Elaphite Islands: Private boat tour (Cap Camarat 7.5wa)

Koločep’s Green Cave, Blue Cave, and Three Caves give this private boat trip its best edge. You can swim, snorkel, or simply enjoy the ride, then change the plan as you go instead of following a fixed group schedule. Simon, the skipper and guide, is also praised for arriving early, keeping the boat clean, and finding quieter swimming spots.

I like the small-group freedom and the fact that drinks, towels, goggles, and a GoPro are included. Hotel pickup is another welcome touch, especially after a long day in Dubrovnik. The main catch is simple: food costs extra, and the 4-hour version may feel rushed if you want caves, beaches, walks, and a meal on three islands.

Key points

• Private boat for up to seven: Your group has the entire Cap Camarat 7.5wa, with no strangers sharing the ride.
• Three cave stops on Koločep: Green Cave, Blue Cave, and Three Caves provide the main swimming and snorkeling focus.
• Šunj Beach on Lopud: This is the tour’s sandy-beach stop, followed by time to walk around the inhabited part of the island.
• A route you can change: Choose how long to stay at each place and decide whether to include all three islands.
• Helpful extras included: Fuel, hotel pickup, drinks, towels, snorkeling equipment, and a GoPro are part of the price.
• Simon handles the boat and guiding: His friendly manner, punctuality, and attention to your preferences are major strengths.

A private speedboat day from Dubrovnik

This is not a ferry ride with a set timetable. It is a private outing for your group, priced at $530 for up to seven people, with a 4 to 8-hour duration. That makes the cost easier to justify if you are traveling with family or friends, since the price is for the boat rather than charged separately for each person.

A car or van picks you up at your specified address about 20 minutes before the boat trip begins. That removes the need to find a marina on your own, though you should still be ready at the agreed pickup point. At the end, you return to Dubrovnik.

The boat is a brand-new Cap Camarat 7.5wa. The information provided does not list a precise seating layout or onboard toilet, so ask the operator if those details matter to you. The boat has enough space for a private group of up to seven, but remember that a speedboat is still a speedboat. It is designed for moving between islands and stopping in coves, not for the wide, open comfort of a large yacht.

Skipper Simon runs the boat and acts as your English-speaking guide. His role matters here because the route is flexible. You are not simply dropped at a beach and left to work out the rest. He can explain the stops, help with the timing, and adjust the day around your group’s priorities.

Grebeni gives you a quick taste of the coast

The first sight is Grebeni, a small island group near Dubrovnik. The boat passes by before continuing toward the Elaphite Islands, so this is more of a scenic opening than a long shore stop.

That first stretch helps you settle into the rhythm of the trip. You get open-water views, a fast ride, and a look at the rocky coast before the main stops begin. If your group wants to spend more time swimming later, Grebeni may remain a brief pass-by. If you enjoy the boat ride itself, it gives the outing a pleasant start.

The private format is useful from the beginning. You can tell Simon if you prefer a slower cruise, more swimming, or a quicker route to Koločep. The exact balance depends on your chosen duration and the wishes of your group.

Koločep’s three caves are the main event

Koločep is the first major island stop. The route includes three cave areas: Green Cave, Blue Cave, and Three Caves. These stops are where the snorkeling equipment and towels become especially useful.

You can swim near the cave entrances, look into the clear water with the provided goggles, or stay aboard if you would rather admire the rock formations from the boat. A GoPro is also included, so your group can record parts of the outing. Ask Simon how he prefers guests to use it and how the images will be handled, since the supplied details do not explain the camera’s transfer process.

The names suggest different visual settings, but you should keep expectations sensible. Cave conditions depend on the sea, weather, light, and timing. The water may look especially striking when sunlight reaches the entrance, while other moments may be more subdued. The value is in visiting several coastal formations in one private run, not in expecting a staged attraction with walkways or facilities.

This portion requires a little care. Caves and rocky shorelines can be slippery, and the provided information does not promise platforms, changing rooms, or other beach facilities. Bring swimwear, as requested, and use the towels after swimming. If you are not a confident swimmer, tell Simon before entering the water so the stop can be handled to your comfort level.

Koločep is also where the flexibility can save the day. You might want all three caves, or you might prefer one cave followed by a quiet swim. With a fixed group tour, everyone follows the same clock. Here, your group can choose how much time to give the island.

Lopud combines Šunj Beach with a village walk

The next stop is Lopud, where the boat first heads to Šunj Beach. This is the sandy beach on the route, which makes it a useful contrast to Koločep’s rocky cave stops. If your group wants a proper swim and time on the sand, Šunj is likely to be one of the most popular parts of the day.

Do not assume that the beach stop means unlimited time. The tour can last 4 or 8 hours, and your choices affect what fits. A short trip that includes several caves, Šunj, a walk, and Šipan will require brisk timing. The longer option gives you a better chance to enjoy the beach without watching the clock.

After Šunj, the boat goes to the populated part of Lopud. You can get off for a walk and see a different side of the island. This is a good pause after time on the water. It gives you a chance to stretch your legs, browse at your own pace, and have lunch if you choose.

Food is not included, but restaurants are available on Lopud. That makes the island a sensible place to plan a meal, especially on the 8-hour version. Ask Simon about timing before you sit down, since a long lunch can reduce the time available for Šipan or swimming.

Lopud’s two-part visit is one of the tour’s strongest features. You get a beach, then a settled island area, rather than stopping only at one postcard view. At the same time, the walk is optional in spirit because the tour is private. If your group would rather swim longer than stroll, you can ask to adjust the plan.

Šipan adds a quieter final island stop

Šipan is the third island named in the route. The supplied details describe a boat visit and note that restaurants are available if you want lunch, but they do not promise a particular village, beach, or landmark. That is worth knowing before you book. Šipan is part of the island-hopping plan, yet the exact nature of your stop depends on the time left and the route you choose.

