Rent a speed boat and explore beaches and coves of Elaphiti Islands

Speed, salt air, and island beaches. This private-style speedboat outing is built around quick hops between Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep, with time to swim, snorkel, and explore coves at your own pace. You also get a small-group feel, since the booking is capped at 6 people.

What I really like is the mix of easy downtime and real variety. You get snorkeling equipment on board plus drinks like wine and beer, and each island stop has a different vibe: Lopud for sandy beach time and gardens, Šipan for old ports and olive groves, Koločep for caves and clear-water swimming.

One thing to consider: speedboats can feel bumpy, and some cave entrances are tight. If you do not swim comfortably in choppy water, plan to take it slow when boarding and keep close to the captain’s instructions.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group, private booking: up to 6 people per group.
• Time is flexible at stops: the tour runs 4 to 8 hours, and you can choose how long you stay at each stop.
• Lopud is the big beach and sights stop: Šunj Beach plus a major botanic garden and the Temple of Sun museum.
• Snorkeling is part of the plan: use of snorkeling equipment is included.
• Drinks are built in: wine, beer, soda/pop, and bottled water.
• Ask about the skipper: people rave about guides such as Eric, Rocco, Roko, Tito, Mark, Ivan, and Luca.

Why This Speedboat Format Works on the Elaphiti Islands

Elaphiti island time from Dubrovnik is great, but the best part is how you actually spend it. Instead of one long transfer, you get multiple short stays, then your boat takes you to the next cove. That matters, because the islands feel different just by changing shore, light, and water color.

I also like that you are not stuck with a fixed agenda where every minute is chore time. The itinerary is structured into three island stops, but you choose your stay length at each one depending on whether you booked a 4-hour or 8-hour option. In practice, that means you can tailor the day to beach time, wandering time, or a mix.

Finally, the small-group setup makes the experience feel personal. Even if you are not on a “big show” cruise schedule, you still get a captain who can point out good spots for swimming and where to spend your limited dock time.

Getting Started at Yacht Club Orsan, and How Pickup Really Works

You meet at Yacht Club Orsan, Ul. Ivana pl. Zajca 4, Dubrovnik. It is in a convenient area and it is near public transportation, so you are not locked into a complicated arrival plan.

Pickup is included if you are staying more than 1 km from the meeting point. If you are within the City of Dubrovnik area, pickup is possible, but pickups under 1 km or outside the Dubrovnik city area are not included. If you want the easiest morning, I would plan on using pickup if it applies to your exact location.

One small practical detail: confirm your details at booking time. Confirmation is generally received when you book, unless you book close to departure (within 2 hours), in which case it comes as soon as possible subject to availability.

Lopud Island: Sandy Beach Time, Old Gardens, and the Temple of Sun

Lopud is the stop most people end up loving, because it mixes beach access with relaxed wandering. The island is known for sandy beaches, paths through old forests, olive groves, and vineyards. You also get classic stone architecture and viewpoints that make it easy to pause and just watch the sea.

Your time here is the flexible anchor of the day. The overall tour runs 4 to 8 hours, and the schedule changes depending on that choice. Lopud is where you will most likely spend enough time to do both a short stroll and a proper swim.

Šunj Beach and the local romance legend

If you want beach time that feels easy and scenic, Šunj Beach is the one to prioritize. There’s a local legend attached to it, if you bathe with your loved one, you’ll never apart. I do not treat legends like tourist marketing, but it does tell you what kind of place this is: memorable, intimate, and made for lingering.

The botanic garden and the oldest palms detail

One “must” on Lopud is one of the oldest botanic gardens in Europe. People tend to underestimate how satisfying a garden stop can be after a boat ride, because it gives you shade and a calmer pace. Admission is free for this portion, and it is also connected to a very specific bragging right: you can find some of the oldest palms in Europe growing there.

Temple of Sun museum, and why it feels different on an island

On top of the hill there is a museum called Temple of Sun. When you walk in, different shades move around you. That is a neat break from sun-on-skin time, and it is also the kind of detail you remember later when you look back at photos from the day.

Practical note on the Lopud vibe

Lopud is inhabited, so you will find restaurants, cocktail bars, and places where you can taste and buy olive oil and wine. That matters because even if you start with the boat’s drinks, you still have options if you want to stretch the island time a bit longer.

Šipan Island and Suđurađ: Olive Trees, Villas, and a Working Fisherman Port

Šipan is the biggest Elaphiti island and it brings a slower, more local feel. It is also known for a very specific claim: a Guinness record for the biggest number of olive trees on one island. If you like geography that comes with tangible details, this is where it shows.

Your stop is shorter than Lopud, but it is still packed with context. You can relax in the old fisherman port with coffee, or you can do small sightseeing. The duration depends on your overall tour length, but Šipan is a key change of pace between the two islands.

Why Suđurađ feels less commercial

In Suđurađ, you see how people truly live on the islands. Tourism has not pushed everything into a single style, since this port is furthest from Dubrovnik. You get small and big fishing boats, old stone houses, and even kids selling seashells in the port area.

History without the museum marathon

Šipan has late-Gothic Rector’s Palace and the ruins of archbishop’s palaces. There’s also the Stjepović-Skočibuha castle in Suđurađ, dating from the 16th century, and a defense tower built against pirates. That is enough history to feel grounded, but it does not force you into a long, indoor-only schedule.

