Speedboats make Dubrovnik feel twice as big. You leave from Lapadska obala and hop between the Elaphite Islands for swimming, cave sightings, and local stops that feel more like a day with a friend than a fixed bus tour. You also get the freedom to shift the plan if the sea, crowds, or your group’s energy changes.

I love the private setup for up to six people, because you can ask for what you actually want: beach time, snorkeling, viewpoints, or a quick history walk on an island. I also like that snorkeling gear, towels, and drinks are included, so you spend your time enjoying the water instead of shopping for gear.

One thing to plan around: Lokrum Island admission isn’t included. If Lokrum is a must-do for you, budget for the entrance fee before you go.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• Up to 6 people, truly private boat: less waiting, more control, and easier pacing with your group
• Snorkeling gear plus towels included: you can show up with just a swimsuit and be ready
• Caves can be crowded: your skipper can help you choose what’s worth the stop that day
• Island time matters more than ticking boxes: the stop lengths are built for swimming and exploring
• Lokrum has modern pop-culture pull: ruins and Game of Thrones filming locations are part of the appeal

Why This Private Speedboat Works So Well Out of Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik’s old town is stunning, but the real wow often comes from the water. This tour is built for that. Instead of spending your day stuck on land, you travel by fast boat between island shores and bays where swimming feels natural, not forced.

The pacing is the secret. The tour isn’t just “drive-by sightseeing.” You get real time on islands—about an hour on Koločep and Lopud, about 1.5 hours on Šipan, and about two hours on Lokrum (if your timing allows). That means you’re not rushing from pier to pier while your camera battery dies.

And because it’s private, your group doesn’t have to match a stranger’s idea of fun. If you want more swimming, you can usually steer the day that way. If you want a short hike for views, you can do that too.

Price and What You’re Really Paying For (Up to 6)

The price is listed as $302.34 per group, for up to six people. That sounds like a lot if you think per person. But it makes more sense when you remember you’re renting a boat with a professional skipper, plus gear and basic comforts.

Here’s what’s included that actually offsets cost:

• Snorkeling equipment
• Drinks
• Towels
• Gas
• Professional skipper

And here’s what’s not included:

• Lunch
• Lokrum Island entry
• Swimsuit and sunscreen

So value comes from two places: (1) you’re not paying extra for snorkeling setup once you arrive, and (2) the skipper isn’t just driving—he helps shape the day. In the stories attached to this experience, the guides (notably Vincenzo, who appears in multiple reviews) are praised for English ability, local knowledge, and tailoring stops to preferences. That matters because an islands-and-caves tour lives and dies on decision-making once you’re on the water.

If you’re traveling as a couple, it can still be worthwhile. But it’s at its best when you’re 4–6 people who can split the group price and want a more flexible day.

Meeting Point and Timing: How You Start, and Why It Matters

The meeting point is Lapadska obala 4, Dubrovnik, and the tour ends back there. You’ll receive a mobile ticket at booking, and the tour is offered in English.

Duration is flexible: about 2 to 8 hours. That matters because the itinerary includes four island stops. With travel time between islands, you usually can’t realistically do all the stops at the low end of the time range. In practice, many groups end up focusing on a smaller set of islands and using the remaining time for swimming and caves.

Also keep in mind a simple rule: good weather makes this tour feel effortless. Bad weather can shut down plans, and the operator notes the experience requires good weather. If seas are rough, you’ll still be in control of pacing, but the experience may feel more about getting from point to point than hanging around for long swims.

Stop 1: Koločep Island for Cliffs, Caves, and That First Big Swim

Koločep is where the day often starts to feel special. It’s described as Croatia’s southernmost inhabited island, and the charm here is the mix of coastline and natural attractions like the Blue Cave and the Three Green Caves.

