Speed Boat Private Tour From Cavtat/Dubrovnik

Speed over the Adriatic changes your whole day. This is a private cruise built for flexible island time, with snorkeling gear included and your skipper steering the day. One thing to plan around is cost add-ons: lunch is not included, and fuel fees apply depending on whether you book a half day or full day.

I especially like the way this tour feels tailored, not scripted. Captains such as Antonio and Lukša (and other skippers in the same family-run operation) are known for adjusting the route to your pace, your swimming style, and even what you already saw around Dubrovnik.

The main consideration is weather and sea conditions. This experience requires good weather, and the long end of the schedule can be less comfy if the water is choppy at first.

Key points to know before you go

• Private, group-only boat time: You are not sharing the day with strangers.
• Snorkeling gear included: You get the equipment so you can plan a quick swim whenever you spot good water.
• Alcohol and soft drinks included: Water, juice, soda, wine, beer are part of the price.
• Custom route options: Your day can lean toward Elafiti islands or swap to beach time like Pasjaca.
• Family-friendly beach stop: Sunj Beach on Lopud is shallow for easy wading.
• Full-day tends to be the sweet spot: More time for lunch, multiple swims, and slower pacing.

Why this speed-boat day feels different from standard Dubrovnik tours

Dubrovnik is famous for its old walls, but the real magic happens when you stop looking at it from land. From the water, the coastline curves differently, the light changes fast, and you start understanding why locals treat the sea like a front yard.

This tour is built around that idea. You cruise the Dalmatian coast, then you branch out to the Elafiti islands where the water can look crystal-clear from the boat. What makes it genuinely practical is that it is private, so your skipper can build a route around what you want most: swimming, caves, a beach with sand underfoot, or a longer look at the Dubrovnik shoreline.

What you really pay for: price vs. add-ons

The headline price is about $301.70 per group (up to 7), with options in the 4 to 8 hour range. That sounds straightforward, but there are two cost pieces you should understand early so there are no surprise budget shakes.

1) Lunch is not included.

2) Fuel is not included, and it varies by tour length: about 40€ for a sunset tour, 80€ for a half day, and 130€ for a full day.

Now for the value angle. Your included package is more than “a boat ride.” You get the skipper, snorkeling equipment, and a drinks setup with water, juice, coca-cola, fanta, wine, and beer. In other words, you are paying for time on the water plus the basics that make that time fun, not just transport.

If you want multiple swim stops and a relaxed lunch plan, the full day often ends up feeling worth it because you are spreading that boat time across more hours. If you are short on time or you already have a plan for meals, the half day can still work, but I would expect fewer swims and less wiggle room.

Getting oriented fast: Dubrovnik coast and the City Walls panoramic cruise

Even if you plan to walk the Old Town later, the first sea view is worth it. The early part of the day includes a panoramic sightseeing cruise around the Dubrovnik coastline, with a close-up look at the City Walls from the water.

This is a smart move because Dubrovnik’s walls can be hard to “get” when you are only seeing them in one direction from the street. From the boat, you see how the fortifications trace the coastline, and you also get a sense of where the cliffs and bays sit in relation to the Old Town.

The stop is short (about 20 minutes), and that is intentional. It is not trying to replace a wall-walking ticket. It is getting you excited, oriented, and ready to enjoy the rest of the day from the sea.

Kolocep Island and the Elafiti Islands approach: caves, bays, and cleaner water

After you leave Dubrovnik’s immediate coastline, the route shifts into Elafiti territory. One of the stops is Kolocep Island, where your day can include time built around caves and bays on the way.

This is the part of the trip where you start noticing why speed boats beat buses. You can get to quieter water faster, and you can pick the best moments for swimming and snorkeling. The time shown is about 30 minutes at this stop, but the real experience often comes from what your skipper chooses to do in the water nearby, especially if sea conditions are good.

A practical note: caves and rock formations can be hit-or-miss depending on wind and waves. If the sea is calm, it tends to feel playful and scenic. If it is a bit rough, your skipper may choose safer water and adjust the pace.

Sunj Beach on Lopud: one long sandy stretch and very easy water access

If you want a beach break that is actually easy, this one stands out: Sunj Beach on Lopud. It is a sandy beach on Lopud’s south side, described as almost a kilometer long, and it is shallow near shore, which means you can often walk out about 100 meters before you are swimming in deeper water.

That shallow stretch makes Sunj Beach especially good for families and for anyone who does not want the stress of a rocky entry. Recreation options can include volleyball and other beach games, and there is enough space that you can go from “hang out” mode to “brief snorkel” mode without feeling rushed.

The scheduled time is about 1 hour, which is just enough to cool off, reset your legs, and grab some shade before you move on.

Šipan island time and the Bowa Bay idea: plan your lunch expectations

Then comes Šipan, the largest of the Elafiti islands. The tour time shown is about 1 hour, with one specific mention tied to a premium beach bar/restaurant called Bowa near a bay known as Vrbova.

Here is what you should know, value-wise. Bowa is described as upmarket and pretty pricey, and it is about a 30-minute walk from Sudurad. So this is not the kind of lunch stop you should treat as a casual, quick bite unless you know you are okay with the cost and the walking time.

The upside is the setting. An island bay meal, with fresh seafood and sea views, can turn a boat day into a full memory, not just a swim tour. Also, the day can be adjusted depending on how you feel and what you like eating.

Pasjaca Beach option: when you want a natural beach without the full island loop

Not everyone wants the Elafiti islands. If you have already seen them, or you simply want fewer stop-and-go moments, the route may include Pasjaca Beach instead.

Pasjaca is described as an amazing natural beach, and the time is shown as 2 hours. That extra time matters because beach time on a speed boat day can otherwise feel like “quick stop, quick rinse, back to the boat.” Two hours gives you enough room to settle in, snorkel casually, and actually enjoy a slower rhythm.

This also tends to be a good choice if you care more about swimming than caves or island sightseeing.

The real highlight: your skipper turns the route into your day

Speed boats are fun, but the best part of this experience is how much it can feel like it is yours. The guides behind this tour, including captains like Antonio, Lukša, Niksa, and Nick, are repeatedly associated with building the day around you rather than forcing you into a fixed script.

Look for the pattern in how people describe their time:

• Secret-feeling swimming spots away from crowds
• Clear guidance on when and where to snorkel
• Flexibility if you already did something (like the Blue Caves) earlier in your trip
• Help with making lunch easier, sometimes even calling ahead for a table

That last point is more valuable than it sounds. With limited time on islands, landing on a restaurant that is ready for you can save you from the frantic “where do we go now” moments. It also helps you sit down without feeling like you are losing boat time.

If you like having control, this is a good match. You can ask for more swimming time, less cruising time, or even a route tweak toward a beach you really want.

Drinks, snorkeling gear, and how to actually use the package

The tour includes snorkeling equipment plus drinks. The drinks include wine and beer along with soft drinks and juice.

This combo is great, but only if you use it intentionally. If you snorkel, do it early in the swim window before you are fully relaxed. After that, you can enjoy the day at human speed, with a beer in hand and the sound of waves doing the background work.

Also, because alcohol is included, I would keep it moderate. Enjoying the day is the point, and you will still want your attention when climbing back on board.

Timing: picking the right length for your priorities

The big decision is 4 to 8 hours. Here is how to choose without overthinking it.

Choose closer to 4 hours if:

• You want the sea views and one solid swim stop
• You already have a dinner plan in Dubrovnik
• You are okay with fewer island options

Choose 6 to 8 hours if:

• You want multiple water stops plus a real chance for beach time
• You want time to enjoy lunch without rushing
• You like lingering in the calm moments, not just ticking boxes

From the way people describe their best days, longer trips tend to feel smoother because there is less pressure to hurry. If you love the idea of snorkeling in clear water and then staying put for a proper sandy break, you will likely be happier with the longer option.

Comfort and safety: what to expect on a private speed boat

Speed boats can feel sporty, especially at the start of the day when waves catch the hull. One theme you will want to watch for is sea conditions early on, since choppiness can make transfers and boarding feel less comfortable.

The good part is that private means you can ask questions right away and settle in fast. With a capable skipper, the day tends to feel organized even when the water is moving. And because this is a smaller group by design, you are not playing “wait your turn” with strangers while everyone tries to find the best seat.

If you get motion sick easily, bring what works for you. This kind of trip is short on distractions, and your body will notice the boat’s rhythm.

Who this tour suits best

This works especially well if you want:

• A break from crowds but still want to see Dubrovnik highlights
• Swimming and snorkeling time as a core part of the plan
• A day that can flex around your group, not a rigid timeline
• Better value for families or friend groups who want a shared boat day

It may be less ideal if you hate changing plans. The best experience comes when you are open to your skipper adjusting the route based on conditions and your preferences.

Practical tips to make your day smoother

A few small things help a lot on a boat day like this:

• Pack swim shoes if you have them, especially if you are moving over uneven rocky edges near caves or coves.
• Bring a light layer even in warmer months, because sea wind can cool you off fast.
• Ask your skipper early about the plan for snorkeling stops, so you can time your swims when the water is clearest.
• If food is a priority, decide whether you want a casual meal or a higher-end lunch vibe. That affects whether Bowa on Šipan is a fit for you or whether you want to focus on beach time and keep lunch simpler.
• Use sunscreen and reapply. Island sun can hit hard, even when you are in the shade between swims.

Should you book this private speed boat tour?

I think you should book this tour if you want your Dubrovnik day to feel like time on the sea, not time moving between landmarks. The combination of private speed boat access, snorkeling equipment, and included drinks makes it a high-joy, practical choice, especially if you are traveling as a small group.

I would pause and read the fine print again if your budget is tight, because lunch and fuel are extra. I would also pay attention to weather since the experience requires good conditions. If the forecast looks solid, this is the kind of day that turns Dubrovnik from a photo destination into a lived-in coast memory.

FAQ

How many people are in the group for this private speed boat tour?

It is a private tour, so only your group participates. The price is listed per group up to 7, and the tour notes a flat fee that can work well for larger groups.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Are drinks included, and what types?

Yes. The tour price includes water, juice, coca-cola, fanta, wine, and beer.

Do you have to pay extra for lunch?

Yes. Lunch is not included.

What happens if weather is poor?

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