Private speedboat tour to the islands

Exploring Dubrovnik’s Islands by Private Speedboat: An Honest Review

If you’re dreaming of exploring the stunning islands off Dubrovnik without the hassle of crowded tours, a private speedboat experience might just be your answer. This tour offers the freedom to customize your route, choose your spots, and enjoy the scenic Croatian coast at your own pace. While I haven’t personally been on this exact tour, I’ve gathered enough details and reviews to give you a clear picture of what to expect.

One thing I particularly like about this experience is its flexibility—whether you want a quick half-day trip to hit a few highlights or a full day soaking in the islands’ beauty, there’s an option for you. The second is the intimate, crowd-free environment, which makes the day more relaxed and personal. On the flip side, a possible consideration is the additional fuel surcharge and the fact that it’s a private tour, which might be pricier than group alternatives.

This tour is ideal if you value personalized service, scenic cruising, and a mix of activities like swimming, exploring villages, or even cliff-jumping. It’s well-suited for those who want to avoid the typical bustling boat tours and prefer a more tailored, comfortable experience. If you’re visiting Dubrovnik and want to see the islands with some added flexibility, this could be a good fit.

Key Points

• Private experience means no crowds, more control, and a relaxed vibe.
• Flexible itinerary allows choosing between half-day or full-day options and different island stops.
• Scenic highlights include caves, bays, historic villages, and possibly dolphin sightings.
• All-inclusives like snorkel gear, water, soft drinks, and life jackets are provided.
• Additional costs such as fuel surcharges are extra and should be budgeted.
• Meeting point is conveniently located at Lapadska obala in Dubrovnik.

What to Expect from the Tour

This private speedboat tour offers a flexible way to explore some of Croatia’s most beautiful islands, from the famous Elaphiti Islands to the island of Korcula. You’ll have the chance to customize your day, choosing from several stops that suit your interests — whether that’s swimming in caves, lounging on sandy beaches, or wandering through quiet villages.

The Itinerary: A Closer Look

Kolocep Island is the first stop, just about 20 minutes from Dubrovnik. Known for its picture-perfect villages, Gornje Celo and Donje Celo, this island’s real highlight is the Blue Cave on the south side. According to reviews, this spot is a must-see, especially if you enjoy exploring caves or just want a stunning photo op. The tour allows about two hours here, giving you enough time to explore, swim, or just soak in the views.

Lopud Island comes next, famous for Sunj Beach. This is a great spot to experience some classic summer relaxation—swimming, sunbathing, and maybe enjoying a cold drink on the boat. With around two hours allocated, you’ll have plenty of time to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty. Reviewers highlight how much they appreciated the opportunity to relax and swim freely here.

Sipan Island, the largest of the Elaphiti Islands, is the last stop. It’s less about touristy attractions and more about genuine untouched nature. You might find yourself wandering through green olive groves, enjoying turquoise waters, or just appreciating the peaceful vibe. One reviewer noted that they even saw dolphins during their trip, which adds a magical touch.

The Experience: What We Love

From the reviews, it’s clear that skipper expertise makes a real difference. Ivan and Robert, the captains mentioned, make guests feel safe, relaxed, and well-guided. The fact that Robert speaks French is a bonus if you’re looking for a friendly, multilingual host. This kind of personal attention and local knowledge tends to elevate the experience beyond just a boat ride.

Another aspect travelers rave about is the scenic cruising. The views of the coastline, the caves, and the lush islands are simply stunning. You’ll love the way the boat glides smoothly over turquoise waters, giving you that perfect picture of Croatia’s coast.

Comfort & Convenience

The boat itself is described as a skippered craft with snorkel equipment, life jackets, and refreshments like bottled water, beer, and soft drinks. This setup makes it easy to focus on the fun—swimming, snapping photos, or just relaxing. It’s worth noting the meeting point is conveniently located in Dubrovnik, but there’s no pick-up or drop-off included.

Costs & Value

The base price is around $395.65 per group, which is quite reasonable considering it’s a private experience for up to six people. However, there’s an additional fuel surcharge, which varies depending on the booking (from $80 to $230). So, it’s good to factor that into your budget. Still, the cost covers customization, privacy, and a dedicated skipper, making it a good value for what you’re getting—especially if you’re traveling with friends or family and want a personalized adventure.

Who Should Book This?

If you’re someone who prefers avoiding large groups and loves the idea of customizing your day on the water, this tour is perfect. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a relaxed pace, enjoy swimming and exploring, or simply want to see the islands at their own speed. It might also appeal to those who love scenic cruises and unique experiences like cave swimming or dolphin sightings.

Practical Details and Tips

• Duration Options: 4-10 hours, so you can pick a quick trip or a full-day adventure.
• Booking in Advance: Most travelers book around 17 days ahead, indicating that spots fill up quickly—especially in peak season.
• Children & Adults: Life jackets are provided for all ages, and children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Weather Dependency: Like most boat tours, it’s weather-dependent. Cancellations due to poor weather are fully refundable or can be rescheduled.
• No Pickup Service: You’ll need to get to the meeting point at Lapadska obala.

Final Thoughts

This private speedboat tour offers a fantastic way to see Dubrovnik’s islands in a more intimate and flexible way. The combination of scenic cruising, customizable stops, and personal service makes it stand out from typical group tours. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who value comfort, privacy, and the ability to tailor their day.

The positive reviews highlight how much guests enjoy not just the sights but also the friendly, professional skippers who make everyone feel safe and special. The opportunity to swim in caves, relax on beaches, or wander peaceful villages makes for a memorable day on the water. The inclusion of snorkel gear and refreshments ensures you’re well taken care of, even during a full day out.

While extra costs like fuel surcharges are something to keep in mind, overall, this trip delivers a scenic, relaxing, and personalized experience that many find worth the investment. If you’re after a flexible, scenic adventure with fewer crowds and more control over your day, this private speedboat tour could be just what you need.

FAQ

Is this a private tour?
Yes, only your group will participate, making it a personalized experience without strangers on board.

How long is the tour?
You can choose between a half-day or full-day trip, typically lasting between 4 and 10 hours.

What stops are included?
You can select from islands like Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan, each offering unique scenery and activities.

Are there any extra costs?
Yes, fuel surcharges are additional and vary depending on the booking, from about $80 to $230.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, life jackets are provided for children, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

What amenities are included?
Snorkel equipment, life jackets, bottled water, soft drinks, and beer are provided on board.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts and ends at Lapadska obala 4 in Dubrovnik. There’s no pickup or drop-off service.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, cancellations due to poor weather are fully refundable or can be rescheduled.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most travelers book about 17 days in advance, as slots fill up quickly during peak times.

This private Dubrovnik island tour is a solid choice for anyone craving an exclusive, scenic day on the water—allowing you to see the islands your way, with the breeze in your hair and stunning views all around.