The Elafiti Islands look different at speed. This private full-day boat outing from Dubrovnik puts you in the right place for snorkel time and laid-back island stops without the fuss of crowds. I like that you can shape the day with your skipper, especially when it comes to how long you linger in each bay.

Two things I really like: the chance to go right up to Koločep’s Blue Cave (you can even swim in from where you anchor), and the way Lopud balances classic beach time with small-town exploring afterward. One thing to consider: there’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll want to plan an easy walk or short ride to the meeting point.

If you’re trying to get a lot of Adriatic coast for one day, this is one of the more practical ways to do it. You’re not just “passing by islands.” You’re stopping, swimming, and choosing your pace—then heading to the next place before the day cools off.

Key highlights worth waking up for

• Private charter for up to 6 with your own skipper, so the schedule can flex
• Blue Cave at Koločep with snorkel masks and a GoPro provided
• Lopud’s Šunj sandy beach plus optional time to explore village sights
• Šipan’s home-made produce culture and quieter island scenery
• Snacks and drinks included on board (bottled water, beer, soft drinks), while a meal is on you

Quicksilver 675 private charter: what you are really paying for

The headline here is simple: you pay for a private speed boat day, not a seat on a big group ride. That matters in the Elafiti Islands, where the best moments are often the ones that happen in between the “planned stops”—the extra 20 minutes you want to swim, the extra time to walk off the sand, the chance to move on before you feel rushed.

With this setup, the skipper runs the day with your preferences in mind. The itinerary gives you a strong framework—Koločep, Lopud, Šipan—but you’re not locked into one rigid plan where everyone has to march on the same timeline. For most people, that’s the difference between a pretty excursion and a day that feels personal.

Also, the tone is beach-day practical. Life jackets are provided for adults and children, and you get snorkel equipment. You’re not scrambling at the last minute to find gear in Dubrovnik.

Start at Lapadska obala 4: how to set up your day in Dubrovnik

This tour begins and ends back at the meeting point: Lapadska obala 4, 20000 Dubrovnik. There’s no pickup or drop-off, so I suggest you treat this like a stand-alone activity day. Plan to arrive with enough time to park, find the dock area, and get everyone settled without stress.

Good news: the meeting point is described as near public transportation, so you don’t have to rely on a car. A mobile ticket is also included, which helps if your phone battery is the only thing you can’t control.

In terms of timing, the total day is about 8 hours. That’s long enough to feel like you escaped Dubrovnik, but short enough that you’re usually back before evening plans go sideways.

Koločep and the Blue Cave swim with snorkel masks and GoPro

Koločep is only about 20 minutes by boat from Dubrovnik, which is a huge advantage. You start your island day quickly, so you’re not wasting half the day commuting out to the archipelago.

This is the stop that most people remember. The key idea is that the skipper anchors near the Blue Cave on the south side of the island, and you can swim into the cave from where the boat is anchored. That’s more fun than just viewing from the shore, and it also means the timing is flexible—you choose how much time you want here.

You’ll have snorkel masks and a GoPro camera provided. The practical takeaway: pack for water, not for a museum. Bring a towel, wear swimwear under your clothes, and think about how you’ll keep your phone dry if you bring one. Also, plan for a little wetness even if you do a quick swim—this is saltwater, not a bathtub.

After the cave time, you cruise along the cliffs. That gives you a view of the coast that you just can’t get from inland viewpoints. It’s the kind of scenery that makes the boat feel worth it, even if you were already planning to swim once that day.

The Koločep stop is about 2 hours, and it’s labeled as admission free. So your money goes into the boat experience and time on the water, not into island fees.

Lopud’s Šunj sandy beach plus monastery and park time

Lopud is where the day shifts from water activity to classic island leisure. The big draw is Sunj beach, which is described as sandy. This is your chance to have a real summer-day moment—swim, sunbathe, and slow down.

You’ve got options here. You can stay on the boat the whole time, or go ashore and spend your time on the sand. Since the boat includes cold water, beer, and soft drinks, it’s easy to think of this stop as your reset button. You can get a proper break without spending time finding food immediately.

When you do want to explore, Lopud also has a village side worth mixing in. After the sandy beach time, the plan heads toward the village where you can visit:

• the Dominican and Franciscan monastery
• Đorđić-Mayneri park
• and small churches

Here’s the balanced way to think about it: Lopud gives you both a beach break and a bit of cultural wandering, but it won’t feel like a packed tour with strict check-in times. Because it’s private, you can decide how much walking you can handle after you’ve already been in the sun and water.

The Lopud stop is around 3 hours, also admission free. That duration is ideal. You’re not rushed, but you also don’t lose the rest of the day to one single beach.

Šipan for olive, pine, and local home-made goods

Šipan is the last stop and it brings a different vibe. It’s described as the largest and most densely populated of the Elafiti islands, but it still leans into nature and quiet scenery—olive trees, pine, turquoise-blue sea, and birdsong.

If Koločep is your swim-and-stay-awake stop and Lopud is your beach-and-lunch-in-your-mind stop, Šipan is your slow-look stop. This is the island where it’s easiest to feel the Adriatic as something lived in, not just visited.

