Elaphite Islands: Private boat tour (Cap Camarat 7.5wa)

Dubrovnik’s crowds fade fast on this private speedboat. I love how this Elaphite Islands day mixes cave time with beach time, and I like that it’s fully private so you decide how long to linger. The big consideration is food is not included, so plan on budgeting for lunch if you stop at island restaurants.

You’ll cruise out in a brand new Cap Camarat 7.5wa and see the islands in a logical route, starting with Grebeni and then Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan. The skipper doubles as your guide (English), and the itinerary is flexible, so the day feels tailored rather than stamped.

Key moments worth planning for

• Private boat time with just your group so you can stay longer where you like
• Koločep cave circuit: Green Cave, Blue Cave, and Three Caves stops
• Lopud breaks with variety, including the sandy beach Šunj and a walk in the town area
• Sipan gives you room to choose, with the chance to swim and find a meal ashore
• Snorkeling gear, towels, and a GoPro are included for on-the-water fun
• Hotel transfers included, with pickup timed about 20 minutes before departure

Why the Elaphite Islands feel quieter than Dubrovnik’s coast

The Elaphiti Islands are close enough to Dubrovnik to be an easy half-day or full-day escape, but they feel like a different world once you’re on the water. Instead of sitting in traffic or fighting for beach space, you’re moving from cove to cove at your own pace.

On this tour, that quiet feeling comes from two things. First, you get multiple water stops in one outing, including caves and beaches. Second, you travel privately, so you are not stuck watching a schedule that was designed for the biggest crowds.

If you want a day that balances scenery with actual swim time, this is built for that.

Cap Camarat 7.5wa: the boat that keeps the day smooth

This is a private speedboat ride on a brand new Cap Camarat 7.5wa. That matters, because comfort and reliability make the difference between a fun travel day and one where you spend the ride bracing yourself.

You’re also not just paying for transport. The tour bundles practical extras that help you enjoy the water immediately, including snorkeling equipment, towels, and GoPro access. You can go from boat to swim to snorkel without having to scramble for gear.

And because the skipper is also your guide, the time on the water is not wasted. You get context for what you’re seeing, not just a drive-by.

Pickup from Dubrovnik, timed so you can actually enjoy the start

Your day starts with pickup in Dubrovnik. A car or van picks you up at the address you specify about 20 minutes before the boat tour begins, and hotel transfers are included.

That timing is useful. It gives you a buffer to get everyone together, plus it helps the day feel organized rather than rushed. You will be ready for the boat ride without losing an hour to last-minute logistics.

Since the tour is private, you are also less likely to feel dragged along by a larger group’s pace.

Koločep caves: Green Cave, Blue Cave, and Three Caves

Koločep is where the tour really earns its keep. The plan is built around a set of cave stops, giving you a sequence that feels like exploring rather than just cruising past the coast.

You’ll visit Green Cave, then Blue Cave, and then Three Caves. That order is great because it keeps the experience varied. After you’ve had time to get oriented and settle into the water time, you move through different cave atmospheres and swim opportunities.

Practical tip: treat cave stops like mini swim breaks, not just photo moments. Bring your swimwear (this is specifically what’s recommended), and plan to be active, because the best payoff is when you actually get in the water.

A private boat also helps here. You can pause where you want, and you can decide how long you stay once you arrive, instead of being moved along by a tight group timetable.

Lopud: Šunj sandy beach plus town-walk time

After Koločep, the route shifts toward Lopud. This is where the day turns a bit more relaxed and land-friendly.

First comes the sandy beach Šunj, and then you continue to the populated area on Lopud. The tour includes time where you can walk ashore, which is a smart balance to the earlier cave swimming.

Why this matters: caves are thrilling, but you can only spend so long in water. A sandy beach break lets you reset, dry off, and enjoy a more classic island moment. Then the town-walk time gives you a taste of everyday life on Lopud, not just scenery from the water.

If you prefer your day to include at least some time on foot, this is the section that delivers.

Šipan time: swimming, restaurants, and flexible staying

The final island on the route is Šipan. Like the rest of the day, it’s private, so the time you spend there depends on what you want to do within the overall tour length.

Šipan is a strong option if you’d like a longer pause for swimming and relaxing, without committing to a rigid plan. There are also restaurants on Šipan, so if you want lunch during the day, this is where that becomes practical.

Even if you are not eating on the islands, Šipan is still useful because it tends to feel like a calmer finish to the tour. You get to end with open-water time and a last chance to capture the feel of the Elaphiti from the sea.

Drinks, towels, snorkeling gear, and GoPro, all included

One of the most helpful parts of this tour is how quickly it becomes comfortable and fun. You don’t just board a boat and hope you planned well. You get drinks (water, cola, white wine, beer), towels, and snorkeling equipment included.

You’ll also have GoPro included, which is a big deal for cave and swim stops. It makes it easier to capture the water time without juggling your own gear.

