Rent a luxury speed boat for great fun on this Elaphiti Islands tour

The best part of this Dubrovnik boat tour is the freedom to shape your day across three very different islands. You can swim from the boat near Koločep, wander Lopud’s old paths, or sit in a quiet fishing port on Šipan instead of following a rigid schedule. A private boat for up to 12 people also makes the price easier to justify for families and groups.

I like the included beer, wine, soft drinks, and water, since you do not have to pack a cooler for a day in the sun. I also like the flexible 4 to 8-hour format, plus the local skippers, including Josip, James, Luca, and Frane, who have been praised for their friendly manner and willingness to adjust the route.

The main consideration is the sea. A speedboat can be bumpy in rough weather, and the trip requires good conditions. Also, the listed price of $842.05 is per group, not per person, so it offers far better value for six to 12 people than for a couple.

Key points to know before you book

• Three islands, three different moods: Lopud brings beaches and old paths, Šipan offers a quieter fishing-port experience, and Koločep is best for swimming, snorkeling, and caves.
• Private group format: Only your party joins the boat, with a maximum of 12 people.
• Flexible timing: The outing lasts about 4 to 8 hours, with time at each stop shaped around your preferences.
• Drinks and gear are included: Beer, white wine, soda, water, snorkeling equipment, a sunshade, a fridge, and a sundeck come with the boat.
• Pickup is available: Transfers use an air-conditioned car or minivan, though pickups less than 1 kilometer from the starting point are not included.
• Skippers add the local touch: Josip, James, Luca, Frane, Mark, Rocco, Phillip, and Frankie have all been praised for being friendly, helpful, entertaining, and flexible.

A private speedboat gives you control of the day

This is not a standard ferry ride with a fixed timetable. You meet at Yacht Club Orsan on Ul. Ivana pl. Zajca 4 in Dubrovnik, then set off by private speedboat with your own group.

That setup matters. You are not sharing the boat with strangers, and the skipper can spend more time at the places your group actually wants to enjoy. You might prefer a long swim and a short walk, or you might want more time on land at Lopud and Šipan. The advertised duration is roughly 4 to 8 hours, so confirm your preferred length when arranging the booking.

The boat has a sundeck, sunshade, and fridge. That combination makes the trip practical as well as fun. You can stretch out in the sun, move under cover when needed, and keep drinks cold. Snorkeling equipment is supplied, so you only need to bring your swimsuit, towel, and personal items. A swimsuit is not included, naturally, and the supplied information specifically lists it as something you must provide yourself.

The group limit is 12 people. For a large family, several couples, or a group of friends, the flat price can work well. At $842.05, the cost is about $70 per person with 12 people, before any personal spending. With only two people, the same boat becomes a much more expensive outing, though the privacy and flexibility may still appeal.

Lopud combines Šunj Beach with old stone paths

Lopud is usually the first island, with about an hour suggested as a guide rather than a strict rule. It is the most obvious choice if you want a mix of beach time, scenery, and a little culture.

The island is known for sandy beaches, rocky paths, olive groves, vineyards, and old stone houses. Šunj Beach is the major draw. Its shallow sandy setting makes it a good place to swim and relax, especially if your group wants a proper beach stop rather than a quick swim from the boat.

There is also a local romantic legend attached to Šunj: couples who bathe there together are said never to part. You do not need to take the story seriously to enjoy the beach, but it adds a bit of local color.

If you prefer walking, Lopud offers more to see than the shoreline. You can visit one of Europe’s oldest botanical gardens, look for more than 30 small churches, and explore the island’s wooded paths. The Temple of the Sun is another unusual stop. It is described as a museum built so that changing shades and views create a different impression for each person.

Lopud is also the island with the most visitor services on this route. You can find cocktail bars, restaurants, shops, homemade olive oil, wine, and other local food products. That makes it convenient, but it also means it may feel less quiet than Šipan.

One practical point: the schedule may not allow you to see everything. If your group wants Šunj, the botanical garden, the churches, and the Temple of the Sun, ask the skipper how much time you need before the boat leaves. A four-hour trip will require choices. An eight-hour trip gives you far more breathing room.

Šipan shows a quieter side of the Elaphiti Islands

Šipan is the largest of the three islands and offers a different experience from Lopud. The stop centers on Suđurađ, an old fishing port where you can have a coffee or take a short walk before continuing.

This is the island to choose when you want to see local life rather than spend every minute at a beach. The port has small and large fishing boats, old stone houses, and families who have maintained fishing traditions. The setting is less commercialized than the areas closer to Dubrovnik, giving you a better chance to see the everyday rhythm of an island community.

Šipan also has plenty for visitors interested in the past. During the 15th century, leading Dubrovnik families used the island as a summer retreat and built villas there. You can see the late-Gothic Rector’s Palace and remains of archbishops’ palaces. In Suđurađ, the 16th-century castle of the Stjepović-Skočibuha family sits beside a defensive tower built to protect against pirates.

The island is also noted for its large number of olive trees and is associated with a Guinness World Records entry for the highest number of olive trees on one island. That gives the olive groves more meaning than simple scenery. If you buy local olive oil, you are taking home a product tied closely to the island’s identity.

Šipan is likely the best stop for a slower hour. Sit down for coffee, stroll near the port, and watch the boats come and go. If your group wants constant action, though, this may feel less exciting than the caves and swimming near Koločep.

Koločep is the main swim and snorkeling stop

Koločep is the most water-focused part of the outing. The suggested stop lasts about an hour, though your skipper can adjust the timing depending on the trip length and your wishes.

