Private Speedboat Tour to Elafiti Islands

REVIEW · DUBROVNIK

Private Speedboat Tour to Elafiti Islands

  • 5.026 reviews
  • 4 to 8 hours (approx.)
  • From $457.82
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Operated by Blue Horizon Dubrovnik Boats · Bookable on Viator

Fast boat, big island energy.

A private speedboat day among the Elafiti Islands is one of the quickest ways to see the Adriatic up close, with time for sea-cave passes, beaches, and village shoreline views you can’t match from the dock. What makes it especially fun is the mix of speed and flexibility aboard the Atlantic Marine 750, a small, nimble craft built for tight coastlines.

I especially like two things about this tour. First, you get real customization: the skipper plans the route but still leaves room for what you want to do at each stop, so the day doesn’t feel stuck in someone else’s schedule. Second, the included gear makes your water time low-effort—snorkeling equipment and a paddle board (SUP) are part of the package, plus drinks onboard.

One consideration: there are extra costs beyond the tour price, notably a fuel surcharge (€100 per booking), and lunch isn’t included. Add in the fact that the tour depends on good weather, and you’ll want to be flexible with your day.

Key things to know before you go

Private Speedboat Tour to Elafiti Islands - Key things to know before you go

  • Private boat for up to 10: your group sets the tone, and you skip the usual crowd choreography.
  • Atlantic Marine 750 size: built for close-to-shore exploring, including sea cave moments.
  • Elafiti Islands trio: Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan are the core islands you’ll be heading for.
  • Water time is included: snorkeling gear and a paddle board mean you can be in the water early.
  • Drinks on board: alcoholic beverages, soda, and bottled water are included with your cruise.
  • Budget for fuel: plan for the €100 fuel surcharge per booking on top of the base price.

Getting started at Lapadska obala 4

Private Speedboat Tour to Elafiti Islands - Getting started at Lapadska obala 4
Your day begins at Lapadska obala 4 in Dubrovnik. This area is convenient because it’s right where local boat life happens, so you’ll feel the transition from city sightseeing to open water fast—no long bus ride, no complicated transfers.

This is also a private tour, meaning it’s just your group on the boat. That matters more than you’d think. You don’t lose time waiting for everyone to find seats, and you can move around (within reason) as the skipper sets up each stop.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Dubrovnik.

The Atlantic Marine 750: why this boat is ideal for caves and coves

Private Speedboat Tour to Elafiti Islands - The Atlantic Marine 750: why this boat is ideal for caves and coves
This tour runs on the Atlantic Marine 750, and the boat’s size is a big part of the experience. On bigger vessels, you often stay at a distance—close enough for photos, not close enough to really enjoy the shoreline. Here, the craft is small enough to get into spots where sea caves and snug coastal areas are part of the fun.

You’ll also notice the speed element. The Elafiti Islands are close to Dubrovnik, but the day still adds up when you have travel time between shore stops. A faster boat means more time for swimming breaks and shorter waits for the next view.

And yes, the gear is ready. With snorkeling equipment and a paddle board already on board, you’re not stuck hunting for rentals or figuring out logistics mid-trip. That’s the kind of smooth planning that makes a half-day feel like a full experience.

Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan: a smart island mix for different moods

The Elafiti Islands are a favorite day escape for good reason: they feel worlds away from Dubrovnik, but they’re close enough to sample more than one island in a single outing. This tour builds that in by targeting Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan.

Koločep: shoreline views and easy water time

Koločep is a great starting island vibe because it often feels calm and approachable once you’re actually on the water. You get those classic Adriatic island visuals—rocky edges, sheltered coves, and stretches of beach where it’s natural to pause and swim.

If your group wants an active day, Koločep tends to work well for quick in-and-out breaks. The boat access helps, because you can usually spend time where the water is inviting rather than spending your day in transit.

Lopud: beach time without the ferry crowds

Lopud is a strong pick when you want a more beach-forward feel. Expect a slower rhythm once you’re there: enough shoreline time to relax, swim, and take in island scenery that looks different from the water than it does from above.

One practical win: since you’re on a private boat, you’re not stuck lining up with everyone else to reach the same shoreline moments. You can often match your swim and paddle-board time to how your group feels in that moment.

Šipan: where the day can turn into a lunch-and-linger stop

Šipan is often the island where a trip turns into a longer, more satisfying stop. It’s one of the places where you can combine swimming time with something extra onshore, like a meal if your group wants to extend the day.

Just keep expectations clear: lunch is not included with the tour price. Still, the upside is that you have the option to grab lunch on your own schedule while you’re on Šipan, which is usually the easiest time to do it.

Sea cave passes: the “how is this possible?” part of the trip

Private Speedboat Tour to Elafiti Islands - Sea cave passes: the “how is this possible?” part of the trip
Sea caves are one of the headline reasons to choose this boat style. Since the boat is made for close coastal cruising, you get the chance to enter sea-cave areas rather than only seeing them from far offshore.

