Private Speedboat Tour- Blue cave, sandy beaches and snorkelling

The Adriatic is your swimming pool. This private speedboat trip takes you from Dubrovnik to the Blue Cave and other caves around Koločep, then on to Šipan, Lopud, and Šunj Beach. I like the freedom of a private boat, and I like that skipper Toni or Rocco can adjust the day around your interests rather than follow a rigid schedule. The main thing to watch is the extra fuel charge, which is not included in the headline price.

At $362.05 for up to four people, the trip can be good value if you fill the boat. Drinks, snorkelling equipment, and a skipper are included, while lunch, fuel, and some optional admission charges are extra. You should also know that there is no toilet on board, and pickup and drop-off are not included.

Key points before you book

• The Blue Cave is the main event: Swim and snorkel inside Koločep’s Blue Cave and three other caves, where sunlight creates the blue glow.
• Your skipper shapes the day: Toni and Rocco have been praised for asking what you want to see and adjusting the route.
• Šunj is Dubrovnik’s sandy beach stop: You can swim, relax, and buy drinks at beach bars.
• The price works best for four people: The listed rate covers a private group of up to four, but fuel is charged separately.
• The route can stretch from two to eight hours: The longer option includes more island time, while Mljet is reserved for the eight-hour national park trip.
• Bring a lunch budget: The two-hour stop on Šipan includes time at a restaurant, but food is not part of the tour price.

What this private boat day is really like

This is not a sightseeing cruise where you sit in one place and watch the islands pass. You get a private speedboat, a skipper, snorkelling gear, drinks, and a route built around swimming, caves, beaches, and island stops.

That distinction matters in Dubrovnik. The Old Town is handsome but busy, and its nearby waterfront can feel crowded in high season. Once the boat moves away from the city, the day becomes much more about open water and short stops on the Elaphiti Islands.

The standard experience lasts about two to eight hours, depending on the option you choose. The advertised stops add up to roughly five hours before allowing for boat travel, swimming time, lunch, and route changes. Ask for the exact plan before departure, especially if you want to include Lokrum or Mljet.

The boat is private for your party only. That gives you useful control over the pace. If your group wants more time in the water, you can tell the skipper. If you prefer a walk, lunch, or a quiet beach stop, the route can be adjusted within the chosen tour length.

The crew is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Toni has been praised for asking what the group wanted to see and suggesting good stops. Rocco has also received strong praise for customizing the trip. That personal approach can turn a basic boat ride into a much better day, especially if the group includes mixed ages or different interests.

Koločep’s Blue Cave and three more caves

Koločep is the first major stop, and it is the part I would prioritize when choosing this trip. The route visits the popular Blue Cave along with three additional caves around the island.

The special effect comes from sunlight entering the cave and reflecting through the water. The result is a blue glow that is best appreciated from the water, not from a dry viewpoint. You can swim and snorkel inside the caves, which makes this more active than a simple photo stop.

Snorkelling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins. Bottled water and soft drinks are also provided, along with beer and wine for those who want an alcoholic drink later in the day.

The cave stop is scheduled for about one hour. That is enough time for a swim and a look around, but it may feel short if your group wants to linger at each cave. Tell the skipper early if the Blue Cave is your top priority. The boat’s private setup should make it easier to focus on the places you care about most.

I would bring a waterproof phone case if you want photographs in the water. That is practical advice rather than a promised tour feature, since the cave experience is built around swimming and snorkelling.

Šipan gives the day a proper lunch break

The next stop is Šipan, where you have about two hours for lunch at a restaurant. Food is not included, so plan to pay separately for your meal.

This is a useful pause after swimming. A boat trip made entirely of quick stops can become tiring, especially if you are traveling with children or anyone who prefers a slower pace. Šipan gives you time to sit down, eat, and enjoy the island without being rushed back into the water.

The trade-off is that lunch uses a large part of the day. If you care more about caves and swimming than food, ask whether the stop can be shortened. If you want a relaxed private outing, the full two hours may be just right.

