Private Full-Day Tour of Elaphiti Islands by Speedboat

Imagine spending a full day cruising through Croatia’s beautiful coastlines, hopping between secluded bays, and exploring tiny islands with a private skipper just for your group. That’s precisely what the Private Full-Day Tour of Elaphiti Islands by Speedboat offers. This experience promises a relaxed, tailored adventure that balances iconic sights with hidden gems—perfect for travelers seeking privacy, flexibility, and a taste of authentic island life.

What makes this tour shine? First, the personalized service from your private skipper means every stop can be adjusted to suit your interests. Second, the stunning scenery and secluded spots ensure plenty of photo-worthy moments and peaceful escapes. Finally, the value for money in a private setting offers a rare chance to explore without the crowds—especially appealing for groups of friends or families.

That said, a potential consideration is the fuel surcharge of approximately €150-€200, which is paid at the end of the trip and adds to the overall cost. For those on tighter budgets, it’s worth factoring this in. This tour suits those who love a mix of scenic cruising, relaxed island exploration, and personalized service—making it ideal for couples, families, or small groups who want to explore Dubrovnik’s coast in style.

Key Points

• Private tour experience offers flexibility and exclusivity.
• Stunning stops like Lopud, Sipanska Luka, and Kolocep deliver picture-perfect moments.
• Snorkeling in hidden bays and visiting Blue Cave adds adventure and unique photo opportunities.
• Expert guides and skippers enhance the trip with local insights and friendly service.
• Cost includes bottled water, snorkeling gear, and drinks, with fuel surcharge extra.
• Duration of approximately 8 hours strikes a balance between sightseeing and relaxation.

The Itinerary: A Day of Scenic Discovery

Starting at Sunj Beach on Lopud

Your adventure kicks off at 10 am, when your private skipper awaits at the designated pickup point, ready to whisk you across the Elaphiti Channel. The first stop is Sunj Beach on Lopud, a rare sandy stretch along this rocky coastline. Unlike more common pebbly beaches, Sunj’s soft sand offers a different vibe, perfect for a quick swim or lounging with a cold drink. Reviewers mention that Sunj gives a fresh perspective on the coast, with its inviting sands and calm waters. Spending about an hour here, you’ll enjoy the tranquility and scenic views—an ideal warm-up for the day.

Sipanska Luka: Discovering Local Life

Next, you’ll head towards Sipanska Luka on the island of Sipano, the largest of the Elaphiti group. On the way, your skipper will make a short stop in a hidden bay for snorkeling and swimming. Reviewers highlight that this surprise stop is often a highlight—off the beaten path, peaceful, with spectacular views. You can jump into the clear waters or just take photos from the boat, depending on your mood.

Once in Sipanska Luka, you’ll have roughly three hours to soak up local life. The village, with just about 200 residents, feels like stepping into a quiet, authentic slice of Croatian island living. Guests love wandering around, exploring tiny bays, and sitting in a beach bar for a relaxed lunch or drinks. The charm of Sipanska Luka lies in its unspoiled ambiance and traditional boats bobbing in the harbor, making it a perfect spot for a laid-back afternoon.

Kolocep Island: Hidden Bays and Blue Cave

From Sipanska Luka, the boat heads toward Kolocep, with a quick stop at Sikirica Bay for snorkeling. Reviewers rave about this spot, describing the waters as turquoise and perfect for swimming or using a sea scooter. This off-map location adds a sense of adventure—less crowded, more exclusive.

On Kolocep itself, the island is described as a nature’s oasis—less than 150 residents and a landscape that feels untouched. The rocky or pebbly beaches, combined with the vibrant blue of the sea, make it a photographer’s dream. A visit to the Blue Cave is also on the itinerary, where you can snap photos of the stunning natural phenomenon and enjoy the unique atmosphere.

Hidden Bays and Customizable Stops

Throughout the day, your skipper will suggest additional hidden bays for stops, making the experience highly adaptable. Many reviewers appreciate this flexibility, noting that their skipper went out of the way to show secret spots that aren’t on typical tourist maps. This personal touch ensures you see the coast from a different perspective while avoiding crowded tourist spots.

