If you’re planning a trip to Dubrovnik and looking for a way to escape the crowds and enjoy Croatia’s stunning coastlines, a private boat tour to the Elafiti islands and Mljet might just be what you need. We’ve come across this particular experience, and it definitely sounds like a memorable way to spend a day at sea, especially if you value privacy and flexibility. While we haven’t taken this exact tour ourselves, the reviews and details paint a pretty appealing picture.
What really stands out are two key aspects: first, the customizable nature of the trip—you’re in charge of where you stop and how long you linger—and second, the all-inclusive package that promises everything from the boat ride to stops at beaches, caves, and local restaurants. The only thing to keep in mind? It’s a full-day experience, so it’s best suited for those who want to dedicate a good chunk of their day to boat adventures and are comfortable with a 8-hour commitment. If that sounds like a relaxed, tailored day on the water, this could be perfect for you.
One potential consideration is the weather, as with any outdoor activity at sea. If rain or wind disrupts plans, the tour provider offers a full refund or reschedule, which adds a layer of peace of mind. This tour feels like it’s geared toward travelers seeking a private, flexible, scenic escape—whether as a couple, friends, or a small family wanting to enjoy the Croatian coast without the hassle of large tours or group crowds.
<- Key Points
- Experience Overview
- Starting the Day with Dubrovnik’s Panorama
- The Elafiti Islands: Private Stops and Cave Exploration
- Lunch and Local Flavor
- Mljet’s South Coast: Beaches and Bay Visits
- The Practicalities: What You Need to Know
- Price and Value Consideration
- Who Is This Tour Best For?
- The Sum Up
- Private boat tour to Elafiti islands and south part of Mljet 8h. ALL INCLUDED
- FAQ
- More Boat Tours & Cruises in Dubrovnik
- More Tours in Dubrovnik
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- Private, customizable experience: You control where you stop, how long you stay, and what activities you indulge in.
- All-inclusive package: Everything from the boat to caves, beaches, and even lunch is covered.
- Local guides and skippers: Born in Dubrovnik, the skippers are there to help craft your perfect day.
- Ideal for a relaxing day: The focus here is on comfort, privacy, and enjoying the scenery at your own pace.
- Good weather policy: If the weather doesn’t cooperate, you’re covered with a full refund or rescheduling.
- Cost analysis: For around $959 for a group of up to five, you’re paying for a tailored, private experience that could be quite cost-effective considering the inclusions.
Experience Overview

This 8-hour private boat tour stands out because it’s all about you. Instead of a set schedule, the itinerary is flexible—so you can decide whether to spend more time swimming, exploring caves, or just relaxing on the boat with breathtaking views. It’s operated by Dubrovnik explore, a local company with guides born in Dubrovnik, which adds an authentic touch to the experience. The price is about $959 for your group of up to five, making it a more intimate, personalized way to see the Croatian coast compared to large group tours.
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Starting the Day with Dubrovnik’s Panorama
The tour kicks off at Obala Stjepana Radia, right in Dubrovnik. The first part involves a scenic panorama of Dubrovnik’s old town, including a view of the city walls from the water—something that’s often missed if you’re just exploring on foot. The guide may share some insights into Dubrovnik’s history if you’re interested, which makes the experience a bit more enriching.
The Elafiti Islands: Private Stops and Cave Exploration
From there, you head toward the Elafiti Islands—a trio of islands named Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan. You’ll enjoy the chance to see caves, including the famous Blue Cave, swim and snorkel in private spots, or lounge on the beaches. Since the tour is private, you can choose to spend more time in a particular area if you’re enjoying yourself.
One reviewer, Pam, described it as “a wonderful day,” highlighting how their skipper Marin was incredibly kind and took them to quiet spots for a peaceful experience. She also mentioned that it was the perfect last-day activity in Croatia, emphasizing the relaxing atmosphere and personal attention.
Lunch and Local Flavor
There are excellent restaurants available on the islands, so you can choose to stop for a leisurely lunch. Since the tour is flexible, you can decide whether to eat on the boat or explore local eateries, adding to the personalized feel.
Mljet’s South Coast: Beaches and Bay Visits
After the Elafiti, the journey continues southward to Mljet, one of Croatia’s most beautiful islands. The specific stops include Limuni Bay and Saplunara Bay, which are renowned for their sandy beaches—something a bit rare in Croatia, where rocky coastlines dominate. Expect stunning views, calm waters, and a chance to unwind on a less crowded, scenic beach.
You get about 3 hours on Mljet, with plenty of time to dip into the sea, relax, or explore shoreline areas. The admission tickets are free, but the opportunity to visit these well-preserved natural spots makes it all worthwhile.
Enjoy being on the water? Here are other boat experiences we've looked into in Dubrovnik
- Blue Cave Small-Group Boat Tour from Dubrovnik
- Dubrovnik: Elaphiti Islands Full-Day Cruise with Lunch
- Blue Cave, Green Cave & Lopud Beach small group Speed boat Tour
- Dubrovnik:3 Islands Boat Tour with Lunch&drinks(FR,ES,EN)
- Full-Day Dubrovnik Elaphite Islands Cruise with Lunch and drinks
- Boat Tour to Mljet National Park & 3 Islands
The Practicalities: What You Need to Know

