Private speedboats make the Adriatic feel close. You’ll hit the Elaphite Islands fast, with time to swim and snorkel, plus drinks waiting on board.

What I love most is that it’s truly private for just your group, so the day can run at your pace. I also like that snorkeling gear and life jackets are part of the package, not an extra chore.

One consideration: the base price doesn’t include the fuel surcharge, and it can add meaningfully more cash on top—plus you’ll want to plan around weather.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Private pace, private stops: your skipper can adjust timing and where you spend more time.
• Koločep’s caves: the big draw is swimming and snorkeling near the island’s Blue and Green Caves.
• Lopud is car-free: two large sandy beaches give you easy beach time without traffic noise.
• Snorkeling kit is provided: bring your swimsuit; you won’t need to pack gear.
• Drinks onboard: beer, wine, soft drinks, and bottled water are included, with an 18+ drinking age.
• Full-day adds more islands: Šipan only shows up on the longer 8-hour option due to distance.

Speedboat Time That Actually Fits a Real Day in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is famous for its walls and old streets. But if you have even half a day to spare, the Elaphite Islands are where the scenery starts to feel different—less stone, more sea, and fewer crowds pressed into the same few viewpoints.

This private speedboat tour is built for exactly that change of pace. You get quick, direct access to places like Koločep and Lopud, and you can spend your time in the water instead of stuck waiting on ferries or juggling shared-group schedules. If you want the feeling of a personal seaside day—without the hassle of planning every swim stop—this setup delivers.

One more practical win: most of the value comes from how the day can flex. More cave time? More beach time? A different lunch moment on Lopud? With a private skipper, you’re not locked into a rigid rhythm.

Price and the Real Total Cost (Fuel Surcharge Matters)

The listed price is $386.98 per group (up to 2), for a private boat experience with drinks included. That already covers a lot of the “annoying extras” that other tours quietly nickel-and-dime you for: snorkeling equipment, towels, life jackets, and the skipper.

But there are two add-ons you should budget for:

• Fuel surcharge (cash on the boat)
• Half-day (4 hours): €70
• Full-day (8 hours): €150
• Pickup and drop-off (cash)
• €60 cash for Sheraton, Mlini, Cavtat

Also note what’s not included: lunch. If you want a sit-down meal on Lopud, you’ll either need to handle it yourself or use the option to arrange a reservation through the team.

Here’s how the math can land for two people:

• Half-day: $386.98 + €70 cash
• Full-day: $386.98 + €150 cash

Value-wise, the tour makes sense when you care about (1) privacy and (2) time on the water. If you’re okay sharing a boat, you might find cheaper island hopping. But if you want your own pace, drinks without hunting for them, and snorkeling gear already sorted, the cost starts to feel more reasonable fast.

Koločep: Blue and Green Caves, Plus Swim Time You Control

Koločep is the closest island to Dubrovnik, which is why it works so well as the first stop. You start with a brief panoramic look at Old Town from the water, then you head over to the island that’s famous for its caves—especially the Blue and Green Caves.

What to expect here:

• A chance to swim and snorkel in clear, turquoise water
• Time for photos around the cave areas
• A setup designed for you to actually spend time in the water, not just pass by

The cave experience has one big practical factor: timing and crowds. If you can choose an earlier outing when options exist, you’ll likely get a calmer feel near the caves and spend more of the visit enjoying the water rather than waiting your turn. (One thing I love about private tours is that you’re not stuck with the “everyone at once” rhythm.)

Possible drawback: cave water access is weather-dependent. If wind or conditions are rough, your skipper may shift how much time you can spend in certain cave spots. That’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s good to know what kind of day you’re buying into.

Lopud: Car-Free Island Life and Two Sandy Beach Breaks

After Koločep, the tour heads to Lopud, a car-free island. That matters more than it sounds. Without cars, Lopud feels like it’s built for walking, sitting, and slowing down—exactly what you want after a swim-filled morning.

Lopud’s big practical appeal:

• Two large sandy beaches
• One in the main village
• One on the southern side at Šunj Beach
• A beach day that can include swimming, sunbathing, and hanging out with a drink nearby

Šunj Beach is also linked with a fun local activity—picigin—so even if you don’t play, it’s the kind of beach scene that feels lively in a low-key way. If your idea of vacation is less schedule and more “drop anchor and relax,” this stop delivers.

Lunch on Lopud: you can enjoy Mediterranean food in island restaurants, and the team can make a lunch reservation at a top spot known for freshly caught fish. If you’re planning around your energy level, I like that this tour gives you the option rather than forcing lunch at a set time.

One caution: the tour includes only about 2 hours here. That’s usually enough for a real beach reset, but if you fall in love with Lopud (it happens), you’ll probably wish you had more time.

Sudurad and Šikirica Lagoon, Plus Šipan Only on the Full Day

On the longer route, you get the extra “island feeling” beyond just the famous swim stops.

On the way toward Šipan, you can see Šikirica Lagoon, described as a stunning swimming spot surrounded by clear turquoise water. This is the kind of stop that works even if you don’t want to snorkel again—sometimes the best part is simply finding water color that makes you pause.