There’s also a cultural layer that’s easy to miss if you’re rushing. Locals make home-made goods such as:

• wine
• olive oil
• marmalade
• fruits and vegetables

Your time here is described as private and tailored, and the tour notes that all three islands offer hidden bays, secluded beaches, and great viewpoints along the coastline. On a private charter, the skipper can shift you toward what you’re most interested in—more quiet bay time, a scenic cruise, or an unhurried island feel.

Šipan gets about 3 hours. It’s a good slot because it gives you enough time to slow down without turning the day into a marathon.

What’s included on board (and what you’ll pay extra for)

This is one of those tours where the inclusions are pretty clear, which makes planning easier.

Included:

• Snorkel equipment
• Life jackets for adults and children
• Bottled water
• Beer and soft drinks
• Skipper
• All taxes, fees and handling charges

Not included:

• Meal
• A fuel surcharge of €100 per booking
• No pickup or drop-off

The meal part is the one you’ll want to plan for. Since you’re out for about 8 hours, you can either eat before you meet the boat, or bring snacks if that’s your style. The tour includes drinks and water, but it doesn’t claim a full lunch.

The fuel surcharge is also important for value math. The price is $598.87 per group (up to 6), and then you may add the €100 fuel surcharge per booking. That can still be good value if you’re splitting it among friends or family, but you should expect it in your budget.

Price check: is $598.87 per group worth it for up to six?

Let’s do the honest math. The rate is $598.87 per group for up to 6 people, plus a €100 fuel surcharge. If you’re booking as a full group of 6, your effective cost per person drops fast. If you’re booking as 2 people, the per-person number climbs.

So the value story depends on your group size, not just the headline price. A private boat day is usually expensive because you’re paying for the boat plus the skipper plus the time. The good news is that this tour covers a full-day circuit, includes snorkel gear, and gives you drinks on board.

What I think makes it “worth it” for the right people:

• you get a real swim moment at Blue Cave
• you get beach time on a sandy shoreline at Šunj
• you get three islands in one day without switching modes of transport
• you can tailor stop time with your skipper

If you’re the type who hates being herded, this style often pays off. If you’re more the type who wants to hop on and off quickly and do everything yourself on foot, you might decide the cost doesn’t match your pace. But for families, friend groups, and couples who want a polished day on the water, it can be a strong use of money.

Practical tips so the day feels easy (not just pretty)

Here are the real-world things that help this kind of day go smoothly:

• Bring a towel and water-friendly bag. Even with a GoPro and snorkel gear handled for you, your comfort is on you.
• Use sunscreen early. You’ll be outside for hours, and your sun coverage will be uneven if you only apply once.
• Plan for wet hair and saltwater. Koločep’s cave swim and the general boat spray are part of the experience.
• Decide your beach strategy before you arrive. When Lopud time comes around, you’ll have a better day if you already know if you want most of it on the sand or mostly on the boat.
• Bring a light layer if the wind picks up. Speed boats can feel cooler after you’ve been swimming.

On the activity side, the tour is described as requiring moderate physical fitness. That usually means you should feel comfortable boarding and moving around the boat, and being active enough for swimming/snorkeling. If that sounds like you, you’re in the right zone.

Also, there’s an adults-only note on alcohol: minimum drinking age is 18. Beer and soft drinks are included, so just keep that in mind for older teen travelers.

Who should book this Elafiti Islands private speed boat tour?

This one fits best if you want:

• a private day that feels flexible
• real swim and snorkel time
• a mix of island nature and a little village exploring
• to group together and split the cost

It’s also a great pick for people who are short on days. Instead of trying to line up multiple buses, ferries, and walking segments, you get the island loop in one go.

If you’re traveling solo and not into paying for a full private group experience, you might want to compare it against other options—because the private format is built for shared groups. The same goes for anyone who doesn’t enjoy being on the water for hours.

Should you book this private Elafiti Islands speed boat day?

I’d book it if your dream day includes Blue Cave swimming, a sandy beach at Šunj, and a private route that lets you choose your pace. The inclusions are solid for a full-day charter: snorkel gear, life jackets, water, and drinks, plus a skipper running the day for your group.

I would pause if:

• you can’t get to Lapadska obala 4 easily (since there’s no pickup)
• you’re not planning to fill at least part of the group (per-person value rises with group size)
• you need a guaranteed meal included (this one doesn’t provide it)

One more practical note: the experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you should expect a different date offer or a full refund.

FAQ

How much does the Full-Day Elafiti Islands Private Speed Boat Tour cost?

The price is $598.87 per group, up to 6 people.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 8 hours.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

What snorkeling and safety gear is included?

You get snorkel equipment and life jackets for adults and children.

Are drinks included on the boat?

Yes. Bottled water, beer, and soft drinks are included.

Is a meal included?

No. Meals are not included.

Is there pickup or drop-off from Dubrovnik hotels?

No. There is no pickup or drop-off. The tour starts and ends at Lapadska obala 4, Dubrovnik.

What extra cost might apply?

A fuel surcharge of €100 per booking is not included in the listed price.

What happens 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.

If you tell me your group size and when you’re traveling, I can help you judge whether the private charter value matches your exact pace.