The meeting point is conveniently located in Dubrovnik, starting at 10:00 am. The tour lasts around 8 hours, wrapping up back where you started. The private nature of this tour means only your group participates, which is perfect if you’re after a more personalized experience and don’t want to share with strangers.
The tour is suitable for most travelers, and service animals are allowed—so if you’re traveling with a pet, that’s a bonus. The weather can impact plans, but the provider offers full refunds if canceled due to poor conditions, giving some peace of mind.
Price and Value Consideration

At roughly $959 for up to five people, the tour works out to about $192 per person if you’re a group of five. Considering everything included—private boat, skipper, cave visits, beaches, and flexible itinerary—the value is quite good. Large-group tours often don’t offer this level of customization or intimacy, so if you’re after a relaxed, tailor-made experience, this could be a smart choice.
Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal if you want a private, flexible day on the water with a focus on natural beauty and tranquility. It’s suitable for couples, small groups of friends, or small families who enjoy personalized adventures without the crowded feeling of large tour groups. If you prefer a set schedule with strict timings, this might feel too loose, but for those who love to go at their own pace, it’s perfect.
The Sum Up

If you’re after a scenic, low-key day exploring Croatia’s coast, this private boat tour offers a lot of value. The ability to customize stops, the comfort of a private boat, and the chance to visit both the Elafiti and Mljet islands make it stand out from more generic tours. The all-included approach simplifies planning and ensures you won’t be surprised by costs along the way.
It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who appreciate a personal touch, enjoy swimming and snorkeling, or simply want a peaceful day away from the crowds. While weather can always be a factor, the tour’s flexible policy helps mitigate that concern, so planning is less stressful.
If your idea of a perfect Croatian day involves a mix of scenic views, quiet beaches, and personalized service, this experience is worth considering. It’s a great way to create memories at sea without the hustle of large groups or rigid schedules.
Private boat tour to Elafiti islands and south part of Mljet 8h. ALL INCLUDED
“What a wonderful day! Our skipper, Marin, was so kind! Thus was our last day in Croatia and it was perfect! He took us to quiet places where we …”
FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Since the tour is private and flexible, families with children can enjoy it comfortably, especially if they like a relaxed, scenic day on the water.
Can I choose what to do on the tour?
Yes, the tour is tailor-made, so you decide where to stop and how long to stay at each location.
What is included in the price?
The price covers the private boat, skipper, visits to caves and beaches, and the flexibility to customize your itinerary. Lunch options are available at the islands if you choose to dine there.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The provider offers full refunds or rescheduling if poor weather interrupts the tour, making the experience low-risk.
How early should I book?
On average, travelers book about 133 days in advance, indicating it’s a popular choice for those planning ahead.
Is the tour suitable for a group of five?
Yes, the maximum group size is five, making it perfect for small groups or families.
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 10:00 am and ending back at the meeting point.
Where does the tour start and end?
It starts and ends at Obala Stjepana Radia in Dubrovnik.
Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted on the tour.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.
If you’re after a day that combines scenic beauty, personal service, and genuine relaxation, this private boat tour to the Elafiti and Mljet islands is definitely worth considering.
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