Review · DUBROVNIK
Elafiti Islands Private Tour with Fisher 20 Speedboat
The best Dubrovnik escape starts offshore. This private Fisher 20 speedboat tour gives you your own skipper and flexible route, so you can spend more time swimming, visiting island churches, or relaxing on Šunj Beach instead of following a fixed group schedule. I especially like the easy hotel pickup and the included drinks, Wi-Fi, fuel, and captain. The main catch is simple: the $464.43 price is per group, so it makes better sense for four to six people than for a couple traveling alone.
You can book roughly four to eight hours, depending on the plan you arrange. Skippers such as Nikola, Ante, Ivo, Peter, Marko, Marco, Miro, and Nico have been praised for friendly service, local stories, calm boat handling, and finding quieter swimming spots. Still, the sea controls the day. Bad weather can cancel the trip, and lunch is not included, so you should budget for your own meal on Lopud.
Key points at a glance

- Blue Cave and swimming at Koločep: The first island combines a scenic cave visit with snorkeling, cliff jumping, and time in the water.
- A genuinely private boat: Only your group participates, with up to six people sharing the Fisher 20 speedboat.
- You set the rhythm: Stay longer at Šunj Beach, shorten a walking stop, or ask the skipper to focus on swimming.
- Simple Dubrovnik logistics: Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, with the boat meeting point at Marina Frapa Dubrovnik.
- Good onboard extras: Fuel, bottled water, other drinks, alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi, and a shower are included.
- A strong choice for families and mixed groups: The route can balance churches and castles with sandy beach time and cliff jumping.
Why a private Elafiti Islands boat trip works so well

Dubrovnik’s old city is beautiful, but it can feel hot and crowded. The Elafiti Islands give you a different day: open water, small island settlements, swimming coves, old stone buildings, and the easy pleasure of letting someone else handle the boat.
The private format matters more here than it would on a simple harbor cruise. You are not tied to a large group’s swim time or lunch schedule. If your children want a longer beach stop, you can stay. If your group cares more about old churches than sunbathing, you can ask the skipper to give walking time priority.
The boat carries up to six people, so the price works out well for a family or group of friends. At the full group size, $464.43 becomes a reasonable shared cost for a private half-day or full-day outing. For two people, it is a splurge, but the privacy and control may be worth it if this is your main Dubrovnik outing.
You also get more than transport. Fuel, bottled water, drinks, alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi, and a shower are included. Several people also enjoyed playing their own music through Bluetooth. These details do not replace the scenery, but they make a long time on the water more comfortable.
A few more speedboat days around Dubrovnik worth a look
- Blue Cave, Green Cave & Lopud Beach small group Speed boat Tour
★ 5.0 · 2,572 reviews - Blue & Green Cave,Sunj beach Small Group Tour with Speedboat
★ 5.0 · 677 reviews - Dubrovnik Private Speedboat Tour to Elaphite Islands with Drinks
★ 5.0 · 660 reviews
Starting at Marina Frapa Dubrovnik
The listed meeting point is Marina Frapa Dubrovnik at Lapadska obala 21a. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Dubrovnik are included, which removes one of the more annoying parts of arranging a boat trip.
The activity ends back at the meeting point. Confirm your pickup details carefully after booking, since confirmation is sent within 48 hours and depends on availability. Last-minute arrangements have worked for some groups, but I would not rely on that if your schedule is tight.
The tour is private, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Most people can participate, though you should be honest with the provider about swimming ability, mobility concerns, or seasickness. One particularly useful detail from the trip experiences is that a skipper adjusted the boat’s handling to help a passenger who gets seasick. That is worth mentioning before departure rather than hoping the issue will sort itself out on the water.
Koločep: the strongest first stop

Koločep is usually the most active part of the route. The plan allows about an hour for the Blue Cave, swimming, snorkeling, cliff jumping, walking, sightseeing, and old churches.
The Blue Cave is the headline stop, but it is best understood as part of a wider water break rather than a long sightseeing visit. You may spend much of this hour moving between the cave, the sea, and the shore. Bring a swimsuit under your clothes and keep anything valuable secured before you get into the water.
Cliff jumping is optional, not a requirement. If you enjoy it, ask the skipper where it is suitable and follow his advice. If you prefer a quiet swim, snorkeling, or a look at the old churches, you have plenty of alternatives.
Koločep is a good opening stop because it lets you settle into the boat day quickly. You are not starting with a long formal tour or a museum visit. Instead, you get views, clear water, and a choice of activity almost immediately.
The limitation is time. One hour can pass quickly if your group wants to do everything. If the Blue Cave and swimming matter most, tell the skipper before departure so the walking portion does not take over.
Šipan: a short taste of island history

