Private Speedboat Tour | Caves Beaches Islands and more

See Dubrovnik from the water. This private speedboat trip gives you a flexible way to explore Kolocep, Lopud, Sipan, Lokrum, and the coves around them. I especially like the chance to shape the day around swimming, snorkeling, island walks, local food, or history rather than following a fixed group schedule.

I also like the personal touch from local skipper Vincenzo, who knows the islands well and can suggest quieter swimming spots and places to eat. The main drawback is time: on a six-hour outing, you probably cannot properly visit all four islands because the boat travel between them takes a large part of the day.

Key points to know before booking

• Private boat for up to six people: The $302.34 group price becomes strong value when shared by a full group.
• Vincenzo can tailor the route: You can favor caves and swimming, island sights, a seafood lunch, or a faster ride.
• Kolocep offers the best local feel: It is the skipper’s home island, with rocky coves, cliff walks, and sea caves.
• Sunj Beach on Lopud adds sand and history: You can pair a swim with a monastery, botanical garden, or a meal.
• Blue and green caves can be crowded: The famous stops are photogenic, but conditions may feel less peaceful at busy times.
• Lokrum works better as a separate visit: Its entry fee is not included, and spending two hours there can make the rest of the route rushed.

A private speedboat is the right tool for Dubrovnik’s islands

Dubrovnik looks dramatic from land, but the view changes completely from the sea. The Old Town walls, steep coast, and nearby islands make more sense when you see how close some places are, and how much open water separates others.

This is a private outing, so only your group rides together. That matters more than it might sound. You can ask to spend longer in a swimming bay, skip a crowded cave, change the order of the islands, or stop for lunch without negotiating with a boatload of strangers.

The advertised duration ranges from about two to eight hours. A short booking can work for a quick ride and swim, while six or eight hours gives you room for several stops. I would choose at least six hours if you want both island sightseeing and time in the water.

The skipper is Vincenzo, one of the local brothers behind Nono Travel. The strongest part of the experience is his combination of boat handling, local knowledge, and flexibility. He has suggested restaurants, explained the islands, and adjusted routes for groups that cared more about swimming than formal sightseeing.

The starting point is at Lapadska obala 4 in Dubrovnik, and the boat returns there. Some arrangements described by customers included collection from a hotel, apartment, or cruise port before reaching the boat, but you should confirm that detail when booking rather than assume it is included for every departure.

Kolocep: cliff paths, quiet bays, and the skipper’s home island

Kolocep is usually the most personal stop because it is Vincenzo’s home island. It is also Croatia’s southernmost inhabited island, a detail that gives the place a stronger sense of identity than a quick beach stop.

You can spend about an hour here, though the exact use of that time depends on your group. One option is a short walk toward the cliffs for views over a bay. Another is to return to the boat and swim near rocky arches or sheltered coves.

The water around Kolocep is a major reason to bring your swimsuit. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the boat carries towels and drinks. Some groups have used the equipment to look at fish and swim through rocky openings near the shore.

Kolocep is also where the skipper can take you toward sea caves used by sailors during storms. You may hear about favorite local fishing spots and places that are less famous than the caves promoted in standard sightseeing stops.

The famous Blue Cave and Three Green Caves are available in this area, but you should set realistic expectations. At busy times, several boats may gather outside or inside the Blue Cave. One six-hour group found more than ten boats around it, with many people entering at once. That can turn a peaceful natural stop into a tight, noisy queue.

I like that Vincenzo is willing to tell you when a famous stop is likely to be overcrowded. You can still see the Blue Cave if it matters to you, but you can also choose a smaller cove and have a better swim. The private format gives you that choice.

Lopud: Sunj Beach, gardens, and a good lunch stop

Lopud has a different feel from Kolocep. Its main appeal is the combination of a sandy beach, island walking, and historical sights. Sunj Beach is the obvious place for a swim, especially if you want a break from the rocky shoreline found in many Croatian coves.

You can also visit a small botanical garden and walk toward a monastery. The interior of the monastery may be undergoing renovation, so do not expect every part to be open. Still, the walk provides a useful change of pace after several hours on the water.

Lopud is a sensible place for lunch. Vincenzo has recommended local restaurants and can help you choose based on your preferences. One meal described during the trip included fresh sea bass baked in a salt crust, Swiss chard with potatoes, and salad.

Lunch is not included in the tour price, so budget separately for it. The advantage is choice. You are not locked into a preselected meal, and you can decide whether you want a full lunch or would rather spend that time swimming.

The island can easily absorb more than the one hour suggested in the basic plan. If you want Sunj Beach, the garden, the monastery, and lunch, tell the skipper early. Otherwise, the day may become a string of quick stops instead of a relaxed island visit.

Sipan: the largest Elaphiti island and a slower local stop

Sipan is the largest of the Elaphiti Islands and is presented as the place to explore local cuisine. The suggested visit lasts about an hour and a half, which makes it the most generous island stop in the basic route.

The island also offers Luka, a quieter bay with views and swimming areas. If you are looking for a calmer setting away from the best-known cave stops, this is the sort of place to request.

Sipan may suit you if food and a slower pace matter more than collecting photographs from several locations. You can ask for a meal recommendation, though lunch remains at your own expense.

