Rent a luxury speed boat for great fun on this Elaphiti Islands tour

A speed boat day around Dubrovnik changes your whole pace. You get a luxury ride to the Elaphiti Islands, plus snorkel gear and drinks already handled. The stops work for both beach lovers and history-and-views people, with Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep built into the day.

What I really like is the comfort level for a half day to full day. You’re drinking white wine and beer, staying cool under a provided sunshade, and cruising with a skipper who keeps the day moving. The one thing to consider is weather: this experience needs good conditions, so you may have to shift dates if the sea is rough.

Key things that make this speed-boat day work

• Private group up to 12 people, so the pace and stops feel flexible
• Pickup and drop off included, plus a clear meeting point at Yacht Club Orsan
• Drinks and water included, including beer and white wine
• Snorkeling equipment provided, so you do not need to pack it
• Island time designed for choice, with short sightseeing options and beach time built in

Luxury speed boats on the Elaphiti Islands, the smart way to spend your time

If you only have a couple of days in Dubrovnik, you can waste time on slow logistics. This format cuts the clock. You start near the water, then you’re out on the sea, with your islands day unfolding in the open air.

The big value here is not just the speed. It’s the mix of easy comfort plus real island atmosphere. Lopud feels calm and pretty, Šipan feels quieter and more local, and Koločep is all about swim time and underwater watching. You’re not stuck on one long beach either. You get a sequence of different moods in a single outing.

Also, you’re not paying for a rigid checklist. The timing runs about 4 to 8 hours, and you can usually shape how long you want at the islands depending on your selected tour length. If you want more beach, lean longer. If you want more sightseeing, pick a tighter schedule.

Getting to the boat: Yacht Club Orsan, pickup, and how the day flows

The meeting point is simple: Yacht Club Orsan, Ul. Ivana pl. Zajca 4, 20000 Dubrovnik. If you want pickup, it’s available via an air-conditioned minivan or car. You’ll need to contact the operator to arrange pickup details, and pickup that’s less than 1 km from the starting point is not included.

That pickup piece matters. Dubrovnik can be hilly, and parking can be a headache. When your day starts with door-to-water convenience, you show up less stressed and ready to enjoy the first minutes on deck.

Once you’re on the boat, the flow is straightforward: islands by sea, drink in hand, and a mix of walking and water time. You also get a sunshade and a fridge on board, which is a small detail that makes the trip feel much more “luxury” in practice, not just on paper.

What’s included that saves you money and packing

This is the kind of tour where the “extras” are the point, because they remove friction. You do not need to bring snorkeling gear, and you also do not have to hunt for drinks at each stop.

Here’s what’s included:

• Alcoholic drinks: white wine and beer
• Non-alcoholic: soda/pop and bottled water
• Snorkeling equipment (so you can travel lighter)
• Sunshade, plus a sundeck and a fridge onboard
• All taxes, fees, and handling charges

Two practical notes I’d keep in mind:

1. You still need to bring a swimsuit, because it’s not included.
2. You will want to pack basic beach stuff like sunscreen and a towel, since the tour provides gear for snorkeling but not for everything else.

If you like swimming and want to snorkel without carrying bulky equipment, this is the clear win. The day is set up for people who want to use the water, not just watch it.

Lopud stop: Šunj beach, Temple of the Sun, and old-stone island charm

Lopud is your first island stop, and it’s a strong choice for a first taste of the Elaphiti mood. The pace here tends to feel easy, with plenty of spots to walk and plenty of places to sit.

What makes Lopud stand out is how varied it is in a small area:

• sandy beaches, especially Šunj
• old stone houses and quiet paths through forests, olive groves, and vineyards
• classic island views that make even short walks feel scenic

If you’re the type who loves a “signature” beach, Šunj is the one to aim for. There’s also a local legend tied to the beach: if you bathe with someone you love, you will never be apart. It’s the kind of story locals tell with a smile, and it adds a bit of romance to a simple swim break.

For a more “walk it off” option, Lopud also offers the old botanic garden in Europe. Even if you only browse for a while, it’s an easy way to break up the beach time.

There’s also the Temple of Sun, which is designed so that as you move through it, shifting shades appear in different ways. The key detail is that people can see different effects depending on where they stand. It turns a quick cultural stop into something you can actually experience with your eyes, not just read about.

A final Lopud bonus if you like fun facts: the island is known for having the oldest palms in Europe. It’s the kind of detail that makes you feel like you’re seeing the place through local eyes.

Real consideration: Lopud is popular for a reason, so if you’re sensitive to crowds, aim for off-peak timing within your tour’s schedule. Short, early beach time can be better than trying to “wait it out.”

Šipan stop: olive-tree records, Suđurađ port life, and pirate-defense towers

Next up is Šipan, the largest Elaphiti island, and it feels more “island lived-in” than some of the more touristy stops. It’s historically tied to Dubrovnik’s wealth, and today it still carries that slower rhythm.

The headline reason people bring a camera to Šipan is the olive situation. The island is listed for having the biggest number of olive trees on one island, a record that gives you an instant mental picture of what the island is made of.