Šipan is scheduled for about 30 minutes. The stop includes walking, sightseeing, swimming, an old castle, and old churches.
That half-hour makes Šipan more of a compact look than a full visit. You will likely need to choose between a short walk and a quick swim. I would use this stop for a brief look at the buildings and village setting, then save serious water time for Koločep or Lopud.
The old castle and churches give the day some cultural balance. Without stops like this, the trip could become only a beach excursion. The island visits remind you that the Elafiti are lived-in places with local history, not just pretty backdrops for a boat ride.
Because the itinerary is adjustable, you can ask to spend longer here if your group enjoys walking and old buildings. You can also shorten the stop if everyone is ready for the sea. That is one of the clearest benefits of booking privately.
Same water, a different kind of day:
- From Dubrovnik/Cavtat: Blue Cave, Sunj Beach Speed Boat Tour
★ 4.8 · 502 reviews - Blue & Green cave,Šunj beach – with drinks small group speedboat
★ 5.0 · 391 reviews - Dubrovnik: Blue Cave, Green Cave & Sunj Beach Speedboat Tour
★ 4.9 · 302 reviews - Half-Day Elafiti Islands Private Speed Boat Tour by Quicksilver 675
★ 5.0 · 263 reviews
Lopud: walking, monasteries, and lunch

Lopud receives about an hour in the suggested plan. You can walk, sightsee, swim, and visit a monastery, old churches, and a botanical garden. This is also the recommended place for lunch.
Lopud offers the widest mix of activities. I would use it as your main land stop if you want more than a quick look from the boat. The monastery, churches, and garden give you reasons to put on shoes and explore, while the water remains close if the heat catches up with you.
Lunch is not included, so plan for that expense. A skipper can recommend a restaurant and help with a reservation, which is useful during a busy season. Still, do not assume every recommendation will fit your budget. One dining suggestion was praised for food quality but criticized for costing roughly twice as much as an already expensive meal in Dubrovnik’s old city.
Ask about prices before ordering, especially if your group has a fixed budget. You can also decide to keep lunch simple and devote more time to the beach. Since the tour is private, your meal does not have to fit a large group’s schedule.
Šunj Beach: the easiest family stop

Šunj Beach on Lopud is described as one of Dubrovnik’s best beaches, with white sand, shallow clear water, and beach bars. The suggested stop lasts about an hour, but you can stay longer if your group prefers a relaxed swim.
This is likely the most practical stop for families with children. Shallow water makes it easier for younger swimmers, while the sandy shore is more comfortable than a rocky Adriatic entry. Bars provide refreshments, so you do not need to treat the beach as a survival exercise with an enormous picnic.
Šunj is also a useful choice for groups with different energy levels. Some people can swim, others can sit on the sand, and anyone wanting a drink can use the nearby bars. The trade-off is that a famous beach may feel less secluded than the quieter spots a skipper can find elsewhere.
If your main goal is a peaceful swim away from crowds, tell the skipper. If your group wants an easy beach with facilities, Šunj may be the better choice. You do not need to treat the listed order as a rule.
How flexible is the custom itinerary?

The tour is designed around your group, not a rigid timetable. The supplied plan suggests Koločep, Šipan, Lopud, and Šunj Beach, but you decide how long to stay at each island.
That flexibility is especially useful for groups with mixed interests. A family may want a Blue Cave swim, a short church visit, and a long beach break. Three friends may prefer cliff jumping and snorkeling. A couple may want less activity and more time sitting on the boat with drinks and music.
Tell the skipper your priorities at the start. The best experiences described by guests came from clear communication: skippers asked about swimming, found less crowded places, shared Croatian history, and adjusted their driving to keep the ride comfortable.
The boat is not simply a taxi between islands. The captain can shape the day around the water conditions and your wishes. Calm seas make for a particularly pleasant ride, while rougher water may require a slower pace or fewer stops. Since weather can cancel the trip, remain open to a different date if conditions are poor.
The skipper makes the difference