Then there’s Šipan, which is included only on the full-day (8-hour) tour because it’s farther out. On Šipan, you’ll find:

• A small, calm fishing harbor
• The island’s reputation for high-quality olive oil and local wine
• The option to taste wine at a seaside wine bar or just wander the harbor for a slow, quiet feel

What makes this valuable is contrast. Koločep and Lopud are about swimming and beaches. Šipan is about the slower island rhythm—olive oil, wine, and harbor time. If you only do the half-day, you’ll miss that second flavor.

What the Drinks and Snorkeling Setup Really Adds

This is where the tour feels like it was designed for comfort, not just sightseeing.

Included for you:

• Beer, wine, soft drinks, and bottled water
• Snorkeling gear
• Towels
• Life jackets
• A skipper
• The boat itself as a luxury private speedboat tour experience

The drinks matter because they remove a common pain point on island days: you get hot, you want a cold drink, and you don’t want to spend the next hour tracking down a bar. Here, you can take breaks without interrupting the rhythm of the day. The drinking age is 18+, so keep that in mind if you’re traveling with teens.

Snorkeling gear being included is also a big value point. It means you can show up with only the basics—swimsuit and your enthusiasm. One small timing note from the water in this region: water temperatures can feel chilly early in the season, especially if you go in late spring. In those cases, I’d treat snorkeling as something you try, then decide how long you want to stay once you feel the water.

Your Skipper Is Half the Experience (Orsat, Tony, Marin and More)

On a private boat, your skipper isn’t just driving. They shape what you remember most.

The operation has a roster that includes captains such as Orsat, Tony, Mario, Ante, Marin, Simon, Josep, Nikola, and Ivan. While you won’t know who you’ll get until the day, the pattern is consistent: the best days come from flexibility and attention.

What that looks like in real life:

• Adjusting stops based on how you feel (more swimming, less time at each cave, more time somewhere else)
• Finding quieter spots away from the busiest areas
• Talking you through what you’re seeing—history and practical cave access—so you understand what you’re looking at
• Staying safety-first with life jackets and careful cave timing

A few reviews also mention music onboard. If that’s your style, it helps to bring your own playlists or be ready to use the boat’s speaker setup—because a soundtrack can turn swim breaks into the kind of relaxed memory you’ll replay later.

Half-Day vs. 8 Hours: Pick Based on Your Personality

This tour comes in two main lengths: about 4 hours (half-day) or about 8 hours (full-day).

Choose the half-day if:

• You want the highlights fast: caves, a beach break, a drink onboard
• Your schedule is tight (or you’re mixing boat time with Old Town walks later)

Choose the full-day if:

• You want more breathing room between swim stops
• You’d like the extra island flavor that comes from the farther route and Šipan
• You’re the type who likes to linger—snorkel, rest, repeat

The best part of the 8-hour option is not just more time—it’s more variety. You get the caves and sandy beaches, then you add that slower harbor-wine-olive-oil rhythm on Šipan. If you’re choosing between the two, think about whether you’re trying to do a checklist or actually settle into island time.

Practical Tips That Make This Tour Easier

You’ll enjoy this more if you plan around a few known realities:

• Bring cash for add-ons: fuel surcharge and certain pickup/drop-off points are cash payments.
• Plan for weather: the experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled for poor weather you’ll be offered another date or a refund.
• Know lunch is on you: lunch is not included, though a Lopud reservation can be arranged.
• Expect cold water in early season: if you’re traveling near late April or early June, be ready for a chilly first plunge and then decide how long you stay in.
• Ask for what you want early: private tours work best when you communicate your priorities—caves vs. beaches, more swims vs. more exploring.

And one more thing: if you’re coming from a cruise ship day, you’ll likely appreciate that the tour is private and flexible, so you can return to town feeling refreshed rather than exhausted.

Should You Book This Dubrovnik Private Speedboat to the Elaphite Islands?

I think you should book it if:

• You value privacy and want a day that feels made for your group.
• Swimming and snorkeling are a big part of your idea of fun.
• You want included drinks and gear so you’re not constantly stopping to solve logistics.
• You’re considering the 8-hour tour and want more than just one “swim and back” loop.

I’d hesitate if:

• You only want a cheap, casual sightseeing run and don’t care about water time.
• You’re uncomfortable with the idea that conditions can affect cave timing and pacing.
• You want a lot of onboard space and you’re sensitive to boat size details—if so, ask about the boat option for your party size.

If you’re trying to choose one “wow” day outside Dubrovnik walls, this is a strong bet: it turns the Adriatic into your main attraction, with stops you can actually enjoy instead of just look at.

FAQ

How many people is this private speedboat tour for?

It’s a private tour for your group. The listed price is per group up to 2, and it’s designed so only your group participates.

What does the tour include?

The tour includes beer, wine, soft drinks, bottled water, snorkeling gear, towels, life jackets, a skipper, and a luxury private speedboat.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, though you can arrange lunch on Lopud.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, and life jackets and towels are provided too.

Which islands are included in the half-day and full-day options?

Koločep and Lopud are part of the tour. Šipan is included only in the full-day (8-hour) option due to its distance from Dubrovnik.

What extra costs should I expect?

Fuel surcharge is paid in cash on the boat: €70 for the half-day and €150 for the full-day. Pickup and drop-off from Sheraton, Mlini, and Cavtat is also €60 cash.

Are drinks included, and is there an age limit?

Yes, drinks are included (beer and wine plus soft drinks and water). The minimum drinking age is 18 years.

What if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount you paid is not refunded.