Review · ELAPHITI ISLANDS CRUISES
Elafiti Islands Private Tour with Fisher 20 Speedboat
Private boats fix the Dubrovnik crowd problem. This Elafiti Islands cruise gives you a skipper-led day trip that you can shape on the water, with key stops at Kolocep, Sipan, Lopud, and Šunj. I especially like the flexibility to decide how long you stay at each island and when you swim, and I like the easy, smooth pickup and drop-off from Dubrovnik. The main drawback is the price per group, which is easier to justify with more people sharing the boat.
You’ll cruise in a Fisher 20 speedboat, not a crowded tour bus or ferry line. On board, you get drinks, bottled water, free Wi-Fi, and even a shower, so you are not just sightseeing, you are comfortable between swims and photo stops.
One more heads-up: while the itinerary includes swimming and the Blue Cave idea at Kolocep, your exact timing depends on sea conditions and what you choose. If you hate the idea of making choices on the fly, a set-group tour might feel simpler.
In This Review
- Key things I’d plan around
- A private speedboat day that actually feels private
- Where the tour starts, and why that matters in Dubrovnik
- Kolocep Island, Blue Cave time, and the swim break people talk about
- Sipan: shorter stop, more classic island walking
- Lopud: churches, the monastery vibe, and time to grab lunch
- Šunj Beach: white sand, shallow water, and bar breaks
- On board comfort: drinks, Wi-Fi, and a shower between swims
- How smooth is the skipper experience, really?
- Price and value: $464.43 per group up to 6
- What to expect with timing: 4 to 8 hours and island matching
- Who this private Elafiti tour fits best
- My booking call: should you book?
- FAQ
- How long does the Elafiti Islands private speedboat tour take?
- How many people can be in the group?
- Is pickup and drop-off from Dubrovnik included?
- Which islands are included in the route?
- Is lunch included?
- What is included on board?
- Are children allowed?
- What if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?
Key things I’d plan around

- Private pace: you tell the skipper what you want, then you set the clock by yourself
- Kolocep Blue Cave + swimming: built around water time, not just walking
- Uncrowded feel: this is designed to avoid the packed, clockwork tour vibe
- On board comfort: drinks, free Wi-Fi, and a shower make the day easier
- Family friendly options: Šunj is known for shallow, clear water for kids
- A real host helps: skippers like Nikola, Nico, Ante, Ivo, Marko, and Marco are praised for being helpful and keeping things running smoothly
A private speedboat day that actually feels private

The big appeal here is control. Instead of checking time slots and forced group stops, you get a boat and a captain who will respond to your mood. That matters in the Elafiti Islands because one day is all calm water and long swims, and another day is choppier and you might shorten the beach time.
In practice, this style of tour is great for couples, friend groups, and families with mixed interests. You can do more walking if you want old churches and viewpoints, or you can do more water time if that is the point of your Dubrovnik trip.
The optional nature of the day is also a quality-of-life upgrade. If you see the kind of cove you want, you do not have to ask permission from a rigid schedule.
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Where the tour starts, and why that matters in Dubrovnik
This tour meets at Marina Frapa Dubrovnik, Lapadska obala 21a. If you are staying in Dubrovnik, the included hotel pickup and drop-off is a big deal because it cuts down on the normal start-of-day stress.
Dubrovnik can be a maze of hills, crowds, and time pressure. Having pickup means you are not trying to coordinate taxis or time your walk to the marina. Reviews also highlight that pickup tends to be smooth and on time, which helps when you are trying to grab the best morning light or avoid the midday crush.
The tour ends back at the meeting point, so you are not stuck figuring out boat logistics at the end of your day. It is one less moving part.
Kolocep Island, Blue Cave time, and the swim break people talk about

Kolocep is where the day turns into a water day. The plan includes a chance to visit the Blue Cave, plus time for swimming, snorkeling, and even cliff jumping if you are into it.
Why I like this stop: it gives you a classic Elafiti Islands experience without making you choose between history and the water. You get to mix it. You can do a bit of cave viewing, then jump in for clear-water swimming when the light hits right.
What to watch for is your tolerance for water activities. Cliff jumping is optional, but it is part of what makes the Kolocep stop exciting. If you are traveling with kids or non-swimmers, you can still keep it simple: stick with swimming, snorkeling, and short shore breaks.
After the water time, there is also walking and sightseeing on the island, including older churches. That means you are not locked into just one type of activity.
Sipan: shorter stop, more classic island walking

Sipan is the quick, charming interlude. The time on this island is around 30 minutes, with walking and sightseeing, plus swimming time if conditions are good. You will see old castles and old churches during this stop.
This is the island for people who want a taste of island life without turning the whole day into a hike. If you are already thinking about lunch on Lopud or beach time on Šunj, Sipan works well as a contrast stop.
The key consideration: with only about half an hour, you should keep your expectations realistic. This is not a long cultural immersion stop. It is a “see it, enjoy it, move on” island.
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Lopud: churches, the monastery vibe, and time to grab lunch

Lopud is where the tour gives you more time on land. You can walk and sightsee, swim, visit a monastery and old churches, and also visit the Botanical Garden. The itinerary gives about an hour here, and you can build in lunch at nearby restaurants.
This stop is for you if you want a break from straight water time. Lopud balances the best parts of a coastal day: a chance to cool off, then an island stroll with sights that feel slightly slower than Dubrovnik.
One practical note: lunch is not included, and Dubrovnik island dining can be pricey. There is at least one experience where a captain’s restaurant recommendation came with much higher pricing than you might expect if you are comparing to Old Town. My advice is simple: if you take a recommendation, ask what the bill range is before you order, so there are no surprises.
Šunj Beach: white sand, shallow water, and bar breaks