Because the tour is private, your group can discuss priorities with the skipper. Still, do not assume every stop can be extended without affecting the rest of the route. The islands are spread out, and the longer you stay in one place, the less time remains elsewhere.

Lopud combines a village walk with island scenery

Lopud is scheduled for about one hour. This island adds a change of pace, with churches, a monastery, and places to walk and explore.

After the Blue Cave and Šipan lunch, the Lopud stop lets you stretch your legs. You can use the time for a short walk rather than another swim, though the exact balance depends on your group and skipper.

One hour is enough for a taste of the island, not a full historical visit. If you want to see every church or spend a long time walking, this stop may feel too brief. For most people, its value is variety. You get more than beaches and boat views, without turning the day into a formal cultural tour.

I like this balance. Dubrovnik’s island area is not only about clear water. A short walk and a look at local buildings make the day feel more connected to the places you are visiting.

Šunj Beach is the easygoing finish

Šunj Beach on Lopud is usually the final stop. It is described as the most popular sandy beach in the Dubrovnik area, with space to relax and beach bars for drinks.

The sand is the draw. Many coastal stops around the Adriatic are rocky or made for swimming from ladders, so Šunj offers a softer place to finish the day. You can swim, sit on the beach, or order a drink while the boat trip winds down.

The beach is popular, so do not expect a private cove. Its appeal is convenience and atmosphere, not solitude. If your ideal beach means a completely empty shore, this may not be the strongest stop. If you want an easy swim and a cold drink without complicated planning, it fits well.

The included beer, wine, bottled water, and Coca-Cola are useful here. A bottle of champagne is included only on the sunset tour, so do not assume it comes with a regular daytime booking.

Lokrum is an optional choice with a real trade-off

Lokrum sits in front of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, on the opposite side from the Elaphiti Islands. It can be visited on request, but including it means you cannot see all the Elaphiti Islands on the same outing.

That is an important choice, not a minor route change. Lokrum is convenient if your group wants a short boat trip near Dubrovnik and prefers the island directly outside the city. The Elaphiti route is better if the Blue Cave, Šipan, Lopud, and Šunj are your priorities.

Lokrum admission is not included. The supplied details do not state the admission price, so check the current cost before choosing this option.

If your time is limited, I would decide between Lokrum and the Elaphiti Islands rather than trying to force both into one day. The boat gives you flexibility, but it cannot remove the distances between the stops.

The eight-hour Mljet option goes much farther

Mljet is the largest island in the Dubrovnik area and sits about 50 kilometers away. The speedboat ride takes roughly two hours, so this is a major extension rather than a quick add-on.

The eight-hour Blue Cave and Mljet National Park option includes Limuni Beach, Odysseus Cave, and the saltwater lakes in Mljet National Park. These are substantial attractions, but the long journey means less time for the closer Elaphiti Islands.

Mljet is not included in every tour. It is specifically part of the eight-hour option. National park admission is also not included, so budget for that separately.

There is also a fuel charge for the longer route. The supplied pricing information lists €50 for four hours, €70 for eight hours, and €120 for the 10-hour Mljet option. Since the tour summary describes the Mljet choice as eight hours while the fuel notes mention 10 hours for the national park route, ask the operator to confirm the exact duration and fuel amount before paying.

If Mljet is your main goal, this option may be worthwhile. If you want a relaxed mix of nearby caves, lunch, and sandy beach time, the Elaphiti route makes more sense.

Price, fuel, and what you really receive

The listed cost is $362.05 per group of up to four people. For a full group, that works out to about $90.51 per person before fuel, lunch, and any admission charges.

That is reasonable for a private boat day with a skipper and snorkelling equipment, especially when you value control over the route. A private boat also means you are not sharing swimming stops or lunch timing with a large group.

The extra fuel fee is the main price issue. It is clearly listed separately, but it is easy to focus on the group price and miss it. One customer considered the fuel charge an unwelcome surprise. I would ask for the total cost in writing, including fuel and any chosen park or island admission, before you confirm.

