Caves and sand without the crowd. That’s the feeling you get on this private Elaphite Islands boat tour near Dubrovnik, cruising in a brand new Cap Camarat 7.5wa with only your group onboard. I especially love the cave stops around Koločep (Green Cave, Blue Cave, and Three Caves) and the chance to swim with snorkeling gear while the skipper keeps things smooth and friendly. One catch: food isn’t included, so if you’re out for most of the day you’ll want to budget for lunch on Lopud or Šipan.

This trip also wins on control. You choose how long you stay—4 to 8 hours—and you can adjust stops as you like, with pickup and drop-off from Dubrovnik included. If you want a classic Elaphite day but with more breathing room than big group tours, this setup is a strong match.

Key things I’d plan around on this Elaphite Islands private boat tour

• A new Cap Camarat 7.5wa ride: quick, comfortable hop-by-hop boating that keeps you from losing time.
• Koločep’s cave circuit: Green Cave, Blue Cave, and Three Caves give you variety in one island stop.
• Šunj beach on Lopud: a sandy swim option before a walk in the island’s main area.
• Skipper Simon brings the day to life: friendly, accommodating, and focused on your comfort.
• Snorkeling gear + GoPro: you get equipment for fish spotting and the camera to capture it.
• Drinks and towels are included: small thing, but it makes a long boat day easier.

Getting to the Elaphite Islands without burning hours in transit

Most days in Dubrovnik start with plans that feel packed. This tour cuts through that by picking you up in Dubrovnik and running you straight to the islands by speedboat. The meeting point is flexible: you give the pickup address, and the car/van comes about 20 minutes before the start time.

The practical win here is time on the water. With private time, you’re not stuck waiting for other groups to arrive, haggle with schedules, or rush through stops. You’ll still want to be ready for sun and sea conditions, but you won’t waste your day sitting around.

If you’re the kind of traveler who wants Elaphiti vibes without turning it into a checklist, this format helps. You can treat the caves, beaches, and island time as building blocks and adjust based on weather and your own energy.

The boat: Cap Camarat 7.5wa makes the day feel effortless

The tour runs on a brand new Cap Camarat 7.5wa. Why you should care: on island days, the boat quality affects how smooth the ride feels when you’re moving between coves and beaches.

A speedboat also means you can realistically fit multiple areas without spending the whole day in transit. That matters for the Elaphite Islands, where the best moments are often short swims, quick cave visits, and then moving on to the next good spot.

On top of the ride, you’re not just tossed onto the sea. The skipper is there as your guide, and he helps shape the pace around what your group wants—whether that’s more time in the water or longer island moments.

Grebeni first: a scenic warm-up before the main islands

After pickup, the route typically starts with Grebeni. It’s a good first stop because it sets the tone: open views, clear water, and a feel for the area right away.

This also helps you “get your bearings fast.” You’ll see the coastline and island layout before you commit to the cave and beach stops. If you’re prone to getting seasick, a first quick look can give you a better sense of how the boat feels before longer stretches.

The main drawback of starting with a scenic stop is that it can make the day feel like it’s going fast—because it is. The upside: you’re not waiting for the best part to begin.

Koločep caves: Green Cave, Blue Cave, and Three Caves

Koločep is where the tour gets its wow-factor. The day centers on three cave stops: Green Cave, Blue Cave, and Three Caves.

Here’s what’s valuable about doing multiple caves on one outing: each one tends to give you a different light and mood depending on the angle of the sun and the water conditions. Even if you’ve seen photos before, it’s the real thing that surprises you—how quickly the colors shift and how the cave openings frame the sea outside.

Green Cave is often the stop people associate with that classic green tint. Blue Cave leans into the darker, bluer look you’re probably picturing. And Three Caves gives you variety without forcing you into a separate trip.

What to plan for:

• You’ll want to be ready to jump in when the boat stops, because cave time is more about timing than wandering.
• Bring swimwear and stay flexible. If you’re feeling confident in the water, you’ll enjoy these stops more.
• If your group prefers photos and quick swims rather than long swims, caves are easier to match to your energy level.

One practical consideration: caves can feel tight for getting everyone positioned. That’s where the private nature helps—you can move as a group at your own speed, instead of getting choreographed with a dozen strangers.

Lopud: Šunj sandy beach plus island walking time

Next comes Lopud, and it’s a nice change of pace from the caves. The tour first stops at Šunj, a sandy beach. This is where you get that classic “sea day” option: relax, swim, and let the day slow down a bit.

After Šunj, you have time at the populated part of Lopud where you can take a walk. This is one of the smartest inclusions on a boat tour, because not every Elaphite day needs to be all water and no land.

Why that walk matters: it gives you context. You get a feel for how people live on the island, and you’re not just observing from the sea. Even a short stroll can make the scenery feel less like background and more like a place.

Food is also an option here. There are restaurants on Lopud if you want lunch, and the same goes for Šipan later in the day.

The tradeoff with Lopud is simple: once you leave the sandy beach, the time you have for walking depends on your group’s pace and how long you choose to stay overall. This is where that “private” part is helpful—you can spend more time on the beach if that’s what you’re craving.

Šipan: more island time, more swim options, and lunch possibilities

The third island stop is Šipan. The itinerary keeps things flexible, but the overall intent is the same: boat cruise around the area, then time to enjoy the island-side moments that fit your group.

Why Šipan works well after Lopud: you’ve already had a sandy beach and some land time, so you can shift to a different mood—more swimming, more lingering, or a relaxed lunch plan.

As with Lopud, there are restaurants on Šipan if you want lunch. That’s important because food isn’t included on this tour, so you’re relying on island dining if you’re out long enough to get hungry.

If you’re traveling with people who want variety—one person for swimming, another for walking, another for lunch—Šipan is a good final island stop. It gives the day a natural “finish strong” feel.

Skipper Simon and why private guidance changes everything

The tour’s success isn’t only the route. It’s how it’s run. The skipper on this experience—Simon—is described as friendly, accommodating, and truly tuned to what the group wants.

Two things stand out from how the day is handled:

• He’s early and timely, which helps you get ahead of crowds.
• He’s respectful and knowledgeable in how he steers the day so you’re not stuck in the most congested spots.

That early advantage can matter more than you’d expect. On island days, crowds aren’t just annoying—they can reduce the quality of your swim stops and make caves feel more rushed. When a skipper can time things well, the same islands feel calmer.

Simon also offers practical extras. He lets you borrow his GoPro, and he provides goggles for watching fish. Those small touches turn snorkeling from a “maybe we do it” into something you’re actually likely to enjoy.

And because the tour is private, you get a more human rhythm. You’re not negotiating with strangers about what time someone wants to get back on the boat. Your group sets the pace.

Drinks, towels, snorkeling gear, and the practical comfort stuff

This tour includes a lot of the “day on the water” necessities, which is part of why it feels like good value even though the price is higher than group tours.

Included:

• Snorkeling equipment
• Towels
• GoPro (plus Simon’s help with it)
• Drinks: water, cola, white wine, beer

This matters because it reduces decision fatigue. When you’re planning a half or full day on a boat, it’s easy to forget the small logistics that turn into hassle later: towels, water, something to drink, and whether snorkeling gear is available.

You’re also not limited to one style of water time. You can swim casually with snorkeling gear, or you can just enjoy the scenery and do fewer active moments. Either way, you won’t feel like you need to bring half your hotel room.

Price and value: $530 for up to 7 people, what you’re really paying for

At $530 per group up to 7, this isn’t a budget boat day. But it can be a good deal when you look at what’s included.

You’re paying for:

• Private boat time (your group only)
• A skipper who also acts as your guide
• Fuel for the trip
• Drinks during the day
• Towels, snorkeling gear, and GoPro support
• Pickup and drop-off from Dubrovnik

So the value question becomes: would you otherwise pay separately for transport, guide time, boat costs, and essentials like gear and drinks? On most trips, those add-ons quietly inflate the final bill.

This one bundles those things together. If you’re splitting among 5–7 people, the per-person feel gets more reasonable fast. If it’s just 2 people, it’s still worth considering if you want maximum privacy and flexibility, but you’ll feel the total cost more.

The other value factor is time control. You get 4 to 8 hours and can adjust stops. That’s not just a convenience—it’s what helps you match the day to your actual interests, not a fixed schedule.

How the 4-hour versus 8-hour choice changes your day

You can go 4 or 8 hours, and that decision affects everything: how much swimming you’ll do, how long you’ll stay on each island, and whether lunch becomes realistic.

A 4-hour day works best if:

• You want the highlights without lingering
• Your group loves caves and quick swims
• You’d rather eat dinner in Dubrovnik or elsewhere after

An 8-hour day is better if:

• You want more time on Lopud’s beach and time to walk
• You plan for lunch on Lopud or Šipan
• You want slower, more flexible sea breaks

Because the tour is private, the schedule can shift to your group’s energy. The boat day becomes less like a timed route and more like you’re building your perfect Elaphite afternoon.

What to bring (and what to skip) for a smoother swim day

This is a water-focused outing, so pack around that.

Bring:

• Swimwear

You might also want to bring:

• A plan for sun protection (you’ll be on open water)
• Something to keep dry items secure while you’re swimming

But don’t stress about “gear hunting.” Snorkeling equipment and towels are provided, and drinks are on board. The goal is to show up ready to enjoy the water and move through the stops with less friction.

Who this private Elaphite boat tour is best for

This tour fits best if you value comfort and control.

You’ll likely love it if you:

• Want privacy and a boat just for your group
• Enjoy cave scenery and want multiple cave stops in one day
• Like swimming with gear but don’t want to manage rental logistics
• Prefer a guided day shaped to your interests instead of a fixed group itinerary

It’s also a good option for mixed-interest groups: people can alternate between swimming, photo time, and island walking without the day turning into a compromise.

If your group hates boat rides or wants a fully on-land day, then it may not be the best match—this is built around the sea and short island stops.

Should you book the Cap Camarat 7.5wa Elaphite private boat tour?

I’d book it if you’re aiming for a classic Elaphite day with caves, sandy beach time, and real swim opportunities, and you want the comfort of included drinks, towels, snorkeling gear, and pickup in Dubrovnik. The private format plus Simon’s early timing and helpful touches like GoPro support and goggles make it feel like more than just transportation—it feels like a well-run day.

Skip it (or rethink the length) if you’re trying to keep costs low, since food isn’t included and the price is clearly aimed at groups up to 7. If you’re going for a short 4-hour trip and still want lunch, you’ll need to plan that extra spend.

FAQ

How long is the private Elaphite Islands boat tour?

It’s offered in durations of 4 to 8 hours, depending on availability and what you want to fit into the day.

What’s the group size for this tour?

The tour price is for a private group up to 7 people.

Where does the pickup happen?

Pickup is from Dubrovnik, and you can provide the address you want. The car or van typically arrives about 20 minutes before the start time, then you’re dropped back in Dubrovnik at the end.

Are snorkeling items included?

Yes. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, plus towels.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Food isn’t included, but there are restaurants on Lopud and Šipan if you want to eat during the day.

What drinks are included?

Drinks included are water, cola, white wine, and beer.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear. That’s the main item called out for this trip.