You’ll have about one hour here. That’s long enough to do one or two meaningful things:

• Step off the boat to explore a viewpoint or the cliffs
• Swim in a nearby bay
• Take a snorkeling pass with the equipment provided

One of the best practical tips from the way this day is usually run: ask the skipper what the best swim spot is that day. Even if you’ve read about famous caves, conditions and crowd levels can change fast. A good skipper will point you toward a bay that’s easier to swim in right then, rather than forcing a plan that’s overrun.

If you’re hoping to see the Blue Cave specifically, don’t assume it’ll feel calm. It can get packed with boats and swimmers. A local guide can help you decide whether it’s worth squeezing in—or whether you’ll enjoy your time more by choosing a quieter stop nearby.

Stop 2: Lopud Island’s Sandy Break and Monastery or Garden Time

Lopud gives you an easy shift from “swim and explore” to “walk and reset.” You’ll also get about one hour here.

This stop is built around two ideas:

• Sunj Beach for a more classic beach moment
• Sights connected to the Dubrovnik Republic era (the tour mentions options like a botanic garden and/or a monastery)

In plain terms: Lopud is where the day becomes more balanced. You get a little history or a garden walk without turning the trip into a full-on hiking day.

It also tends to be the kind of place where your group can split slightly: some people want the beach, others want to browse ruins or a garden. With a private boat and short island windows, you can usually keep things moving without feeling rushed.

Stop 3: Šipan for Local Cuisine and a Hidden-Bay Feeling

Šipan is the largest of the Elaphite Islands, and the tour gives you about one hour and 30 minutes.

The key promise here is local flavor: the stop is framed as a chance to enjoy Šipan’s cuisine. That’s a big deal because a lot of Dubrovnik day trips are just “see stuff.” This one tries to give you a taste of island life.

There’s also a note about visiting an adventurous option called Luka, described as an incredible hidden bay with swimming opportunities and views.

If your group is split between snorkelers and non-snorkelers, Šipan often works well because you can:

• Stay close to the water for swimming
• Or take short scenic moments around the island before the boat moves on

It’s also a good place to gauge timing for the rest of the day. If you’re running out of hours, Šipan is often the stop where you can make the most of your remaining time.

Stop 4: Lokrum Island Ruins, Peacocks, and Game of Thrones Stops

Lokrum is the pop-culture magnet, and it’s also a real place to wander. You get about two hours here, but Lokrum Island entry is not included in the tour price.

Why Lokrum is worth extra attention:

• It’s near the Old Town, so the contrast is fun: a short hop from city energy to island calm
• The island includes ruins of an old monastery
• There are Game of Thrones filming locations, including a chair that people tend to look for

One practical detail that can change your whole day: the entrance fee for Lokrum is described as including ferry cost, even if you don’t use it. In a real-world example tied to this tour, that made it easier to spend as much time as needed on the island and still get back via ferry without feeling like you wasted your boat time.

Lokrum also offers active options like a hike toward fort areas and beaches to swim from. If your group is the athletic type, you can pack a lot into two hours.

If you’re not sure Lokrum is your thing, be honest early. This tour’s islands are short on time, so committing to Lokrum usually means giving up another island stop when you’re on a tighter duration.

Caves and Crowds: How to Make the Blue Cave Worth It

Caves are the headline for a lot of people booking this tour. But caves have a downside: they can get crowded fast.

The Blue Cave and the Green Caves can attract boats at peak times, so your experience depends on:

• Sea conditions that affect boat positioning and swimming comfort
• How many other boats show up
• The flow of swimmers inside

A key theme in how this tour tends to run is that your skipper warns you about crowds and helps you decide. That’s smart. A famous cave stop that feels chaotic can be less satisfying than a slightly less famous swim bay with fewer people and clearer snorkeling.

So here’s the decision framework I’d use before you commit to a cave:

• If the cave area feels crowded and swimming is uncomfortable, prioritize a calmer bay
• If you have a clear moment and your timing lines up, take the cave look—then go swim elsewhere so you still get a great water time

This approach keeps your day from turning into a wait-and-shuffle line.