Lunch on Šipan is also extra. Beach bar drinks at Šunj are not covered simply because drinks are included on the boat. The included beverages are bottled water, Coca-Cola, beer, and wine. Alcohol consumption should be sensible, particularly on a hot day with frequent swimming.

There is no onboard toilet. That matters on the longer routes and for anyone who prefers easy access to facilities. Use the facilities when available during the island and restaurant stops.

Comfort, pickup, and practical planning

The experience includes a comfortable, air-conditioned boat transfer according to the supplied details. Pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the meeting point.

The pickup point is about a 10-minute taxi ride from Dubrovnik’s Old Town, based on the practical guidance provided with the experience. Build that extra time into your morning rather than assuming the boat leaves from the Old Town waterfront.

A mobile ticket is provided, and the service is offered in English. Confirmation is received at booking. Service animals are allowed, and the experience is near public transportation.

The tour requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted.

Pack swimwear, sun protection, a towel, and a small amount of cash or a payment card for lunch, beach drinks, and admission charges. Keep valuables compact because a speedboat has less storage than a coach or ferry.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would choose this tour for a family or small group that wants a private day on the water without arranging several separate activities. The private format is particularly useful when one person wants snorkelling, another wants a beach, and someone else wants lunch and a short walk.

It also suits couples or friends who value open-water time and a flexible route. Toni and Rocco have both been praised for shaping the day around the group, which is exactly what you want from a private booking.

You may want another type of trip if you dislike speedboats, need an onboard toilet, or want a slow, formal island tour. The schedule includes several stops, and the boat travel itself is part of the experience. It is not designed for a single beach where you sit all day.

For families, keep in mind that the caves involve swimming and snorkelling. The supplied information says most people can participate, but it does not provide specific child age limits or swimming requirements. Ask the operator if anyone in your group has particular mobility or water-safety concerns.

Should you book it?

I would book this tour if your priority is a private, active day built around the Blue Cave, swimming, and Šunj Beach. The strongest value comes when four people share the cost, and the private skipper service gives you more control than a standard group cruise.

Before booking, confirm the exact duration, route, fuel charge, meeting point, and any admission costs. Choose the Elaphiti Islands for a balanced day close to Dubrovnik. Choose the longer Mljet option only if Mljet National Park is important enough to justify the extra travel time.

The 5.0 rating from 62 ratings and 98 percent recommendation rate fit the experience’s main strengths: good skippers, strong cave stops, useful equipment, and a fun day on the water. Just treat the fuel charge, lunch, missing toilet, and separate transport as part of the real cost. Do that, and this can be one of the more enjoyable ways to trade Dubrovnik’s stone streets for open sea.

FAQ

Where does the tour take place?

The tour departs from the Dubrovnik area and visits islands and coastal stops including Koločep, Šipan, Lopud, and Šunj Beach.

How much does the private tour cost?

The listed price is $362.05 per group of up to four people.

Is fuel included in the tour price?

No. Fuel is charged separately. The listed amounts are €50 for four hours, €70 for eight hours, and €120 for the 10-hour Mljet National Park option.

How long does the tour last?

The available experiences last approximately two to eight hours. The Mljet National Park option is described as an eight-hour tour, while the fuel information refers to a 10-hour Mljet route, so confirm the exact duration when booking.

Is lunch included?

No. The Šipan stop includes time to eat at a restaurant, but lunch is not included in the tour price.

Is snorkelling equipment provided?

Yes. Use of snorkelling equipment is included.

Which drinks are included?

The tour includes bottled water, Coca-Cola, beer, and wine. A bottle of champagne is included only for the sunset tour.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

No. There is no toilet on board.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

No. Pickup and drop-off are not included. The meeting point is about a 10-minute taxi ride from Dubrovnik’s Old Town.

Can the tour be canceled for bad weather?

Yes. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. For a standard cancellation, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.