REVIEW · DUBROVNIK
Elafiti Islands & Blue Cave 4 hours Private Tour
Book on Viator →Operated by Private Boat Adventures Dubrovnik · Bookable on Viator
Four hours, and the sea turns into a show. This private Elafiti Islands and Blue Cave boat outing is built for people who want time on the water—caves, swimming, and a small-island pause—without the hassle of big tours.
I love the private setup (just your group) and the way the schedule makes room for real water time, not constant back-and-forth. I also like that you get practical extras onboard: snorkeling equipment, floats, towels, and even a GoPro to help you capture the caves and swim breaks.
One watch-out: the price is per group, and there’s a €60 fuel surcharge per booking that’s not included, plus the whole plan depends on good weather. If you’re going on a day with rough seas, you might need flexibility.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- Why this private speedboat feels worth the money
- Lapadska obala meetup and getting on the right schedule
- Kolocep Island caves: blue, green, and the thrill of speed
- What you should expect at the cave stops
- A practical drawback
- Snorkeling gear and GoPro: useful extras, not gimmicks
- Lopud Island and Sunj beach: quiet sand, then port energy
- Stop at Sunj: the calm option
- Then the main port side
- Drinks, timing, and what a 4-hour day really buys you
- Price and logistics: how to judge if it’s a deal
- Who this tour suits best (and who might want something else)
- Small comfort and packing tips for a smoother ride
- Should you book the Elafiti Islands & Blue Cave private tour?
- FAQ
- FAQ
- How many people are on this private tour?
- Where do we meet, and how does the tour end?
- What snorkeling equipment is provided?
- Are food and lunch included?
- What does the price cover, and is there an extra fee?
- What happens if the weather is bad?
Key things to know before you go

- Private for up to 6 people, so you’re not squeezed into someone else’s schedule
- Speedboat cave time at Kolocep, including turquoise caves plus the well-known Blue Cave and 3 green caves
- Snorkel-ready package included: masks/fins (where provided), floats, towels, and a GoPro
- Lopud balance: a quiet sand stop at Sunj, then time near the main port
- Drinks included for adults and everyone else, including beer/wine for adults only, plus soft drinks and water
- Book early if you have a specific day in mind, since this is often reserved well ahead
Why this private speedboat feels worth the money

In Dubrovnik, it’s easy to fill your day with land sights. This tour does the opposite: it clears the calendar for the sea. You meet at Lapadska obala and head out by speedboat with the simple goal of spending your time where the coast is dramatic—around Kolocep and Lopud.
What makes it good value is not just the sites. It’s the “how”:
- It’s private, so you can move at a pace that actually works for your group.
- You’re given the gear and support to enjoy swimming and snorkeling without running around Dubrovnik first for rentals.
And yes, you’re paying for a premium way to see the water. But when you split it across the full group size (up to 6), the math starts to make sense—especially because a lot is included onboard.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Dubrovnik.
Lapadska obala meetup and getting on the right schedule

The tour begins at Lapadska obala 4. You’ll meet the skipper and board the speedboat there, with about 30 minutes allocated at the start. That short “buffer” matters because you arrive, get settled, and start moving without the feeling that you’re constantly late to your own vacation.
This is also a practical place to find. It’s close to public transportation, which helps if you’re not staying right in the Old Town.
A small tip: treat the first part like your warm-up. Use it to get your swim things ready, double-check what you plan to wear (and what you don’t want to get wet), and ask any quick questions about comfort on the water.
Kolocep Island caves: blue, green, and the thrill of speed
Kolocep is where the tour earns its name. You get about 1 hour 30 minutes there, and the plan is built around cave exploration and swimming.
From the boat, you’ll pass through two turquoise caves, then continue to the famous Blue Cave area plus three green caves. The key detail here is that you’re not just hearing about these spots from the deck—you’re actively getting close by speedboat. That usually makes a huge difference in how the caves feel, because you see them from the waterline rather than as distant shapes along the coast.
What you should expect at the cave stops
Caves are always weather- and sea-condition dependent. But the overall structure is clear:
- You move from one cave area to the next by speedboat.
- You have time to enjoy the water during the stop, including opportunities for swimming.
If you care about snorkeling, Kolocep is the stop where you’re most likely to feel like you got your money’s worth. Even with basic snorkel gear, calm, clear water can turn this into a “stand over the edge and look” kind of moment.
A practical drawback
Because cave access is tied to conditions, you might not get every exact moment the same way as a perfect day. The good news is that the tour still keeps you busy—speedboat time plus multiple cave areas means you’re not stuck waiting around in one place.
Snorkeling gear and GoPro: useful extras, not gimmicks