A private boat tour depends heavily on the person at the wheel. The named skippers connected with this experience include Nikola, Ante, Ivo, Peter, Nico, Marko, Marco, and Miro.
The strongest praise centers on patience, friendly conversation, local knowledge, and a light touch. One captain gave Croatian history context during the ride. Another found quiet swimming areas. A skipper named Peter was appreciated for taking a group exactly where it wanted to go, while Marko was praised for being kind and attentive with a young child.
That range matters because no two groups want the same day. You want a captain who can explain the islands without turning every stop into a lecture. You also want someone who understands when to leave you alone with the view.
The operator’s shore support also seems useful. Miro has handled questions, booking confirmation, hotel pickup, and lunch arrangements. That kind of communication is valuable when your boat day is tied to a short Dubrovnik visit or a port stop.
Comfort, drinks, and what to bring
Included drinks and bottled water make the trip easier, and alcoholic beverages are listed as part of the package. Wi-Fi is included, along with a shower. Bluetooth music has also been available, so you can bring a playlist if that suits your group.
I would still bring a towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a light layer for the ride. Those items are practical advice for a day involving swimming and an open speedboat, not special equipment promised by the provider.
Keep your phone protected around the water. A dry bag is a sensible addition if you plan to photograph the Blue Cave, swim, or jump from rocks. The tour includes Wi-Fi, but you may find yourself happily ignoring your phone once the boat gets away from Dubrovnik.
Lunch is the one clear food gap. You can eat at a restaurant on Lopud, but the meal costs extra. If you want more control, ask the provider about the day’s lunch plan before departure.
Who should book this tour?
I would recommend it most strongly to groups of four to six who want privacy, swimming, and control over the schedule. Families can combine shallow water at Šunj with sightseeing on Lopud and short cultural stops on Šipan.
It also suits friends who want a more active day. Koločep offers snorkeling and cliff jumping, while the skipper can look for less crowded places to swim. Couples can enjoy it too, but the per-group price is harder to justify unless you value having the boat and captain to yourselves.
This is not the best fit if you want a detailed, formal history tour at every stop. The sightseeing is real, but the day is built around the sea. It may also disappoint you if you need a guaranteed schedule, since the route and timing depend on your preferences and weather.
The perfect 5 rating from 81 ratings reflects a very strong customer record, and the most praised features are consistent: easy pickup, helpful skippers, private swimming stops, calm handling, and a day that feels personal. The one useful warning is dining cost, so ask before accepting a restaurant recommendation.
Should you book the Elafiti Islands private tour?
Book it if you want your Dubrovnik boat day to feel like your own day. The Fisher 20 speedboat, private skipper, included drinks, hotel transfers, and adjustable stops make this a strong value for a full group.
I would choose it over a fixed group cruise for families, friends, and anyone who wants time in the water. I would hesitate only if you are traveling as a couple on a tight budget, dislike speedboat outings, or need a fully fixed plan.
For the best result, decide your priorities before pickup: Blue Cave, swimming, churches, lunch, beach time, or quiet coves. Tell the skipper early, keep some flexibility for the sea, and treat Šunj and Lopud as choices rather than obligations.
FAQ
How much does the private Elafiti Islands tour cost?
The price is $464.43 per group, with up to six people included.
How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately four to eight hours, depending on the schedule arranged for your group.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Dubrovnik are included.
Where does the tour start?
The listed meeting point is Marina Frapa Dubrovnik, Lapadska obala 21a, Dubrovnik.
Where does the tour end?
The activity ends back at the meeting point.
Is lunch included?
No. Lunch is not included, although you can eat at restaurants on Lopud.
Are drinks included?
Yes. Bottled water, drinks, and alcoholic beverages are included.
Is the tour private?
Yes. Only your group participates, with a maximum of six people.
Can children join the tour?
Yes, but children must be accompanied by an adult.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can receive a full refund or choose a different date. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.
Just added around Dubrovnik
- Private Speedboat Tour in Dubrovnik★ 5.0 · 84 reviews
- Full- Day Private Speedboat Tour in Dubrovnik on Elaphiti Islands★ 5.0 · 21 reviews
- Dubrovnik: Golden Hour Sunset Cruise with Drinks★ 5.0 · 6 reviews
- Speedboat Atlantic Marine 750, 4 or 8 hours★ 5.0 · 101 reviews
- Rent a Rib – without skipper★ 5.0 · 27 reviews
- Private Local Guided Speedboat Tour in Dubrovnik Archipelago★ 5.0 · 3 reviews
- Dubrovnik:Blue cave and sandy beach Sunj with a private speedboat★ 5.0 · 8 reviews
- Private luxury speedboat tour-Islands, caves, beaches, snorkeling★ 5.0 · 71 reviews
Dubrovnik Speedboat Tours, compared.

Blue Cave, Green Cave & Lopud Beach small group Speed boat Tour
Read our review →
Blue & Green Cave,Sunj beach Small Group Tour with Speedboat
Read our review →
Dubrovnik Private Speedboat Tour to Elaphite Islands with Drinks
Read our review →
From Dubrovnik/Cavtat: Blue Cave, Sunj Beach Speed Boat Tour
Read our review →
Blue & Green cave,Šunj beach – with drinks small group speedboat
Read our review →
Blue Cave, Green Cave & Sunj Beach Speedboat Tour
Read our review →
Half-Day Elafiti Islands Private Speed Boat Tour by Quicksilver 675
Read our review →Browse the lists this tour appears in