If you like old buildings, Šipan offers:

• Rector’s Palace in a late-Gothic style
• ruins of archbishop’s palaces
• a castle area at Suđurađ, linked to the wealthy Stjepović-Skočibuha family (dating from the 16th century)
• a nearby tower built as a defense against pirates

But the best part, in my view, is often the port atmosphere at Suđurađ. The reason is simple: it’s farther from town, so tourism did not commercialize it the same way as places closer to Dubrovnik. You can see fishing boats, old stone houses, and the everyday flow of families who kept their traditions.

One small detail that makes that port time feel real: you might spot children selling seashells. It’s not just a souvenir moment. It’s a glimpse of how island life still works.

If you want a low-effort stop, Šipan is great for it. You can relax with coffee in the old fishermen’s port, then do a short sightseeing walk if you still have energy.

Koločep stop for swimming: clear water, caves, and two village walks

After Šipan, you’ll head to Koločep for about an hour (depending on tour length and your preferences). This is the island that tends to feel most like a “water day,” even though there’s still plenty to do on land.

Koločep is known for:

• clear sea with fish and seashells you can see
• hidden caves and high cliffs
• a beach break
• short walking options through Gornje and Donje Celo, both classic Mediterranean-style village areas

The water is the headline. You get a chance to explore what’s underwater around Koločep, with snorkeling equipment included. For me, this is a key reason to choose this tour format. The boat gets you to the right water fast, and the gear is already there.

Cave time is also part of the appeal, and that matches what I’d expect from this island’s cliffs and shoreline. If your itinerary includes more “cave type” stops on your specific departure, that’s usually a bonus for people who love a quick adventure without doing anything extreme.

One consideration: Koločep has a lot going on around the waterline, but you only get about an hour. If you want an unhurried snorkel session, aim to use your time right away after you arrive.

And yes, Koločep is the sunny-island kind of place. It’s said to have around 250 sunny days per year, which helps explain why people come here for swimming and outdoor time.

Skippers and local storytelling: the human touch

On a private boat day, your skipper can make the difference between good and memorable. The operation clearly leans into that human factor, because the captains are described as friendly, flexible, and full of local context.

In past experiences with this company, I’ve seen names like Rocco, James, Mark, Luca, Phillip, Frankie, Josip, and Frane tied to great days. The pattern across those notes is consistent: people talk about the captain guiding them to the best-feeling spots and sharing enough story that you actually connect to each island.

So what should you do? Ask quick questions as you go. Where to swim first. What to look for on the cliffs. Why that place matters. Skippers tend to have the best answers because they work these waters constantly.

Price and value for up to 12 people on one private day

The price is listed as $842.05 per group, for up to 12 people. That sounds like a lot until you think like a group booking.

Here’s the practical way to judge value:

• You’re paying for a private boat day, not a per-person seat on a crowded ride.
• Pickup and drop off are included, which can be a real cost on its own in Dubrovnik.
• Drinks are included (beer, white wine, soda) along with bottled water.
• Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you avoid rental costs and packing hassle.
• The tour handles taxes and fees, so you’re less likely to get surprised at checkout.

If you book as a small group, the cost per person will be higher. If you fill the boat with friends, the per-person cost drops quickly and the day starts to feel like a smart splurge rather than a luxury-only fantasy.

Also, you’re not losing half your day to ferry schedules. The speed boat keeps your time for islands and water, which is what you came for.

Who this Elaphiti luxury speed-boat day fits best

This is a great match for:

• couples and small groups who want a private day with beach time plus snorkeling
• people who dislike tight tours but still want structure (islands are planned, you get options once there)
• anyone traveling with friends who want an experience that feels special without needing advanced skills

It might not be the best fit if:

• you want a long, slow cultural day with lots of museums and guided walking
• you hate riding on a boat when the sea is a bit choppy, since the experience requires good weather

The sweet spot is that you get just enough sightseeing to make the islands feel real, then you switch into swim and relax mode without planning anything yourself.

Should you book this speed boat for Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep?

I’d book it if your goal is an easy, fun day that mixes island scenery, swimming, and snorkeling, with drinks handled and the deck time feeling comfortable.

If you have a group of up to 12, this is especially attractive because the private setup keeps the day smooth. You also get variety: Lopud for classic island charm and sandy beach time, Šipan for olive and port-life atmosphere, and Koločep for water fun and caves along the cliffs.

Just keep one mindset: treat it as a “sea day first.” If weather is good, it’s exactly the kind of plan that makes Dubrovnik feel like more than a city stop.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Elaphiti Islands speed boat tour?

It runs for about 4 to 8 hours, depending on the option you choose.

What islands do you visit?

The stops listed are Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep Island.

Is pickup and drop off included?

Yes. Pickup and drop off are provided, with arrangements made by contacting the operator.

Where do you meet the tour?

The meeting point is Yacht Club Orsan, Ul. Ivana pl. Zajca 4, Dubrovnik, Croatia.

What’s included with the boat day?

Included items are sunshade, fridge, sundeck, white wine and beer, soda/pop, bottled water, and snorkeling equipment.

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?

No. Snorkeling equipment is provided.

Is a swimsuit included?

No. You should bring a swimsuit.

How many people are on the boat?

This is a private tour/activity with a maximum of 12 people per booking, and only your group participates.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

What if the weather is bad?

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

Can kids join?

Children can participate, but they must be accompanied by adults.