The practical issue is travel time. Kolocep, Lopud, Sipan, and Lokrum are not four quick stops that fit comfortably into every six-hour trip. You may visit all four only briefly, and adding a proper lunch or swim at each one is not realistic.

For that reason, I would choose two or three priorities before leaving the harbor. A sensible plan could be Kolocep for snorkeling, Lopud for lunch and Sunj Beach, then Sipan for a quieter bay. Another plan could skip Sipan and give Lokrum the afternoon.

Lokrum: ruins, Game of Thrones props, and a separate island visit

Lokrum sits just off Dubrovnik and is the easiest island to connect with the city. Its monastery ruins, botanical garden, peacocks, fort, and Game of Thrones props give you plenty to see on land.

The entry fee is not included in the speedboat trip. The ticket also covers the regular ferry, which creates an important planning option. If you reach Lokrum near the end of your private boat time, you can stay on the island and return to Dubrovnik by ferry instead of using the speedboat for the return.

That approach worked well for one six-hour itinerary. The group changed plans and went from Lopud to Lokrum, but the boat ride took about an hour and used up the remaining hire time. They then explored Lokrum at their own pace and took the ferry back to the Old Town.

This is why I would not treat Lokrum as just another quick stop. Two hours can disappear while you visit the garden, see the Game of Thrones chair, walk to the fort, and swim from one of the island beaches.

You can also reach sea caves around Lokrum by kayak, though kayaking is not part of this speedboat experience. If you plan to spend a separate day around Dubrovnik, Lokrum may be better saved for a longer independent visit.

Swimming, snorkeling, and the realities of the caves

Swimming is one of the best uses of this private trip. The boat carries snorkeling equipment, towels, drinks, and fuel, so you do not need to pack every item for a few hours on the water.

The coast is rocky, and many swimming areas are reached directly from the boat rather than from a long beach. That makes the trip appealing if you enjoy jumping into clear water, looking for fish, and moving between several coves.

You need to bring your own swimsuit and sunscreen. Neither is included. It is also wise to bring a secure way to protect small valuables, although no specific storage arrangement is provided.

Sea conditions can change. One group found the water choppy but felt well looked after by the skipper. A speedboat is exciting when the ride is smooth, but it can feel bumpy when the sea is rough. If you are sensitive to motion, ask about the forecast and be clear about your comfort level.

Cave visits are not guaranteed to be quiet or uncrowded. The Blue Cave can attract many boats, and the Three Green Caves may also be busy. The value of a private skipper is not simply getting to the famous entrances. It is having someone who can read conditions and take you somewhere more enjoyable when the main attraction is packed.

What the $302.34 price really gives you

The price is $302.34 for the entire group, up to six people. With six people, that works out to about $50 per person before lunch and the Lokrum entry fee. For four people, it is about $75.59 each.

That is fair value if you use the boat for six to eight hours. You are paying for a private skipper, fuel, snorkeling equipment, towels, drinks, and the ability to set the route. A shared excursion may cost less per person, but it will not offer the same control over timing and stops.

The price is less attractive for only two hours unless your main goal is a short private ride and swim. You also need to allow for food, admission to Lokrum, sunscreen, and swimwear.

The strongest value comes from a group with mixed interests. One person can swim while another prefers an island walk, and the skipper can build the day around both. Families with older children, couples traveling together, and small groups of friends are likely to get the most from the arrangement.

Timing, comfort, and who should book

I would book this if you want a relaxed private day on the water rather than a checklist of every island. It is especially suitable for people who enjoy swimming, snorkeling, small coves, local food, and a guide who can explain what you are seeing.

It is also a good choice for groups that want speed and flexibility. Teenagers and adults who enjoy a faster boat ride can have fun between stops, while others can focus on beaches and scenery.

You may want another option if you need a tightly scheduled sightseeing program or want to see every advertised island in detail. The boat cannot remove the travel time between islands. A six-hour trip may give you two strong stops, three balanced stops, or four very brief stops.

The tour is offered in English, and confirmation is sent at booking. Service animals are allowed, the meeting point is near public transport, and the activity is described as suitable for most people. Since this is a boat outing, good weather is required. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can receive a different date or a full refund.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book this private Dubrovnik boat tour?

Book it if you value choice more than a fixed schedule. The best parts are Kolocep’s local feel, the swimming coves, Vincenzo’s flexible advice, and the freedom to avoid a crowded cave or linger over lunch.

For the best day, reserve six to eight hours, choose two or three priorities, and decide in advance if Lokrum deserves a separate visit. Bring swimwear and sunscreen, keep extra money for lunch and Lokrum admission, and do not expect to explore every island at length.

With a full group of six, the cost is especially reasonable. For a smaller group, it remains worthwhile if you want a private boat, a custom route, and plenty of time in the water.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Lapadska obala 4, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia. The activity returns to the same meeting point.

How many people can join the private boat?

The tour is private for your group, with a maximum of six people.

How long does the tour last?

The available duration is approximately two to eight hours.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, towels, drinks, fuel, and a professional skipper are included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, and any meal you choose during the trip is paid for separately.

Is the Lokrum entry fee included?

No. Admission to Lokrum is not included in the tour price.