini top, offering shade during the hottest parts of the day, and a spacious bow sundeck perfect for relaxing and catching those perfect rays after a swim. Inside, there’s a cozy seating area, making it comfortable whether you want to lounge or chat with your skipper.

What Makes It Special?

What sets this tour apart is its flexibility. You can customize your stops and enjoy the ride at your own pace, guided by a skipper who knows the area well. The tour includes drinks and snorkeling gear, so you can dive into the water and explore the underwater world, which many reviews highlight as a favorite part of the day.

The Destination Highlights

Kolocep Island

Known for its pristine caves and bays, Kolocep is often the first stop. The blue and green caves are among the top sights, with their sparkling waters and stunning rock formations. You’ll get the chance to explore these caves, which many reviewers have mentioned as a highlight.

Lopud Island and Sunj Beach

Next, the boat usually visits Sunj Beach on Lopud, a nearly 1 km long sandy beach that’s shallow enough for small kids to wade comfortably—ideal for families or anyone wanting a relaxing swim. The beach offers opportunities for fun activities like volleyball, tennis, or just soaking up the sun. One reviewer appreciated the “lovely sandy beach,” mentioning it as perfect for a break from sightseeing.

Ipanipan Island

This is the largest island in the archipelago with a small population and an isolated bay called Vrbova. It’s a quieter spot, ideal if you want some peaceful downtime or a picturesque backdrop for photos. The restaurant Bowa, nearby, offers local oysters and seafood, though it’s more for those wanting a special meal rather than a quick snack.

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How the Day Usually Unfolds

Your day begins with meeting your skipper, who will take you along the cliffs and coastline, sharing stories and recommendations. The panoramic drive offers fantastic photo ops, especially of Dubrovnik’s city walls and historic Old Town.

As you hop from island to island, expect plenty of swimming opportunities. Many guests enjoy jumping off rocks into the clear waters or exploring caves. The skipper often asks for your preferences—whether you want to relax, explore, or snorkel—and adapts the itinerary accordingly.

The trip usually includes a lunch reservation on Lopud, with suggestions for local seafood favorites. One review noted that the Seabass was amazing, and having a meal included midway makes the experience more memorable.

Cost and What’s Included

The price is $455 per group—a fair rate considering it’s a private experience for up to 2 people, or more if you’re sharing. The fee covers the skipper, drinks, and snorkeling gear, but fuel costs are extra and paid in cash, ranging from $40 (for a sunset tour) to $120 for an 8-hour adventure.

This setup means you’re paying for a very personalized day, with the flexibility to choose how long you want to go and where to stop. The reviews reflect that most find the value worthwhile, especially for the chance to customize their day and avoid crowded tour groups.

Practical Tips for the Trip

• Bring sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, and a change of clothes—the sun in Croatia can be strong and lasting.
• Pack cash for fuel payments.
• If you have small children or are sensitive to seasickness, note that this isn’t recommended for kids under 3 or anyone prone to motion sickness.
• To make the most of your day, specify your interests—be it caves, beaches, or scenic drives—when booking or talking with your skipper.

What Travelers Are Saying

Many reviews highlight the expertise and friendliness of the guides. One traveler raved about their skipper Antonio, who was “lovely” and knowledgeable, asking where the group wanted to go and making the experience feel tailored. Another mentioned that the pace was perfect—“very relaxing” and not rushed—allowing everyone to soak in the beauty and enjoy swimming at leisure.

The scenery is frequently described as “magnificent,” with some calling it a “beautiful last day exploring the islands.” Swimmers especially enjoy the crystal-clear waters and caves, which add an extra sense of adventure.

A couple of reviews emphasized good value for the money, especially considering the drinks and snorkeling equipment included. The option to book and pay later offers flexibility for travelers still finalizing their plans.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This private boat experience is ideal if you’re looking for a personalized, flexible day on the water that combines stunning views, cave exploration, and relaxed swimming. It’s perfect for couples or small groups wanting intimacy and custom itineraries. If you’re comfortable with managing cash for fuel and prefer more control over your stops, this tour is a solid choice.

It’s less suitable if you’re traveling with very young children, have mobility constraints, or are prone to seasickness—since the boat is open and the trip can last several hours. Those seeking a quick, budget-friendly group tour might find the private option more than they need.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 3 years or those prone to seasickness. Small kids might enjoy the beaches, but the boat trip itself might be a bit long for very young travelers.

How many people can fit on the boat?
The boat accommodates up to 10 people comfortably, making it perfect for small groups or families wanting a private experience.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers the skipper, drinks, and snorkeling gear. Fuel costs are extra and paid in cash on the day of the trip.

How long is the tour?
The tour duration can vary from around 4 hours to 8 hours, depending on your preferences and booking details.

Do I need to bring anything?
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, swimwear, a change of clothes, and cash for fuel payments. If you plan to snorkel, the gear is provided.

Can I customize the stops?
Yes, the skipper is happy to tailor the trip to your interests, whether it’s caves, beaches, or scenic drives.

Is food included?
Not automatically, but your skipper can book you at a local restaurant on Lopud for lunch, which has received praise for its seafood.

Is this experience suitable for people prone to seasickness?
It’s not recommended, as the boat is open and the trip can be several hours long.

What about the scenery?
You’ll see stunning coastlines, caves, and islands, with many reviewers mentioning the “magnificent views” of Dubrovnik and the surrounding waters.

How do I pay for fuel?
Fuel costs are paid in cash on the boat and vary based on the length of your trip.

If you’re after an intimate, scenic, and flexible day exploring the islands, this private boat tour offers a fantastic way to see parts of Croatia that many travelers miss. Just plan ahead for the extra costs, and bring your sense of adventure—and your camera.

You can check availability for your dates here: