Private Speedboat Tour

The best part of this Dubrovnik outing is simple: you trade crowded streets for open water and a private boat. Captain Damir takes you past the Old Town and Lokrum toward the Elaphiti Islands, where you can swim through caves, snorkel, visit island villages, or just stretch out with a cold drink.

I like the freedom to choose your stops, and I like that the boat is private for up to six people. Snorkeling gear, water, soda, and alcoholic drinks are included. The main drawback is the price: at $737.53 per group, it is a costly choice for one or two people, though much better value when shared by a full group.

Key points at a glance

• Private boat for up to six: You set the pace instead of following a large group.
• Blue and Green Caves: Swimming and snorkeling are central parts of the outing.
• Sunj Beach on Lopud: A sandy beach gives you a change from Dubrovnik’s stone waterfront.
• Captain Damir: Expect local stories about Dubrovnik, Croatian culture, and the islands.
• Drinks included: Water, soda, and alcoholic beverages are supplied on board.
• About four hours: The time is long enough for several stops, but you will still need to choose your priorities.

Leaving Dubrovnik by speedboat

The tour begins at Ribarnica ul. 1 in Dubrovnik and ends at the same meeting point. From there, the speedboat gives you a fresh view of the city. Instead of looking up at Dubrovnik’s walls from the crowded shore, you see the Old Town from the water, with Lokrum nearby and the coast stretching away behind it.

That change of viewpoint is worth more than it sounds. Dubrovnik can feel packed, especially around the Old Town, and a boat trip gives you a few quiet hours away from the narrow lanes and busy waterfront. You still get the famous view, but you are not standing shoulder to shoulder to take it.

The boat itself is described as modern, clean, and well kept. You have room for a private group of up to six, which makes this a better fit for a family or a small circle of friends than for solo visitors. A private boat also means you can talk with the captain directly and ask for changes as the day develops.

The ride can be lively. A speedboat gets you across the water faster than a slow excursion boat, so you can reach more than one island stop within the roughly four-hour schedule. The trade-off is that this is not a quiet sailing trip. If you want a gentle, silent glide, a speedboat may feel too energetic.

Blue Cave and Green Cave swimming stops

The caves are the heart of the trip. The Blue Cave and Green Caves offer a reason to leave Dubrovnik’s shore and get into the water rather than simply admire the coast from the boat.

You are provided with snorkeling equipment, so you do not need to arrange your own mask and gear. The equipment makes it easier to look below the surface and spend more time in the water. Bring your swimsuit, but remember that the tour details do not list towels, so packing one is sensible.

The private format matters most here. If one person wants a longer swim, or a child needs time before entering a cave, the captain can adjust the schedule. One family had an 11-year-old who felt nervous about the Green Cave, and Damir returned a second time so the child could try again. That is a useful advantage over a fixed group itinerary.

Still, cave stops depend on conditions and timing. The tour requires good weather, and the exact amount of time at each place is not fixed. You may need to choose between lingering in the water and visiting another island stop. Ask Damir early in the trip which sights matter most to you.

The caves are also natural swimming sites, not formal attractions with a long list of facilities. You should think of them as short, scenic water stops. The appeal comes from swimming, snorkeling, and the unusual setting, not from a guided indoor tour.

Sunj Beach and Lopud Island

Sunj Beach provides one of the most welcome changes in scenery. Dubrovnik is known for stone, walls, steps, and rocky swimming places. Sunj gives you sand, which makes it a particularly good stop for families or anyone who wants to get out of the boat and walk around.

The itinerary also includes the port of Lopud Island. A stop here adds an island village feel to the day. You can see the harbor, wander briefly, and get a sense of life beyond Dubrovnik’s main tourist center.

The timing is flexible, so you may not get a long beach afternoon and a full village visit in only four hours. That is not a flaw in the tour so much as a planning issue. If swimming is your priority, tell the captain. If you would rather see more of Lopud and another island village, accept shorter water stops.

Sunj Beach can also be more exposed to crowds than a quiet cove. The private boat helps you reach places at your own pace, but it cannot make a popular beach private. Your captain’s advice about timing may help you avoid the busiest period, though no specific departure time is guaranteed by the tour details.

Sipan’s fishing village and a local lunch

Sipan adds a different note to the outing. Rather than focusing only on caves and beaches, you can visit a fisherman village and see another side of the Elaphiti Islands. This is useful if you want more than a swim-and-speedboat day.

A lunch stop at Bowa Restaurant is also possible. Your captain can recommend a local restaurant, but the meal is at your own expense. This distinction matters when calculating the day’s cost. The $737.53 covers the private boat experience and listed inclusions, not your restaurant bill.

I would ask about lunch before setting off. A restaurant stop takes time, so it may reduce the number of swimming locations you can visit. On the other hand, a meal can turn the trip into a fuller island day and give you a break from the sun.

One particularly positive account describes Damir arranging a restaurant that became a highlight of the outing. That does not guarantee the same table or menu for every departure, but it suggests the captain can be helpful if you want a well-chosen meal rather than a rushed stop.

Captain Damir’s role makes a difference

A private boat tour is only as good as the person at the helm. Damir receives especially strong praise for being friendly, flexible, and easy to talk with. He is also described as sharing information about Dubrovnik’s history, Croatian culture, and the country’s past.

That combination is valuable. You get transportation between islands, but you also get someone who can explain what you are seeing. The best moments may come between stops, while you are passing the Old Town, Lokrum, or the coastline.

Damir is also praised for adapting to individual needs. He has made extra cave stops, adjusted swimming time, helped with last-minute arrangements, and allowed groups to set their own pace. You should still communicate clearly. A four-hour tour cannot include every listed location at length.

One account also mentions Mislav helping with transport to the port. The official meeting point is Ribarnica ul. 1, however, so do not assume hotel pickup unless it is confirmed when you book. The listed activity begins and ends at the meeting point.

What is included, and what is not

The included drinks are a practical touch. Water and soda help during a sunny afternoon, while alcoholic drinks are available for those who want them. Cold drinks also mean you can spend more time enjoying the ride instead of arranging supplies yourself.

Snorkeling equipment is included too. That lowers the preparation needed for the trip, especially for families or people who did not plan a full water-sports day.

The price does not include lunch at Bowa Restaurant or another restaurant. The tour information also does not state that towels, hotel transfers, or food are included. Pack accordingly and confirm anything important before departure.

At $737.53 for up to six people, the calculation changes with group size:

• For six people, the cost is about $123 per person.
• For four people, it is about $184 per person.
• For two people, it is about $369 per person.

Those figures do not include lunch, but drinks and snorkeling equipment are covered. For a full group, you are paying for privacy, a flexible route, a captain, and direct access to several island stops. For a couple, the same tour is a major splurge, and a shared excursion may offer better value.

Making four hours work well

The tour lists about four hours, with roughly three hours assigned to the island portion. That leaves enough time for a strong sample of the Elaphiti Islands, but not for a leisurely visit to every listed stop.

I would choose two priorities before boarding. For example:

• Blue Cave, Green Caves, and swimming
• Sunj Beach and Lopud harbor
• Caves, Sipan village, and lunch

You can ask for more stops, but every extra landing cuts into time in the water or time on the boat. The private setup lets you adjust the plan, not add unlimited hours.

An afternoon departure can work well for a swim and sightseeing mix. One account describes a 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. outing with several snorkeling stops. Since the official duration is approximately four hours, confirm your actual start time and schedule when booking.

The water may be the main event for you, but do not ignore the ride past Dubrovnik. The Old Town from the sea is one of the tour’s strongest visual moments. If you spend the entire trip looking down through a mask, you will miss part of what makes this route special.

Who should book this boat tour

I would recommend it most strongly to families and small groups who want control over the day. Parents can ask for a slower approach to a cave, swimmers can stay longer, and the whole group can agree on the balance between beaches, villages, and water stops.

It also suits friends who want a social afternoon with drinks and swimming without joining a large boat. The private group limit of six keeps the outing intimate and makes the cost easier to justify when the boat is full.

Couples can enjoy it too, but the price needs careful thought. At nearly $738 for the group, two people pay a premium for privacy. If a private boat is a major part of your Dubrovnik plans, the cost may feel worthwhile. If you mainly want a quick swim and a view of the islands, compare other options first.

This is less suitable if you dislike speedboats, want a long beach stay, or need a fixed, highly structured sightseeing route. The flexible plan is a strength, but it also means you must help decide how to use the limited time.

Practical details before you go

You receive confirmation at booking, and the meeting point is near public transportation. The activity is private, and only your group participates. Most people can take part, but the provided details do not give a more specific accessibility description, so ask ahead about any mobility or medical concerns.

Good weather is essential. If poor weather forces cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund.

Because the tour is outdoors, pack sun protection, swimwear, a towel, and anything you need for four hours on the water. Drinks are supplied, but lunch is not. If Bowa Restaurant interests you, confirm that plan and budget for the meal separately.

Should you book the Elaphiti Islands speedboat tour?

Book it if you want a private, flexible escape from Dubrovnik and have at least four people to share the cost. The best reasons are the caves, the chance to swim and snorkel, the view of the Old Town from the water, and Damir’s warm, adaptable guiding style.

Think twice if you are traveling as a couple on a tight budget, dislike fast boats, or want to spend most of the day at one beach. For the right group, though, this is a strong way to connect Dubrovnik with the Elaphiti Islands without surrendering your day to a large-group schedule.

FAQ

Where does the private speedboat tour start?

The tour starts at Ribarnica ul. 1, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately four hours.

How many people can join the private boat?

The private group can include up to six people.

Which places can I visit?

Possible stops include the Blue Cave, Green Caves, Sunj Beach, Lopud port, a fisherman village on Sipan, and Bowa Restaurant. Stops are optional, so you can choose your itinerary.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Water, soda, and alcoholic beverages are included. Food and restaurant meals are not included.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather causes the tour to be canceled, you will be offered another date or a full refund.