This is also one of the moments where conditions matter. Calm water makes these passages more comfortable and enjoyable, and light through cave openings can create a dramatic effect on the water surface. If you’re traveling when the sea is rough, your skipper may adjust the plan—so it’s worth keeping the day flexible.

If you like photos, caves are camera-friendly. If you like experiences, they’re even better when you’re there without a crowd pressing you along.

Snorkeling gear and SUP time: included fun that stays simple

Private Speedboat Tour to Elafiti Islands - Snorkeling gear and SUP time: included fun that stays simple
A private speedboat day can sometimes feel like you’re paying for transport, then arranging your own activities. Not here. Snorkeling equipment and a paddle board (SUP) are included, so you can go straight from boat to water.

Snorkeling works best when you have small windows to slow down. The tour’s structure—short island stops plus time in the water—fits that perfectly. Put on the gear, swim where the water looks clear, and keep it to whatever level your group enjoys.

The SUP adds another layer of fun because it doesn’t require technical skill to enjoy. You can take it slow, paddle around safely near your stop, and enjoy the view back toward the islands. For groups, it’s also a nice way to mix interests: some people want to snorkel, others want a board, and the boat schedule doesn’t force everyone into the same activity.

Drinks onboard and the lunch reality check

Private Speedboat Tour to Elafiti Islands - Drinks onboard and the lunch reality check
Included drinks are a real perk. You’ll have alcoholic beverages, soda, and bottled water available during the cruise. That means no extra run to the shop to keep the vibe going, and it makes longer stop-and-swim moments feel more like a hangout than an errand.

What’s not included is lunch. So you’ll either want to plan on a meal before you go, or use one of the island stops—especially Šipan—to pick up something onshore. This works well because it keeps the tour focused: you’re not paying for a meal you’re not excited about, and you still have the option to eat if you want to.

Price and logistics: what you’re really paying for

Private Speedboat Tour to Elafiti Islands - Price and logistics: what you’re really paying for
The listed price is $457.82 per group, up to 10 people. That structure is key for value. If you’re traveling as a family or a small group of friends, this can work out far better than per-person day trips, because you’re renting the boat experience rather than buying individual tickets.

However, there’s a fuel surcharge of €100 per booking. That’s not trivial, so it’s worth factoring it into your total plan before you decide. Also, while drinks and snorkeling gear are included, you’ll still want to budget for food if you plan to eat lunch.

The duration is listed as 4 to 8 hours (approx.), which means the “what you get” depends on how the day shapes up—timing, weather, and how long you want to spend at each stop. For many groups, that variability is a feature, not a bug. It means you can lean into the best parts of the day.

Finally, you get a mobile ticket, English service, and the experience ends back at the meeting point—so the logistics are straightforward. You’re not piecing together multiple steps after the tour ends.

Weather and timing: how to make the day smoother

Private Speedboat Tour to Elafiti Islands - Weather and timing: how to make the day smoother
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund, so you’re not left hanging. Still, if you want the caves and longer swim time, treat weather as part of your planning.

My best advice: plan this for a day when you’re not locked into something else. Even with a great skipper, the sea state can affect how confidently you cruise into cave areas and how comfortable swimming time feels. If your schedule is tight, you might feel rushed by forces you can’t control.

Also, since you’re on the water for hours, pack like a swimmer even if you don’t plan to do everything. Sunscreen, a hat, and a towel help a lot. If your group is bringing cameras or phones, bring a waterproof pouch if you have one—simple and worth it.

Who should book this private Elafiti speedboat day?

This tour fits best if you want a private, flexible day with real water time. It’s a strong choice for:

  • Friend groups (up to 10) who want a shared adventure without crowds
  • Couples or small families who want to control the pace—more swimming, less waiting
  • People who care about active stops: snorkeling, SUP, and cave cruising
  • Anyone who wants to see multiple islands without spending the day on ferries

If you’re traveling with mobility limitations, note that the tour includes most travelers, and service animals are allowed. Still, it’s a boat experience, so it’s smart to think about how your group handles boarding and water access.

Should you book it?

If your goal is to spend the day on the water—swimming, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and seeing the Elafiti Islands from a boat—this is an easy yes. The big value is the combination of private access, included water gear, and time flexibility, all wrapped into one smooth outing.

Skip it only if you want a slow, onshore-focused day with lots of walking and museum time. This tour is built for people who want the sea views first, then the islands second.

If you’re aiming for the kind of day that feels like a highlight card from Dubrovnik—fast boat, caves, beaches, and gear ready to use—this is a solid booking.

FAQ

How long is the private speedboat tour to the Elafiti Islands?

The duration is listed as approximately 4 to 8 hours.

How much does the tour cost, and is it per person?

The price is $457.82 per group, up to 10 people.

What islands are included on the tour?

The tour includes visits around the Elafiti Islands, specifically Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan.

What’s included in the tour price?

Included items are alcoholic beverages, bottled water, soda/pop, snorkeling equipment, a paddle board, and the skipper.

What is not included?

Lunch is not included, and there is also a fuel surcharge of €100 per booking. Private transportation is not included either.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Lapadska obala 4, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. If canceled less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount you paid is not refunded. 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.

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