In one shared account, the skipper was happy to let people borrow his GoPro and also provided goggles for watching fish. That fits the overall idea here: the skipper is not just driving, he is helping you get the most from the water time.

My practical advice: bring a small bag for your phone, and keep it simple. You want to spend time in the water, not managing wet electronics.

Skipper as guide: Simon’s style (and what it means for you)

The skipper is also a tourist guide, and the tour runs in English. That means you can get useful context while still keeping the day relaxed.

One name that comes up is Simon, and his style is described as friendly, accommodating, and respectful. People also noted he was early and on time, which matters because getting ahead of typical boat traffic can change the whole mood of the caves and swimming areas.

Another detail that helps: Simon was social as needed, which is travel-speak for he won’t drown you in talk, but he will help when you want direction. And the private format lets you steer your own preferences, whether that means more time at a beach or extra time in calmer swimming spots.

If you like guides who adjust to your group rather than forcing a fixed routine, this setup fits.

Price and value for a private group up to 7

The price is $530 per group, for up to 7 people. That might sound steep if you compare it to a public ferry. But for a private speedboat, you’re paying for a whole boat, a skipper, fuel, transfers, and included extras.

Here’s the value math in plain terms: if you fill the boat with the maximum group size, you can think of it as roughly $75 per person for a half-day to full-day experience with drinks and snorkeling gear included. If you have fewer people, the per-person cost rises, but you still get the private flexibility that group tours often cannot match.

What you also get for your money is time efficiency. The route stacks multiple islands and cave stops into one outing, and the skipper guides you through it without you needing to plan transportation between islands.

One more practical value point: since hotel transfers are included, you are not adding another car rental or taxi chain to your day.

Timing: how 4 hours vs 8 hours changes the day

The tour can last 4 to 8 hours, depending on how you want to run it. Because it’s fully private, your group controls how many places you visit and how long you stay at each stop.

A shorter 4-hour plan tends to mean you will choose the highlights and move faster between stops. If you’re the type who wants the most iconic parts without a long stretch on the water, that’s the right frame.

A longer 8-hour plan gives you breathing room. You can spend more time swimming at the caves and then take a more relaxed approach on Lopud and Šipan, including potential lunch at island restaurants.

If you have kids or people who get tired on boats, the shorter duration can feel more comfortable. If your group is all about swimming and lingering, go longer.

What to expect at the boat stops, practically

You’ll be on the water most of the day, with swim breaks and cave stops built into the route. The included snorkeling equipment means you can snorkel whenever you hit a spot that looks good to you, rather than waiting for a specific moment.

Caves are a special case: bring a calm mindset. You want good visibility and you want to pay attention when you’re in the water area. The upside is you get that mix of cave views and actual time in the sea, not just a pass-by photo stop.

On the island sides, like Lopud and Šipan, you’ll have some time for walking or resting. That keeps the day from feeling like one long swim session, even though it is centered on water time.

Who this tour suits best

This private boat tour is a great match if you want:

• A flexible day built around your group’s interests, not a fixed timetable
• Multiple Elaphite Islands in one run, including cave stops on Koločep
• A boat experience with practical inclusions like snorkeling gear, towels, GoPro, and drinks
• Less time coordinating transport and more time enjoying the islands

It also suits travelers who get annoyed by crowded meeting points. With private format, you can focus on what matters, water time, views, and a calm pace.

If you only want beaches and zero caves, this might feel cave-heavy. But if you want variety, this route does it.

Should you book this private Elaphite Islands boat tour?

Book it if you value privacy, want cave-to-beach variety, and like the idea of a day that you can slow down or speed up. The included snorkeling equipment, towels, GoPro, and drinks make it feel complete, not like a stripped-down tour.

Consider it more carefully if your group needs lunch to be fully taken care of, because food is not included, though restaurants are available on Lopud and Šipan if you want that option.

If you’re planning a first trip around Dubrovnik and you want one high-impact day on the water, this is a strong pick. You’re close to Dubrovnik, but you get the feel of the islands without the hassle.

FAQ

What islands are included in the tour?

The tour includes stops around Grebeni and then the Elaphite Islands: Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan.

Are cave stops part of the Koločep portion?

Yes. On Koločep, you’ll have cave stops at Green Cave, Blue Cave, and Three Caves.

How long is the private boat tour?

It lasts 4 to 8 hours, and you can adjust how many places you visit based on your preferences.

Is pickup included, and when does it happen?

Yes. Pickup is included from Dubrovnik, and a car or van picks you up at the address you specify 20 minutes before the boat tour starts.

What’s included in the price besides the boat ride?

The price includes fuel, a skipper who also guides in English, drinks (water, cola, white wine, beer), towels, snorkeling equipment, GoPro, and pickup with drop-off included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Are drinks included?

Yes. You’ll have water, cola, white wine, and beer included during the tour.

Is lunch or food included?

No. Food is not included, though there are restaurants on Lopud and Šipan if you want lunch.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear.