Kolocep caves, Lopud sand, Sipan palaces, one boat. This private Elaphiti Islands tour is set up for comfortable island-hopping from Dubrovnik with snorkeling and multiple swim stops right off the boat. The only real drawback is the schedule depends on good weather, so you’ll want a bit of flexibility in your plans.

What you get here feels less like a checklist and more like a day you can steer. You’ll spend time on Kolocep for the Blue/Green caves, relax at Lopud (including Šunj Beach), and finish on Sipan with countryside-and-coast views plus options for tastings and winery stops. One other consideration: the price is per person, so it’s best value when you have enough people to share the cost with you.

Quick hits before you book

• Private boat charter means only your group on board, so you can move at your pace
• Blue and Green caves on Kolocep plus snorkeling gear and life vests included
• Lopud’s Šunj Beach is the main sand-and-sun moment, with snorkeling options nearby
• Sipan (Šipan island) time includes Suđurađ and palaces linked to the Skočibuha family
• Unlimited drinks and fruit onboard keep the day relaxed (beer, wine, water, sodas, fruits)
• Captain-led flexibility: you can request extra swimming time, lunch, winery, or monastery add-ons

Your day starts right by Dubrovnik Old Town’s port

Most Dubrovnik visitors spend their limited time inside the walls. This tour flips the script by meeting you at the heart of the action: the Old Town port area by the Lokanda restaurant. From there, you’re out on the water with a local skipper who handles the safety talk and the driving so you don’t have to think about logistics.

If you’re staying elsewhere, pickup can be arranged from your accommodation or a preferred starting point (Old Town port or Gruz Port are mentioned). Just note that pickup from some specific places like Sheraton, Mlini, or Cavtat is listed as an extra cost payable in cash, so it’s worth planning your meeting spot early to avoid surprise add-ons.

The big value play: drinks included and the boat stays the base

There are a lot of boat trips in Dubrovnik. This one’s built around comfort and a “hang on the water” rhythm rather than constant moving.

Here’s the practical part you’ll feel during the day:

• Snorkeling gear, beach towels, and safety gear are included
• Fuel is included (so you’re not paying extra for the route)
• You get local beer, wine, water, sodas, and fruits unlimited onboard

That unlimited drinks setup matters more than people expect. After a swim, you’re not hunting for a café. You’re just staying on the boat, cooling down, then heading to the next stop when it suits you.

And you can’t ignore the private angle. The tour is described as private—only your group participates—so you’re not getting packed into a speedrun format with strangers. Several reviews name captains like Ivan, Marko, Bruno, Peter, GiGi, and Paulo as friendly hosts, and one theme keeps popping up: they adjust the day based on what your group actually wants—more swimming, fewer crowds, better lunch timing.

Possible downside to consider: because it’s private and per person, the cost can feel heavy if your group is small or you’re traveling on a tight budget.

Kolocep Island and the Blue/Green caves (your first swim focus)

Kolocep is close to Dubrovnik, which makes it an ideal first move. You don’t burn half the day just getting somewhere. Once you reach the island zone, the highlight is the Blue and Green caves.

This is where the tour’s water time really comes alive:

• You get snorkeling gear for exploring underwater zones around the caves
• You’re not waiting on a bus or walking a long distance—this is boat-to-water, then back
• There’s time to swim right off the boat in the Adriatic

One practical note: cave areas can be busy and conditions can shift with weather and sea state. The tour format helps because your skipper can choose the best approach for your group on that day. Reviews also mention skippers watching out for the other boats around the cave entrance, and making safety the priority when things get crowded.

If your idea of vacation includes clear water, short swims, and photos without the gym-style effort, Kolocep is the right opener.

Lopud Island: Šunj Beach time with snorkeling as backup

After Kolocep, Lopud is the “slow down and enjoy it” stop. Lopud is famous for its sandy beach, especially Šunj Beach, and this tour gives you a dedicated chunk of time there—about 3 hours in the itinerary.

What I like about this setup is that it gives you options:

• You can stay beachy: sunbathing, relaxing, reading
• Or you can keep it water-active: snorkeling gear is ready
• Or you can do the classic boat-life move: lounge on the boat and just enjoy the view

The tour also mentions an optional visit to the quaint village of Lopud later in the day. That’s a good add-on if you want at least a little “Croatia on land” without turning the day into a long walking tour.

A small drawback: beach time can be hot and slow-paced. If you’re traveling with people who get restless, you’ll want to agree in advance whether you’re doing a full beach stretch or mixing beach with cave/swim time. The whole point of a private charter is that you can tailor this, and the captains in the reviews are praised for doing exactly that.

Sipan (Šipan) for palaces, sea views, and tasting options

Sipan is the larger and more populated of the Elaphiti islands, but the experience here is framed as getting away from the tourist traps and heading to calmer spots. You’re given about 3 hours around Sipan, with the visit starting in Suđurađ, a seaside town known for two Renaissance palaces tied to the Skočibuha family.