The Final Leg: Returning to Dubrovnik

On the way back, the boat stops in a few less-known bays, recommended by skippers for their beauty. The last two hours are spent enjoying the scenery, taking in the peaceful surroundings, and relaxing onboard. The entire day wraps up around 6 pm, leaving you refreshed and with a camera full of stunning shots.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour covers a lot of bases: bottled water, snorkeling equipment, and a private boat with a dedicated skipper make it feel exclusive and well-thought-out. You also get beer, soda, and water, so hydration and refreshment are sorted. The only notable extra cost is the fuel surcharge, which ranges from €150 to €200, payable at the end of the trip. This fee covers the fuel for the private boat, which is a common practice for such tours but worth considering in your overall budget.

The Experience: Authentic and Comfortable

Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and skippers, with reviews mentioning skippers like Nick, Ivan, and Luka by name. Their local insights, friendly attitudes, and attention to detail elevate the trip from a simple boat ride to a memorable adventure. One reviewer noted, “Nick made our day so memorable, giving us lots of very informative information,” while another appreciated Ivan’s considerate approach with young children.

The 8-hour duration strikes a good balance—long enough to see multiple islands and secluded spots, but not so long as to feel exhausting. The private nature of the tour means you can relax, take photos, swim, or just enjoy the scenery at your own pace, making this a luxurious yet accessible experience.

Scenic Highlights & Photo Opportunities

From the crystal-clear waters in hidden bays to the vibrant hues of the Blue Cave, you’ll find plenty of stunning backdrops. Reviewers mention how the secluded bays with spectacular colors make for some of the best photos of their trip. The contrast between the lush islands and the deep blue sea offers countless postcard-worthy moments.

The Food and Drink Factor

While there’s no included meal, you’ll have plenty of options to enjoy lunch or drinks on Sipanska Luka or Kolocep’s local bars. Many guests appreciate this flexibility to choose their own pace and cuisine, fitting in a relaxed meal amidst the island exploration.

The Cost and Value

At nearly $980 per group (up to 8 people), this experience isn’t the cheapest, but for a private, customizable full-day tour, it provides excellent value. You’re paying for exclusivity, expert guidance, and access to less-populated spots. When compared to group tours, this private option ensures you avoid crowds and get undivided attention—something many travelers find worth the splurge.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for small groups or families who prefer tailored adventures and value privacy. If you enjoy scenic boat trips, snorkeling, and discovering hidden corners of Croatia’s coast, this tour ticks all those boxes. It also suits those who want to avoid crowds and have a more relaxed, intimate day with personalized service. Perfect for travelers who appreciate comfort, flexibility, and authentic local interactions.

The Sum Up: The Real Value of a Private Island Escape

Opting for this private speedboat tour means choosing a personalized, scenic, and authentic way to experience the Elaphiti Islands. It’s a fantastic option for anyone wanting to see a mix of well-known spots and secret bays, all while enjoying the comfort and flexibility that comes with private guiding. The knowledgeable skippers and stunning scenery elevate this trip beyond just a boat ride—it becomes a memorable part of your Dubrovnik holiday.

While the added fuel surcharge is a consideration, the overall experience delivers excellent value for those seeking privacy and bespoke exploration. It’s particularly well-suited for small groups, families, or couples looking to make the most of their time on Croatia’s coast with a touch of luxury and adventure.

FAQ

Is this a group tour or private?
This is a private tour, meaning only your group will participate. It allows for a customized experience tailored to your interests.

What is included in the price?
The price covers private transportation, bottled water, snorkeling equipment, and drinks such as beer, soda, and water. Fuel is not included and is paid separately.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting around 9:30 am and ending in the early evening, giving ample time to explore multiple stops.

Can I customize the stops?
Yes, your skipper is flexible and can suggest additional hidden bays or alternative spots based on your preferences, ensuring a personalized experience.

Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate, and the tour is suitable for families with children, especially given the relaxed pace and snorkeling opportunities.

What about weather conditions?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How much should I budget for the additional fuel surcharge?
Expect to pay around €150-€200, depending on the boat, payable at the end of the trip.

This full-day private tour of the Elaphiti Islands offers a unique blend of scenic beauty, authentic local encounters, and personalized service. Perfect for travelers wanting a relaxed, intimate day exploring Croatia’s stunning coastlines in style.