A family-summer-getaway angle

During the 15th century, Šipan was a chic summer getaway for Dubrovnik’s best families. Many built villas there, and you can still sense that as you move around. It gives the island a layered feel: fishing life in the port, and grander stone legacy up the hill.

Koločep Island: Coves, Clear Water, and Cave-Style Swimming

Koločep is typically where the day turns into water time. This island is ideal for swimming because the sea is clear, and you can see fish and seashells. It also has hidden caves and high cliffs, which makes the shoreline feel more adventurous even during a short visit.

You will also get a chance to explore underwater areas of Koločep and enjoy a short beach break. The exact structure depends on conditions and captain choices, but the idea is consistent: short swims, quick views, then back to the boat before the schedule tightens.

Walking options that feel like south Dalmatia

If you prefer land over water for part of the stop, there are paths through Gornje and Donje Celo. These are typical examples of Mediterranean village life in south Dalmatia, so you are not just parked at a beach. Even a short walk can change the whole feeling of a boat day.

250 sunny days, plus the reason it matters

Koločep is known for about 250 sunny days per year. You do not need to memorize the number, but it helps explain why the vegetation feels lush and why the sea tends to look inviting. Pines and olives show up a lot in this island rhythm, and the light is often excellent for photos.

What’s Included on Board: Sunshade, Fridge, Drinks, and Snorkeling Gear

This tour is not just transportation. The boat is set up for comfort and quick comfort wins.

Included items:

• Snorkeling equipment
• Sunshade plus a fridge
• Sundeck space
• Bottled water
• Soda/pop
• Wine and beer

That sounds basic until you are actually on a speedboat day. A fridge and cold drinks are the kind of detail that can save your energy when you are out in sun. And snorkeling equipment being included means you do not have to plan extra rentals or pack extra gear.

You are also encouraged to swim, and reviews highlight swimming in caves and crystal water. Still, remember the water is not always calm, and entrance points can be tight.

Boat Ride Reality Check: Bumpy Water and Tight Cave Entrances

Speedboats are fun, but they are not a floating living room. One consideration that comes up clearly is that the ride can be bumpy. In addition, some cave entrances are not wide, and you need to be ready for that when the captain positions the boat.

If you get even mildly seasick, I would keep that in mind and choose your seat carefully once you get on board. Also, if conditions bring waves, be prepared for a more physical water entry and exit.

A few people also emphasize that you should be able to swim well, because the water movement can be noticeable. If swimming is not your strength, talk to the captain early and choose your moments.

The Captain Factor: Why Guide Names Matter Here

The quality of a day on the water often comes down to the person at the helm. The reviews repeatedly highlight captains who are friendly, attentive, and good at adjusting on the fly.

People call out guides including Eric, Rocco, Roko, Tito, Mark, Ivan, and Luca. The recurring themes are excellent English, patience with the group, and practical tips about caves and swim spots. If you have a choice at booking, I would ask for Eric if available, based on the strong support his name gets.

Also, a good captain makes safety feel normal. One review story includes immediate action when someone was cold, with a windbreaker given right away. That is the kind of small care that can shift the day from fine to genuinely enjoyable.

Value and Price: Is $720.84 per Group Worth It?

The price is $720.84 per group, up to 6 people. With private boat days, the real question is always cost per person, and what you actually get for that spend.

Here’s the simple math:

• If you fill all 6 spots, you are at about $120 per person
• If you have 4 people, it becomes about $180 per person

For that price, you get pickup for many Dubrovnik locations, all taxes, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and a set of island stops that most people cannot replicate with public transport. The value hits hardest when you travel with friends or family and can fill most of the seats.

It also matters that this is booked well in advance on average, around 141 days. That tells me demand is real, especially in the warmer months when the caves and beach time are at their best. If your dates are fixed, booking early can save stress.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Prefer Something Else)

This is a good match if you want:

• Beach-and-swim time with quick island changes
• A small-group feel instead of a big group cruise
• On-board comforts like drinks, sunshade, and snorkeling gear
• Flexibility in how long you stay at Lopud, depending on whether you choose 4 or 8 hours

It also tends to work for groups and families, since it is a private activity for your group only, and children must be accompanied by adults.

If you want a calm, slow pace with mostly walking, you might still enjoy it, but the main draw is time on and in the water. And if you hate bumpy rides or struggle to swim in wave conditions, you may find this less comfortable than a larger, more stable boat.

Should You Book This Speedboat Tour of Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep?

I’d book it if your ideal Dubrovnik day includes speedboat freedom, sandy beach time, and at least a little cave-style water adventure. The included drinks and snorkeling equipment make it feel like a complete plan rather than a basic transfer. And the small group size, capped at 6, is a big part of why people come away satisfied.

I would hesitate only if you are very sensitive to rough water, or if swimming is a hard no for you. In that case, the bumpy ride and tight cave entrances may turn from fun to frustration.

FAQ

FAQ

How many people are in a booking?

This is a private tour/activity, and the maximum group size is 6 people per booking.

How long is the experience?

The duration is listed as approximately 4 to 8 hours.

Where do I meet the tour?

The meeting point is Yacht Club Orsan, Ul. Ivana pl. Zajca 4, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What is included for swimming and comfort on the boat?

Snorkeling equipment is included, along with sunshade, a fridge, and bottled water. Wine, beer, and soda/pop are also included.

Is pickup from Dubrovnik included?

Pickup is included for locations further than 1 km from the starting point. Pickup is also available if you are staying in the City of Dubrovnik area.

Do I need to bring my own swimsuit?

Swimsuit is not included, so you should bring it with you.