I like that this tour covers the boring parts for you. You’re provided with snorkeling equipment, towels, and floats, plus a GoPro. That combination tells you the operator expects you to actually use the water time, not just look at it.
Here’s how to get the most out of what’s included:
- Bring something simple for under the gear (if you use rash guards, you already know how helpful they can be).
- If you plan to film, think about whether you want hands-free shots versus short clips during calmer moments.
- Plan for saltwater. Even with gear provided, you’ll want to rinse what you can after your swim time.
Also, the drinks onboard help your group settle in. You’ll have water and soft drinks, and for adults there’s beer and wine (adult consumption only). That can make the return ride feel relaxed instead of like a strict schedule.
Lopud Island and Sunj beach: quiet sand, then port energy

After Kolocep, you shift to Lopud Island for another 1 hour 30 minutes. This part of the tour is a nice change of pace: instead of caves, you get a beach break and a walkable sense of island life.
Stop at Sunj: the calm option
You’ll go first to Sunj, a sandy beach described as hidden among trees and away from the rest of the island. That matters because it’s the kind of setting that often feels less chaotic than a beachfront where everyone lands at once.
This is the time to:
- Do a slower swim
- Float without rushing
- Just sit and recharge after the cave focus
Even if you’re not a strong swimmer, the included float support helps you enjoy the water with less stress.
Then the main port side
After Sunj, you head to the other side of Lopud to the main port area. This is more “human” time: a cultural tourist setting with events, attractions, and historical sights. In other words, you’re not stuck on sand the whole time.
If you like your water day with a little variety, this pairing works well:
- Sunj for quiet
- Port for sights and atmosphere
Drinks, timing, and what a 4-hour day really buys you

This is an approx. 4-hour private tour. For Dubrovnik, that’s a smart length. It’s long enough to feel like you did something real at sea, but not so long that you lose an entire day to transport and downtime.
You also get the kind of onboard comforts that make short trips feel complete:
- water and soft drinks
- beer and wine for adults only
- towels
- snorkeling equipment and floats
One thing to note: lunch/food is not included. If you think you’ll be hungry after beach time, plan to eat before you go or grab something after. I’d treat this as a half-day plan centered on water first, food second.
Price and logistics: how to judge if it’s a deal

The price is $360.03 per group (up to 6 people). That means your best value comes from actually filling your group size. If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, the cost per person will feel higher. But if you have 4–6 people, it starts to look like a straightforward way to buy back time and comfort.
On top of that, there’s a €60 fuel surcharge per booking that isn’t included. Add that in when you’re comparing.
Also, check the language: it’s offered in English. That’s useful for getting real explanations rather than nodding along.
And because this tour requires good weather, you should book with some flexibility in mind. If you’re traveling in peak season with limited dates, aim to lock it in early. This one is often booked around 67 days in advance on average, which tells you demand is real.
Who this tour suits best (and who might want something else)

This private format works especially well for:
- Couples who want a calmer pace than large boats
- Families who want a short, organized water outing
- Small groups who care about having the boat mostly to themselves
- People who snorkel but don’t want the hassle of renting gear
It’s also a good match if you like a day that mixes water thrills with a beach reset. The combination of cave time and Lopud’s Sunj makes it feel like you got variety without needing to plan anything.
Who might pass: if you want a full-day island-hopping experience with lots of long shore time, this may feel short. Or if you’re traveling on a day that’s frequently rough-weather, you’ll want a backup plan (because the tour depends on conditions).
Small comfort and packing tips for a smoother ride
Even with towels and snorkeling gear included, a little prep helps you enjoy the day more.
Bring:
- your swimwear (obvious, but worth saying)
- a simple cover-up you can put on quickly between swims
- sunglasses and some sun protection
- a change of clothes for the ride back
Wear shoes that handle wet surfaces if you plan to move around the Lopud port area. And if you’re filming with the provided GoPro, keep your expectations realistic: quick clips work best, and you’ll still want to enjoy the moment with your own eyes.
Should you book the Elafiti Islands & Blue Cave private tour?
If your priority is sea time—caves, swimming, and a beach stop—this is an easy yes. The private setup, multiple cave areas at Kolocep, and the Lopud pairing (Sunj sand plus port atmosphere) create a good half-day mix. The value improves a lot when you’re up to 6 people, because the included snorkeling setup, towels, drinks, and even the GoPro help justify the price.
Book it if:
- you want a quieter, controlled experience with just your group
- you’re excited about cave viewing from the water and want swim/snorkel time
- you can travel in good weather or you’re okay shifting dates if conditions aren’t right
Consider another option if you need long shore time, or if your schedule has no flexibility for weather.
FAQ
FAQ
How many people are on this private tour?
This is a private tour for only your group, with a group size of up to 6 people.
Where do we meet, and how does the tour end?
You meet at Lapadska obala 4, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia. The activity ends back at the meeting point.
What snorkeling equipment is provided?
You get snorkeling equipment (including use of snorkelling equipment), plus towels and floatation support.
Are food and lunch included?
No. Lunch/food is not included.
What does the price cover, and is there an extra fee?
The price is $360.03 per group. A fuel surcharge of €60 per booking is not included.
What happens if the weather is bad?
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

