The private setup gives Šipan a useful role as a flexible final stop. You might use it for a meal, a short walk, or more time beside the water. If you spend longer than planned at Koločep and Lopud, Simon can help you decide what to keep and what to skip.

This is also where the choice between 4 and 8 hours matters most. The shorter trip may suit you if caves and a beach are enough. Choose the longer outing if your goal is to see all three islands at a relaxed pace and leave room for lunch.

How much freedom do you really get?

The schedule is described as fully private and changeable. You can decide how many places to visit and how long to stay, within the overall time you book. That is a meaningful difference from a standard island boat excursion, where the captain must move everyone along to meet a group timetable.

There are limits, of course. The route still depends on sea conditions, available time, and the skipper’s judgment. A private tour does not mean every stop can be stretched indefinitely. If you want all the caves, both Lopud stops, Šipan, and lunch, choose the full 8 hours rather than trying to force everything into four.

Simon’s reported strengths fit this type of outing well. He is described as friendly, polite, timely, and attentive to the group’s wishes. He has also been willing to look for more private swimming areas when guests wanted to avoid crowded stops. That is a particularly useful skill for a private tour, since the point is not simply to repeat the busiest route.

What is included, and what you should bring

The $530 price includes fuel, the skipper and guide, hotel pickup, drinks, towels, snorkeling equipment, and a GoPro. Drinks include water, cola, white wine, and beer. That is a generous collection of practical extras, especially when you consider that fuel is included on a speedboat and you are not paying for a shared group seat.

Food is not included. Restaurants are available on Lopud and Šipan, so you can buy lunch there, but budget separately for it. The supplied information does not specify restaurant prices, menus, or reservation arrangements.

Bring swimwear. You may also want sun protection and a dry change of clothes, although only swimwear is specifically listed as required. Since you are visiting caves and beaches, a small personal bag is more useful than bulky luggage. Keep phones and other valuables protected from spray.

The GoPro and snorkeling gear add value, but they should not replace your own basic preparation. If you need prescription goggles, special flotation equipment, or other personal gear, ask the operator before departure. Only standard snorkeling equipment is included.

Is the $530 price good value?

For one or two people, $530 is a major spend. For a group of seven, the math looks much better, at about $76 per person before any meal costs. Even with four people, the shared price is about $133 each. The private boat, fuel, guide, hotel transfer, drinks, towels, and equipment are all part of that figure.

The real value comes from control. You are paying to avoid sharing the boat, to adjust the schedule, and to ask for quieter swimming places. If those things matter more to you than a low-cost ferry ticket, the price is easier to defend.

It is less compelling if you mainly want transport between islands or only a short swim. A scheduled public boat may suit a budget-minded visitor who does not need a guide or flexible stops. This outing is designed for a full coastal day, not simply getting from Dubrovnik to Lopud.

The three available scores are all five out of five, and the strongest praise centers on Simon, the clean and functional boat, the included refreshments, the GoPro, and the ability to escape crowded swimming spots. Those are the parts I would give the most weight to when judging value.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most?

I would recommend it to families, couples traveling with friends, and small groups that want the sea day arranged around them. It is especially good for people who dislike rigid timetables and want to choose between swimming, snorkeling, walking, and lunch as the day unfolds.

It also suits groups with mixed interests. One person can enjoy the ride, another can swim, and others can walk on Lopud or eat at a restaurant. A private boat makes those conversations easier because you are not negotiating with a busload of strangers.

You should think twice if you dislike speedboat rides, want a guaranteed long beach stay, or need a detailed promise of exactly what happens at Šipan. The activity is flexible by design, which is excellent for some groups and less comfortable for people who prefer every minute fixed in advance.

The 4-hour option is best for a focused outing. Pick it for Koločep’s caves and one Lopud stop, with limited time for extras. The 8-hour option is the better choice for the complete island-hopping plan, a meal, and unhurried swimming.

Booking details to keep in mind

Pickup is included from Dubrovnik, with a car or van scheduled to arrive about 20 minutes before the boat tour. English is the listed language, and the group is private.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Reserve-now, pay-later booking is also available, which helps if your Dubrovnik schedule is still taking shape. Check the available start times before booking, since the activity runs for either 4 or 8 hours.

Should you book the Elaphite Islands private boat tour?

Book it if you want a personal day on the water, not a basic island transfer. The mix of Koločep’s caves, Lopud’s sandy Šunj Beach, a walk, and the option to reach Šipan gives you plenty of choice. Simon’s friendly, flexible approach and the included drinks, snorkeling gear, towels, and GoPro strengthen the deal.

I would choose the 8-hour version for most groups paying the full private-boat price. It gives you room to enjoy the islands instead of racing between them. Choose four hours only if you are happy to focus on the caves and one or two main stops.

For a group of up to seven, $530 is fair value when you use the private space and flexible route. For a smaller group on a tight budget, compare it with public boat options. For everyone else, this is a practical, easygoing way to trade Dubrovnik’s crowds for clear water, rocky coves, a sandy beach, and an island day shaped around your own group.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

The tour begins with pickup in Dubrovnik from the address you provide.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. A car or van picks you up about 20 minutes before the boat tour starts.

How long does the tour last?

You can book a 4-hour or 8-hour tour. Starting times depend on availability.

How many people can join the private boat?

The price covers one private group of up to seven people.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan. It also begins with a view of Grebeni.

What are the cave stops?

The Koločep portion includes the Green Cave, Blue Cave, and Three Caves.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included, but restaurants are available on Lopud and Šipan.

What drinks are provided?

Included drinks are water, cola, white wine, and beer.

What equipment is included?

The tour includes towels, snorkeling equipment, and a GoPro. You should bring swimwear.