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

The best part of this Dubrovnik outing is the freedom to set your own pace among three Elaphiti Islands. You can linger over coffee in Šipan, spend longer on Lopud’s sandy Šunj Beach, or use Koločep for swimming, snorkeling, and small caves. The private boat keeps the day personal rather than turning it into a crowded island shuttle.

I like the flexible four to eight hour format, since you can choose how long to stay at each stop. I also like the thoughtful onboard setup: a sunshade, fridge, sundeck, snorkeling gear, water, soft drinks, beer, and wine are included.

The main thing to weigh is the ride itself. A speedboat is quick and fun, but it can be bumpy, and swimming into a small cave opening requires confidence in the water. If you want a quiet, fully dry sightseeing day, this is not the best fit.

Key points to know before booking

• Choose your own island timing: Stop lengths are flexible, with Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep available during a four to eight hour private trip.
• Lopud brings the sandy beach: Šunj is the island’s major swimming stop, with restaurants, bars, old stone houses, and paths through olive groves.
• Šipan feels more traditional: Suđurađ offers an old fishing port, stone homes, olive trees, and historic buildings without the same level of commercial development.
• Koločep is the water stop: Expect clear water, fish, snorkeling, small coves, cliffs, and caves around Gornje and Donje Čelo.
• The boat suits small groups: The maximum is six people, making the $720.84 group price most attractive when shared by a full party.
• Skipper service is a strength: Eric, Roko, Ivan, Luca, and Tito are among the skippers praised for patience, good suggestions, and friendly care.

Three islands, one flexible day on the water

This private speedboat trip gives you a useful choice that many fixed excursions do not: you decide how much time each island deserves. The advertised duration is roughly four to eight hours, so the shorter version works for a focused half-day, while the longer one gives you time to combine beach lounging, a port stop, and snorkeling without rushing.

Your boat leaves from Yacht Club Orsan, at Ul. Ivana pl. Zajca 4. Pickup is available in Dubrovnik city locations more than 1 kilometer from the starting point, using an air-conditioned car or minivan. Pickup outside the Dubrovnik city area is not included, and locations under 1 kilometer from the starting point are excluded from the pickup service.

The boat carries up to six people, so this is best understood as a private outing for family or friends. At the full group price of $720.84, the cost works out to about $120 per person for six people. For two people, the same boat costs about $360 each, so the value improves sharply with a full group.

Lopud and the long pause at Šunj Beach

Lopud is the most natural first stop if you want a proper island break rather than only a swim. Its sandy beaches are a welcome change from the rocky coast found in much of the Dubrovnik area, and Šunj is the clear highlight for a beach-focused visit.

You can ask to spend more time here if swimming and relaxing matter most to you. Lopud also has old stone houses, olive groves, vineyards, wooded paths, cocktail bars, restaurants, and places selling local olive oil, wine, and food. That mix makes it the easiest island on this route for combining a beach hour with a little walking and lunch.

The island has a strong romantic angle, helped by its sunset views and the local story attached to Šunj. According to the legend, couples who bathe there will never part. Treat that as island folklore, of course, but it adds a bit of charm to a stop that already works well for couples.

If you want something more unusual, Lopud is also associated with one of Europe’s oldest botanical gardens. The Temple of Sun museum sits on a hill and uses moving shades of light inside. These sights require leaving the waterfront and walking uphill, so you will need to balance sightseeing against beach time.

The stop is listed at about two hours on the longer schedule, but the precise length depends on whether you book the four or eight hour version and what you request. That flexibility is useful, but it also means you should tell the skipper early if Šunj is your priority.

Šipan and Suđurađ’s old fishing port

Šipan is the largest of the three islands and offers a different mood from Lopud. Instead of making the beach the main event, use this stop for a coffee in Suđurađ, a short walk, or a look at island life.

Suđurađ is an old fishing port with family boats, stone houses, and a quieter feel. Tourism has not changed the port as heavily as it has some better-known coastal spots, partly because Šipan is farther from Dubrovnik. You may see children selling seashells in the harbor, along with fishing boats and families who have kept local traditions alive.

The island is known for its olive trees and is listed in the Guinness Book of Records for having the largest number of olive trees on one island. That detail gives the place a strong agricultural identity, rather than making it just another swimming stop.

There is plenty to see for such a short visit. Šipan was once a summer retreat for Dubrovnik’s leading families, and the island has old villas, a late-Gothic Rector’s Palace, and remains of archbishops’ palaces. In Suđurađ, the 16th-century castle of the Stjepović-Skočibuha family sits beside a defensive tower built to guard against pirates.

The planned stop is about one hour, though again, you can adjust the time. I would give Šipan more attention if you care about old buildings and local life. If your group only wants swimming and sun, this is the stop most likely to feel too short or too dry.

Koločep for swimming, snorkeling, and caves

Koločep is the final stop and the clearest choice for time in the water. The island has small coves, clear sea, fish, seashells, cliffs, and caves. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins, though you should still bring a swimsuit.

The boat allows you to explore parts of the coast that are difficult to reach on foot. A short beach break is part of the plan, and the island is well suited to swimming and snorkeling rather than a long cultural visit.