Snorkeling Setup, Towels, and What to Bring Yourself

This tour includes snorkeling equipment and towels, plus drinks. That’s a big quality-of-life win, especially if you don’t want to hunt for gear in Dubrovnik before you go.

Because swimsuit and sunscreen aren’t included, plan for that on your own:

• Bring a swimsuit you don’t mind getting salty
• Bring sunscreen, even if clouds appear
• If you have your own snorkeling mask, you can still use it, but the provided setup is there for a reason

Also, if you’ve ever snorkeled in busy areas, you know visibility can vary. With a private boat and flexible pacing, you’ll generally have more chances to find a spot that feels good than you would on a fixed schedule.

Boat Ride Reality: Choppy Water Happens

Speedboat tours are weather-driven and sea-driven. Even in good conditions, you can get chop. One of the practical points from the experience write-ups is that the water can be choppy, but the skipper takes care of the group.

What that means for you:

• Expect movement. Hold on when you need to.
• If you’re prone to seasickness, prepare ahead of time.
• Don’t plan to do anything on land that feels physically strenuous right after a rough ride, unless you know how you react.

The speedboat part is a feature, not a bug. It’s what gets you between islands quickly. Just treat it like a sporty day.

The Skipper Experience: Why Vincenzo’s Local Style Gets Mentioned a Lot

This tour’s standout ingredient is the skipper’s local knowledge and flexibility. The name Vincenzo shows up repeatedly in positive experiences, and the praise isn’t generic.

What people consistently like about his approach:

• Strong English
• Island history and context while you travel
• Recommendations for what to see and where to eat
• Real tailoring based on preferences

One more detail worth noting: in at least one described version of the day, the skipper’s brother helped with pickup from a hotel and transfer to the boat meeting location. That’s not always something you should assume, but it fits the broader theme: the operation aims to make the day run smoothly from start to finish.

If you want an itinerary that feels like it was built around your group, a private skipper is exactly how you get it.

Who Should Book This Tour (and Who Might Think Twice)

This is a great fit if you want:

• A private boat for a small group
• Snorkeling time without extra gear rental
• Quick access to multiple Elaphite Islands
• A guide who can steer the day when caves are crowded

It’s also a strong choice for families and mixed-age groups because the island time windows are short. Adults who want to walk can do that. People who want swimming can focus there. Your skipper can help you match the pace to your energy.

You might think twice if you:

• Want a long, slow island day with no speedboat travel
• Plan your trip around a very exact schedule for each island stop
• Expect every cave moment to feel quiet and private

The time window can be a limiter. At lower durations, you may not fit all four islands, so decide which places matter most.

Should You Book This Private Speedboat Tour of the Elaphites?

If your goal is water time that feels special—snorkeling, caves, and island beaches—this tour is an easy yes. The price is group-based, and the inclusions (snorkeling gear, towels, drinks, gas, skipper) keep it from turning into a money pit once you arrive.

I’d book it if:

• You’re traveling in a small group (especially 4–6 people)
• Lokrum and the Elaphite Islands are on your must-see list
• You want flexibility instead of a rigid checklist day

I’d hesitate if Lokrum entry is a deal-breaker cost-wise, or if you’re the type who needs guaranteed quiet caves. In that case, you may still have a good day—but you’ll want to mentally prioritize bays and snorkeling, not only the cave names.

FAQ

How many people can join this private speedboat tour?

It’s a private tour for your group, with pricing listed per group up to 6 people.

How long is the tour?

The duration is approximately 2 to 8 hours.

Where does the tour meet in Dubrovnik?

The meeting point is Lapadska obala 4, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Does the tour include snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Are towels and drinks included?

Yes. Towels and drinks are included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

Is Lokrum Island entry included in the price?

No. Lokrum Island entry/admission is not included.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Is the tour dependent on weather?

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

What’s the cancellation policy?

Cancellation is free. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.