The island is known for clear water, fish, seashells, caves, and high cliffs. Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you can explore below the surface without bringing your own mask and fins. The stop also includes time on a beach, giving you a choice between swimming and simply relaxing on shore.

You can also walk through Gornje Čelo and Donje Čelo, two small Mediterranean settlements. The island has pine trees and olive groves, along with a reputation for around 250 sunny days each year. Those details help explain why Koločep works so well as a relaxed swimming stop.

Some boat outings connected with this operator have included a blue cave visit. The supplied information does not promise the blue cave as a fixed stop on every version of this private tour, so ask about it when you book. Sea conditions, timing, and the length of your outing may affect what is possible.

This is also where weather matters most. One account describes the boat as bumpy in rough conditions, even though the outing remained enjoyable. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where the ride feels steadier, keep an eye on the forecast, and avoid assuming that a speedboat will always provide a smooth crossing.

The skippers shape the experience

A private boat tour depends heavily on the person at the wheel. The skippers connected with this experience have been singled out by name for being friendly, flexible, informative, and good company.

Josip has been described as an interesting and fun skipper who shared historical details and entertaining facts while taking his group around the islands. James has guided groups to different islands and the blue cave. Luca has been praised for adjusting the route and making sure a four-hour outing included both caves and beach time.

Other named skippers include Frane, Frankie, Mark, Rocco, and Phillip. Phillip was remembered not only as driver and guide but also as the group’s DJ, which tells you something about the casual, social style of the trip. Frankie was praised for using local knowledge to make the day more enjoyable, while Mark was described as helpful and good at explaining the stops.

You cannot choose a specific skipper from the information provided, so treat the names as examples rather than a guarantee. Still, the pattern is useful: this is not simply a boat transfer. The skipper can help decide where to linger, explain what you are seeing, and adjust the balance between beaches, caves, swimming, and island walks.

Contact the operator by phone for pickup arrangements. Viber and WhatsApp are supported, which is useful if you want to clarify the route, boat timing, or possible cave stops before the day begins.

What is included, and what should you bring?

The package includes pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned car or minivan, all taxes and handling charges, and the private boat. The boat comes with a sunshade, fridge, and sundeck.

For refreshments, you receive white wine, beer, bottled water, and soda. That is enough to make the day easy, but it does not cover meals or personal purchases. Lopud and Šipan both offer places to buy food and drinks, while the schedule may also allow you to stop for coffee in Suđurađ.

Snorkeling equipment is included. You should still bring:

• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Hat or other sun protection
• Money for food, coffee, souvenirs, or personal expenses
• A waterproof way to protect your phone

The pickup note is worth reading carefully. Pickup is available, but locations less than 1 kilometer from the starting point are excluded from that service. The listed meeting point is Yacht Club Orsan, so ask exactly where you should meet if your accommodation is nearby.

Children must be accompanied by adults. Most people can participate, but you should share any specific requirements when booking. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability.

Is the $842.05 group price good value?

The answer depends almost entirely on your group size. For 10 to 12 people, the price is reasonable for a private full-day style outing with transport, skipper, drinks, snorkeling gear, and a boat shared only by your party. You are paying for time, privacy, and control, not just a ride between islands.

For six people, the cost is about $140 per person. That is still a substantial spend, but it can compare well with arranging several separate activities and transfers. For two people, the price is harder to defend on value alone.

The 4-hour option may be the smart choice if you want a taste of the Elaphiti Islands without giving up the rest of your day in Dubrovnik. Choose the longer option if you want both swimming and time on land, since Lopud and Šipan can easily absorb an hour each before you even count Koločep.

I would not book this for a group that wants a tightly scripted sightseeing tour with guaranteed stops and exact timings. I would book it for people who care more about a private boat, swimming, island atmosphere, and the freedom to adjust the pace.

Who should book this Dubrovnik boat tour?

This outing suits families, friends, couples traveling with another group, and anyone who wants a private day on the water. It is especially good for a group of six to 12, when the flat price becomes easier to share.

It also suits people who like variety. You can have a sandy beach at Lopud, a coffee and historic buildings at Šipan, and snorkeling or cave exploration at Koločep. Few parts of the trip ask you to do the same thing for long.

I would be more cautious if you dislike boat motion, need fully guaranteed weather, or want a low-cost activity for one or two people. The speedboat can be bumpy, and the trip may be canceled or moved if conditions are poor.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if your priority is a private, flexible day around the Elaphiti Islands, especially with a group large enough to share the $842.05 price. The best parts are the freedom to set the pace, the mix of swimming and island walks, and the chance to spend time with a local skipper rather than simply following a ferry timetable.

Choose the 4-hour version for a compact escape. Choose 8 hours if you want Šunj Beach, Lopud’s old paths, Šipan’s fishing port, and Koločep’s water time without rushing.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and poor weather can lead to a different date or a full refund. That policy is useful here because the sea is central to the experience and conditions can change.

FAQ

How much does the private speedboat tour cost?

The listed price is $842.05 per group of up to 12 people.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 4 to 8 hours, depending on the option selected and your group’s preferences.

Which islands are included?

The planned route includes Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup and drop-off are provided by air-conditioned minivan or car. Pickups less than 1 kilometer from the starting point are not included.

Where does the tour start?

The listed starting point is Yacht Club Orsan, Ul. Ivana pl. Zajca 4, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia.

What drinks are included?

The boat provides white wine, beer, bottled water, and soda.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Can children join the tour?

Yes, but children must be accompanied by adults.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund.