Full day Private Boat Tour to Elaphite Islands and South Mljet

Speedboat days beat the Dubrovnik crowds on your own schedule. This private tour runs an 8-hour loop from Dubrovnik to South Mljet and the Elaphite Islands, with a Quicksilver 675 that’s kept to 6 people max for comfort. I especially like two things: the included snorkel kit and underwater camera, plus the boat setup that makes beach stops feel easy (bimini sun cover, flat sundeck, small cabin to change, and a shower to rinse off sand). One consideration: the quoted price is not the whole story, since there’s a €220 fuel surcharge per booking and lunch is not included.

Because the day is private, your skipper can steer the pace toward swimming time versus island wandering. Expect local know-how and practical guidance, and you’ll also be sailing with free water, soft drinks, and beer on board. Still, you should plan on getting yourself to the meeting spot at Lapadska obala 4, since the experience lists no pickup or drop-off.

Key points to know before you go

• Quicksilver 675 comfort for just 6 people, with shade, rinse shower, and a place to change
• Snorkeling extras included, including masks and an underwater camera with photo transfer after
• Free drinks all day (water, soft drinks, beer), with a minimum drinking age of 18
• 3 hours in South Mljet for Saplunara Bay and Limoni Beach, plus time to explore on your own
• Another 3 hours on the Elaphites, with options across Šipan, Lopud, and Koločep
• A skipper-led day that prioritizes swimming spots, with extra route flexibility when conditions allow

A small-boat day that actually feels private

This is the kind of Dubrovnik experience that makes sense if you want sea time without turning the day into a bus tour. You start on a brand new Quicksilver 675 speedboat, and while the boat can take more passengers, the operator limits you to 6. That matters. Less crowding means quieter conversation, easier movement on deck, and you’re more likely to get to the best swimming spots without feeling rushed.

You’re also not just paying for transportation. The tour includes snorkel gear, life jackets, and on-board drinks, so you’re not scrambling for basic comfort once you’re out on the water. The vibe is simple: cruise, swim, rinse, repeat.

Getting to Lapadska obala at 10:00 and staying on track

The meeting point is Lapadska obala 4, Dubrovnik, and the start time is 10:00 am. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, so plan your evening logistics around that return.

A quick reality check: the experience information lists no pickup or drop-off. That said, some skippers have been proactive about helping coordinate a ride to the port and back, so if you’re staying somewhere inconvenient for public transport, it’s worth asking what they can do day-of. Still, don’t count on it. You’ll want a backup plan to reach the dock.

Also note the duration is listed as about 8 hours. That is a full day on the water, not a quick sampler. If you’re the type who likes long beach time and a slower rhythm, this fits well.

Dubrovnik from the water, plus free refreshments right away

The day starts with a short first stretch devoted to the Dubrovnik side of things, guided by a local skipper. The plan is not about rushing through the city. It’s about getting you out on the water quickly while the boat is fresh and you’ve got energy.

This first part includes a practical bundle that sets the tone for the day:

• Still and sparkling water
• Soft drinks and beer
• Snorkel masks and an underwater camera for fun on the swims
• Sound system onboard, so you can play your own music or keep it quiet

If you like photos, this is a nice touch. The tour notes that they can send photos or transfer them to your phone after. That saves you from spending the whole day trying to manage a camera while also getting in the water.

The included snorkel setup also tells you how this day is meant to work. You’re not treating snorkeling as a separate activity with extra gear rentals. You’re likely to use it as part of your stop-and-swim routine.

South Mljet’s Saplunara Bay and Limoni Beach for three hours

South Mljet is where the itinerary turns from “good cruise” into “why am I still not in the water yet.” You get about 3 hours on Mljet, and the focus is on Saplunara Bay and Limoni Beach.

This stretch is appealing for three reasons:

1. Time to swim, not just sightsee. The itinerary gives you a real block of hours on the water.
2. Natural scenery that feels quieter. The description emphasizes unspoiled nature, turquoise water, and pine forests.
3. Beach variety. Saplunara Bay and Limoni Beach are different enough that you can change your mood without changing plans.

The one practical thing to remember: Mljet beach time is exactly the kind of day where you’ll want to rinse your gear. That’s why the boat’s shower and small cabin to change are more than gimmicks. They help you go from sandy wet to comfortable fast, which matters when you’re balancing swims with longer cruising stretches.

One more tip for your timing mindset: don’t treat those 3 hours as pressure to see everything. Treat them as permission to pick a swimming spot you like and stay there longer. If the skipper points out a sheltered cove or an easy entry, that’s usually where the best water moments happen.

Elaphiti Islands for another three hours, with island choices

After Mljet, the boat heads to the Elaphiti Islands for another 3-hour section. This is the part of the day where variety really shows. The itinerary calls out different island characters, and your skipper typically steers you toward what fits the day’s conditions and your group’s energy.

You may get time to experience the islands in the style that matches their reputations:

• Šipan with peaceful village atmosphere
• Lopud with sandy beaches
• Koločep with more untouched natural feel

This is also where the experience becomes more than beach hopping. Some skippers are known for finding hidden spots and even cave passages, which can add a fun twist between swims and lounging. Since the exact route depends on weather and safety conditions, think of caves as a bonus if the skipper offers them, not a guarantee you should plan around.

Also, Elaphiti time is a good moment for a casual meal on your terms. Lunch is not included, but the day allows for stopping in island villages where you can find something simple. One skippers’ approach has included a traditional Konoba-style meal on an island like Šipan, which is the kind of lunch that fits the day’s slow, coastal rhythm.

What you get onboard that makes the stops easier

The boat is a big part of why this tour feels smooth. The Quicksilver 675 is designed for passenger comfort, and several details help you avoid the usual small-boat annoyances.

Here’s what stands out:

• Bimini (sun cover) for shade when the sun gets high
• XL flat sundeck for relaxing without feeling crowded
• Small cabin to change so you can rinse and get dry with less hassle
• Shower to wash off sand after beach time
• Sound system so you control the mood (music or quiet)

Then there’s the included swim kit. You get snorkel equipment and life jackets for adults and children. That’s not only safety, it’s convenience. You don’t waste time figuring out rentals, sizes, or whether the gear is missing.

Finally, the drinks are a genuine value add. The tour includes bottled water plus beer and soft drinks. Practically, that helps you stay comfortable on a hot Adriatic day and keeps the day from turning into constant cash stops. Alcohol has a minimum drinking age of 18, so if you’re traveling with young kids, plan on the soft drinks and water being the main options for them.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for

The price is $889.38 per group for up to 6 people, which is about as “group math” as it gets. The question is not just total cost, it’s what you get for that spend.

You’re paying for:

• A private speedboat day with limited capacity for comfort
• Included snorkeling gear and life jackets
• Free drinks throughout the tour
• A boat built for beach stops, with shade and rinse facilities
• A local skipper who can recommend swimming spots and guide your island time

The two value-distractors to keep in mind are the ones you should budget for:

• Fuel surcharge of €220 per booking (not included)
• No meal included

If you split cost across 4 to 6 people, it can start to look like good value compared with paying for separate boat tickets plus gear plus drinks plus local guide time. But if you’re traveling as a couple and you’re used to paying per person, this will feel pricey. In that case, I’d only book if your plan includes real swimming time and you want the privacy.

It also helps that the tour is not overly long in number of stops. Two major island zones plus the initial Dubrovnik portion means fewer “what do we do next” transitions.

Weather, timing, and the one thing that can change your day

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

That matters because speedboats and island swims are weather-dependent by nature. Even with a great skipper, wind and sea conditions can limit how close you can get to certain spots. The good news is that your skipper’s local knowledge should help with route and timing adjustments, as long as the day is operating safely.

Plan your day with flexibility. If you’re the type who hates uncertainty, you might prefer a land-based plan for backup. If you’re the type who travels for sea views and swims, this is exactly the kind of tour where weather is part of the deal.

Who this private boat tour is best for

This tour is a strong match for:

• Couples or small friend groups who want privacy on the water
• People who care about swimming time more than structured museum stops
• Travelers who want a skipper who can suggest practical spots to enter the water and relax
• Families who like beaches and appreciate that life jackets and snorkeling gear are included

It may be less ideal if you:

• Only want quick photo stops and dislike long time outdoors
• Are very sensitive to sun and wind and don’t want to spend hours on the water deck
• Need a fully included meal plan

Should you book this Elaphite and South Mljet private boat day?

I’d book this if your Dubrovnik trip includes one “real sea day.” The combination of South Mljet, the Elaphiti Islands, and the fact that you’re limited to 6 people max on a comfortable speedboat makes it feel worth it. Add in snorkeling gear, free drinks, and boat features like shade, rinse shower, and a place to change, and you’re set up for a smooth day from first dock to return.

I’d pause if your budget is tight after extras, because the fuel surcharge and non-included meal can change the math. And because the boat runs from a specific meeting point with no pickup or drop-off, make sure you have a reliable plan to reach Lapadska obala 4 on time.

FAQ

How many people are on this private boat tour?

The tour is private and is listed for up to 6 people on the Quicksilver 675, with capacity limited to 6 for maximum comfort.

Where do I meet the tour?

The meeting point is Lapadska obala 4, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour start and how long is it?

The start time is 10:00 am, and the duration is about 8 hours.

What stops are included in the itinerary?

The tour includes Dubrovnik (a short start), South Mljet with Saplunara Bay and Limoni Beach for about 3 hours, and the Elaphite Islands for about 3 hours.

What’s included and not included?

Included: snorkel equipment, life jackets for adults and children, bottled water, and beer and soft drinks. Not included: meal, and a fuel surcharge of €220 per booking.

Is food included during the day?

No. The tour does not include a meal, so you’ll need to plan food on your own during the day.