You can also walk through Gornje Čelo and Donje Čelo, two small Mediterranean settlements. Pines and olive trees surround the island, and the setting is described as having around 250 sunny days per year. That figure does not guarantee perfect weather on your chosen date, but it explains why Koločep works so well as a warm-weather stop.

There is one practical caution here. The ride can be bumpy, and one account specifically notes that you should swim well because waves may be present and a cave entrance may be narrow. Listen closely to the skipper and do not treat the cave swim as a casual step from the boat. The cave sections are part of the fun, but they are not suitable for anyone uncomfortable in open water or tight entrances.

What the private speedboat adds

The speedboat matters for more than getting from point A to point B. It lets you cover three islands in one day while keeping the group together, and it gives you the freedom to change the balance between beach time, port time, and snorkeling.

A sunshade is useful during long stretches on the water, while the sundeck gives you a place to sit or lie down between stops. The fridge, bottled water, soda, beer, and wine also mean you are not dependent on finding a café every time someone needs a drink.

The boat is not a silent sightseeing platform. Speed and open water bring wind, spray, and movement. If you are prone to seasickness, the bumpy ride deserves serious thought. On the other hand, the quick pace is part of the appeal, especially when you want to reach a quiet cove or fit three islands into one outing.

The skipper can make a major difference. Eric has been praised for warm service, strong English, and quick attention to small needs, including lending a windbreaker when one passenger became cold. Roko has been singled out for a calm manner, while Tito has been appreciated for patience, practical tips, and local stories. Ivan and Luca have also been praised for keeping groups comfortable and helping them find good places around the caves.

Skippers are assigned according to availability, so you should not assume you will receive a particular person. You can request Eric, Roko, Ivan, Luca, or Tito when booking, but a request is not the same as a guarantee.

Who gets the best value from $720.84

The price makes the most sense for a group of four to six people. Six passengers sharing the full cost pay about $120.14 each, which covers the boat, skipper, pickup within the stated Dubrovnik area, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and a private itinerary. It is a different calculation for a couple, since the total price does not appear to drop with fewer passengers.

I would consider this a strong choice for friends marking a birthday, families who want their own schedule, or couples who want a more private day on the water. One group had two birthdays during the outing and received extra attention from the crew, which suggests the format works well for small celebrations.

It also suits mixed groups. One person can focus on the beach, another can walk around Lopud, and others can spend more time snorkeling at Koločep. Since the timing is adjustable, you do not have to force everyone into the same activity at every stop.

This is less suitable if you want a low-cost shared excursion, a fixed cultural tour with detailed commentary, or a fully accessible experience that avoids swimming and uneven paths. Children must be accompanied by adults, and you should share any special requirements when booking.

Practical planning for the day

Bring a swimsuit, since one is not included. You should also use sun protection and bring any personal items you need for a full day outdoors, although the supplied information confirms water, soft drinks, beer, wine, shade, and a fridge onboard.

Wear something suitable for stepping onto beaches and walking around old island paths. Lopud’s botanical garden and Temple of Sun involve leaving the waterfront, while Šipan’s port sights are best enjoyed on foot. Koločep’s caves and coves require comfort in the water.

The excursion runs only when conditions allow. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. A cancellation or change made less than 24 hours before departure is not refunded or accepted.

The activity is offered in English, and confirmation normally arrives at booking. If you book within two hours of departure, confirmation comes as soon as possible, subject to availability.

Is this Elaphiti Islands boat trip worth booking?

I would book it if you have a small group, want a private boat, and care more about beaches and clear water than a tightly scripted tour. Lopud gives you the sandy beach and island atmosphere, Šipan supplies the old port and local character, and Koločep brings the best reason to pack a mask and swimsuit.

The strongest case is the flexible schedule. You can make the outing a relaxed eight-hour day or keep it to four hours, depending on your time and budget. The main tradeoff is the fixed group price and the possibility of a rough ride.

Book this experience for a private, active Dubrovnik day with swimming, caves, drinks, and three very different islands. Skip it if you dislike speedboats, cannot swim confidently, or would rather spend the day on dry land exploring Dubrovnik’s streets and monuments.

FAQ

How long does the speedboat tour last?

The experience lasts approximately four to eight hours. The longer option gives you more time across Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep.

How many people can join the private boat?

A maximum of six people can participate in one booking. Only your group takes part in the private activity.

What is the price of the tour?

The price is $720.84 per group of up to six people. The per-person cost is lower when the boat is filled.

Where does the tour start?

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

Is pickup included?

Pickup is available in the Dubrovnik city area for locations more than 1 kilometer from the starting point. Pickup is not included outside the Dubrovnik city area or for locations under 1 kilometer from the start.

What is included onboard?

The tour includes taxes and fees, pickup and drop-off where applicable, a sunshade, fridge, sundeck, alcoholic drinks including wine and beer, bottled water, soda, and snorkeling equipment.

Do I need to bring a swimsuit?

Yes. A swimsuit is not included, and swimming is a major part of the Koločep stop.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. For other cancellations, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the start time to receive a full refund.