This is where you get a different feel from the earlier swim stops. It’s not just water and caves—it’s a chance to mix sea time with local culture and food.

Two add-on style experiences are explicitly mentioned:

• Homemade goods tasting (wine, olive oil, marmalade, fruits, veggies) through local makers
• A local winery experience with a wine, cheese, and olive oil tasting

Whether you choose one or keep it simple, Suđurađ is a smart stop if you want something real beyond photos. Then there’s a final coastal moment before heading back: the pebble beaches of the small islet called Sikirica.

The practical catch here is that if you’re mainly chasing water time, Sipan may feel like more “land break” than you want. But if you like variety—swim, sand, then something food-and-places related—Sipan is the piece that rounds out the day.

How long should you book: 4-hour focus vs full-day comfort

The tour is listed as 4 to 8 hours depending on what you choose. The itinerary structure makes it clear that the longer version is where the flexibility lives.

• In a shorter version, you’ll likely concentrate on the biggest swim moments (Kolocep and Lopud) and skip the more time-dependent extras.
• For a longer day, you get more breathing room to linger at favorites and for the captain to add requests.

This is one of the strongest themes from the praised reviews: captains are described as flexible, including making lunch arrangements and adding extra swimming time when a group asks. Some reviews also mention special touches like a GoPro experience, and in at least one case, take-home photos delivered by USB or via WeTransfer. Those aren’t listed as standard inclusions, so think of them as a bonus that your skipper may offer depending on the operator’s setup that day.

If you’re on a first Dubrovnik trip and want the best chance of a “favorite day” moment, I’d lean toward the full-day version when your schedule allows.

Price and value: what $372.63 per person buys you

At $372.63 per person, this isn’t a budget activity. The value comes from what’s included and how private the day feels.

Included essentials that add up quickly:

• Fuel and a local skipper
• Hotel pickup and drop-off (with some outside areas costing extra)
• Snorkeling gear and beach towels
• Life vests and safety gear
• Unlimited drinks: beer, wine, water, sodas, and fruits

Now compare that to typical Dubrovnik experiences:

• Boat tours that feel crowded often charge for the “right” seats and then hit you with extra costs at each stop.
• Many island visits focus on one beach and one photo moment, then you’re back on land searching for lunch.

This tour is different because the boat stays your home base, and drinks are handled. That’s a real comfort win when you’re spending hours moving between Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan.

Best value note: if you have a small group, the per-person rate may sting. If you travel with friends or family, the private boat feel is usually worth it.

Practical tips so your day runs smoothly

Here’s how to make this tour feel effortless once you’re on the water:

• Bring swim-ready clothes and expect saltwater. You’re doing multiple swims.
• Use the included snorkeling gear in Kolocep, but don’t stress if you’re not a confident swimmer. Life vests and a skipper on hand help.
• Plan for sun. You’ll be outside for long stretches, and Lopud’s Šunj Beach is the main heat check.
• If you care about lunch, ask early. The captain can arrange lunch and even set it up at a waterfront table, based on how your day is going.
• If you want extra experiences, make the request when you’re onboard. The itinerary is described as flexible, and captains can set up wine tasting, lunch, and monastery tours and similar extras depending on timing and interests.

One more thing: the tour requires good weather. If your Dubrovnik dates include rain or rough sea days, you should be ready for changes.

Should you book Hidden Gems Odyssey: Private Elaphiti Islands & Blue Cave Tour?

Book it if you want:

• A private Elaphiti day where the day adapts to your group
• Multiple water stops, including the Blue/Green caves at Kolocep
• Beach time at Šunj Beach without rushing
• A real food and tasting option on Sipan, not just a quick photo stop

Skip it or rethink your timing if:

• Your group hates boat days or you’re not planning to swim/snorkel at least a little
• You’re traveling on a super tight budget and need the cheapest possible option
• You can’t be flexible about weather-dependent changes

FAQ

How long is the Elaphiti Islands boat tour?

The duration is listed as about 4 to 8 hours, depending on how the day is structured.

Where does the tour start in Dubrovnik?

The meeting point is at the Old Town port area near the Lokanda restaurant. Pickup can also be arranged based on your accommodation or preferred starting point such as Old Town port or Gruz Port.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s described as a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

What’s included with the tour price?

Included items are snorkeling gear and beach towels, fuel, a local skipper, unlimited local beer/wine/water/sodas, and fruits, plus life vests and safety gear, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Do I need to pay for snorkeling or cave entry?

Snorkeling gear is included. Admission tickets for the listed stops are shown as free in the itinerary.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, but the captain can arrange lunch as an extra if you want.

What optional extras might cost extra?

An underwater scooter is listed as not included, costing 70€ cash. Pickup/drop-off at Sheraton, Mlini, or Cavtat is also listed as an extra 70€ cash.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Is it suitable for families and children?

Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the tour notes that most travelers can participate.

Does weather affect the tour?

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