Šunj Beach is one of the big reasons families and beach lovers book this tour. It is known for a white sandy shoreline, shallow and clear water, and bars for refreshments.
This is also the stop where the tour’s customizable nature really pays off. Since it is private, you can decide how long you stay on the beach and whether you want a quick swim or a longer beach lounge. If your group has kids, or you simply want a calmer swim, Šunj is a strong fit.
If your group is split between people who want more sightseeing and people who just want to relax, Šunj helps everyone compromise. Even if you are not a beach person, the water quality and shallow entry make it easier to enjoy.
On board comfort: drinks, Wi-Fi, and a shower between swims

The boat is part of the experience, and here, the practical details are worth mentioning.
Included on board:
- drinks and bottled water
- alcoholic beverages
- free Wi-Fi
- fuel covered, plus the skipper/captain
Highlights also mention a shower included. That is not a luxury you think about until you are rinsing off after a swim and want to feel fresh before you head back.
Music is another comfort angle. Reviews mention using Bluetooth to play your own playlist, which turns the boat ride into your soundtrack instead of someone else’s.
And the “drinks kept flowing” style of service shows up in multiple accounts. This matters because a boat day can get long if you plan for snacks and drinks yourself. Having it handled makes the day feel more like a planned outing and less like a DIY mission.
How smooth is the skipper experience, really?

This is the part that separates a good private tour from a great one. Skippers here are praised for being friendly and helpful, with a calm style that does not feel intrusive. People also highlight that captains adjust their navigation based on comfort, including minimizing waves for someone who gets seasick easily.
Names that come up in the best experiences include Nikola, Nico, Ante, Ivo, Miro, Marko, and Marco. Across those accounts, the common thread is simple: you get a guide who listens to what you want to do.
What that means for you:
- If you want more swim time, you will likely get it.
- If you want short walks and quick photo stops, you can build that in.
- If you need reassurance and pacing, the captain typically does that part well.
You still have to speak up. This is private, but it is not mind-reading. If you say you want less walking or you want to prioritize Blue Cave timing, you should do it early.
Price and value: $464.43 per group up to 6
The price is $464.43 per group up to 6. On paper, that sounds like a splurge, especially if you are traveling as just two people.
Here is the real value math: the boat cost is shared across up to six spots. With two people, your per-person cost is high. With four to six people, the price becomes more reasonable, especially since the tour includes pickup and drop-off, fuel, a skipper, drinks, and free Wi-Fi.
Another value point: you are not paying for a separate lunch or drinks plan during the cruise. Drinks and bottled water are included, and alcoholic beverages are included too. That can offset part of the cost compared to a day where you buy everything yourself.
My practical advice: treat this as your “one big day” on Dubrovnik’s coast. If you are planning multiple tours, compare how many times you will actually swim and how much flexibility you will gain. This one is built for water time and custom pacing, so it is a strong choice for people who want their best day to feel easy and personal.
What to expect with timing: 4 to 8 hours and island matching
The total duration runs about 4 to 8 hours, depending on what you choose and how your day flows. That range is not a marketing trick. It is what makes this type of tour work.
If you have only half a day, you might focus on Kolocep for water and cave time, then do one more stop. If you have a full day, you can add Sipan and Lopud, plus beach time on Šunj.
This is also where sea conditions matter. Even with private scheduling, the boat day depends on weather and water conditions. If it is calm, you can feel freer to extend swims. If it is choppy, you might shorten time in the water and keep the day comfortable.
Plan your mindset like this: you are not doing a checklist. You are spending a flexible stretch of hours on the Adriatic.
Who this private Elafiti tour fits best
This experience fits best if you want:
- control over your itinerary and swim time
- a break from Dubrovnik crowds
- a day that mixes coastline views with water activities
- a comfortable boat outing with drinks included
It is especially good for:
- families who want a kid-friendly beach like Šunj
- friend groups who want a shared boat with their own music and pace
- couples who want a quieter, more personal day away from city congestion
- anyone who gets seasick and would rather have a captain who navigates with comfort in mind
If you dislike flexibility and want a strict, pre-timed tour script, you may be happier with a standard group excursion. But if you are open to planning your own day on the water, this style is a strong match.
My booking call: should you book?
Book this tour if your priority is a private, flexible boat day with real swim time and easy Dubrovnik logistics. The included pickup and drop-off, drinks, free Wi-Fi, and the onboard shower make the day feel prepared instead of improvised. The Kolocep Blue Cave stop plus Šunj Beach time are a great pairing if you want both adventure and relaxation.
Skip it or rethink it if:
- you are traveling as a small group and price per person feels too steep
- you want a structured agenda with fixed stop timing and no decision-making
- you are not comfortable with water activities, even though swimming is optional at every stop
If you fall in the first group, I think it is a smart Dubrovnik splurge. It is one of those days that turns the Elafiti Islands from a name you read about into a place you actually feel, float, and relax.
FAQ
How long does the Elafiti Islands private speedboat tour take?
The duration is listed as about 4 to 8 hours.
How many people can be in the group?
The tour price is per group for up to 6 people.
Is pickup and drop-off from Dubrovnik included?
Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and the tour starts and ends at Marina Frapa Dubrovnik.
Which islands are included in the route?
The cruise includes stops at Kolocep Island (including Blue Cave), Sipan, Lopud, and Šunj Beach.
Is lunch included?
No. Lunch is not included.
What is included on board?
Included items are fuel, the skipper/captain, drinks, bottled water, and free Wi-Fi. Alcoholic beverages are also included. A shower is mentioned in the tour highlights.
Are children allowed?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
What if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?
The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
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